Many homeowners are making 2020 the year to reinvest in their homes, and a master bathroom remodel is one of the best projects for a high return on your investment. However, to maximize what you get out of your bathroom remodel, the work needs to be done right. If your renovation is shoddy or cheap, you may actually lose money on the project when your home is appraised. In this article, we’ll review some of the strategies you can employ to ensure that your bathroom remodel is successful. Measure twice (or more), cut onceThere are many parts of your bathroom remodel that involve precise measurements. Being off by even a fraction of an inch can be the difference between a bathroom that looks great and one that looks third-rate. The stakes are highest when it comes to your floor and shower tile. Again, being off when laying tile, even a little, can result in a disappointing outcome that may make you want to rip it out and start over again. If you’re going to lay your own tile, slope your own shower, or fit your own pipes, you need to be incredibly cautious when it comes to measurements. Measure everything precisely, multiple times, and write down your measurements in a notebook for later reference. Better yet, work with a partner and have them check your math. This is a case where two sets of eyes are definitely better than one. If you are not comfortable laying your own tile or sloping your own shower, then don’t. These aren’t easy projects, so it makes sense to bring in a professional instead. And, it’s much better to do this before you start rather than weeks later when you realize you’re in trouble and wish you had hired someone to do it right from the beginning. DIY fixes can lead to mistakesThe do-it-yourself (“DIY’) culture is great. Spurred on by home remodeling television shows, more and more homeowners are getting to know their homes better and tackling aspects of their own renovation projects. It’s satisfying and for many small improvements, it can make sense. However, it’s critically important that you know when you’re out of your element and need to bring in a professional. DIY remodeling can lead to a number of small, seemingly innocuous mistakes that cause big headaches down the road.
In fact, improper installation can lead to significant plumbing problems. For example, an incorrectly installed showerhead may start leaking or dripping inside the wall where you don’t notice it, leading to structural problems and mold, all from a cracked washer or faucet valve. Similarly, a toilet that is improperly installed may lead to regular clogs, which are no one’s idea of fun. The S-trap may not be set up correctly, or there might not be enough water coming into the tank to flush adequately. These lead to expensive repairs down the road.
The other common problems that come with DIY bathroom remodels include:
Many of us take our bathrooms for granted, but from a remodeling point of view, it’s helpful to remember that they are small places that combine a lot of water and electricity — two reasons to make extra sure that things are done right. When in doubt, bring in a professional. Learn from the mistakes of othersYou may be surprised to learn that bathrooms are often unique in their plumbing and wiring. The remodel you’re planning may look straightforward on TV or in a book, but chances are that what’s behind your walls or under your floors is different than what you’ve seen or read. Don’t get us wrong — those are terrific ways to learn about your bath and get inspiration for your to remodel — but it can help to rely on someone who has seen the “inside” of dozens (or even hundreds) of baths to avoid the costly mistakes others have made. In fact, that’s one of the biggest benefits of hiring a pro — they’ve been called in to fix all those mistakes before, which is how they know what will work (and won’t) in your home.
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Fixing up your house is truly a labor of love. Hiring a Chicago handyman or home maintenance company is an option, and for some repair jobs, it’s a good idea to bring in the pros. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money when it comes to handyman services in Chicago or when you do the tasks yourself. Keeping your house and property up to date is essential, especially if you plan on selling anytime soon. LandscapingThe outside of the house is perhaps more important than the interior. Curb appeal begins with a beautiful, weed-free lawn. DIY lawn care involves mowing, weeding, edging, and fertilizing. Planting native plants and flowers are natural since they’re low maintenance. They’re also disease and pest-resistant, already adapted to the environment, and help cut down on soil erosion. Landscapers in Chicago can recommend the right kinds of greenery for your yard. They can also install an automatic sprinkler system to make your yard more efficient. Curbside VisualsAdding window boxes and painting the shutters, trims, porch, fences, and front door shows your guests how well you maintain your home. When was the last time you power-washed the driveway or hosed down the porch? Dirt and grime make the outside look old and dingy. Decorate the property with suncatchers, solar light sticks, flags, and other ornaments. A new mailbox won’t cost much — plant some flowers around it. Replace old house address numbers and update light fixtures. You can find products of all kinds and price ranges at your favorite home improvement store. Roofs and GuttersClogged gutters are apt to damage the roof, especially during heavy snowfall. Do It Yourselfers can climb a ladder with a leaf blower or garden hose to flush out leaves, twigs, debris, and bird droppings. Don’t want to do that every season? Install a gutter protection system. Have a professional inspect the roof and chimney flashing. An inspection service may cost a few bucks, but it’s better than a significant renovation project following unexpected damage. WindowsLeaky windows that let cold air in increase your winter heating bills. Replacing old windows is best, but you can also scrape off the old caulk and apply new putty around the frames. Heavy drapes, solar film, storm windows, and awnings keep the heat in. Heating and Air ConditioningYearly inspections and maintenance of your furnace and AC units can save you money down the road. (Imagine your air conditioner breaking down on a Sunday in July!) Hire an HVAC technician to clean or replace belts, safety devices, filters, and ignitions. There are some things homeowners should NOT do themselves … this is one of them. But you can change the air filters every season. InsideOpen-air kitchens are pleasant and inviting for families and guests who want to hang out, eat, socialize, or watch television. While it may not be practical to tear out walls in the house, you can install island tops, flooring, faucets, refinished cabinets, and energy-efficient appliances. Handyman contractors in Chicago can help you figure out what works best for your property and budget. Bathroom
Flat walk-in showers are a plus, especially as the years go by. Stone trimming, glass doors, and modern fixtures will brighten up the bathroom and don’t have to cost a lot. Toilets become crusty, rusty, and full of lime over time. Check out your options for replacing toilets, sinks, faucets, and cabinetry. You can save money over time by installing a low-flow toilet. Get Smart!Today’s technological world is getting “smarter.” Fill your home with smart speakers, doorbells, lights, thermostats, and whatever else helps make life easier. Control smart gadgets through cell phone apps — that’s something to attract would-be homebuyers. Create a particular area to power up phones and tablets. ‘Me’ SpaceDesignating a particular area of the home for relaxing may not seem like an upgrade to the house, but it’s one that will improve your quality of life. Turn a room into one where you can exercise, watch TV, play on the computer, read, do jigsaw puzzles, and whatever else you want to do when no one else is around. The cost? Almost nothing, but the benefits are priceless.
