Real estate sales our tips for getting started on the right foot.jpg

Selling real estate is a major life event and should be treated as such. Don't embark on such a project without a clear idea of the end result you want to achieve; instead, plan ahead. For a more nuanced approach, look at the sale more calmly, with confidence, before using a real estate agency. This will help you avoid being caught off guard by certain issues.

## Has the optimal moment for selling arrived?

When we talk about the "right time to sell", we are referring to these two crucial elements:

- Depending on how you see things,
- Current market conditions

For starters, a life-changing event usually prompts the seller to put their home on the market (marriage, divorce, birth, death, job transfer, etc.) Therefore, the principal sees it as a logical option. But if you're not quite ready to sell yet, you have options. Not everyone has the financial means to maintain a second home, so renting may be an attractive option. If you're not sure what to do, consult a real estate agency for advice.

If current market conditions are favorable for a sale, the agency can also let you know. Due to factors such as changing mortgage interest rates, the passage of time and rising or falling wages, sometimes of year are more favorable than others for investing in real estate. Getting in at the right time can help you get a better deal.

## Is it possible to sell the house under these conditions?

If you have decided to sell, you need to assess whether or not the current condition of your home will encourage buyers. A few inexpensive updates, such as repainting the walls white to increase the brightness inside, removing decorative accessories that are too personal, de-cluttering the living areas, redoing tile grouting that has worn out over time, etc. can increase the likelihood that more people will be interested in your property.

At this stage, the real estate agent is once again invaluable. When he comes to give you an estimate, he will be alert to anything that might turn off potential buyers. Once they're done, they'll give you advice on how to improve the appeal of your home despite its minor flaws.

## Is this real estate agency reputable and reliable?

Some people prefer to sell to other people privately, but this is not advisable because the administrative procedures are very complicated. It is important to choose a reputable agency that you can work with, so make sure they are experts in their field before you hire them. For peace of mind, it's a good idea to get recommendations from people you trust (including using word of mouth) and/or weigh your options by comparing and contrasting potential candidates.

If you want someone to help you through the sales process, it is best to hire a professional. With their help, you'll have all the legal documents in order, your home will be in the best possible shape to sell quickly for the best price, and you won't have to worry about a thing.

Keep in mind that people don't always choose the agencies that offer the highest quote, but rather those that base their reputation on fair pricing. As an added bonus, they are experts in your case and can point you in the right direction with any questions you may have.

Real estate sales: tips for getting started on the right foot

How to protect your property with different types of shutters.jpg

Roller or swing shutters can prevent unwanted visitors and the elements from entering your property. The beauty of the building would suffer without them. In order to choose the best approach, it is helpful to quickly compare the many options.

## A wide variety of opening types

### The most classic type of shutter, the swinging shutter

Unlike other types of shutters, swinging shutters have two panels instead of one. These are the tried and true, no-frills models that have proven themselves time and time again. They add to the appeal of the home and are aesthetically pleasing. Shutters can be modified to meet local building ordinance requirements and are available in a variety of materials such as PVC, aluminum or wood, with or without louvers.

### The most practical type: roller shutters

The versatility of roller shutters is one of their most attractive features. They can be operated from inside the house, which is especially convenient in stormy weather or in areas prone to natural disasters. To open and close the window with the flick of a finger, motorization is a convenient option. When it comes to energy-efficient homes, this is a must.

A manual crank is included in case there is a power outage and you need to close the blinds. The most popular choice among technophiles is motorized roller shades. By using a home automation system in conjunction with motorization, you can set a schedule for opening and closing the blinds. If you connect your system to the internet, you can easily manage things remotely using your phone.

## Advanced technologies or proven techniques

### Durable, proven wood

Wood has stood the test of time and continues to win the hearts of those who appreciate classic design, even as other modern materials have become more popular. Its versatility and ability to adapt to local tastes make it a popular element in any home. But there is still the issue of maintenance, which should be done at least once every two to three years to keep the material in good condition and extend its useful life.

