Category: MARKETING TIPS

Social Proof and its Importance for Realtors

When a customer buys a product or avails a service, he is likely to leave a review or a
testimonial about the same on the social media. These social shares are known as social
proof and play a vital role in building up a brand’s image. Social proof is important in real
estate too as buyers are more likely to engage with realtors who receive positive reviews
and knowing that others have conducted business through them.
How does social proof work?
Imagine you are making an online purchase and are stuck between two choices. If one has
250+ positive reviews and the other has 10, which one would you choose? The first one
right? Imagine the kind of positive impact similar social proof from your clients would have on
your realty business. The higher the number of positive reviews and testimonials from
satisfied clients, the higher the possibility of conversion of sales for you.
As human beings, we are psychologically programmed to imitate something that others have
done. Studies have shown that when we are unable to take a decision, we look around for
clues to help us take one and more than often, we conform to decisions taken by others in a
similar situation. Social proof is extremely effective if it comes from experts a particular field
as it is then perceived to be of higher value.
How does social proof matter in a realtor’s business?
Choosing the right real estate consultant is tough and that’s why social proof assumes a lot
of importance in this business. Before they take a decision, home buyers would want to
gather as much information about a realtor, his method of work, his response time and his
charges. In order to reduce the uncertainty associated with this decision making, home
buyers are more than expected to reply on social proof.
Ways to increase social proof on your Real Estate site
The following creative ways should be helpful in adding social proof to your website:
 Get testimonials from your best clients: When a mere star rating does not justify a
client-realtor fully, a detailed testimonial can work wonders to showcase your
professional attitude towards business. Do not hesitate to ask for a testimonial if you
think you have provided exceptional service to the client and you will be surprised
that most clients reply in the affirmative.
 Provide dedicated space for reviews: Customers need to leave behind ratings and
review your services you provide as a real estate consultant. You may receive
positive as well as negative reviews. In case of a negative review, the best you could
do is to respond quickly and make a whole-hearted effort to resolve any issues.
 Add a client showcase page to your website: Including an online portfolio of your
best clients and detailing how you helped them to locate their kind of home or

commercial property. You could even provide a case study about a particularly
difficult sale and how you gave it your best shot.

Worried about investing in property? Here’s how you can beat these fears

5 Powerful Tips to tackle fears about investing in property
Sweaty palms? Heart beats at the speed of a jackhammer? Unsteady hands? Well, we are
not describing a medical condition here. Investors in property often get the jitters and take a
reverse turn just before signing on the dotted line in the agreement copy. One cannot blame
a potential buyer for this condition since investing in a property is probably the single largest
investment he or she may commit to during a lifetime. After all, he may be investing a huge
chunk of his savings and if he is taking a loan, he is committing to a lifetime of EMIs.
Many potential property buyers turn into fence sitters after thinking about rising property
rates, mortgage worries and excessive market speculation. In this article, we will explore
these fears and find ways to tackle them in an effective and practical manner.
1. Falling Property market: This is unarguably the single biggest fear any investor
has. Although fall in property prices can be cause of sleepless nights for buyers, it is
necessary to assess the situation from a practical viewpoint. Rather than falling
property prices, it is actually the asking value by the seller that sees a fall. Real
estate is an asset that grows at a slow pace but it returns can be measured and
quantified. Choosing a property that has good schools, shopping areas and business
hubs in the vicinity rarely see a price drop and hence should be first choices. Such
locations will always stay in demand.
2. Cost of maintenance and furnishing the flat: A new home often demands new
expenses, especially when it is unfurnished and it has to be readied for people and
their needs. Interiors, appliances, furniture and furnishings are essential expenses
one has to invest unless the property is fully-furnished and in a ready-to-move
condition. Homes with newly done interiors and painting/wallpaper are ideal choices
when selecting a home. Identify damages to the flat early and get them repaired
before they metamorphose to unmanageable proportions. Set aside some funds for
repairs or other contingencies to help you face them without breaking the bank.
3. Complicated loan or mortgage procedures: Buyers often feel that applying for a
loan and understanding the terms of the finance company or bank is a difficult task.
Excessive paperwork is also a deterrent for many property buyers and keep them
away from dealing with financial institutions. Buyers should remember that this is
avoidable so it is better to make peace with the fact and learn as much as possible
about the procedure instead of deferring the decision to buy property. Engage a knowledgeable and certified real estate professional who can guide you in such
matters and ease the process for you.
4. Fear of debt: When investing in a property, taking a loan has become quite
necessary for a large segment of buyers. However, buyers can often doubt their own
capability of repaying a home loan or falling behind on EMIs due to loss of job or any
kind of medical emergency. It is therefore necessary to take a realistic view of the
budget one can afford and also consider any kind of inconsistency that you may
encounter in future. With practical future planning and inculcating the habit of
savings, you can disable the fear of debt and face the future with confidence.
5. Loss of confidence: Buyers often get sceptical about their choice of property in
terms of wrong location, unscrupulous developers or overextending their budget.
Buyers also worry about taking a wrong decision and later repenting about it. Take
an informed decision so you know that you cannot go wrong with it ever. List out the
positives and the negatives of the selected project, check out the amenities and
make a note of the conveniences it offers. Look for a property that gives out positive
vibes in the first instance and think over your decision before committing yourself to
it. Remember there is always an ideal home waiting for you and it is a matter of time
and consistent effort that will bring you face-to-face with it.
Indulging in too much speculation, listening to unwanted advice and giving into your fears
can prove to be detrimental in this quest to secure the perfect property. The above tips will
ease your worries to a great extent.
Feeling confident already? Go ahead and take the right steps in the right direction. The
home of your dreams is just around the corner.

