Assets refer to resources with an economic value that you own or control, with the expectation that an asset will provide a future financial benefit. Buying properties is one way of increasing your assets.
For everyday folk who do not invest in things like stocks and shares, the dollars and cents they have tied up in home mortgage loans can soon turn into dollars and sense – i.e., investing in housing makes a lot of sense if you want to increase your assets and get a good financial return in the future.
Options for Property Assets
You can invest in property in several ways in order to increase your assets. You could purchase a house, a luxury property, or even a commercial property directly with the help of a mortgage or you could put your money into a property investment fund, in which you can get shares in various properties or enhance your property portfolio.
You should spend some time exploring which options are best for your specific circumstances and needs. Options to consider include investing in buy-to-let properties, property developments, overseas properties, newbuilds to sell on, and real estate investment trusts and other property investment funds.
Using Leverage
If you want to make the most out of your property investment and see a good return, you should learn about leverage. Basically, leverage is about using various financial instruments or borrowed capital, such as mortgage loans, to increase your potential return on investment.
By using leverage in the right way, you can not only expand the potential for excellent financial returns. You can also reduce the risks that come with any investment. Remember, while property can be a sound investment choice when real estate prices rise, if prices go in the other direction, it can potentially lead to losses.
Getting a Mortgage
One option for increasing your assets is to take out a mortgage that enables you to purchase a property; or take out more than one mortgage to buy several properties.
Your exact strategy for increasing your property assets will be dependent on your personal financial circumstances. The first step is to find the right mortgage.
Finding a lender that enables you to put down a low down payment and offers other incentives is important if you want to get the most out of your property investment.
For example, home mortgage loans from SoFi are a great choice because the lender offers down payments as low as 3% for first-time buyers and guarantees the closing happens on time. Furthermore, if eligible, you can get up to a $9,500 real estate commission rebate.
When looking at lenders with a view to taking out a mortgage loan, it is important that you ask the right questions to ensure you get a good deal and are in a good position to carry on increasing your property assets in the future.
First off, you are sure to want to know how much you are able to borrow.
You can use a mortgage calculator to get a good ballpark figure, but you still need to talk through your financial situation with a mortgage advisor to determine how much you can actually borrow and what the terms and conditions are; such as how much of a down payment you need to put down, what the interest rate is, and how long the duration of the loan is.
You should also find out:
Whether a fixed or adjustable rate mortgage is best for your situation.
How good your credit needs to be.
How many mortgage points the rate includes.
At what time the interest can be locked in.
What the estimated closing costs are.
Whether there are any other fees to pay.
What could delay the closing.
Whether there is a prepayment penalty.
Whether you need mortgage insurance.
Carol Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
With so many realtors available and so many variables to consider, it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly makes a real estate agent effective. Of course, you want a strong deal on the table and someone who has the authority to make things happen, but what about the care and attention that can sometimes be lost in the hustle and bustle of real estate?
What’s the perfect middle ground between passionate and fast-acting? And what should you look for in the perfect realtor? Let’s explore those must-have qualities below.
Reputation
Any reputable real estate company is going to have accreditations and a long track record of success in the industry. No one’s suggesting they need to be flawless (if they seem too good to be true they probably are!) but it’s important to look into any obstacles or issues they’ve overcome as a business. In fact, after the global pandemic, a commonly searched term was “Is Compass Real Estate in trouble”, and that’s one of the biggest real estate brokers in the country!
Customer reviews
Look on their web pages for those essential customer reviews. Anyone can claim to be a good realtor, but actual customer feedback is a true sign of quality. If you’re feeling brave enough, why not ask for some contact details of happy customers to really see how helpful they can be?
Understanding
If you’ve had an informal sit-down discussion with your realtor about what you want to accomplish and you’re given a gameplan that’s the direct opposite of everything you thought you’d agreed upon, it may be time to look elsewhere. There shouldn’t be a “one size fits all” approach to buying or selling a home, and if you feel you’re being given a standard response to some very specific needs, it’s a big potential red flag.
Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com
Compassion
With that understanding comes the potential for compassion. This may be important to those with young children or growing families looking to find a new home. It’s always better to feel like you’ve entered into a relationship with a realtor, and that you aren’t just another number to them. Most realtors got into the business to help others, so if you can find a compassionate person, you’re on the right path!
Attention to detail
From the small print of a contract to the slightest alteration in furniture placement, your ideal realtor should be on the ball and eagle-eyed. Sometimes, particularly during open viewings, it’s the smaller touches that capture the attention of a potential buyer. In those moments, you’ll be glad for the thorough approach of a dedicated real estate agent.
