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Home Repairs You Should Never Delay

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Some home repairs are possible to put off. However, others could be costly or even dangerous if you don’t carry them out soon enough. Below are 5 home repairs you never want to delay.

Roof damage
Damage to your roof could allow rainwater, cold air, and pests to get in. This is why you should get your roof repaired as soon as you notice a hole or crack. Sometimes the damage isn’t obvious - getting an annual roof inspection is useful for this reason, especially on an old roof. You can then get any damage fixed before it leads to other problems. Frequent roof problems could be a sign that you need to get your roof replaced.

Blocked gutters
A gutter blocked with leaves may not seem like a big deal, but it can quickly put your home at risk if it rains or gets icy. Rainwater won’t be able to drain through the downspout and will still spill out over the sides where it could lead to pools of water around your property. This can quickly damage your home’s foundations and could even lead to flooding. Ice can meanwhile cause blocked gutters to freeze up. The guttering could come loose in the form of a giant ice block, which could cause a lot of damage to whatever it falls on. By getting your gutters cleaned out, you can prevent all of this.

Plumbing leaks

You should call your local plumber as soon as you detect any kind of plumbing leak. A leak could result in some hefty water bills if left unrepaired - whether it’s a dripping tap or a leaky pipe. Many leaks will also quickly cause water damage to your property if you don’t fix them. This may not be a case with a dripping tap, but other leaks could cause rotten floorboards, crumbling plaster or corroded metalwork. On top of this, dampness can attract mold and pests - which are not good for your health. Finally, water could get into electrics - which is never a good mix.

Old worn electrics
Speaking of electrics, do your home’s electrics need replacing? Constant circuit breaker trips and flickering lights are signs that it could be time to rewire your home. Old frayed wiring can be a fire risk and so needs to be replaced urgently. Exposed frayed wiring can be particularly dangerous as it could give you a nasty electric shock too. Signs that an electrical fire is imminent include buzzing sounds, burning smells, or visible scorch marks around outlets - in these cases, turn off your electricity at the mains immediately and call an electrician.

Gas leak
The most serious home repair that you should never delay is fixing a gas leak. As soon as you smell gas in your home, you should turn off your gas at the mains, get out of your home (open a few windows beforehand if you can) and call an emergency gas plumber. Gas is highly flammable and it may only take a spark from a light switch to set your home ablaze. Certain types of gas leaks can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. A carbon monoxide monitor can help you detect carbon monoxide in the air as these types of leaks typically don’t have any smell.



5 Easy Steps to Realize Your Dream Home

Buying a house might be a bit overwhelming, especially for first-timers, and it is not wrong to feel that way. After all, owning such property is both a great investment and a huge responsibility. Not to mention the fact that it is a daunting process that requires a lot of money, knowledge, and thorough research, among others. But among the many steps, where do you start?

Fret not because Lumina Homes got you covered with this 5-step Buyer's Guide by Lumina.

Project inquiry.
A good buyer is the one who asks. It is only understandable for every first-timer to have a lot of questions. Good thing the basic details about Lumina Home Properties are just a click away. Access information about your preferred property or house models at Lumina's website (www.lumina.com.ph) and even chat with a Lumina Expert using the chat button on the website should you need further assistance.

Site viewing.
This is probably one of the exciting parts of scouting your next home. Seeing the actual community you might be moving into, visiting those dressed-up units where you can draw inspiration when designing your new home, or just seeing for yourself if the place exudes a home vibe. Lumina understands this and offers a free site viewing with a Lumina expert to assist you.

A glimpse into one of Lumina’s established communities



Scan QR for a virtual tour of Lumina’s showcase area and bestselling home models


But if you have yet to set the date for your site viewing, make use of the 3D virtual tour of Lumina Homes Showcase Area (https://storage.net-fs.com/hosting/6413202/22/index.htm).

Reservation Application.
Once you're already set with the location and property that you wish to purchase, submitting the reservation application is the next step for you.