Fixing up the house and property is something you should do every season, but you don’t have to do it all at once. Make a list and a seasonal goal. Adding a Chicago handyman app on your phone can save you time and a lot of hassles.
By: Clarence Luna, is a freelance writer and former teacher who enjoys gardening and do-it-yourself projects. His current goal: grow tomato plants in his garden as tall as his 6-foot 5-inch frame. The post How to Tackle Home Upgrades Without Breaking the Bank appeared first on ChoreRelief. from https://chorerelief.com/how-to-tackle-home-upgrades-without-breaking-the-bank/ Boost Your Real Estate Business in 2020 Download the Best Mobile Apps Available for Every Realtor2/22/2020 Making things easier and better for clients, and offering more value to them are crucial jobs for any realtor. Looking at the level of competition in the real estate industry, anyone can see that being innovative and progressive is the key to success. And one of the most potent and effective ways to move new business and stay ahead of the competition is to incorporate apps that give you the advantage and help you bring specialized services to your clients. The question is, in a universe that seems to have a billion apps, which mobile app is the best solution for realtors who want to boost their business in 2020? Research shows that real estate agents who make $100,000 or more are most likely to use cutting-edge software in their business. That is why it’s essential for you to know which advanced solutions add value to you, your clients, and your business. Here are three mobile apps that any realtor can use to streamline home repair, home warranties, and home staging — three of the biggest headaches for realtors that have nothing to do with the sales contract, but everything to do with closing the sale. These apps make things easier for you and make your clients think you have superpowers.
Property repair and maintenance – ugh! Keeping your listings looking tremendous and working correctly often takes too much time and way too many phone calls. Consolidate all of that by using the ChoreRelief app to find all kinds of tradespeople, (plumbers to painters to handy people and house cleaners). What makes ChoreRelief different is that you can post the job and your budget for it — no third party sets the rates. You’re not overpaying to support a referral service’s expensive national advertising campaign. Unlike a Google search, ChoreRelief verifies the background and insurance coverage of the 10,000-plus suppliers who participate, and they broadcast your job only to nearby experts who match your criteria. Then, those pros get in touch directly with you. It’s not uncommon to receive a response like, “I’m finishing a job three miles away and can be there in 90 minutes.” When deadlines are tight, ChoreRelief can be your best friend. Once your job is done, the ChoreRelief pro will send you photos with an invoice. Approve the work on your smartphone, and ChoreRelief will release your payment to the pro while you text the good news to your clients. Bravo!
Unless you’re selling a brand new home, it’s likely clients will worry about future repair expenses. How much would it cost if the furnace fails? How expensive would it be to replace that extra-large refrigerator? And OMG, what if the plumbing breaks? Home warranties let your clients put those concerns aside because they’re covered, and many sellers are relieved that they can pay for a reasonably-priced warranty rather than decrease the price of their home to include any “what ifs.” Statistics show that homes with warranties are under contract about 11 days sooner than those without, which puts everyone closer to a payday. And since buyers get a property with protection, it’s a win-win situation for all. And now, there’s an app for that! Choose from versatile warranty packages to fit any property at EverythingBreaks.com and see what a pioneering tech company can do to shorten your time to sell.