Organization
Fielding calls, negotiating prices, and using their contacts to get you the best deal possible is hard work. And without a lot of organization, the entire process is going to be a mess from start to finish. Check online reviews for comments and praise that single out an organized and friendly agent. Ask about their availability. An organized realtor is an experienced one who knows how to get the ball rolling while keeping you informed every step of the way.
Carol Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Cannabidiol, more popularly called CBD, is a compound contained in the cannabis Sativa plant, which has properties that can calm your nerves. These properties trigger the neuroreceptors in your system when you consume CBD edibles. The interaction in your endocannabinoid system sends signals to your cells and regulates your mood, movement, and immune system.
The ability of CBD to calm your nerves and thereby improve your mental health is its most popular benefit. Those who consume CBD experience reduced anxiety, and its effects are like imipramine, an antidepressant. However, human trials are needed to test whether CBD consumption can safely induce an antidepressant reaction in our bodies.
Gummies
Chewing on tasty cannabidiol gummies is the most fun and the best way to consume CBD edibles. Gummies are easily ingestible, palatable, and portable. If you are a beginner, it is an excellent choice to consume it discreetly. Edible CBD gummies are helpful for several mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
CBD gummies help reduce anxiety and stress by interacting with the endocannabinoid system of your body. The main function of this system is to regulate appetite, mood, pain, and other functions. Through such interaction with the system, the gummies help in reducing feelings of stress and anxiety and keep you in balance.
The CBD contained in the gummies can help with mental health. However, some gummies contain extra ingredients such as melatonin, chamomile, and lemon balm to soothe your nerves. It is not clear how these ingredients interact with CBD. Therefore, stick to CBD gummies only, with no vitamins, supplements, or minerals.
Cookies
CBD cookies are edible products that merge hemp extracts into chocolate cookies and taste fantastic. The perfect blend of CBD with chocolate gives it its therapeutic properties and superior taste, which has gained global popularity. Cookies can be a suitable edible product for beginners at low dosages.
The most common reason for the reputation of these cookies is their potential for variety and taste. The earthy and bitter undertone of CBD that comes from its terpene content complements the rich chocolate flavor. Besides, they help in the treatment of hypertension, anxiety, and stress-related issues.
Photo by Aphiwat chuangchoem on Pexels.com
The fat content in the chocolate is neutralized by the fat-soluble property of hemp extract. In other words, you can ingest the correct amount of CBD as they mix perfectly well and complement each other. Both these components also have anti-oxidative elements making them safe and healthy for consumption.
Unlike other methods of consuming cannabidiol, eating these cookies can be safer and healthier as vaping or smoking is not involved. Several companies now market them as the best alternative to hemp variants that can prevent insomnia and sleep-related disorders.
Oil
Cannabidiol oil is manufactured by diluting CBD extracts with a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil for higher bioavailability. It can be in some food, dietary supplements, drinks, and bath soaks. The oil continues to gain popularity in the wellness and health world as it may ease conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Many people who suffer from mental health disorders find it therapeutic to use CBD oil regularly as it is a natural approach. The product comes with a dropper so that you get to consume the most accurate dosages, unlike other forms. Although some may dislike the smell and taste of it, the effects are relatively fast.
CBD oil can be mixed in your drinks, or it can be placed under your tongue. With the provided dropper that comes with the little bottle, simply drop several drops you’re your mouth for about 30 seconds. Incorporate I into your daily routine. People who use it have found it to be a great culinary experience.
Although CBD oil can be a treatment for conditions such as schizophrenia and anxiety, research supporting its benefits is limited. Therefore, it can carry potential side effects such as diarrhea, dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, and reduced appetite. CBD oil can also interact and clash with other medications.
Vapes
You may have seen CBD vapes alongside other vapes on the shelves of gas stations and cannabis stores. They may seem like an alternative to tobacco, and that may ring true for some people. However, there is no proof to show that using it can wean you off tobacco or nicotine smoking, although CBD vapes are healthier in comparison.
CBD vape pens are becoming popular because of their ability to treat a wide range of mental health disorders such as bipolar, anxiety, and stress-related illnesses. They are available in refillable or disposable varieties, and its convenient and budget-friendly. Disposable pens make it easier for you to try different flavors and types.
A vape pen contains all sorts of ingredients put together in a readymade format. You need to know which brands contain the best ingredients. Test the products and make sure they contain only high-quality ingredients. Read their website before making the purchase. Higher the quality, cleaner the product.
