Wednesday, 10 February 2016

Modern 4-Bed town House For Sale


Modern 4-Bed town House with 4 en-suite rooms and a service quarters attached at the rear. Located in a serene part of Abuja and within 10 minutes from the central area. The home is built ready to move into. It is built with home automation features such as a central multi zone wirelessly controlled sound system, Network for internet, audio and video, Backup inverter readiness, Jacuzzi and stylish outlay.
The house comes with a fitted Kitchen, full air conditioning, high quality fittings and tiles.
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Thursday, 1 October 2015

Ways to Achieve Farmhouse Style

Farmhouse style evokes a homey feeling with free-flowing interiors, comfortable furnishings and the juxtaposition of warm and cool tones. And the classic farmhouse design has only gotten more popular with eclectic twists, rustic interpretations and contemporary furnishings.

This classic look never goes out of style, so here are seven ways you can bring a farmhouse feel to your own home.

Exposed beams

Typical farmhouse kitchens combine several unique finishes. Exposed beams are one classic detail that adds texture.

Wednesday, 30 September 2015

Perks of Solo Renting

While it can certainly be fun, living with roommates may also be chaotic at times. Figuring out how to share utility bills, the bathroom, chores — and even your Wi-Fi connection — isn’t always easy.

If you’re wondering whether you’re ready to live on your own, check out these five perks of solo renting.

1. You have control over your bills

No more fighting over the thermostat, who’s hogging the internet, or shower time limits. Keep the temperature set at your ideal 67 degrees while streaming your favorite show sans-buffering, and take all the bubble baths you want.

When you live alone, you have (almost) complete control over what you see on your billing statements at the end of the month.

2. Those passive aggressive days are over

That note on your fridge telling you to keep your music down? Gone.

And you know those dishes that pile up in the sink while everyone waits for that one roommate to get the hint and finally wash her own pots and pans? You can kiss those days goodbye.

Blast that new Taylor Swift tune, and keep your dishes in the sink as long as you’d like.

Monday, 28 September 2015

Alec Baldwin Sells Plush Greenwich Village Apartment

Actor Alec Baldwin has unloaded an 840-square-foot apartment in Greenwich Village for $2.1 million, as reported by 6sqft.


Despite hints last year that he might exit the city, the actor still owns at least one other unit in the same building, plus a place in the Hamptons.

Thursday, 24 September 2015

Sneaking Storage into Small Spaces

Whether they live in large or small homes, most people wish they could find a little “extra space.” This is especially true of those whose closets, cabinets or rooms are on the small side.

One way to create more space is to practice the new trend called minimalism, which involves a clear and decisive focus on keeping what we most value and eliminating anything that distracts us.

To live like a minimalist demands rigorous review of our purchases, as well as what we create, receive and keep. Because we live in a world of “Free, free, free!” and “Buy, buy, buy!” it is very difficult to avoid collecting more things in our homes.

Some segments of our population have turned to a new kind of “forced” minimalism — living in what are known as tiny homes. Popular television shows on multiple networks cover this new lifestyle where, in some cases, folks are moving into spaces no larger than 300 square feet.

What if you’re not moving into a tiny home anytime soon and you don’t think the minimalist lifestyle is a fit for you, but still want to make the most of your small closets and storage spaces? Try using these small space organization tips to make the most of what you have.

Think vertical

For all the spaces in your home, think vertical. Tall bookcases and shelving can be the answer to your organizing dreams.

Use this prime real estate to store anything from cleansers to neatly folded clothes, knitting projects, or organized craft bins. You can double your available storage space by going up.










Go behind-the-door

It may not be the trendiest design option, but if you’re pinched for space, install behind-the-door storage with pockets or hooks to hold just about any small items you can think of, from fashion accessories to hair dryers, dog leashes, cosmetics, cleaning supplies and more.
Put it on wheels

Small homes and apartments often provide us with unique storage spaces, like closets located underneath a set of stairs.