Wood, when properly cared for, is strong and durable, and its maintenance requires no special skills and is within the reach of the most inexperienced do-it-yourselfer. Wooden shutters can be purchased in an almost endless array of species, colors and finishes, and these options come with a wide range of prices. Wood is impeccable in every respect when it comes to its thermal and acoustic characteristics.

### PVC shutters at low prices

Those who are not experienced do-it-yourselfers will appreciate PVC because it is inexpensive and requires little maintenance. In terms of thermal insulation, PVC shutters work admirably. Some modification is possible, but not as much as with wood shutters, and the range of work is limited.

### Aluminum, a strong and reliable metal

The aesthetics of aluminum match the design of today's homes. It's the material you can use without worrying, because it lasts a long time and resists all weather conditions, corrosion and break-in attempts. It is virtually maintenance free and is available in a wide variety of colors, making it a great option for customization. It would be the perfect material, appealing to even the most discerning buyers, if not for its poorer acoustic and thermal characteristics and higher price compared to PVC and wood, respectively.

How to protect your property with different types of shutters?

How to choose your doors among the many models available.jpg

Doors are available in a wide range of styles, so it should be possible to choose one that meets your needs and preferences. There are many options because of the wide variety of opening mechanisms, designs and materials available. You will therefore make your decision based on aesthetic and functional considerations.

## Opening systems

### The most popular door model: the swing door

The single or double leaf swing door swings open vertically. The door can be opened in any direction, as long as it does not impede pedestrian traffic and is in harmony with the rest of the room's design. This type of door can only be installed if there is at least one meter of space on each side. For this reason, it is a bulky model that has difficulty fitting into small spaces. Studio owners should turn to folding or sliding models.

### Pivot door, new ideas prevail

Similar to a swing door, but with a hinge on one side or in the middle instead, a pivot door allows for easier opening and closing. As a custom project, this type of door will cost more than a standard door, so it's important to plan accordingly if you want to make an impact on your guests.

### Save a lot of space with a sliding door

Sliding doors are both aesthetically pleasing and discreet, making them perfect for small spaces. Unlike a swinging door, it creates a large opening and frees up the entire room. Both sliding and overlay systems can be installed. These are two completely different styles. The overhead door is discreet and tasteful. When closed, it almost disappears into the wall. When open, it disappears entirely into the casing. Planning the installation at the time of wall construction can save time and money. The sliding door track is highlighted by the surface installation. This is a fantastic accent, and is especially well suited to industrial-themed rooms.

### Folding doors are both space and cost efficient.

Folding or expandable doors, usually constructed of wood, are practical for apartments with limited space. They can be installed in no time as they are mounted on a track that is screwed to the ceiling and fold up like an accordion. Although it is most often used as a closet door in the kitchen or bathroom, it is not prohibited to use it in any part of the house.

## Materials used

### Always popular, wood is a timeless commodity

Wooden doors are widely used in interiors and can be interpreted in a dizzying array of styles, colors and species, resulting in an almost limitless number of aesthetic outcomes. Wooden doors are a great option because they offer excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, both of which are important to any given room.

### Glass doors, to meet all expectations

Glass doors, which can be colored, frosted or reflective, offer the benefits of natural light while maintaining a degree of privacy. When making your choice, keep in mind the durability of glass and its ability to withstand impact. Doors that combine glass and wood or glass and aluminum come in a wide range of designs, just like wood doors. Glass doors attract fingerprints and require regular cleaning from the chore bored and the perfectionist.

How to choose your doors among the many models available?

The window openings with adaptable geometry.jpg

The window has several opening mechanisms (tilt and turn, sliding, fixed) to meet a wide variety of needs. Find the one that suits your needs while being aesthetically pleasing.

## The classic casement window

You're used to seeing this type of window, which has two huge casements that open widely inward. This model is the standard, found in virtually every home. Despite its versatility, this window is quite large. You need a space large enough to accommodate its massive opening radius. Otherwise, opt for a sliding model that is easier to conceal.

## Clever double act with the tilt-and-turn window

The standard type, with its two-way access, is by far the most popular option. The space can be ventilated not only by the traditional vertical opening system, but also by a tilt-and-turn opening, the "bellows," which extends only a few inches in height. This style of window is commonly used in kitchens, as it not only allows fresh air to enter the space, but also disperses odors and harmful gases that can accumulate in this area.

