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Buying a property is a big financial decision that often affects your quality of life and economic health in the long term.

As a prospective homeowner, it makes perfect sense to want to learn everything you can about the different options available to you.

In the Australian property market, buyers can choose to purchase either house and land packages or buy their own block of land and then build.

The option you choose will depend primarily on your unique situation. However, if you are unsure which is best for you, we have outlined some of the benefits of purchasing a house and land package so you can make a more informed decision.

Saves You Thousands of Dollars

When you purchase both a house and the land together, you only pay stamp duty on the land component of the contract if you have not commenced building yet.

Depending on the location, for a property worth half a million, you would pay a stamp duty ranging between $13,000 to $26,000. You may also need to factor in a builders clean for a new Adelaide property.

However, when purchasing a vacant lot worth $200,000, you only pay anything between $3,500 to $8,500 in stamp duty charges, saving between $10,000 and $17,500.

You may also be eligible for the First Home Owner Grant of up to $10,000 on new homes built in NSW or $20,000 for new homes in Victoria.

In addition, you save on costs of building and other miscellaneous expenses as builders offer better deals to buyers.

More Convenient

There are many moving parts when building a new home. You will need to find and purchase the perfect empty lot for your future home.

Then, there is the gruelling task of interviewing builders and reviewing tens of tenders to hire a contractor.

Let us not mention the bureaucratic bottleneck you may run into while processing all the building permits required by law.

And, then there are the tradespeople to deal with. The bottom line, it is stressful to custom build your home.

On the other hand, with a house and land package, all the processes that go into building a home will be handled for you.

When you purchase a house and land package, you only need to focus on securing the necessary financing without the additional concerns of overseeing the day to day project.

Streamlined Process, Quick Turnaround

The house and land package offers a streamlined process since you will be working with one team from start to finish.

The package often comes with a ready-made house plan that is designed to suit the block, so you can quickly progress to the next phase.

While builders may offer you pre-designed plans such as split level home designs, you can choose a custom design as well as the range of fittings, composite timbers for decking, Newcastle blinds and outdoor areas as well as any other building materials that fit within your building budget.

Also, most builders have their team of designers and architects, which makes coordinating between construction and design seamless.

You Will Know the Total Cost Upfront

You get transparent pricing and an idea of the total cost to build your home. Thich is an added advantage for someone on a tight budget or when you already have pre-approved financing.

However, we recommend that you ask your builder for a detailed breakdown of the inclusions, designs, and features the price covers. 

An Affordable Way to Get on the Property Ladder

It costs 14% less on average to purchase a house and land package than paying for an established property in the same area.

Also, when you factor in the lowered stamp duty, federal and state government incentives for new homeowners, and enticing deals from builders, purchasing a house and land package offers an affordable option for young people to get onto the property ownership ladder.

Offers Significant Tax Benefits to Property Investors

As a property investor, a house and land package offers some incredible value you may not get otherwise.

For example, new houses depreciate fast, which means you can claim full depreciation on your investment.

Also, since the home is new, it will have a warranty should there be any problems.

Finally, new houses are low maintenance and often come fitted with the latest energy compliance features, which will save you huge energy costs in the long term.

Conveniently located less than an hour from Houston, Sealy, Texas is a great place to visit for an afternoon or to live for a lifetime. George Sealy purchased the land that the town now sits on in 1879 with the intent to establish a railroad depot. The thriving little town soon became home to German and Czech settlers whose descendants still live in the area.

Area Wineries

Whether you stop in Sealy on your way to Austin or San Antonio or plan on purchasing a home Sealy TX, there is always time to have a glass of wine at one of the area wineries. Named after the state cooking vessel, the Cast Iron Winery promises local hospitality and ample kid and dog friendly space to explore the vineyards. The Yellow Brick Road Winery & Restaurant offers tours, tastings, and a restaurant on a 50-acre park.

Historic Buildings

There are several historic buildings in the area worth visiting. One is the 1915 Guardian Angel Catholic Church featuring Italian stained glass, solid wood construction, and a painted interior. It is part of the extended Texas Painted Churches tour. Another piece of history is the Austin County Jail Museum built in 1896 that includes little used gallows on the fourth floor.

Natural Wonders

Sealy is close to many central Texas natural wonders such as the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge dedicated to preserving the habitat of this endangered bird. If you like birds even more, consider following the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail through the nearby town of San Felipe and Stephen F. Austin State Park. Every spring, for locals and visitors alike, fields and roadsides overflow with wildflowers, part of the 1965 Highway Beautification Act championed by Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Johnson.

The city of Sealy and surrounding areas have historic significance, natural beauty and lively entertainment. It’s a perfect spot to settle down permanently or to just stop and rest for a few hours before continuing on your way to places beyond.

