5 Home Add-Ons That Can Add Value and Save You Money

Saving money is more important than ever in this uncertain economy. So you want to make sure your home is not unnecessarily draining money that you could be putting aside in case of emergency later. 

It is also a good idea to do things that will add value to your home in case you sell it later.

Investing in your home can actually be a very smart move because not only can you enjoy it while you live in it, but you will get a better price when you sell it. 

However, you need to know the best places in your home to invest in for the most effect. So here are five smart home add-ons that can add value and save you money. 

Open Floor Plan

Small, cramped common living areas with a lot of walls are bad for several reasons. They make the house look much less appealing to prospective buyers and they also do not let the light into the house. 

Instead, knock down the floors and combine the common areas as one open space. It will make your house look much larger and create a lot more space. You can also save money because the light will travel more efficiently through the place so you do not have to turn on as many lights to be comfortable which will shrink your electric bill. 

Add a Carport

Not only do carports add value to the home, but they will also protect your car from the elements, which will let you save on sun and snow damage to your car. 

Companies like Coast to Coast Carports Inc. will give you a quality carport that will protect your car and add value to your home. 

Remodel Your Bathrooms

Bathrooms have gotten a lot bigger over the years and often have amenities like whirlpool tubs and heated towel rack. 

Just remodeling the bathroom will make your whole house look more luxurious and definitely increase the value. It will also give you an opportunity to make the room more sustainable with things like a low-flow toilet and a skylight, which saves water and electricity. 

Home Office

With more employees telecommuting than ever, a home office is starting to become a desired feature in a lot of homes and having one will automatically add the value of your home. 

If you telecommute already, your home office will be tax-deductible which will save you money and if you do not, then having one readily available can make it more likely that you will start working for home instead of at the office which will save you time and money in commuting. Convert a spare bedroom or den into a home office with relatively little cost. 

Natural Gardens

Landscaping is often overlooked when it comes to saving money and adding value, but it can make an enormous impact when done right. In your back or front yard, add natural gardens with native plants, pathways, and benches and tables for relaxing. 

When the gardens are made to look and be as natural as possible, they take a lot less maintenance costs than a plain lawn and they look fantastic as well. Consider doing drought-resistant landscaping to save money on water and keep the gardens looking intentionally informal.

There are a lot of other things you can do as well when it comes to adding value to your home while saving yourself some money at the same time. It may not see like you are saving money at first, but remember to think long-term.

The Ultimate Guide to Selling your Motorhome

Before you sell your motorhome there are a few things to consider that can help or hinder your chances of a successful sale. We’ve outlined these below so that you understand what you need to address to help make the process as stress-free as possible.

Evidence of paperwork

If you are able to show prospective buyers evidence that your vehicle is in good shape or has been looked after then you have a stronger chance of making a sale. Make sure you are able to present a valid MOT. 

If the time has almost come to get it renewed, don‘t delay, get it sorted out as soon as possible. A 12 month MOT will reassure a prospective buyer whereas no MOT will only ring alarm bells.




If you purchased your motorhome from new then you can make your motorhome more appealing by showing them a properly stamped service history book to show them that it has been looked after. A well maintained motorhome with a documented service history should demand a higher price.

Also be sure to present your vehicle registration document which has the details of the registered keeper. Instruction manuals are also a useful thing to present and help the potential buyer to really familiarise themselves with what they might be buying.

If you can display evidence that you have had a motorhome habitation service carried out this will also be beneficial. 

You can think of a habitation service as being a motorhomes equivalent to an MOT for the aspects of your motorhome that are used for living such as LPG / Water / Electricity.

Wear and Tear

Unfortunately, even minor damage like dents or holes caused by road debris or hail reduces the value of your motorhome. However, minor bumps and scratches can easily be repaired. 

The cost of the work will be far less than the potential loss of value when you are trying to sell your motorhome with visible damage. Be sure not to overlook the inside of the vehicle for any potential wear and tear.

It’s very important to give interior bodywork, furniture and equipment all a thorough inspection. For example, one of the most common repairs is from damage caused by wind-out awnings which are not properly secured when extended.

Damp and Water Damage

Some motorhomes leak for years without any visible signs of water damage, and by the time you discover it’s there the damage can already be expensive. Larger motorhomes that feature indoor plumbing for kitchen sinks, showers or toilets have on-board water tank or tanks that have been known to potentially leak and cause damage. 

