What are the benefits of renting for a couple.jpg

If you have recently purchased a property with the intention of renting it out, you may be looking for tenants. Living alone, with roommates or in a committed relationship? Consider the different rental scenarios and the benefits of renting to a couple.

## The benefits of renting to a couple over other possible tenants

### 1. Renting to a single tenant

Renting to a single tenant is an option. There is little reason to worry if his income is at least three times the monthly rent. On the other hand, if he suddenly loses his job and is unable to pay the rent, you may be in immediate arrears, or even have to find a new tenant.

### 2. Renting to multiple occupants in the same unit

The problems mentioned above are just a few that can be avoided when tenants pool their resources and live in common spaces. Additionally, the risks are mitigated if your tenants are students, as their parents will be paying the rent. But sharing a unit with others can lead to noise complaints and even vandalism at night.

### 3. Renting to a couple

By renting to a couple, you can be sure that your rent will be paid even if one tenant loses his or her job and the other continues to receive income from their partner. They're also likely to be quieter than roommates with friends, unless they have small children. But families are universally more welcome in housing, so there will be fewer problems between neighbors.

## Advantages specific to the couple's situation

When a man and a woman get married, they automatically become co-tenants. This simplifies not only the paperwork, but also the payments: if one of the tenants is late in paying the rent, the other can be asked to cover the shortfall.

In addition, if one spouse moves out, he or she is still obligated to pay his or her share; only a divorce will relieve him or her of this responsibility.

Thus, renting to a couple has a number of advantages, including reduced risk of non-payment, increased security in the condominium, simplified administration and the possibility of a lease transfer.

What are the benefits of renting for a couple?

Renovate your home with these 3 well-planned strategies.jpg

Are you uncomfortable when you are at home? It's probably because your layout is the cause of that discomfort. Yes, a well-designed layout improves the comfort of your home. But it's not always easy to know where to start. Having trouble and need help? Take a look at these three suggestions.

## 1. Set up zones

To enjoy life at home, it's important to set boundaries between different spaces:

Use a sliding wall to separate the bedroom from the rest of the house, including the kitchen and living room.

The fireplace can be isolated from the rest of the house, preventing drafts and ensuring complete privacy.

Does your kitchen open directly into the living room? Install an island divider and use a combination of kitchen tile and living room flooring to visually separate the two rooms.

Do you have an enclosed cooking area? If so, you may want to consider installing a skylight.

One last tip: if you need a desk, set it up in a separate room so it doesn't get in the way of your rest or concentration.

## 2. Make sure you decorate your living spaces well

In the kitchen, storage solutions that cover the entire wall height and are customized to accommodate your specific appliances are a wise investment.

In the living room, custom furniture allows you to use all the available space, which is especially helpful if your room has an unconventional layout.

Have a spacious closet to store your clothes and accessories. If you want to get a good night's sleep, the rest of the room should be as bare as this one.

In the office, make sure your desk is well-lit and ergonomic to avoid back pain.

## 3. Make sure the layout of your home is right for you

### For children

Use soothing tones and rugs or curtains to create zones in your child's room. You shouldn't have to help your young child find his or her way.

Is there a place in the house where he can get hurt? Think about covers for electrical outlets, a barrier at the top of stairs, etc.

Is everything designed for his height? If not, buy him a stool so he can use the sink.

### For the elderly

For everyone's safety, it's important to assess living conditions, especially if you have elderly relatives or friends living with you.

Seek the services of an expert in the field for the best results in this area. Your inspector may ask you to rearrange furniture, put a bedroom on the main floor or install grab bars in the bathrooms.

Designing your home is fun for many, but stressful for others. With the tips listed below, you can get started with peace of mind.

Renovate your home with these 3 well-planned strategies

How can a Jacuzzi spa help you.jpg

If you've had a long, stressful day, a soak in the hot tub could be just what the doctor ordered. A hot tub can do more for you than help you relax. Find out when it's best to stay away from one and what benefits you can get from it. The six benefits of owning a hot tub are listed below.

## 1. Reduce Stress

The ability of a jacuzzi spa to relieve tension and anxiety is one of its most prominent features. The soothing effect of the hot water and the massaging action of the jets can do wonders to relieve tension in your body, mind and soul.

Relaxing music, subdued lighting or aromatherapy can contribute to this effect if you wish.

