Make it Modern

Lots of new-build homes on the market are cool and modern, so everyone wants to move in with them. These new-builds are filled with technology and are designed a lot cooler than old homes. Though the problem is, not everyone can afford to buy a new home when they want to. Even selling your current home and buying a new one can be a long and tricky task. So, is the dream of living in an ultra-modern home will stay a dream? Maybe you can try and make what you have more modern? Here are some easy and affordable ways to bring your old home into the 21^st century.

 

Install Solar Panels

Years ago, scientists discovered renewable energy sources such as solar panels. And with this being encouraged, it’s the most popular renewable energy resource for homeowners. Installing solar panels on your home is an easy and convenient way to do some good for the environment. Plus, it also happens to make your home seem far more modern. They’re obviously very useful, but solar panels are also a contemporary piece of home design. Most new-build have them already installed because it helps sell houses fast and it’s considered chic and new.

Well, now, the good news is, any home can have solar panels installed. And, the process doesn’t take long and they don’t require regular maintenance. This can improve the “WOW” appeal and save you tons of money in the future. This is a must for those who are planning to live in your home for many years to come.

 

Make it a Smart Home

We have smartphones, smart TVs and now, we have smart homes too. A smart home is the expression of modern real estate. It can turn a simple house into a futuristic palace. These homes can do wonderful/useful things that normal homes can’t. You link everything in your house to a hub that will control certain things from a tablet device. For example, you can set your house to be at a particular temperature during the day. You can operate all your lights from the tablet and will be notified if they’re left on when you’re out. Possibilities are endless! It’s still new and creators are still looking for a way to improve it. Nowadays, some of the newest homes come with this technology built in for the owner. Don’t worry, a house of any age can easily buy and set up this upgrade inside their house. If you’re able to control everything in your home, then you can make it more energy efficient. And by doing this, you may feel the reduction in energy bills over time.

 

Installing an Underfloor Heating

It’s a growing trend in modern real estate to have these underfloor heating in your home. This heating system will replace the age-old method of having radiators. It’s very popular amongst modern property owners looking to keep their home in line with the times. It will greatly improve the interior design of your home. No longer will rooms be ruined by ugly dust-ridden radiators. Everything is tucked away under the floor and creates more space for you to work with.

Underfloor heating isn’t only aesthetically pleasing, it’s even far more efficient than radiators. This can help reduce the costs of your heating bills, and save you lots of money. Remember those times that the old radiators can be notoriously hard to clean? It’s nearly impossible to get behind them and clear out all the dust build up. And so, with underfloor heating, this problem is void. As a result, you end up with a much cleaner home!

 

Update Your Security System

Surprising as it seems, many people never update their security system. People have been living in the same house for decades and haven’t changed it even once. The problem is, everything, even security systems change. New technology gets created and modern homes are fitted with contemporary systems. Those old and outdated system can make your house feel ancient. A good advice here is to update your security system and get loads of new stuff fitted.

There are house alarms that are a lot more reliable and can alert the authorities of a break-in, instantly. There are new motion sensor technologies that can tell you when people are sneaking around and outside your house at night. And similarly, you can install CCTV cameras with night vision, to keep the burglars away. The biggest part of every security system is the one on your front gate. This can help you keep unwanted visitors away from your home. If ever you don’t have a gate, then anyone can waltz up to your front door. A good way to do it is to have a big gate in your driveway that’s operated via a button. This way, only people with the button can open and close it. A gate like this can make your house seem super modern and classy.

A new security system has its benefits. Not only will it make your house a lot more modern, but it will be safer too. Your home won’t be at risk of burglaries if you have a new security system installed. You and your family can live in peacefully without being in fear.

 

All of these ideas will benefit you in multiple ways. And, they’re all going to add some serious value to your property. So, if you ever have to sell your house, you’re going to get a much better price for it than you would’ve before.

 

Source: realtytimes.com. automaticsmarthome.com, underfloorheatingexpert.com, thearklabs.com, wirelessdesignmag.com, dailymail.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, underfloorheatinghq.com, integratedhomesystemsinc.com, securitycameranyc.net, gigaom.com

 

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Improve Your Home Security

To keep our home and family safe, we go an extra mile and it’s a priority that we all share. Nowadays, there are numerous steps we can do to protect our loved ones without costing you a fortune.

