Property under 20k team, Author at all-real-estate.com

What’s the deal with bunkers for sale?

For some reasons there have been a huge interest in abandoned bunkers for sale. Always there is an ad of a bunker for sale it gets at least ten times more hits than homes for sale. Surely, many just click on it out of curiosity but many are seriously interested. What is it that makes bunkers so attractive for buyers?

Although it is considered as the ultimate hiding place, the average underground bunker usually has no windows, just air vents and most of the times no electricity, toilet or running water.

Most subterranean shelters would be accessible through a straight up concrete shaft with a steel ladder, accessed by some sort of concrete or steel hatch on the ground.

The perfect historical restoration project

For all buyers who are interested in a historical restoration venture they are just perfect. It is a truly unique project that is sure to seduce. Unfortunately, there are not as many out there as interested buyers. That’s why, despite the bad state they usually are in they are not cheap.

Some people have been very creative and building their own amazing backyard bunkers. In this case don’t forget to get the proper permits before.

We could also see a recent movement of newly built bunkers – many especially for the upper class – that offer all modern comfort you can think of and look like out of a sci fi movie.

The “bunker for sale scam”

Sadly, whatever triggers a lot of interest in many people also inspires others to come up with a scam. In the bunker story it is no different.

The scam we have seen so far is this:

There is an ad with nice and very cheap bunkers for sale. Once you contact the advertiser, he will explain that he is very sick that is why he priced his bunker for a quick sale. Due to his condition, he is also not able to show the property but someone else can be paid to show it. Therefore, he will ask you for some money to see the bunker before you buy it. Needless to say, that after paying the money you will not hear from him ever again or have any way to get through to him.

Here are some red flags to look out for:

Price is cheaper than normal
The seller asks money to show you the property

Another good way is to use the Google Reverse Image Search with the images the advertiser has in the ad. You may find that he copied them from another website.

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Our Property under 20k team are the founders of www.propertyunder20k.com and www.listproperty4free.com with the goal to search the cheapest real estate in the world and make it easy for others to find. The team is made up of landlords, real estate investors, architects and builders from several different countries. We just love to have a good strong cup of coffee while we write our experiences in this blog.

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Adobe Construction – cheap and naturally energy efficient

Adobe – or earth construction as some may call it – is one of the oldest building methods in the world. Since ever, humankind has used earth in various forms to build their homes. It has a huge number of benefits most of us modern people forgot about.

I only came to love this type of construction when working on a renovation project of an old town house in Portugal. Until then, when thinking of an earth house I had a very different picture in mind. It was something like a simple hut in an African village.

Adobe walls are naturally energy efficient and can be load bearing. Often, they are very thick, forming a natural insulation from the environmental heat or cold. Earth-based products are naturally sustainable because you are building with the materials that surround you.

Interestingly, approximately 30% of the world population lives in homes made of earth materials. That’s no wonder if you think of the many financial and environmental benefits. That’s why people like me, once we know about it, just love it. It is not only a far cheaper construction method but also has many other advantages compared with modern materials.

The composition of the adobe—or some may call it the recipe—vary according to country and local customs. Usually most of it is made of earth and or clay. Besides that, it can contain other materials like straw, maybe even small amounts of lime. Once I even read about that it can include horse hair. Not sure if this is true though.

There is even a thing they call Superadobe. It is also made from earth and organic materials heartened with lime, compressed into bags which are stacked on top of each other, each layer of bags separated by barbed wire. This method is perfect for seismically active areas.

What is adobe construction

Buildings made of Adobe are very similar to a rammed earth house. The only difference is that the earth was rammed into some sort of brick shape before it was used for the construction. Like this it is very easy to build walls with earth.

Special treatment for adobe construction

Please note that the right plaster is essential to be completely waterproof. You don’t want your wall to crumble apart after a few years. They are several products on the market that are perfect for adobe construction. We can use it for the first plaster on a new wall as well as fixing cracks in an old one. It is very important that the plaster lets the wall still breath.

Also, there can be a problem with raising damp in those buildings if they have no horizontal barrier to stop it. I saw a layer of bitumen sheet or a special plastic be put before the first layer of adobe bricks. Therefore, it is good to keep that in mind before you start building your house.

