Saturday, September 30, 2017

Should You Create a New Profit Center in Real Estate by Becoming a Lender?

private-money-partners

Whether you aspire to be a lender or just want to understand their side, here’s a summary of how to think “like a bank” when dealing with real estate.

View the full article: Should You Create a New Profit Center in Real Estate by Becoming a Lender? on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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Should You Create a New Profit Center in Real Estate by Becoming a Lender?

private-money-partners

Whether you aspire to be a lender or just want to understand their side, here’s a summary of how to think “like a bank” when dealing with real estate.

View the full article: Should You Create a New Profit Center in Real Estate by Becoming a Lender? on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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Should You Create a New Profit Center in Real Estate by Becoming a Lender?

private-money-partners

Whether you aspire to be a lender or just want to understand their side, here’s a summary of how to think “like a bank” when dealing with real estate.

View the full article: Should You Create a New Profit Center in Real Estate by Becoming a Lender? on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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What Hurricane Irma Has Taught Me About the Importance of Cash Reserves

hurricane-irma

Not only am I faced with half of my tenants having payment issues, but I also have elevated expenses related to tree pick-up and minor structural damages.

View the full article: What Hurricane Irma Has Taught Me About the Importance of Cash Reserves on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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4 Millennial-Friendly Ways to Invest from Your Smartphone (for $100 or Less)

millennial-investing

Studies suggest 80% of Millennials don’t invest in the stock market. Why? They don’t know how, say it’s for “old white men,” and don’t have enough money.

View the full article: 4 Millennial-Friendly Ways to Invest from Your Smartphone (for $100 or Less) on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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Friday, September 29, 2017

College Tuition “Hacks”: 9 Alternative Ways to Pay for Schooling

college-hacks

College is extortionately expensive. Here are some creative ways to lighten the load of tuition, and pay for college without having to sell a kidney.

View the full article: College Tuition “Hacks”: 9 Alternative Ways to Pay for Schooling on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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How to Gauge Your Property’s Flood Risk by Using Free Flood Maps [Video!]

flood-map

Using one of our Houston properties as an example, this video takes you step-by-step through locating a property on a FEMA flood map.

View the full article: How to Gauge Your Property’s Flood Risk by Using Free Flood Maps [Video!] on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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5 Unexpected Skills I Learned as a Real Estate Investor

Here are a few interesting skills and lifelong lessons I learned through real estate investing that they don't teach you in high school or college.

View the full article: 5 Unexpected Skills I Learned as a Real Estate Investor on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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Thursday, September 28, 2017

Reside by Marcon at Cambie Village

RESIDE is an exclusive collection of one, two and three bedroom homes with a coveted Westside Vancouver address. With some of Vancouver’s best parks and amenities close by, this is a well-established neighbourhood. RESIDE will be home to 33 concrete homes and 2 floors of parking. RESIDE is situated near shopping, parks, top-ranked schools, entertainment and dining. Langara Golf Course and Winona Park are within walking distance for you to enjoy Vancouver’s great outdoors. Vancouver International Airport is less than 10 minutes away when you board the Canada Line at Marine Drive Station.

Marcon Developments began as a construction company and gave them the experience to deliver homes not only of high standards, but also of high value. Since inception, they have given the keys to homeowners to more than 10,000 new homes and helped dreams become reality. Marcon has developed some notable residences over the years, such as the first high-rise in Canada to achieve LEED certification. Building to these standards helps to future-proof your home, as well as allowing you to breathe easy from the first day you move in.

The post Reside by Marcon at Cambie Village appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.



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You Probably Have Grant Cardone’s Concept of “Massive Action” Dangerously Wrong

confused

Grant Cardone is a proponent of “10X” thinking and taking massive action. And he is damn right. But too many followers get the wrong message.

View the full article: You Probably Have Grant Cardone’s Concept of “Massive Action” Dangerously Wrong on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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5 Options for Investing in Real Estate With Bad Credit

credit-card-real-estate

If you study today’s successful investors, you’ll find that a large percentage started from nothing and simply found a way to get their foot in the door.

