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Easy Ways to Increase The Value Of Your Home

The housing market has been holding a roller coaster forever. It has among the most significant investments most men and women will make, and they would like to make sure it pays off. But what will you do to ensure that your home maintains its value?

Investing in your house is among the best investments you can make. Housing costs are constantly rising, and it is not unusual for homeowners to see their property value double or perhaps even triple over time.

Fortunately, you will find several strategies to do this! This article will discuss several of the most widely used methods that are effective for increasing a property’s value by any property manager.

Why Is the Worth of Your home Significant?

Home value is crucial for reasons that are many. Whether you are seeking to sell your property of yours or want it to be truly worth much more, there are many activities that you can do to boost your home’s appeal and make sure the resale price of it is relatively high.

When folks buy a home, they know exactly how much their monthly mortgage payment will cost them; however, when homeowners try to sell their property of theirs, they have to know what buyers will pay them after all expenses have been covered.

Essentially speaking, the importance of a house is a cost that a buyer and a homeowner agree on. Additionally, it indicates real estate market performance in a particular geographic area. Property value is used by investors and individuals planning to purchase residential properties. For instance, if prices go up, the future return may also go up, guaranteeing a good investment.

When it concerns selling a property, the bigger its value is, the more apt the chances are that you will have the ability to sell your home immediately and for top dollar. A more excellent value can help buyers since they may feel like there is less risk in buying a house if prices rise over time – that means sellers will be prepared to offer much better deals because of increased competition.

Methods To Increase your Home Value

Add a new coat of paint

 If you intend to improve your home value fast, think about a brand-new paint job for your house. When individuals walk into new homes, they’re usually astonished by how airy and open it feels compared to older houses with different color schemes or textures.

Even if you will not be selling shortly, painting remains an affordable way to makeover any room of your living without breaking the bank!

Use landscaping for better curb appeal

If you are keen on increasing the curb appeal of your property, then adding some trees, plants, and flowers can help. Not simply will this ensure it is a lot better for all those that see your property of yours at first chance, but potential customers might also appreciate a good yard for them to experience.

Buy energy-efficient home appliances

If you wish to boost the value of your home, then think about all of the items that may improve its energy efficiency.

This includes everything from appliances and insulation to windows, lighting, and heating/AC systems. Several of these features might be quite a little more costly than others. Nevertheless, they are well worth investing in for potential savings over time and increasing the marketability for any potential buyers.

Increase value with an updated kitchen

Kitchens are among the most crucial and often used rooms in a house. They have to be comfortable and inviting – this may not entirely be how it looked when you initially moved in! Buyers generally look for contemporary kitchens with updated appliances; therefore, if your medicine cabinet is outdated or old, buyers may wish for brand new ones before agreeing to buy your home.

This’s precisely why updating your kitchen of yours can raise property values considerably, even when renovations are not extensive. You can quickly freshen your kitchen’s appearance by adding new flooring or countertops or perhaps even by simply painting your cabinets.

Increase storage Insufficient storage space can be considered a big turn-off for buyers. When you do not have space to keep adding things like sports equipment, furniture, or toys, the odds are high that it’ll drastically reduce your home’s value!

Buyers often require multiple garages too. If your house is small and does not fit much, consider expanding by adding a second floor, renovating an attic into usable square footage, or extending the building. While this could be a pricy enterprise, you can think about saving up or perhaps investing some money in stocks. There’s a great list of stock trading apps to get, so you will have the ability to generate funding quickly.

Prioritize safety Buyers want to feel safe wherever they live

This’s precisely why adding new locks, security systems, window bars, or perhaps deadbolts can help improve your property value even if you are not thinking about selling anytime soon.

Security features like these also make the home a lot better for buyers looking for a location free of crime and possible theft; it might be plenty of incentive to think about purchasing your home instead of another option!

Conclusion

When it comes to increasing the importance of your home of yours, you will find a variety of things you can do. Think about investing in these methods in case you are looking for ways to boost the value of your house of yours when selling!

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The History of Glass in Art and Architecture

Historical records show glass was discovered in 3500 B.C. It featured prominently in Egypt and Assyria. This type of glass was mad-made, differing from naturally formed glass such as obsidian.

