Buying a Property in Romania – Real Estate Law in Romania

If you are looking to buy a holiday or second home or invest in Romania, Transylvania or at the Black Sea and you are a foreign citizen/investor, there are few aspects you should know about the procedure an the costs for the acquisition of Romanian land or Romanian houses.

After 2012, foreign citizens EU citizens (non-Romanian) may purchase a home or apartment in Romania may freely buy and sell any Romanian property, without restrictions. Along with the sell price for the property, buying real estate in Romania has other costs associated with it.

If you have chosen to collaborate with a Romanian real estate agent/ broker you can expect to have an additional commission of approximately 2-4% of the price of the property. The local tax will be 2-4% of the price of the property. The signing of a contract must be witnessed by a public notary who submits it for certification by the Land Registry in charge of real estate records. The fees for the Romanian public notary is about 0.5-1% of the purchase price. You will also have to pay fees to the Land Registry („Cartea Funciara“) to register the Transfer Deed. The Romanian Land Registry Fee for a purchase of a property will vary from 1-3% according to the length of time that the seller had owned the property and the property’s value.

The Romanian law on property states that Citizens of EU member states, legal persons incorporated in the EU member states and stateless people domiciled in an EU member state can purchase land in Romania only if the land is used for secondary residences or for secondary headquarters after a 5 (five) years term from the accession of Romania to the EU (starting with January 1st, 2012); only for the agricultural land and forest land 7 (seven) years term from the accession of Romania to the EU ( starting with January 1st, 2014).

But for the Citizens, legal persons and stateless people not from a EU member state, the Romanian legal system establishes that they can purchase land in Romania, under the conditions of international treaties between Romania and the states of origin on these persons, under a reciprocity basis.

In our point of view, a prudent investor will hire a Romanian lawyer/ a Romanian Law Office, who will liaise closely with the notary on the verification of the title, obtaining the Land Registry excerpt and the drafting of the agreement for the transfer of ownership of the real estate. This means that the Romanian lawyer will be solely acting for and is responsible to his or her client, whereas the notary will not have the same degree of responsibility to the purchaser.

Under Romanian law there are three basic rights to land and buildings such as right of ownership; usage rights as lease, usufruct, superficies; concession right. The principle of contractual liberty represents the key core of the property law in Romania.

Sometimes, an investor/purchaser can opt for closing a pre-sale agreement, by which the seller undertakes to transfer ownership to the buyer at a certain date in exchange for an agreed consideration. The content of the pre-sale contract will stipulate all commercial and legal conditions for the transfer of ownership, as conditions precedent to the final transfer of ownership. The closing of such pre-contract for purchase does not means the transfer over the property, but the stipulate binding obligations for the parties, in regard to, as example, damages or penalties set out in them, if the seller refuses to sign the final notarized deed of transfer at the agreed deadline.

The closing of the pre-sale agreement is to protect the investor/buyer from any possible purchase to other buyers and to matters regarding the fixed price and duration of a future purchase. In our point of view, it is a must that the pre-sale agreement to be concluded at a Public Notary and clearly stipulate the sale price and other clauses regarding duration of future purchase. In this case, it can be enforced in court on the buyer’s request as a deed to transfer ownership.

A sale agreement signed in Romania, according to the Romanian legislation will mandatory stipulate: obligations of the parties for the fulfillment of the sale contract, delivery and quality conditions of goods and/or services, terms, payment methods and payment guarantees, payment instruments and price insurance, contractual risk, as well as method of solving eventual litigations arising from the contract. Other required elements include the full name and identification details of the parties (for legal entities) and name of the person signing the contract (representing a legal entity).

Our team of romanian lawyers offer a wide variety of legal services in the real estate law http://www.lawyersinromania.com

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Simona Rotaru

Tips For Selling Your Own House

Not everyone is willing to use a real estate agent, since they do take a commission, usually around 7%. That means, by selling your own home, you’ll end up with upwards of $10,000 that would have gone to an agent. And given today’s slow market there is a very real chance your home will sit unsold for a year or more.

Today, more than ever selling your own house can not only be more profitable, but it is your best chance at getting it sold quickly.

In this article, I am going to show you how to go from „selling your own house“ to „I SOLD my own house“.