Curb appeal calamity? Frayed furnishings? Dated digs? Houzz.com, the gorgeous online combination of home design inspiration and access to what creates those great looks, has you covered. If you feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of design solutions and furniture staging choices, give yourself the gift of knowing you can find it all at Houzz.com. Look for rooms that match the size and style of the property you’ve listed, then swipe through examples that will give you the design and staging ideas you need to transform a property quickly. You can even “shop the look” by purchasing a rug, a set of barstools, or a statement light fixture you’ve seen directly from Houzz’s app. A few accent pillows, a new set of dining room chairs, a garden bench for the front porch, and voila! You’re done! (Need a fabulous accent wall color to show off your staging? Use the ChoreRelief app to book a painter.) Your properties can go from sad to stylish, instantly inviting to new buyers, all in the snap of an app. Bottom Line:If you’re a realtor who wants to boost your business, put tech-savvy mobile apps to work for you so that your solutions are fast, reliable, and fabulous. Turn these mobile apps into your new best friends. Not only do they provide speedy results, but they also make you look like a magician to your clients. And that’s what feeds referrals. The post Boost Your Real Estate Business in 2020 – Download the Best Mobile Apps Available for Every Realtor appeared first on ChoreRelief. from https://chorerelief.com/boost-your-real-estate-business-in-2020-download-the-best-mobile-apps-available-for-every-realtor/ Preparing For 2020: Interior Design Trends From Around The WorldCompetition between property managers can be fierce, and you don’t always land the ideal tenants. Potential renters choose other properties for several reasons, one key factor being interior design. That being said, if want to stay ahead of the curve and give your property a fresh look that’ll surely entice potential clients, then it may be time to broaden your horizons. Today, we’ll be doing just that, by looking at design trends from all over the world that will be everywhere in the coming year! Milan Design Week 2019 saw quite a few trends that will likely make it big in 2020. One of these trends is about bringing nature into the home. This can be taken literally by bringing in oversized houseplants to add a little greenery to the interiors of your property, or this could come in the form of plant-themed interior accessories such as vine-wrapped lamps and bedposts. If you choose to go the natural route, there are some things that you’ll have to take into consideration when maintaining plants indoors. One of the most important tips to keep in mind is how often you water your plants, as you’ll have to instruct your tenants, too. There is a perfect middle ground that you must strive for, as you’ll want to keep the soil moist but not wet. Overwatering is a common cause of death with plants, which you should definitely try to avoid. Remember that plants with thick leaves require more water than plants with leathery ones. Remember this when choosing and watering your new houseplants. Marble Matching, United KingdomThe beautiful trendy white marble is known for its natural intricate patterns, with no two pieces looking exactly alike. This ensures that what you put in your property will be entirely unique. And while marble is a flexible material that can be used in any part of the home, it’s a material most commonly found in bathrooms, as it gives this area a pristine and luxurious feel to it. The Telegraph reports that high-end homes in the United Kingdom are incorporating marble in their modern bathrooms. A specific marble trend that has been making a comeback is vein-matching or matching up the unique designs on the slabs of marble to create patterns that blend in the most elegant way. This can get rather expensive, so owners must take all possible precautions before planning and installing these marble tiles. This is especially a concern in the bathroom, where things can get messy if you’re not careful. Plumbing experts HomeServe warn that burst pipes can be very costly and difficult to manage. You’ll want to check on your bathroom’s plumbing system before you take on massive overhauls such as this, otherwise, you end up wasting money on ruined tiles. Vienna is known for its intricate and luxurious tradition of architecture and design that mostly makes use of ornaments to embellish parts of a building or object. What people tend to forget is that Austria also has a strong tradition of minimalism spearheaded by Adolf Loos Loos heavily opposed what he saw as the frivolous opulence of ornate designs and favored design as a means of cultural expression. The best place to apply this principle is in a home office, as minimalist environments tend to encourage productivity. Centric Digital CEO Jason Albanese details how the lack of clutter that comes with minimalism drives productivity – not to mention it makes for a more attractive and sleek workplace. This can be especially attractive for tenants who work from home, or run their business from a home office. One simple way to achieve a minimalist look for this area is by focusing on the palette of the room. Avoid bright colors and intricate wallpaper design and opt for a simple paint finish, preferably in white or soft pastels if you want to introduce a tinge of color into the room. Whether you go with renovations that require minor adjustments or full-on overhauls, ChoreRelief can help connect you with local professionals that will help you get the job done just the way you want it. Download our app now on iPhone or Android and start hiring contractors for projects today. The post Preparing For 2020: Interior Design Trends From Around The World appeared first on ChoreRelief. from https://chorerelief.com/preparing-for-2020-interior-design-trends-from-around-the-world/ Being a homeowner comes with specific responsibilities. After all, you’re the one responsible for the comfort and functionality of your home, and as such, it’s crucial that you stay on top of the maintenance game the best you can. Specific maintenance projects are more important than others, especially if you want to avoid costly damage in the long run. That said, keep your eyes open and pay attention to the overall functionality of your home but also focus your efforts on the following upgrades and fixes first. 