Why Selling your home without a Realtor is a Nightmare you’d never want to see!

 

If you plan to sell your home without recruiting the services of a realtor, think again.
You do not want to take such a massive risk while carrying out what is probably the
biggest financial transaction of your lifetime, do you? By sidestepping this critical
enabler, homeowners expose hard-earned money and valuable time to a larger risk,
while frittering away some significant benefits.
Most buyers/sellers who opt for this route, usually want to forgo the commission paid
to the agent but fail to pre-empt the valuable benefits he offers in return. In fact,
surveys have shown that such properties usually sell for a comparatively lower price
than those sold with the assistance of a professional realtor.
Before taking a decision, check out these proven benefits a realtor will bring to the
table if you engage his services to buy or sell a property
1. Availability of Time: Given the tight work schedules, you actually do not
have time to show around the home and play the role of a real estate agent.
How will you manage showing the home while you are out on a business trip
or a vacation? Your friendly, neighborhood realtor is ready to showcase your
property at a short notice and collect the right feedback from prospective
buyers about it too, by asking the right questions (could you do that?). He will
even offer solutions to problems a prospective buyer perceives, especially
those that could come in the way of concluding a deal.

2. Priceless Knowledge: The domain knowledge that a realtor possesses is
truly invaluable and as a layman it is difficult to match up to it. He knows how
to pick holes in the story that the property websites weave around the home
and provide valuable insights to the prospect. He is aware of the history
surrounding the home and is able to turn it into a selling point.
3. Marketing awareness: While selling a property, image is of vital importance
and you rarely get a second chance to create a good impression about your
home. Professional realtors know how to “prepare” a home when a
prospective buyer comes visiting or when property images have to be shared
with an interested party. Marketing your property will need the expertise of a
realtor and you wouldn’t want to miss out on this valuable quality for the sake
of commission.
4. Experienced negotiator: When you engage a certified realtor and entrust the
task of finding the right buyer for it, you get many bundled-up qualities too. His
expert negotiation skills (due to the endless hours he has spent doing this)
always keeps the buyer interested and he ensures that terms and conditions
always work in your favour.
5. Understands Closure: There are dozens of things to be taken care of, after
the deal is sealed in your favour. With a realtor managing things for you, you
can be assured that last-minute issues and unexpected delays at the
registrar’s office or loan formalities are taken care of. He is qualified enough to
carry out firefighting activities whenever needed and this truly makes a realtor
an indispensable part of a buying/selling process of a home property.
6. Safety: With property portals and online agencies making the buying and
selling easy, it has also attracted a lot of negative attention too. When you put
up your home, its images and other details on the internet, you can expect
unknown buyers wanting to see your home. You wouldn’t know the actual
intentions or background of the so-called “prospect” since there is no agent
who can verify that. Won’t this put your home and family at a risk? And all this
because you do not want to pay a commission to the agent. Think again!
It makes great sense to appoint a certified realtor to help you to sell your property
and avoid a lot of costly mistakes that could come back to haunt you in the future.

