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Vernacular Architecture for Modern Times

Green Real Estate
With respect to architecture, the term vernacular is used to describe building designs and styles that reflect the local customs, needs, and building resources available. Since antiquity, people have learned through trial and error, the various structural concepts we often take for granted today. Vernacular architecture is the product of generations of experimentation, trial and error.Although associated with outdated and primitive methods, the positive benefits of vernacular housing designs - even in today's ultra-modern world - are many. In fact, it is because we as a global race have advanced so much, so fast, in these very areas, that we have caused widespread depletion of resources, to the point that we have started to go back to our roots to find answers.In our quest for new and bett...

Recession And Downfall Of Real Estate Market

Investing
The great depression or the recession began to take place in the early start and the mid of the year 2007 in the USA. Some other developed nations also started to come in the wrap of this partial recession during that period but according to some of the economists survey this little bit of recession, at that time, was something not to worry about as they surely believed that the USA and other globally developed nations would be safe from it in not more than three to five months or so as they suffer from this kind of subtle recession after every ten to fifteen years. But by the end of the year 2007 and the start of 2008 almost the whole of America was suffering badly from recession and the worst effects of this recession were seen on the American real estate market. Almost whole of the Amer...

Boundary Surveying: What You Need to Know

Land
Boundary surveying refers to a type of land survey where exact land property line measurements and locations are determined to serve as a legal basis for marking boundaries or the limits of a parcel of land.Title documents and property deeds are not enough to prove your right to sell or use a land area. These deeds should be supported by a boundary survey made of the property which will indicate distances and monuments, and other particular details to properly and legally declare ownership.You may need to have a boundary survey done to your property if you are about to:1. Buy or sell a parcel of land.2. Subdivide the property for residential or commercial allotment.3. Construct any type of physical structures (buildings, house, etc).4. Fence off your property to avoid encroachment by other...

Property Maintenance: Save Yourself the Hassle

Property Management
Whether it be your own home, your rental property or commercial premises, at some stage you are going to need some type of maintenance on what is a very valuable investment. What do you consider the most important aspect of your property maintenance service? A quick response? The job completed correctly the first time? Long term maintenance commitment? Obviously, all of these factors are of equal importance which is why it is vital to get it right first time around with your property maintenance company.As the old saying goes, "time is money", especially if it is your rental property or commercial premises with a problem. Look for a company that provides a comprehensive 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year service. This means after hours call-outs are included in the contrac...

Moving House – Getting Your Things Packed

Moving Relocating
Moving everything you own is never something to be taken lightly. It's a time consuming task coupled with the stress of selling your house, negotiating on the new one, fixing dates, not to mention the costs which are all a part of the joys of moving house. To get the job done correctly it takes a bit of planning. Start with one room at a time and label the boxes so that you know their destination when you reach your new place. Before any of this happens you will have taken delivery of packing materials from your removals company, purchased or begged them from local shops / firms etc. Scrutinise what you've got and make a point of getting rid of anything you no longer need. There's nothing worse than trying to find space for old tat in your new home, especially if your new place is smaller....

Tips on Buying and Looking For a Green Home

Green Real Estate
Green homes are all the rage now. Some places in the country are hopping on the "green" band wagon much faster than other but it is still on the rise. The drawback is though, that green homes tend to cost much more upfront because of the amount of labor and resources that go into the production of the home. But the outcome for years to come are much lower heating and cooling bills, electricity bill and and overall sense of good conscience when it comes to the environment.If you are not in the financial position to custom design a green home, you might consider at least making a check list of items to look for when shopping for a home. Here are some items to look for:1. Double Pane Windows - This may be common in most homes these days but it still something to be aware of. Even triple pane ...

Residential Landlord Responsibilities

Leasing Renting
If you're thinking of getting into a rental property investment, you need to understand there is a lot more than just the finances to consider. The New Zealand Residential Tenancies Act outlines rules and regulations for the protection of you, but also the rights of your tenant. Being a landlord involves a number of legal responsibilities that you must adhere to.Key Landlord ResponsibilitiesYour responsibilities as outlined by the New Zealand Residential Tenancies Act are as follows.You must provide and maintain the premises in a reasonable condition You must allow your tenant the quiet enjoyment of the premises You must comply with all of the building, health and safety standards that apply to the premises You cannot seize the tenant's belongings for any reasonAt the end of the tenancy ag...

Relocating to Christchurch – The Garden City

Moving Relocating
After surviving two earthquakes and despite a number of resulting adversities, Christchurch is still standing strong as one of New Zealand's most popular urban centres. The second largest city in the country; Christchurch offers a huge number of opportunities for business, investment and a great way of life for anyone. The city's size and number of high quality schools attract a lot of residents, especially young couples and families.The February earthquake has resulted in some hesitation from those considering a move to the Garden City, but lower property prices and a positive future means new opportunities.Although some eastern suburbs like Avonside, Sumner and New Brighton have been hit hard by earthquake damage, more central and western areas have shown resilience and, in some cases, e...

Why You Have to Know Your Prospective Tenant’s Income

Property Management
As much as I would like to believe that all tenants are capable of paying rent, it's like dreaming of rainbows and butterflies during Algebra class. Not all people are as honest as you want them to be, and some of them can even tell virtually all lies in the book just to get landlords and property managers to admit them into a unit.You can't afford to go wrong with tenants and the only way to actually gauge their eligibility to occupy your property is if you know their actual income. Why so? Normally, a family can afford a house that is priced 40 percent of their salary every month. If your property's price tag lies within this boundary, then it's safe to take things to the next level. However, if it goes beyond 40 percent, the tendency is that they'll eventually stop paying in the long ru...

Real-Estate Arena: Flourishing or On a Downhill?

Property Management
The great global economic depression has brought down many industries and companies, including the infamous Lehman Brothers, the 4th largest investment bank in the world. However, despite the companies falling down like London Bridge's frailty on a heyday, not all areas are on disgrace. There will always be some things that are going to thrive just as they did all these years. An example of this is the real-estate arena. But depending on how your business relies on this field, it could be flourishing or tumbling down the hill.It would be safe to assume that the real-estate field itself is flourishing, but your success still depends on where you are standing on the market. If you're the opportunist who has financially positioned yourself well, then the economic depression is the perfect tim...