Jennifer Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Each summer season is the perfect moment to relax and disconnect. One way to do it is to read books. For once, forget your mobile phone, close your computer and do not even look at your smartwatch. Just lay down somewhere and open a good book. To help you with this, here are our top five books to read during your holidays. At luxuryactivist we took the time to ask around, evaluate, read some of them and even check some of the most notorious book critics to craft this short yet essential selection. Enjoy.
A Novel – To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara
After “A Little Life”, the new book is a novel of many faces. To Paradise is a fin de siècle novel of marvellous literary effect, but above all, it is a work of emotional genius. The incredible power of this remarkable novel is driven by Yanagihara’s understanding of the aching desire to protect those we love—partners, lovers, children, friends, family, and even our fellow citizens—and the pain that ensues when we cannot. This is probably a true masterpiece of our times.
According to the New York Times: “We are given a patriarch, wealth, children; an arranged marriage, an inheritance, a true love, a class divide and a significant twist. Deftly paced and judiciously detailed, the tale makes hay with the conventions of the 19th-century novel. But that’s not all. With breathtaking audacity, Yanagihara rewrites America….Yanagihara masterfully repurposes themes, situations and motifs…This ambitious novel tackles major American questions and answers them in an original, fascinating way. It has a major feel. But it is finally in [its] minor moments that Yanagihara shows greatness.” – Gish Jen, The New York Times Book Review
A Biography – Taste: My Life Through Food
I love Stanley Tucci. He is a great actor and a great person. He is obsessed with food (like me). He proposes an intimate and charming memoir of life in and out of the kitchen. We must understand that Stanley Tucci was born and raised in an Italian family, so cooking and eating are part of his heritage. This new book, Taste, is a true crossroads between food and life. It is filled with little short moments in life from Stanley Tucci’s childhood growing up in New York, preparing for the shooting of some of his films and, of course, his life with his wife and children. From a cooking point of view, it goes from high standards of five-star meals down to burned dishes. A true gastronomic journey where bad times and good times happened. Written with Stanley’s signature wry humour, Taste is for fans of Bill Buford, Gabrielle Hamilton, and Ruth Reichl—and anyone who knows the power of a home-cooked meal.
A History Book – The Palace Papers: Inside the House of Windsor–the Truth and the Turmoil
This book exposes the intimate narrative of the British royal family’s struggle to escape the tragedies of the Diana era—only to be confronted with new, twenty-first-century issues.
The author takes readers on a tour de force trip through the monarchy’s scandals, love relationships, power manoeuvres, and betrayals throughout the previous twenty-five years. We watch the Queen’s stoic resolve following the deaths of Princess Margaret, the Queen Mother, and Prince Philip, her long-term spouse, and how she prevails in her Jubilee years despite family strife. Brown delves into Prince Charles’ ambition to marry Camilla Parker Bowles, William and Harry’s “separate paths,” Kate Middleton’s ascension, Prince Andrew’s demise, and Harry and Meghan’s startling choice to stand aside as senior royals. Despite the weak monarchy’s best efforts, “never again” appears to be on the horizon.
Reconnecting with Nature – The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate.
In his book, The Hidden Life of Trees, forester and author Peter Wohlleben makes a compelling argument that the forest is a social network. He uses revolutionary scientific discoveries to show how trees are similar to human families: tree parents live alongside their offspring, communicate with them, nurture them as they develop, share nutrients with those who are ill or struggling, and even warn each other of imminent hazards. Wohlleben also discusses his intense love of woods and forests, describing the marvellous cycles of life, death, and regeneration he has witnessed in his forest.
Easy Reading on the Beach – It Happened One Summer: A Novel
Here is the story: Piper Bellinger is trendy and prominent, and her reputation as a wild child has the paparazzi on her tail. When too much champagne and an out-of-control rooftop party put Piper in jail, her stepfather thinks it’s time to call it quits. So he cuts her off and assigns Piper and her sister to help operate their late father’s dingy bar… in Washington.
Piper hasn’t even been in Westport five minutes when she meets Brendan, a large, bearded sea captain who thinks she won’t last a week outside Beverly Hills. She’s determined to prove to her stepfather and the hot, fiercely local that she’s more than just a lovely face. So what if Piper can’t handle arithmetic and the thought of sleeping in a run-down apartment with bunk beds makes her break out in hives? How horrible could it possibly be? For sure, the best summer book you can read by the pool and think about something else.
This summer, do not hesitate to read books. Leave the tablet, the smartphone or the laptop on the side and take a good book to read. It does not require batteries, you will not have a problem with contrast under the sunlight, it is unbreakable, and even if your book falls into the pool, it will survive better than your phone. Above all, books provide something unique: time for yourself.