In a hot market selling may have been as easy as putting a „for sale by owner“ sign in front of the house and collecting offers. But let’s face it, times are tough and most houses are sitting unsold for months and years.

It’s a war zone out there. Foreclosures are at an all time high and that creates a lot of houses for sale on the market. In order to survive in a war zone you need special skills and a competitive advantage. With this special training you can get your house SOLD, despite the doom and gloom of the newspaper headlines.

If you’re selling your own house you need a secret weapon. And that weapon is highly specialized marketing!

Here is a killer marketing tip that will give you a competitive advantage over all other sellers on your block.

Don’t list your home in a traditional method. Instead of „starting high“ and being talked down do the EXACT OPPOSITE. Start low, get a lot of attention and let the buyers drive the price up. I am talking about a do-it-yourself auction style sale.

What is working best now is what’s called a „round robin auction“. Here is how it works:

First you will advertise that your home is for auction. In these tough times buyers are looking to get a good deal. Auctions are the place to get great deals, and your message will leap out at them.

Next you will hold an open house for two days only, Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 5 pm. This will allow you to funnel all the buyers through your doors all at once.

Those that are interested in the property will place their name and phone number along with the price they would like to bid on an „initial bidding sheet“.

On Sunday night you call all those people that put in a bid and conduct the auction. You will simply call down the list tell them the current bid amount and ask them if they would like to raise or pass. You will go around and around making calls until the highest and best offer has presented itself, hence the name „round robin auction“.

Now that you have found your buyer you will meet with them and get the paperwork started.

That’s the unique marketing method that is working now. And if you are planning on selling your own house there is no better method to attract droves of buyers and compel them to make offers on your house.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by N Big

Hints For First Time Buyers

Take the First Step to Buying the Home that Fits Your Needs

First-time home buyers are often times discombobulated when selecting their home. Strategizing and planning are essential ways to simplify the process. The first step would be to sit down and list what is important to you in a home. Defining your personal needs will help alleviate any confusion when touring homes. Ask yourself about your future plans. Do you want to start a family? If so, what can you anticipate their needs? Think about where you would like to live. Which neighborhood is right for you? Think about what local amenities you would like to have near your home.

Get an idea of your finances by visiting your bank or accountant. Finding out exactly how much you can spend will not only save you money, but also put you in control over your finances. After you have constructed your comprehensive list, then it is time to find a realtor.

Finding the Right Realtor Will Save You Time and Money

Searching for a realtor who will listen and take your personal needs in account will be the driving force behind finding your perfect home. There are many ways to accomplish this goal by attending open houses and getting realtors‘ business cards and asking friends and family members for recommendations. The next step is to sit down with the realtor for an interview. During your initial meeting, you want to gain as much professional knowledge you can about the individual. Establishing a rapport and enjoying their demeanor is also part of this first meeting. If things have clicked, then proceed with your request for their services. Realtors only know as much as you tell them, so when relaying your description for your dream home, be sure to include all relevant information. Bringing in pictures you may have found in magazines or real estate guides will also be beneficial. Once they have all your information, the process of home tours begins.

Successful Home Searches Can Be Easy

Before you visit your first potential home there are a few materials to bring to expedite the home searching endeavor. Bringing a camera allows you to document your experience for future review. Be sure to take close-up pictures of decorative trim or any fine craftsmanship. Bring a notebook and take down information about the house and the neighborhood. After visiting, look up the neighborhood’s statistics and information. You will learn a lot about your neighborhood’s amenities, restaurants, school systems, and community centers. See if the community matches up with your needs. Afterward, you will want to narrow down your search to a couple houses. Schedule to view the homes at least twice. Feeling confident about your choice is important, and gaining as much information about the home’s history will help you make your decision. Realtors are required to give you the full breadth of a home’s past, so ask as many questions as you can.

The day will come when you finally purchase a home. If you follow these steps, then you have done your best to ensure that your new home provides a lifetime of happiness.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Karen Bellas

Five Neighborhoods Of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, an important city in the State of Ohio, is a great place to live in America. This city is home to the University of Cincinnati, colleges, public schools, several major sports teams, and a number of global companies. Moreover, it has a low cost of living and offers many reasonably priced Cincinnati apartments for rent. Cincinnati includes around 52 neighborhoods and all of these neighborhoods have their own unique features. This article describes five Cincinnati neighborhoods that provide several beneficial facilities and have quality Cincinnati apartments.