## Significant space savings are achieved with the sliding window

An opening like this works wonderfully with modern furniture. It features a lot of glass, so a lot of natural light can enter the space. Sliding windows, compared to standard casement windows, save a lot of space, which is an added benefit. These features are sure to be of interest to city dwellers who, with limited living space, are always looking for ways to make the most of the space they have. It's not just the kitchen and bathroom that can benefit from sliding models; the living room, bedroom and even the office can also benefit.

## The fixed window, a needs-based model

Let's assume that there is no need for such an opening mechanism. Fixed windows do not open and are simply a panel of glass with no additional accessories. Where would you place such devices? The way you think about it could be. While not the most popular design, it can be modified to meet specific requirements, such as in rooms without exterior access or those on the first floor that are never used. However, the fixed window offers the same primary benefits as other windows, such as natural light and a view of the outdoors, even if it cannot be opened.

## French doors are a particularly beautiful large format option

French doors, sometimes called large tilt-and-turn windows, are a variation on the standard casement window. With these doors installed in the main living areas, the patio and garden can be considered an extension of the house on warm days. The patio door is an important design element, as it provides easy access to the balcony or garden and makes the home more functional and enjoyable to use. Choose a sliding patio door if you need a large opening.

The window: openings with adaptable geometry

How to read and analyze the plan for your new home.jpg

When you buy a home before it is completed, you have the opportunity to choose many details, from furnishings to flooring, and you can move right into your new home without having to worry about renovations. However, potential homeowners often have a hard time visualizing themselves in their home during the construction period; here are some suggestions to help you better understand the floor plan of your house or apartment.

## Discover the information contained in the title block

The title block contains crucial information about your project, but it often goes unnoticed by novices because of its location in the margins of the plan. Even if you have no idea what a "floor plan" is, it is essential to have one, as it shows the location of your property in the building in relation to other apartments, the street and outdoor spaces. This allows you to anticipate any disturbances that may occur.

A compass rose, showing the orientation of the rooms and the path of the sun, is also located in this enclosed space. Formalities such as property type (T1, T2, T3, etc.), area (for houses) or surface area (for commercial lots) will reflect your previous choices (names created by developers, which vary in usage and do not meet any specific standard).

## Important Abbreviations to Remember for Facilities

Each apartment floor plan will include two- or three-letter acronyms designating the rooms for the major household and electronic equipment you will use on a regular basis. The best-known examples are those that designate the most common appliances:

- For the dishwasher, LV
- For the washing machine, LL.
- For the refrigerator, RF 
- For cooking, CU 

You can expect some work to be done before you move in to adapt the apartment to your needs; for example, if the location of the washing machine does not suit you, you can plan to install a water inlet and outlet elsewhere.
In addition, there are additional indicators that refer more simply to specific locations:

- SDE: for shower room with shower
- SDB : for bathroom with bathtub
- DGT : for clearance
- PL: for closet

A window door (designated by PF), roller shutters (designated by VR), and a privacy screen (designated by PV) are all indicated by these abbreviations. The presence of the electrical panel is indicated by the letters "TE" in the last step.

## Plan your apartment move with ease by following these tips!

It is possible that you still have doubts about the plan of your house or apartment, even if you have understood the meaning of each aspect. Do not hesitate to contact the developer of the property for more information.

Depending on the specifics, various solutions are possible. For example, some service providers are beginning to incorporate virtual reality into their offerings so that their clients can visualize their finished home and make material choices before construction (paint colors, window frames, etc.). If possible, it is recommended that you visit a model home with a sales agent so that you can relate the experience to the project at hand.

How to read and analyze the plan for your new home? 

How about a furnished or unfurnished rental.jpg

While in some countries an owner may see a tax benefit from renting out an unfurnished property rather than a fully furnished one, in Luxembourg the owner sees no such benefit. Whether or not the decision to equip your rental property will affect your taxes, it is still important to consider. The following advice will assist you in making the best decision possible.