1. Fix or Replace Faulty Slates As Soon As PossibleIf one or a couple of your slates are loose or damaged, it’s crucial that you take care of those quickly and efficiently. Even though this might not seem like too big of an issue at first, you have to keep in mind that slates are connected and can affect each other, thus causing a chain reaction when something wrong happens. Not to mention that faulty slates won’t protect your home from wind, rain, and dampness adequately, which can quickly turn into a huge problem that can end up costing you much money. After all, it’s much more cost-effective to replace a couple of slates than an entire roof. 2. An Unusually High Water Bill? Investigate ItOf course, not every instance you receive a high water bill will be a reason for concern. But, the fact of the matter is, you can’t know that. Mostly, if you happen to receive an unusually high water bill, there’s also the possibility of an internal water leak you might not be aware of. In the long run, this can cause massive damage to your entire plumbing system, as well as the actual foundation and walls of your home. Therefore, it’s best to immediately call the water company so that they can send out the professionals in the field to investigate the situation and possibly even pinpoint the actual problem. 3. Install Fire Duct and Ventilation System in the KitchenWithout a doubt, fully operational fire and carbon monoxide alarms are a must when it comes to a safe home. But, aside from these, you should never ignore the need for an adequate HVAC system in your kitchen. After all, this room can be most problematic when it comes to fire hazards, fumes, and smoke. No one wants to think that something like that could happen to them, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. With this addition, you’ll install the first line of defense that will boost the protection of your property together with the entire household. 4. Don’t Leave Your Tumble Dryer UnattendedThis might seem like a logical and straightforward tip at first, but you’d be surprised just how many homeowners fail to listen to reason and neglect the importance of keeping an eye on their tumble dryer while it’s working. Of course, this particular appliance is rather handy as it saves you a ton of time on drying your clothes, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to leave it on and then go out of your home. There have been more and more reports involving unattended tumble dryers and home fires. This doesn’t mean you should never use the machine, but remember that you’re responsible for your home. Also, don’t forget to give the dryer’s exhaust duct a thorough clean every once in a while. 5. Upgrade the Caulk Where NeededUsing caulk to seal the crevices and areas that might let out air is rather important when you’re doing your home maintenance, especially if you want to prevent potentially costly damage. For starters, the areas around your doors and windows might need a caulk upgrade, which will then avoid the warm/cold air from escaping the interior, thus saving you a considerable amount of money on electricity bills. Not to mention that you’ll want to fix the caulking in your bathroom and other areas in your home where moisture can seep in, thus causing damage to your walls and mold formation. 6. Say Goodbye to Weeping WillowsNow, this is an interesting one. As you’re probably already aware, many homeowners find weeping willows to be a beautiful addition to their yard and curb appeal. However, even though they might look appealing, it would be better to choose some other tree instead of weeping willows. There are many risks involved with planting a weeping willow in your yard as their roots are wide, shallow, and surprisingly strong. They tend to seek out water sources, and having these roots completely break or damage the pipes and even the foundation of one’s home is not unheard of. It would be somewhat helpful to create your annual maintenance plan and then divide it into seasonal sections. That way, you’ll find the home maintenance work more practical and efficient, so that you don’t neglect certain areas of your home for too long. The post 6 Essential Homeowner Maintenance Tips to Prevent Costly Damage appeared first on ChoreRelief. from https://chorerelief.com/6-essential-homeowner-maintenance-tips-to-prevent-costly-damage/ To quote Game of Thrones, winter is coming. The mercury may still be above freezing, but temperatures are dropping. The wind is starting to bite and the leaves are piling up. Any Chicago native knows that winter can come quickly, and when it does it gets COLD. Temperatures in the windy city can hit below -20 at their lowest. Optimists will say that real winter is still months away, but you can never prepare for winter too early. Now is the perfect time to prepare a Chicago property for winter. Any homeowner knows that preparing a property for winter takes time and planning. That goes double for property managers. You may have multiple properties or a big multifamily building, and you have tenants that are relying on you. Freezing temperatures can cause damage to your property and pose a risk to your tenants. Being properly prepared for winter will save you money, hassle, and time when the snow starts to fall. 1. Prepare for snow removalThis may seem like an obvious one, but you would be surprised how many people leave this too late. Whether you have a large multifamily complex or just manage a few homes, you need a snow removal plan. Waiting too late to stock up on supplies or contract a removal service can mean inflated prices or long waits. If you plan on doing snow and ice removal yourself, be sure to check your supplies from last year. Make sure that you have everything you need like shovels and grit, and that it’s all in the right place. If you manage a larger property or several properties, it may be a better idea to get a snow removal service. You can easily find contractors in your area and reserve them early through apps like ChoreRelief. 2. Have your HVAC system thoroughly inspectedIf you’re going to prepare a Chicago property for winter, you will want to have your HVAC systems fully inspected. The last thing you want is for the temperatures to plummet and the heat to go out. Freezing homes do not make for happy tenants. Sub-zero weather also puts an added strain on your heating. Taking the time to inspect it now can save you from major failures at inconvenient times. Severe weather may mean that you can’t even get someone out immediately to solve an issue if it happens. If you can get someone, an emergency call will certainly be more expensive than preemptive repairs. In the coldest months in Chicago, a lack of heat can be more than an inconvenience. You will be forced to house tenants elsewhere until you get it fixed, which can be a huge expense. 