You know you have a water leak in your motorhome when you see mould, mildew, rust and rotted wood. The majority of motorhomes get damp from the joints/seals on the outside of the motorhome. 

Examples of this include around the windows, toilet, external lockers, where the body is attached to the floor of the motorhome and where the motorhome itself is attached to the cab. All of these problems usually occur because of poor sealing at the factory. 

To prevent damp from happening a simple reseal can be applied during the time that you get your vehicle serviced.

The quicker you spot a possible leak, the quicker you can get the problem addressed. Stains, discolouration, swollen wall, saggy ceilings, warped flooring and a damp or mouldy smell are tell-tale signs. 

Making repairs yourself can be a monumental job, so it’s best you leave these up to a professional.

Paintwork

Elements like acidity in rain, road salt, UV rays and general pollution from the sun all damage the outside of your vehicle over time. So treating your motorhome to be resistant to stains, fading and oxidisation is a wise move if you want a gleaming, speck-free motorhome. 

There is a whole range of automotive touch up pain you can use to achieve this effect from pain pens to address small motorhome scratches, to brush cap bottles for scratches and chips to spray cans for larger jobs.

Tyres

Tyres are designed and built to be used. The rubber used in tyres ages faster when the tyres are not used. When tyres sit still, they start to dry out and age faster. The problem is, the tyres on many motorhomes don’t get used that much. 

To determine if your tyres need replacing inspect them for cracks. Cracks less than 1/32-inch deep are fine, but if the cracks are more than 2/32-inch deep the tyre should be replaced immediately. Tyre professionals would recommend replacing motorhome tyres every 6 years because of faster aging and weather cracking and infrequent use.

Roof Condition

You should carry out annual or even biannual inspections to spot cracks that may lead to a water leak happening later down the line. A leak can happen around roof vents, the sky light and the front and rear top seams. 

If you have luggage or storage racks on the roof that have been used plenty of times or have been overloaded, they are likely to cause a roof leak. It’s advisable to have your motorhome roof resealed every 5 to 10 years to combat hazardous leaks from occurring.

Motorhome Extras

If you love DIY and think any modifications will add to the value and appeal of your motorhome then think again. These practical touches might work for you, but they may not suit a potential buyer. So consider removing extra shelves, hooks to return your motorhome back to it’s original state.

Depersonalise as much as you can, removing extra cushions, throws and personal keepsakes and out them aside for your next motorhome. However, make sure you take out and display the tools and accessories that come with the motorhome as this will only make your motorhome look more attractive.

Cleanliness and General Presentation

Last but not least is the cleanliness of your motor home. By presenting the motorhome in the best possible light you will undoubtedly have a greater chance of making a sale. Start by cleaning windows and wheels with good quality vehicle shampoo and polish. 

Clear out any rubbish and don’t forget to empty the fridge. Inspect carpets, curtains and upholstery and wash and vacuum anything that isn’t clean. If you want the job done right then hire a professional valet to help your motor home appear spotless to any prospective buyer.

Think of adding elements that spruce up the general presentation of your motorhome. Put fresh flowers on the table, hang brightly coloured towels in the bathroom or even perhaps leave some freshly baked bread and coffee on the kitchen counter to create a real home from home feeling.

Where can I sell my motorhome?

Locally

Yes, this method may not give you reach you want but it will undoubtedly, connect you with keen buyers. For instance, it costs close to nothing to park your motorhome in an area with high traffic with a ‘For Sale’ sign, using local periodicals or magazine classifieds or using your local campgrounds for flyers or ads.

Online

There are a number of channels online to choose from to advertise your motorhome sale. Here are a few of the best ways to sell your motorhome online:

Classifieds

Classified websites provide a good platform for you to sell your motorhome for free to prospective buyers. From Gumtree to Craigslist to the Caravan and Motorhome Club classified section, there are plenty of options available. But just be aware of scammers as there are plenty of them around.

Online Auctions

eBay Motors is an online marketplace for buying and selling vehicles and accessories. There are several services and tools to help you buy and sell your motorhome and the listing formats are like those on eBay.

Forums

There are dozens of motorhome forums out there for nearly every manufacturer, type of motorhome and motorhome organization. You’ll find lots of motor home enthusiasts on these forums so you’ll have a great chance of getting advice on selling your motorhome and to build a rapport with prospective buyers.

Motorhome Dealer

To make the sale quick and relatively painless, many people will sell direct to a motorhome dealer. When you sell your motorhome to a dealer you are sure of a guaranteed sale. 

