Home Security Tips

Simple home security can be easy, but it involves closely examining your house’s entrance points, doing some preparation, and spending a little money. 

Change Locks in a New Home

When occupying a new home, replace all locks as soon as possible after moving in. If the locks are more recent and in good condition, calling a locksmith to reset the tumblers and provide new keys is a less expensive way to guarantee that only people the current residents know and trust have access. If the locks are older or less secure than they should be, this is an excellent opportunity to replace them entirely. Spare keys should be stored in a safe place. 

Keep Doors and Windows Locked

It’s good practice to keep windows and doors secured at all times when they are not in use. This is one of the least expensive precautions homeowners can take to avoid home invasion. This is particularly crucial for the first floor since unlocked first-floor windows and doors are the most straightforward methods for burglars to enter a house. There are choices available for individuals who want to leave their windows open more often but still want to feel secure. To prevent double-hung windows from being opened more than a few inches, homeowners can buy window wedges. In order to allow for ventilation, there are also more durable devices like pins and bolts that can be attached to the sashes at different intervals. A simple item like a dowel inserted in the gap between the open sash and the window frame can also prevent the window from opening all the way. A low-cost option to significantly increase door security is replacing or installing locks on older windows and doors. Even if it comes at a higher expense, installing safety elements like window bars or grates or replacing outdated doors with solid-core security doors may significantly improve the security of the property.

Light Everything

Keeping the outside of a home brightly illuminated makes a property hostile to intruders since they prefer the cover of darkness. Constant illumination near access points is preferable, but a tiered strategy that includes motion detector lighting also increases home security. A relatively recent addition to the security product lineup is infrared detectors. Because these sensors sense heat rather than motion, they may cause lights to turn on even if a thief is just beyond the range of a motion sensor or is moving very slowly to escape detection.

This article was originally published at kevinbrunnock.com.

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How to Get Started in Real Estate Investing

The real estate investment business can be approached in several ways for those getting started.

Renting a Room

Real estate investing may be a second source of income and a way to diversify your current financial portfolio. Additionally, many of the finest real estate investments don’t need attending to a tenant’s every need. As a homeowner, renting out a piece of your house can significantly lower housing expenses, enabling you to continue enjoying the benefits of property value growth. Check your state’s laws regarding landlords and tenants, and talk to your home insurance agent before starting. Once you have decided which rooms to rent and how much to charge, you can partner with larger firms like Booking.com or Airbnb. Most companies will perform renter pre-check screenings and provide an added layer of security through reimbursement fees. Like any investment decision, the finest real estate investments are those that best benefit you, the investor. Consider your available time, the amount of money you’re ready to commit, and if you want to be the one to handle household problems when they inevitably arise. 

House Flipping

Much like the shows on HGTV, this method involves buying a cheap house that needs work, fixing it as cheaply as possible, and then selling it for a profit. Home flipping is more complicated than it seems on television. Given the present cost of construction materials and mortgage interest rates, it is also more costly than it used to be. The goal of many home flippers is to pay cash for the properties. Because so much of the arithmetic involved in flipping needs a precise estimate of how much repairs would cost, which is a complex thing to accomplish, there is a greater degree of risk. Find a partner with experience as a contractor who is strong at budgeting or project management. The second danger of flipping is that you might lose money if you retain the home for an extended period since you would have to pay the mortgage without receiving any revenue. You can reduce that danger by residing in the property while it is being renovated.

REITs

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) let people invest in large, income-generating pieces of real estate without owning any property themselves. Most REITs follow a simple and easy-to-understand business model. A company makes money by renting out space and collecting rent on its real estate. This money is then given to shareholders in the form of dividends. Investors can automatically reinvest those dividends to increase the value of their investment or accept them as a monthly income. 

This article was originally published at kevinbrunnock.com.

What to Know About Gas Water Heaters

Most households have standard gas or electric tank-style water heaters. 

