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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:

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.
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.
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 4^th 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 peek into a typical work-day of a Realtor’s life

A very popular misconception amongst the common public about realtors is about their working hours and flexibility of timing that they are privy to. As a large majority of individuals are employed and following specific office hours, an individual who does not stick to a routine is looked at with trepidation and a certain degree of curiosity. Relatives, immediate neighbors, friends, and even clients are prone to ask this query, “What do you really do all day?” and the most believable and genuine answer should be “Work”. Most works from home or freelance individuals to faces similar queries about their work schedules and utilization of their time.

Being a Realtor is tough work and involves a lot of legwork since he or she has to show around properties (Yes, they drive around a lot too!), spend time with their clients explaining the positives & negatives about a particular apartment or condominium. Clients need a lot of assurances about the locality and the neighborhood and the realtors do calm a lot of frayed nerves while doing so. A client may not like any of the properties the realtor showcases and selection may take days and sometimes months too. The realtor may at times spend an entire day (well, a least a couple of hours) on the phone, speaking to buyers and sellers, massaging their individual egos and assuaging their many fears. This is work too.

Mobile is a strong tool that helps realtors in staying connected with their clients and the plethora of messaging apps help a lot too, to send and receive images of the property in focus and the neighborhood. Sending messages and replying to them is a part of the realtor’s daily responsibility and the realtor does it quite diligently too. The mobile was launched to provide mobility and comfort to the user but has encroached upon our lives and eats into our private time. Imagine its impact on a realtor’s life whose working hours are now stretched indefinitely (at least till the client calls it a day)

Calling up past and present clients is a part of a realtor’s daily routine too as he/she needs to be in touch with them so they connect to him whenever the need arises. Networking is a full-time activity that requires the realtor to spend time at brunches, lunches, evening coffee and for an occasional drink too. Though the realtor may not follow specific work routines, his working hours, at times may stretch beyond the regular. However, a flexible schedule allows some leeway for them and a smart realtor will take complete advantage of this.

Weekends are the busiest times for realtors since it is then that the potential clients are relatively free and available to browse through properties at leisure. Lounging at home on a weekend with the family is a luxury most full-time realtors would crave for. A realtor’s life is not only about getting fat commissions on selling luxury homes but involves a whole lot of sweat and grime that remains unseen beyond the façade of a so-called relaxed and chilled-out life.

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

Realty Business is much more than only being active online

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 a 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 it 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 savor!

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 wonders to 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.