You might be looking at less money than you would get if you were selling privately, but a dealer will take all the hassle out of speaking and dealing with private buyers and you can sell your motorhome fast. You’ll also avoid dealing with those who contact you and can’t really afford your motorhome – so it can be a massive time saver.

Motorhome Broker

A broker is a company that will accept your motorhome onto their books and try to match it with a buyer. You don’t get paid until the broker sells the motorhome and then they will take their commission. 

Think of the relationship that a real estate agent has with a home seller you that’s the relationship you will have with a broker. However you should be aware that most brokers will tie you into a 3 month contract and charge 10% average commission, regardless of whether he vehicle sells or not.

How to Place an Advert

When placing an advert to sell your motorhome, there is one golden rule you need to consider. Before you do anything, make sure you are honest and open about the condition of your motorhome, otherwise you will have lots of wasted test drives and meetings that don’t lead to a sale. 

Taking the first step will place you a better position for a sale. There are other things to consider though when placing an effective ad online.

Photos

Be sure to use a good digital camera. Take as many photos as you can from every imaginable view, then afterwards touch up or edit them if necessary, choose the best 10 to 15 you can find. Try and aim for an equal split between pictures from outside and inside the motorhome.

Descriptions

Look at ads other people have written about the same brand, year and model and copy what applies to yours. Keep the ad simple and use lists rather than wordy descriptions. Ensure the ad is also accurate and grammatically correct.

How Much is my Motorhome Worth?

When it comes to valuing your motorhome, there is no definitive guide. With such a wide range available of different sizes, layouts and types, valuation can prove difficult. If you set the price too high you’ll have few prospects. 

Set it too low you could lose out on a potentially higher sale. Ideally you want to set the price above what you want to accept, which leaves room for customers to haggle.

If you still can’t decide on how to price it then luckily there are ways and sources where you can get some idea of how much your motor home might actually be worth.

Get a Free Quote Online

One tactic is to try out the many sell my motorhome valuation tools available online, gathering a number of quotes as you go along. If you compare enough you might get some idea of what might be offered for your motorhome.

Ask Experts Online

Online forums are a goldmine for educated opinion on your motorhome. Here you will find a wealth of knowledge and information that will help guide you in your pricing decision.

In Summary

So in summary if you are looking to get the best possible price when selling your motorhome, don’t forget to keep the following mind:

• Pay attention to aspects that can help or hinder the sale of your motorhome
• Investigate what channel is the best way for you to sell your motorhome
• Come to a price that you’re happy with by gathering online quotes or by using a third party motor home appraisal service

TOP TIPS ON SELLING YOUR MOTORHOME…

• Be friendly and try to build a rapport when people call. People buy from other people they trust
• Never lie about your vehicle
• Encourage people to come out and see your motorhome in person
• When a potential buyer arrives, have the sales paperwork at hand
• Get complete buyer information prior to signing anything

Looking to sell your motorhome? Get a free valuation today!

Thanks to https://www.webuyanymotorcaravan.com/ for supplying this guest post.

4 Ways Retirees Can Set Themselves Up for Financial Bliss

It can seem futile to consider how to plan for retirement especially for those who may have little to no savings currently. Knowing how much to save, where one is going to live and how many health care bills are going to roll in can be nearly impossible. 

However, even with all of these variables, soon-to-be retirees and the currently retired can take steps to ensure a financially secure and stress-free future.

Proper Savings

Plenty of savings is key to a comfortable retirement. Those who are still working should be saving a minimum of 10% of their gross earnings in a retirement account. 

However, spending strategies are best based on actual calculations of how much money will be needed in retirement and at what age saving will begin.

Wealth Management

Wealth management lets retirees hand over the reins of their financial planning to trained professionals. Some of these professionals, like those at Trajan Wealth, know how confusing financial planning can be. 

These people can help with retirement planning, estate planning, taxes, and other assorted accounting needs. Because they know the intricacies of investments as well as the health of the economy, they will have the best gauge of how money should be spent and saved during retirement.

Healthcare Coverage

Health care is often one of the biggest costs during retirement. In fact, according to CNN, health care costs the average retiree approximately $260,000. 

Therefore, seniors will want to evaluate their health care plans yearly even after they qualify for Medicare because Medicare typically does not cover everything. Moreover, they may want to consider long-term care insurance and health savings accounts.

Part-Time Jobs

Retirees who would like a little extra cash due to decreased savings prior to retirement, unexpected costs or the desire to make larger purchases during retirement may want to consider picking up part-time jobs. 