## 2. Relax your muscles to fight pain

Tight muscles can benefit from the hot water and massaging jets of the spa. In addition, they can reduce pain. Tension in your muscles, joints and tendons is reduced when you soak in a hot tub, which can help relieve some of your pain. Arthritis sufferers can find relief from their symptoms by applying heat or getting a massage, which helps reduce stiffness and inflammation. If you spend more time in the water, your range of motion and flexibility will improve due to the buoyancy effect. A warm bath can have similar effects.

## 3. Better results at bedtime

Simply soaking in a hot tub can be enough to help you sleep better, according to studies. One old study examined the effectiveness of passive body warming in treating insomnia in older adults. 

## 4. Improved Cardiovascular Health

Relaxation in a whirlpool can increase heart rate and lower blood pressure. Particularly for people who are unable to engage in strenuous physical activity, the study authors hypothesized that passive heat therapy may help reduce cardiovascular risk and mortality. According to reliable research, soaking in a hot tub for 10 minutes can reduce blood pressure and is probably safe for most people with treated high blood pressure.

## 5. Increased response to insulin


Some studies have found that regular use of a sauna or hot tub can help diabetics manage their condition by increasing insulin sensitivity. In addition, one study found that sauna and hot tub therapy can help people with obesity and diabetes.

## 6. Burn calories

Soaking in a hot tub for an hour at waist height burns almost as many calories as a brisk walk for 30 minutes, according to a 2016 study. However, for people who have trouble motivating themselves to exercise, a relaxing bath may be just what they need to jumpstart their metabolism. Taking a warm bath regularly has been associated with many health benefits, including reduced muscle tension, less pain and better nighttime sleep.

To protect the well-being of hot tub users, regular maintenance is necessary. If you have health problems, including cardiovascular disease, you should consult a physician. Avoid hot tubs if you are pregnant, have skin lesions or for any other reason. Most people can use hot tubs safely if they are used properly.

How can a Jacuzzi spa help you?

What help can the notary provide during a real estate transaction.jpg

Your property search has been successful, and you and a reliable seller have now signed a preliminary sales agreement. All that remains is for you to finalize the deed of sale by going to a notary. But does this person only have this responsibility? More precisely, how can he help you? Find out what a notary does and how he fits into the real estate process.

## Ensuring the property is authentic and of high quality

Is the seller the legal owner of the house, or is it subject to a mortgage? Any debts that don't show up on your credit report? An unfinished rental contract?

In any case, the notary will verify everything. He officially guarantees that the real estate transaction will go smoothly.

In addition to dozens of other legal and fiscal points, he will also check the consistency of the real estate diagnoses, especially the one on energy performance. He will find the slightest flaw and will make sure that you are informed of it.

If there is nothing to report, on the other hand, you can rest assured that the transaction will be concluded without any unpleasant surprises.

## He will guide you through the steps of closing a sale

Once these details have been taken care of, the notary will draw up the notarial deed.

This is the last step to finalize the real estate transaction. Even if the signature of a preliminary sales agreement represents a serious commitment on the part of both parties, it is only the first step in the conclusion of a purchase.

Therefore, the notary takes care of everything necessary to conclude the sale on your behalf, including filing the deed with the proper authorities and making the necessary payments.

In addition, the notary will determine the official status of the property. What is this for? Well, it's an essential piece of evidence to show that a particular date and specific parties have completed a particular real estate transaction.

This way, you won't have to deal with as many problems later on.

## During a real estate transaction, the notary gives you sound advice

It goes without saying that a notary is indispensable for every home buyer.

In Luxembourg, there are still 36 notaries in total. They are personally appointed by the Grand Duke and are subject to extensive regulations for the exercise of their profession.

You can rely on your notary to give you competent advice on any question you may have. When exactly should a purchase be made? What to do if the notary discovers a mortgage?

Remember that the notary is impartial and cannot be influenced by either the buyer or the seller. For this reason, the services of a single notary are sufficient for both parties.

Thanks to your new knowledge of the notary's functions in the Grand Duchy, you can consult him in all confidence for any legal question. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, he is there to answer you in the most impartial way possible.

What help can the notary provide during a real estate transaction?