Six Powerful Habits that can mould you into a successful Realtor

Every Realtor or estate broker has its own inimitable style. You could meet a realtor who is gregarious while another one could be relaxed and laid back. Some are fun to be with while others can be staid and introverted. Whatever the style, each one is capable of making the best of it and becoming successful as a professional realtor by committing to certain must-have habits that can catapult them into the next league. So read on if you have plans to have a large office, full of employees generating leads and want to churn out voluminous business.
So is there truly some mantra that puts some realtors on the path to success while others struggle to make ends meet? Well, it is more a combination of adapting habits along with the passion to grow that gives successful agents the edge over others.
Return calls and text messages right away!
A committed agent will always make sure that EVERY single call and text is returned or replied to, without delay. By doing this, you send out a powerful message to your prospect or existing client that he or she is important to you. You could be busy but returning a call or a message at the first instance should always remain a priority, irrespective of the dense workload you may have. Successful agents are known to hold on to leads as if their lives depend on it and ensure that some kind of connect happens to initiate a dialogue. Realtors who have made it to the top are known to reach out to prospects and clients through every possible means of communication, be it phone, text, email or even Skype if that’s the preference shown by the client. Matching the communication style of the client allows them the necessary comfort and switching over to it is the hallmark of a successful realtor. Pick up the phone if the clients love to talk or text if he/she wants it that way.
Keep up with the latest in technology
We are fortunate to be conducting business in a digital world where communication is a breeze, given the wide variety of options at our disposal. Smart realtors make certain they utilize these options to their advantage by using smartphones for communications, iPads or tablets to display property images and follow it up with a carefully worded email. Buy a robust mobile internet plan so you are never short on connectivity. Reading up about the latest trends in technology, apart from real estate information, also helps to initiate a conversation and connect to clients. Clients nowadays prefer minimum paperwork and it makes great sense to go paperless wherever possible.
Know your neighborhood intimately
Almost every realtor you would know is a self-proclaimed “neighborhood expert” but the true ones are those who are acquainted with every single aspect of the locality they operate in. When asked about a property, expect a successful realtor to reel off the details without a pause, thus showcasing his/her knowledge of the property market they operate within. Having information about the overall image of the given locality, its landmarks, the pros and cons (genuine ones, of course), great eating places or popular watering holes is considered to be a much-desired habit for dedicated realtors. Getting familiar with your working area will help create a good impression on your prospects and help build confidence. The online home searches may have made things easier for those searching for a home, but a good realtor will always know what lies beneath the exterior and uses it at the right moment. Such realtors are valued for the impeccable information they possess and are respected for it.
Keep your client in the loop
All successful realtors take time to brief their clients of the steps they will undertake during the entire process and keep them informed about the probable roadblocks that they may come across during the journey. Sellers are known to be highly satisfied when their realtor lets them know about the negotiations happening and all the developments related to their property. This communication has a positive impact on the relationship building between the realtor and the client who feels satisfied and important.
Make the process of getting leads a natural one
An expert realtor is one who procures leads without breaking into a sweat by using various means of connecting to their target audience. Getting introduced to interested parties at social gatherings and also keeping eyes and ears receptive to bits of information are signs of a seasoned realtor. Use social media prudently and do not go overboard with any particular medium. If you feel newspaper inserts are effective with your kind of audience, go ahead and implement it even if it may sound old fashioned. If your audience is not social media-savvy, there is no point in spending time, money and effort into that avenue. Remember, a successful realtor will consider and apply all those means that help him to remain at the top of the mind of his clientele and that matters in the long run.
Create a resourceful network
Buying a home involves a lot many things to be done before and after the property is selected. A preferred bank or lending company, insurance agents, contractors, or even an interior designer who are as professional as you, can be a part of your inner circle and can be recommended to the client. This ensures you have a continuous stream of references coming through this circle, apart from making the client feel he/she is in absolutely safe hands during the entire process of buying or selling a home.
To sum up, the above habits are all about providing top-notch customer service using market knowledge and genuineness. If you are able to guide your client through the maze that real estate transactions are and provide value to every single transaction you undertake, you can consider yourself a success and make a mark as a successful Realtor.

Why should a Buyer/seller choose you as their realtor?

Ask any real estate agent the two most basic questions “Why should a customer choose to work with you?” & “What are your strengths?” about customers choosing them and watch them squirm in discomfort. After a lot of mumbling and probably long stretches of silence, there is often get a standard response “I have been doing this for XYZ years”. This would imply that the guy is a survivor and not necessarily an expert in his field.

Look around and you will find yourself competing with hundreds of realtors who are targeting a limited number of buyers or sellers. With such severe competition snapping at your heels, it is important to bring some strong points to the table that others lack. When your customer places his trust in you, you should showcase qualities that will inspire confidence.

Highlight your abilities

When you meet with a prospective customer, go ahead and showcase a specific skill set you possess. Do not assume that since you have been a realtor for ages, it isn’t necessary to do so. Focus on your negotiation skills if you have a sales background to boast of and this is bound to impress your clients. Showcase your cool head and easy temperament which may be required during stressful situations that may arise during the sale/purchase. Use your past work experiences to build a powerful skill dossier your client will love to browse through.

Be well-informed

The real estate industry and its methods of conducting business are continually changing. A client expects his realtor to know and understand the intricacies of transacting a property. He depends on you to know all about property buying/selling, the legal documents, and the registration process. Your client may have bought or sold a property a few years ago so explain the changes that have happened since. In this manner, he will realize your knowledge level in this field and his confidence will grow. If you do not have the right answer, do not hesitate to say so but make sure you come back with one.

Put your best foot forward

While showcasing a property in-person to a prospective client, ensure that the property has been cleaned and doesn’t have cobwebs or pools of rainwater. Any correspondence you have with the client should be business-like and well-written. Do not send random brochures and flyers to a client who is already in touch with you.

