How do You Know if Being a House Flipper is for You?

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Recently, there has been a lot more property shows focused on flipping houses – the process of buying real estate to renovate and then sell on for a tidy profit – and this has sparked the idea in many people’s minds to do the same.

Although shows like Masters of Flip make the process of flipping houses look so simple and the returns seem to be astounding ins some cases, it really isn’t as easy as you might think to make a profit from this process. So, if you’re interested in flipping houses for a living, you’d do well to work out if it’s really for you.

Here are some signs that you might be ready for a new career as a house flipper:

You Know More About House Flipping than What You See on TV

If you plan to get into house flipping after doing little more than watching a few of the shows on HGTV, then it’s highly unlikely you’re ready for a career as a real estate renovator. As I mentioned earlier, these shows make the whole process of buying, renovating and selling real estate a lot easier than it really is. In their world, you can see a condo for sale one day, buy it the next and have it ready for sale within a few weeks. In the real world, it isn’t that simple, especially when you’re just starting out, and you need to source good contractors, learn how to manage projects and do a lot of hard work.

If you’re serious about being a house flipper in the future, and if you don’t want to be disappointed, or even worse end up losing money, you need to take the time to really learn about the process first.

You’ve Done the Studying

Like most things in life, you will have better results with house flipping if you know what you’re doing. Being educated is never a bad thing, and it will help you to get things right from the off. You’ll need to study everything from property prices to project management if you want to stand the best chance of making money from real estate and you will not want to start the process before you know everything there is to know.

You’ve Talked to Other House Flippers

Websites like biggerpockets.com allow you to connect with other real estate flippers, and doing so is a really good idea. It will help you to get a better picture of what is involved, any pitfalls you might face and how to go about starting your first project. If you make friends with local flippers, they will be able to support you with your first project, so that it is a successful flip rather than a total flop.

Your Finances are in Order

You really shouldn’t take on a house flipping project if your finances a are all up in the air. Investing in real estate represents a big commitment, and you need to be financially in a good place if you’re going to secure a mortgage.

You’ll also need to know exactly what your financial commitments will be before you buy, as well as having an idea of how much money any property you’re interested in is likely to need spent on it before it can be sold on for a profit.

If you are bad with finances, please don’t start playing around with real estate until you’ve educated yourself and you’re confident you know what you’re doing!

You Understand Your Funding Options

You should also take the time to work out your funding options before you start flipping houses. Although mortgage loans are still the most common way of obtaining real estate, they are not the only one available to you. There are lots of attractive loan offers which are made available to house flippers with no money down, but many of these are little more than scams, aimed at house flipping newbies who don’t really know what they are getting into, and which could put you under serious financial strain now and in the future. Looking at all of the options and checking out the integrity of financial backers before you sign anything is, therefore, a must.

You Have the Time

Those houses on Masters of Flip might be renovated in the blink of an eye, but that is unlikely to be the case for your projects. A lot of people have the idea that they’ll be able to renovate properties in their spare time, and although this is not impossible, it is unlikely unless you can afford to hire a large team of contractors. So, if you don’t have plenty of time to work on a house, perhaps do not jump in and start investing right now. Wait until you have a lot more time to dedicate to the project and things will work out a lot better for you.

You’ve Found a Good Team of Contractors

You should never start the house flipping process before you’ve found a good team of contractors who you can trust to get the work done on your property. If you haven’t already researched local contractors to see how affordable, efficient and professional they are, you simply aren’t ready for house flipping. By not doing your homework, you could leave yourself with a half finished house, a poorly renovated property or empty pockets if you make the wrong choice. In the house flipping business, you really do need to be confident that your contractors will do their best and won’t leave you in the lurch.

You Understand the Risk

Although there is no doubt that investing in real estate can be an extremely profitable and enjoyable way to make a living or save for your retirement, it is not easy, and there are lots of risks. You need to understand that there are many things which can, and quite often do go wrong. From undisclosed mold problems to faulty wiring, few homes are issue free, and you need to bear this in mind and plan accordingly if you want to be ready for a career in real estate flipping.

You’ve Researched Local Real Estate

You really shouldn’t plunge in and buy a property to renovate before you’ve thoroughly researched the market in your neighborhood. This is important because it will enable you to ask questions. For example, if a property in your area is selling for significantly lower than average, that’s a good indicator that there may be something really wrong with it, or if you know that a particular area is known for its crime, you’ll know that buying there might not get you the best return, even if you do a wonderful renovation job. Of course, knowing the market will also ensure you don’t pay too much for a property and then struggle to make any profit once you’ve renovated, too.