View the full article: 5 Options for Investing in Real Estate With Bad Credit on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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BiggerPockets Podcast 246: Surviving the Coming Crash, Earning 20% Returns, and Buying Mobile Home Parks with Kevin Bupp

Show 246

When most investors hear the words “mobile home park,” they turn and run. But not today’s guest, who’s found incredible success in this niche.

View the full article: BiggerPockets Podcast 246: Surviving the Coming Crash, Earning 20% Returns, and Buying Mobile Home Parks with Kevin Bupp on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

The Top 7 Rental Amenities Quality Tenants Want

The more amenities you provide, the more quality tenants you will likely attract. I'd rather pay a bit more for a property and charge a fee for amenities.

View the full article: The Top 7 Rental Amenities Quality Tenants Want on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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3 Factors to Examine When Taking Over a Property with Tenants

existing-tenants

Existing tenants can be good or bad. Whatever the situation, there is a price point and terms that can turn this situation into a good opportunity.

View the full article: 3 Factors to Examine When Taking Over a Property with Tenants on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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When Rusty Water Appears, Find the Source Fast

You count on the water coming from your taps to be clean and clear. So what if the color and taste are suddenly a little off? The culprit could be rust, and depending on the age of your pipes and water heater, it could be coming from inside your house.

There’s also a chance rusty water could stem from your public water supply, especially if you live in an older city that hasn’t refurbished its water system in many decades. But before you even call your local plumber, you can collect a few clues that can point to the source of the problem.

Is It Rust?

It often doesn’t take a laboratory test to determine if the impurity in a water sample is rust. Sufficiently rusty water will have a distinctive metallic odor and a reddish brown appearance. 

The rust particles themselves are oxidized iron, and while they can leave unsightly stains in your porcelain sinks and white linens, they don’t pose a health hazard, according to the University of California. One exception may be people afflicted with a rare disorder called hemochromatosis, which allows the body to accumulate excessive iron levels.

Where Is It Coming From?

The first question is whether the rusty water is originating within your home plumbing system or in the public supply. To investigate, go to the fixture where you first noticed the rusty water and fill a glass with cold water only. Check the sample for rusty odors or coloring, then let the cold water flow for several seconds before checking another sample. Next, run the hot water for several seconds and sample that.

If the rusty water is only present in the hot water supply or if it goes away after several seconds of running water, those are both strong indications that the rust source is in your home. But if you have continuous rusty water in both taps, you should call your local water authority immediately to report the problem.

Your DIY test should also help you further narrow down the source if you find that it’s coming from within your home. If rusty water came from the cold water tap, that indicates a corroding pipe or pipes in your home plumbing system. And if it’s coming only from the hot water tap, that means your water heater is probably rusting out.

What Can I Do?

No matter the cause, the fix comes down to one word: replacement. If an old section of the public water system is rusting out, it’s the public authority’s responsibility to replace those failing pipes. And if the same is happening to the pipes in your home, a qualified plumber can conduct a thorough investigation to identify the rusty pipes and craft a plan to replace them.

If the source is your water heater, replacement is also the recommended route. Once corrosion begins, it will usually progress until the integrity of the tank fails completely. But there is one important thing you can do to avoid your new water heater from suffering the same fate: replace the anode rod every few years.

An anode rod is a long, metal rod that extends into your water heater tank. Its purpose is to attract corrosive particles so they attack the rod and spare the water heater. But the rod itself is eaten away in this process, and when it’s whittled down to its core, there’s nothing stopping those particles from moving on to attack the tank. The lifespan of an anode rod is typically five years, or shorter if you have a water softening system.

Do you need help investigating the source of your rusty water or inspecting your hot water heater to make sure it’s protected? Call your [Link To Franchise] now to request service or ask for more information.



