Things You Should Know When Hiring a Dual Agency

Almost all property owners are aware of this fact that buyer’s agent work for property buyer whereas seller’s agent work towards the seller, but what about the dual agent? What is the need of a dual agency? To make a profitable and effective house deal, it is important to have thorough knowledge about dual agents.  

What are Dual agents?

Dual agents are also popularly known as transaction brokers. They work for the buyer as well as the seller. They perform the dual role at the same time.

In what cases can you see dual agents?

Dual agents are mostly seen in smaller markets. In these markets, you would not find a large number of properties. Due to this reason, instead of getting separate agents for both buyers and sellers, there is a trend of hiring one agent, who would work on behalf of both the parties.

Is it legal to take services of a dual agent?

In a few states, dual agents are permitted to operate. The only condition is that buyers and sellers should be aware of the fact that they are taking services of a common agent. Before hiring them for your work, it is important to learn about their working and benefits and disadvantages of their working.

How can you come across a dual agent?  

It is important to understand how does dual agency work. When a buyer is interested in buying a property, he hires the services of an agent and explains the key features that he is looking for in a dream home. Based on the requirements, the agent would shortlist the properties that fulfill those conditions. It can be possible that the agent, who is showing you the property ends up behaving as a “dual agent.” This means that he represents you as the buyer and the seller in the entire transaction.

A property seller would always want to get maximum possible monetary value for their property, whereas a property buyer would aim at getting the best property at lowest possible value. In such a case, a dual agent has the job to represent the interests of both the parties properly.

What do you need to check when hiring services of dual agents?

If you plan to hire the services of a dual agent, you need to get it in writing. Most of the brokers will provide you a form “Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency Relationships.”

In this form, the name and relationship of the agent and the broker who is involved in the property transaction along with their duties will be described. It is the responsibility of the buyer/seller to properly read the agreement and once satisfied, go ahead and hire them.

Before entering into the different types of dual agency agreements, understanding its legal implications is in the best interest of the person. You should learn how it can impact your ability to obtain the best possible deal in purchasing a residential property. 

Read more...

Navigating Assisted Living Together

The transition from independent living to an assisted living environment can have a big impact not only on older family members, but the rest of the family as well. There are many things to consider when making this change. However, if the whole family participates, it can reduce stress and make everyone feel better when the time comes to move to assisted living.

What is the Difference Between Nursing Homes and Assisted Living?

Many people are confused by what assisted living entails and the difference between this type of environment and a nursing home. The big difference is that nursing homes are for elderly people who have medical needs and assisted living facilities are for people who just need a little bit of help with daily living needs, like cooking and cleaning, or personal care. It’s important to be aware of this difference when helping an elderly relative move from their home.

How Far Away Is It?

Having an elderly relative transitioning into an assisted living facility can put a lot of stress on not just the elderly person, but on their family as well. The children can be worried about how often they’ll be able to visit their grandparents. Naturally Grandma or Grandpa too might be worried that they won’t be as involved with the family as they were when they were living on their own. One thing that can help is choosing a facility that is close to the rest of the family. This way, the elderly person and the rest of the family can make sure that things like family get togethers and regular visits will change as little as possible.

What Is Right for Them and The Family?

When you go to look at assisted living facilities with an elderly relative, it’s important to make sure that they’ll be happy and that the services they would like are offered. Assisted living facilities offer a variety of amenities to their residents. These can include social activities like game nights, recreational activities, and field trips. Meals, cleaning, and laundry services are also often offered as well. When touring an assisted living facility with your loved one, make sure to try the food and make sure the staff is friendly and helpful as well.

Making it Home

Whichever assisted living facility the elderly person and their family choose, it’s important to make sure it feels like home. Bringing pictures, small pieces of furniture, or a few precious belongings can help ease the transition for the elderly person. It will help both the family and their elderly relative if the whole family helps with the move and setting up. Having the whole family join in will make the new place feel just like home.

Read more...

Top 3 Ways We Can Keep Our Family Secured at Home

With over 200,000 burglaries committed every year in Australia, home security has become a major concern for most people. According to statistics, the most common items taken in home burglaries are cash, laptops, jewellery, mobile phones, credit cards and other valuable possessions. However, there are also times that thieves harm and even murder the homeowners in cold blood.

Above all our material possessions, our family is our most valued treasure. So, how can we keep them secure in our house? Fortunately, there are many ways we can protect them from burglaries. Here are the top 3 ways we can keep them secure at home.

1) Get a Home Security System

When it comes to securing your home, one of your best options is to get a home security system installed in your property. There are many advantages to having one. You can be aware of anything suspicious activities and you will have the protection you need in the event of a burglary attempt.

The first minute is very crucial when a break-in happens. It is important for you to react accordingly in order to save yourself and your families. Of course, we all know that thieves do not give out a warning that they will break into a house. So, it can be hard for you to say how you can respond to such situation.

Alarm Systems

One of the best ways you can keep your family secure during this unexpected situation is by having an alarm system installed. If someone attempts to break into your house, you will immediately be informed through startling noises so you can move to a secure place and call for help. You can also have it set up to immediately contact the authorities in the event of a break-in.

If thieves are aware that you have a home security system installed, they will cut the power lines before they attempt to break in. In this situation, wired home alarm systems are not ideal as the backup power tends to run out quickly. Your best option is to get a wireless security system. This option is mainly powered by batteries. So, even when the thieves cut your power lines, you will still have your alarm system up and running.