## Taxes are the same whether you rent an empty house or a fully furnished apartment

Rental income (rent received during the fiscal year) is reported (and subject to the same taxation) in the same way for both "empty" and furnished properties. The tax burden, however, can be mitigated by deducting depreciation from the owner's overall income. An investor in a fully furnished apartment may deduct the cost of the furnishings over a short period of time in order to lower their taxable income. The tax implications of this question should not guide your thinking; rather, you should consider the needs of the people who will be living in the property to determine whether or not it is necessary to equip the property.

_"Consideration of this matter should not be motivated by tax considerations”._

## Consider the market before furnishing (or not) your rental property

Now that you're a landlord, you need to figure out if the people who might be interested in your rental property are students. New graduates? Those with kids? Who are these people? Are the people here generally wealthy or more modest?

To put it more concretely, if you live in a studio or two-room apartment near public transportation and schools that caters to a young and student public, it is in your best interest to furnish your apartment so that it is more appealing to that demographic. These consumers rarely have the time or money to buy new furniture and appliances, so they will appreciate renting a studio where all they need to do is bring their own belongings.

However, once you reach 3-, 4-, or 5-bedroom homes or your demographic shifts to adults with established careers, empty homes remain in demand. A family that is already well-furnished may have trouble relocating to a furnished home because it will likely not want to get rid of any of its belongings.

_“For a family that has everything they need, moving into a furnished apartment can be a disaster”._

## Which, renting out an empty or furnished property, yields the highest rate of return?

To begin, the monthly cost of a fully furnished apartment is typically higher than the monthly cost of an identically equipped and unfurnished home (surface area, services, neighborhood, etc.). Spending more money up front on furnishings for the rooms will result in higher earnings in the end.

Nonetheless, keep in mind that upkeep expenses can make a significant impact. There is significantly more turnover in furnished apartments as opposed to unoccupied ones. Tenants come and go from rental properties, and they aren't always the most careful with the tools. Overall, you run the risk of higher maintenance costs to keep the apartment in good condition, as well as more time and effort spent on the hunt for new lease signers.

In the end, the purpose and size of your lodging will dictate whether you opt for an empty or furnished rental (it is easier to furnish a studio than 5 rooms). For optimal decision-making, you should first ascertain the rental demand for your property type.

Furnished or unfurnished rental ? Advantages and disadvantages

How much is the rent.jpg

There are a few fundamental questions you need to answer before renting your property to a tenant (before posting ads, scheduling showings, etc.). How can a rent be set without first-hand experience in the real estate market? Which course of action should be taken to prevent potential conflicts and do justice to the owner's responsibilities? Here are the most important factors to consider before signing a lease.

## Rent setting via market research on comparable properties

Whether you're on the hunt for a house, apartment, studio, or furnished student housing, it's always a good idea to compare rental ads. This initial step, however, will not be sufficient to position yourself on the rental market.

_"To determine what the best offer is, you should compare prices of similar listings”._

Finding out if the supply is lower than the demand (tension) or higher (tendency to vacant units) will help you hone your renting expertise. It's possible that the rent would be higher in the former scenario. Research the market as early as possible to determine whether rents are increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable.

Keep in mind that after the first six months of occupancy, a tenant has the right to file a complaint with the city's rent board if they feel they have been overcharged. However, you may need to work out an amicable solution with the Rent Board if your rent is too low and you want to raise it (otherwise, you will have to go to the Justice of the Peace).

Last but not least, keep in mind that rent increases are capped at 5% of the initial investment under Luxembourg law, and can occur once every two years.

## Taxes and fees that can be deducted from rent

You collect additional fees from the tenant on top of the rent to cover the costs you incurred. Only costs directly related to the tenant can be deducted from this total. Costs incurred in practice must always be reasonable (invoices, receipts, etc.).

Major co-ownership expenses such as property tax, energy passport, and meeting organization costs are covered by the landlord (cleaning, changing the boilers, etc.).