Happy summer
José Amorim Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Boating is a big-time activity that can be shared with yourcouples, family, or friends. However, since it’s seasonal for most people, you will need to do a few check-ups to prepare for the first season trip. Boat preparation is essential for your safety and ensuring your vessel remains in service all year-round. While you may want to call your localboat mechanic, most of the things you can check yourself. Here are some tips to get your boat ready for summer.
1. Fit your vessel with a boat top
A boat top gives you a break from the persistent summer sun so you can remain cooler and enjoy your time on the water much longer. Thanks to the design of Stryker T-Tops, you can still enjoy plenty of fresh air and cool breezes while out in the sun. Boat tops come in different sizes, colors, and shapes, making them a great way to customize your boat. You can order a simple sunshade or invest in a full canvas with windows and doors. When choosing a boat top, consider the uses of the vessel. If, for example, you are going to use your boat for fishing, a T-top may provide more convenience.
2. De-winterize your boat’s engine
Many boats sit unused on the harbor for three or more months before summer. This can cause the rot horses and other rubber parts to dry from salt air and extreme temperature changes. In addition, fuel in the engine tank may break down, while moisture can lead to corrosion of metal parts and electrical systems.
If the oil has been in the engine for months, consider draining it out and replacing it with fresh fluids. Old fuel can clog your engine components and possiblycause damage to your boat. Check all of the cables and hoses on your boat engine, including fuel and coolant hoses, and ensure they are tight and secure.
3. Check the water pump and thermostat
Proper temperature is key to your boat engine life. The water pump utilizes a rubber impeller to pump water and cool the engine, and these impellers generally have a lifespan of two years or 200 hours. Check the water pump to ensure it’s not overheating, and that water properly flows through the motor. In addition, flush the system and replace the antifreeze according to the instructions in the manufacturer’s manual.
4. Paint the bottom
Paint the bottom of your boat with antifouling paint if it has stayed in the water year-round. Anti-fouling coating protects the haul from marine substances such as seagrasses and mollusks, which can latch onto the hull, slowing it down or increasing fuel consumption. Use a scraper to remove loose paint if the boat has been out of the water for a while. After that, lightly sand the entire bottom with fine-grit sandpaper to restore the effectiveness of the paint.
5. Check the battery
Inspect your battery strength and fluid levels if your boat has been sitting for a couple of weeks or months unused. Boat electronics, including a stereo, radio, GPS, and radar, can drain your battery, so be sure to leave its switch off whenever your battery is not in use. Boat batteries have a lifespan of up to five years, so any battery that reaches about four years should be replaced. Check your battery for corrosion or rust, and use a wire brush to clean the connection if necessary. Regular cleaning and greasing of the battery can help increase its lifespan.
6. Get a tune-up
If you are inexperienced with boat engines or are in the learning phase, spring is the time to schedule a tune-up with a licensed engine technician. During the tune-up, your local mechanic will conduct a compression test, check your water pump and seals, and test the spark plugs. They will also change the lubricant in the lower unit and perform any other necessary services as specified in the owner’s manual.
7. Replace filters
Remove and replace fuel filters if needed. Ethanol-blended gasoline used in most boats can dissolve debris attached to your gas tank lining and send it directly to the engine. In addition, ethanol may pull moisture from the outside air to your oil tank. Experts recommend regularly changing your water separator and fuel filters to prevent side effects. Change the fuel filter and water separator annually or every 100 hours.
Endnote
Preparing your boat for the summer can be a bit overwhelming, but a lot of fun awaits you once it’s ready. When the sun is shining down and reflecting off the water, you will hardly remember the time you spent fixing the engine and painting your haul. Apply these tips to address your boat’s most significant parts as you prepare for the summer.
Carol Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Feeding birds in summer is a wonderful way to bring your garden alive with the many species of birds that inhabit our shores or pass through. Watching birds is a mindful pursuit and can do much to relieve stress, while for children, it is an education about the life we share with our planet.
There is a common misconception that birds do not need us to feed them in the summer. It is a myth, as they require a rich mix of summer bird food to help raise their chicks. By providing this food source, we are not lessening the bird life’s natural instincts. Instead, we are countering some of the damage we have done by covering so much of the land in concrete and tarmac.
Here we offer some tips on what you can offer the birds to help them through the summer months.