3. Check your exteriors for cracks and gapsMultifamily buildings mean big heating costs for property managers in winter. Communal areas need to be kept warm with lots of doors opening and closing, letting the heat out. Saving money on energy costs should always be a priority for property managers, especially in winter. You can’t stop people coming and going, but you can make sure you’re not losing heat in other ways. Doing a full inspection of building exteriors for cracks and gaps is a great way to prepare a Chicago property for winter. It is the windy city after all, and small gaps in caulking or exterior doors can translate to big losses of heat. These kinds of inspections can be time-consuming though, so hiring a contractor to do it may be a good idea. 4. Winterize exterior pipingIf you’ve lived in Chicago long enough, you’ve probably seen a burst pipe that’s frozen solid at least once. When water turns to ice it expands, and the ice in your pipes is no exception. Most pipes will run internally or underground and will be shielded from the worst of the freeze. However, any external plumbing is at risk of freezing solid and bursting. Luckily, winterizing your plumbing is not that complicated. You can pick up pipe insulation from most hardware stores cheaply and easily. Fully wrapping your exterior pipes in insulation will protect against freezing and cracking. The last thing you want is to pay an emergency plumber to deal with burst pipes in the middle of a freeze! 5. Check the roof and guttersIt’s easy to forget, but snow is frozen water. It may seem dry and fluffy but, like Cinderella at midnight, it will turn back. When it melts, it needs somewhere to go. If your gutters are still filled with leaves from fall, that can spell trouble. Snowmelts that can’t drain can cause anything from broken gutters to leaks and flooding. To prepare a Chicago property for winter, it is very important to make sure that your gutters are clear and crack-free, and that you don’t have any loose shingles. With big snowfalls and heavy winds, the roof of your property is the most likely part to take damage in a storm. Giving it a once over before winter can save you from more expensive damage down the line. 6. Prepare vacant unitsOne of the most common mistakes that property managers make in winter is forgetting about vacant units. When a house or unit is occupied, the heat is on and the water is flowing. That keeps the freeze at bay and prevents damage. If you have a property that is not occupied during winter, you need to fully winterize it. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in major issues. The most important thing to do is prevent the water from freezing in your plumbing and water heater. Winterizing your plumbing is easy to do, but you need to be sure to do it properly. First, shut off your water main valve. Then you want to drain all the water from your plumbing and water heater. Run all your faucets, drain your water heater, and flush toilets until they are dry. If you can’t get all the water out of toilets, add some non-toxic antifreeze to protect against cracking. SummaryWe get it, winter may still feel like a long way off. But preparing a Chicago property for winter can start right now. The more time you have to get everything in order, the less likely you are to forget something. Read our list and make your own so you can check it off. Because cold weather means complications for property managers and unhappy tenants if you get it wrong. Save money by booking contractors early and stocking up on supplies. Get the maintenance you need to be winter-ready done now and avoid emergency situations and costs. With a little bit of planning, winter doesn’t need to be a headache and you can enjoy the holiday season with peace of mind. The post 6 Tips for Property Managers to Prepare a Chicago Property for Winter appeared first on ChoreRelief. from https://chorerelief.com/6-tips-for-property-managers-to-prepare-a-chicago-property-for-winter/ Being a realtor, you need to be constantly looking for ways to improve and to offer more value to your clients. The level of competition in this industry is high, so being innovative and progressive is key. One of the ways in which you can keep moving forward is by leveraging the power of apps and specialized services which you offer to your clients. You should know too that according to the latest statistics, real estate agents making upwards of $100,000 are twice as likely to use advanced software in their business. It is essential therefore that you look into various solutions that can bring value to your clients and, by extension, boost your own business. 1. Finding contractors with ChoreReliefMaintaining the property and bringing it into top shape for the showing are both important for making a successful sale. However, doing this requires you to spend a lot of time looking for contractors who can perform various jobs at reasonable rates. This will take even longer if you need first to research the background and reputation of every contractor in the area to find the most reliable ones. Today there’s an easy solution that can help the property owner to save all this time. Just visit chorerelief.com to get an app that will provide the user with a list of thoroughly vetted contractors. Simply state where and what kind of help you need and the app will find suitable contractors. ChoreRelief is not only a search service. Unlike Google it not only provides you with information about the contractor but also allows you to choose how much you are willing to pay for the job. The names on that list will therefore already be aware of and agreeable to the terms. And all contractors associated with this app are insured, to ensure the customer’s safety and peace of mind. This kind of app can be used not only for general property maintenance but also to make some last-minute fixes, and you can be sure that the job is done fast and at a reasonable rate. This is the kind of multi-functional service benefiting property owners that realtors can use to bring value to their customers. Luckily, there are more solutions that offer different types of benefits. 2. Boosting buyer’s confidence (and increasing property price) with home warrantiesA home warranty is a service that can benefit all parties in a real estate deal. To the seller, this type of coverage offers a chance to get a better price for the property. According to stats, on average houses with warranty plans sell for $2,300 more. The realtor benefits because those same statistics show that homes with this coverage sell about eleven days faster. Plus buyers benefit as well because they get a property that already has protection for some of its essential components and appliances. Home warranties are extremely versatile, so you have a chance to find a plan that will fit any property perfectly. Tech-savvy realtors and their customers will definitely appreciate the more innovative home warranty providers that offer apps to make the service easy to use. Check out everythingbreaks.com to see what a more modern and innovative home warranty company looks like. Neither is having an app the only advantage they offer. This business also offers different protections for some popular smart devices. These are not usually included in standard home warranty coverage, but for the best value, it makes sense to get different protections from one provider and so it’s best to find a company that offers this level of coverage. It