Use the professional services of a realtor who not only helps you to protect your
interests but will also justify your home’s value that is so rightly deserves.

Considering taking up a Realtor’s job?

Considering taking up a Realtor’s job? Take this reality check first!
Making a career as a realtor or a real estate agent is the easiest thing in the world. Absolutely wrong. Contrary to popular notions, building up a career as a realtor is NOT as easy as it is thought to be and needs as much dedication, sincerity, and effort as any other job in the world. The society, which is unaware of the hard work that goes into the making of a competent realtor, views it quite differently and forms its own misconceptions about this profession. We all would have known that “Uncle” who, banking heavily on “contacts and personality” jumped into the business of real estate and soon fizzled out after learning the hard truths well, the hard way.

If you are someone who has set your sights on becoming a realtor, it will be prudent to understand that it’s not a glamorous job and definitely not one for the faint-hearted. Generally, it is thought to be the ideal profession for someone who is gregarious, out-going and independent. However, it needs much more than these qualities to even qualify as a realtor and a lot of grit and determination to succeed as one.

Check out these real-life confessions by realtors who gave defined success in a brand new way and then decide if this is truly the profession you want to be in

It’s definitely not a “Work for 2-3 hours & earns millions” kind of a job

So what kind of a pay-check do realtors take home? It will surely be enough to cover all the expenses of running a shop, showing clients around and footing the occasional hotel bill. Realtors taking off large chunks of money in the form of commissions is close to being a myth as there are many expenses to be managed. Office rentals, utilities, staff salaries and many other miscellaneous expenses like advertising, promotional material, business cards, etc. have to be paid and you need to consider them before jumping with joy about the large commission cheque received.

Did I mention taxes yet? Well, you would have to pay taxes on the income received. Meeting up with clients, checking out properties, fuel expenses, and the works. Add them up and that large commission amount shrinks up a lot.

Can you sell “yourself”?

Selling homes is not a profession for the meek. Though an outgoing, gregarious personality may not guarantee a successful career as a realtor, it surely helps to be an individual who can connect to perfect strangers with ease. Building trust and confidence about your capabilities and your ability to conduct transparent transactions will go a long way in creating a long and loyal client list. But if you are one who constantly shoots off the hip, it is ultra-careful with your aim. Homes are large transactions that many of your buyers may conduct only once or twice during their lifetimes. This means that they will need to have implicit trust in the person facilitating this deal.
Realtors can easily get slotted in a category similar to insurance agents and are labeled as being “commission-hungry” or “pushy”, so ensure you are not one of them. Having a professional yet friendly attitude towards clients is the key to success as a realtor selling high-value properties.

Get ready for that “middle-of-the-night” call

I hope you are a light sleeper and even the faintest beep from your mobile can wake you up at unearthly hours. No, it’s not going to be a love note. Rather expect a call from a distraught buyer/seller who himself is spending sleepless nights over the biggest transaction of his life and expects you to join in and give him company in tiding over this difficult phase. Go ahead and hold his/her hand (strictly theoretically speaking) for a while to assuage their feelings and sing them a lullaby to put them to sleep.

Buying or selling a home is a long-drawn process and during this period, there could be occasional tiffs and tiny cold wars. Your client will always demand the moon (and not want to pay as much) so it is your talent that will come in handy to convince him/her that the moon does not have enough amenities that will do justice to their budget.

If BYOB is your mantra, then real estate selling is THE job for you!

You are going to be sailing off all alone in your own boat with no or little support when you decide to get into this demanding but highly satisfying profession. If you are comfortable chatting up clients, putting them at ease with your knowledge and a dash of humor, ready to spend days without a single prospect in sight (Who told you a realtor’s life is an easy one?) then you are primed to BYOB (Be your own boss).

However, this is a profession that will empower you with abilities to help others create their homes and settle down in life. Being a go-getter and a positive thinker will help since there will be days when nothing seems to be going right. Tiding over such situations will test your true caliber and transform you into a true blue realtor ready to take on the world.