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How Finding Success in Real Estate is a Bit Like Quitting Smoking

smokers-in-rentals

The key is to desire the path, not the outcome. There is no destination of "success" in life, just as there is no destination of being a "nonsmoker."

View the full article: How Finding Success in Real Estate is a Bit Like Quitting Smoking on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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Things You Need To Know Before a Bathroom Remodel

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Renovations are always exciting. Yes, you might have to spend a lot. But if the work is excellently done, then you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. Remember to take note of the following things before you proceed on your project.

Image Source: Flickr

Consider these master bath must-haves
Sharing with your sweetie is simpler when you’ve made space for these features.

  1. Toilet room:Gives this area privacy; best if it’s got a door.
  2. Separate shower stall:Lets bathers and shower-takers clean up simultaneously.
  3. Dual workstations:Place double sinks 36 inches apart or more, measured drain to drain, so that you’ll have elbow room. Give each sink enough outlets and lighting, as well as mirror, countertop, and storage space.
  4. Wide pathways:Traffic lanes 36 to 42 inches wide allow two people to pass each other without having to squeeze by. Source: ThisOldHouse

Don’t make the toilet the first thing you see when open the door
Ask a bathroom designer what his or her best tried and true tip is, and this is what you’re likely to hear. The reasoning is simple. Oftentimes bathroom doors get left open, meaning that you or any guest in your home walking by will see the toilet — which, come on, isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing thing to look at. If you’re hoping for a spa-like vibe, putting the john front and center in the design can sort of kill the mood as you’re transitioning into the room. So, what should you make the focal point? Anything but the toilet. Source: Houzz

The golden rules of bathroom renovations

  • Draw up a clear plan of the room to remodel, and make it to scale. This will be a great reference not only for you, but also for your subcontractors.
  • Estimate the approximate total cost of your renovation beforeyou begin your work. This includes quotes from workers, for materials, new fixtures (bath, shower, toilet, and faucets), furniture, decor and lighting.
  • Ask for at least two or three quotes from different workers.
  • Shop around for your bathroom fixtures. You’d be surprised how much you can save.
  • Prepare yourself for surprises and extra expenses along the way, especially if you decide to open up the space and remove walls.
  • Do not touch a load bearing wall without first consulting with an expert. Source: Yellowpages

Find top of the line fixtures that will surely fit in your new bathroom. Call us today!

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

The post Things You Need To Know Before a Bathroom Remodel appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.



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3 Benefits of Home Automation

Living in a smart house may sound luxurious but the benefits are definitely worth the investment. Get to know how home automation can positively affect your daily routine by checking out the following:

Image Source: Flickr

It’s Energy Efficient
Having precise control over the power used as well as the temperature can ensure that your home is more energy efficient. This is why smart homes are a part of the appliances that you can use to be more environmentally conscious in your home. Depending on the system that you have in your home, it can suggest energy efficient settings. Source: Property24

Increases Peace of Mind
Perhaps this benefit will not apply to everyone, but for those who habitually worry about whether or not they have taken care of everything at home before leaving for the day, a home automation system is a perfect investment. In short, it offers peace of mind. This is quite beneficial for those individuals who leave each day, obsessively worrying if everything is in order. With so many stresses in daily life, it is nice to take at least one off the list by being able to see what is going on at home without physically being there. Source: Freshome

Convenient
Convenience is one of the biggest reasons that people build and purchase smart homes. These homes give users remote access to systems including heating and cooling systems, intercoms, music and multimedia devices throughout the home. Integrated hard drives allow homeowners to watch video or listen to audio in any room; video intercoms make it easy to communicate with others in the home or visitors at the door. All of these smart home technologies streamline common tasks. Source: HomeGuides.SFGate

Can you imagine how convenient it would be to have automated window treatments? It’s entirely possible! For more information, call us today!

 

Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988

The post 3 Benefits of Home Automation appeared first on Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters.



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Tuesday, September 26, 2017

The Ultimate Guide to Investing in Condos and Townhomes

Contrary to what you might hear, investing in condos and townhomes CAN be profitable. Learn everything you need to know in this 2,500+ word article!

