Best Way to Negotiate Your Real Estate Agent's Commission

You are ready to sell your home or business. You know that you are going to have to pay a real estate agent in order to get the best sale price for your property. You don’t mind paying an agent money, but you’d like to get the most for your money. Here are the best ways to negotiate your real estate agent’s commission.

• Ask up front for a discount. If you don’t ask, you won’t get a discount. The worst that can happen is that he or she will tell you no. The agent may also be able to tell you other ways to save money that may make up for the commission you have to pay.


• Plan to buy property that the real estate agent has listed. If a real estate agent lists and sells the same property, he/she will make more commission. Since he/she is making more, you can ask him/her to reduce the commission fees.


• Call or research other agent’s commissions. If your agent is higher, ask why. You may also ask him/her to match the commission fees of a competitor.


• If you are not satisfied with the real estate agent’s work and you don’t feel he/she should earn the commission, talk to his/her supervisor. Many times the supervisor will reduce or eliminate the commission fees.


• Talk openly with the agent and ask what you can do to help reduce the commission costs. Maybe he/she will allow you to show the house to save him/her time and reduce the commission costs.

How to Compare Real Estate Rentals to Annuities

Real estate rentals and annuities are two of the options that are ideal for retirement planning. It is estimated that half of the individuals who are retired are unable to continue their standard of living off of retirement income alone, there for it is vital to consider incorporating other options into your goals.

• Compare the risk factors of each type of investment. The risks associated with rentals differ according to a number of factors, some of which include the location of the property as well as the value of the property you are trying to rent out. The risk for annuities depends on the amount of money you have invested, as well as the activity within the stock market.

• Compare the different types of annuities that exist. If you opt for the life or fixed annuity, you have considerably less risk than if you were to choose the variable annuity option. This is simply because the variable option is directly dependent on the investment activity. On the other hand, the life option provides you with a set amount of return on your investment throughout the life of the annuity. 

• Take a look at the return on your investment with both the real estate rentals as well as the annuities. Determine whether the risk is worth the return.

• Consider the fact that you have to put in more effort in managing your real estate rentals than you do with your annuities. With annuities, you check on the status when you feel the need to. With rentals, on the other hand, you are expected to handle issues as they arise, which can be in the middle of the night in the event of a natural disaster.

How to build concrete footing and concrete forms

A wise builder once told me, a basement is a well we pray water will never enter. Those with basements will say, amen. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the #1 reason for builder callbacks is foundations. A properly designed and constructed foundation will never cause a problem, improperly constructed, it will never cease to be a problem. A concrete footing spreads the weight so the wall doesn’t sink, and it’s usually twice the width of the structure it supports. The concrete footing must extend below the frost line to avoid damage from frost heave. Check local codes to see how deep the concrete footing must be. To do its job without sinking or shifting, a footing must rest on stable, undisturbed soil. A concrete footing beneath a foundation wall also much have adequate drainage to avoid damage from hydraulic pressure. To make sure you’ve planned for the demands of your particular climate and soil conditions, consult with your local building department.

 In most situations, a concrete footing 22 inches wide and 12 inches deep, with three pieces of ½ inch reinforcing bar running through it, is strong enough to support a one story wall. But if the soil in your area is soft, your local building codes may require a larger footing.

Formed or unformed, a concrete footing must rest on undisturbed soil. If the soil is black, it almost certainly is topsoil and you must dig deeper. In most areas, undisturbed soil will be clay. In some areas, you’ll hit bedrock only a few feet below grade. A building inspector should approve pouring directly on top of bedrock, even if you haven’t dug below the frost line.

1. Installing Batter Boards

Lay out the job by driving in stakes to mark the wall’s outside corners. Place batter boards about 3 feet beyond these stakes by driving in 1+4 or 2+4 stakes and attaching 3 to 5 foot long horizontal pieces to them. Fasten with drywall screws. ( Nailing will weaken the stakes).

2. Laying out the site for concrete footing

Attach mason’s lines to the batter boards. Transfer the lines marking the outside of the wall to the batter boards by having someone dangle a plumb bob over the outer edge of each perimeter stake while you stretch the mason’s line. When the lines intersect over the stake, mark the points where the mason’s lines cross the batter boards. Now that you have marked for the outside of the wall, measure over on the batter board and mark for the inside edge of the footing. The outside edge of the footing, and the outer excavation line.