You will do well to remember that we all buy or transact through people whom we trust. By creating the right visual imagery before a client and empathizing with their needs as yours, you can expect a lifetime emotional connect with them. Selling real estate is not about reading a book that says “How to”. Carry out a reality check for yourself before you get your feet wet in these turbulent waters of real estate buying and selling and you will never regret your decision ever.

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How to ease Stress While Moving into your New Home

 

Moving into a new home can be a stressful experience for most, considering the hassles of packing, adjusting to a new neighborhood and unpacking. If this phase isn’t planned in a proper, organized manner, it can metamorphose into a stressful situation that could take days to address and lead to a chaotic life. Now that you have secured a beautiful home and landed yourself a new job(if the relocation has happened to a new city or country), it is time to take things in your stride and enjoy the moment. Moving can be a crazy time for the entire family but it can be made less stressful with a little bit of planning.

Here’s what you can do to make moving into a new home a joyful event than a difficult task:

  • Plan well: Planning is the most important part of a glitch-free shifting into a new home. Carry a diary or a notebook and prepare a list of the things you will need to address while moving. It is better to clear your mind well in advance as this will help you to think straight. Things like school admissions, address changes, etc. will gain priority and have to be done way before you actually move. Book movers and packers in advance to save money and avoid last-minute hassles. Prepare your schedule in advance and you will sail through this event in a smooth and settled manner.
  • Don’t Rush: While moving, it is necessary to give yourself and your family, time to soak in the idea of moving into a new home and adjust to it. If the decision is a planned one, then the process can be slightly easier, but in case of a short notice, things can move quite dramatically, throwing your life out of gear. Breathe deeply and begin thinking about the various options before you plan things accordingly. No one is ever an expert at moving since we move 2 or 3 times in our entire lifetime, so don’t push yourself too much. You will get through. If you have kids, take them around to the new locality you are moving in to, as this helps them to get an actual feel of the surroundings. This will help them to adjust emotionally and physically as well.
  • Begin moving today: Do not wait till the day of actual shifting and begin removing the clutter from your home right from today. There would be a lot of stuff that you won’t carry to your new home and would rather dispose of it here. Identify such items and begin pre-work at the earliest. This will help to reduce stress on moving day and keep you free to focus on other important stuff. Order a few boxes and begin with small items that are not useful on a daily basis. De-clutter as much as possible and begin afresh in your new home, away from the past.
  • Define priorities: Getting organized and prepared for moving is the key to remaining sane and reducing stress. Use that diary you have made, to good effect and split a task into daily and weekly ones, as this will help you to keep track of things yet to get done. Call up friends and family and ask for help. Delegating responsibilities helps a lot and allows you to focus better. Working with friends can be a fun experience too and you can use their calm demeanor and expertise to get work done. An additional pair of helping hands is always helpful and makes work easier and stress-free.
  • Rest: It is easy to get lost in the humungous work that you can see before you while moving and we tend to skip a lot of our daily routine activities. Ensure you get a good night’s sleep in the run-up to your shifting and are having proper meals. Don’t miss or delay lunch and dinner times as you surely do not want to feel exhausted and tired before the big day. Reduce caffeine intake and do not compromise on your exercise/walk routine if you are following one.

While moving, keep a back-up plan ready, in case it rains or there is a truck-owners strike on the day. Knowing that there is an alternate plan ready to implement, is in itself stress-relieving and will keep you relaxed. Your movers and packers may miss the date by oversight so be prepared to take the next available day instead of picking up a fight with the company. Focus on your aim of moving and breathe easy.

Eight sure-fire signs that show you enjoy being a Realtor

Whether you are a full-time entrepreneur or working with a high-profile realtor, either way, you spend more than 8-10 hours at work, not to mention a couple of hours spent commuting to and from office. Overall, half of your day is spent at work-related activities with the rest being used up for sleep and leisure activities (Don’t worry, we won’t get into any details!).

