4 tips to keep your kids busy when you don't have a garden.jpg

How do you plan your days when the kids are stuck at home and you don't even have a yard at home? They may want to go outside to play, which can mean extra work for mom and dad. Here are some basic, quick-to-implement, boredom-busting activities you can do right now at home.

## 1. Helping out with the housework

What if your kids found a way to contribute? It's not about taking advantage of the kids, but depending on their age and ability, they might enjoy helping with some light housework. For example, if you give a toddler who is just learning to walk a piece of paper to throw away, he or she will gladly lend a hand. By age six or seven, they can participate in tasks like setting the table and sweeping. They can learn a lot about responsibility and independence in this setting.

## 2. Start creative workshops

Creative activities are a great way to relax and exercise creativity, and they can be adapted for people of all ages and backgrounds. It's possible to offer this exercise to children without spending a lot of money on supplies... In fact, it's often as simple as recycling mundane packaging like cardboard boxes to get your hands on usable materials. Follow DIYers on Instagram or Pinterest if you're feeling short on inspiration. You can easily do it yourself with these simple guides.

## 3. Do exercises as a group!

Kids should exercise regularly, but it's not always easy to do so when you're stuck at home. Running or jumping creates a lot of noise, which can be a problem if your apartment is above someone else's. The good news is that it's not hard to sign up for adaptive sports programs, where people of all abilities can play together and improve their health, fitness and motor skills. Hundreds of free fitness videos can be found on YouTube, and the Internet in general is full of information that can help. Many of them don't require special equipment or tricks like jumping to participate, so they are open to a wide range of people.

## 4. Make dinner together

Now that you're going to be staying in one place longer, you can treat the family to a home-cooked meal. Kids love to help in the kitchen, and you can use that to your advantage by inviting them to help you prepare meals and desserts. Children can learn about balanced eating by exploring the different types of foods (fat, carbohydrates, protein, etc.), or you can simply help them become more independent by allowing them appropriate levels of independence.

Since you live at home without a garden, you and the children have more time to spend together and make memories. They can continue to have fun and grow as individuals, even in a small space like an apartment.

4 tips to keep your kids busy when you don't have a garden?

How to manage your rental property investment in Luxembourg.jpg

If you are considering buying a rental property in Luxembourg, you should be aware that you will have to spend time looking for tenants, collecting rent in a timely manner and making the necessary repairs. If the thought of all this makes you anxious, you should consider outsourcing the management to an agency. This option has a number of attractive fundamental aspects that attract many buyers.

## The rental management mandate, a regulated and clear approach

A rental management mandate is a legal document signed by the owner or lessor that gives the management company the authorization to manage the property of the tenant or owner. Services such as researching and checking the solvency of tenants, collecting rent, accounting, etc. are essential, as is the monitoring of works, repairs, representation at general meetings, etc.

In the same spirit, this mandate details the agency's responsibilities and the owner's agreement for the expert to exercise them on his behalf. Finally, the duration of the contract and the conditions of its renewal are fixed.

## How much does it usually cost to manage a property?

Professional property managers and their clients are free to negotiate the fees for their services. In most cases, the monthly percentage agreed upon by the parties is deducted from the rent paid by the tenant to the agency. On your side, you pay a professional to come and establish an annual inventory of fixtures, which not only saves you a lot of time, but also allows you to better track unpaid rent and monitor the condition of the property. To avoid costly maintenance repairs and rent arrears, hire a competent property manager.

You can contact several different people and offer to manage your property. You should not only evaluate the price, but also the services included, as some bidders may be willing to take on the bulk of the rental management responsibilities. You may want to choose a mandate that gives the agency complete independence, relieving you of any responsibility for the safety of your property.

## List of the many rental management services available

Going it alone in a private rental in Luxembourg can be a waste of time, effort and money. If a tenant has regular, one-on-one interactions with the landlord, he or she is less likely to worry about not paying the rent. They are not always reliable in their payments and can cause damage that requires costly repairs.