Nature’s Glass

If you know anything about the rock cycle, then you’re probably familiar with obsidian. But, did you know it is classified as a naturally occurring glass that forms from lava? When lava cools outside of a volcano, it forms obsidian, a dark black or green glass. It can be cut to have sharp edges, which made it an ideal material for weapons and tools. Due to its composition, obsidian is not a rock, mineral, or crystal.

How Humans Made Ancient Glass

In ancient Mesopotamia, a glass called faience was made using sand quartz and plant ash. Each material would be crushed into fine powders and heated until it became molten. Glassworkers cooled the faience, crushed it, and added pigment before reheating it in a mold at a higher temperature than before. The faience would once again become molten and fill the shape of the mold. After cooling, the mold would be broken away from the glass, leaving the finished product behind.

Use of Ancient Glass

Glass jewelry dates back 3,000 years, with beads being the most popular finished product documented. The Romans and Egyptians used faience glass to produce beads, and eventually the use of glass in jewelry evolved centuries later to include watch coverings.

Glass vessels (vases, glasses, pitchers) were one of the first practical uses of ancient glassblowing. These pieces of art would be painted or etched to showcase designs by the artist. Glassblowing grew in popularity throughout the Middle Ages, and stained glass techniques were introduced.

Glassblowing

Glassblowing is the art of forming molten glass by blowing air through a metal pipe. It dates back to the 1st century. Rotating the pipe, adjusting the amount of air used, and manipulating the molten glass with tools helped produce different shapes when the glass cooled.

Stained Glass

As glass workers hones their skills, they developed windows made of colored glass. Stained glass windows were most commonly used in churches and government buildings, and they often depicted scripture references.

The glass for these windows was traditionally colored using metallic salts, with different pieces being used similarly to a mosaic, coming together to form a bigger picture. The different glass pieces are fused together with lead pieces to create the entirety of the window.

Stained glass windows can also be painted before being fired in a kiln, or a silver nitrate stain could be applied to color the glass before firing. Thanks to the heat of the kiln, these applications can penetrate the glass enough that they are almost 100% permanent.

Modern Glass Making

Glass can also be made from heating sand, soda ash, and limestone. Once this mixture is molten, it can be formed using a blowpipe, molds, and tools. Today, we can even recycle existing glass and use it to make something new. Additives such as iron, boron oxide, and lead can change the appearance and strength of glass, giving it different colors and heat-proofing properties.

The History of Glass in America

While these forms of glass art and their use in structures date back centuries, more modern applications of glass in art and architecture are attributed to the invention of plate glass in the 13th century. Known as broad sheet back then, it was introduced in Sussex, England. Glass production in America wouldn’t occur until settlers reached the east coast in the 1600s, and plate glass wouldn’t be used until the late 1830s for shop windows and public buildings.

Although colonists in the 1600s were capable of producing their own glass, resources were limited and they ended up importing most of the glass they needed from England. It wasn’t until 1739 that a glass company, owned and operated by Caspar Wistar, found success in New Jersey. At this time, glass was still expensive, so few people had glass bottles, art, or tableware. 

Middle-class households in the 1800s had more access to glass products once the pressing method was invented. This process involved the use of molds to form the glass, and it was less costly to produce than hand-cut glass. Streamlining production made glass less time-consuming to create, and the savings were passed on to the colonists.

Throughout the 1800s, glass in America was used to create candlestick holders, lamps, glassware, bottles, and various art. It was also used to make lightbulbs in the late 1800s thanks to Thomas Edison’s findings on electricity. Also during this glass was only used in small sheets for architectural purposes; which is why stained glass windows were comprised of multiple small panels soldered together with lead. Also, since glass lacked strength at this time, diamond-paned windows were common in homes.

Glass in the 1900s

Sheet glass machines were developed in 1902 by Irving W. Colburn, and in 1904 Michael Owens patented a glass bottle maker. Industrial machines made mass production possible and continued to make glass items more affordable for consumers. Also, this glass was stronger and made it possible for windows to feature larger panes of glass.

Glass as a medium for art gained in popularity in the 1900s as well. Yes, glass had been used to make ornate sculptures, intricate jewelry, and other decorative items before, but now it was more accessible to artists. Instead of having to work in factories that produced glass, artists could work with their own small furnaces to heat their materials and form glass.

