What To Look For When Hiring A Realtor

Regardless of whether you are in the market to sell your home soon or you are planning to make a purchase, hiring a real estate agent is one of the best initial steps that you can take. A home is a major asset, and you have a lot to lose when both buying and selling real estate. You understandably want to walk through the process as easily as possible, but you also want to structure the best deal for you. The right real estate agent will work closely with you throughout the process to ensure that your goals are accomplished. When searching for a great real estate agent, focus on these points.

Great References

Many people will begin hunting for a real estate agent by asking friends and neighbors for referrals and recommendations. You could also post a question on your social media account to get excellent feedback from people who you know and trust. This may include agents who you should and should not reach out to. You may also find a few agents through your online research. Always obtain references, and read online reviews to learn more about what level of service they provide.

Exceptional Knowledge

The best real estate agent will have extensive knowledge about the industry and about the local market, but he or she will also be able to translate technical terms into layman’s terms. The individual should not sound like a financial glossary that uses so much jargon that you do not understand what is being said. Remember that the real estate agent should be assisting you rather than confusing you or trying to show off with a large vocabulary. Experience in the local market is also important because of its benefit in helping you get a great deal.

Attention to Detail

Buying and selling real estate is very detail-oriented. For example, the fine print in the sales contract and small yet critical items of interest inside the home need to be identified and pointed out to you along the way. A real estate agent is not a lawyer or a property inspector, but he or she should have enough expertise and an eye for detail to point out areas that require a closer review by an expert.

Excellent Service

Some people unfortunately hire a real estate agent with a big name in town or because they are a friend of a friend, but they are sorely disappointed with the level of service that they receive. A smart idea is to interview multiple real estate agents before signing a contract with anyone for representation. Reach out to each one by phone and email a couple of times with random questions. Pay attention to how friendly and responsive the individual is. This may not tell you how the level of service will be throughout the entire transaction, but it gives you a fair idea. Avoid working with individuals who are so busy with other clients that they cannot give you the time and attention that you deserve.

Hiring a real estate agent is an excellent initial step to take when preparing to buy or sell property. However, the overall service that you receive from each agent will vary dramatically. You should put as much importance on hiring the perfect real estate agent for your needs as you would when planning interior designs for the house. By focusing on these important qualities, you can make an informed decision when selecting a real estate agent.

What to Do If You Get Injured While Traveling Abroad

Injuries never happen at convenient times, but there may be no worse time to get hurt than during a trip. If you’re engaging in high-risk activities like rock climbing or cliff-diving, you might anticipate an injury, but even if you’re taking a leisurely vacation, anything can happen. Bathtub slips, stairwell tumbles, traffic accidents, and everyday scrapes and bruises can happen in a hotel or resort just as easily as they can happen at home. Follow these steps to deal with injuries abroad.

Practice First Aid

Image via Flickr by dlg_images

The same first aid principles apply no matter where you are. If you’re bleeding, apply direct pressure and elevate that body part above heart level. If you or someone in your group has a head or neck injury, wait for professional help, and don’t try to move. Clean wounds immediately with soap and water to prevent infection.

Seek Medical Care

Your hotel, hostel, or rental host should be able to help you get in touch with a doctor or hospital. If your situation isn’t an emergency, you can Google “English-speaking doctors in [city]” to find assistance. The International Medical Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers can also help you find English-speaking doctors worldwide at no charge, although the organization does accept donations. If you have travel insurance, call the number and see if your insurer can put you in touch with a doctor. In a true emergency, reach out to anyone nearby for help with calling an ambulance.

Self-Care for Minor Injuries

If your injury doesn’t require medical attention, practice good self-care. Keep wounds clean and lightly covered. Ice swollen joints, rest them, and keep them elevated. Ask your hotel or host for any supplies you need. A supportive brace or elastic bandage can work wonders for a sore knee or ankle, but be careful not to overuse it. Injured joints need rest.

Evacuation for Serious Injuries

If you need serious medical care, you’ll need to be evacuated to your home hospital. If you’ve planned ahead by purchasing aMedjetHorizon membership, you’ll have all the essential help with coordinating your evacuation, whether it’s due to injury, political unrest, violence, or terrorism. Without that support, you would need to manage all the arrangements yourself, which could be overwhelming.

Check Your Insurance

Even if you didn’t buy travel insurance, you may still have some coverage available through the credit card you used to pay for the trip. Most credit card travel insurance is extremely limited and may not provide much help to an injured traveler. However, there are a few cards that carry more useful benefits. While none of them will cover medical or evacuation expenses, some have a trip cancellation benefit that will reimburse you for the portion of your tours, flights, cruise, or other expensive activity that you’ll have to miss.