Clifton: This Cincinnati neighborhood has a diverse population with different races, ethnicities, classes, and backgrounds. The University of Cincinnati is nestled in Clifton and so naturally it has the presence of a large number of students. It is also only a few minutes away from Cincinnati State Technical Community College and Hebrew Union College. Clifton has many hospitals, including University Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, Shriners Burns Hospital, Deaconess Hospital, Select Specialty Hospital, VA Medical Center, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Clifton is also noted for its pedestrian-friendly streets, magnificent mansions, gaslights, and many parks. There are many one and two-bedroom apartments near to the University of Cincinnati. Clifton is the best option for those who are looking for Cincinnati, Ohio Apartments.

Hyde Park: This is an esteemed Cincinnati neighborhood with walker-friendly streets, well-kept lawns, German single-family homes, Victorian buildings, shops, and many wonderful restaurants. This Cincinnati neighborhood is very close to Downtown and the Norwood lateral. Kenwood Towne center, the famous shopping and entertainment area, is near to Hyde Park. The real estate in this affluent area is little expensive, but Hyde Park also has many affordable Cincinnati apartments for rent.

Mount Adams. This neighborhood includes many bars, restaurants, cafes, and dance floors. This a perfect place for the party goers. Mount Adams is only a few miles away from many important places like Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory, Art museum, and Eden Park. If you plant to rent an apartment in Cincinnati, this area is a good choice.

Mason: The most important feature of Mason is its school system. This Cincinnati neighborhood has many excellent schools, including Mason High School, one of the largest schools in Ohio. Real estate is not costly here as it is a little away from Ohio. This neighborhood also boasts of many large business establishments. It also has many quality and spacious Cincinnati apartments.

Mariemont: Mariemont neighborhood is an excellent choice for those who are searching for Cincinnati Ohio apartments. This neighborhood also has a great school system and this is the main reason why many families prefer to live here. It does have Tudor style homes and tree-lined lanes. However, Mariemont is more expensive that many other neighborhoods of Cincinnati.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Ruth Caldon

Selling Your House Fast to Cash Property Buyers

Are you looking for the ways to sell house fast? Going by traditional method of approaching a real estate agent and listing your property in the market may take several months to sell your property. Moreover, it also means additional costs. If you are looking for guaranteed sale of your house, there are number of companies who act as the cash house buyers and offer guaranteed home purchase schemes.

How Do these Cash House Buyers Work?

These cash house buyer companies buy houses and properties by making private deals. The biggest advantage of selling house to these companies is they pay cash quickly. Though several companies buy your property without inspecting it, a few other companies may pick and choose the houses they will buy. Most of the times, the cash house buyers offer a quick purchase to the house seller and they offer to complete the buying process in a week or so. In addition, some property buyers may offer sell and rent back scheme. In this scheme, the company purchases the house and allows the home owner to continue living in it as a tenant.

Main Advantages of Using Cash Property Buyers

Selling home in the open market can take longer which can be problem to many people who have immediate cash requirement. The most important advantage of selling home to a cash house buyer company is the speed. These companies apply a sympathetic approach to your requirement and push the house sale really quickly. The purchase is made on cash payment basis and there is no chain.

Several house buyer companies also offer good incentive as part of the cash house purchase deal. For instance, they may offer free legal fees involved in the process. In addition, the home sellers can also save more money as they do not have to pay for a Home Information pack. As this will be a private sale, they need not market their property in the open market. Sometimes, home sellers may opt to live back in their homes even after the sale as these companies may allow them to stay there for a period as the tenants.

Calling cash house buyers can be a good option if you want to sell house fast. There are no hassles involved in selling your house using cash house buyers.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Damien Wilson

Sell Your Own House and Pocket the Profits

So you want to sell your own house? Perhaps you want to save money on a commission that would be paid to a broker. Perhaps you are one of those individuals that believe that selling a home is a simple process because it appears so easy on TV. I understand it’s probably not as difficult as performing a root canal on yourself, but if attempted without preparation it might feel like you attempted the aforementioned.