How it Works

A tank-type water heater warms cold water and keeps it warm until different household appliances and plumbing fixtures require it. The convection rule of physics governs how heat rises and how a gas water heater operates. Cold water is forced into the tank via a cold water supply tube to maintain a steady flow. A gas burner is situated underneath the sealed tank, heating the cold water at the bottom. The hot water discharge line draws the rising water from the tank as it becomes hotter so that it may be used wherever hot water is needed. The hot water discharge pipe’s function is to channel off the hottest water, so it is located at the top of the tank. 

A gas regulator assembly on the water heater’s side controls the gas burner that warms the water. A thermostat monitors the tank’s water temperature and switches the burner on and off as necessary.

Exhaust gases go up through the tank and out of the home via a chimney or vent pipe due to an exhaust flue that runs through the middle of the tank. To increase the appliance’s effectiveness, the hollow flue is equipped with a spiral metal baffle that collects and transfers heat nearby.

The Tank

A steel outer jacket encloses a pressure-tested tank. A glass or plastic covering lines a steel interior to avoid corrosion. Burner exhaust gases pass via a hollow exhaust flue in the middle of the tank and rise to an exhaust vent. The exhaust heat is captured by a spiral metal baffle within the flue and transferred to the tank next to it. Insulation between the inner storage tank and the outer tank jacket prevents heat loss. The hot water heater’s exterior may optionally be fitted with a fiberglass insulation tank jacket to improve the insulation further. 

Additional parts include a long dip tube that provides cold water to the tank and a shorter hot water output pipe that allows hot water to enter the plumbing system.

A metal rod, often made of magnesium or aluminum, will be present in glass-lined tanks. The anode rod attracts rust-inducing ions from the water to itself, protecting the metal tank from corrosion. Some types include a hot water exit pipe coated with magnesium or aluminum to act as an anode instead of a separate anode rod. 

The Pipes

Two water pipes are attached to the top of the tank. A shutdown valve manages the cold water supply line that delivers the cold water to the tank. Be aware of the location of the water supply shutdown valve so you can stop it when repairs are necessary. Since the pressure from the cold water entering the tank keeps the hot water flowing outward, turning off the cold water supply stops all water flow. The hot water output line, which distributes hot water to all of your sinks, tubs, showers, and appliances that need hot water, is the operational end of the hot water heater. 

This article was originally published at kevinbrunnock.com.

Will Cryptocurrency Affect Real Estate?

Cryptocurrency has gained popularity. People continue to trust in it and believe it is the future. There are several uses for digital currencies in the real estate industry, with numerous advantages for developers, investors, private purchasers, sellers, tenants, and the market overall. Bitcoins, digital wallets, and other cryptocurrency buzzwords are becoming more common in the real estate industry. As a result, there is a growing connection between cryptocurrencies and real estate. Over 1,300 distinct forms of these currencies and coins are now in circulation. It is purely virtual, yet you may move it and spend it. Cryptocurrency is gradually finding its way into real estate transactions. 

For Sale

Several sellers and agencies have used bitcoin to increase interest in their listings. This may be effective for high-end home listings when most potential purchasers may have bitcoins and wish to utilize them to purchase real estate. Many people who have seen significant bitcoin gains are searching for a method to balance that out and keep their profits by converting them into robust real estate assets, and this trend is growing. Some vendors insist on using just bitcoin. Others request a mixture of US dollars and bitcoins. 

For Rent

Now that more people own a fair bit of cryptocurrency and a more significant proportion of people are living more itinerant lifestyles, leasing and renting are on the rise. Expedia.com has begun adopting Airbnb-style vacation rental offerings, and bitcoin is an accepted form of payment. This may become a more and more common method for people to lease and rent. 

Entrepreneurs are integrating digital currencies into real estate transactions by creating new currencies and tokens, much like buying shares in a company that may own real estate. These may then be used to buy, rent, trade, or invest in real estate without a traditional transaction.

One of the main dangers and worries in this industry is that authorities will intervene, clamp down, and either seize control or apply severe pressure on operators. Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) are governed by the SEC since it views them as securities. Towards the end of February 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued several subpoenas to people associated with different ICOs, requesting substantial quantities of personal data.   