 

Change your locks

A properly locked door is your first line of defense against unwanted intruders in your home. Sometimes, we forget to change the locks to our new home when we move in. That means someone might already have the most important thing they need to get into your home: a key. Rekeying your new home is a sensible idea. Security should be your first concern when you move into a house. Most people create spare copies of their keys, so the previous owners likely had a few extra sets that they gave to trusted neighbors, family members, friends or even contractors. Of course, the idea of strangers having access to my home is unsettling. So it’s either you change your locks or rekey them.

 

Upgrade your door security

Hopefully you won’t ever suffer from a break in, but if you have or know someone who has, you’ll know just how unpleasant the experience can be. Not only will you suffer financially but the emotional consequences can be devastating. Fortunately, there are more secure options for your door locks. It’s just quick, cheap and easy. Here are five of the quickest and simplest ways to improve the security of your front door.

1. Install a security strike plate
2. Install longer hinge screws
3. Install a peephole
4. Install a letter box cage
5. Fit a Mortise lock

 

Remove that extra key

It’s time to remove those keys under your welcome mat or in a planter. FBI reports that 12% of break-ins are caused by thieves simply finding your not-so-hidden key. So it is really important to hide your key well. Find an inconspicuous spot in the backyard and stash your spare there. It should be tucked away somewhere that isn’t obviously visible from someone’s standing viewpoint and shouldn’t be anywhere within easy finger-swiping reach. A fake rock could also work, but be sure to put it in an area with other rocks, in the side-yard or backyard, so it doesn’t stand out. You can also place a spare key in a small ziplock bag and hide it under a larger rock or paver stone, step stone, etc. somewhere in the back yard. The point here is, there are lots of possibilities to where you can hide your spare key. Just don’t do anything obvious, and do not hide it near doors themselves (front or back).

 

Use timers

Believe it or not, the most common home security errors are not locking the doors and windows. Leaving a house in complete darkness simply advertise to burglars that you’re out. Use motion sensor lights to attract attention to any passer-by, so any one attempting to break in will be quickly scared off knowing that they can now be seen by others and potentially reported. Have them installed around the entrances of your home and garage to ensure your home is lit when someone is approaching. Timer plugs for lamps have proven to be effective, however given the length of time they have been around; their effectiveness is beginning to diminish over time.

 

Get a dog

According to a study by The University of North Carolina, homes with dogs are likely to be broken into because they bark to create a commotion and can also harm an intruder by biting. Throughout history, one of the main jobs of the domesticated dog has been to protect its owners and guard against unwanted people or animals. While many modern dogs will instinctually act as home guardians, there are specific breeds that are known for possessing the characteristics needed to best ward off unwanted intruders. These breeds are chosen due to their temperament, physical strength, courage, loyalty, and resistance to pain. The top 10 best guard dog breeds according to Nicole Pajer of cesarsway.com – Bullmastiff, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, Komondor, Puli, Giant Schnauzer, German Shepherd, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Kuvasz and Staffordshire Terrier. Some other breeds are also known to be natural family protectors and other make an excellent watchdog.

 

Fake the alarm

Alarms may cost so much, so you can also pretend to have one. According to HGTV, thieves look for an easy mark; making your home look tough to crack will encourage them to move on. You can easily put up security system decals – a clear deterrent – even if you don’t have a system.

 

Install a camera

Your system can be wired or wireless, depending on your budget. Wired cameras are cheaper but wireless ones can be more convenient – although an interrupted internet connection can mean lost footage. You can store images on a hard drive or separate digital recorder. As well as the obvious benefits for your peace of mind, and the help it provides when catching criminals, the security systems can deter potential burglars, keeping your insurance premiums down.

 

Check doors and windows

Are you sure your home is more secure than it is? Double or triple checking your backdoor or guest room window isn’t a bad thing. Eliminate easy access points by shutting doors and windows and locking everything up will cost you nothing.

 

Call the police

There are available police officers everywhere. They can visit your home to give tips on how to make your home more secure, and it also costs nothing.