Whether you have a normal closet or a unique storage space, using a wheeled moving dolly or storage bins with wheels allows you to store items and access them with ease.

Rather than climbing into a poorly lit closet under the stairs, where you can’t even stand up or move freely, you can create a convenient experience by opening the closet or cabinet door and sliding out the rolling storage piece to greet you — at your height, with room to move and view your belongings in plenty of light.


Adopt the dorm room approach

Bathrooms can be the most difficult space when you have no storage, but one super idea is to implement the use of a shower caddy.

Remember the days when you went to college or camp? You usually had a toilet kit or small shower caddy to carry your toiletries to and from the bathroom. Why not try this at home?

If multiple people use the same bathroom and there’s not a lot of counter space or storage, have everyone take out what they bring in. It allows each person to keep track of their favorite toiletries, and the bathroom stays more organized.

Keep it simple

Finally, you will create more space in your home by simplifying your life. Start by making a quick list of what you value most in life. I call this “organizing by your values.”


Keep it simple

Finally, you will create more space in your home by simplifying your life. Start by making a quick list of what you value most in life. I call this “organizing by your values.”

When you set priorities in your own life, your home and belongings will reflect your choices, allowing you to eliminate the less important or less valued items.

As part of this exercise, you may want to evaluate how you spend your time. Take a look at your commitments, from work to kids’ activities, volunteer projects, and friends who need favors.

Evaluating your priorities and possibly eliminating commitments which no longer make you happy may just give you the extra time you need to review and organize the items in your home.

Those small spaces may not be so small after all. They may just need a little focused attention from you to create the optimal space you need.

Foolproof Tricks for Brightening Any Room


Are you experiencing the winter doldrums? You might try adding a little more light at home. Plenty of tricks can help brighten your space through color, accessories and a mirror here and there. If you’re feeling a bit in the dark this season, check out the following uplifting tips to brighten your outlook.

Go white

While many shudder at the thought of all-white walls, the simple hue can be effective at transforming your interior and keeping a space light and bright. Prevent your room from appearing too monotone by accenting white walls with artwork, area rugs and furniture pieces that are saturated with color or pattern. The fresh white walls will also serve as a gallery wall backdrop to emphasize the styling of your furnishings.

Monday, 21 September 2015

Tips for Making Any Room Seem Larger

Plenty of people live in tiny homes, small rooms, or just diminutive spaces. No matter what your reason for living in smaller quarters, you’ll undoubtedly have to make some compromises in your decorating.

To live happily and efficiently in smaller square footage, you’ll want to get organized and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By making the most of color, strategic furniture buying, space planning and interesting lighting, your place can feel wonderfully “you” — with all the space you need.

Expand your square footage to the outdoors

If you have large windows with beautiful views, add those colors to your room to unify the outside world with inside space and expand the look of your rooms. With the wonderful patterns and colors that outdoor fabrics offer, there is no reason to stop the “pretty party” at your interior.

Personalize Your Rental Without Painting

Trust us, we know it’s not easy to express yourself in a space that’s only décor is “renter’s beige” walls and muggy apartment-grade carpet. We’ve all been there. That’s why we’ve come up with some creative solutions to personalize your rental, all while embracing the ‘blah’ walls. From adding color elsewhere to bringing in versatility, you can easily spruce up your space, no matter the landlord.

1. Artful accents


Just because you can’t paint a wall, doesn’t mean you can’t exactly cover it up. Now that gallery walls are all the rage, it’s easier than ever to create an accent wall strictly using sticky strips and your favorite art. If you want more color, choose bright and pattern-heavy photos and paintings. For a more sophisticated tone, select black-and-white stills and abstract art uniformly hung in black frames.

Sunday, 20 September 2015

Drones Now Used To Locate Homes In Coburg's Real Estate Market

 In the three years since he founded Drone Pros, a company that specializes in aerial photography and cinematography, Luke DiMarco has seen the industry lift off the ground.