Why is an exclusive mandate necessary and what are the disadvantages of a simple mandate.jpg

With the exclusive mandate, you can take care of your mandates and close more deals. That's why we've pushed and provided ways for you to make exclusivity a priority. Being exclusive gives you and your client's peace of mind, allowing you to focus on providing excellent service. Acquire an understanding of the best justifications for a private person as well as for yourself. To summarize, we decided to write this article to explain to you why an exclusive mandate is necessary and what are the disadvantages of a simple mandate?

## Make a sale twice as fast

Compared to an exclusive mandate, a simple mandate takes longer to implement. The average duration of an exclusive sales contract is 3 months. In the case of a simple mandate, this process can take up to six months.

These figures can be explained by different elements. The real estate agent no longer hesitates to make a promise without consideration. When it comes to their simple mandates, many competing agencies are ultimately aiming for the same thing. If they don't adapt, agents will be left behind.

If you and your agent sign an exclusivity agreement, the process will go more smoothly. Communication with your consultant is simplified because you have one point of contact. Having to contact multiple agencies to close the sale is more time consuming and inefficient than working with one.

## Buyers' interest in your property will increase with your exclusive mandate

The term "single mandate" tends to evoke negative connotations. If several real estate agencies present a property for sale, the owner may have too much interest in a short period of time. The problem is that not all of these organizations put the same emphasis on their mission or use the same metrics to measure success. Overexposure is not the only problem; the price of the property varies depending on the real estate company you go through. For some reason, the mandate seems weak and compromised. 

When you hire an agent to handle the sale of your home exclusively, they can focus on promoting it. In other words, they will make your new home a showpiece. We can break down the advertising methods used to increase revenue.

## Property prices can be increased during negotiations

In an exclusive mandate, the seller's agent is legally bound to do whatever it takes to make you happy as a buyer. The final sale price of your home is his number one concern.

To negotiate effectively, a buyer needs a clear directive. If one real estate agency offers a high price for a home, the buyer may try to haggle for a lower price with another agency. Since there is intense rivalry between the agencies responsible for selling the property, all will do their best to be the first to sell. An advantage for the buyer. Since only one expert is in charge of an exclusive mandate, the margin of error is reduced to a minimum. A real estate agent will not reduce the asking price of a property to sell it.

Think about the property's possibilities. The real estate agent may suggest new floor plans or staging of the home to increase the appeal of the property.

## Having an exclusive mandate increases the likelihood of finding the right buyer

With an exclusive mandate, agents can extend their time commitment to potential buyers. If you are selling, why should I buy? To increase the likelihood of finding a reliable replacement that fits your organization.

Agencies are competing for the most basic tasks. Buyers will be sought out quickly. Buyer qualifications will be lower than with an exclusive mandate due to agent time constraints. With more time at their disposal, they can reassure potential buyers and provide them with useful information, which helps close a deal. With an exclusive mandate, buyers do not have to negotiate with other third parties. They benefit from one interaction.

## The exclusive mandate allows for more effective advertising

As we have established, an exclusive mandate allows a real estate agent to devote more resources to a single client. Because the budget is larger than a single mandate, it can ensure customized service and, by extension, effective marketing tactics.

There is an expectation that listings will provide more information. Agents selling homes will have more money to spend on things like hiring a professional photographer or using a virtual tour app to sketch out a 3D model.

An exclusive mandate makes it easier to model any necessary changes or renovations to the property. It is not uncommon for organizations to change their strategies and resources to better achieve their goals. If a potential buyer has difficulty visualizing the space after renovation, some agents may be able to provide a 3D model of the space. 

The potential buyer can imagine himself in the house, which increases the likelihood that he will make an offer. A successful sale requires careful listening and clear expression of needs to the most qualified buyers. The organization has the option of doing this in-house or working with a communications company to produce the necessary materials.

## What is a simple mandate?

Now compare this with the simple mandate. You can put your house up for sale to anyone you want. In addition, you can search for a buyer independently.

The flexibility is increased with a simple mandate compared to an exclusive mandate. Unfortunately, this is also its biggest flaw. Why? Consider the disadvantages of this proposition.

## The disadvantages of a simple mandate

**- Agency inertia:** Real estate agencies understand that they may not receive a commission if you sell your home privately or through another party. They will save money on selling and advertising.

**- Longer sale:** The average sale time is double the length of an exclusive mandate, i.e. six months.

**- No more risk of failure in negotiations:** Potential buyers may see your home listed with more than one agency. Since they will assume that it is not selling well, this should open the door to a discussion on the price.