Top real estate brokers from San Francisco, California, to New York, New York, may be found on UpNest.com, a technology-driven network. It is perfect for ICO promoters looking for inventory and transaction flow for their platforms. Additionally, individuals dedicated to adopting a more traditional and tried-and-true method of buying and selling real estate nevertheless want to save a lot of money when they do so.

This article was originally published at kevinbrunnock.com.

The Best Age to Begin Real Estate Investing

If you’re wondering when it’s right to start investing in real estate, we can tell you that it’s always possible. This doesn’t mean that one should wait until they have a primary residence and can afford it. Instead, it means that investors should start taking advantage of the current market conditions right away.

One of the essential advantages of investing in real estate is that it allows young individuals to gain valuable life lessons. This profession also provides them with financial gains and can help them land a job in the future. If you’re planning on starting a real estate investment business in your 20s, ask a real estate investor if it’s a good idea.

Pros of Starting Young

One of the most critical factors a real estate investor should consider when making money in the business is rental income. This is the primary source of cash flow that a property investor can rely on. Without this source of income, a real estate investor can’t succeed.

Another vital factor a real estate investor should consider is the second way to earn money in the business. This is through the increasing value of their portfolio over time. This is called passive profit, and it’s not a passive activity. Only through hard work and dedication can one achieve the goal of building equity in their property.

The best age to start investing in real estate is when you’re young and have the necessary stamina, risk tolerance, and energy to handle the challenges of the business. Getting into the real estate market at a young age can be hard. Most lenders won’t talk to you due to your lack of track record, and you may also have no rent roll income. But, if you can find a property worth a lot of money and has a well-defined process, you can start investing in real estate.

One of the most common property types young investors can start investing in is owner-occupied multi-family houses. This type of investment can be done through a government-backed loan, which has a low-interest, low-down payment and requires the owner to live in the property for a couple of years. This strategy is a good idea if you’re investing in real estate.

How to Start

To clarify, real estate isn’t restricted to the 20s. People can start investing at any age, and it can be outside their 20s. If you’re in the military, are still in school, or have just had a child, then you should prioritize your priorities. Don’t let your lifestyle prevent you from investing in rental property. Although there is a time investment, most of the work involved in investing in real estate is up-front.

If you’re considering investing in real estate but are still determining if it’s the right strategy, don’t quit. There are plenty of successful investors who have second careers in this industry. Even though you may not have the same time to commit to the business as a younger investor, you have the necessary skills and knowledge to make a successful investment.

Getting started in real estate can be a breeze if you’re old enough to get a bank loan. Start planning on it now, even if you’re not investing in real estate until you have a better financial situation.

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Originally published at KevinBrunnock.com

How to Make Real Estate Investing Part of Your Lifestyle

According to the IRS, over 70% of Americans who declared earnings of over a million dollars were involved in the real estate industry. This shows that there is a massive opportunity for people who are serious about investing in real estate. One of the most lucrative areas in the industry is commercial real estate.

Although starting a real estate business can be challenging, it can be done in your everyday life. This blog will help you make it a part of your daily routine.

Make It a Priority

Getting started in real estate can be very demanding and mentally taxing. However, you don’t have to sacrifice your free time and social life. Good time management is one of the most critical factors you can consider when starting a real estate business. This will allow you to keep your priorities in check and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Learn Everything You Can

Getting started in real estate can be very challenging, but the more you learn, the more you will eventually understand the concepts. Having a mentor or colleague who can help you get started can be very beneficial. In addition to investing in real estate, you must remember that disregarding the laws and regulations can negatively affect your business.

Expand Your Network

Having a supportive network can help you establish a successful business model. A genuine connection with your clients, colleagues, and personal network can also help you expand your reach. Due to the fierce commercial real estate industry competition, many people need help to take advantage of the opportunities available.

Set Goals

Before you start investing in real estate, you must have a clear goal for yourself. Having a well-defined goal can help you visualize how your business will look in the future. Having a constantly updated list of goals helps track your progress. Having a set of goals helps you keep track of how far you have come. 