Surveillance Cameras

You can also be aware of what’s happening around your house when you install surveillance cameras. What this does is give you a view of every part of your house and even around the lawn or backyard. In the event of a break-in attempt, you can use the recordings as visual documentation that you can use later on.

There are also surveillance cameras that can be controlled online or through your smartphone. When there are suspicious activities, you will be notified immediately through your phone. This is ideal if you want to have means to monitor your house while you are at work or on a vacation. You can be anywhere in the world and still secure your home.

Motion Detectors

Just the mere presence of motion detectors can deter burglary attempts. You can install them on your doors and windows and when thieves come close, the sensors will produce startling sounds. You can also find motion detectors with lights that activate whenever people walk near them. Just make sure that you find one with customisable sensitivity and range. In this way, the lights won’t turn on when animals walk near the detectors. Keep in mind that the more lights you have on your property, the less likely that burglars will attempt to break into your home.

2) Install Security Doors

A strong security door is a good investment that will give your family peace of mind. Your door is your first line of defence when someone attempts to break into your home. So, it would only be fitting to ensure that it is secure and can hold against intruders. Here are some of the reasons why you should have them installed:

Reliable Security for your Home

Security doors are different from ordinary doors. They are a lot stronger and they have additional security features. Having one installed adds another layer of protection against forced entries. Just make sure that you purchase one that has passed Australian Standards for impact, knife shear and anti-jemmy.

Discourage Burglary Attempts

When burglars see that you have a security door installed on your main entry, they would consider if it is worth the effort and time to break into your home. Security doors are built to be sturdy and resistant to burglary attempts. So, it would take sophisticated tools to forcibly open one. When you combine this with an alarm system, your house will most likely not become a target for burglary.

Add Value to Your Home

Whenever you make improvements to your home, you also increase its value. Whether it is replacing your bathroom tiles or adding an outdoor kitchen, these small improvements can add value to your property. The same is true with installing a strong security door.

Try to find suppliers that offer decorative security doors so you can increase your house’s aesthetic appeal. You can choose one with an intricate design like an embedded coloured glass or fancy iron work. You are not limited to plain-looking iron bars when you shop for security doors.

Bring Fresh Air In and Still Secure your Home

It would be a good idea to install a security door over your primary door. In this way, you can open the main door, lock the security door and let fresh air in. This is perfect if you want to save on electricity costs amidst the summer heat. You would also be friendly to the environment since you would reduce your air condition usage.

3) Have an Automatic Security Gate

If you have a bigger property, then an automatic security gate would be a good option to protect your home. Burglars can intercept you when you get off your car and open your manual gate. When you have an automatic security gate, you won’t even need to get off your vehicle. There are automatic gates that can be accessed using a dial keypad or a remote controller. Only those who know the access code can open your gate.

Author Bio:

Camille Montenegro is a writer and inforpreneur. Her long experience has a blogger made her an expert on different niches like home security. As a blogger, she believes in quality content and backs up all of her posts with relevant research information.

Read more...

Rectify your posture by using a posture brace

Posture braces are becoming more and more popular lately, as more people experience difficulties with their posture and look for ways of improving it. Modern posture braces are different from traditional back braces which were commonly used in the past. The best posture brace which you can opt for from the market is loaded with new features which were not present in the existing back braces.

What is a posture brace?

Back braces for posture are designed so that you can retrain your musculature. This helps your back in maintaining an upright position, without applying a lot of effort. By using posture braces, you will be able to build muscles in a way which aids you to improve your posture. Posture braces are also effective for people who are experiencing slouching and slumping for several years. A lot of people tend to buy the best posture brace which is general and most popular. However, this may not turn out to be beneficial and may lead to the worsening of your conditions.

For getting the ideal posture brace which suits your problem, you require the advice of a surgeon. Medical specialists know a lot about the different types of posture braces available in the market, the brands to choose, and the brands to avoid.

Features and benefits of posture braces

There are several posture braces meant for dealing with slouching shoulders, having thin straps. The straps dig into your underarm area. For avoiding this possibility, you should choose a posture brace with straps which are bigger or straps with padding. You can opt for another type of posture brace which helps in the prevention of itching along the strap.

Most of the posture braces are made from latex. Although latex is flexible, it is not breathable. You should choose a posture brace which is made of spandex, Lycra or other materials which ensure proper venting. If the support is not very strong, you might stop using the brace and continue with your slouched back. The best posture braces are strong and provide support to the spine.

Correct size is also important for posture braces in yielding results. Every person has a distinct body construction and build, due to which all braces might not be suitable for all. The measurements of a certain brace may not fit all people the in the same way as the measurement will vary. You should choose a well built posture brace and undertake the proper techniques while using them. While choosing an ideal posture brace, you should not sacrifice quality for cost. By investing a good sum of money, you will be able to get the best posture brace. This will slowly correct your posture. There are posture braces designed in a backpack fashion structure. In this type, a flat ring reduces pressure on your  spinal column as the shoulders are pulled to align cravicle and provide support.

Many new posture braces are made of extra soft padding which helps in wicking moisture away. Ideal posture braces help in providing you with firm support and realigning your shoulder muscles. They encourage a good posture. A posture brace is quite effective in achieving its intended aim and many people gain benefits by using posture braces.

Read more...