The first thing to consider when selling your own house is to determine what the current market is like in your local area. This does not mean you should buy a copy of the Wall Street Journal and try to extrapolate what your local market is like based on national or worse yet, international trends. Some markets never experienced a large up or down over the last decade despite what was going on elsewhere. So how can you find out information that is pertinent to the local area? One way is to contact a local real estate agent and ask, but that can bring on some unwanted pressure to list with them instead; which I actually suggest for the vast majority of homeowners. Another way is to check local papers that may disclose certain statistics such as average days on market, a comparison of sales prices to listing prices (they are rarely the same, except perhaps in a hot market), and local interest rates. Now what do you do with all this information? For now hold onto it, as we will be using it to help price your home.

Once we have gathered some basic data the next step is to start finding some comparable properties. A comparative market analysis is the most accurate way to price a „normal“ home. It may not be the best way to assess the value of a new home, historic home, income property, or commercial property. What you will want to do is gather the SOLD price of at least SIX comparable homes, that have sold in the last 6 months. If you use home sales older than that, you risk the comparison not being very accurate. Comparable homes should be as similar to your home as possible, but do not have to be identical. These homes should be in the same school district, zip code, and if possible same housing complex if applicable. Explaining exactly how to do this process can be very verbose, so what I will say is that for an amateur analysis make sure your home is priced less than homes offering greater amenities and size and greater than homes offering less size or that are not as updated. Knowing exactly how much these differences effect the price of your home from the comps takes market knowledge that most homeowners don’t have. Remember that money spent on renovations does not correlate 100% to an increase in value.

Ok, so we now have an idea about the list price. The next thing we need to do is go back to what is happening in the local market. If homes are selling fast, I would suggest sticking near your estimated price for a quick sale of your home. If homes are selling at an average rate 3- 6 months (again average is different depending on location) I’d consider sticking at your estimate list price or as much as ten percent less if you are hoping for a quick sale. If homes are not selling on average in less than 120 days, as a for sale by owner you will need to price yourself well below the competition 10% or more. My reasoning for this is that highly marketed homes are not selling, where your home will have a fraction of the advertising versus those listed with a broker. You will need an edge to beat out the competition.

Well, we accomplished step one; pricing our home. This is actually one of the easier tasks we will have to do. Step two will be determining our budget for marketing the home. This is actually the main reason I suggest hiring a broker, since advertising if done haphazardly can cost MORE than hiring an agent. Now you can advertise on sites that cater to for sale by owners, but honestly the traffic they generate is simply pathetic compared to many of the better known sites. If you are serious about this, I suggest you list on a big name site. As far as advertising in the local paper goes, it certainly does not hurt, but realize that more buyers find their home online than through the local paper. The local paper though does appeal to the older generations and can help with a cross generational marketing campaign. Another consideration is that according to the national association of REALTORS 89% of surveyed home buyers in 2011 used an agent to buy. That means, whether you want to or not, you will likely have to deal with and or pay an agent. As a for sale by owner you can offer to pay an agent for bringing a buyer to you. This may help you save some money compared to having an agent list it as well. A good number to start with is offering a 2-3% commission to any buyer’s agents. This will ensure that the 89% of buyers searching for a home with the aid of an agent will not totally avoid your home. Another marketing tool you can use is a yard sign. These can be obtained relatively cheap from a local printer or online. If you are gutsy enough to let total strangers roam through your home, you can also host an open house. It is estimated that nearly 5% of home purchases are done on impulse, so it cannot hurt your sales effort. I would like you to consider that bringing strangers in your home can be unsafe so proceed with caution.

Alright, we are moving right along to getting our home sold. We have a price, we know how we are going to market it, and we are ready to list right? No, I’m sorry we still have some work to do. The next thing we have to do is complete a seller’s disclosure form to give to potential buyers. This form can be obtained from a local housing authority or online. In addition, we need to provide potential buyers with a lead-based paint disclosure act if your house was built in 1978 or earlier, thanks to a 1992 law. In addition, this is the time to neutralize your home, fix peeling paint (trust me, fix peeling paint), and complete any other small maintenance tasks that need done.