1. The right food
Knowing what to feed birds is one of the most important lessons you can learn. Birds who are caring for their young require food with higher protein contents. Therefore, black sunflower seeds, soaked sultanas, raisins and currants, mealworms, grated cheese, and some soft fruits such as bananas are all great options. There are summer bird food mixes available from stockists, and this will offer the perfect mix of ingredients for your bird table.
2. Keep the feeders clean.
Any food you leave out has a higher chance of becoming rancid in the heat. Therefore, the bird feeders can become a place where diseases are spread. To help maintain healthy wildlife in your area, you must ensure you dispose of rotted food and clean the feeders before refilling them.
Photo by Valeria Boltneva on Pexels.com
3. Avoid foods dangerous to chicks.
Certain bird favourites are not ideal for feeding young birds. While the parent birds are discerning about what they take back to the nest, they may resort to taking some bulkier foods from your table when times get desperate. Consequently, do not put out peanuts, peanut butter, suet balls, fat bars or bread.
4. Put feeders away at night.
Bird feeders are not only attractive to our feathered friends. They can also entice pests into your garden. Therefore, you may want to secure them away overnight to avoid rats, mice, and squirrels.
5. Leave small amounts of food at a time.
Another way to avoid food spoiling and causing illness, as well as a way of avoiding pests, is only to put out small amounts at a time. At the same time, we can let the feeder overflow in the winter months, a small amount each morning will be more successful during the hotter days.
6. Keep the feeders in the shade.
When feeding birds in summer, it’s important to keep the feeder out of the direct sunlight as this will be more attractive to passing birds. It will also help keep the food fresher for longer.
7. Open feeders are best.
If it rains, you want your feeders to be open, as it will allow the seed mix to dry out quickly and still provide a meal for a massing flock. Seeds that remain wet for long periods will obviously rot much more quickly. Therefore, this is another way to avoid spoiled seeds.
8. Stay away from windows.
As tempting as it is to put your birdfeeder close to your kitchen window as possible, it is dangerous to the birds. While you get a perfect view of your visitors, they may not be able to recognise that there is a glass barrier there. It could result in bird injuries as they fly into your windows. Therefore, placing the feeders carefully to help avoid this is essential.
9. Don’t forget the water.
More important than food at this time of year is a plentiful supply of fresh water. There is nothing better for a wildlife garden than a pond. However, if you can’t maintain a pond, you might want to purchase a bird bath and keep this topped up.
Remember that one of the consequences of our excessive water use is low water levels in local rivers and other water sources. Therefore, we need to do what we can to replace these with water supplies in our gardens.
Summary
Doing what we can for our bird population is a great endeavour. It is needed in the summertime as much as in the short winter days. Here we offer some insight into how to do this in the birds’ best interest and so you can enjoy those wonderful visitors to your garden.
Jennifer Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
As one of California’s burgeoning new gems for first-time buyers, retirees, and real estate investors alike, the City of Bakersfield is slowly but surely becoming a popular new destination for people looking to settle down and make a fresh start in their lives.
For a better idea of the places available in this Southern Califonia City, you can view Bakersfield homes on Compass.com to get your imaginations running wild! But what happens when you’ve chosen a home? Here’s a short but informative guide to life in Bakersfield and what new residents can expect.
Bakersfield offers cost-effective California living
In comparison to the cities and areas in the state of California, Bakersfield will cost you a lot less than nearby big-time destinations like Los Angeles or San Francisco. With less expensive housing costs and an ideal location that’s within commuting distance of many big economical opportunities, residents of Bakersfield can enjoy cost-effective living with all of the big-city benefits.
Going somewhere? It’s best to travel by car
While downtown Bakersfield offers residents key access to all amenities and modern comforts amid the hustle and bustle of the businesses it hosts, this isn’t always the case when you go into the outskirts of the city. Those awe-inspiring landscapes of the Bakersfield area mean that you’re going to be living in a broad and sprawling part of California. And while walkability is possible, it’s certainly not always going to be convenient.
Of course, public transportation options are available too, and the city has made some dramatic changes in regard to transport amenities over the years. But having your own method of transportation can give you the freedom to travel far easier and more frequently.
Business in Bakersfield
Bakersfield hosts several large global companies, with Amazon being one of the most recent and notable arrivals, opening a fulfillment center (which also brought multiple new jobs to the area) in the city. Other businesses and institutions that drive Bakersfield’s economy are Kern Medical, Allied Universal, Webster Bank, and the Bakersfield City School District.