No one plans to get hurt on a trip, as injuries are almost always unexpected. If you find yourself with an injury abroad or while visiting a new city, make sure your top priority is to find access to the medical care you need to recover. It is important to keep safe while traveling during all times of the year and throughout your travels. So be prepared and have the right care and coverage to protect yourself!

Historically Significant Places to Visit in New York City

The area along the Hudson River was first settled in the early 1600s, before being expanded upon by the English in 1664. At this time, the settlement was renamed New York. Over the past 350 years, New York City has become the epicenter of development and opportunity, and one of the most recognizable cities in the world.

For the enthusiastic history buff or aspiring fact checker, a trip to New York is a great opportunity to learn more about the historically significant events that took place along the Eastern seaboard. Here are some places you’ll want to visit on your journey to knowledge.

Ellis Island and Lady Liberty

Ellis Island became the portal to America between 1892 and 1954. During this time, the island processed around 12 million immigrants coming to the new world. It is estimated that about half of the American population can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island. The Statue of Liberty became a beacon for these people, who often experienced weeks of hard travel over the Atlantic Ocean.

You can take a guided tour through the museum to learn more about the immigration process at the time, and see if any of your family members walked through the doors on Ellis Island. If you’re low on time, check the hop on hop off NYC reviews to see which tour option best fits your schedule.

Pier 54

The influx of immigrants to America during the late 1800s and the first half of the 1900s overlaps with another historically significant event which New York City took part in. Pier 54 was where the Titanic was supposed to dock upon arriving in America, and where the Carpathia landed with the 705 survivors of the nautical disaster.

History buffs will also be aware of the infamous Lusitania disaster in 1915. The British ship left Pier 54 to head back to Liverpool on May 1 that year, to later be sunk by a German U-boat, killing 1,193 people. Since then, would-be developers have had terrible luck in revamping this area.

Roosevelt Island Smallpox Hospital Ruins

Smallpox is a highly contagious disease that killed over 500 million people worldwide during its peak. It was officially eradicated by 1980 through the administering of vaccinations. Before science caught up with this disease, efforts were made to keep smallpox patients separated from the general public, hence the creation of the Roosevelt Island Smallpox Hospital.

The hospital has been abandoned since the 1950s, and now only the Gothic architecture of its stone walls and windows stands against the test of time. The area is quiet and eerie, and some believe it to be one of the most haunted places in the USA. If ghost stories are a non-issue for you, feel free to tour the ruins after sunset.

National September 11 Memorial and Museum

History doesn’t just include things that happened before you were born. The 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 changed the world. How we travel, security measures, and news reporting were all reshaped by this tragic event.

The National September 11 Memorial and Museum is located at the former site of the twin towers, with two pools encompassed by the names of the victims. The museum itself holds artifacts from that day, including the last steel beam removed from the site during cleanup. The site is also home to The Oculus, a state of the art transportation hub as well as the One World Trade Center, the tallest building in North America at an astounding 1,776 feet.

New York City is a blend of old and new, with historical sites dating back to settlement times and modern, trailblazing innovations that shape our modern culture. During your travels, be sure to take the time to appreciate both and expand your knowledge.

How to Build the Perfect ‘Man Cave’

The idea of a ‘man cave’ may appear somewhat primal, but there is nothing prehistoric about a classy leather couch and an ornamental mini-bar that reminds you of the 60s. It originated from the idea of having a place in your home that you can use to relax, practice a hobby or get together with your friends.

Building your very own man cave may end up being a tiring endeavour, especially if you haven’t gone through the necessary planning and preparation. Considering this is a rather personal project, you will need to do most of the work, from the setup to the final decorating touches, but the most important step along the way is choosing the theme and choosing one that you will be completely obsessed with. Following is a list of the most frequent ‘man cave’ themes to get you inspired – as long as you choose something you like, you shouldn’t have any problems with the final product.

A Hunter’s Den

A hunting-themed man cave is the perfect solution for hunting enthusiasts who aren’t normally able to hang their trophies around the house. Having a hunter’s den is the perfect solution to such problems – you can put anything from deer heads on the walls to bear skins all over the floor to give your man cave a more rustic, lodge-like look.

This is a good option for those that can’t afford to invest too much money in their man cave – you can use an old shelf and a bit of craftsmanship and end up with a unique display for your firearms collection.

A Vegas Casino

There is nothing like a casino theme to turn a man cave into a whole new experience. You can add as many Vegas elements and symbols as you like, but a few slot machines and a poker table in the middle should be enough to get you started. Those with enough room left can include a blackjack or craps table afterwards, or at least a small bar area with a cigar case and a few authentic ashtrays, as well as the typical hanging light bulb for a dimmed effect.