To go to Lumina Homes Online reservation portal, scan QR or go to https://onlinereservation.lumina.com.ph


Lumina makes it easier for homebuyers to make a reservation through Lumina Homes Online. It is an online portal where you can easily view and select your preferred block and lot, and settle the reservation fee through various payment channels such as credit or debit card, GCash, or over-the-counter. Upon successful application, you will receive an email confirmation that includes a link to Lumina Homes' Electronic Buyer's Information Sheet (EBIS), Electronic Quotation Sheet (EQS), and Electronic Reservation Agreement (ERA).

Marketing & Admin Briefing.
Lumina Homes is committed to providing quality service to all of its clients. After placing your reservation, an assigned Lumina Marketing and Admin Staff will be in touch with you for briefing, which includes information about the property you are set to buy, documentary requirements, step-by-step process prior to turning over of your Lumina Home, housing, and admin policies, and the project timeline.

Submission of Requirements.
After completing the briefing, you are only one step away from being a homeowner. The assigned Lumina expert will ask you to fill out some forms and submit documentary requirements within 30 days.

The list of documentary requirements varies and depends on two factors--employment status and financing options. Either way, Lumina Expert will be available to assist you with any further concerns.


Lumina Homes continuously evolves to accommodate the growing needs of its homeowners by providing digital real-estate solutions like virtual home tours and subdivision walkthroughs, online reservations, online appointment booking, and online payment options through digital wallets and digital banking in partnership with national bank players.

"Lumina Homes is committed to going beyond what is expected of an affordable housing community. We will maximize our developments' potential in providing our residents the quality home and life that they deserve," Estrellita Tan, Group Head of Lumina Homes said.

Start your homeowner journey at https://www.lumina.com.ph/property-listing.

A Dozen Functional Additions To Your Backyard You Should Consider

Your backyard should be your oasis, a place where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors. But if your backyard is just a boring lawn, it might be time to consider adding some features to make it more enjoyable. Here are 10 functional additions to your backyard that you should consider.



1. A Fire Pit
A fire pit is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in your backyard. It can provide warmth on cool nights and can be used for cooking or roasting marshmallows. You can even use it as a centerpiece for outdoor parties and gatherings.

2. Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting can transform your backyard into a beautiful and inviting space at night. You can use string lights, lanterns, or solar lights to add some extra light to your backyard.

3. A Water Feature
A water feature, such as a fountain or pond, can add a touch of relaxation to your backyard. The sound of running water will help you forget about your busy day-to-day life and relax in your own backyard oasis.

4. A Swing Set or Playset
If you have kids, a swing set or playset is a great addition to your backyard. It will provide hours of fun for the kids and can even be used as a workout space for adults.

5. A Sandbox or Mud Pit
A sandbox or mud pit is perfect for kids who love to get dirty. It’s also a great way to keep them entertained while you’re working in the garden or grilling out.

6. A Hammock
A hammock is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. You can install it between two trees or posts and just kick back and enjoy the fresh air.

7. A Gazebo or Pergola
A gazebo or pergola is a great addition to any backyard. It provides shade on hot days and can be used as a place to entertain guests or host outdoor parties.

8. A Greenhouse or Shed
If you love to garden, a greenhouse is a great addition to your backyard. It will provide a space for you to grow your own plants and vegetables, even in the winter. On the other hand, custom-built sheds are perfect for storing lawn and garden equipment or even setting up a workshop.

9. A Deck or Patio
A deck or patio is a great way to add some extra living space to your home. It’s the perfect place to entertain guests or just relax and enjoy the outdoors.

10. A Fence or Wall
If you want to increase privacy in your backyard, a fence or wall is a great addition. It will also help keep kids and pets safe while they’re playing in the yard.

11. A Playhouse
A playhouse is a great addition to any backyard. It’s the perfect place for kids to play pretend and use their imaginations.