By the 1960s, cameo glass had another moment in the spotlight. Originating in ancient Rome, artists of the ‘60s began once again incorporating etched layers of glass in their work. Due to widespread interest in studio glass art (versus factory-made, mass-produced glass), universities began offering programs of study related to glass.

As we have put glass to the test over the years, it has gone from a luxury for the rich to something accessible to all. Our homes have glass windows, glass shower enclosures, and even glass as purely decorative elements. Since glass is 100% recyclable, it has become one of the most environmentally friendly building materials.

Famous Buildings Made with Glass

Glass has come a long way since obsidian was hewn into tools and weaponry. Today we have beautiful, iconic buildings around the world that were made with glass.

  • Christ Cathedral/Crystal Cathedral – Garden Grove, California, completed in 1980
  • Louvre Pyramid – 75001 Paris, France, completed in 1988
  • Jardim Botânico de Curitiba (The Botanical Gardenof Curitiba) – Curitiba, Brazil, completed in 1991
  • The Gherkin – 30 St Mary Axe, London, England, completed in 2003
  • Basque Health Department – Bilbao, Spain, completed in 2004
  • The Giant Egg – National Center for Performing Arts, Beijing, China, completed in 2007
  • Aldar Headquarters – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, completed in 2010
  • Philharmonic Hall – Szczecin, Poland, completed in 2014

The next time you pick up your cell phone, roll down the window in your car, or sit back to watch a show after a long day, be grateful for the advancements made with glass throughout the centuries.

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Never Wait to Buy Real Estate

With rising home prices, is now a good time to get involved in real estate development or investments?

A 2020 National Association of Realtors report indicates a 22% increase in home sales compared to 2019. What does that mean for you as a potential investor?

The Best Time to Buy a House Was 5 Years Ago

Although home prices are soaring in this current seller’s market, the low-interest rate trend can help offset the cost of the investment over time. Mortgage interest rates are historically low in 2021. As of July 2021, interest rates were as follows:

  • 30-year fixed-mortgage is averaging an interest rate of 3.03%
  • 15-year fixed-mortgage is averaging an interest rate of 2.31%

To find the best rates when investing in real estate, refer to a mortgage broker. You’ll need to have your current credit score, an idea of what your down payment will be, and an understanding of your debt-to-income ratio. These factors and more can affect your eligibility for a lower interest rate. With properties being snatched up in a matter of days, keeping accurate financial reports can make or break your chances of securing a good mortgage interest rate,. If you don’t have pre-approval for a loan, it can be almost impossible to get all the paperwork in order and make an offer before a property is under contract with someone else.

Why Real Estate is a Good Investment

Investing in real estate is usually better than investing elsewhere, such as in the stock market. No matter how the value of your property changes, eventually it will increase. 

While mortgage interest rates are great right now, costs to build are soaring. With shortages of raw materials and labor, not only does it cost more to build, the projected timelines seem to extend far into the future. In early 2021, we saw the price of lumber increase by 112%; yes, you read that right! 

Thanks to people spending more time than ever in their homes, the desire to remodel or build new has increased demand for supplies, causing prices to soar. That unpredictable trend put the lumber industry in a tailspin because their 2020 projections became wildly inaccurate and they weren’t prepared for the sudden building boom. Add to that the loss of workers due to social distancing practices and it’s hard to tell if the industry will catch up any time soon.

Regardless, if your income is secure, it’s a great time to invest in real estate. With higher demand comes the potential for higher payouts.

Things to Consider When Investing

Just because a property is priced right doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. When you want to purchase a property, be sure you’re looking at it through the eyes of your potential client. Before you buy, consider:

  • Location
  • New Construction vs Existing 
  • Demand for Housing/Business Rentals
  • Residential vs Commercial Property

Your property should be in a desirable location for renters or buyers, and what you invest in should reflect current trends. Are more people looking for new builds or for a property that already exists and is ready to go? Are people looking to rent (potentially from you), or are they more interested in buying for their home or business? Do you want to be a property manager for residential or commercial rentals? 

Top Housing Markets in 2021

Popular locations in 2021 include the following states. However, if you’re not able or interested in property in these areas, talk with a real estate agent to determine what’s hot in your own state, county, or city. Residential versus commercial will also influence where it’s best for you to invest, so take the property’s use into consideration.