**- High personal investment:** you are in charge of potential buyers and as many real estate agents as necessary. This means that it is a slow process.

The exclusive mandate is not the final step. It is a great tool for your real estate agent to use in selling your home. You should always be careful when choosing a real estate agent.

Why is an exclusive mandate necessary ?

How to sell your property quickly.jpg

Do you think you need a little luck to sell your house quickly? It doesn't! First and foremost, you need to follow certain good practices that, if properly implemented, will help you sell your house or apartment quickly. Would you like to know what they are? We have compiled a list of 6 suggestions for you.

## 1. Do the maintenance and repairs

Do you really think you can skip the renovation phase? Of course not. That's not a good reason not to invest at all, the fact that you will eventually sell.

Visitors will be more likely to stop by if they know the house is livable and has basic amenities.

So change the light fixtures and repaint the walls... Staging your home will help you sell it faster.

## 2. Have your home professionally appraised

Selling your house or apartment can take longer if you try to estimate the value on your own and end up overestimating it.

Using a real estate agency can help you sell your home faster because they are familiar with the local market and its evolution. They will advise you on how to maximize the value of your home.

## 3. Be an artist with a camera and an ad

Taking care of the ad is crucial if you want to attract a large number of buyers quickly.

Give as much information about the property as possible, and specify whether the property diagnostics have been kept up to date.

When taking photos, make sure they are neither over- nor underexposed; potential buyers need to see your home in its best light.

More communication channels (such as social media, advertisements, word of mouth, etc.) mean more potential customers for your business. Putting off finding a solution won't help you make more money.

## 4. Organize the interior, and clean up the fences

Which of these homes would you be most likely to buy?

First impressions count for a lot; they can mark the beginning of a beautiful love affair, but they can also end your dream.

Don't skimp on cleaning and tidying up if you want to make the most money from the sale of your home.

The property needs to be prepared for its new occupants, so make sure there are no obstacles like boxes that could trap their feet.

## 5. Be honest about your home's flaws

Every home has flaws. Trying to hide them will raise suspicion and delay the sale.

But don't let that stop you from highlighting the features of your home!

On the other hand, if the boiler is old and needs to be replaced, be upfront about it and prepare estimates; this will reassure your potential buyer.

## 6. Prepare yourself in advance by preparing all the necessary documents

Preparing an inventory of fixtures, a property diagnosis, repair estimates, etc. for the sale of the property will save you time and make the transaction more transparent.

You will be able to make a more informed decision about potential buyers with all these data in hand.

Have you already put these procedures in place? Whatever the reason, you are now ready to sell your property quickly.

How to sell your property quickly?

4 points to see absolutely for the personal contribution in real estate.jpg

All set! This is the year you are going to buy a house, you have decided. You have already told your relatives, and they have asked you if you have any personal funds set aside for the purchase of your new home in Luxembourg. But what is it? And what exactly is it for? Some clarifications in a few points.

## What does "personal contribution" mean in the context of real estate?

The funds can be used for the purchase of land or the construction of a building. It is any money you have set aside or will receive (through gifts, sale of other assets, etc.) for investment purposes.

## A contribution in real estate credit is a guarantee for the banks

How did you learn this? In some cases, making a down payment can make it easier to get a loan.

This is true. The following factors will be taken into account by the bank before deciding to grant you a mortgage or a line of credit for a real estate purchase: Your regular/sufficient income; your current loan repayment expenses; and...your down payment.

Some financial institutions even stipulate that you must bring a specific amount of your own money as security for the loan. Your financial institution may require a minimum personal contribution of ten percent and a maximum of twenty percent of the total investment, both based on your ability to make monthly payments.

The funds from this donation will be used for a number of different things: payment of registration fees (typically seven percent of the purchase price of the property), notary fees, registration fees, etc.

## The personal contribution in real estate is a smart way to control the debt

Sometimes you don't see the point of having a personal contribution?

If we add that you can control your debt/income ratio, would you be interested?

After signing the loan contract, your monthly payments will be lower in proportion to your contribution. This way you can reduce the risk of overdraft fees.

In this way, your personal contribution will reduce the total amount you have to borrow from financial institutions.