One historic local custom in my area was that the builders would leave an air gap under the house to avoid any raising damp. With some houses being well beyond 100 years now and showing no sign of any raising damp we can say that it is a truly successful method.

If you live in an earthquake zone it is also advisable to apply a net within the construction to give it better structural properties.

Adobe construction surprises

Probably the biggest surprise was when I found out that adobe was even used for the first modern architecture in Portugal. This is something I would always associate with concrete and steel.

It seems there is no limit to what you can build with it starting with simple garden walls, garages, sheds, houses and even apartment blocks.

Conclusion

Adobe Construction is naturally energy efficient and sustainable because you are building with the materials that surround you. With the right know-how it can give the same or even better comfort than a modern building method.

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Finding apartment blocks for sale

So, you’re in the market for a whole apartment block? That’s exciting news. Finding apartment blocks for sale is just one click away. If you’re serious about buying some apartment units here is a good place to start to get a first idea of what your money can buy.

Later it might be a good idea to get a qualified real estate agent who knows the local real estate market and can guide you through the buying process.

They can advise you on the real estate market in your area and financing if needed. That can help you immensely to make your dream of becoming a landlord a reality. With a real professional by your side finding a suitable building will be piece of cake.
Did you know that a typical real estate sale involves more than 20 steps after the initial contract is accepted? Real estate agents walk you through each step to move toward a quick-and-easy close. Together, you’ll create a marketing plan, set the right price and get your new real estate business in no time.

Make your homework

Of course, it is always good to do some research yourself. For example, it can be interesting to look at some property records before buying as well as rental prices. Like that it will be easy for you to find out what yield you can expect from your investment.

If you want to have the least work possible with your asset it would be wise to consider hiring a management company who will deal with the tenants on your behalf.

Newly built apartment blocks for a secure future

Nobody can resist the charm of a new build home.

The plaster does not crumble from the walls, power lines and pipes do not need renovation and the architectural style usually has a trendy and modern design. State-of-the-art materials and the latest standard characterize such a new building.

Yes, buying a brand-new home can be very appealing especially if you are planning to rent it out. You will easily find tenants and beside the usual maintenance jobs there will not be much repairs to do.

A new home has advantages in many ways

A new phase of life begins with a new house and many people fulfil a lifelong dream. The likelihood of taking a risk with such a newly built house is almost zero. Freshly build houses have the great advantages:

New buildings often consist of high-quality materials.
New build houses mostly have the latest house technology integrated.
They are characterized by a low energy requirement.
A modern architectural style is characteristic of newly built houses.

The construction quality has improved immensely in recent years, so that today there are hardly any nasty surprises waiting for the owner after years of occupancy. Therefore, after buying new apartment blocks, you can sit back and relax.

The old charm apartment block

If you lost your heart to one of those old charm apartment blocks you are not alone. Although due to age and new energy efficiency laws they usually need some works before they can be properly rented but it is totally worth it. In the end you will have something truly special and unique.

Apartment blocks for sale

You are looking for apartment blocks for sale? Have a look at

Blocks of Apartments for Sale & Rent in Africa

Blocks of Apartments for Sale & Rent in Asia

Blocks of Apartments for Sale & Rent in Europe

Blocks of Apartments for Sale & Rent in North America

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How to sell commercial real estate

Whether you are a broker or a property owner, to sell commercial real estate is not what it used to be as there can be many surprises. Investors view the commercial property as an investment machine aimed to generate income. If the numbers add up, there is a possibility for a bidding war. And if not, the sale may not be that easy.

Getting yourself prepared can make a great difference between being stuck or creating a favourable property sale. However, the best way to get started is to make the property as pleasantly engaging as possible to give prospects a great first impression. An abandoned commercial property for sale can discourage buyers, thereby affecting the sale price.

How do you want to sell commercial property?

Sell commercial real estate without a broker

While it is unusual for owners to sell commercial real estate by themselves, we cannot rule out the fact that it is possible. Some may have rich experience in commercial properties and are sure to complete the deal without an agent. Others may simply want to maximize their proceeds by circumventing the broker commission.