3. Dig trench and lay out for concrete footing

It may not be necessary to build forms for your concrete footings. Depending on your local codes and the nature of your project, digging a trench for the concrete footing may suffice. Digging a hole as big and as deep as needed for a concrete wall footing can be a slow, back breaking job, so consider hiring an excavator or renting a small backhoe or trench digger. Dig the trench to a depth equal to the top of the footing or to about 3 inches below the top of the footing if you will be building a form.

Use a plumb bob to locate the outside corner of the footing. Partially drive in the stakes that line up with the outside edges of your forming lumber. Follow the same procedure to position the form stakes for the inside edge of the footing.

 4. Level tops of the stakes

If there is a footing on the existing structure, drive in form stakes so the tops of the stakes are at the same level as that footing. Or drive a stake so its top is at the correct depth of the footing top. Then drive the outside corner stakes so they are level with those next to the building. Check for level with a line level or carpenter’s level resting on a straight board.

Tips:

 Using a water level for building concrete forms

With a water level, you easily can find the same level for two places far from each other, even if you have to turn a corner or two, step down an inclines, or climb a couple of stairs. This simple tool consists of two calibrated plastic tubes attached to a garden hose. Drain spigots and fill spigots let you fill the tubes and hose with water to the desired level. It works on the principle that water seeks its own level.

Using a transit for building concrete forms.

For small jobs, using a line level or water level to lay out a level or accurately sloped slab is most likely sufficient, but if you’d like to perform more efficiently and have a lesser chance for human error, consider renting a transit, or better yet a laser level transit. Transits are a small telescope like device that sits on a tripod. By sighting through it, you can determine level points across a distance. A laser level automatically finds level and shoots a red dot or line up to 200 hundred feet away or more. Combine a laser with a transit and you have the ultimate tool for finding level, ideal for large jobs or if you’re working along.

 Checking for square using the 3-4-5 method.

Drive in a stake at one corner of the slab, such as against the foundation, and attach a mason’s line to it. Working from that fixed point, check for square as you drive stakes for the other corners. Use the 3-4-5 method. Measure 3 feet from the stake along one side, mark that point with a stake or tape. Pull the line taut, then measure 4 feet along the line and mark the spot with a piece of tape. Make sure both measurements begin at exactly the same point. Measure between the 3 and 4 foot marks, moving the line until this distance is exactly 5 feet. You’ll then have a square corner. Drive a stake and attach the line. If you have room or have a large slab, use multiples of 3-4-5, such as 6-8-10 or 9-12-15.

1. Building and installing concrete forms.

The only forming materials you’ll need are 2+4s for the footing rails and 1+4s for stakes. Position the stakes, then secure the rails to them, making sure the top of each rail is even with or slightly above the top of the stakes. If the soil is firm enough to hold its shape when filled with wet concrete, dig a trench footing. Keep the sides of the trench even to avoid wasting concrete. For screeding guides, center a row of stakes about 4 feet apart, check the height of the stakes with a line level.

2. Secure and level the forms boards.

Every few feet along the length of the form boards, use a carpenter’s level to make sure parallel forms are the same height. Also check that the forms are level length wise. Drive stakes every 4 feet to anchor the forms securely. Make sure the stakes penetrate at least 6 inches below the bottom of the footing trench that you will dig to ensure that the form boards will be secure.

3. Dig the trench inside the form boards.

Once you are satisfied that the forms are level and secure, excavate an additional 5 to 6 inches of earth, the total depth of the footing should be no less than 8 inches. Keep the sides of the trench even with the form boards as you dig.

4. Step down concrete footing.

If your site is slop, you can step down the footings to save concrete. Use 2+8s and additional stakes. For an earth form make a wood riser that wedges securely between the two levels. Stepped concrete forms should rise no more than 2 feet per step, the upper and lower forms should overlap by at least 2 feet.

Weak concrete forms lead to disaster. Once a form bursts or bulges, usually all you can do is let the concrete set, break it into rubble, throw the pieces away, and start over. So always think on the side of caution, overbuild, rather than construct weak concrete forms.

10 cool summer tips for your home

The summer is upon us and it will only get hotter. These 10 easy to do tips for your interiors will not only make your house look beautiful and apt for the scorching summer, it will also help in bringing the temperature down. From the furniture and floorings, to the curtains and lighting, you can know what works during the season. So go ahead and get ready to give your home the right look and feel, suiting the season. This will not just be a fun exercise but will also make you fall in love with your home all over again. These makeover changes don’t cost much and only require a little bit of effort and creativity to give your home the comfort that sits well with the season.