There are a few unmistakable signs that show that you enjoy your work as a Realtor so let’s check them out:

  1. Remember playing your favorite outdoor game or playing a musical instrument you love, and getting oblivious to all that surrounds you? Whenever we do something that is truly our beloved choice of activity, we forget our worries and immerse ourselves in a world of our own. When we enjoy work, we become unaware of time and keep at it till we finish it that is because we are in love with what we do. Work doesn’t seem like a burden and time flows by without a hindrance.
  2. When humans connect to other similar beings, it fills them with joy and happiness but the feeling is further enhanced when we create something of value. When a job is completed, be it the smallest one, the unmistakable feeling of fulfillment and contentment is the highest form of reward one can get. As a realtor, cracking a lucrative deal for your client or getting a much-coveted property for them, can be extremely fulfilling. If this fills your chest up with pride, then be assured you are in the right profession.
  3. If the entire household is up in the morning and you are still in bed, trying to find a valid excuse to bunk office for the 4th time in the week, there is something seriously amiss. Those who are up and running, wanting to show that first client of the day a choice property or shoot that email the first thing in the morning, should be certain that real estate is the perfect industry to be in.
  4. When you relate to other people in your office as separate individuals (not a junior or a boss) and see them as someone who can contribute to making a deal ahead of or giving valuable inputs, these are signs that work for you isn’t a struggle. Working together is an essential part of the realty business and you certainly seem to be made for it.
  5. Listen to some canteen or coffee machine conversation at work or while commuting and you will realize that you will hear a lot of complaints about how far the workplace is or the timings are too early or the co-workers are insufferable. However, if you enjoy your daily commute, interacting with colleagues and going about your work schedule in a brisk manner, they surely point in the right direction for you and realty is the one job you are made for.
  6. Who said realty business is easy? Or for that matter, no job is easy. Artists may have to restart on their work if the final product does not match their vision or a writer may have to write pages, edit them, scrap them and begin from zero. As a realtor, a client may show tremendous promise but may not give great returns. But if you are one who does not lose heart and moves on to the next client (who knows when an earlier client could knock at your door again), then you are surely in the apt business.
  7. When someone at a party asks you “What profession do you belong to?” do you clam up or give them a complete lowdown about your realty business. If you are a part of the latter, then you have made the right decision by joining up at the real estate business. (Now, don’t go overboard and dole out visiting cards to the entire crowd). The first signs of loving what you do are when you can’t stop talking about it and if that’s what you identify with, then realty is the place to be.
  8. Work stops being work when one enjoys it and it becomes an extension of who you are, becoming a part of your personality. When you love something, your output maximizes and reaches the top, giving you the satisfaction of completing a marathon. Having accomplished a lot does tire one out but in a positive manner and if that’s how you feel at the end of the day, then you are doing it right for sure.

With a large chunk of time being utilized for work, it is necessary to ensure that you are enjoying whatever your work entails. Remember, we all get only one chance to live our lives.

Social Media as a Lead-Generation Tool- Truth or Myth?

Social Media platforms are a great way of connecting to long-lost friends, business associates, bosses, and peers. Apart from this, these platforms are a wonderful method of connecting to customers and potential clients. They can be relied upon to broadcast a premium property that is up for rent or sale and to announce a new service you have recently started to offer. But is it prudent to rely on social media to generate leads for your real estate business?

Realty Business is much more than only being active online

You surely do not think that once you post a property listing or an ad on Facebook or any other social media platform, leads will start gushing in, do you? If you do, you are not alone. A large number of realtors spend a huge portion of their productive time, posting property listings on social media and tweaking their status every few hours, hoping to grab the attention of buyers and sellers. Instead of supplementing their main activity of meeting and physically interacting with potential clients with a robust social media strategy, they work the other way round and often find themselves staring at the wrong end of the business funnel.

It would make greater business sense to connect to clients with whom successful transactions have been conducted in the past than looking for leads in the virtual world. The realty business is more about building personal contacts, asking for referrals and strengthening current relationships than fortifying an existing online presence. While there isn’t an iota of doubt about the ease and convenience that social media offers, it can never replace the face-to-face interactions and even a phone call. Social media can surely complement your efforts after you have had the initial meetings and discussion, but it cannot lay the foundations of a strong and long-lasting business association.

Send that friend request NOW!!