  • New Hampshire
  • California
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Indiana
  • Washington state
  • Wisconsin
  • Nevada
  • Massachusetts
  • Connecticut
  • Idaho

How to Get Started in Real Estate Investing

Whether you’re looking to diversify your investment portfolio, or just get started, real estate can be a good route to take. You might invest for future payout, or to supplement your current income now. Whatever the case, how do you get started in real estate investment or development?

Short-Term Vacation Rentals

If you’d like to start small, consider renting a room in your home for short-term vacation rentals. Via Airbnb or VRBO, you could see if acting as a landlord is for you, whether it’s just a room or your whole house. If you already own a second home, it’s a good way to start making it pay for itself by renting it out when you’re not staying there yourself. 

Long-Term Rental Properties

If you’d like to go a more traditional route, you could simply offer up a property you currently own for long-term rentals. Working with a property management company or doing it all yourself, you can earn additional income or at least have the property pay for itself via rental income. 

There are a variety of ways you can set up your rental property; maybe it’s parcelled out room-by-room in a college town or rented as a whole to a family. Maybe you invest in an entire apartment building and manage multiple units; just be sure that whatever you choose to do, you can manage unexpected expenses such as repairs or vacancies.

Real Estate Investment Trusts

Also known as REITs, these trusts are for investors who want to dabble in real estate without actually owning a property. A REIT is created via a trust, during which the investor’s (or investors’, plural) money is used to purchase an income property. These properties can then be sold for a profit. The trust must then pay investors 90% of the taxable profit, thus avoiding income taxes on the sale.

Properties purchased by REITs can include residential and commercial properties, and the transaction doesn’t require a realtor when it comes time to cash out. 

Real Estate Investment Groups

Referred to as REIGs in the business, these groups allow an individual the benefits of owning rental property without having to manage it themselves. REIGs do require capital, but a group of people goes in together like a mutual fund. With the funds, the group can purchase investment properties or build them from the ground up.

One of the benefits of participating in an REIG is that you’ll have rent protection in the event your individual rental unit is unoccupied. The group collectively manages all the units, and a portion of all rents collected are pooled for incidentals.

Online Real Estate Investments

Do you know there are online real estate platforms that can help facilitate the purchase and sale of properties? Capital is procured via crowdfunding, forming a group of investors. You can invest in a single project, or get involved in a whole portfolio. Online access means you’re not limited to a certain locale, and it’s easier to diversify your investments. You do need to meet certain criteria depending on the platform, so do your research to find one that’s the best fit for you.

Flipping Houses

Home renovation shows may make it look easy, but house flipping isn’t for the faint of heart. It can be a great investment, as it often involves purchasing the worst house in the best possible neighborhood. Flipping it gets the house up to snuff so it can compete with comparables and potentially allow you to turn a profit. This can be risky, so it’s important to have a reliable team or partner to help you calculate how much you’ll put into the property, how long it will take, and how much you can list it for when done. 

There are a variety of ways to get involved in real estate investment, no matter what your capital or where you live. 

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A Look a Luxury – Increasing Home Value with Glass

Glass windows in homes became popular and more common in 17th century England. Before then, stained glass windows were often used in the construction of church buildings, but glass windows were not an affordable or practical option otherwise. As result, having glass in ones’ home was a sign of wealth.

Growing Popularity of Windows

Early glass windows did allow light into structures but didn’t always offer a clear view due to the process through which the glass was made. By the 19th century, glass production was streamlined and improved, making better quality glass became more affordable and widely available. 

How Windows Increase Value

Once glass windows become more commonplace, they got more creative in their design and function. They not only let in light but can improve your home’s appearance inside and out. And although the use of glass windows is no longer a definitive sign of one’s social standing, the right use and application can be. 

Here’s how the use of glass in architecture adds monetary and visual value:

  • Improved curb appeal
  • Increased energy efficiency
  • Blocks noise
  • Allows for better natural light indoors
  • Provides privacy (tinting)
  • Increased safety (shatterproof glass)
  • Gives the appearance of more square footage

In addition to these pros, glass is also a renewable resource. It is 100% recyclable and is touted as an eco-friendly design choice. 

Types of Glass Used in Architecture

Did you know that there are different types of glass used for different types of architecture? When remodeling or building new, be sure you know what is best for your space, and what is architecturally consistent with the design of your home or business.