Whichever way, note that a lot is at stake with commercial real estate sales. Also, the process is complex to finalize. If you have decided to sell by yourself, you will be the one in charge of the entire transaction process, from listing your property to finding potential buyers, communicating with them, finalizing the paper works, inspection, hiring a lawyer etc.

Commercial property for sale using a broker

The activities involved in selling your commercial property by yourself can be hectic and time-consuming. Thus, finding a reliable commercial real estate company who has your best interest at heart can save you a lot of hassle.

They will take over all the processes and help you sell your commercial property quicker. Beyond these, they will help to determine the proper worth of your property for the current market conditions. This is saving you tons of research time.

Rather than relying only on the conventional marketing approaches, professional brokers have an established network of investors and brokers who may be interested in buying your property. They will present your property directly to these prospects, which significantly increase your chances of getting a competent buyer promptly.

You get many benefits when you employ a broker to help with your property sale. But just like with other industry, it is important you do research before deciding on a brokerage agency. Like this you get the best deal for your property.

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Real Estate Scams – When you get a call about your Real Estate Tax

You may be shocked at first but of course more than eager to pay your duties. But please don’t! This is one of the newer real estate scams that are starting to circulate.

The call about your real estate tax

This is a nasty trick where someone calls potential victims to tell them of an additional real estate tax or some other kind of fee that they need to pay. This person will tell them to pay in cash to someone who will collect the money at their home.

Please note, the tax office would never work in this way. It will never request money without an official statement, and under no circumstances will they go to a person’s house to collect money.

Residents are advised to be alert because it was reported that some individuals are posing as representatives of the tax office with the intent to scam taxpayers.

It is sad that even in the middle of a pandemic we have to remain vigilant to don’t fall into the trap of one of the real estate scams. The best defence is awareness. So, it is good that you informed yourself – that’s the first step to don’t be scammed.

Don’t hesitate to report real estate scams

If this has already happened to you or you are suspicious about something similar please call your local police department. Don’t hesitate to do so, as this will help others to be alert as well.

Of course, you can also call your local tax office if you like to confirm your real estate tax.

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Buying vs Renting – should you buy a house?

Buying or to renting a place to call home is one of the questions on many people’s minds at a certain point in life. If you are settled in a place with a good job and can foresee yourself staying there in the nearest future, would it be more advantageous to continue to rent or take out a mortgage?

The answer generally depends on individual’s choice, as you may have different values to the usually home buying route. Of course, there are benefits to renting a house, but the advantages of buying supersede that of renting. It gives you a sense of security and satisfaction in having a place to call your own – permanently. With that said, outlined below are a few key benefits you enjoy when you buy your own home as against renting.

1 – Equity building

One major benefit of buying a home is in building equity. As you make your mortgage payments, the amount of money you owe on a home reduces. And the more your home value increases, the more money you save. You can even consider mortgage as a forced savings plan. When you pay rent, you are technically making someone better off by paying their mortgage and building up their equity. Of course, renting can initially be cheaper than buying a home, but many see it as throwing money down the drain. If I may ask, why do you want to be building savings for someone else when you can contribute towards your own investment?

2 – Modify to taste

It is always fun to create a living style that is all your own. As a homeowner, you can always make changes to your home to suit your taste and preference. You can renovate, customize, and paint the walls any color you wish etc. In fact, there won’t be anyone to tell you what you can and cannot do. But if you rent a house, you are always at the mercy of whatever the homeowner will allow you to do.

3 – Unparalleled stability

The stability you experience when you have your own home is unparalleled. You understand that if you lock in an interest rate your payments remain constant. If you rent, you have no control over the increments in rental payments. The property owner may evict you or even sell the home from under you at will.

Final thought about buying vs renting

Renting a home can be a great place to start. But when you buy your own home you have a sense of permanence, and it also contributes positively to your financial future as you are constantly building equity. Additionally, buying a home provides security for your family knowing that they have a place to call their own.

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5 tips – selling overseas real estate on an international market

Selling overseas real estate to an international pool of clients is a completely different game all together. You know better than anyone that this means to get your property in front of your ideal client in their home country.

Selling overseas real estate – How can you possibly do that?