This is often something that the individual loves to do and may center on a former hobby, such as woodworking, music, gardening or crafts. These small jobs can often be enough to make travel possible or to fund expensive tastes.

While many aspects of retirement can be planned individually without any outside help, some aspects can definitely blossom with the help of a trained professional. Wealth management and investments are often best overseen by someone with years of experience who has a close eye on the current market and economic temperature. 

With proper investments and careful living, nearly anyone can retire comfortably and with at least a bit of spending money on the side for traveling and other dreams.

No PTO? How To Make A Big Move While Working Full Time

In a perfect world, you'll have weeks of time off to prepare for your big move. Unfortunately, though, many people don't have the luxury of skipping out on time at work. 

If you find yourself moving without the ability to take extra time off, you might want to consider the tips below.

Schedule

Since you don't have weeks to take off for your move, you'll need to schedule everything as precisely as possible. You will spend most of your moving time packing before or after work, so make sure that you clear your calendar of as many other responsibilities as possible. 

Make sure to schedule your actual moving and/or loading day on one of your days off - this will give you a bit more time to work without being under the time pressure of having to get back to the office.

Look at Storage Solutions

One of the best ways to get the most out of your limited time is to use an at-home storage solution to hold your possessions. Solutions like moving pods allow you to pack everything up on your own schedule and can be moved without your presence. 

While these solutions do tend to be more expensive than a standard moving truck, they do allow you the relative luxury of moving things out at your own pace. 

Space in these pods tends to be limited, so this is a better solution for those moving out of apartments or who have relatively few possessions.

Hire Movers

If you're really pressed for time, it might be a good idea to hire professional movers. A good moving company will help you pack all of your belongings, load them on to a truck, and get everything where it is going. 

Movers can get you packed and unpacked in a fraction of the time it would take you to do the job yourself. In fact, you can generally expect that the entire job will be done over the course of your weekly days off. 

This can be an expensive solution, but call up a company like Bekins Van Lines Inc to get an estimate. If the price is right, you can cut out loads of stress from your move.

You can move even if you don't have time off from work. Make the most out of the time you do have away from the office and make sure to hire professionals if you need more help. It's not the most pleasant way to move, but it is certainly one of the most efficient.

Financial Mistakes Doctors Make When Setting Up a Clinic

Setting up a clinic is a very lucrative prospect for a doctor who wants to start their own practice. Private practitioners are very common in cities, and people rely on these experienced doctors a lot. 

It is not only beneficial for the people, but also the doctors earn a fair value for their hard work, and run their own clinic as per their convenience.

Opening a clinic can be a tedious job to do, as the clinic alone can cost you a lot of money and the different types of equipment are a separate expense. 

The doctors who are planning to start their own practice can face similar issues before they initiate their process. Let us discuss the financial mistakes that doctors make while setting up a clinic.

Not Planning Early

You should plan in advance before you decide to practice by yourself. The reason is that you need time for this. A well-organized plan will help you get things done systematically and you will not waste your energy. 

You should know all the necessary details that you need to know and start all your procedures even before leaving your current employer. In case you delay, you should not sit at home and do nothing, a doctor’s profession depends on constant practice, so] keep at least 6 - 12 months to prepare and start your own practice before you leave the current employer. 

You will have to deal with all sorts of people in this procedure, such as loan lenders, real estate agents, lawyers, contractors, designers, equipment sellers, etc. and that will take a lot of time.

No Research for Proper Location

Location plays an important role in starting the clinic. A residential area is more suited for general physicians, dentists, eye doctors, and nursing homes etc., as these clinics are comparatively smaller than a hospital and do not need unnecessary area. 

Also, the clinic should be in a central location so that the patients can easily reach you and you can get more business. Many clinics with well-equipped machines sometimes don’t work as expected due to bad location.

Overspending On The Budget

Your budget plays an important role in making your own clinic run as expected. The loans from the Banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) can be very easy and you can get the disbursal of the loan within a week. 

But overspending your budget onto something which is not required at the moment is one of the most common mistakes done by the doctors. Spending on proper equipment and budgeting an amount for the location and getting the clinic for a reasonable price are all very important steps. 

The budget should not be overspent in terms of getting unnecessary equipment or furniture which can be avoidable. So, do your research before you invest into anything – be it interior decoration, any construction of cabins, or rooms, and electrical connections. 

Not Getting the Best Staff

Always invest in getting well-skilled team members. If you invest in someone who is not matured or experienced enough, you will not be able to manage the work efficiently.