Photo: Wikipedia, Creative Commons
Education in Bakersfield
New Bakersfield residents with children can rest assured that they’ll have a large range of high-quality schools to choose from. In fact, there are 33 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 18 high school district campuses in the surrounding area. The Bakersfield City School District leads by example, providing students with a safe and encouraging environment that instills confidence in new attendees quickly.
In terms of higher education, residents can benefit from in-state college tuition as part of the California State University System, with over 281 colleges and universities to choose from.
The weather in Bakersfield
Much like the rest of Southern California, Bakersfield’s weather can reach daily temperatures of around 91 degrees in the pinnacle of the Summer months and around 66 degrees Fahrenheit in the Winter seasons. You can generally expect to enjoy dry Summers and cloudy Winters with very little rainfall.
However, this lack of rain can lead to droughts, and like many other California residents, conserving water during showers and brushing your teeth is encouraged.
Carol Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Life after a car accident can never be the same again. Besides struggling with escalating medical bills and lost wages, you may still have to pay for your regular expenses like rent and utilities.
The good news is that you may be able to recover compensation if the accident that caused your damages resulted from someone else’s negligence. Sadly, the at-fault party’s insurer or lawyer may not be willing to pay what you rightfully deserve and will even use some underhand tactics to deny or lower your claim’s value.
But worry not, as here are four tips to help you get total compensation after a car accident.
Seek Medical Treatment
Seeking medical attention should be your first step after an accident, whether your injuries are severe or not. Some injuries like whiplash may be visible immediately after a crash, and the only way to identify and treat them early enough is through a medical examination.
Besides guarding your health, seeking treatment will provide you with the official medical documentation of your injuries. These records come in handy when proving and quantifying the value of your claim.
Gather Evidence
If you are not severely injured, make sure you collect information that might help strengthen your case at the accident scene. Without adequate evidence, the only compensation you might get is from your medical coverage or your uninsured motorist coverage.
So, take photos or video footage of the damage to both vehicles, document any physical injuries, get the contact information of any witnesses, and gather details of the other driver. All of these will be helpful when proving your claim or negotiating a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Don’t Rush to Accept a Settlement Offer.
Insurance companies know you will likely be under intense financial pressure after a car accident. So, they may offer you a quick settlement even before you assess your injuries and damages to avoid paying you total compensation.
If this happens, you should politely decline their offer until you speak to a car accident attorney. An experienced lawyer will know how to negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you get the most out of your claim.
What if the Insurance Company Refuses to Pay at All?
When you suffer injuries due to someone else’s negligence, it is not unusual for their insurer to deny liability and refuse to pay at all. When that happens, the right thing to do is to let a skilled car accident lawyer handle your personal injury claim.
According to Dolman Law Firm’s car accident lawyers, insurance companies often refuse to pay injury claims due to policy exclusions, inadequate evidence and lapsed insurance policy. Having a car accident lawyer on your case can help you determine if the other driver still has a case to answer, enlighten you about your legal options, and work with you to protect your legal rights.
Report the Accident to the Police
Police will almost always show up at the scene after an accident. Even if they don’t, you should make a personal effort to file a report at the nearest police station, especially if the accident involves substantial property damages, severe injuries, or even death.
Police reports are essential for various reasons. One, they give a legal description of the car accident by outlining when, where, and what time it occurred. Secondly, police also capture the contact information of witnesses and parties involved in a crash for a more effortless follow-up.
The police report after an accident is often available for public access, meaning you or your lawyer can easily get it days or even weeks after the crash.
Carol Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Acquiring a luxury property requires time, effort, and a significant monetary investment. Coming across a property with character, history, aesthetic appeal, and the structural strength in an ideal location may not be as simple since they’re not as commonly built as other properties. Moreover, properties with a massive potential for returns attract interest from many buyers, making the competition more stringent than purchasing other properties. Finally, because of their intrinsic and extrinsic value, luxury properties are sold at premium prices that may vary depending on the square footage, design, location, and amenities that come with them.
Considering their value, owners need to manage their luxury properties accordingly to make the most of their investment. To do so, they’ll need to regularly clean and maintain the family home, villa, condominium unit, or townhouse. Then, they’ll have to explore ways to earn an income from the property, such as renting it out to long-term tenants, transforming it into a vacation rental, and other options. After deciding on one, the owner will have to plan how to manage the business to make it a steady source of income.
You can consider the quick guide below if you’re looking for ways to manage your luxury property.
1. Hire A Professional Property Management Company
Do you have a luxury property that you want to repurpose as a vacation rental? Then, the requirements of managing a vacation rental may have crossed your mind. Turning your property into a rental may seem daunting for owners new to leasing since it entails various tasks, such as placing advertisements, preparing the rooms, entertaining guests, and the like.
