3 tips for insulating your home in winter.jpg

You may be thinking of having your home insulated after you recently purchased it. Then you should read this, because inadequate insulation is usually the root of the problem when it comes to heat escaping from your home. Get your home ready for winter by following our insulation tips.

## Roof Insulation

Checking the overall condition of your roof is crucial now that the cold weather has arrived. The truth is, the roof can be responsible for 30% of heat loss, so it's important to keep an eye on it and replace any broken tiles or moss you find, especially after a storm.

Mineral and organic wool insulation products dominate the market. Glass wool, rock wool and sheep's wool are just a few of the options. Whether they come in rolls or flexible sheets, they can be easily cut to size. The use of board insulation is also common. Many people have a preference for extruded polystyrene, polyurethane or polyisocyanate.

## Transform your view by changing your windows

Condensation, coldness or poorly closed windows are all indicators of inadequate insulation. By protecting your windows, you will not only improve your comfort, but you will also realize significant energy savings. There are a variety of thermal insulation products available. Install double-glazed windows or use gaskets to seal the ones you have on the outside. Roller shutters are more expensive but offer a longer warranty and are just as effective.

## Insulating the walls

By properly insulating the walls, heat loss can be reduced by up to 25%. There are two main methods: thermal insulation, which is installed on the inside, and exterior wall insulation, or facade insulation. Because of its low cost, the first option is the most popular. In addition, it can be done without an official declaration of work.

There are three main options when choosing the material to be used as wall covering for protection. Glass wool, rock wool and cellular glass all contain minerals and are therefore cheaper than other types of insulation.

Natural and environmentally friendly insulation options such as expanded cork, wood fiber and absorbent cotton should also be considered. Synthetic materials such as expanded or extruded polystyrene and polyurethane are also widely used.

3 tips for insulating your home in winter

What kind of help for renting in Luxembourg.jpg

You've found a suitable rental, but the price is out of your reach. Do you want to know how to finance your first home on a limited budget? When buying or renovating a home in Luxembourg, a number of financial incentives are offered by the government. How about rental assistance? Here is a quick overview.

## The first type of housing assistance is the subsidy

### Criteria for Participation

There are a few prerequisites that must be met before you can benefit from the rent reduction.

Renting a home in Luxembourg is reserved for adults who are permanent residents of the Grand Duchy.

Renting an apartment or a house implies that it will be used as a primary residence. The property must also be up-to-date in terms of security. Neither the applicant's family nor any of their relatives, nor any government entity, may rent the property.

To be eligible, an applicant cannot own, co-own or usufructuate another residence.

The household income must be stable for at least three months and not exceed a certain limit. The amount of rent must exceed 25% of the applicant's net monthly income.

### Recognition of financial resources

Income from the previous fiscal year on the date of application for assistance is used to determine the final amount of assistance.

All pensions, parental leave benefits and other income received during the year are included (alimony or accident). Any pension contributions made by the applicant will reduce the total amount of their pension.

## Another possibility: obtaining assistance to pay the rental guarantee

Landlords have the right to require rent guarantees in any situation. However, this guarantee can be difficult to obtain for some.

The good news is that financial assistance is available from the government. Who is it for, and how do I get it? Detailed information is provided by us.

### Access requirements

There are a number of prerequisites for receiving rental guarantee payment assistance:

The applicant must be over 18 years of age, cannot be the owner or usufructuary of another principal residence, and the rental property must serve as his or her principal residence. It must be physically located in Luxembourg; a conditional guarantee contract must be concluded with a financial institution.

In addition, the rent cannot represent more than 40% of the tenant's net monthly salary.

### The amount of the aid

The guaranteed rent assistance is equal to three months' rent. You will need to apply to this special housing assistance service.

If you are a low-income tenant who has not yet applied for these state-sponsored assistance programs, you should do so. You can still submit an application if you wish. Contact a real estate office; a counselor can answer any questions you have about buying a home and getting a home loan.

What kind of help for renting in Luxembourg?

4 floor coverings to adopt for your property .jpg

Is the construction of your new house finished, or are you still dreaming of redoing the floors in your old house? Either way, your primary goal is the same: to improve your mood. How about refreshing the look of your home with new flooring? When you have so many options, how can you decide? You can count on us to guide you to the best option.

## 1. Wood floors have always been a popular and sophisticated option

If you're enamored with the natural beauty of wood, you'll have to choose between solid wood and parquet flooring. In terms of price, engineered wood floors are preferable to solid wood floors. Solid wood flooring is the best option because it resists damage and lasts a long time. Unlike glued parquet, which consists of three layers, only the top layer is completely made of wood, and therefore it is 100% noble wood. Since solid wood floors can be sanded, they can take on a new look over time and as the decoration is updated with some work, of course. Also, solid wood floors can squeak and make noise, but they have the advantage of absorbing moisture. Underfloor heating is convenient, but careful planning of the flooring material is required. It will keep your feet warm, but this method of heating may accelerate the deterioration of the floor.

## 2. Sea rush or cork flooring is a practical and attractive option

Two raw materials, sea rush and cork, are available to you for this task. These environmentally friendly and natural materials are robust and should provide sufficient insulation. Sea rush, on the other hand, requires constant maintenance and is easily stained. When cork is exposed to intense sunlight, it may undergo a color change. However, when displayed in well-lit areas such as the kitchen or living room, it takes on a more organic and inviting appearance. The weaves of sea rush can add patterned variations to your floor, and cork can take on a variety of colors and styles.

## 3. Resilient flooring is incredibly beneficial

Resilient flooring is simple to install and can be styled to mimic a wide variety of materials, but to do so, you need to know the differences between vinyl and linoleum. Unlike linoleum, which is made from natural materials, vinyl flooring is made from plastic. Both the floor and upper levels are soundproof, and both can be cleaned quickly and easily. Linoleum is both environmentally friendly and exceptionally hygienic, while vinyl excels only in its impact resistance. They are both inexpensive, but their usefulness is limited by their short lifespan. They can't stand the heat of a fireplace or smoker, so keep them away! They are usually found in high-traffic areas that require more frequent cleaning, such as kitchens, hallways and bedrooms. There is a wide variety of patterns, colors and styles, making it easy to create the atmosphere you want in the room of your choice.

## 4. Tile or carpeted floors

The versatility of tile comes from the wide variety of tile sizes and materials available. The use of large tiles is currently in vogue and can visually expand a room. A simple change to gray or white tiles can have a dramatic effect on how others perceive your home. Among the many benefits of this flooring are its low maintenance and high durability. The only real risk with tile floors is the risk of slipping and falling. Carpet, on the other hand, is the safest flooring because it prevents slipping. It is easy to install but difficult to maintain. For this reason, it should only be installed in discrete spaces, such as the bedroom. Carpet comes in a wide variety of colors and textures, and can be made from natural or synthetic materials.

Now that you have a floor covering for your room, your feet can get a break from the hard, cold floor.

4 floor coverings to adopt for your property 

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.

Blog and real estate advices