What started as a side project for an engineering competition in 2013 quickly turned into a business venture for the Cobourg native, who now also runs DiMco Media, a company that markets and sells products online.

“Of course the first time I got it, I’ve got video of me flying above the CN Tower and that is just very, very stupid, but I didn’t know,” he said, sitting in his company’s office in downtown Cobourg on Aug. 27. “I was very uninformed which I think a lot of people are when they first buy (drones).”

While promoting the technology -- which features a high-definition GoPro camera mounted to the bottom of an unmanned air vehicle, or UAV for short -- to area real estate agents, he quickly realized that it would be a hard sell.

Real Estate Firm Accused Of Discrimination

A complaint filed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development alleges a Brandon real estate company discriminated against black customers and encouraged white homebuyers to purchase houses in predominantly white areas.

On Sept. 10, the National Fair Housing Alliance filed a complaint with HUD’s fair housing office in Atlanta against Re/Max Alliance following a yearlong investigation in which people of both races posed as prospective buyers with similar qualifications and housing preferences.

As of Tuesday, Lee Garland, a real estate agent and director of the office, said he had not received a copy of the complaint from HUD or the housing alliance.

“Discrimination is not an option with our company,” he said. “It is not condoned, and we will not allow it.”

The complaint mentions Lorgroup, LLC, or Re/Max Alliance, and real estate agents Garland, Randy Inman, Lisa Bourgoyne and Chase Belk as respondents to the complaint. Belk and Inman referred questions to Garland, and Bourgoyne did not immediately return a request for comment.

Kochi: The Preferred Real Estate Destination

Just like their bigger counterparts, southern tier II cities have also outperformed their northern peers as top residential real estate destinations, with Kochi grabbing the top spot, according to a new report by property research firm PropEquity.

"Much like tier I cities, northern tier II cities are also marred by project delays, expensive properties and a demand and supply mismatch," said Samir Jasuja, managing director and founder, PropEquity, adding, "Southern India has traditionally been an end users market, which has kept its property prices in check and relatively affordable."

All other five southern tier II cities surveyed - Vishakapatnam (rank 3), Thiruvananthapuram (5), Mangalore (7), Goa (9) and Coimbatore (10) - featured in the top 10 cities, while only one city from the north - Jaipur (6) - managed to be in the top 10. The bottom four cities were all north Indian cities - of Agra, Lucknow, Bhiwadi and Mohali. Kochi is followed by Nashik at 2 and Vadodara at 4, both from western India. Regionally, south is at the top, followed by west and central India.

 Despite a significant slowdown in the sector across India over the last two years, from March 2013 to March 2015 the launch prices have continued to rise unabated for most tier II cities.



Saturday, 19 September 2015

Chinese Investors May Pile Into Real Estate Due To Stock Market Turmoil

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada says turbulence on the Chinese stock market could send buyers from mainland China flocking to Canadian luxury real estate this fall.

The realtor predicts that sales of homes worth over $1 million will rise in Toronto and Vancouver, while Montreal’s luxury market should be balanced and Calgary’s will slow due to the effects of declining crude prices.

Sotheby’s says sales gains are expected to be highest in the over $4 million category in the Toronto and Vancouver areas this fall, although higher sales volumes are expected in the $1-million to $4-million range, as well.

The realtor lists increased demand from international investors alongside limited inventory, historically low interest rates and heightened consumer confidence as the factors expected to fuel sales growth in Canada’s two hottest real estate markets.

Real Estate Maven Buys A Luxury Flat I SoHo's Tallest




Real estate maven Jane Goldman, the daughter of late industry titan Sol Goldman, is in contract to buy a three-bedroom, 14th-floor unit at 10 Sullivan, the new luxury condo designed by Cary Tamarkin that will be the tallest residential building in SoHo.
Developed by Property Markets Group and Madison Equities, the unit — just under 3,000 square feet — is in contract for just under $10 million.