View the full article: The Ultimate Guide to Investing in Condos and Townhomes on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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I Almost Bought Properties at Auction: Here’s What Stopped Me

auction-property

Buying properties at auction seems like a great way to snag an awesome deal -- but do these deals' numbers always add up? Take a closer look here.

View the full article: I Almost Bought Properties at Auction: Here’s What Stopped Me on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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8 Problems I Look for When Shopping for Rental Properties

Yes, you read that correctly. When looking for a rental property, I want to find problems that I can fix that will help me get a better deal.

View the full article: 8 Problems I Look for When Shopping for Rental Properties on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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Monday, September 25, 2017

Breakdown of a $30k Rental Purchase: Pre-Renovation [Video!]

pre-renovation

I acquired this deal through a postcard. Unfortunately, the seller had health issues and couldn't maintain the property. Watch the video to learn more!

View the full article: Breakdown of a $30k Rental Purchase: Pre-Renovation [Video!] on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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5 Ways the Real Estate Industry Will Completely Transform Over the Next Decade

real-estate-investing-easy

Real estate agents: Will your jobs become obsolete over the next 10 years? Learn 5 ways this industry could change -- and how to change with it!

View the full article: 5 Ways the Real Estate Industry Will Completely Transform Over the Next Decade on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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3 Rent-Paying Methods That Beat Mailed Checks Any Day

Over time, I grew tired of the “my check is lost in the mail” story, so I switched to giving tenants three different options.

View the full article: 3 Rent-Paying Methods That Beat Mailed Checks Any Day on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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Sunday, September 24, 2017

How Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Autobiography Motivated My Pursuit of Financial Freedom

arnold-schwarzenegger

I just finished listening to Total Recall by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Arnold is famous due to movies, but did you know he first made his money in real estate?

View the full article: How Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Autobiography Motivated My Pursuit of Financial Freedom on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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How to Evaluate A-Class, B-Class, and C-Class Properties

know-submarkets

What differentiates the different asset classes in real estate? Learn how to identify and evaluate A, B, and C-class neighborhoods here.

View the full article: How to Evaluate A-Class, B-Class, and C-Class Properties on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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Saturday, September 23, 2017

How Time Consuming is Owning Long-Term Turnkey Rentals?

Does the promise of passive income actually match the reality of owning turnkey rental properties long term? One landlord weighs in.

View the full article: How Time Consuming is Owning Long-Term Turnkey Rentals? on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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The Ultimate Guide on Raising Rent

rental-property-pros

Raising rent can be a delicate balance. Here are some important factors when deciding whether to up your tenants' monthly payment.

View the full article: The Ultimate Guide on Raising Rent on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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5 Ways to Find the Right Tenants for Your Rentals

buy-first-rental-property

You may have found the real estate deal of the century. You may have the best financing available. But if you get the wrong tenant, you can lose it all.

View the full article: 5 Ways to Find the Right Tenants for Your Rentals on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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Friday, September 22, 2017

Basalt by Pennyfarthing Development Group at QE Park

The Cambie Collection by Pennyfarthing Homes continues its legacy on Vancouver’s West Side with Basalt, with 51 contemporary residences, located on 35th Avenue and Cambie Street right by Queen Elizabeth Park. Marked by refinement, this fourth chapter of the Cambie Story exemplifies Pennyfarthing’s continued commitment to design excellence and quality craftsmanship. Basalt is at the center of Vancouver and will flourish with the dividends provided by the amenities that the Cambie corridor provides. 

Defined by a modernist exterior, these one to three bedroom homes are set within a premier parkside location. The interiors focus on uniting style with functionality, resulting in bright, open floor plans that highlight panoramic views of Q.E. Park and Vancover’s city skyline.