## However, the renter is responsible for paying for utilities and routine maintenance

What the owner is responsible for in terms of utilities, rental agreements, and inventory.
Without a current Energy Performance Certificate, a rental property cannot be considered. After issue, you'll have 10 years to use this certificate. If this deadline has passed, you'll have to pay to have a new one ordered from a qualified professional. Indeed, one of the required criteria to be mentioned on the advertisements is the energy class of the property.

_"The energy efficiency rating of the home is one of the criteria that must be disclosed in the listings”._

Concurrently, ensure you have all the documents you'll need for a rental, including the lease and an inventory of the property's furnishings. Drafting the lease requires more expertise, even if inventory of fixtures grids are readily available online (the standard models do not always meet the specificities of the accommodation). Therefore, it is recommended that you have a professional service prepare the contract for you to ensure your best interests are protected in the event of a disagreement.

It is still challenging for an individual owner to begin renting out their property. In order to rent legally, but also to delegate the management of the property and avoid various administrative worries, you should not hesitate to contact an agency (repairs, unpaid rent, vacancy, etc.).

What is the exact amount of rent?

The appliances in the kitchen, the comforts and amenities.jpg

The kitchen is usually the first room a guest checks out when visiting a new house. The kitchen has evolved from a strictly functional space where meals are prepared to a true gathering place for family and friends. However, due to the high cost of installation, careful consideration should be given before proceeding.

## Among the most eye-catching parts of a home, the kitchen is undergoing renovations

Due to its prominence as a selling point, a well-appointed kitchen is often one of the first things prospective buyers will notice about a home. As a result, even though it's more expensive, it has a larger impact on potential buyers than other, less obvious renovation work. Repairs to the plumbing or cleaning procedures, for example, will have much less of an effect on the visitor because, despite requiring significant expenditures, they are also invisible. Most of the time, the visitor makes a subjective assessment of the property's quality. Without any relation to their actual value, decorative elements positively influence their judgment and allow them to better project themselves in their future home.

_"One potential selling point is a kitchen that includes all the necessary appliances.”_

## Putting in a brand new kitchen just before listing a house for sale

When selling a home or apartment, the owner may feel pressured to make a few finishing touches. Home staging, the process of improving a house in order to sell it, is largely responsible for this modern fad. It's not a matter of physical labor, but rather of setting the scene so that the buyer feels comfortable making an offer. You could look at it as nothing more than a marketing ploy. Incorporating the installation of a fully-stocked kitchen into such an approach is unrealistic due to the high cost involved and the consequent low likelihood of recovering those expenses in the asking price of the home. While a fully stocked kitchen won't necessarily increase the asking price, it can make the home more appealing to potential buyers and reduce the amount of time it takes to sell.

_"Staged homes are presented to potential buyers in an environment designed to increase the likelihood that they will make a purchase”._

## Each project comes with its own fully-stocked kitchen

The kitchen is an important part of the home because it serves as a gathering place for the family and provides necessities such as food and drink. A new homeowner may feel compelled to immediately devote attention here upon moving in. Yet, before settling on a kitchen, he needs to give some thought to his goals. Since he owns the house and plans to stay there for the foreseeable future, he deserves to have the kitchen of his dreams.

Since he will only be staying for a short period of time, the added expense of the renovations cannot be rolled into the sale price of the property. If he is renting, he will need to prioritize a simple kitchen and get permission from the landlord. When he moves out, he can either leave the kitchen set up without getting paid for it or take it apart and put it back to how it was before.

The equipped kitchen, a comfort element or an enhancement element?

Make a list of your wants and needs before looking for a place to live.jpg

Buying a home is a long-term investment because it requires getting a loan, using savings for a down payment, and possibly investing in repairs. Whether this is your first home or your fifth, you should always ask yourself these questions to ensure you find a place that perfectly suits your requirements. I hope the following guidelines will help you define your needs more precisely.

## Don't rush into buying a home without first doing some serious budgeting

The first and most important requirement for buying property is a stable financial background. Have you been saving up for a down payment? Can you regularly afford the mortgage payments? Make sure this move won't get you into financial trouble in the long run by determining how much of your monthly income can go toward paying off the loan.