Friday, 18 September 2015

Organization Trends for Fall 2015



Looking to get organized this fall? Check out the season’s biggest closet trends below.

Top closet trends for 2015

Transparent storage materials. Transparent storage materials such as frosted doors and see-through drawers will gain popularity among homeowners and in big-box stores this year. “Closets, especially bedroom closets, are becoming more like clothing exhibitions to display purchases more as collections, making transparent materials key,” says Nina Magon, Zillow Digs designer and principal of Contour Interior Design.



Split or his-and-hers finishes. Split closets with contrasting finishes and color palates will become all the rage, especially in bedrooms. Expect to see a rise in warm white paint tones and metallic accents contrasted with dark wood or leather finishes for a clean, but personalized, look.

Real Estate ETFs And Rate Hike

Real estate ETFs amassed impressive returns in the past few years. But this year has been different. Most funds are down in 2015 and underperforming the market. So what's in store for investors going forward?

"In recent years, it's been an ideal recovery for REITs .. . a perfect positive storm," said Morningstar analyst Robert Goldsborough. "You've had low rates, but you've also had a very slow and steady growth in the economy."

The largest REIT ETF, $46.98 billionVanguard REIT ETF (VNQ ), yields 4.1% and returned from 2% to 30% from 2009 to 2014. But it's down 7% so far this year. The lowest-costSchwab U.S. REIT ETF
( SCHH ) yields 2.41% and returned about 17%, 1% and 32% in each of the past three years, respectively. It's down 4% year to date. The S&P 500 is off 2%.


In prior years, incremental demand helped push occupancy as well as rental rates higher, driving up REITs' operating income, explains Goldsborough. Low rates also made the higher REIT yields more appealing to investors. As a result, real estate funds saw massive inflow of investor money.

Thursday, 17 September 2015

Former real estate director charged with 18 counts of theft

A former director of an Adelaide real estate agency will face court tomorrow charged with multiple counts of theft.

Detectives from the Major Fraud Investigation branch arrested the 61-year-old man from the north-eastern suburbs today.

Police allege he misappropriated funds entrusted to him by a number of investors between May 2010 and June 2010.

He has been charged with 18 counts of theft and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court.

Customizing Your Closets

Closets seem to be an all-or-nothing area of the house: Either head-to-toe wire shelving that organizes your stuff within an inch of its life, or everything crammed and stuffed in willy-nilly. But both of these are no-go’s in today’s modern closet.

Forget wood paneling, wire racking and behind-the-door storage that only makes the door impossible to open. Instead, create a boutique in your own home — a functional space that inspires your day. Here’s how to get started.

Create a room

Eco-Friendly Home Updates That Save You Green

Each year, Americans save billions of dollars by employing energy-saving measures and investing in energy-efficient homes. Some upgrades — like Energy Star appliances, new hot water heaters, or geothermal pumps — can be pricey upfront, but there are plenty of small, inexpensive updates that will make a big difference in your budget over time. Here are some places to start.

Go low-flow

Thousands of gallons of water go down the drain every day. Toilet flushing and showering are the two biggest culprits. One solution is to upgrade your home’s plumbing fixtures so you use less water to accomplish the same task.

Low-flow fixtures, which are both inexpensive and easy to install, can reduce your home water consumption by as much as 50 percent, and save you up to $145 a year on electricity, according to Energy Star.

Saving Water At Home Effectively

Whether you live in a part of the country suffering from drought or just want to lower your next water bill, here are some simple tips to cut down on your water waste. Most of these recommendations cost only a few dollars, require minimal installation, and allow you to maintain your current lifestyle.

Target the toilet


Dual-flush toilets allow you to use only as much water as necessary.