This man cave is the ultimate retreat location both for a friendly poker night with the guys and your solo attempts playing online poker at redbet. All you’re missing is a sign on the wall that says ‘What happens in this man cave, stays in this man cave’ for a complete look.

A Gamers’ Lair

Gamers are just as entitled to a man cave as any gambling and hunting enthusiast, although you might need a bigger budget to equip it to perfection. A must-have item for a gamer’s lair is the huge flat screen for a perfectly sharp and clean visual, along with a high-end sound system to round up the whole experience. Even if you prefer PlayStation, the ‘lair’ will most likely require all the latest consoles so that everyone can choose based on their liking. A Wii and an Xbox will complement your console collection, and an open cupboard made of glass and metal bars is the perfect storage solution.

What Is a Fair Price for SEO Services?

A lot of people want to know how much they should pay for SEO services. This isn’t surprising, since there are horror stories of people paying thousands on their SEO campaign and never seeing any return. However, a price that is “fair” depends also on how much you can afford. A Fortune 500 company, for instance, is likely to pay a lot more for an SEO campaign, if they don’t do it in-house, than a sole proprietor, simply because they have higher expectations and will require more work.

What Should You Pay for SEO Services?

Good SEO services don’t come cheap. That is because, while their work is perhaps not labor-intensive, it also isn’t easy. Furthermore, the impact of their work is huge. In order to make sure that you pay a price that is both fair and right for your own business, you need to follow these steps for starters:

1. Determine what you can afford. Be realistic in this and know what your goal is as well. This means that you shouldn’t think that you can get a good SEO service for $200 and find yourself on the first page of Google for a high demand keyword. If your keyword ranks in the top 20 of most searched for, then you can expect to pay thousands of dollars if you want to get anywhere near the first page.
2. Spend some time comparing the market and asking for different quotes. There are quite literally thousands of SEO agencies out there, and the vast majority of them aren’t any good. The profession isn’t protected, so anyone can call themselves an expert. Doo your homework, ask for quotes, and take your time.
3. Never agree to a contract unless you feel it is fair. If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Similarly, if something seems unreasonably expensive, you are probably right in your suspicions.
4. Don’t look for the lowest price but rather for the best value for money. Cheap prices usually mean cheap services, which in turn means you have wasted your money, even if you haven’t spent much of it. At the end of the day, you need to see a return on investment, which means you do have to make an investment.
5. Always ask for a portfolio, references, and referrals. Any company not willing to provide you with these should be avoided straight away.
6. Verify any referrals and references you receive, and check the portfolio. Unfortunately, you cannot trust a portfolio to be real. Contact the companies listed on the references and referrals and find out whether they were happy with the work that was done for them.
7. Ask for progress reports and statistical growth. These should show the growth of the company itself – they couldn’t possible do for you what they can’t do for themselves. At the same time, you should ask what kind of progress reports you can expect yourself.

The Bitcoin Wallet App and SNO Coins

There are many different types of cryptocurrencies out there, but Bitcoin is the original one. This is why the app is also called the bitcoin wallet app, even if it can manage other types of cryptocurrencies as well. Bitcoins are controversial. They were designed to create a decentralized banking system, but they have made a number of people multi-millionaires, within the centralized banking system. Of course, others want to have a slice of this pie, which is why different forms of cryptocurrency are also created, one of which is the SNO coins.

The Bitcoin Wallet App and SNO Coins

SNO Coins were developed in 2015 by Milan Roxe. They started in India, introducing bitcoins to that market. As successful as they were in this, people continue to be weary of investing in this type of currency. One of the reasons for that is because bitcoins are expensive and people still don’t quite understand the potential profits and benefits.

How SNO Bitcoins Can Help

People in India have very complex needs. They are growing into a first world economy, while still having third world problems at the same time. For developers and investors, there is a lot of money to be made, but only if what they offer is easy to access. And that is precisely what SNO coins offer. Millions of Indians have now started to use this system, helping the company to grow and learn to make things even better. As a result, SNO has come up with a number of strategies that were designed for the Indian market, but that have proven to be role models for the entire world:

1. App development, ensuring people can access and by SNO coins from websites with ease, but also enabling people to access their coins on the go. Through the app, people can buy and sell SNO coins, as well as make purchases through them. The app is developed for iOS, Android, and Windows devices.
2. In app features that ensure people are always satisfied with the services that they received. For instance, people can use the app to watch live sports and play games, for instance. This means that leisure time and financial time becomes inextricably linked.
3. Privacy and confidentiality, ensuring no information is shared with third party vendors, as Skrill, PayPal, and Paytm do. Additionally, no regulatory bodies or governments overlook the SNO coin app.
4. No government or economy is able to manipulate the currency, which means the value of the coins is down to the users themselves.
5. A digital wallet through which payments can be made.

