If you're thinking about renovating your home, there are a few things you should know before you get started. From understanding the different types of renovations to budgeting for your project, this guide from Clark Real Estate will give you an overview of what to expect when it comes to renovating your home.

Different Types of Home Renovations
There are many different types of home renovations, from small cosmetic updates to major structural overhauls. Some common home renovation projects include:

• Kitchen remodels
• Bathroom remodels
• Adding or expanding a room
• Finishing a basement or attic
• Updating flooring, lighting, or fixtures
• Painting or wallpaper
• Installing new windows or doors
• Sprucing up outdoor spaces

Establishing a Timeline and Schedule
Once you've decided on the scope of your project, it's time to establish a timeline and schedule. This will help you stay on track and ensure that your project is completed on time and within budget.Some factors to consider when creating your timeline and schedule include:

• The availability of tradespeople (e.g., electricians, plumbers, etc.) 
• The delivery time for materials 
• Any permits or approvals that are required 
• How long each stage of the renovation will take 

Budgeting for Your Renovation 
Next, you'll need to create a budget for your renovation. This will help you keep track of all the costs associated with your project and ensure that you don't go over budget. When budgeting for your renovation, be sure to factor in the cost of the following: 

• Labor  
• Materials  
• Equipment rentals  
• Permits
• Approvals

Software Used by Contractors These Days
Contractors today use a variety of software applications to manage their projects, including project management software, accounting software, and CAD (computer-aided design) software. Certain specializations also have their own specialized software. All in all,  by understanding which software applications your contractor is using, you can better communicate with them and stay up-to-date on the progress of your renovation.

How to Find Capable, Trustworthy Contractors
Once you've established a budget and timeline for your project, it's time to find capable, trustworthy contractors who can get the job done right. Here are some tips for finding reputable contractors: 

• Check online reviews: A quick Google search will reveal any past complaints or issues that potential contractors may have had with previous clients.
• Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbors: If someone you know has recently had a good experience with a contractor, they'll be more than happy to pass along their contact information.
• Check references: Once you've narrowed down your list of potential contractors, be sure to check their references before making your final decision.

Clearly Communicating Your Ideas
One of the most important aspects of any home renovation is clear communication between you and your contractor. After all, they're the ones who will be responsible for bringing your vision to life! Make sure you take the time to sit down with them and clearly explain what it is you're looking for before work gets underway.

Putting your ideas in writing is advisable, as well. If you like, you can start in Word, then save the files as PDFs so that they can be easily accessed on different devices. If you want to join various PDFs together, you can do so in seconds by selecting a PDF merger tool that you can use for free.

Getting Permits
Depending on the type and scope of your renovation, you may need to obtain certain building permits before work can begin. Your contractor should be able to advise you on which permits are required for your project.

Adding a Home Office
With more and more people working from home these days, it's no surprise that many homeowners are looking to add a dedicated home office space as part of their renovation plans. If this is something you're considering for your own home, be sure to factor in the cost of additional electrical outlets, internet hookups, and any other special features that may be required.

The Benefits of a Home Warranty
Finally, one last thing to consider when renovating your home is whether or not to purchase a home warranty. This type of insurance protects against unexpected repairs or replacements that may be needed after the completion of your renovation project. While not required, a home warranty can give you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.        

Now that you know more about what to expect when renovating your home, it's time to start planning YOUR dream renovation! Just remember: careful planning, clear communication, and staying within budget are key to ensuring that your project goes off without a hitch!

Clark Real Estate offers a variety of property management services for landlords and tenants alike. If you have any questions, please let us know. 

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Renting a home can be a fantastic solution for families, but it can come with some challenges. When you have kids, safety and comfort should be at the forefront of your mind when renting a home. So what can you do to make your kids safe and comfortable in a rental? With the help of experienced property managers, we did thorough research, and here's how to adapt your new rental so that your kids feel cozy, safe, and fully comfortable; so, if you're ready to take your rental from drab to fab, get ready to let your imagination run wild! Join us as we explore creative ways to make kids safe and comfortable in a rental so your kids can get creative and be themselves.