Your contracted property manager will handle issues such as finding tenants, establishing an inventory of existing property, collecting rent on a regular basis and scheduling maintenance. They can perform all necessary checks to ensure the financial stability of the tenant. Rent reviews to ensure compliance with the law is another service he offers. Last but not least, he will take the necessary steps in case of non-payment of rent, which will save you a ton of time and energy.

Concerning the financial, legal or administrative aspects of the rental management, a real estate agent will also accompany you. Don't hesitate to ask for expert advice if you want to explore your options.

How to manage your rental property investment in Luxembourg?

6 tips for managing your interior space.jpg

Decorating can help save space, but nothing beats a good reorganization for maximum efficiency, especially if you have little space. It is possible to make a room much brighter and more livable with just a few small changes.

## It's time for a lifestyle change

Putting furniture on the wall to save space is not always a good idea. You should move your furniture away from the wall and, for example, put a plant behind it. While it is true that sofas against the walls reduce the viewing area, positioning them in a corner or diagonally will open up more of the room.

## It may be necessary to create partitions between spaces

Consider using partitions or shelves to separate the room if it is particularly large. You can also divide a room into different sections by using different shades. Using light colors can help a small room appear larger. Sure, there are only two rooms, but they are used more efficiently.

A wooden floor is a great alternative to carpeting to create a higher feel in the room. The result inside your home will be quite special. You can minimize the visual impact of the length of the floor by strategically placing its planks. For a narrow hallway, you can install your planks at right angles to the walls.

## There must be sliding doors

According to the advice of architectural and interior design professionals, it is estimated that you can save one square meter by installing a sliding door. This is intriguing in the interest of minimizing the footprint. While the effect is striking in both small and large spaces, it is in the former that it really shines. Plus, they can be used as a decorative piece in their own right.

## Don't neglect your door tops

It may be hard to believe, but door tops can serve a number of important purposes. Unless you're staying in a small studio apartment, you'll probably have a door top that you can use in your bedroom. If you install a shelf or two in your bathroom, you can store towels, keep toilet paper handy, and even create a bookcase! The bedroom closet is a great place to store extra blankets and sheets. However, aesthetically pleasing and subtly designed art pieces can be strategically placed to enhance the decor without drawing undue attention to them.

## It's safe to say that the choice of furniture is important

The chaise lounge is a popular option for outdoor seating this year. Choose from a variety of wood and woven finishes to complement your decor. This compact furniture is very comfortable, stylish and practical.

## String lights for added sparkle

Traditional pendant lights have been replaced with string lights that offer a projected look. String lights, whether made of metal or organic materials, provide a pleasant evening show without requiring you to remove your ceiling tiles.

6 tips for managing your interior space

How to manage family life and telecommuting.jpg

Coronavirus and the choice to work from home have forced families to rethink their routines. Parents who choose to work from home face the added challenge of juggling the needs of their young children (such as helping them with homework and keeping them occupied). The question is how to get organized. Here are some suggestions that should help you overcome this obstacle without losing your cool.

## Need to be more accepting of electronic media

You probably share the concerns of many parents when you see the amount of screen time your children spend. You have to work during this time, but it can be difficult to explain this to your youngest child.

Tell yourself that this new setting requires a more adaptable approach. Allow your children to watch cartoons longer than usual from time to time. This will give you peace of mind while you attend to your work duties.

## Schedules that are convenient for you

In all likelihood, you won't be as productive as you are at work during the same periods. You'll either have to get up before the kids or work through the evening movie if you don't want to fall behind.

Choose the times that work best for you, whether it's before the kids get up if you're an early riser or after they go to bed if you're a night owl. It can be exhausting, but it won't be for long... Think of it as a temporary opportunity to spend more precious time with your children.

## Adjust the length of each activity

Change the routine from time to time to avoid boredom in young children. If you have a task that requires a lot of concentration, it's best to do it between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. For youngsters, 30 minutes is the maximum amount of time they should spend on a given activity.

Once everyone has done their homework, you can start the arts and crafts activities. Of course, arts and crafts are a sure way to get kids thinking outside the box, but you can also get them involved in household chores. In the afternoon, you can mix work and play by having everyone help create a cake for snack time.