SNO coins have served as an example of best practice for the rest of the bitcoin industry. Different wallet apps have now started to appear, and they are in fact trending on the App Store and Play Store. People want to be able to use digital currencies, and they want to be able to do so in a safe, secure, and easy to understand environment.

UK Road Trip: 5 Safety Facts About Tyres To Understand!

If you’re planning a road trip in the UK, it’s well worth continuing reading to discover 5 basic tyre safety facts, which you should take to heart before embarking on your whirlwind tour of the UK. As the last thing that you want is to end up losing control of your vehicle on the open road or being involved in a serious car accident.

5 Saftey Facts About Tyres You Should Know Before You Road Trip in the UK:

1. Frequently use a pressure gauge to assess your tyres’ pressure as it’s harder to brake and steer with underinflated tyres

Every couple of days it’s well worth stopping making a pit stop at a gas station to check your tyres’ pressure. As not only is more expensive to drive with underinflated tyres but it’s far harder to brake and steer with underinflated tyres and you’re far more likely to crash if your tyres aren’t inflated adequately.

2. For your tyres to grip the road, each tyre needs at least 1.6mm of tread

Before heading out on your UK road trip it’s crucial to check that each of your tyres boasts a minimum of 1.6mm of tread, which is the legal minimum of tread required for vehicles to operate legally in the UK. Ideally, your car should have 2-3 mm of tread.

If one of your car’s tyres has less than 1.6mm tread, make sure to change your tyre or replace it with the proper tyre like the ones you can find at, TyrePlus before you head on out the open road as if you drive on tyres that have little tread, you’ll be far more likely to lose control and end up in a nasty car crash.

3. If you expect to travel on snowy roads, make sure to pack snow chains to prevent a crash

As an example, if you plan on driving on a country road in the middle of winter, make sure to pack snow chains, which will give your tyres extra grip and will prevent your tyres from slipping and sliding on any snow covered roads which you may travel on.

4. You can protect your tyres from damage by pre-planning your route

It’s well worth sitting down and pre-planning your route so that you can choose to travel on well-maintained roads, which are far less likely to damage your tyres’ wheel alignment and tread than if you were to take little used, less likely maintained roads.

5. Don’t be tempted to drive on tyres which feature any bulges or cracks as you could risk one of your tyres bursting on the open road

It’s well worth inspecting all of your tyres for cracks and bulges before you start filling your car with luggage as you should never embark on a long drive, with tyres which feature cracks and bulges. While any cracks or bulges may not reveal a serious issue, which could cause a car crash, it always pays to take preventive measures to make sure that you don’t end up in a potentially dangerous situation.

So before you head out on a fun-filled UK road trip, make sure that you understand each of the 5 tyre saftey tips listed above and remember to #TestYourTreads!

How Terminix, A Top Pest Control Company, Treats Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are annoying because they are pests that can live both indoors and outdoors. Mosquitoes drink human blood and their bite is known to be itchy and uncomfortable, but even worse, mosquitoes can also carry a variety of pathogens that can cause disease that can be potentially dangerous to you and your loved ones. In some cases, you can get away with just wearing bug spray during the summer months. However, if you reside in an area that is particularly mosquito friendly, you should consider protecting your home and keep your kids safe with a reliable pest control company like Terminix.

Here is more on how mosquito pest control works with Terminix:

Pest Control Near Me: Terminix has a variety of locations within the United States and in Canada. With nearly a century in the business and a variety of trained professionals on hand, Terminix likely has someone in your area or can recommend a good alternative.

Bait: After you contact Terminix about your mosquito problem, a Terminix professional will come to your home to arrange a treatment. The professional will apply a lasting compound that kills mosquitoes and mosquito larvae on contact.

Bite Control: The mosquito population will decrease, leading to an equivalent reduction in bites. Terminix professionals generally estimate a 90% decrease in the first week. However, results can vary by area.

Lasting Protection: Once the treatment is arranged, its zone of protection can last for weeks thanks to a special layer that withstands weather. A Terminix professional can refresh the treatment on a monthly basis to keep the mosquitos controlled.

If you are facing a major mosquito problem, Terminix has plenty of solutions to help ensure that your property is protected from the bugs.

Golden State Financial Group Looks at the Impact of Loan Modification on Credit

Since the economic crisis, it seems people have struggled to really budget their income. Unfortunately, some people get to the point where they simply don’t have the money available to cover all their bills anymore. It is for this reason that many people still end up in foreclosure. Thankfully, organizations such as the Golden State Financial Group are available to help avoid this through loan modification programs.