How to make your rental safe and comfortable for your kids?
As a parent, ensuring that your kids feel safe and comfortable in their home is of the utmost importance. But what happens when that home is a rental? Renting a home comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to making the space safe and inviting for your kids.​

​Have you ever heard of the biggest little city in the world? We are talking about Reno, Nevada, a place in the northwest part of the United States of America. Whether for its incredible landscape, dynamic lifestyle, proximity to San Francisco, or the everlasting fun this city promises, Reno has been one of the most popular places over the years for both visitors and newcomers. So, if you have heard these amazing facts and are planning to come there for good, here are several things to know before moving to Reno, NV.

A few words about living costs
One of the most important things everyone would like to know when buying a home in the Reno city area is how much money they would need for a living. Well, truth to speak, Reno, Nevada, is not the most affordable place in the world. It is among the most expensive ones. An average family needs approximately $80,000 a month to have a decent life. Although living in Reno is cheaper than living in San Francisco or New York, it is still in the high 21st position among the most expensive cities in the country. Its living costs are about 8% higher than the national average.

The real estate market
Low property taxes, and generally high incomes, make Reno one of the top three places in the USA where people wish to buy a home. There are neighborhoods for everyone. Starting from the ones hidden in the peacefulness of a forest area to those situated in the center of busy city life.

Furthermore, since the number of buyers in the real estate market has grown, the available offers have decreased in the past several years. What's more, homes that are still in the game have pretty high prices. Still, some researchers have shown that shortly, the price growth will slow down for a little bit. That is why this may be the right time to invest in a house in Reno, one of the most wanted real estate in the USA. And when the moment of relocation comes, as the experts from familyaffairmoving.com would say, all you need is a group of experienced movers, and everything will be done in no time.

Finding jobs
The job market in the city of Reno is in constant growth. Their industries are expanding, and the offer is diverse. Some of the most developed industries in recent years are technology and healthcare. The number of opportunities is growing, while taxes are still pretty low. So, if you are moving to Reno to find a new job, you are one among the many.

The weather- one of the things to Know Before Moving to Reno, NV
In Reno, you'll have a chance to meet all four seasons. All over the year, they have a mixture of great hot summers, pleasant springs and autumns, and beautiful snowy winters. You'll see rain, snow, sun, strong winds, and even thunderstorms. Although the temperatures in the hottest and the coldest months can vary, they never go below 23°F in winter or 89.6°F in summer.

So, if you are among those who are moving to Reno from California for work, get ready to pack some warm clothes, too. You are going to experience some real winter weather with all its charms. And when it comes to preparing your household for the move, experts can pack in no time since packing services in California are more than excellent.

The town's atmosphere
When we say small-town atmosphere, we mean precisely that. One of the things to know before moving to Reno, NV, is that their people cherish a strong sense of community. Naturally, everyone knows their neighbors. Even if they are newcomers, it's only a question of time before someone will knock on their door and help them blend into the city's community and life.

That is one of the reasons why Reno is a perfect moving destination for families. In this city, you will find numerous great family-friendly parks that can offer entertaining outdoor activities for kids and adults. And when it comes to traffic, traffic jams will be your past since people in Reno rarely sit and wait in their cars for more than a few minutes.

Education
When we talk about schools you can find in Reno, there are many options. Reno's education system is strong. Some of the best public schools in Nevada are in Reno.

On the other hand, when it comes to higher education, Reno residents can boast of being a college city. Apart from the Truckee Meadows Community College in this city, there is also a four-year public University of Nevada Reno.

The crime rate in Reno, NV
Since safety is one of the top priorities among the residents of any city, especially if they have children, it is good to mention that Reno is not considered the safest place in the world.

However, although the crime rate is above the national average, not all neighborhoods have the same crime rate. The Reno residents prefer living in the southwest part of the city since they claim it to be the safest one. Still, you should remember that there is no perfectly safe place in the world. So, all you need to do is to get informed about the crime rate in the area of the city you would like to live in. 