Pay attention to your grooming and dressing, especially while meeting a client the first time. A freshly-pressed pair of trousers coupled with a clean shirt is bound to make a better first impression than a casual outfit. The first impression you create will lay a good platform for business and you can expect a steady flow of references too from the client. Make sure your car has been cleaned from the inside and outside if you are planning to take your client around to showcase properties.

Give undivided attention to the client

That person sitting across the table is most important and there is no harm in making him feel so. He is a client and deserves complete attention from his realtor. When a client speaks, listen actively and respond with genuine questions and answers. Listening is an essential skill one should practice since it can provide many clues and tips about the client’s state of mind.

Cell phones were supposed to simplify the way we communicate with each other but it has added a few challenges to our lives. Do not check messages while speaking to the client and take calls only if it is absolutely essential.

Ensure proper follow-up

A lot of business opportunities are left unexplored due to the lack of follow-up from our side. Respond to a call or a message at the first opportunity if you are unable to attend to them if you are in a meeting or driving. If the property you have showcased to a client drops its prices, inform the client so he has another opportunity to make a decision. Follow-up is an art that is often ignored but can give rich dividends if done in a professional manner.

Place yourself in your customers’ shoes and ask yourself what kind of service you would like. Basic fundamentals like updated knowledge, attention to tiny details and genuine customer service will never go out of fashion and should be diligently implemented wherever possible. Deliver service that is peppered with such gems and you will remain at the top of your clients’ minds forever.

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 and 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 the 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.

How living in an Independent villa can inspire a truly Exclusive Lifestyle

Five Exclusive Benefits of living in a villa

Wouldn’t you give anything (well, almost) for an opportunity to own and live a king-sized life in a villa? A sprawling independent villa in a quiet, upmarket locality is stuff dreams are made of and this is especially true when compared to living in an apartment. A villa will provide a lifetime of privacy and comfort, not to mention the dramatic transformation of lifestyle that it will bring in.

Already dreaming of spending a chilled out and relaxed evening in your own garden space, showing off your splendid home? Check these absolutely undeniable advantages of living in a villa to further endorse your decision to move into one:

Unbridled freedom

An independent villa provides its owner with massive freedom. You can customize the entire living space of your abode the way you want to. Want to give the external walls your favorite hues of bright colors? Go ahead and bring them on, as there is no one to question your choice of colors (assuming the wife has already consented).

You have the freedom to impart character and uniqueness to the entire home, right from the old-fashioned doorbell to the weathercock atop the chequered rooftop. You may have curbed your pet instincts till now, but in an independent villa, pet hating neighbors are the least of your worries.

Complete customization

After you have signed on the dotted line and received possession of your villa, you are free to pull down a wall or build one if you choose to. As time goes by, the kids will grow and you may add a couple of pets to the family. The changing family needs will warrant changes in space and design and your villa will offer you this flexibility without having to ask for permission from the housing society. The freedom to furnish your space as per your tastes is certainly quite sweet and satisfying. Living in a customized space gives a huge sense of belonging and this is one of the biggest advantages of living in a villa.

Indulging the green thumb

You can always practice your gardening skills as a villa can afford garden space, the size being immaterial. Bring out those garden tools and spend the weekend, weeding and poking at the earth, and unearthing a hobby that existed only on paper. Plants have the amazing ability to transform the way a home looks and a villa allows so much in these terms. You can cultivate your own veggies for personal consumption or simply lounge around in its calming environs. How about building a few birdhouses for the winged variety and collecting some brownie points?

Terrific rental returns

If you are not yet ready to move into your villa and yet are keen to earn out of it till you do, how about giving it out on rent? This will ensure your property earns while you are away and it is maintained by the tenants. In case you decide to rent your villa, make sure you draw a legal agreement to ensure there are no hassles in the future. If you have taken a loan to build this dream house, use the rent to pay off some part of the loan or simply treat this amount as additional income.

Enhance your lifestyle

Your lifestyle will rise up by several notches as a villa speaks volumes about the owner’s position in society. If you are keen to live an exclusive life that symbolizes sophistication and luxury, then an independent villa is certainly the key to it.