Your Expectations are Realistic

If you don’t want to be disappointed, then you need to do all of the above, and you need to set your expectations at a realistic level. If you have your head in the clouds, you might end up spending too much because you think you can get more from a property than you really can, or you might put all of your eggs in the real estate basket, when really you probably shouldn’t.

The harsh truth is that real estate flipping isn’t for the delicate. You have to be willing to put your money on the line and invest lots of your time and energy to the project if you want to be successful.

 

Image credits to Gili Chupak – https://flic.kr/p/7AAH4x

 

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Bullying and Children with Disabilities

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Children with disabilities have often become victims of bullying. Their physical and developmental vulnerability, intellectual, emotional or sensory defects, and social skill handicap are some of the factors that increase discrimination and intimidation among other children.

Children with disabilities

Parents play the most important role in educating their children about disabilities. Teaching them that being different is okay. Injuries can happen, deformities or abnormalities maybe exceptional but must be accepted and understood. Proper explanation is needed for children to develop appreciation and respect for individuals who are different than them.

Statistics show that many school children with disabilities are facing challenges in academic environment which directly impact their education. Moreover, victims of bullying can suffer from several side effects which may vary from short to lifelong term. Because bullying involves spiteful acts, words, or other oppressive behaviour  intended to hurt somebody else, its consequences  manifest reduced appetite, depression, anger, socializing difficulties, lower self-esteem, humiliation and, when worse comes to worst, suicidal thoughts.

Education is one of the best tools to break the cycle of unfairness that children with disabilities habitually encounter. Schools should look into this matter seriously through implementing appropriate policies to ensure that all children are learning in a safe and healthy environment and enjoy their basic human rights without discrimination. Additionally, civil rights laws protect students with disabilities against harassment.

Neighborhood associations should also take part to increase awareness about disabilities and bullying as they discuss ideas concerning the problems, organize activities and needs of the neighborhood.

Nowadays, there are a lot of child development professionals, therapists and counselors giving their best advice on how to effectively educate young children about disabilities and those that suffer with them.

“The best advice I can give, is that every child wants friends, love and happiness. This is despite any disability. Also, tell your children this and to try to think of this, with every child that has a disability and more importantly to spread the word. Attitudes can be contagious, even good ones.” – Natalie West of Children Home Society.

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Modest fashion trends to adopt in Summer 2017

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The world of fashion is constantly in flux; something that is in vogue one year is unlikely to be so well loved the next. However, there’s a few things in fashion that are just timeless. So, as you begin assembling your Spring wardrobe, it’s worth thinking about the following trends to make sure you’re looking and feeling great all the way through to summer. Follow these basic steps, and your Spring/Summer wardrobe will be brilliant in no time.  

fashion

 

Graphic prints

Why stick to block colour when you can pick clothes with great patterns? And what better time to show off your bold fashion sense than the Spring and Summer? Floral prints and patterns are in vogue at the moment, as are marbled patterns. What better way to celebrate the flowers sprouting back up than to wear a few of them on your hijab or dress? If flowers aren’t your thing though, there’s a whole world of patterned modestwear out there for you to try. If you’re looking for some inspiration, take a look here.

 

Shades of summer

As the weather starts to brighten, and the days start to get warmer, it’s time for your wardrobe to get lighter. Lighter in shade, that is.  If you don’t have any already, you’ll be glad to know that there’s plenty of choices of colours out there, so you can pick what suits you best. That’s probably the best thing about pastel colours; they’re versatile enough for you to express yourself, without being too overbearing or loud. Depending on the fabric you choose, pastel colours will be suitable for a wide array of occasions too. Whether you’re looking for something for work, something for leisure, or something for everyday use, pastel colours are a safe bet.

 

Smart shirts

Just because the sun is out doesn’t mean you get to stop going to work, unfortunately! Because of this, you need to make sure you’ve got smart clothing in your wardrobe that looks the part in a professional environment. Smart tops and blouses in pale or pastel colours are exactly what you need, and many are available in a fabric that will be suitable in the summer months. To this end, make sure to buy items that are thin and airy enough to be comfortable when the temperatures really hit their peak.

 

Spring and summer materials

If you only take one thing away from this article, make sure it’s this; material thickness is very important. Make sure your wardrobe has a variance of a few different material thicknesses, the thickest for winter and the thinnest for the summer heatwave. Being lumbered with thick clothing in the summer months can be quite uncomfortable, and you’re never going to look and feel your best when you feel uncomfortable. Linen based materials are a great choice for the hotter months, and will provide some respite from the heat!