Set Good Habits

According to James Clear, in his book “Atomic Habits,” the concept of the Compound Effect can help people build a more substantial and more lasting habit. For instance, if you are planning on investing in commercial real estate, one of the habits that you can incorporate into your daily routine is research. Adapting these small habits can help you become better at what you do.

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Originally published at KevinBrunnock.com

A Guide to Understanding the Housing Market

The housing market is an integral part of the US economy. It is a complex, dynamic system. Several factors contribute to its fluctuations. Various factors drive the demand for housing. In addition, other factors, such as divorces and deaths, affect the demand for housing. According to experts, the US real estate market is expected to grow 7.4% to 16% by the end of 2022, with the supply and demand mismatch still favoring sellers.

Housing is the most significant portion of monthly expenditures. It exceeds the cost of the other two primary necessities, food, and transportation, put together. Housing accounts for 29% of the total, with food and transportation accounting for 10% and 13%, respectively.

This statistic isn’t that surprising. It’s common for housing expenses to take up a more significant portion of our budgets. However, with house prices and rent continuously rising, this percentage will continue to increase. Besides food and gas, inflation has also affected other expenses, such as rent. Across the country, the average rent price rises faster than the average wage. This puts people in a difficult position. The Federal Reserve recently increased interest rates by a quarter point to cool off the market. They plan on continuing to raise rates into 2023. The goal of this strategy is to discourage potential buyers from entering the market. In a worst-case scenario, most families won’t afford to spend half their salary on home costs.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many people thought renting was a great alternative to buying a home. It was less stressful and had shorter commitments. The median home value in 2019 was $231,000, more than double what it was in 1999. It took about two years for the value to double. The pandemic in 2020 caused the housing market to become more favorable to sellers. When there is a surplus of demand and interest rates are low, the opposite is true, meaning a buyer’s market. Since homes valued at around the 200,000 to 250,000 mark are now selling for around $50,000 to $100,000 above their market value, it can be challenging for people who rely on financing to purchase a home. Cash buyers are currently the ones with the most power. The demand for houses and apartments drastically increased due to the pandemic. This has added difficulty in finding affordable housing. 

Before a person decides to purchase a home, they have to consider other factors beyond simply the price of a home. The age, inspection results, location, nearby schools, opportunities for growth, and overall safety are important considerations.

This article was originally published on KevinBrunnock.com

How to Excel in Real Estate by the End of the Year

As someone in the real estate industry, it’s essential to look ahead to next year to work on future goals. Before working on that, however, take a minute to review the current year’s performance. This will help identify lessons learned and give you ways to improve from each experience. Recognizing the need for change and implementing it can swiftly yield significant results, particularly before the end of the year.

Planning is Everything

Every successful real estate entrepreneur has one thing in common. They all have a plan of action that they follow. Since their job requires them to source potential opportunities, pursue clients, and make sales. It’s their responsibility to prepare. Planning and preparation are the pillars of success, and this cannot be emphasized enough. It’s not just for real estate. It’s in everyday life. Parents set out their child’s outfit the night before school, and professional bodybuilders prepare a week’s worth of food to pre-portion and avoid overeating.

Find Ways to Stand Out

Successful salespeople don’t react to market trends. They create them. In addition to traditional social media methods, finding unique ways to get known will set you apart from other agents. It used to be that going door to door was the way to a strong sale streak. Nowadays, that is less feasible, but it can still be done virtually. 

When it comes to marketing, pay close attention to the ROI of your social media platforms. Before you start investing in any marketing campaign, make sure that you thoroughly research the different platforms that are used by your target market. 

Email marketing campaigns can be personalized and tweaked to appeal to your precise demographic. Due to how it forces users to take action, email marketing has become a popular tool for businesses. It can help build a strong relationship with your potential customers and keep them engaged throughout the process. In addition to driving traffic to your website, email marketing can also help you establish a connection with your audience on social media, blogs, or other platforms. There are other advantages to using this medium. With email marketing, you can target your messages to the people most likely to respond to them, helping increase the chances of meeting goals with a deadline, such as end-of-year projections. In addition, you can run A/B tests to identify which messages are performing well, thereby doubling those efforts before January 1st.