might be a bit more expensive, but the added convenience means it’s most often worth the extra cost. 3. Make the property ready for showing with HouzzChoreRelief helps you find great and cheap contractors while home warranties protect the “stuffing” of the house, but none of them can boost its curb appeal on their own. Houzz.com can help you do this because it is a mix of Pinterest and Amazon but with a focus on home design. You can use Houzz for ideas as well as for shopping. But most importantly, you can use it as your help for staging and open houses. The designs on Houzz are not only inspiring, they are also the trendiest in the modern industry. Within a few minutes of studying the versatile offering, you will learn how to make the kind of property you’re exhibiting more attractive with a switch of lighting and a few simple decorations. Another important benefit of this particular app is that it allows you to play around with graphic design elements. Take a picture of an empty room and you’ll be able to “try out” the multiple designs you’ll find in the Houzz database directly onto it. This will save you a lot of money on a designer and you will have a physical image to show to your contractor. To Sum It Up: Want to Be a Successful Realtor? Be Tech-Savvy!There are many other apps and services that a realtor can leverage in various ways to boost their business. The trick is to become the type of real estate agent who is actively looking for these solutions and who tries to come up with new ways to apply them. Take some time out to compile a list of things that you think could help you and your clients. For example, getting design ideas or contacting trustworthy contractors promptly. Then, find an app for it and make sure your phone is always on hand so that you can use your collection of solutions to offer the greatest value to your clients in any given situation. Bio: Kate Bregovic is a wife, mother, freelance writer and fitness enthusiast. She covers many topics – from business management trends to fitness regimes. When she’s not writing, she’s planning outdoor activities for her family, cooking or working out at the gym. Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrs.kate.bregovic The post Apps and Services Every Realtor Should Be Using in Their Business appeared first on ChoreRelief. from https://chorerelief.com/apps-and-services-every-realtor-should-be-using-in-their-business/ Eviction. It’s the one word that no landlord or tenant wants to hear. Being a landlord or property manager can be very rewarding. You provide a person or a family with a place to call home. However, unfortunately, it does not always work out. When that time comes, you may need to evict your tenant. Evictions in Cook County are a complicated legal process though, and it is important to know how to evict a tenant in Chicago properly within the confines of the law. When you enter into a contract with a tenant, it’s because you feel that you can trust them to pay the rent and look after your property. Tenant turnover is one of the biggest pain points for landlords and property managers and everyone wants to avoid it. Sadly, even with proper vetting, you can’t always guarantee that your tenants will live up to their end of the bargain. When can you evict?Chicago property law is very strict on landlords. There are lots of protections for tenants and failing to properly follow the law can end badly for landlords. With that in mind, it is important to know when you are legally within your rights to issue an eviction notice to your tenants. There are several reasons for which you can evict a tenant in Chicago, each with its own procedures.
What is the first step?Evicting a tenant is not as simple as turning up at their door and telling them to pack their things and be out by the end of the day. There are very strict timelines and procedures that must be followed to avoid litigation. While this may seem unfair when you have a nightmare tenant who refuses to pay rent, it is in place to protect both landlords and tenants from unscrupulous behavior. The first step to evict a tenant in Chicago is to serve them with a notice of termination. This essentially tells them that you are terminating their rental agreement for a valid reason and want them to vacate the premises by a specific date. The duration and type of notice will vary depending on the reason for eviction. There are two broad categories of notice. Notices with a cause, and notices without. Notices With a Cause
Notices Without a Cause
Formal Chicago Eviction ProceedingsIf you want to evict a tenant in Chicago, after serving them with a notice you need to begin formal eviction proceedings. Once the appropriate number of days have passed since you served your tenant with the correct notice, you can file a Forcible Entry and Detainer Action with the courts. This action will set the formal eviction proceedings in motion. You will then be provided with a court date to return and state your case for eviction. You can either just file for possession, to get your property back, or you can file a Joint Action that will allow you to sue for any unpaid rent, if applicable. Once the court date is set, your tenant will be served with a summons. In Cook County, the first summons has to be served by the sheriff. If they are unsuccessful and your tenant has not been served by the first court date, you can request an Alias Summons. This will allow you to appoint a process server to serve the summons. However, it will also mean setting a new court date. Arguing Your Eviction CaseOnce the tenant has been successfully served with the summons, they will be expected to attend court and argue their case against the eviction. If they do not attend the court date, the eviction order will be enforced by default. If they do attend, you and the tenant will be allowed to state your case for and against eviction. It is important to bring all relevant evidence of any violations of rental terms with you to court. Assuming your case for eviction is valid, and the proper procedures have been followed, the judge will issue an Order for Possession. In most cases, tenants will vacate the premises at this point. However, if they do not vacate the premises by the appointed date you can submit the order to the Sheriff. At that point, the Sheriff’s office will handle the physical eviction. Physical EvictionTo begin the process to physically evict a tenant in Chicago, you will need to submit two physical copies of the Order for Possession to the Sheriff’s Office along with a filing fee. You will also need to fill out an Eviction Disclosure form, which you can get at the Sheriff’s Office. Once you’ve done this, the Sheriff will set a date for eviction. This can be anywhere from four to six weeks after filing the order. Once the eviction is scheduled, the Sheriff’s Office will notify you the day before the eviction. It is important that you (or an