So should you put all your eggs in one basket and buy a house? In a word, no, you don't have to put everything into this plan. You should always have some money set aside for contingencies...

## How can I save for a down payment?

The thought crosses your mind that you just don't have the resources to make such a generous gift, and... Don't panic, but you should consider creating an emergency fund now.

A home savings account is a good option for this purpose. The money in this account cannot be withdrawn for a predetermined period of time, but this should prevent you from spending it immediately on a vacation! The money placed in the savings account can also be partially deducted from your taxable income.

And finally, you are ready to sign your first real estate loan in Luxembourg and to meet your bank's demands regarding your personal contribution. Also, if you haven't already done so, it's time to start looking for a new place to live. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need help in this regard.

4 points to see absolutely for the personal contribution in real estate

How to customize a furnished apartment.jpg

The advantages of a fully furnished apartment are numerous. Whether you are a student, a young professional or someone who is simply looking for a temporary place to live, a furnished apartment has all the essentials already provided. It's the easiest solution! But you're hesitant; after all, choosing new furniture is no small task for you. This place may not be your permanent home, but it has the potential to be.

## A welcoming environment

Even if you have to make do with what's already there, you can always look for something better. Get a footstool, chair or rocking chair. This will make your home more your own and give you more places to relax.

## Make your home more beautiful

If you want your newly acquired furnished apartment to feel more like a home, linens are your best friend. Nothing will entice you to leave your room if you have the right bedding and a cozy throw. Adding a few pillows or a new rug is a simple way to update the look of your home. Make your home more cheerful by choosing linens that you really love.

## There are thousands of shades of color

Think about the neutral furniture in your home and what soothing color it would best match. Choose a new paint color to enhance the small furniture you have. Additionally, you can use glittery decorative tape. Finally, a string of lights can be used to add a continuous splash of color from floor to ceiling. Whether it's a simple garland to brighten up your evenings or a multi-colored garland to make them warmer!

## The decoration is the final touch

The smallest things, like a flower pot, a candle or a mug, can evoke a strong sense of belonging when chosen carefully to reflect everyone's tastes. You can also hang a few framed family photos or interesting mementos. Finding those you love and care about is the surest way to feel at home anywhere. 

How to customize a furnished apartment?

The different methods of decoration using upcycling.jpg

In simple terms, upcycling is the process of recycling that results in a more aesthetically pleasing final product. The basic idea is to take an object that has lost its original function and give it a new function by modifying it in some way. A miracle or the impossible? It is not at all out of your reach, you will see.

## This environmentally friendly method will save you money

Having enough money to buy new furniture and renovate your home can be a challenge. How to make a house a home without emptying the bank account to make it aesthetically pleasing or tenant friendly. You can save yourself with upcycling style. By taking a more eco-friendly approach, you can save money or even get rid of unnecessary items you no longer need. Not only will this save you a good amount of money, but it will also give your home or business a unique and stylish feel with its handcrafted quality.

## Pallet Essentials

The crown jewel of upcycling, it's simple, quirky and almost too obvious to mention. In the early days of the trend, we saw many of them used as coffee tables. To achieve a more country or custom look, pallets can be arranged in a messier fashion. Beds and patio furniture made from recycled pallets have become popular options since then. These pieces of wood can also be used to build shelves, if you're the adventurous type and have some woodworking skills. You can use it as a plant shelf in the kitchen, a bookcase in the office or simply as a piece of wall art. One thing is for sure: this wooden staple can help you save money while giving you access to a wide variety of furniture.

## Small and unassuming, the bottle is made of glass

Glass is the next best thing to wood. As a bonus, recycling can reduce the number of times you have to take glass to the recycling center. Empty glass bottles can be reused as decorative elements to completely transform a room with minimal effort. There is no limit to the possible applications; for example, it can be used to make a lamp or garland. The potential uses for this ordinary bottle are endless. You can give the bottle a personal touch by painting it in a unique color palette and using your own painting tools. Even a burnt-out light bulb can be turned into a flower vase by adding rope, string or ribbon of your choice.

## Upcycling: a way to beautify your image

It's true that upcycling can help you save money and reduce waste, but it can also give you the freedom to give your home a new look and feel. The possibilities are vast; all you have to do is go to your storage unit and pick up something that will make you look good. If you think about it, you can use a ladder as a coat rack, a console as a medicine cabinet, etc. 

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