Since 1980, Pennyfarthing Homes focuses on 3 pillars: integrity, reliability and professionalism. They have swiftly fulfilled the home ownership dreams of nearly 3,000 home buyers throughout the Lower Mainland, Washington State, and California. Following on Bennington House, Grayson, and Hawthorne, this is Pennyfarthing’s fourth Cambie Corridor development.

The post Basalt by Pennyfarthing Development Group at QE Park appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.



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Elenore on Fifth by Chard in Mount Pleasant

Exquisitely located on the slopes of Mount Pleasant, Elenore is a boutique collection of 58 modern one, two and three bedroom homes on Fifth and Main. Perfectly situated among the talked-about restaurants, cool galleries, buzz-worthy cafes, curated shops and within walking distance of the Olympic Village, Elenore offers sophisticated living in one of the city’s most dynamic and neighbourhoods.

Townhomes will have a private ground floor patio, while seven second level units will include private decks. There will also be private roof terraces.

 

The post Elenore on Fifth by Chard in Mount Pleasant appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.



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Terraces at the Peak at SFU by Intergulf

In the heart of Metro Vancouver, in UniverCity’s established West Highlands neighbourhood, Terraces at The Peak is well-connected to Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and Coquitlam. Walk or bike the 28 kilometers of trails on Burnaby Mountain, nearby shopping, schools, community centers, and restaurants. This 13-storey concrete structure will have 117 homes from studios to 3-bedroom condos and townhomes. Locate at the top of Burnaby Mountain, residences will have spectacular views of the lower mainland.

The collection of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom condos and townhomes exemplify Intergulf’s commitment to intelligent design. Every facet of the homes is meticulously configured to emphasize space, light, and functionality. An open-concept layout in conjunction with expansive windows invite natural light to flow generously throughout the home, and illustrate the dramatic views stretching across the horizon. A limited selection of homes feature lock-off suites to provide you with flexibility or secondary income.

The post Terraces at the Peak at SFU by Intergulf appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.



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7 Steps I Took to Land My First House Hack (& Rent it Out) With Ease

buy-flip

I did it! I got through the highly feared “analysis paralysis” stage and closed on my first deal. How was it? Easy as pie.

View the full article: 7 Steps I Took to Land My First House Hack (& Rent it Out) With Ease on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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Security Matters: Why Attracting Tenants Is About More Than Service

When it comes to recruiting top-quality residents, a nice property isn't all that matters. Here's why cyber security is so important.

View the full article: Security Matters: Why Attracting Tenants Is About More Than Service on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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How I Bought a Fixer-Upper Fourplex for $1 Down: A BRRRR Case Study

brrrr-one-dollar-down

Most low and no-money-down real estate stories are vague & unattainable. Learn the DETAILED true story of how an investor landed a 4-plex for just $1 here!

View the full article: How I Bought a Fixer-Upper Fourplex for $1 Down: A BRRRR Case Study on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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Thursday, September 21, 2017

7 Situations That Cause Investors to Pivot ( & How to Play the Cards You’re Dealt)

cards

Markets shift, our personal lives change. In short, I've learned it's much better to play the hand you're dealt than to stubbornly stick to a strategy.

View the full article: 7 Situations That Cause Investors to Pivot ( & How to Play the Cards You’re Dealt) on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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5 Reasons to Utilize Your Equity & How to Safely Invest It

How to safely utilize the equity in your properties, combined with other investing strategies, to build wealth without taking on unnecessary risks.

View the full article: 5 Reasons to Utilize Your Equity & How to Safely Invest It on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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BiggerPockets Podcast 245: Creating Wealth that Lasts Generations with Bestselling Author Ryan Holiday

Show 245

Are you in this business to make a quick buck—or are you looking to build generational wealth for you and your family? If the latter is true for you, don’t miss a moment of this powerful show with bestselling author Ryan Holiday. Ryan, best known for his books, such as The Obstacle Is the Way: [...]