For this purpose, you can consider acquiring professional services for property management for vacation rentals. Companies that provide these services offer administrative support, cleaning and maintenance, marketing, and accounting aid. With these services, you won’t have to worry about taking care of your property and acquiring business for your rental, as the service provider will handle the work for you. Aside from this, you’re likely to earn more income from your property since experts will manage it.
By hiring management services from a third-party provider, you’ll be able to earn from your property without having to dedicate time and effort to its management and other related work. Moreover, you can ensure that guests will provide excellent feedback after their stay on your property, as experienced managers and servers assist them.
2. Select The Kind Of Experience Your Property Has To Offer
Luxury properties have an intrinsic value that allows tenants or renters to experience a unique lifestyle during their stay. This value is defined by the property’s amenities, the sense of comfort that renters can enjoy, and the place’s visual appeal and ambiance. These factors combined give the property the distinctive character that sets it apart from others, and you can use it to create the kind of experience you want your customers to have.
Suppose your property is a luxury apartment at the heart of the business district. During the guest’s stay, they will have access to an exquisitely designed swimming pool, gym, sauna, spa, garden, and the services they may require while using these amenities. Then, it may be a wise marketing strategy to advertise and brand your apartment as a luxurious city rental home ideal for business travelers who want an upscale ambiance and exclusive access to resort-like amenities.
By doing so, you’re giving potential clients an idea of the experience they’ll have while staying on your property. Furthermore, a detailed description of your rental offers can help you justify your price point and set customer expectations accordingly.
3. Invest On Aesthetic Quality
The aesthetic quality of your property will significantly influence its ambiance, comfortability, and character. Additionally, most of the luxurious appeal comes from the home’s design, starting with its build and structure, floor space and ceiling height, color and texture, furnishings, décor, and lighting display. Since the visual appeal of your property can determine its value in the rental market, putting your investment towards its improvement is a sound decision.
Here are some ways you can boost the luxurious appeal of your property:
Take inspiration from high-end hotels regarding color palettes, lighting, and décor. Doing so will help you recreate the deluxe ambiance that will make your property more attractive.
Optimize floor space and lighting. Spaciousness and brightness are associated with clean, well-maintained affluent homes, and it’s a great way to create the illusion of square footage.
Include precious vintage pieces in your décor to add to the upscale ambiance.
Incorporate greenery by using fresh flowers and natural plants to decorate rooms.
Choose big, eye-catching art pieces to adorn your walls.
Maintain cleanliness and organization.
Declutter.
Keep the place well-ventilated and improve air quality using natural scents and fragrances.
While using lavish décor and furnishings can help make your property look and feel expensive, you can also opt for low to medium-priced items provided that you select good quality. Also, balance is critical in creating a luxurious, upscale environment. Hence, you’ll need to keep the embellishments at a minimum to ensure they’re not too loud or overpowering.
4. Offer Luxurious Comfort
Aside from aesthetic appeal, you’ll also need to invest in improving the standard of comfort in your posh property. Doing so will greatly enhance the customer’s experience during their stay and can significantly improve your chances of having repeat business or receiving rave reviews. For these reasons, you’re more likely to receive a return for your investment faster and at better rates.
To boost the level of comfort in your upscale home, you can consider the following tips:
Design a welcoming exterior to help guests feel more at home at the beginning of their stay.
Add images and décor that boost comforts, such as photographs or paintings of nature, plants, and animals.
Consider adding a lighting design for the property’s exterior and interior. Doing so will ensure that the area is well-illuminated, which improves comfort levels quickly.
Ensure that the temperature-regulating systems are in optimal condition.
Invest in quality pillows, bedding, rugs, and carpets. They add a soft texture to the ambiance, making the area more comfortable.
When choosing a color theme, pick one that has a muted and neutral undertone. This color theme is known to have a soothing, calming effect which is ideal for relaxation.
To make it easier for guests to relax in the bedroom, you can consider removing appliances or gadgets that emit blue light, such as a TV screen or computer monitor. You can also adjust the lighting to make the room look dimmer and cozier.
5. Allocate Time And Resources For Upkeep
To maintain the quality of your property, you’ll need to anticipate maintenance and repair costs and allocate resources accordingly. Doing so will help you keep your property clean, fully functional, and free of damage. On top of this, you’ll also avoid expensive repair costs that may happen when maintenance is neglected. Hence, you may need to dedicate a budget to cover cleaning and repair costs.