 

 

Eliminate hiding spots

Cut down those shrubs that might become the unwanted element’s hiding spot. According to consumerreports.org, “If your shrubbery is too tall, bushy, or not well spaced, you’re providing a nice hiding spot for a potential burglar. Trim and prune plantings.”

 

 

 

Source: realtytimes.com, kwikset.com, advancedkey.com, theultimatelock.com, lightswitchtimer.co.uk, cesarsway.com, simplisafe.com, itstactical.com
For your Anchorage Alaska home hunting, please check out our site.

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Tricks for a Better Apartment Living

Looking for an apartment can be downright stressful, and living in one isn’t always a breeze either. There are those noisy neighbors to strict/horrible landlords and constricted spaces. Having these tricks up your sleeve will make it extraordinary.

 

Find the Perfect Pad

Of course, the first step is for you to find a good apartment. You need to do the research (and patience) and know what you really need in an apartment. This way, you should be able to find a nice apartment in the neighborhood you want. There are search tools you can use to get everything started, and make sure you have a checklist of the most important questions while you’re at it.

You can use the following search tools for your apartment hunting:

1. HotPads
2. Craigslist
3. PadMapper
4. Apartments.com
5. MyApartmentMap

 

Cultivate a Good Relationship with your Landlord

You should consider the type of landlord you’ll be dealing with. Once you’ve picked a type that works best for your particular situation, it’s time to do a little research. The very best source of information on a particular property is other tenants. And make an effort to get to know your landlord before signing the lease. Ask questions about them and their philosophy on property management. This is for you to avoid any conflicts or future problems. Get everything in writing, documentation of the condition of the unit, and know your rights on the property. But if you’ve had a series of bad landlords, it’s worth considering that you might actually be the problem.

 

Save on Rent (and Moving Costs)

Many landlords are willing to negotiate on the price, as long as you’re not competing with a bunch of other tenants. You can try negotiating for the other fees like pets fees or parking fees since the actual rent cost is quite complicated. If you’re looking to save money on moving costs and your monthly rent, you might want to look for apartments during the winter months. Moving in winter sucks but this season is notoriously slow for apartment hunting, so landlords who are looking to fill units will be open to negotiating monthly rent amounts. The only downside of apartment hunting during this time is limited availability. But if you’re a little picky, it might be better for you to search in either spring or summer because you’ll have more options although you won’t be able to save that much money.

 

Upgrade It (Temporarily)

One of the major downsides of apartment living is that you can’t upgrade a lot of things as you’d like. You may not do much but you can create a lot of temporary upgrades that can make things look a little nicer and work better for you. Better talk to your landlord before working on a bigger upgrade because it may be okay for them especially if it could benefit them in the long run.

 

Ease Roommate Tension

Having a roommate to share with the rent is a good thing but there are also some whole new things to deal with. Like the dividing of expenses, and having to share close quarters of living space. There’s an application you can use like Splitwise, or maybe set some ground rules (phone, smoking, visitors and cleaning) that you both agree on. You need to be able to respect each other, try to be considerate, keep it all clean and don’t ever get your hands on each others stuffs (unless they’ve given you the go signal). If everything fails, it’s either you deal with it, have a sit down conversation with your roommate, or simply leave the room just to help keep the tensions from getting too high.

 

Deal with Noisy Neighbors

In an apartment, your walls are somewhat like “paper-thin”. A simple conversation of your neighbor may seem like they’re in your own apartment. Some neighbors are prone to loud music, lovemaking, or playing dance revolutions in the wee hours, you obviously have some problems. You need to have a conversation with them but first try to ask and talk with the management. Or simply fill out a complaint form and slip it under their door too. Just make sure that you’re not the noisy neighbor.

 

Avoid the Dreaded Rent Increase

Having a good rent at the start doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Many landlords increase rent all the time, and if you’re not prepared, you’d end up paying more next year than you did this year. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid it. Make sure to check if it’s legal for them to do so. If you’re a good tenant and argue to that point, your landlord will be willing to negotiate so not to lose you. You could also offer to pay additional rent upfront (for maybe 3 months instead of just 1), or help repair or repaint the apartment, or volunteer to help with tasks that either the owner of the property would have to do or pay someone else to do. You can also offer to sign a longer lease which can get your landlord forget about the rent increase. Or just write a letter, explain your circumstances and be completely honest. Just be sure to be kind and polite when going about this.