Whether you’re selling your house or just want to come home to an attractive exterior every day, beautifying the street-facing elements of your property can be a fun and rewarding project. Set yourself up for success by identifying the major areas you want to work on and why.   

Start With the Entry

The first thing the eye is drawn to on any home is the main entrance. One of the quickest and cheapest ways to instantly transform this space is to paint the front door a bright, appealing color. You can also go for a full replacement but this requires a bigger investment and handyman expertise. Replacing just the doorknob rather than the full door can make an impact without breaking the bank. Houses with street-facing garages will also benefit from updates to the garage door. If you’re looking for garage door inspiration, consider how the colors and textures will tie in the rest of your upgrades. 

Liven Up Your Lawn

According to a university study, landscaping can increase a home’s selling price by up to 11 percent. If your goal is to get the most bang for your buck on your sale, focus on the areas of the exterior that will be the most enticing to buyers. Professional landscaping may be worth the price if the bump in profit offsets the cost of paying someone to do the work for you. Smaller DIY projects like filling in mulch, weeding flowerbeds and adding colorful annuals can spruce things up on a budget. Upgrades that improve functionality or reflect your personal tastes are likely more important if you’re staying in the home. 

Don’t Forget the Features

Small details add up. A fresh doormat and a color-coordinated wreath can bring a new feel to dull entry. Peeling paint on an ancient mailbox can be an instant eyesore as well as an easy fix. Look out for the little things and clean up or replace where you can. House numbers are a fun area to personalize but remember to choose highly visible colors and sizing. Go with your preferences but remember that the delivery driver still needs to be able to find your house in the dark.   

Create Inviting Outdoor Living Space

Even if you don’t have a front porch, a well-placed outdoor bistro set or a few patio chairs can create a small sitting area in your front yard. If you’re lucky enough to have a large porch or deck consider adding a swing or a matching outdoor furniture set. Don’t forget fixtures or string lights. The right exterior lighting can make for magical evenings and safer trips up the stairs on late nights. Motion sensing lights don’t have to be ugly and are often solar-powered, eliminating the need for outdoor outlets and unsightly cords. 

Giving your home a facelift can increase its value and improve your experience living in it. Make improvements based on your needs, whether they’re resale focused or functional. Either way, creating a beautiful entry has its rewards. 

 

 

This is it; everything is ready: Your new house is fully renovated, with the whole place smelling of fresh paint and just waiting for you to make the space your home.

But before you can relax on the couch and watch TV, you must get all your stuff moved in.

With various keepsakes and valuables packed away and large furniture being moved around in your pristine new sanctuary, it is highly understandable that you get a little bit anxious.

After all, there are a myriad of ways moving can go wrong. From packing up and boxing things away to the transport to and from vehicles and out of into properties, you might find items lost, cracked, or even irreparably damaged.

These all constitute a moving family’s worst nightmare. To prevent this worst-case scenario from coming true, check out these top tips.

Take Stock and Do Inventory

If your moving plan is to pack everything up and move them into your new place, you might want to rethink that strategy.

While we accumulate lots of knick-knacks because they have sentimental value, many of these items do not last long in our hearts and end up as needless clutter.

You know what I mean: Movie ticket stubs, gifts from friends or family that you do not really like, old clothes, childhood toys. Do you want these things in your new place, even if you have space for them?

Go through your house and do a quick declutter and clean-up before deciding on what you want to bring with you when you move.

Only keep the things that you need to live or really want. The rest you can sell, trash, donate, or recycle.

Make sure that all the items you are moving end up on a list. It will help later if this list is categorised meticulously.

You may also find it easier to digitise the list. Doing these things will help you later when you are unloading and unpacking.

When you do your homework beforehand, you are making sure that no item gets (unintentionally) left behind in the move.

Call in the Professionals

If you feel like all this is too much work, well, maybe calling in a professional  furniture removalist Newcastle is your best move.

A good moving company will have the right expertise and all the best tools and equipment to ensure your moving experience goes as smooth as butter.

Make Sure Everything Fits

One of the ideal ways to make sure everything goes smoothly on moving day is by first measuring everything.

This means the height, length, and depth of all your furniture. Remember that list? This is where that comes in handy.

Then, head to your new place and make sure that every piece of furniture can fit through your front door.

Do that also with all the other entryways, all hallways, and stairwells. Make sure that there will also be enough space for you to move around comfortably when the furniture is in place.

And once you are done with that? Do all the measurements one more time to be safe. You do not want to end up stuck outside your new home because your bed frame cannot fit through the door.

Padding Up and Taping Down

It is better to proactively prevent damage to your belongings. To ensure that all your items, whether big or small, are safeguarded during the trip and loading and unloading, make sure that they are adequately padded with the right materials.