Ok, now we can go ahead and list the home. The easy part is done, we are moving onto the hard and hardest parts of selling a home. Now if you listed it yourself I suggest purchasing a land line phone number to use for advertisement purposes. There are many places where you can find one cheaply. When your first perspective buyer calls, greet them politely and share whatever information they need. As tempting as it may be, before having them over to view the house, make sure they have be pre-approved, or at least pre-qualified for a loan; ask them to bring their pre-approval letter. People have no problem wasting your time. If they refuse to bring any such paperwork, skip the viewing because it is likely they are not that interested in your house anyways. In fact, they cannot even make a real offer at this point. Show buyers around that have met the pre-qualifications, but refrain from harping about anything personalized within the home, as they will likely be envisioning how they can change your house to suit their needs. If they are interested in making an offer, please do not entertain a verbal negotiation of price. First, their offer is not legally enforceable by the statute of frauds and back and forth negotiations may elicit an emotional response on your part. Instead, insist on a written offer and binding contract. It is likely they will be working with an agent, so this is usually a mute point. When the offer is presented, remain emotionless whether it is more than you had hoped for, or less since most buyers will expect the savings you received from not paying a commission to be passed onto them (Now if you used my suggestion of offering a buyer’s agent commission you might find that you receive a more reasonable offer). You have two options; accept or reject the offer. If you reject the offer, you can always counter-offer. Some things to expect during this time is the buyers wanting you to purchase a home owners insurance warranty (which you should do to save yourself a headache 6 months from now when your water pipes burst or your furnace dies at only 4 years of age). The second is that they will likely place several contingencies on the offer, which are completely normal. These contingences may include a home inspection, land survey, title insurance, dye test, as well as several others.

Ok so you have found a buyer and your home is under contract. The coming 30-90 days will be the roughest yet, but hang on because you are almost there. During this time a home inspector after examining your home will come up with a list of several hundred problems that your house has. If you already disclosed these items in your seller’s disclosure there should be little concern, as they will not be items that your potential buyer could use to back out of the transaction. Now for the things you were unaware of, buyers may try to haggle the price even lower. I suggest for small ticket items, hold your ground. Bigger ticket items will likely require some concessions on your part. Your other option is to not give any concessions and try the whole process over again, disclosing the newfound issues. If things do progress past this point, prepare for yet more expenses at closing. You will need to pay transfer taxes on the property, as well as, prorated property taxes if you have not yet done so for the fiscal year. Again, there will be some other expenses and rather going into detail here, I suggest you take a look at a HUD-1 form to get a strong understanding of what expenses are dealt with at closing. If closing is not being taken care of by their agent, I suggest you hire either a transaction licensee or lawyer to handle the paperwork. DO NOT attempt to complete this stage on your own unless you are an agent or an attorney.

Well if you made it past closing, you have done what only 15% of for sale by owners are able to! Congratulations, and when you go to look for your next home use an agent.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Adam M Slivka

Know How Estate Agents Value Properties For Sale

Every homeowner wants to sell his or her property for its maximum value. And, too often they end up choosing an estate agent simply on the basis of whoever provides them with the biggest initial valuation. However, this will be a costly mistake.

What your house is valued at matters. If you get the estimate wrong, it might sell for a price, less than what the actual worth of the property is. On the flip side, even overpriced houses will put off prospective buyers from viewing your house. Moreover, hefty selling prices can even result in a long wait before any good offer comes in or might not sell at all. Getting the valuation done right agent is thus recommended.

Here are a few aspects estate agents take into consideration during property valuation!

Few Factors Estate Agents Keep In Mind While Valuing A Property

1. Local Amenities

During property valuation, one of the major factors which can drive up the selling price is the actual area where the house is situated in. Aspects such as how close the house is to schools, shopping malls, banks, restaurants and parks definitely affect the final selling price. A property which has good transport links will get a much better price than the house that’s located in secluded places.

2. Size

When it comes to getting your property valued, the size of your home is another vital aspect which estate agents keep in mind. The number of bedrooms that the property has affects the marketing of the property. Even the size of every individual room largely determines buyer demographics.

3. Aesthetics

Other than the obvious considerations like keeping your house well-maintained, tidy and clean, there are few other aesthetic factors which can help you in raising the value of your property. Properties which offer great views or are close to water bodies will always achieve a better selling price. Just the way hotel rooms with scenic views cost more, so do houses near a river or sea.

4. Kerb Appeal

Estate agents believe that the way your property looks from outside is as important as the interiors. After looking all around your property, the agent will determine if your front garden looks neat and well maintained and whether your property stands out from the rest. A house with great exteriors will certainly fetch a better price than the ones which don’t have.