These are a few points you should keep in mind before you start to plan your own practice. These steps will help you form a much more organized process. One more step that a person mostly avoids is that of not taking a loan. 

You should be open to taking a loan, as it can help you manage your expenses and you can save your money for future use. You can get a Business Loan for Doctors to help manage your expenses when setting up your clinic.

How To Sell Gold For Cash

In times of economic hardship it can be difficult to find ways to feel more financially stable. Investing in a physical commodity like gold and selling when the time is right can be one way to feel more financially secure in tough economic times.

Used for thousands of years for coins, jewellery and artefacts gold is a precious metal that has a history of high value. Unlike other currencies that tend to lose their value because of evolving fiscal policies or inflation, gold is still considered to be as valuable now as it was when it first came into use.

There are countless gold-buying companies around today who will offer you cold hard cash in return for your valuable jewellery. However, many will offer a low price then sell it on at a much higher price.

Some gold items that you might consider selling for cash could include:

• Wedding and engagement rings
• Necklaces 
• Miscellaneous jewellery 
• Tooth fillings that have fallen out 
• Bullion bars 

Understanding the value of gold

In order for you to get an idea of what your precious jewellery might be worth it’s important to consider the following:

1. Gold market price

Gold price usually remains high, but fluctuations do occur, so being aware of its value should stop you from selling your gold at what might be considered an unfavourable time.

2. Know the true value

The karat reading of your gold refers to the parts of gold contained in the piece of jewellery. Karat or carat is the way in which the purity of the gold is measured which ranges from 1 carat to 24. 

If karat readings are low, this means that other metals are included in the jewellery. So, the higher the percentage of gold, the higher price you can demand for your jewellery.

3. Factors affecting value

Condition plays a big part in determining the monetary value of your jewellery. If the jewellery is in a poor condition the cost of restoration might make selling the item a pointless exercise. 

Jewellery looks at its best when it has been cleaned. If you are not confident you can make a proper job of it, then let a professional jeweller clean it for you. 

Other factors affecting the value of the item include the materials used, where the item was bought originally and also rarity and beauty. 

Where to sell your gold

1. Jewellers

Many online jewellers offer a free, no-obligation valuation so you know exactly how much you might get for your treasured item.

2. Pawnbrokers

Pawnbrokers are unlikely to give you anything close to what you’ll get at jewellers or online, but if you need cash extremely fast, then this is probably your best bet.

3. Cash for gold companies

Many of these companies have came out of nowhere in the last few years. Before sending your treasure items to these companies, research their reputation online. If you discover that 15 out of 20 online reviews are negative then it’s probably best you take your valuables elsewhere.

4. Car boot sale

Car boot sales are a popular way to sell second hand goods such as gold, and it is somewhere where you are in control of the price. However you could be waiting around for a long time on a sale - that’s even if you make a sale at all.

5. Antique dealers

If your item is classed as an antique then you have a good chance of selling to an antique dealer, which you can either find on your high street or through searching trade association websites.

6. Auction

An auction can be one of the most thrilling ways to make money on your gold. If rival bidders get into a competition over your gold, you could potentially be looking at a better price when selling elsewhere. 

However, the fees of using an auction can be fairly high and there’s no guarantee of a sale either.

7. Gold party

Modelled on traditional Tupperware parties at gold parties, guests are invited to bring their unused gold jewellery and sell without having to go to a jewellers or a pawnshop. 

You won’t always receive a fair deal but attending a gold party can be a good testing ground to see what your item might actually be worth. 

Before accepting an offer

Before you make your final decision about where to sell and how much for, always check the company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau or your country’s equivalent. 

There are lots of companies that have terrible reputations when it comes to treating people fairly, so do your homework before you part with your precious item.

Investing in gold

Rather than just selling off a few items in order to make an extra bit of cash, you could always take things up a level by regularly investing in gold. Investing in gold jewellery is the best starting point for those who are new to the game. 

You can find well-priced gold jewellery by keeping in touch with local pawnbrokers, searching on websites like eBay and by simply asking around.

Some final thoughts

The key thing to remember before selling your gold jewellery is not to act on impulse and carefully evaluate every piece of jewellery that you are going to sell. Remember not to let your emotional attachment cloud your judgement on how much your item should worth. 

 Don’t forget too that selling gold jewellery will not make you rich overnight - but it can however place some extra cash in your pocket.

This is a guest post by http://lois-bullion.com/