This is especially important for fragile items like crockery and glassware. Use corner protectors on mirrors and art or picture frames; crumpled newsprint, packing peanuts, or bubble wrap work great for protecting your valuables.

Make sure that your items do not move about in their boxes by filling up gaps or taping things down.

Even your furniture should be given due consideration as you do not want any tears, scrapes, or stains to materialise because of the move. Plastic wrap or moving blankets are good options for this.

The Right Containers

You might think that having a few big boxes as possible is best. Unfortunately, that is a sure way to make sure something breaks, or someone gets hurt. Make sure your boxes are suitable for the items they carry and never overfill a box.

Choose containers made of sturdy material that will not get crushed or collapse if jostled. That said, cardboard is not always going to cut it.

Getting or renting specialty items for the move, such as plastic moving boxes, might save you some worry and heartache.

Also, make sure to mark everything correctly, with labels or notes such as “Fragile” and “This End Up” being some critical examples.

Disassemble and Store

If something big can be made smaller, that is going to help loads on your move to save space. It also helps to make sure nothing gets broken.

Disassemble your furniture, especially items with parts that stick out, and package them individually.

Try to label each piece if possible, as you are going to have to put everything back together later. Make sure to store all the parts together for convenience.

Keeping Chaos Out

Murphy’s Law states that “everything that can go wrong will go wrong.” Luckily, there are steps to take to avoid that kind of chaos on moving day.

Having floor covers, especially non-slip ones, will make sure that your new home will be clean after your move.

Besides, it also prevents falls when foot traffic through your house will be heavy. Use protective padding on your door frames to ensure that no accident will leave a permanent mark.

Think this is overkill? Well, maybe. But remember that as careful as you are, accidents happen.

 

It’s impossible to deny that homelessness is a problem in America, especially in our larger cities. Whatever the root cause, be it mental health problems, abuse, addiction or others, it is a societal plague and a public health crisis. It’s easy to lose sight of the fact that inside every homeless person, there is a human being, family story, and a chance to turn things around. There are many ways you can help do this, from big to small.

Become a Social Worker

Let’s start with those who have such a passion for helping others that they want to make a career out of it. Social workers can help teach basic life skills training Plumas Lake CA to people who are homeless or in need in many other ways. Social workers are trained, licensed professionals with either BSW, LISW or MSW degrees who can work for private entities or government agencies to make a huge difference.

Volunteer

Taking a step back, you certainly don’t need to pursue a degree or make helping the homeless a full-time occupation. Many people volunteer at homeless shelters, food banks and other nonprofit agencies and can make a big difference by just being present a few hours every week or month. It’s worth checking with your local agency to see what they need. Chances are, they can find a helpful position for someone with your skill set, whatever it may be.

Donate

There are also many well-intentioned people who simply don’t have time to work directly with the homeless on a volunteer or even paid basis. You may have young children, aging parents, or demanding jobs. If you feel strongly about fighting homelessness, you may be surprised at what a difference that even a modest cash donation can make to a local or national agency. It will help fund programs that will get people help, and that is just as needed as putting in the time to work with them directly.

Regardless of the circumstances, homeless people deserve basic human dignity. We can meet their essential needs and help them on the right path with the efforts we’ve outlined here.

A multi plug extension cord is very important so that you can plug your device to get power from the electricity. You can choose a multiple multi plug extension cord with many plugs.

Nowadays, there are so many brands that manufacture multi plug extension cords. But, you should choose the best one so that it can be used safely. Always stick with reliable stores in Sri Lanka such as MultiPlugSriLanka.com or BestBargains for high quality multi plug extension cords in Sri Lanka with proper safety standards and warranty.

Anyway, if you want to buy a multi plug extension cord, you can check the following tips.

1. Choose the best multi plug extension cord brand

The first thing you need to pay attention to is the brand of the multi plug extension cord. Certainly, the brand multi plug extension cord is the identity of the plug manufacturer. And a good manufacturer will always maintain the quality of its products.

You can choose a multi plug extension cord brand that has been popular in your country. You can also see the multi plug extension cord ad on TV so you can make sure that it is good.

2. Consider the case thickness

If you have found the best brand from several multi plug extension cord brands that you have chosen, then the next step is to look at the thickness of the casing. What does casing mean?

That is the part of the body that encloses the electrical conductor inside. Usually, the material from the casing of this socket terminal is plastic. Whether it’s PVC plastic, mixed plastic, and others. The function of the plastic that wraps the electrical conductor from the socket terminal is none other than an insulator.

So later this part will protect people from electric shocks when someone plugs in. So, if the plastic material that is made is thin and not good, of course, there will be an electric leak.