What Are Loan Modifications?

In 2009, the Obama Administration first proposed the home loan modification scheme. The aim of the scheme was to ensure people could change their loan in such a way that they would still be able to afford their mortgages. Stringent guidelines were put together to determine whether or not someone would qualify for these arrangements. If they do, then foreclosure could be avoided because the lender and borrower come to a different agreement.

The loan modification process is acceptable to lenders, because it is better than the borrower not paying at all. Furthermore, it stops them from having to pay for foreclosure. Because homes are hard to sell, it foreclosure means lenders are stuck with properties for a long time, which doesn’t benefit them either.

Golden State Financial Group on the Impact on Credit

A lot of people think that if they go through loan modification, their credit score will be negatively impacted. This can be true, because needing a modification means that someone is unable to pay as agreed. Hence, their credit history will demonstrate that a modification has taken place. For some lenders, this means the individual is no longer credit worthy, and the overall credit score does drop to a degree.

However, entering a loan modification also shows other creditors that you are proactive about getting your finances in order. It means that you have done all you can to avoid foreclosure. Hence, some lenders will believe that you are not too big of a risk. That said, it is never recommended to take out more credit if you are in a situation where you need a loan medication.

Building Your Credit Rating

While a loan modification has a negative impact on a credit score, it is possible to rebuild this score quite quickly. As said, simply by taking on the modification, you show yourself as being willing to make payments. Making those new payments on time and as agreed will further demonstrate that you are a trustworthy individual who is trying to get back on track. That said, it is absolutely vital that you do make those payments. If you accept a loan modification yet still aren’t able to budget, then the impact on your credit score will be far more significant.

If you are in a situation where you are struggling to make ends meet, consider seeking some financial advice to see whether a home loan modification could be possible. Doing so could help you keep a roof over your head, and it could top you from taking a catastrophic hit on your credit score as well.

If you are thinking of hiring a home tutor in Singapore, read this

Singapore is a hub of commerce, lifestyle, education and culture. Academic excellence is encouraged and celebrated and hence it’s natural for parents to want some extra help with their child. There’s no doubt that hiring a home tutor is not an easy task. Similarly, to expecting the best customer service, you expect the best and right tutor for your child and trusting a stranger with your child and his/her future is not something to be entered into lightly. Interviews need to be conducted, references checked and previous employment records to be vetted and verified. More importantly, the child and the tutor must strike a mutual comfort level with each other. If you’re thinking of hiring a home tutor in Singapore, keep these points in mind.

1. Freelance tutor vs tutor agency

One of the key questions for every parent to consider is what kind of tutor service do they want to go for. Whether you need a private tutor Singapore or a Singapore tutor agency with many tutors on its rolls? The agency has some advantages – competitive fees, a large tutor network, fewer chances of a tutor discontinuing, long-term undisturbed work are a few of them. Decide the course of action before you go further.

2. Friends and family vs professional tutors

There’s always a temptation to approach a friend, relative or neighbour to help with your child’s education. We’d advice against it. It can get awkward with a friend when it comes to fees, or indifferent results. What’s more there’s relatively less seriousness and more comfort that’s not always conducive to better learning. A professional tutor brings seriousness to the entire equation.

3. Trained tutors

While considering a tutor for your child, make sure that they are trained to handle the subject and the grade. Ask for school and higher education documents and go through those records carefully. A person with academic inclination will make a more academically inclined student as well.

4. Check documentation

Home tutors in Singapore should furnish their full name and address, NRIC, date of birth or age and academic records. This data is vital to the better understanding of the candidate and what kind of tutor they might be. We are always happy to see glowing tributes to the teaching prowess of tutors. They speak volumes about the candidate. But don’t go by reviews alone. Documentation, like we’ve mentioned previously, is also important to get a complete picture.

5. Fees and negotiation

In Singapore, you’re bound to get tutors at a price you’re comfortable paying. This is fine. But do remember that if you need someone with quality and experience, you will have to pay them an appropriate fee. Do not compromise on quality because you’re looking at a lower fee. A young, inexperienced person may charge less but can they do the best for your ward? That’s the question you need to ask yourself.

6. Your child’s needs

Some kids may require rigorous tutoring. Some may need light homework and more mentoring. Some might require long sessions. For others, a forty-five minute session might work best. You must ask not only the tutor, but the child as well for what works best for them. The child’s comfort has to be paramount.

7. Tutor approach

What’s the tutor’s policy on lessons, homework, assessment, extra work – find these out before you commit.