Sheet or Plate Glass  

Doors and windows in homes and commercial buildings use a lot of sheet or plate glass. This glass is formed in panes, which can be cut into various sizes, making it versatile. 

Wired Glass

Think back to your days in school; do you remember seeing windows with small, diamond patterns inside the glass panes? This is wired glass, which is commonly used for interior partitions or windows in fire escapes, hospitals, and schools due to its fire rating.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass has an inner layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), which helps hold layers of glass together in the event it is struck. The PVB creates shatter-resistant glass that is ideal for use in skylights, and homes or offices that need to block noise and UV rays.

Other Window Materials

Once you’ve picked out the type of glass for your windows and doors, be sure the frames they come in are consistent with your design and offer the best performance for your climate.

Window Materials Cost Comparison

  • Aluminum frame – least expensive
  • Vinyl frame
  • Composite frame
  • Wood frame
  • Fiberglass frame – most expensive

You may be tempted to save on the initial cost of your windows by investing in vinyl, but if they end up needing to be replaced sooner than a more expensive material, you end up spending more over time.

Window Styles

Depending on the type of home or office you’re building, you have a variety of windows styles to choose from. If you’re bored of regular rectangular windows, consider adding a flourish with one of the following options.

Single Hung vs Double Hung Windows

A single hung window is one that opens from the bottom, with the bottom half of the window sliding up to meet the top half. Double-hung windows allow you to slide the bottom of the window up to the top, or the top of the window down to the bottom. They offer versatility that single-hung windows don’t.

Casement Windows

Instead of sliding a window up or down, a casement window has a vertical hinge. This allows you to push the window out, or pull it in, to open it. The casement window is operated by a hand crank so you can open and/or close the window for ventilation.

Awning Windows

Also operated by a crank, awning windows open on a horizontal hinge, much like a door. They can be swung open outward, away from the wall of the house by operating the hand crank.

Bay Windows

Three or more connecting windows offer an interesting architectural element in a home or office. The windows form a nook or alcove inside the home, providing picturesque views of the outside from a variety of vantage points. 

Dormer Windows

Like a bay window, a dormer window juts out from the wall of a home (or roofline) to prove a nook inside. Dormer windows are flanked by siding that hits perpendicular to the roof of the home. 

Transom Windows

These serve as a header over doors, or other windows. A transom can complement existing elements of your home, and offer privacy while still letting in light. Traditionally rectangular, you could opt for a transom that is arched, half-round, or “eyebrow” shaped.

No matter the placement, be sure to explore different window shapes, such as gothic, napoleon, pentagon, or even round. 

Interior Glass

According to home renovation expert Bob Vila, there’s about the same return on investment (ROI) whether you add a new tub or a curbless, walk-in shower to your bathroom. So while one over the other may not significantly affect your home value, it’s important to know your buyer demographic or stay true to your home’s current design style. Are homebuyers looking for luxurious soaker tubs, or high-end-looking, glass-surround showers? 

Interior glass in your commercial building whether it be an office, restaurant, or hotel-casino, should send a message to your clientele about your brand. Is your image modern, sleek, futuristic, or simple? Glass interiors can help reinforce your aesthetic and what your business stands for.

Other ways to add value with the use of interior glass:

  • Glass partitions
  • Mirrors
  • Tabletops
  • Lighting
  • Textured or frosted glass accents (doors, windows, partitions)
  • Acoustic glass (noise reducing)

Are Windows Worth the Investment?

The return on investment for windows is estimated at 73.4% for new vinyl. Using wood can garner an ROI of about 70% if you choose to sell your home at some point after the upgrade. Although wood is a more expensive material when installing your windows, vinyl offers more flexibility and, therefore, a higher estimated ROI.

If you don’t plan to sell any time soon, you can still enjoy some extra cash in your pocket thanks to energy-efficient windows. Installing windows that are designed to regulate the temperature of your home can save you up to 30% of your current energy costs. Your furnace and air conditioner won’t have to work so hard to keep your house heated or cooled, and new windows can also offer UV protection for the interior of your home, including your wall paint and furniture.

Getting creative with this renewable design resource can add luxury to your home or business, even if it’s not as rare of a building material as it once was.