In choosing a good case, you can simply test it with a flick of your finger. Thick plastic doesn’t sound loud. Because the thickness of the plastic is also a sound absorber, the resulting knocking sound is not loud. And if you can see it with the naked eye and also you can see how the quality of a strong and thick plastic looks like.

3. Consider the length of the cable

For the third point, you must know how long the multi plug extension cord cable you need and the type of copper. How to choose the right cable for your multi plug extension cord?

Well, you can measure the location of the main socket in your house with the position of the multi plug extension cord that you will put later. Try to buy a cable with a length that exceeds your estimated needs. Because to avoid bending or elbows from the gap in the house which can also reduce the reach of the cable later.

4. Choose the right conductor material

For the fourth point, this is a bit difficult. So it’s better to just ask the seller. The conductor material is copper or mixed. Make sure you buy an electrically conducting material made of copper. Because copper is the best material for conducting electricity. And besides being made of pure copper or at least more copper, there are other factors that you need to pay attention to.

This factor is the thickness of the conductor. Now if it’s thick, of course, it will be able to clamp the power plug firmly and not loosen easily. So to test this you can test it by plugging the power plug in the hole.

Are you getting ready to sell your home? Ensure a quick sale by making some quick updates around the house that will generate buyer interest. Here are three effective ways to prepare your home to welcome potential buyers.

1. Update the Garage

Homeowners often treat a garage as a catch-all for items that can’t fit inside the home. This signals to buyers that your home may not have enough storage space to allow them to live comfortably. A quick garage update can help you ensure that your garage becomes a selling point for your home instead of a drawback. Consider storing some items in a storage unit during the selling process. Install a garage storage system to contain any remaining items in a clean, organized manner. Once the clutter has been removed, you can complete some cosmetic upgrades. Expert concrete polishing Manhattan NY can give new life to your garage floor, lifting the appearance of the space as a whole.

2. Add Curb Appeal

It’s common knowledge that curb appeal can get homes sold. It may come as a surprise how easy it is to give your home’s exterior a quick makeover. When seasonally appropriate, plant a few colorful flowers near your front door to give guests a warm welcome. You can also install new outdoor lighting to give your home a welcoming appearance after dark. Solar-powered lanterns are great for lighting paths as well as for accent lighting within your landscape features. These lights don’t need to be wired-in to your electrical system, making installation is a breeze.

3. Declutter and Clean the Interior

Since you’ve enticed buyers to come through your door and give your home a closer look, make sure that the great first impression continues by getting your interior in order. Just as you did in the garage, you need to declutter your living spaces. Take out all personal items and store them away. You should declutter your closets too, since jam-packed closets can give off the impression that your home doesn’t have enough space. After the clutter has been removed, deep clean every surface in the house. Pay special attention to your kitchens and bathrooms, as this is where grime can build up easily. Cleaning your home is time well-spent – it may make all the difference in getting the place sold.

When it comes to selling your home, you want your property to stand out as soon as it hits the market. By following these tips, you’ll know that your home is fully ready to wow potential buyers.

If you own any type of property that has frequent visitors, you could be held responsible if someone gets hurt while at your house or on your land. These lawsuits must prove that you were negligent in your property management duties for the accident victim to be awarded compensation. You can protect yourself against potential lawsuits by implementing the following practices.

Use Proper Signage

If you know about a potential hazard such as a hidden step or a slick floor, you could be held liable for an accident if you don’t warn visitors about it. Installing safety signs is an easy, cost-efficient solution. Walk around your property to identify potential hazards that may not be obvious. This may include bridges that could get icy and slick in the winter, uneven terrain, or small, hidden steps into your building. Once you know which hazards you need to warn people about, purchase safety signs and hang them near each obstacle. As long as the signs are there warning visitors of potential danger, you can’t be held responsible for an accident because you drew attention to the problem.

Inspect the Property Regularly

New problems can appear on your property at any time. If you don’t take the time to thoroughly inspect your property periodically, you may not be aware of new hazards such as broken asphalt or fallen tree limbs. May it a habit to check your property at least a month so you can find and fix potential hazards before they cause accidents.

Fix Hazards Immediately

If you know about a problem and fail to fix it in a timely manner, you are responsible for any accidents it causes. When you notice an obstacle that can’t be fixed quickly, block it off so visitors can’t access it. You should also place warning signs so people are aware of it. Make plans to have the issue resolved as quickly as possible. If the problem does cause an accident and you can prove in court that you were aware of it and took precautions to block it while actively trying to repair it, you can’t be held liable for an accident. You must prove that you were not negligent in your duties as the property manager.

A personal injury lawsuit can devastate your finances. To avoid being held responsible for any accidents that occur on your property, make sure you take the proper management precautions and do everything you can to keep the property safe for people to visit. Use these three tips to maintain a safe property.