1. Light Colours: The lighter the colour, the cooler the temperature. Try and pick lighter shades such as whites and creams for your curtains, upholstery and furnishings. Lighter colours act as a soothing balm during summers and work with respect to both the look, as well as the feel.

2. Softer Fabrics: Nothing works during the summer like cottons and linens. Make sure you keep that in mind while finalising your bedsheets, pillow covers and curtains. 

3. Cleaner Designs: Try picking either plain or minimal design fabrics to suit the ambience in summers. Don’t go for heavy blockprints or embossing. Going with the feel of the season, remember to choose the correct design for your home furnishings. Not just the drawing room and the bedrooms, the kitchen and the bathrooms too should have appropriate linens.
4. Summer Floorings: Get rid of those heavy, dark-coloured woolen woven carpets. Opt for daries and plastic carpets during summers. They are affordable, easy to maintain and apt for the season.

5. Minimal Lighting: With the blazing sun outside, you would not want an equally blazing lighting inside your house. Keep the lighting bare minimal to stay close to nature and away from extra radiation in an already hot environment.

6. Happy Planting: Nothing beats the hot weather like cool plantation. Chuck the artificial ones and go for the real, natural home plants. Water and air them regularly and see a change in the level of both the temperature, as well as the happiness quotient.

7. Water Connect: Whether in the form of fountains or in the shape of artifacts, you would want to connect with water in some form. It will help in cooling your home and soothing your nerves.

8. Summer Candles: Get hold of some economical, simple candles especially the floating variety that can double up both as air fresheners and help create a cool feel in the house.

9. Beautiful Blinds: You can redefine chic on your walls by going for easy to maintain blinds over the hassle of having overflowing curtains. To go with the summer theme, you can choose lighter shades, especially pastels to give them a bit of edge.

10. Clearing Clutter: Remember, during summers, less is more. In an already hot environment, you will feel claustrophobic if you do not clear out the excess clutter – be it furniture or artifacts or paintings.

Now all you need to do is get cracking and give yourself the joyful experience to enjoy a sizzling summer by adding some spunk to your home. Happy makeover.

To protect home buyers and real estate amendment, tabled in the Budget Session

In a bid to protect home buyers and real estate, which has been amended bill, the budget is to be presented in the second session. It is stated that the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs: 
Real estate amendment is important. Our aim is the duty of the 2nd Session of the budget. The bill has already been wrong, there are severe penalties, including imprisonment for the filters. Additional security features are for the amendment of internal links. 

At least 50 percent of the amount of money charged to customers, the Bank for the construction costs to be kept in a special separate account tarkal bill. Customers participating in the 3 for 2 persons, without permission of Thang filters pilanka laiyum building and design can not be changed. Real estate agents subject to the orders of the Commission Regulation punished. These tribunals established macotavinkil. Twitter about this comment in the Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, '' Real estate has approved the amendment to the Federal Ministry of semolina gives pleasure. Now this bill be introduced in the coming session of Parliament, "he said. 

The main features of the bill 

* Real Estate Regulatory Authority to be set up in each state. All Home and commercial building projects must register here. The building's lay-out plan, building permit must report to. A contractor, architect, engineer, and asked to report on their names. Atanpinpe be able to advertise. The standard by which people can buy homes. 

* Apartment common areas, including the area of ​​the entrance (super area) shall be prohibited to sell to consumers filters. The house is located in a place the size (karpat area) will only be able to advertise. 

* Filters, the problem is between the customer and the compensation shall be determined by the Real Estate Commission. 

* Buildings to be completed on time, the customer will receive 50 percent of the money, to be paid within 15 days of the bank's own account filters. 

* The building was built incorrectly filters must accept the responsibility for it. Laiyenr in the customers should pay back the money. 

* Building purokkarkalum must register their name in the real estate commission. Otherwise they would be punished. 

* If you do not pay on time, houses, building, builder, from customers that they can get the money paid back with interest. 

* If you violate the terms of the filters, the registration is canceled, will be fined up to 10 percent of the value of the building. £ provided incorrect information in a fine of up to 5 percent of the value of the project. 

* Filters, often part of the money from customers, as part of the cash to get this bill imposes a ban. Brought this system to eradicate the black money in the real estate industry.