Entertainment
Well, entertainment is the word that best describes life in Reno, NV. This is the city where the fun never stops.

• If you have heard of Reno before, you must know about its famous casinos. Some of the best gambling sports in Nevada are found precisely in Reno.
• However, Reno is not all about having fun gambling. It is also an important cultural and art spot. Apart from all the art centers, galleries, and museums you can visit, there are also special celebrations and events all year round. Some of the most interesting ones happen in July.
• For all the night-out lovers, friendly restaurants in Reno offer high-quality and diverse cuisine.
• When it comes to outdoor fun, there are incredible mountain hikes, golf courses, ski resorts, and many other winter recreation options.

Flipping houses can be a great way for aspiring students to earn money for college. With a little hard work and a bit of luck, one can turn a profit from buying an inexpensive fixer-upper and selling it at market value. Investing in the real estate market requires careful research and savvy knowledge of the industry, but with dedication and persistence, flipping houses can become a lucrative investment that pays off in more ways than one.

Find the Right Home to Flip
One of the most important steps in real estate investing is finding the right home to flip. It can be hard to determine which properties are worth your time and money. However, there are several factors you should consider when evaluating potential flips. You should look at a property’s location, condition, zoning, and comparable prices. Also, consider housing trends and research what similar properties have recently gone for on the market. With a little diligence, you'll be able to find the perfect property flip. 

Check the Zoning
When looking for a house to buy and potentially flip for a profit, it is important to research local zoning laws. Every county or municipality may have different regulations which could prevent or limit renovations, additions, or other changes that could affect the value of the property. By checking with the local zoning laws first, potential home flippers can save themselves the heartache of a bad deal.

Call the Pros
Even if you have experience in home improvements, it's still wise to hire professional contractors for major projects such as plumbing, electrical work, structural changes, and more. Skilled professionals will get the job done correctly and safely while ensuring that your renovation project complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

Make It Sparkle
When you're ready to put up your property for sale or rent, don't forget about deep cleaning. A good vacuuming and decluttering will already go a long way. This is an often overlooked step, but it can make all the difference when it comes time for potential buyers or renters to tour your home since they'll appreciate seeing how well-maintained everything is from day one. Plus, deep cleaning before listing will give you an edge over competing listings on similar properties nearby.

Market Your Property
When it comes to flipping a house, successful marketing can be the difference between making a profit and taking a loss. Utilize all available channels to get the word out about the property, such as listing it on online real estate sites, reaching out to local Realtors for referrals, and utilizing social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Host an open house or organizing events at the property to generate interest. Invest in professional photography, staging, and open-house support to increase visibility. 

Additionally, make business cards, which can help spread the word about your listing quickly and easily. Make sure your cards include information about what makes your property unique, such as its location or amenities included in the sale/lease agreement.

Alternatively, reach out to Clark Real Estate. We can manage your property for you in the Reno and Sparks areas.

Study Online to Save on Costs
If flipping houses isn't enough money for school tuition, you can always take classes online. Whether you want to earn your bachelor of education or your master's in accounting, virtual learning has become popular in recent years due to its convenience and flexibility when compared to attending full-time in-person classes. Moreover, online degree programs can cost significantly less, which means your tuition budget goes further.

Flipping houses to help pay for college can be a lucrative undertaking. With careful research and planning, it can be an incredibly rewarding venture both financially and emotionally. Whether you're looking to pay off student loans or save up money for tuition costs at college, flipping houses can be a great way for adults to return to school after years away from the academic world.

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​If you are a new landlord and don’t know much about renting to tenants with kids, you should check out our article and learn valuable tips.

We all want to live in a safe place, but as a landlord, you are also responsible for maintaining the safety of someone else's home. You also have an obligation to protect your business's valuable assets. You have a legal responsibility to take reasonable precautions to keep your tenants' homes secure because a break-in is upsetting for everyone involved, especially in the case of furnished dwellings. Although it's unsettling to think about, burglaries do happen to people, and ignoring security concerns won't make things better. In order to improve the safety of your rental, you don't have to break the bank, and there are many options available.
 