5. Potential

Though the size of the home plays a vital role in property valuation, so is the flexibility of the property which is being valued. Agents even check if a particular property can be extended. A house which has the potentiality to be improved can help a lot with the selling price. Properties with the scope of improvements and renovation can drive up selling prices significantly.

Now that you are aware of the considerations, what are you still here for? It’s time you get your property valued by qualified estate agents!

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Alex Cooper

Top Tips For Hosting A Childrens Party

Hosting a children’s party can be a terrifying prospect if you’ve never done it before. But once you’ve aced one party, you’re sorted for a lifetime. Party planning is all about getting the foundations right and from then on it should run smoothly. Keep reading for our top tips on hosting your first children’s party:

Choose a theme

Putting a theme in place is best to start with, mainly because it gives you something to plan around. If you and your child choose a theme which you are both happy with, you can get shopping for the perfect party items. Essentials such as paper plates, napkins and table cloths can be purchased from a UK wholesaler. When it comes to creating party bags for the children, you can purchase a large variety of toys from places which offer wholesale toys as you can get them for a discounted rate.

Hire a venue which caters

Picking a venue which offers catering onsite makes it a lot easier for you to focus on the other aspects of a party. Preparing lots of buffet food can be a stressful task. Choosing a catered venue allows the kids to pick what they want to eat while they are with their parents. This will allow any allergies to be dealt with in advance. Places such as bowling alleys and jungle gyms offer catered-for parties and you can still bring all your own decorations and cake. There’s also the option to provide snacks, as opposed to a full meal.

Pick the right time

The age of the children – as well as the day of the week it will be hosted on – will mandate what time you should host your party. Children’s parties are usually quite short, roughly around two hours. If it’s a party that requires a lot of running around, kids are more likely to get tired quickly. If you’re unsure what time to host your party, ask other parents and take note from other parties your child is invited to. Usually, weekend parties work best as you’re able to have them at whatever time of day without worrying about bedtimes.

Have fun

The most important thing is that your child is having fun and as long as they are, you’ve done a great job. Things may not always go to plan, but people are unlikely to notice, especially if everyone is happy and having a good time. Nevertheless, ending the night with party bags is always exciting for the children. We wish you good luck with planning your first children’s party.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Vicky Walmsley

The Pros and Cons of Home Tanning Beds

Today, relaxing in tanning beds to achieve the perfect tone of bronzed skin is a common activity. This $5 billion a year industry used to be reserved as a luxury for those in the upper class, but now millions of people enjoy this indulgence, regardless of income. Many of these people want the benefits of a tan, but just don’t have the time to bask in the sun, so they take advantage of the controlled exposure to UV light.

This popularity created a new trend in the creation of home tanning beds. As the prices for a tanning bed for sale decline, more people are buying them for their home. This article details the pros and cons of investing in home systems, including some factors to consider before purchasing a tanning bed for sale.

It Costs Less

Visiting a salon can get expensive over time. Many people have a hard time justifying a trip to a salon, especially those who consider it a luxury. While purchasing a home tanning bed for sale requires an upfront investment, it eliminates the monthly fees of a salon, costing less in the long term. As it can require many salon sessions to develop a base, plus additional sessions to maintain it, it is possible to pay for your home system with your salon savings in a short time.

It Is Convenient

Although visiting a salon offers people the convenience without having to spend hours out in the sun, home tanning beds offer even more convenience. Instead of jumping in the car and driving to the salon, home users simply walk over to their home system.

Offering a higher level of convenience, these home units provide you with the option to tan whenever it’s convenient for you. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the middle of the night, an hour after work, or right when you wake up in the morning, you can tan anytime. Home systems offer a great alternative to those with busy work schedules, especially those who travel frequently or work odd hours because they don’t have to try to arrange their schedule to fit their salon’s schedule.

Lastly, home units offer year round treatments. Whether it’s a bright and sunny day in July or a snowy day in February, people with home systems can maintain their tan anytime in the privacy and convenience of home.

The Cons Of Home Tanning Beds

While there are plenty of pros, there are also a few cons to owning these systems. First, you must manage your own exposure level when using your home system. This includes monitoring the amount of time spent under the lamps per session, the number of sessions per week, and even the use of protective goggles and lotions.