If utilized efficiently, social media possesses the power to take communication to the next level and strengthen a business relationship. Let’s see how:

  • Follow-up: Right after a meeting or an interaction with a client, you would do well to follow it up with a personal note on a common social media platform. This small but powerful step can lead to generating a lot of goodwill and will come across a thoughtful one. Asking for referrals while doing so is also a good move if done innovatively and without sounding overbearing.
  • Add value: Customers and potential clients are always looking for realtors who can provide value through information and services. Make sure your social media posts are relevant to your client base and have authentic information about areas like changes in Government regulations or property laws and even home loan procedures.
  • Use it as a Platform to display your range of services: Social media can be utilized to establish your brand and the range of services you offer. If you specialize in commercial property, ensure that is highlighted well enough for clients to recall when required. Be selective about what you post and make sure your page isn’t cluttered with irrelevant posts. Images of completion of a project, keys being handed over and client testimonies are always the best bet so use them judiciously. This will build relationships and generate leads too.

Heady Cocktails for everyone to savour!

Remember, social media is a highly effective way of reaching across to clients and prospects when you are not meeting them face-to-face or haven’t called them up for a long time. It can never replace the physical connect a realtor builds with his customers but can serve timely reminders on his behalf. A personal visit or an appreciative gift does wonder for the health of a realtor-client relationship and so do likes on the Facebook page. Ensure you stir up a healthy concoction of one-to-one connects and online contact and remain in touch with existing clients while building up a steady pipeline of prospective customers too.

 

 

 

 

A comprehensive guide for choosing light fixtures for your hom

It is better to illuminate than to merely shine- Italian Philosopher Thomas Aquinas

We all need that positive shaft of light to brighten our lives and the same is true for our homes too. The kind of lighting options one chooses for the home plays a highly influential role in setting up its ambiance. Lights are also instrumental in impacting the mood of the home’s occupants. This article lists all the information you need to choose lights and make your home appealing and attractive for your family and guests.

Types of Lighting

Lighting can be divided into three basic categories, viz. Ambient, Accent and Task Lighting. Let us explore them in brief:

  • Ambient Lighting: The primary purpose of ambient lighting is to focus on a specific space. It can create a dramatic effect and is generally used to highlight a décor piece, sculpture or a work of art. Using wall mounted lights or track lights, it is possible to create an impact on the viewer.
  • Accent Lighting: Tube lights, CFL or LED bulbs that cover a large area and have the potential to light up an entire space are categorized under Accent lighting. Choose lighting that is capable of providing uniform lighting and is pleasant too. Every room should have at least one source of accent lighting.
  • Task Lighting: Areas that are created specifically for certain activities like kitchen, dining or study areas need task lighting. They are designed to enhance spaces to help certain activities and are dedicated to the task at hand. They should encourage productivity and should be pleasant. Choose task lights which are neither too dull nor too strong. It is recommended to choose white lights for this purpose as yellow lights can create a relaxing environment.

Styles and functionality

Lighting options are available in a huge variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary and a range of budgets too. You can choose from different shapes, sizes, and materials used like metal, glass, fiber, crystal, and bamboo. Light fixtures like ceiling lamps, floor lamps, spotlights, chandeliers, wall scones, and lighting strips can be used according to your need, taste and application.

There is a massive range to select from vis-à-vis tones, colors, energy-saving options, and brightness. The modern customer is truly spoilt for choice while selecting lighting elements for interior and exterior areas as lighting options are now available for every part of the home like the main door, balcony, garden, passageways, staircases or verandas. Having said that, make sure that the purpose of the lighting is clear before selecting and deciding on its placement. Always remember, your aim should be to use less number of fixtures and maximize their effectiveness.

Lighting types and fixtures for different rooms

  • Living Room: Your living room and the passageway that leads to it create the first impression on guests and you should ensure that it is a lasting one. Choose to light as per the size of your living room and it should complement the room’s décor too. The use of floor-mounted lights can create a welcoming atmosphere that is relaxing as well.

You can create a pleasing and relaxing ambiance by combining the use of ambient and accent lighting. Bring out the artwork and sculptures now and display them proudly using focus lights which will highlight them beautifully. The use of dimmers can help in creating a comfortable environment as desired.

A word of caution: Too many lighting fixtures can make space look cluttered and gaudy, so choose prudently.