Taking care of the kids while working at home can be a challenge. Are you struggling right now? Don't hesitate to reach out to the school and other parents by phone or online; have open conversations, celebrate and compare the highs and lows experienced by all involved.

How to manage family life and telecommuting?

Why do you need good partners for your real estate purchase.jpg

While investing in real estate is a decision that should be carefully considered, a family member's perspective on the matter may not give you the confidence you need to make a purchase. In fact, assistance is crucial to avoid making costly mistakes or being surprised by unexpected costs when buying a home. A serious and thoughtful buying process that ends in complete satisfaction is guaranteed if the buyer is surrounded by reliable professionals who can offer advice tailored to the buyer's specific goals and circumstances.

## The involvement of a real estate agency allows you to have a point of contact that will be in constant communication with you

Most people who want to buy a house or rent an apartment first go to a real estate agency. Choose this person carefully, as they will be there for you from the beginning of the project until the day you move in.

A dedicated real estate professional will take the time to get to know you, your family and your goals over several initial sessions. He or she will provide you with valuable market data that will help you determine how much you need to spend on a product or service and what opportunities you can pursue.

Next, the agent will arrange private viewings of houses and/or apartments that meet your criteria. The agency will provide you with all the information you need to make an offer, start negotiations and finalize the purchase of a home.

If you work with an intermediary, you'll know that the houses put on the market have been checked for compliance with the law and that the sellers have provided an energy passport if one is required. For peace of mind, work with experienced real estate agents; if you're not sure what you're doing or don't know the industry well, private contracting is something to avoid at all costs.

## To obtain financing, a bank is absolutely necessary

A mortgage is an option you have to finance the purchase. For this reason, you will need the services of a reliable banking partner in addition to a traditional bank.

After finding a suitable investment property, the next step is to find a reliable lender. You have reached the second most crucial step. However, if the perfect apartment hasn't come up yet, you can always schedule a visit to find out more.

You don't know how much money you can borrow, so you can't say for sure what type of home you should be looking for. You can expect your housing consultant to be by your side as you research properties, make offers and finalize the purchase or renovation. Choose your financial partner carefully; you will work closely with that institution until the loan is repaid.

## The notary's duty is to act in accordance with the established procedures

A compromise in Luxembourg is identical to a sale in this country. The need to go to the notary for registration and transcription does not diminish the legal value of the compromise. You can work with a professional you already know, or consult your agency to be guided in the search for a suitable partner.

Thanks to the notary's intervention, the deed of purchase is legally binding, which is in everyone's interest. He checks that everything about the sale is legal to ensure that it is.

You can also consult third parties, but this depends on the nature of your project. An asset management consultant can be invaluable if you are looking to maximize your return on investment (ROI) with a real estate rental investment, for example. If you are having trouble doing the research due to lack of time or expertise, you can enlist the help of experts who can take the necessary steps.

Why do you need good partners for your real estate purchase?

How to fix the price of a property to rent in Luxembourg.jpg

It is not always easy for new landlords to find a balance between a fair and profitable rent for their tenants. There are many factors to consider in order to set the right rental price for a property in Luxembourg. All the elements that will help you think about it are here.

## Follow the rent regulations in Luxembourg

You should check the legal limit before renting out your property in Luxembourg City. Legislation passed on September 21, 2006 regulates residential leases.

For example, if you rent your apartment without any furniture, the monthly rent you charge must be less than five percent of the total amount you spent on the property. This amount is calculated by multiplying the initial investment by 0.05% and then dividing it by 12 (for the 12 months of the year).

## Adjusting the rent based on the size of the unit

In reality, smart investors in Luxembourg realize that square footage is not the only aspect that matters when setting rental rates. In fact, if everything else is equal in terms of location and amenities, a larger apartment will rent for more. However, the final cost depends on a number of factors.

## Knowing local prices

When looking for a place to rent in Luxembourg, location is one of the most important factors to consider. Apartments near the city of Luxembourg, for example, can command a high price because the area is highly sought after. Cappellen-Mersch and its surroundings are another great location.