Home maintenance may require a set schedule wherein the area will be vacant. To accommodate this schedule, you’ll need to allow sufficient time for cleaning and repairs to complete before accepting guests or using the property for other purposes.
6. Consider A Tech Upgrade
To optimize your high-value property’s opulent feel and atmosphere, you can consider upgrading your home technology, appliances, and gadgets. Here are some ways you can incorporate a tech upgrade into your home.
Install a floor heating system to improve temperature regulation in your home.
Invest in innovative home technology that will allow you and your guests to operate home equipment more efficiently.
Add devices that boost your home security, such as cameras and smart locks.
Purchase state-of-the-art appliances for your kitchen, living area, home gym, bathroom, and other spaces.
Upgrade your Internet speed and Wi-Fi access
Boost your home safety by installing a smart thermostat, smoke detectors, sprinklers, or burglar alarms.
A tech upgrade can quickly boost your property value and its visual appeal and functionality. Hence, it might be worth considering updating your home systems and appliances.
7. Exercise Caution When Accommodating Guests
While it’s ideal to have many guests interested in staying in your rental property, you may need to be more selective when accommodating clients. Some guests may extend more courtesy than others, and selecting those who will use amenities, furnishings, and appliances with care is essential. Moreover, you’ll need to ensure that the guests know their part in taking care of the property during their stay. To do so, create a clear set of house rules and contract agreements that the guests are bound to adhere to. This way, you’ll be able to protect your property from misuse or damage and set proper expectations with your clients before they’re accommodated on the premises.
Conclusion
Managing a luxury property requires dedication, an eye for detail, adherence to quality service standards, and expertise in the real estate business. Apart from these, you’ll also need to be creative and willing to take risks to keep your competitive edge. Finally, you’ll have to be knowledgeable and updated about the latest trends and explore opportunities that will help you optimize your property investments while maintaining their quality. To accomplish these things, you’ll need the assistance of property management experts who can help you make the most out of your luxury property.
Carol Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
It’s easy to think of LGBTQ+ friendly destinations as places in which the people are very tolerant of LGBTQ+ lifestyles and identities, but in reality, what matters is how well LGBTQ+ travelers can feel safe and welcome. Pride celebrations are nice, but they don’t make a place LGBTQ+ friendly if it’s otherwise unsafe for queer people.
So what makes a good LGBTQ+ friendly destination? Read on to learn about the best destination to travel to if you are LGBTQ+
Most Famous LGBTQ+ Destinations Around the World
San Francisco, USA
San Francisco was already one of America’s most open and tolerant cities long before any official titles. Now, it’s home to one of America’s biggest pride celebrations. While San Francisco has often been known as a queer paradise, it still has some trouble spots.
Pride weekend is a good time to visit but at other times of the year, be aware that while generally safe, even the Castro district can be dangerous at night.
Photo by Belle Co on Pexels.com
Toronto, Canada
While it’s not the most glamorous place in the world and can be a little dangerous at night, Toronto does have gay-friendly bars and clubs with dance floors full of people dancing to old-school tunes. Pride marches are held during the summer months.
Paris, France
The centre of France is known for its old-school, queer-friendly nightlife in Montmartre, but it also has a great Pride march every year. Pride Paris isn’t as big as other cities but is a short drive away and one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the world.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
A huge city with vibrant nightlife and gay bars, Buenos Aires, is surprisingly not known as having an international gay scene (you can find more options in Rosario). Still, the city’s pride march has been growing in popularity and is one of the best places to see happy, expansive crowds.
Photo by Juan Manuel Ferraro on Pexels.com
Brighton, UK
With one of the best Pride marches in the United Kingdom and plenty of gay clubs and a legendary alternative crowd, Brighton is also a great place to visit at other times of the year. If you love music festivals, you can also check out their world-famous Gay Pride festival in August.
Packing for An LGBTQ+ Holiday
Depending on your travel needs, packing for an LGBTQ+ holiday isn’t much different from packing for any other holiday, but it might be a good idea to pack extra contraception if you’re going to be having sex with different people.
Of course, if you want to take your holiday to the next level, pack some queer-friendly sex toys from toy company wetforher.com, designed for lesbians by lesbians.
Why LGBTQ Travel is Worth Considering
For the same reason that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, everyone needs a break from their daily lives. For some, vacationing in an LGBTQ+-friendly destination is more of a necessity than a choice. For some people, being able to travel and explore openly as gay or lesbian makes all the difference in how they feel when they come back home.
LGBTQ+ vacations allow travelers to create new experiences and relieve themselves of the stress caused by living in an increasingly hostile world.
Carol Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