Vasthu Tips for Home

Vasthu Tips for House

• Setting television in the bedroom area is not recommended.
• Keep the plants and water sport far from your bedroom
• Never split bed sheet and bed mattresses
• Set your house furniture in the form of circle, square, or as octagon
• Keep the corners bright
• It is good to fix an image of bright sun in the southern wall of the living area
• Construct your bedroom, where wind must blow from south to west
• Your house dinning hall must never get exposed to the entrance door of the house
• Setting a mirror in the kitchen room is not recommended
• Do not place the mops and brooms in the kitchen
• It is good to keep the doors of your toilet and bathroom closed most the time
• It is good to set your windows opened towards out face
• Growing of pricking plants like cactus in your house is not advisable and recommended
• It is good to place the fish aquarium in the southeast corner in your living area
• It is good to stick a happy family photograph or picture inside your living room
• Growing of high trees such as Bangan, Thorny, and Pipal trees is not good and recommended
• Ensure that the lift gate is not set in face of the entry main gate of your house
• Building your house rooms in shape of oval, circle, or triangle is strictly not advisable
• Your house should never be in disturbed by any obstructive buildings
• Ensure that your house is good with right air circulation and water source
• Your latrine seat must be kept facing towards northern south
• It is good to sit facing the doorway, while you sit in your office
• It is good to set a mountain wallpaper behind you in your office
• Never keep a ladder that faces towards west or north, as it makes waste of money
• Never wear torn clothing or withered flowers as these will prevent the Goddess Lakshmi entering into the home

Vasthu Tips For Children's Room 

• The apt direction for constructing children's room is west. Apart from that, west, northwest, northeast and southeast directions can also be used for constructing kids' room. Totally avoid the southwest direction.
• In a kid's room, the bed can be placed in the southwest corner. Place the bed in such a way that your child has his/ her head facing the east or south direction, while sleeping.
• As a part of Vastu guidelines for children room, it is recommended to avoid placing the mirror on the opposite side of the bed.
• If you want to keep furniture items in a children’s room, keep them a few inches away from the wall. Don't have the furniture attached to the wall, as it obstructs the flow of positive energy.
• The study desk should be placed in such a manner that the child faces east, north or northeast corner while studying. East is the most appropriate direction, as it paves way for enhanced concentration.
• Avoid placing a television or computer directly opposite the bed. The television set or the computer monitor, when switched off, reflects the bed, just like a mirror, and is a bad omen.
• If you must have a mirror and a television in the bedroom, have them either on the left or the right side of the bed.
• The door to children’s room should not be exactly opposite to the bed. Rather, try placing it an angle from the door.
• Sharp edges and pointing nooks comprise of something that is better avoided in children's room.
• The center of kids' room should always be empty. Try to avoid placing something in there.
• The almirahs and cabinets should always be located in south or west direction of the room.
• Up-lighters, when placed in the southeast corner of children’s room, help promote health and generate positive energy.
• Sharp lights as well as spot lights should never ever be used in kids' room, as they tend to create mental strain.
• The doors as well as windows of children's room are best designed in the east or north. The windows should be opposite to the door.
• Green color proves the best for kids' room, as it is associated with freshness and peace and increases brain power as well.

Adapt Your Home to Its Selling Season

There's a selling myth that you should wait till springtime to sell your home. While spring is the busiest season for real estate sales, people buy homes 365 days a year. If you decide you need to sell your home in the off-peak season, emphasize its seasonal amenities.

Choose Your Selling Season

Because many buyers prefer to move in the spring or summer, the market starts to heat up as early as February. Families with children are eager to buy so they can move during summer vacation, before the new school year begins.

The market slows down in late summer before picking up again briefly in the fall. November and December are traditionally slow months, although some astute buyers look for bargains during this period.

Summer Staging Tips

• Highlight your outdoor areas. This is your outdoor space's chance to shine. Clean your deck, porch, patio or outdoor kitchen, and repaint or make repairs if necessary. No deck? Arrange chairs or outdoor furniture in your yard to create the illusion of an outdoor room. Make necessary repairs to your home's exterior, including your siding and windows.

• Play up the pool. A pool is a huge selling point during the sweltering days of summer. Keep yours clean and debris-free, and create a seating area near the pool where buyers can imagine themselves floating through the cool water.

• Spruce up your landscaping. Make sure your lawn and flower beds aren't languishing in the summer heat. Add pops of color to your entryway with potted plants.

• Add value and security with lighting. Frame your walkways and driveways with lights for a stylish touch.

• Don't skimp on the air conditioning. House hunters will want to escape the heat so make sure your home is nice and cool. Set the thermostat at a comfortable level, so it doesn't feel like an ice box either.

• Provide refreshments. Even though you likely won't be home for a showing, greet buyers like you would party guests. During the dog days of summer, set out a cool pitcher of lemonade for buyers. Anything you can do to make them linger a little longer can only help you sell.