However, Esch-sur-Alzette and the North Canton remain less desirable because of their greater isolation. For example, rents in Luxembourg City are much lower than in this area.

## It's essential to look closely at the foundation of your home

Once you've decided on the area and size of your new apartment, you can consult a real estate agent in Luxembourg who specializes in rentals.

He or she will be able to advise you on the best ways to increase the rental value of your apartment, for example by installing a fully equipped kitchen, including a parking space, connecting the living room to a nice balcony or using authentic materials such as parquet flooring.

However, in the world of modern apartments, where people are looking for quality services, things like low ceilings, rooms that are a bit small to accommodate a double bed, poorly equipped kitchens and the lack of electric shutters can be a drawback. Common area features (elevator, lobby decor, keypad, etc.) can work in your favor or against you, depending on the circumstances.

How to fix the price of a property to rent in Luxembourg ?

4 tips to easily sell your property in Luxembourg.jpg

If you own a home in Luxembourg and are looking to sell it, you are probably concerned about two things: getting the most money possible and selling the home quickly. When you're trying to achieve these two goals, how can you find common ground? Find out the most important information that can help anyone sell a house or apartment quickly and profitably.

## 1. Recommend the use of a third-party service: real estate agency

Private sale of real estate is legal in Luxembourg. Everyone has access to it, and it is within the law. However, you risk making costly mistakes if you go about it without help.

When selling your house in Luxembourg, a real estate agency can provide you with a more precise and accurate evaluation of the value of your house. Afterwards, they will only be used to advertise your house, which will increase the chances of a sale. She will be present for the signing of all the papers, but especially at the notary's office. Finally, she will be able to give you practical advice that will make your apartment more marketable and facilitate a quick sale at a fair price.

## 2. Always prepare the place for the clients

Your studio in the heart of Luxembourg City is for sale, right? Meticulously plan the layout of your rooms as soon as a visitor is expected. Clean and air all the rooms, arrange the furniture and remove any personal items that may be there before the announcement.

On a larger scale, you will benefit from maintaining a relaxed atmosphere in the apartment. In practical terms, this means aiming for a minimalist, unpretentious aesthetic with no knick-knacks, so that everyone can feel at home and express themselves. Reduce the amount of stuff in the room, keep only the essentials, and get rid of any posters, picture frames, or anything else that may intrude on your privacy.

## 3. Take a walk outside during visits

Let the agency in Luxembourg that you hired to sell your home handle all the viewings; don't attend any of the open houses. Visitors to your home will feel humiliated if you are there to greet them. They may be too afraid to fully explore the rooms, they may not dare open all the drawers and cabinets.

But in your absence, they will feel more comfortable talking to the real estate agent. They'll be more likely to stick around, ask around and make preparations. This is the best way to attract someone!

## 4. Communicate openly and honestly

Writing an ad for a private property sale in Luxembourg requires attention to detail. Take beautiful photos and write an accurate description that lists the qualities of each room in detail.

Make sure all potential buyers know the strengths and weaknesses of the property. Instead of trying to haggle over the price, make the effort to get rid of the downside if you think it will work!

4 tips to easily sell your property in Luxembourg

What do you know about Junglinster, the little Switzerland of Luxembourg.jpg

Located in the canton of Grevenmacher in the east of Luxembourg, the commune of Junglinster is composed of 12 small sections.

With its 55.38 km2, this municipality is the largest in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and is home to 7,802 people who make the city live.

It can be said that Junglinster is a good place to live today, thanks to its modern infrastructure, its quality services, its rich cultural heritage and its steep terrain, which is reminiscent of Switzerland.

## Discover Junglinster, a lively town where people and nature thrive in perfect harmony

Junglinster is the eastern edge of the countryside, bridging the gap between urban life and the great outdoors. With a focus on the natural environment, this city offers the best of urban vitality and rural tranquility.

Located just 17 kilometers northeast of the nation's capital, Junglinster is no match for the big cities. The standard of living for city dwellers is so high that it puts its rural counterparts to shame.