You will also have to keep your system maintained, including replacing the bulbs regularly so it always provides you with an even tan. Regular cleaning is also crucial to the long life of your system. Finally, you will need to make sure you have the proper supplies on hand, including goggles, lotion, and bulbs.

By keeping the pros and cons of tanning beds in mind, you will have the knowledge necessary to decide whether a home tanning bed for sale is right for your lifestyle.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Chris A. Harmen

The Dos and Don’ts of Upgrades

When it comes to optioning the house, the primary question an investor should be asking themselves upon an acquisition is whether or not the option selected will contribute to the sell-ability of the house, relative to the actual cost. Obviously, there’s a point of diminishing return if one builds a Taj Mahal in a land of tract homes. Despite the urge to go all out and deck the place to the tee, please resist the temptation. Doing so will only cut down on your return. This is particularly important given the fact that since it is an investment, an investment with an unknown value, it isn’t prudent to put some of the potential gain at risk by purchasing unnecessary design upgrades that aren’t critical.

More often than not, homebuilders are aware of this vulnerability. This is more then ever true for investors, for whom they will provide a glut of options and upgrades that are grossly marked up. This type of financial exploitation provides an income stream that is indispensable to many homebuilders, such as KB Home, who are notorious for their exuberant cost upgrades and options. This system is so elaborate that their design department is a whole corporation of its own-which is known as KB Home Studio and rivals that of most high-end design centers. Not only are these stand-alone profit centers, KB Home has a separate business unit with senior vice presidents, AVPs, regional heads, etc., to take care of this organizational monster. The great thing about this apparatus is that it offers a plethora of design upgrades and options that are really top-shelf. The only problem is that you usually have to pay an arm and a leg to get these wonderful amenities.

To relate a story, the first time I went through a KB Home Studio, it was baptism by fire. I spent over eight hours in the design center, split over two days. At $35,000 plus in upgrades, I estimated that it cost me about $4,300 an hour to shop in their design center. You can see why I was happy to get out of there. Keep in mind also, that you may be required to pay a fraction of the upgrade costs in the form of a deposit soon after selection. This is almost a certainty and industry standard. On average, the deposit amount runs 25 percent to 50 percent and are usually nonrefundable. The consequence of this deposit requirement is apparent, in that it makes it more difficult, especially as an investor, to walk away from a transaction.

In spite of the latter, you can see on a pure convenience factor, it’s hard not to like that a homebuilder can offer you lots of options. Having the „convenience factor“ available is all good and well; however, it becomes somewhat of an entrapment issue when the builder offers a plain vanilla box without any or few upgrades. In these cases, sometimes builders will only go to „code“-meaning, only providing what is necessary to have the local housing department or building and safety, at the city or the county level sign off on the property and give it a certificate of occupancy. This for instance, may mean no rain gutters, no landscaping in the front or back, unfinished garages, which typically consist of drywall with a coat of primer, or an unfinished garage consisting of the latter but with exposed 2×4 studs, sheetrock, chicken wire and black installation coversheet. Other more obvious „standards“ include all vinyl flooring and small 4×4 white tile for the kitchen countertops, or cheap laminate for that matter. To top it all off, in terms of complete ugly-fication, you might get the builders‘ special quarter-inch clustered marble countertops in the bathroom.

There’s a reason why even home design centers at Home Depot or Lowe’s highlight these amenities, and that’s because they’re cheap and nobody really wants them. Consequently, many homebuilders offer the standards in order to eek out as much money as possible out of each home they build. As a result, a new homeowner and/or investor is essentially forced into buying options and various upgrades in order to avoid the home looking like a plain Jane. Having too much of a plain Jane can actually hurt a home’s value. As an investor, it’s up to you to define the balance without overspending on a new tract flip. That’s the nature of making a business decision: you have to use your judgment. I’ve seen some homes that were literally destroyed from the inside out given the extreme lack of appeal that permeated the house as a result of no upgrades. As an example, spending an additional $4,000 to $6,000 on upgraded floorways and kitchen countertops is probably well advised. Most carpeting, even if it doesn’t have stain guard, should be adequate for most homes. Don’t be pressured into upgrading into a thicker padding for the carpet. Just go with the standard one-quarter inch, since most builders will try to get an extra $700 to $1,200, if not more, added to the cost of the house just for upgraded padding.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by D Sidney Potter

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