While we have discussed the top five advantages of living in a villa, there are many such benefits that it will offer and are waiting to be discovered. Ensure that you take an informed decision and engage the services of a professional realtor who can provide a wide choice that you can select from.

A comprehensive guide for choosing light fixtures for your home

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 ambience. 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 that 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, fibre, crystal, and bamboo. Light fixtures like ceiling lamps, floor lamps, spotlights, chandeliers, wall sconces 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.

The Importance of Trees in our Lives

About 45 kilometers away from Pune, in District Khed, lies the lush green village of Ranmala. Its villagers are a happy and prosperous lot, as the village has an abundance of water for drinking, farming, and other daily needs. However, this wasn’t the case always as Ranmala was a drought-stricken village like others in the region. In 2003, a retired school teacher, P T Shinde, started a unique ritual of planting a tree sapling in the village whenever a child was born or marriage took place. He even gave saplings to those who lost a family member to plant one in their loving memory. It didn’t stop here as they even had to ensure the tree’s wellbeing till it grew up. Today, the village is not only self-sufficient in its water needs but has helped other villages to replicate the same model with identical success.

Wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing if we all developed an emotional bond with trees and carried out a lifelong tree plantation drive? Just as we nurture and care for our children till they grow into independent beings, imagine doing the same with trees. After all, trees furnish us with two essentials of life, food, and oxygen.

Check out these interesting facts about trees:

One acre of trees absorbs about six tons of carbon and exhales four tons of life-giving oxygen which takes care of the needs of 18 to 20 people for a year
The same acre consumes all the carbon dioxide your car would spew out if you drove it for 40000 kilometers
If every single Indian citizen planted one tree each in his/her lifetime, our country would be greener by 1350 million trees.
A single tree provides almost 260 pounds of oxygen every year

Read ahead to know the value that trees impart and the roles they play in our society:

Environmental and Ecological Value: Trees are one of the largest contributors to making our planet livable by providing oxygen, enhancing air quality, holding the soil together, conserving water and supporting wildlife. One acre of trees absorbs about six tons of carbon and exhales four tons of life-giving oxygen which takes care of the needs of 18 to 20 people. Pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide are absorbed by trees which filter dust too from the surrounding air. Trees control the climate by moderating the effects of the harsh sun, powerful winds, and heavy rainfall too. Even the leaves that fall make excellent compost for other plants to grow. Holding the soil together is another important function which prevents soil erosion effectively.

Social and Community Value: Walk into a tree-lined road and there is a sense of peace and tranquility that we notice apart from the pleasant temperature reduction in the area. They are an important part of our community as they enhance the quality of lives by combining urban settings with natural wildlife. We city dwellers owe a lot to trees as they reflect the sunlight which reduces the heat to a great extent, especially when sunlight bounces of pavements and glass building facades. The sentimental value of trees is immense and cannot be measured in terms of benefits.

Economic and Property Value: Homes that are surrounded by trees and shrubs help in reducing cooling costs to a great extent. Air conditioning needs are reduced by almost 30% when a home is in the midst of trees and can contribute to savings. Well-maintained apartment complexes with tree-lined streets and avenues can demand a higher price in the property market. These substantial economic benefits can be direct or indirect but lead to savings in energy costs. Real estate experts have always maintained the fact that trees and greenery enhance the sales appeal of homes and they are likely to be picked up quickly by buyers.

Bustling cities like Mumbai are subjected to increasing levels of pollution and growing construction activity is taking its toll on our health too. Even from a selfish point of view, it is important to plant more trees and look after those around us. The average temperature in cities has increased over the past few decades due to the rapidly-reducing tree cover. Trees can cool the streets and homes by shading them and making it a more pleasant place to live. Studies have shown that neighborhoods and homes with a barren landscape have greater incidents of violence than those populated with trees. However, it is important to plant local trees instead of opting for imported or foreign trees. Trees have a better chance of growing and surviving if they are of Indian origin and the Government and Municipal corporations have woken up to this fact too.

Their ecological and environmental value to our society is immense and hence it is important to plant and nurture as many trees as possible. Instead of depending on the authorities to plant and care for trees, let us take it up as a social responsibility to populate our city with the right trees, nurturing and treating them as members of our family.