However, towards the east, the man-made structures are slowly being replaced by natural and wild environments. The village of Bourglinster is the gateway to the Mullerthal region (Mllerdall in Luxembourgish), often referred to as the little Switzerland of Luxembourg. This endearing nickname is a tribute to the high relief of the region, which is reminiscent of Switzerland, to its exceptional biome and to its spectacular rocky gorges.

Because of these factors, Junglinster has become an increasingly popular Luxembourg commune in recent years among people looking for a new house or apartment.

## Offering a full range of facilities and services

Access to a variety of excellent higher education, retail and medical facilities makes Junglinster such a desirable location. Every aspect of life in this community is geared toward the comfort and happiness of its citizens.

That's why the youth of the municipality and its communities have access to a variety of educational opportunities, including three elementary school, a middle school and the Lênster high school, which has separate German and English European sections (from age 6).

And for those who want more, the community collaborates with the nearby Maacher Gymnasium in Grevenmacher to offer after-school classes to eager learners.

Likewise, the retail offerings are so varied that people don't need to travel across the country to find what they're looking for in this community. In fact, in addition to local stores, residents of the city have access to the "Laangwiss Center" and "Lènster Bierg", two shopping centers with cutting-edge designs that are perfect for retail therapy.

Finally, the municipality is home to a wide variety of businesses and professionals, including banks, businesses, garages, restaurants, transportation services, doctors, pediatricians, pharmacists and physical therapists, to name a few, to provide a full range of services to the local population.

## A wide variety of associations and organizations serving various interests

Thanks to its natural setting, the municipality offers excellent hiking opportunities and beautiful views. Through the forests, fields and valleys of the town of Junglinster, you will find 230 kilometers of hiking trails.

A golf course, two soccer fields, five outdoor tennis courts, a swimming pool and numerous gyms are just some of the many sports facilities available in the city.

## Culture and Tourism in Junglinster

There is no time to be bored in Junglinster. The cultural center Am Duerf, for example, hosts year-round exhibitions, performances and workshops for people of all ages.

The history of the town is a major attraction for holidaymakers all year round. Some of the most notable structures include a baroque church, a splendid 18th century farmhouse that now serves as the town hall and, of course, the famous medieval Bourglinster Castle, which has been modernized to house theaters and a gourmet restaurant.

Alongside these new homes that have been developed in an environmentally friendly manner, this historic architecture can be seen as a source of pride.

Are you looking for a long-term investment? We invite you to search for available housing in Luxembourg and Junglinster.

What do you know about Junglinster, the little Switzerland of Luxembourg?

How to study a real estate purchase offer before accepting it.jpg

Many potential buyers have seen your house or apartment for sale in Luxembourg and have made an offer. Do you want to get excited and accept right away? Give yourself the best chance of getting a good deal and spotting a great opportunity by thinking carefully about the conditions and price before confirming them.

## An offer to buy a property in Luxembourg seems like a sure thing; why not accept it?

Because time is short, you may be tempted to accept the first offer you receive for the sale of your property. However, this approach is not recommended by all professionals.

Any first offer to purchase a home or other property should be carefully considered after taking a moment to gather your thoughts. The purchase price offered is usually less than the asking price. You should not rush to sell a home that has not received much attention, as this could cause you to miss out on a better offer in the near future.

Research Luxembourg real estate even if you've made several trips and are getting impatient. Inquiries are pouring in and you are well positioned to take advantage of them. Don't even think about selling your home. Remember, however, that the real estate market is very cyclical, with certain times of the year consistently offering the best conditions.

It is recommended that you seek expert advice before making any major decisions.

## Multiple offers: comparing potential buyers

There may be several interested parties making offers on your property. When you look at real estate prices in Luxembourg city by city, you will see that not everyone has the same view. This is especially true if you live in a desirable location.

In practice, it's a matter of choosing from several approaches the one that seems most promising. If a buyer is willing to pay cash, that's more assurance than if he or she still needs the bank's approval to close the deal.

Also, a couple is better than a single person because, on average, two incomes are better than one. However, this should not be taken as an absolute truth, as it is possible to find a single person who is neither poor nor disadvantaged and has all the desirable characteristics.