Toilets account for nearly 40 percent of all the water used inside the home. If your toilet is more than 20 years old, it’s probably a conventional model that uses 3.5 to 5 or more gallons per flush. Consider replacing your older toilet with a low-flush model that uses 1.6 gallons of water per flush.

If possible, opt for a dual-flush system that allows you to regulate the amount of water depending on your need. You will see a considerable drop in your water use, and you will recover the investment within a few years.

If a new toilet isn’t in your budget, create a water displacement device by filling a plastic container with water or pebbles and dropping it into your toilet tank. Be sure that the device does not interfere with the function of your toilet. With this trick, you can save one gallon of water per flush with minimal cost and installation.

Switch the showerhead

Showers account for 20 percent of the water used in an average home. For less than $10, you can install a low-flow showerhead that halves your water usage during your shower.

As an added bonus, a low-flow showerhead will decrease your electric or gas bill by reducing the amount of hot water you need to heat.

Install aerators for your faucets

Faucet aerators cut the flow of water much like low-flow showerheads. You can install them on kitchen and bathroom sinks to use up to 75 percent less water every time you wash dishes or brush your teeth. Faucet aerators cost only a few dollars and are easy to install.

Get the most from your appliances

Because dishwashers generally use less water than washing by hand, let the machine do the work. Make sure it’s full before starting so you don’t waste your water on just a few plates. The same applies to the washing machine — especially if your appliance lacks a setting for smaller loads.


Target the toilet


Dual-flush toilets allow you to use only as much water as necessary.

Toilets account for nearly 40 percent of all the water used inside the home. If your toilet is more than 20 years old, it’s probably a conventional model that uses 3.5 to 5 or more gallons per flush. Consider replacing your older toilet with a low-flush model that uses 1.6 gallons of water per flush.

If possible, opt for a dual-flush system that allows you to regulate the amount of water depending on your need. You will see a considerable drop in your water use, and you will recover the investment within a few years.

If a new toilet isn’t in your budget, create a water displacement device by filling a plastic container with water or pebbles and dropping it into your toilet tank. Be sure that the device does not interfere with the function of your toilet. With this trick, you can save one gallon of water per flush with minimal cost and installation.



Showers account for 20 percent of the water used in an average home. For less than $10, you can install a low-flow showerhead that halves your water usage during your shower.

As an added bonus, a low-flow showerhead will decrease your electric or gas bill by reducing the amount of hot water you need to heat.

Wednesday, 16 September 2015

Realtors Applying 'Feng Shui' Principles To Attract Chinese Buyers

When Joseph Rand and his wife were shopping for a new home, his wife, who is of Chinese descent, insisted the stairs couldn’t face out the front door. That’s because the ancient Chinese design philosophy holds that all luck would flow out the front door. Rand, also a New York realtor, told the story as a way of underscoring the importance of learning the Chinese buyers’ cultural preferences, especially feng shui.

This year, China surpassed Canada as the foreign country spending the most on residential properties in the U.S., comprising 16% of international home buyers. Chinese buyers spent an estimated $28.6 billion on residential U.S. real estate between April 2014 and March 2015, according to the 2015 Profile of International Homebuying Activity.

The growing Chinese presence is partly why realtors selling luxury properties, in particular, are paying more attention to feng shui. A survey of 500 Chinese Americans conducted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate and the Asian Real Estate Association of America found that 86% think feng shui will make a difference in their future home buying choices. Additionally, 79% of these Chinese-American home buyers said they would pay more for a house that followed follow feng shui standards.

Feng shui is a centuries-old philosophy, originating in China, that was used in homes and urban planning to create a calm, harmonious environment and improve the flow of “qi” or positive energy, which is thought to benefit the occupants. In modern homes, this flow is achieved by the layout and placement of furniture and other decor elements. Clutter-free environments are valued, and other key considerations include placement of mirrors (not across from the bed) and complementary colors. In feng shui-styled environments, the Five Elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, are used in combination to align a building, site, or city to a healthy balance.

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