Secure the door
What is the most important thing you provide to ensure the security of your tenants? If the exterior doors of your building are not secured, burglars and other unwanted guests will have easy access to your tenants and their belongings. Make sure the door locks are working, and the doors are closing properly.
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Deadbolts are a more robust security measure than a doorknob lock alone. It could be a good idea to place a peephole in the door, so your tenants can see who is knocking.

Keep the windows secure
Rental homes may have multiple entry points, including windows. If the windows aren't locked, burglars might easily break into the apartment, especially if it's on the ground floor or second floor.

Make sure that all of the locks on your windows are fully operational and in good condition. Add window bars for your tenants' peace of mind. It's possible that some people will turn down your offer just because of how they look.

Set up smart locks
Smart locks require tenants to enter a PIN to enter their homes. Some people want a key fob in addition to the code for further security. These smart door locks are useful for evicting tenants when their lease is up. To prevent the previous tenants from entering, update the code.

If you frequently lose your keys as a renter, this is a great solution. They need only learn the code once to never be shut out again. You'll also benefit from this excellent news because you won't need to employ a locksmith or grant them entry to your property.
 
Add to or improve the lighting
Having adequate lighting is a simple way to improve the safety of your rental. Safer pathways and more aesthetic outdoor areas are two benefits you can reap from installing automatic lighting. Having a safe rental will usually retain your tenants longer. Look around the rental property after dark to see if there are any areas that could benefit from extra light. Make sure there is sufficient lighting around your home to see everything on the property, even if your tenants don't turn on their outdoor lights. Pathway lighting will ensure the safety of residents walking to and from their homes after dark, and floodlights are an excellent option for lighting the sides of a structure. Think about installing solar panels to cut down on your monthly energy bills.
 
Set up surveillance cameras
Formerly prohibitively expensive security camera installations are now more affordable for homeowners, giving you and your tenants more peace of mind. Tenants are prohibited from installing security cameras inside their unit, although they can be used to monitor the front door, stairwells, and back of the building. Because of this, cameras are effective even when they are not actively recording.

Establish a safety system
A security system is an expensive investment, but it will help you feel protected in your own home. You can find a security system that fits your needs and budget since there are several options to choose from. You also have the option of choosing a home security company. As there are many of them to choose from, you should find an adequate solution to your problems and needs. Door and window sensors, smoke detectors, and motion-detecting lights are all essential components of a comprehensive security system, so keep those in mind while you shop.

DIY security devices are convenient since you can easily set them up and access them from afar. As long as you're connected to the device, probably through an app on your smartphone, you'll be able to use it.  Monitoring costs are usually not too high on a monthly basis, although some tenants may be willing to pay more for peace of mind.
 
Make exit points accessible
One easy way to deter unwanted visitors is to maintain a spotless entrance and exit to your rental home. Trim massive bushes, so they don't block the view of your house from the street. If you're worried about potential criminal activity, you might want to install surveillance cameras at the entrances and exits of your property. By keeping all exits and entryways unobstructed, we ensured that first responders could get to the scene quickly and residents could get out safely.
 
Employ the services of a property manager
Hiring a property manager can give you peace of mind whether your building is empty or occupied because they will be responsible for the building's upkeep and security while you are away. Experts at consumeroponion.org suggest that you look for different providers and services online. A property manager can help with issues like maintenance, problem-solving, and security if you are unable to be physically present at the rental property.

If you want to make sure your rental property is in good shape and improve the safety of your rental, you can ask the property manager to do random inspections on the tenants. They might even show up when the place is deserted to send a message to would-be burglars that someone is keeping an eye on things and using the space.
 
At the end of a lease, collect all keys
Never allow your renters to leave with the keys to your rental property after they have moved out. While your renters may have been reliable and pleasant, you never want extra keys lying around.

You never know where the keys will wind up. When your renters leave, meet with them to inspect the unit and hand over the keys. It may take a few hours out of your day, but it will significantly improve the safety of your rental.
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