View the full article: BiggerPockets Podcast 245: Creating Wealth that Lasts Generations with Bestselling Author Ryan Holiday on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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Wednesday, September 20, 2017

How the “Second Wave of Suburbanization” Will Change Housing Markets as We Know Them

second-wave-suburbanization

Ready for a confession? Last week, I covered the collapse of rents in top-tier cities across the country. It was a data-driven piece, and I was originally planning a follow-up as a snarky op-ed about how housing activists will miss Millennial gentrification when all the Millennials move back out to the suburbs. But I decided [...]

View the full article: How the “Second Wave of Suburbanization” Will Change Housing Markets as We Know Them on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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5 Lessons We Can Learn From the Cautionary Tale of the Unhappy Mobile Home Seller

remain-in-mobile-home

Let this story be an example for us all. People can agree to almost anything—but contracts need to be there when those agreements don't hold up.

View the full article: 5 Lessons We Can Learn From the Cautionary Tale of the Unhappy Mobile Home Seller on The BiggerPockets Blog. This content is Copyright © 2017 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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Common Causes of Toilet Clogs

Inadvertently clogging the toilet -- or discovering too late that it’s already clogged -- is one of the more embarrassing plumbing mishaps. And it can also be a tricky one to address because there are so many potential causes.

The good news is that most toilet clogs can be avoided altogether with an ounce of prevention, and many more can be cleared up with just a minute or two of vigorous plunging. But for those other, more difficult causes, you may need to call upon your local plumbing pro.

Here are a few of the most common reasons why your toilet might be clogged:

You Flushed the Wrong Stuff

The toilet is for disposing of human waste and toilet paper -- and that’s it. You’re taking a risk whenever you flush anything outside of those parameters, like tissues, cotton balls, cotton swabs, dental floss, feminine products or diapers. If these things get caught somewhere in the drain line, they won’t break down and move on like toilet paper can. So resist the urge to flush anything else, and if you have children in the home who might be tempted, be sure to talk to them about what’s flushable.

A Jam in the Trap

All drain pipes have something called a trap -- a u-shaped bend in the pipe that remains filled with water. That water acts as an important barrier against foul odors that might otherwise waft into a home from the sewer line. Your toilet’s trap is great at getting this job done, but unfortunately, that bend in the pipe also makes a good place for a clog to develop. Even if you’ve been careful about what you flush, something like using too much toilet paper can create a clog there.

Ineffective Flapper

If you take the lid off your toilet tank, you should see a round rubber gasket at the bottom. This is the flapper, and it opens during flushing to allow the water in the tank to flush down into the bowl. If the flapper doesn’t open fully, you may get a weak flush, which can cause clogs by failing to push the contents of the bowl far enough down the drain pipe. This is easy to fix -- the flapper is usually attached to the flush arm with an adjustable chain, so move the chain a few links to shorten it and try a test flush.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Water-conscious homeowners have been buying low-flow toilets for years, but the early versions weren’t as powerful as the ones you can buy today. And just as with the flapper example above, the first low-flow toilets may not always flush hard enough to push the contents through. If you’re consistently having trouble with one of these models, it may be time to consider an upgrade.

Hit the Roof

When your toilet won’t flush, it’s possible that the clog isn’t in the drain pipe, but in the toilet’s vent. Plumbing fixtures typically vent to a home’s roof to allow fresh air into the plumbing system, where it replaces the vacuum of air created when water drains. When this vent becomes clogged with leaves or debris, it can cause slow, gurgling or stopped drains, even in the toilet. This job is best handled by a professional, because the vent will need to be cleared out from the rooftop opening.

Down the Line

If the source of the problem isn’t in the toilet, the drain pipe or the vent, it must be in the sewer line. This is often a worst-case scenario if a problem occurs in a section of sewer pipe located under private property, because it often involves digging up the yard and racking up several hours of labor. Sewer line problems aren’t always caused by what’s flowing through the pipes; tree roots can put pressure on these lines over time, leading to a break. To find out what’s going on in the sewer line, request a camera inspection from your local plumber.