 

Save on Energy Costs

There are simple tricks and minor adjustments to the way you operate your appliances for you to drive your energy costs down.

If you have a central air conditioning and/or heat, check the vents in your home. Some believe that closing vents can reduce energy consumption by preventing the need to cool or heat a particular room but it’s all wrong as this will actually raise your energy costs. These vents are also the air filters to keep dirt, dust, and other unwanted crap from blowing throughout your home. Filters should be replaced monthly or they’ll prevent ideal airflow.

Cutting costs on laundry just takes a little effort. You can simply stop using heat whenever possible, pack the right amount of clothing into the machines, and tackle the task at night (for non-peak hours discounted rate).

Dishwashers requires some heat to do a good job. Part of the cleaning process requires a bit of hot water. Reducing energy consumption with your dishwasher utilizes the same tactics as your laundry machines. Primarily, that means you need to reduce the amount of heat you use to load the machine as effectively as possible. The placement of the washables are also important.

Better watch out for the following appliances as this could have a significant impact than others: modern video game consoles (ex. Xbox 360, PS3), electric kettles, always-on desktop computers and television sets most especially those with plasma-based displays.

Just make sure you check with your landlord before you start tearing anything apart or sealing up the doors and windows.

 

Make it Feel Like Home

There are restrictions to repainting the apartment, installing a new carpet, or to making any other permanent changes but you can still try to customize it and make it feel like home without pissing off your landlord.

The easiest thing to do is make a wall more interesting by putting up some framed photos. You can make fun with it and put them up in different ways. You can create a photo collage where you just stick the photos on the wall with a wall-safe adhesive or tape for you not to damage the paint on the wall. You can also use cork bulletin boards and pin the photos to the wall or you can create your own cork board picture frames.

A great alternative is applying Vinyl Wall  Stickers. They’re almost residue-free when you remove them, and they’re thin so they almost look like they’re painted on the wall. It’s easy to apply and there are plenty of great designs.

 

Use your Space Wisely

We hear this all the time. Sometimes, the solution is to get rid of things you don’t need, but other times you have to keep a bunch of stuff in a small space.

You can use command hooks to hang objects. This will allow you to hang things from your walls without creating any unnecessary holes, and they’re removed quite easily.

You can also use bed risers to boost under-the-bed storage. This could add several inches to the space underneath your bed. You can use the space to store things that you want to keep handy but don’t need regular access to.

Hang storage racks over doors can do too. You can use them for hanging cables, growing herbs, or even storing bathroom supplies. A shoe organizer is perfect for storing all the various lotions, creams, and bottles that would otherwise be sprawled across the counter.

Use tension rods to hang cleaning supplies. Tension rods add extra storage to cabinets and closets which can give you a place to store your spray bottles and wash cloths. This could also help in your closet. If you have space for it, you can create a second clothing rod to hang more clothing, or just belts, scarves, and anything light. Just make sure to leave room for any important clothes to hang loosely so they can de-wrinkle after the wash.

You could also buy a projector instead of a television. It can provide a high quality entertainment system while taking up comparatively little space. You can mount them to the ceiling while mounting the screen to the wall. This cuts down the space normally dedicated to an entertainment unit.

Use magnets on everything. You can use these to adhere nail clippers, hair clips, and other grooming tools inside of your medicine cabinet to save up space on the shelves.

Just remember to use your vertical space when you don’t have horizontal space, especially when it’s easily out of sight.

 

Source: lifehacker.com, slipstick.com.au, futonland.com, decoholic.org, forrent.com, telegraph.co.uk, suitcasestories.com, hercampus.com, buzzfeed.com, rent.com, pdlankovsky.com, rhtenergy.com, etsy.com, telegraphindia.com

 
For your Anchorage Alaska home hunting, please check out our site.

Or contact the best agent in town,

And don’t forget to:

and

Thank you for taking time to read my blog.

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