 

Inayah are an online fashion boutique, specialising in modest fashion. They stock hundreds of items in a variety of sizes to suit a vast array of styles: https://www.inayah.co/

 

Image source: www.inayah.co

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Celebrity Photo Leak? What Really Goes on Behind the Camera

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data leak

For all the wonderful things that the internet has made possible, it definitely comes with its fair share of risks. The more we come to depend on the internet, the more opportunities there are for your privacy and even your identity to be compromised. Any data on your computer from pictures to credit card information can be taken by hackers. But how do these data leaks happen and is there anything you can do to keep yourself protected? Keep reading to learn more!

How do leaks happen?

A hacker steals your data either by physically taking the computer and gaining access to it that way or by remotely accessing your data by breaking past your defenses.

They will first look for any weaknesses in your system security then plan an attack based on those weak points. Once the attack is launched, they will likely either take your data and either leak it online or attempt to blackmail you with it.

In most cases, hackers will steal financial information, personal information (contact info, medical information), and sensitive photographs. Basically, anything that you would want to keep private is something that a hacker will look for.

Can I keep myself safe online?

The dangers are real but there are steps you can take to both prevent and control damage. It just takes a few smart practices and some advance preparation. Here are a few of the things you can do to keep yourself and your reputation safe:

Seek professional privacy and reputation management

Professionals like the ones you’ll find here can provide real support with all forms of media (traditional and digital). They have the know-how and skills to prevent data breaches, harassment, and other intrusions on your privacy.

Keep your computer updated

This is a basic and fundamental step to protecting your privacy. Without strong software to protect your computer from viruses and malware that can steal your information, just about anybody with a basic knowledge of hacking can get in.

In addition to getting good malware and virus protection software, you need to keep both that software and everything else on your computer completely update. Outdated versions of programs put you at risk. Be proactive about this.

Use strong passwords that change often

If you choose passwords because they are easy for you to remember, then you likely have a password that is easy to hack. Weak credentials (passwords and other login information) are one of the number one causes of a data breach. Here are a few tips for creating strong passwords:

  • Avoid full words. Instead, try an acronym or other series of letters that doesn’t actually spell any words.
  • Use a mixture of capital and lowercase letters.
  • Include numbers and symbols. And not just at the end. Put them in different places throughout the password.

Don’t use the same password for more than one account. And change your passwords every 6 months at a minimum. If you are particularly concerned about your security, change it monthly.

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Different Ways Retirement Homes Can Help Seniors Enjoy Better Retirement

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Planning for retirement is not always easy. For those who are entering their retirement age, there are plenty of things to prepare in order to continue to have a full, fruitful life well into retirement. For children whose parents are retiring, the situation is just as tricky to handle. Nevertheless, preparation is the key to having a good retirement.

retirement homes

In many cases, retirement homes are the best option. I know how difficult it is for children to even suggest retirement homes to their retiring parents, but there are several critical ways a good retirement home can actually help seniors enjoy a better retirement.

24/7 Care

One of the biggest challenges of living with parents who are in their retirement age – or letting them live by themselves – is the extra needs they may have every now and then. The need for better care, supervision, and help with everyday tasks is not always easy to solve. This is where a good retirement home can be very useful.

Top facilities offer 24/7 care to all residents. There are specialists standing by on-site, ready to provide residents with any help they need. Your parents don’t have to worry about preparing their own meals or other mundane tasks at all. Instead, they can focus on more rewarding activities, such as finishing the book they have always wanted to read or doing a bit of writing.

Some facilities such as Riddle Village even offer skilled nursing on-site. Trained nurses monitor the health and wellness of your parents as they enjoy the luxury facilities available to them; they are also trained to handle emergencies. You can learn more about the 24/7 care and other Riddle Village information here.

Independent Living

A lot of seniors imagine living in a retirement home as living in a confined, controlled space. This is actually not true since most retirement homes available today offer great, private residential areas, as well as the chance to enjoy independent living. They don’t have to follow strict activity schedules and can instead enjoy a more relaxing retirement.

Some facilities even offer transportation services, allowing residents to visit nearby restaurants or even visit their grandchildren. There are also community centers and facilities where seniors can get together and play games, enjoy meals, or simply sit down and watch movies.

A Community

That brings us to the last advantage on this list: relationship-building. Your parents will have plenty of peers to connect with. There are community activities to join and programs to support. Some programs are even designed to allow seniors to give back to the communities around them, creating the opportunity to have a fulfilling retirement altogether.

It is clear that retirement homes and services available today are so different than horrible places we used to have so many years ago. Today’s facilities are designed to help seniors make the most out of their retirement. If you’re serious about helping your parents enjoy their retirement, finding the best retirement home is certainly not a bad start.

 

Image credit: Ann – https://flic.kr/p/jYFhxX

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