A toilet clog isn’t the end of the world, but if you don’t know the cause or can’t clear it on your own, help is only a phone call away at your [Link To Franchise].



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The 6 Best Things You Can Do to Prep Your Home for Hurricane Season

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With your home protected, you don’t have to worry about anything but your personal safety, which is the most important thing during a massive storm.

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Tuesday, September 19, 2017

How Finding the Right Accountant Can Save You Money

When is the best time to hire an accountant? And how can you get the most out of yours once you hire one? Take some advice from a seasoned real estate pro.

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5 Reasons the Midwest is Hands Down the Best Place to Invest

With real estate costs rising in most major U.S. cities, finding a good real estate deal seems impossible. Unless, that is, you're looking in the Midwest.

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Two Ways to Force Appreciation with Turnkey Rental Properties

Forcing appreciation on turnkey property gives you the best of both worlds, cash flow and appreciation. Here are two different ways to accomplish this.

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Keep Your House Warm Using These Simple Tips

Can you feel the air getting chillier by the day? Autumn is just around the corner and soon enough it’s going to be a winter wonderland. Make your home feel comfy despite the cold weather by following these tips:

Image Source: Flickr

Position your furniture in the warm
How warm you feel in a room depends on where you are, even though air temperature is the same throughout. You will feel warmer if you position yourself closer to the inside of the house because the cold external walls are further away. So try and place your furniture next to an internal wall.

If your desk is up against an external wall so you can look out of the window your legs will tend to get cold, though you can reduce this effect by leaning a cardboard sheet against the wall. If the head of your bed is next to a cold external wall you will be prone to getting a stiff neck, though you can counter this somewhat by using a solid headboard. The best solution, of course, is a four-poster bed, but most bedrooms just aren’t big enough. Source: TheConversation

Clear outside walls by day, and reinforce them at night
During the day, you want as much sun as possible hitting your dwelling. The sun provides plenty of natural warmth to the walls. On the other hand, at night, you should lean things against your walls to add extra barriers between you and the cold. Source: Lifehack

Cover your windows
Stop the heat from escaping by investing in lined curtains that will help insulate your windows, trapping heat inside. If you already have curtains, you can simply add your own lining to the inside. For maximum effectiveness, make sure your curtains reach the floor and consider a pelmet to cover the space between the window and the curtain. Blinds and shutters will also work, especially if they sit close to the windows. Source: InsideOut

Want a cool energy-saving tip? Use the best window treatments that can help retain the warmth in your home longer. Find out more by calling us today!

 

Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988

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Monday, September 18, 2017

Airbnbing: Questions to Ask to Navigate Cities & HOAs

Most cities lack specific short-term-rental laws. Here's what to ask your HOA and local government before taking the plunge.

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Here’s Why You Need to Set Up Passive Income Now

Why is passive income such a big deal? It changes the dynamics of your income and expenses. Here, 5 reasons you need to set yourself up with passive income.

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5 Not-So-Great Aspects of Real Estate Investing

wholesaling-mistake

I love rental property investing. But it’s not always fun, and I want any potential investor to know both the positives and negatives before jumping in.

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Sunday, September 17, 2017

House Hacking? Consider These Factors First

House hacking can be a great means for getting into a home. But before you jump into it, please evaluate these downsides.

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How to Find Your First Real Estate Wholesale Deal

With wholesaling, there is a strategy that allows you to circumnavigate the market's murky waters. Here's how to find wholesales on and offline.

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Saturday, September 16, 2017

Here’s Why I’ll Never Sell My Multifamily Investment Properties

I’m not just thinking about how to make money next month, hit a goal this year, or get rich in five. My eye is on the long game. Here's why.

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Why Credit Scores Matter & How to Improve Them

Credit scores are powerful indicators of creditworthiness, especially when applying for mortgages, credit cards, auto loans, or when renting real estate.

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The 10 Most Common Rental Repairs You’ll Encounter

common-repairs

Treat each of these items with care and address them immediately. Your tenant and your wallet will definitely both thank you.

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