This article was originally published on KevinBrunnock.com

Check Out These YouTube Channels If You’re Interested In Real Estate

Whether you just have an interest in real estate or you’re a professional in the industry, there’s a lot to be learned about the subject on the internet. You can read a few blogs, check out the latest listings, or watch a few videos. YouTube in particular is loaded with great videos produced by both amateur and professional realtors where they share their tips and tricks, give advice, talk about real estate news and so much more. Here are a few of the best real estate YouTube channels.

BiggerPockets

For anyone looking to learn more about how to succeed in real estate, BiggerPockets is a great resource. Their YouTube channel has tons of videos about everything from house hacking to strategy. One of the main factors that set them apart from other channels is their frequent collaborations with other professionals in the industry, including CPAs, investors, and much more.

Mark J Kohler

Mark J Kohler is a lawyer and a former CPA who has shared videos about capital gains, tax strategy, and the dos and don’ts of partnerships. He aims to help people navigate the various laws and regulations that affect their wealth and success. His videos are designed to make them easier to understand. This is a great channel to follow if you’re looking to learn more about tax strategy.

Flipping Mastery TV

The channel Flipping Mastery TV is focused on flipping and wholesaling properties. It features videos by Jerry Norton, who shows how to find cash buyers and flippable houses as well as how to make 100 offers or more a month. Whether you’re a professional in the industry or not, the advice on finding solid deals and securing financing is valuable.

Graham Stephen

Graham Stephan is a real estate agent who started his career at the age of 18 and became a multi-million dollar investor by 26. He has a lot of followers on YouTube who are interested in his videos, which are based on his own experiences. He also offers advice for teenagers and investors. His videos are entertaining and insightful, and he has a lot of good tips for people who are looking to retire early from the industry.

Lili Thompson

The channel of Lili Thompson is focused on showing people how to use the BRRRR strategy, which is a multi-step process that involves buying, renovating, and re-financing properties. She also shows how to take advantage of distressed properties and add value through forced appreciation.

This article was originally published on KevinBrunnock.com

Easy Tips For Boosting Your Curb Appeal

When people are selling their house they tend to focus so much on what the inside of it looks like that they forget a very important aspect – the front of the house. Curb appeal plays a big role in how likely you are to sell your house. Sure, you want the inside to look great. But if the outside doesn’t look great, then nobody is ever going to want to actually see the inside. If you’re worried about boosting your curb appeal, here are a few quick and easy tips to help you do it!

Paint Your Front Door

The front entry of your house is the first thing people see when they enter it, and it’s the reason why you want it to look great. To boost your curb appeal, you can paint your door a different color, or install a custom-made wood door. In addition to that, you can also clean the door fixtures and add a flag or a banner to the front.

Add Furniture To The Porch

Another great way to boost your curb appeal is to add some furniture to your front porch, such as chairs and maybe even a table. This will help give your porch a cozier feeling that will make potential buyers want to take a seat with a nice drink in their hands. If your porch isn’t very big, add a bench or just a small chair. Anything that gives the porch a more full look will go a long way.

Replace or Refurbish Your Mailbox

The mailbox should complement the house and express the personality of the individual who lives in it. If it’s attached to the house, choose a style and finish that complements the house’s various features. If it’s located closer to the road, you can surround it with a beautiful flower garden to make it more welcoming. To add a bit of personality to your mailbox, you can also paint it and add vinyl decals that feature your address in the desired font.

Update Your Railings

If your front porch and the steps are not in good condition, they can quickly deteriorate. If they’re past their prime, it’s important that you replace the old material with high-quality metal or wood components to improve their curb appeal. Like other improvements, make sure that the details, design, scale, and color of the railings are compatible with the house’s overall aesthetic.

Replace Gutters

Poor maintenance on your home’s gutters can lead to issues such as rust spots, peeling paint, and poor drainage. If you have an older system, it’s important that you replace it with a new one. If you’re on a tight budget, you can easily install a new gutter system using a vinyl one. Vinyl tends to fall apart quickly though due to cold weather, so a pricier copper system might be the better option.

This article was originally published on KevinBrunnock.com