It can be a mine-field when trying to create an effective strategy when you are marketing your property online. What website will the possible buyer look at? Is there a website where you can offer your real estate to the whole world? Of course, almost every website can be visited from all over the world but would it be popular enough in the country of your ideal client?

1 Get the right real estate portal that is specialized to promote to international clients

In fact, the services of many huge website portals only available to the country they are located in. Realtors with international listings usually are not allowed to list them. Even if one allows it, their focus is not on helping real estate agents to promote to an international audience.

Check out one of our property portals that not only performs extremely well but also will put your ad on a world map, making it easy for international buyers to find it.

Register with them and benefit from a range of services that will help you buy, find, sell or rent international real estate.

If you are looking for overseas property yourself but you are on a limited budget, check out this website https://www.propertyunder100k.com/ and find lots of bargains below 100k.

2 Use a sales platform that is internationally known

There exist platforms that facilitates the sale of real estate between third-party buyers and sellers. This is a very good way to get good leads. One example would be eBay. Maybe it is not available in your country or the real estate section is restricted but once you have an account in eBay you easily can use it on eBay sites of other countries.

Another good website were you can list your property is https://www.listproperty4free.com/

3 Use Social Media to promote your overseas real estate

Probably you heard this many times – no matter what you want to promote – use social media. Used in the right way you are no beating in the air but actually getting some real results. Actually, it might be even easier to find the right audience for your property. In Facebook for example, you can enter your real estate in the market place and promote it in related groups. And the best of all, it’s all free. Just takes a bit of your time.

4 Make the best impression

I can’t stress this enough. When selling overseas real estate, the first impression – which will probably be when someone looks at your ad – is the most important. By this someone might decide to make contact and come for a viewing. How can you do this?

Present your property in the best light, tidy up, declutter do what it takes to give a great feel to the place and very important – do professional photos.

That’s making a good impression from a visual point of view. Also, put some work in an appealing text to describe your real estate. Mention the best features of it and it’s potential. Especially in an overseas real estate it makes sense to tell a bit about the lifestyle too.

5 Be flexible with payments if you can

Sometimes it is already hard enough to get a mortgage for a first home. If you like to get something abroad it gets even more difficult. Therefore, you will have more possible buyers if you can be flexible with your terms of payment.

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Home Improvements You’ll Never Regret

When it comes to home improvements, there are some that surely will last a lifetime.

Home Improvements

Sitting in an apartment that was built when I was born, I wish the builders already had thought about some extras instead of going for the minimum standard. But on the other hand, I probably would not appreciate some changes as much. Although it’s impossible to predict the future there are a few enhancements that surely will give more comfort, sustainability and even increase the value of your home. So, no matter if you’re ‘dwelling or selling’, here are some areas that are a safe bet.

Windows

By replacing old windows with high-quality double-glazing windows, you are adding energy efficiency along with security to your home. Needless to say, it makes your house so much more comfortable, they look good and sometimes they are also easier to clean – depending on how your old windows looked like. This is definitely something you will love.

Heating

Did you know that upgrading a home’s boiler and heating system has the highest return of investment when it comes to increasing a property’s value? At the same time, it is even more cost-effective than other renovations and refurbishments.

Best is to combine the fitting of new heating equipment with other improvements, such as replacing old windows, sealing the entrance door and insulating the roof. In doing this, you can see your energy savings begin to show.

Electrical

Extreme temperatures can put an extra burden on your home’s electrical system. If yours is already older it would probably be a good idea to have it inspected and at the same time the electrician can advise you on electrical improvements you can do.

Getting the right lighting in your real estate is not only saving electricity but it also puts your home in the right light. With the right light fixtures you can cater for the right mood and set an ambience everybody loves.

No-Cost Home Energy Upgrades

Some countries help homeowners to make energy saving upgrades. Whether you rent or own, you could be eligible to receive free energy-efficient home improvements or get some financial help. It surely is worth to look this up in your country before you start your home improvements as this can really make a big difference in your budget.

Are you still looking for your own DIY project? Have a look at homes for sale that need renovations on https://www.all-real-estate.com/derelict-properties-for-sale

Or you just finished your hoome improvemets? Let us know how did it go in the coment below. If you are thinking to sell it, you can list it with us for free.