_“Determine the maximum monthly revolving credit balance you can have without going into debt”._

## Your home life and outlook

You won't be able to afford renting or buying for the next year or two. So, before settling on criteria like square footage or number of bedrooms, give some thought to your plans. Possible that you only need two bedrooms right now. To increase your family, however, more will be required. This forethought also extends to other, more concrete concerns. If you're thinking about getting a second car, for instance, you'll need a secure place to keep both of them.

## Situation: satisfying your wants and needs

Before beginning your search, give careful consideration to the kind of atmosphere you'd like to have, as you'll be settling in for at least a few years. How about the bustle of a neighborhood? The energy of a commercial district? The ease of being in a location with good public transportation options? Spend some time together as a family figuring out the answers to these questions so that we can settle on a set of shared priorities. Take into account the utmost distance you're willing to commute to work in order to immediately eliminate any homes that are too far from your office (or the kids' school) on the list.

## No matter how old or new a home is, the priority and criteria for comfort

Which type of house, new or old, do you prefer? There's no rule against pursuing either market, but knowing which you prefer will help you save energy and zero in on the homes that are the best fit for your requirements. In a broader sense, think about whether you want a private outdoor space, whether you need an elevator, whether you want covered parking, and so on (garden, terrace, balcony). If you prioritize your own criteria, you'll have an easier time sifting through the properties that don't quite measure up.

_"To save time and easily identify the properties that meet your request, "you need to have a clear idea of what you prefer."_

Talking with everyone in the family is essential if you want to arrive at a consensus on what features are most important to you and what kind of home is best for your situation. The assistance of a real estate firm can be invaluable in defining the essential components of your project.

4 points to check before buying a home 

The terrace is an extra that comes at an additional cost.jpg

Terraces are a major selling point for residential real estate in urban settings. Their relative scarcity in some areas of the city, namely the historic districts, can lead to irrationally high prices. Many city dwellers would love to have a nice terrace in a central location, but they should be wary of paying too much for the property they desire.

## A selling point is the terrace

Apartments with a terrace provide a nice alternative for city dwellers who love "nature" but cannot afford to buy a house with a garden due to high property prices in major metropolitan areas. They are easily smitten by a lovely terrace with favorable weather conditions, no direct neighbors, and an appealing vista. When these conditions are met, they can reasonably conclude that they are in possession of a unique and, therefore, valuable property. In the case of more expensive finds, the buyer should always ensure that the asking price is fair.

_It is important for a buyer to always make sure that the asking price is reasonable, especially when it comes to a favorite._

## Exactly what factors into the final cost of a deck?

This is an extremely complex and debatable issue. Buyers should keep their cool and not overpay for a home, even if features like a terrace add significant value. In determining total floor space, terrace area is disregarded. However, due to the lack of guidelines for accurately determining its worth, some experts use the same price per square meter as that of the apartment, to which they add a weighting coefficient based on the level of the apartment in which the terrace is located. Because other, more subjective factors, such as orientation, lack of noise pollution, or opposite, can intervene in this evaluation, limiting oneself to this strict calculation seems arbitrary. Apartments with terraces are unusual, and as such, their value is hard to pin down because of a lack of comparable properties.

_"The purchaser needs to maintain composure and not get emotionally attached to the property”._

## Whether you call it a terrace or a balcony is a matter of terminology

Even the tiniest of balconies can be considered a terrace by some owners. There is, however, a distinction between the two that is not based on size alone; a sizable balcony can be more than 15 square meters in area, while a modest terrace might be no more than five square meters. In terms of the building's structure, a balcony is an element that extends outward along the facade, while a terrace extends out over the apartment's rooftop. This is why most apartments on higher floors don't have terraces, though other configurations are possible due to alterations or changes in building use.

_"The average balcony is around 5 square meters, while a large balcony can be up to 15 square meters”._

## Can spacious balconies take the place of a terrace?

Adding the word "terrace" to an ad is guaranteed to increase sales. They may be let down if they visit the apartment and find a tiny balcony instead of the lovely terrace pictured in the ad, too small even for a bistro set. No matter how nice a balcony is, it can never replace a terrace, which can be used as a true extra room as soon as the weather permits, and therefore will never fetch the same price.

Blog and real estate advices