appointed representative) be there physically to witness the eviction. If there is no one there to witness the eviction, it will not be able to proceed. Then you will need to reschedule and wait for a new eviction date to be set. SummaryAs you can see, if you want to evict a tenant in Chicago it is not a simple process. The processing time to evict a tenant can be as long as three months or more, depending on the circumstances. It is essential that you follow the correct steps though. Failure to do so can end up with even longer delays or, in the worst cases, a tenant suing you. Every landlord hopes that they will never have to go through the eviction process. Of course, the best prevention against eviction is to find and keep good tenants. However, it’s important to be prepared with good rental agreements and knowledge of the eviction process for when the worst happens. The post How to Evict a Tenant in Chicago – A Simple Guide appeared first on ChoreRelief. from https://chorerelief.com/how-to-evict-a-tenant-in-chicago-a-simple-guide/ The internet of things (IoT) is all around us, and it is growing by the second. What began as a buzzword to describe a trend in internet-connected devices has exploded into a global market valued at $190 Bn. That growth does not seem set to slow down, with market size forecasted to reach $1111.3 Bn by 2026. Many industries are poised to be revolutionized by IoT technology. Property management is near the top of that list. In fact, forty-three percent of property managers in the US believe that IoT will greatly affect how they manage their buildings in the future. The question is, what are some good internet of things examples for property managers to implement right now? There are several well-established internet of things examples for property managers already and more applications are emerging by the day. If you believe the people singing its praises, implementing IoT into property management will be a game-changer. Smart devices in buildings and homes will allow property managers to improve service delivery, cut costs, and gain greater insights into the workings of their buildings and the habits of their tenants. Whether you buy into all of the excitement or not, IoT-enabled buildings are definitely going to become more of a norm for property managers as it becomes expected by tenants or landlords. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some internet of things examples for property managers. What is the Internet of Things?The internet of things is a term used to describe a network of interconnected devices that can be controlled remotely and also feed data back into the network. There is not actually a separate internet, but rather a huge number of devices that connect with each other in various networks through the existing internet structure. These devices range from earthquake sensors and security cameras to fridges and thermostats. Technically, any device which records some data from its real-world surroundings and sends it to a server somewhere can be considered a piece of the internet of things. However, the term usually refers to devices that are not used to connect to the existing internet, like laptops or phones. These networks of things are providing companies and users with vast amounts of data and a host of tools for remotely managing the behavior of devices. Products like Nest allow homeowners to control their heating or lights from a distance. Smart locks allow short-term rental properties to be unlocked using a code generated by a computer thousands of miles away and emailed to the guest. Smart sensors can identify traffic patterns and automatically update the timing of lights to improve traffic flow. Internet of Things Examples for Property ManagersThe number of potential applications for the internet of things is huge, particularly in the realm of property management. Some of those applications are available now and already being widely used. Some of them are yet to reach the market but will have significant impacts when they do. For property managers interested in leveraging IoT technology, it is important to know what is available now and how it can be utilized. With that in mind, we have put together a list of internet of things examples for property managers to better understand what is possible. 1. Smart Temperature ControlSmart thermostats are one of the more well-established smart home technologies. By allowing for remote control via an app and automated heating or cooling times based on tenant activity, smart thermostats can greatly reduce energy bills. This can be a huge money saver for landlords that offer included utilities, or for multifamily buildings that have lots of common space that needs to be heated or cooled. Installing smart thermostats in units also increases rental value. Many tenants are willing to pay more for the convenience of smart home features like automated temperature control. They also know that they will be paying less in utilities. 2. Keyless Entry with Smart LocksSmart locks are an excellent way to increase building security without inconveniencing your tenants. Tenants phones can be used to unlock building doors as well as their own front door. This negates the need for keys or key cards, meaning that you won’t have any more late-night calls from tenants that have locked themselves out. With smart locks, you can also easily control access to certain parts of the building for certain tenants. For instance, if you have a gym in the building with a membership associated with it. Again, by investing in smart lock systems upfront you can charge more rent for units, easily recouping your investment. 3. Automated LightingSmart lighting systems like Hue from Philips come with a whole host of benefits for both tenants and property managers. For tenants, automated lighting means turning on the lights on from their car so they feel safe arriving home at night. It also means being able to set up lights while they are away to make the home appear occupied. Sensors can allow for lights that automatically follow tenants as they move around the apartment or house. For landlords, automated lighting can translate to massive savings in multifamily buildings. Tenants feel safe and welcomed by a well-lit building and you don’t need to keep the lights on all night. 4. Smart LaundryFor tenants in buildings with shared laundry, some of the most common complaints relate to laundry machines. Either they are not available or they need maintenance. Rather than having the laundry management company bring in more outdated units, consider going with one that offers a smart laundry system. With smart laundry, tenants can pay via their phone, monitor their laundry to avoid clothes sitting un-collected in the machine, and monitor machine availability. They can even submit maintenance requests directly to the company via an app or web portal. That means you don’t have to worry about handling laundry machine maintenance complaints. 