12. An Outdoor Kitchen
If you love to cook outdoors, an outdoor kitchen is a must-have for your backyard. It will allow you to cook and entertain guests without having to go inside.


There You Go
These are just a few of the many functional additions you can make to your backyard. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can transform your boring backyard into an oasis that you’ll never want to leave.

9 Ways to Improve the Value of Your Rental Property

There are a number of things you can do to improve the value of your rental property. This blog post will discuss nine of them! Keep in mind that not all of these tips will work for every property – it is essential to tailor your improvements to fit the specific needs and wants of your tenants.



1) Invest in some quality furniture.
This doesn't mean you have to go out and buy all new furniture, but if your furniture is old and worn, it will definitely bring down the overall look of your rental.

A simple way to upgrade your furniture is to invest in some slipcovers or throws for your sofa and chairs. This will give them a fresh, new look without breaking the bank. Another option is to paint your existing furniture. A coat of paint can work wonders on tired-looking pieces.

If you do decide to buy new furniture, make sure you choose pieces that are durable and easy to clean. You want them to be able to withstand the wear and tear that comes with being used in a rental property. Also, be sure to choose furniture that is neutral in style. This will make it easier for tenants to personalize the space and make it their own.

2) Get rid of any old or outdated appliances.
Appliances are one of the first things tenants will notice when they walk into your rental. If they are old and outdated, it will give them a bad impression of the property as a whole.

Some landlords make the mistake of thinking that they need to provide top-of-the-line, high-end appliances in their rental. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Tenants are more concerned with appliances that work well and look good than having the latest and greatest models.

So, if your budget doesn't allow for brand new, high-end appliances, don't worry. You can still find quality used appliances that will greatly improve what you have now. Please make sure they are in good working condition before installing them in your rental.

3) Give your rental a fresh coat of paint.
One of the quickest and easiest ways to freshen up your rental is to give it a new coat of paint. This will make it feel clean and new without costing you much money. When choosing paint colors, stick with neutral tones that will appeal to a wide range of tenants. Avoid anything too bold or daring, as this could turn off potential renters.

If you're not sure what color to paint your rental, consider hiring a professional painter. They can help you choose the perfect shade that will enhance your property's overall look and feel.

The Illusion of Infinity Pools

You have probably seen a lot of photos on postcards or brochures with a nice, huge balcony basically all covered in water, it seems as if that whole area is one big water surface perfectly synchronized to mirror the horizon and sky. It seems as if there is an edge at the end of it and that you could fall off if you swam too far.   


Don’t worry, though, all that beauty is basically a magic trick designed to look amazing and be an awesome background for even more amazing photos.    

These so-called infinity pools look mysterious and enigmatic, but in reality, they lean heavily on an illusion and good positioning so that you can experience all the magic and beauty of the view and its location. They are used to enhance an already stunning scenery and just add more depth and atmosphere.    

Just imagine how it blends perfectly with the sun and an endless ocean, you could basically spend a  whole day just soaking in that view. Have you ever wondered how that really works, don’t worry, the magic won’t be ruined.  So  Cal  Custom Pools and Spas reveal the secrets of master pool builders just enough.  

What Is a Wise Real Estate Investment?

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The real estate industry is always changing. This sounds somewhat trite, and maybe a little obvious, but an alarming amount of people don’t really see this industry as something that changes all that often. Sure, we know that prices will go up and down, but, in general, the way that business is conducted is basically the same throughout the climbs and sharp descents that the market throws their way. But this outlook often comes from a misunderstanding of what it is that drives real estate costs. 

Ask just about anyone and the odds are that they’ll have the same idea about what it is that ultimately determines the value of a given property: location, location, location. Sure,  buyers aren’t going to be willing to fork over too much if, say, the roof is caving in, even if the area is nice. But even a bad property can go for a price that will make the landlord rich if the property is in the right location. All you’ve got to do is look at the prices that apartments you could almost label ‘decrepit’ go for in places like New York City and central London go for to see that location often supersedes all other factors.