  • Dining Room: It is quite obvious that the focus of the entire room is the dining table and the chairs around it. The use of accent lights can light up this space wonderfully. A set of drop lights or a good-looking chandelier can do wonders to the ambiance. Your fine dining chinaware and crockery can now find a place of pride as the use of wall-mounted focus lights can accentuate them handsomely.
  • Bedrooms: This space needs an eclectic combination of accent and task lighting to make sure this private space has the right balance of warm and romantic vibes. Task lighting is mandatory in dressing areas where mirrors are placed and if there is a study in the bedroom, task lighting will be perfect here too. Every bedroom should have bedside lamps and floor lighting wherever possible. They are guaranteed to create a romantic ambiance and provide enough light to the room without looking too harsh.
  • Kitchen: Choosing the right kind of light fixtures is extremely vital while designing the kitchen. A single source of accent lighting is mandatory in the kitchen to light up space while small LED focus lights can be spread across the kitchen at various vantage points. Activities like cooking, washing or cutting will benefit from the extra light that LEDs will provide.
  • Bathroom: It is prudent to choose simple yet effective light fixtures that will illuminate the space. Ensure the lights do not cause shadows or harsh reflections in the bathroom. Place wall-mounted focus lights over mirrors so that daily activities like brushing and shaving can be made easier.

Apart from the above, areas that do not receive natural light or have steps, should be well lit to avoid accidents, especially if your family consists of young and young-at-heart members. Combine the features of lighting fixtures to create a pleasant and efficient living space, that’s not only great to look at but is practical too.

Everything you wanted to know about Property Insurance… And more!

Insurance plays a large role in the lives of the modern man. We ensure our own lives, health, our vehicles, our gadgets and sometimes even marriage events are insured. We missed out our beloved homes from this list and you didn’t even notice, did you? Though the insuring property is very important, it is often given least priority by homeowners. Property Insurance is a wonderful tool to secure the residential and commercial property against natural and man-made calamities and the damage caused by it.

What is Property Insurance?

This is an insurance that covers an independent home or building structures along with its contents from damage that is the outcome of natural or manmade disasters. The homeowner can choose to include the contents of the home like big-ticket electronic items, expensive jewelry, and furniture or buy a plain vanilla cover that simply covers the structure. Due to this, the coverage isn’t fixed and can be customized to suit the needs of the homeowner.

How can you buy Property Insurance?

Property insurance is a legal document and contract issued by the insurance company in favor of the policyholder. The contract provides details of the damages and losses that the insurance company will bear in case of the property and its contents face a natural or manmade calamity. The policyholder pays a pre-decided premium to the company in exchange for this risk. Since the policy document is a detailed document, you should read and understand all the inclusions and exclusions before signing on the dotted line. It is best to compare different policies from leading companies in the market to make a prudent decision.

Types of Property Insurance

Homeowners can opt for insurance for private residences which cover a specific set of calamities like fire, arson, earthquake, floods, thefts, armed robberies, etc. If you have rented your apartment, you should opt for rental property insurance. It will cover damages or losses that arise due to negligence or a deliberate act by the tenants. Damage to items in the house like furniture or white goods can be covered in such insurance.

The property structure and the individual requirements of the policyholder will determine the policy terms. NBFCs and Banks often ask for property insurance when the property is mortgaged to them. So whether you are the owner or a landlord, ensuring your property is always a good idea to prevent losses during the future.

Why should one opt for Property Insurance?

Property insurance is often likened to a safety net that one can depend and fall back upon during difficult times. Since the value of any property, commercial or residential, is always large, any damage to it can cause a huge hole in your pocket.

  • If you opt for property insurance for your home, any damage to your home can be easily covered by paying a small premium. Any repairs needed or reimbursement can be carried out from the insurance amount.
  • Through liability insurance, you can cover every kind of medical expenses that may be needed in case of any accidents occurring on the insured property.
  • As a homeowner who is renting out the property, all the expenditure for any acts of negligence or deliberate ones can be covered under property insurance.
  • Damage due to theft, armed robberies or vandalism to a residential or commercial property is covered by the insurance company.
  • Many property insurance policies cover the contents of the home/office/shop which includes jewelry, electronic goods, art, etc. Any damage or theft to the contents is covered under the policy.

Ready to take the plunge?

Make sure you have compared the terms, conditions and premium amounts of the property insurance before choosing one. Check which policy provides maximum coverage by paying a premium that is affordable and justified. Finally, find out how much time is taken to claim the insurance amount in case of an untoward incident and if the procedure is too complicated. Once these checks are done, go ahead with your decision. Whether the claim will arise in the future cannot be predicted, but buying property insurance will surely help you to sleep peacefully at night.