5. Automated Lawn CareAny property manager will tell you that lawn care is a costly headache. Nobody wants to rent a unit in a building with unkempt lawns, but keeping them looking good takes a lot of time and money. You have to hire a gardening service and water the lawns regularly. By investing in automated lawn care, you can save lots of money in the long run. Sensors can prevent unnecessary watering after it has rained recently. Automated mowers can keep lawns looking well-trimmed on a daily basis. 6. Virtual GuardsVirtual guard systems, or smart cameras, are a much more effective way of keeping your building secure. Human guards are expensive and can only be in one place at a time. Virtual guard systems use facial recognition or remote guards to identify non-tenants and alert building managers or tenants if they are somewhere they shouldn’t be. Tenants can see who is at their door, even if they aren’t home, and let them in if needed. Building managers can keep an eye on their property from anywhere in the world. On top of that, virtual guard systems are yet another thing that tenants are willing to pay more for. Property managers can both save money and increase rental revenue with a virtual guard system. 7. Automated ParkingFor multifamily buildings in crowded urban areas, providing tenants with parking can be one of the biggest challenges. Automated parking is one way that developers and building owners can provide ample parking with limited space. Automated parking systems “park” tenant’s cars automatically, reducing the need for large parking garages and increasing the building’s parking capacity. They also give tenants the ability to remotely request their car. That way it is ready and waiting for them when they get down to the garage. Of course, automated parking needs to be built during construction. Once implemented, however, it can greatly increase the rental value of units in the building and be an attractive feature for bringing in tenants. SummaryThese are just a few internet of things examples for property managers. As technology advances and sensors and devices become cheaper there will undoubtedly be even more applications on the market. There are already several ways that property managers and landlords can begin to implement the internet of things. These solutions can save property managers time and money. Smart homes and the internet of things are the future. The question for property managers is whether they will drive the change or race to catch up. The post 7 Internet of Things Examples for Property Managers appeared first on ChoreRelief. from https://chorerelief.com/7-internet-of-things-examples-for-property-managers/ Seeing your business come to a permanent close can be devastating on many levels. As an entrepreneur, you put your heart, soul, time, money, and energy into seeing your business succeed. When things go differently, it can be overwhelming, and deter even staunch constitutions. Here’s how to repair both your finances and emotions, so you can get right back in the saddle. Focus on the FutureThere’s no denying that having a business fail is a terrible loss. However, as Psychology Today explains, a big piece of your recovery will come from trusting in yourself to surmount future challenges. It’s important to recognize you have survived difficulties in the past, and develop a solid vision for your next endeavor. Consider practicing some mindfulness techniques to help you heal, and even add some well-chosen apps to your phone to help you regain your focus and energy. If you aren’t sure what direction to take with your next venture, also do some brainstorming. Think about what companies you admire, how your experiences apply, what issues you want to address, and what sparks your inspiration. Also contemplate your resources, such as through the sharing economy. With whom can you collaborate, and what do you bring to the table? As The Balance explains, the sharing economy is reshaping the business world. Tapping into those resources and staying relevant can be pivotal solutions for prospering in your next venture. Team Building ExercisesOnce you have some ideas, start considering who will share in your journey. More specifically, what players do you need on your team to make things happen? Do you need a web developer for an e-commerce site? An admin assistant for making phone calls and scheduling? What about someone to run a market analysis to narrow down your target audience? You can hire freelance assistance for virtually anything these days. The key is to go through trustworthy staffing companies. They screen candidates on your behalf so you know you’re getting the kind of help you want and need. From there, you can start building the team that will bring your ideas to life. Seed MoneyThere is ample truth in the old saying, “It takes money to make money.” Chances are you will need financial help of some sort getting your next idea off the ground. You can get a small business loan, although depending on how your last business was set up, your credit score might need some attention. You can repair your credit score with a little time, doing things like removing errors, paying down loans, and settling any collections. Another idea is to find investors for your next venture. If you aren’t sure where to look, Huffington Post suggests tapping into industry friends, angel investor networks, or crowdfunding sites. Sometimes help can come from places you least expect, and now isn’t the time to be shy. With a team in the works and solid business plan, you have the tools you need to talk up your idea. Waste Not, Want NotIn the course of your recovery, you have much to do, and are likely limited on all your resources. Thankfully, technology can come to the rescue. Tech has changed how we do business, streamlining what small businesses require from their resources. It’s at the heart of the sharing economy, and it drives much of how we exchange ideas, goods, and services these days. With that in mind, think about what tools you can incorporate into your comeback. Forbes suggests looking at productivity and efficiency through your software choices. You can lighten your customer service duties, ease organizational concerns, and make use of timekeeping tools. Contemplate what will help you do more with less, and put it to use. When you’ve had a setback, it’s prime time for a comeback. Focus on your future and contemplate who you need on your team. Then gather your resources, and be smart about how you use them. Closing your doors can drag you down, but with a little regrouping, you’ll have your second wind in no time. The post How to Get Your Second Wind After Closing the Doors on a Business appeared first on ChoreRelief. from https://chorerelief.com/how-to-get-your-second-wind-after-closing-the-doors-on-a-business/ |
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