## Using a third-party service to streamline the sale of multiple properties

Real estate transactions between individuals can be complicated, which is why it is in your best interest to use an agency that specializes in these types of transactions. By using this service, you can evaluate all available properties in Luxembourg and focus on the most promising ones. It will help you to select the most relevant files and to follow all the necessary administrative tasks with more efficiency and fewer errors.

How to study a real estate purchase offer before accepting it?

Last novelties in decoration for 2023.jpg

Just as the fashion industry follows the latest trends, so do interior designers. And in this industry, everything is always in motion. The interior design of a home should reflect the era and architectural style of the building. While the classics never go out of style, new approaches to interior design are constantly being developed. The 2023 interior design trends are a mix of new and old, classic and contemporary.

## In 2023, what will be trending in furniture?

This year's trend is toward natural materials and processes with the goal of reducing environmental impact. Products that have minimal environmental impact and are handcrafted are very popular. Eco-friendly design is a prerequisite for the furniture of 2023. Therefore, this year's hottest furnishing materials are:

### Refined rattan

The year 2023 will see an increase in demand for rattan furniture. This material is part of the current trend of a more natural look by bringing man closer to nature. Designers are aware of this, and are incorporating this pale yellow strip into their straw and wicker creations to build furniture and other ornamental products.

### A liaison of velvet and gold

Velvet made from natural fibers is a major trend this season. Pairing it with a gold frame results in incredibly plush chairs that invite nothing but a good book and a cuddle. Corduroy is also becoming popular for home furnishings. It's no longer just a fabric worn by music teachers; this year it will make an appearance in furniture as a popular decorating trend. Classic blue, this year's "on trend" color, looks great on it. However, there is a wide variety of colors, from subtle to bold, to choose from.

### Reuse old materials in a new way

In terms of environmental protection and sustainability, recycling can be considered the "lungs" of the planet. Everything beautiful in your home, from furniture to artwork, can be sublimated and given a new life. Upcycling is a popular trend in the home decor industry, as it allows ordinary people to get unique items by reusing discarded ones.

## This year, interior design is seeing the arrival of several natural and nostalgic styles

### The Afro style

In 2023, it will be very trendy to decorate with an African theme. The market for luxury home goods featuring traditional African motifs is flooded with options. Walls adorned with handmade natural Juju hats are chic and sophisticated in 2023.

### Nordic Style

A new trend for 2023 is a friendly Scandinavian aesthetic that emphasizes rustic wood tones and woven textiles. The cold, stark aesthetic disappears as Nordic climates warm up and become more welcoming. As a result, by 2023, wicker baskets, rattan chairs and bright handmade lighting fixtures will all find their way into a Scandinavian-inspired interior. Sleek design and shiny brass hardware are two features that appeal to us. 

### Vintage Style

The main interior design trend for 2023 will be the nostalgic cocoon look. Each piece of furniture will have a soft curvature that will make you feel at home any time of the year. For this reason, furniture with rounded corners is the best choice for interior design. Such refined furniture can give a sense of security.

## Multipurpose furniture design

In 2023, you will have multipurpose furniture to complement the new ornaments in your home. In 2023, multipurpose furniture will be all the rage, with examples being desks that can be turned into meeting tables and sofas that can be used as both sofas and beds. In 2023, multipurpose furniture is sophisticated in design, high in quality and often includes technological components. Furniture and accents are what give you a wider range of options for how you can use and enjoy your living space. The 2023 decor trend that tech lovers should focus on is multipurpose furniture.

## Craftsmanship in all its glory

One of the biggest trends you can expect to see in 2023 is a return to the classic look. You can expect to see more classic, elegant and simple handcrafted furniture pieces in the bedroom and kitchen in the near future.

Ceramic is a "must have" for any home, whether it's decorative items, dinnerware or even lighting fixtures. Do you like things more natural or polished? All kinds of colors and patterns are available, so choose what you like! Because it was created by hand, this material has a classic quality.

Blog and real estate advices