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Why most Lenders Use Gross Income instead of Net Income

It might not seem logical that most lenders use your gross monthly income when deciding affordability instead of your net income, the money you actually take home. In the end, it’s the take-home pay you will use for your monthly expenses – this will include your mortgage.

Some Reasons why Lenders use the Gross Income

Foremost, it’s widespread. Most mortgage companies use the gross monthly income to analyse the debt-to-income ratio – and consequently affordability. Like this, everyone is using the same procedure and it is much easier to compare the loan that was offered. Of course, there are exceptions, a few loans do take monthly expenses into consideration.

Another reason is this, it’s a number that most clients know. Calculating the net income with taxes and other deductions is complex and can vary every month. Gross income is steady and easier to calculate monthly. It would be too work intensive for mortgage companies to adjust their loan programs for each person’s exact overheads.

Also, another factor that has to be considered is that when clients are asked to proof their income for their loan application, the last two years of your tax declaration is needed along with recent income statements. The gross amounts on those should align with the documents from your revenue office. As those documents will also show the gross income it is just a lot easier to use those numbers.

Thinking to buy real estate?

If you’re thinking about buying some real estate and want to know what you might qualify for, there are many websites out there where you can get a first idea. Just keep in mind to enter your gross monthly income. By visiting a few you will be able to find out what will be a good option for you.

If you are looking for a real estate bargain, check out our property listings at https://www.all-real-estate.com/property-list/for-sale

You may even be able to find a home that is so cheap that you not even need a mortgage. Does this sound intresting? Then visit our partner site https://www.propertyunder20k.com/ where you can find real estate for sale for less than 20,000 EUR.

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From fixer upper to cosy home – 10 practical tips

Fixer upper to cosy home, or better, how to purchase an old, inexpensive, run-down house and turn it into a gorgeous property everybody loves.

It doesn’t matter if you are planning to purchase a fixer upper to turn it into a home for yourself or if you are planning to make some money in the resale afterwards – you will definitely benefit from the following tips to get you through this challenging mission.

Fixer Upper to Cosy Home

The idea is simple, you buy an old building in need of repairs for a great price and a few buckets of paint later it has become a dream home. There are so many tv shows out there where exactly that happens. Of course, it all looks so easy. In reality it is not as simple as it looks. To turn your renovation project into a success lets look at a few areas that need to be considered.

1 Buying the right house

It all starts with picking the right building to start with. The biggest or cheapest real estate is not necessarily the best choice. You have to consider several factors here, especially if you are thinking to sell it after you’re done with it. What are the prices in this location for a home in a good condition? How much will the renovation cost? Is there a lot of demand for houses in this location with this size? To answer these questions, you might need to make a bit of an investigation and talk to a few people. After making all your maths you will see beforehand if it is actually worth it to jump into this venture.

Getting the right project for YOU is the key here. A house that fits in your budget and skills. This is not only the first but the most important decision you need to do.

2 Getting professional help

Unless you are a professional yourself it is always worth it to have some expert by your side to help or to guide you. If you don’t want to get a contractor for the whole job to save some money, you might be able to use him just for some stuff that you find more difficult. This will take some pressure out of you and you can be sure it’ll be a job well done. While you leave those difficult parts to someone else you can concentrate more in the other things that need doing. One thing is for sure, there is always more to do!

A lot of renovation works are not that complicated. It is amazing how quickly one can learn the basics by watching some YouTube tutorials.

3 Planning and Research

With careful planning and some research, you can guide your project in the right direction. This is of course, if you like to make changes to the layout of the house. Best would be to consult with a realtor to see what the clients usually like or dislike. Find out what they have on their wish list and think about a wow-factor you can add to your home. This can make a huge difference in the end.

Just as an example. If your project is in a hot climate, homebuyers might really love to have a pool in their backyard. If you are able to add one for, let’s say 10,000, but in the end, it will make your real estate be worth 20,000 more because of that, it’s totally worth it.

4 Get your hands dirty

You can save a lot of cash if you are working on your own house. There are so many things that are easy enough to do, even if you are not a handy person.

If you belong to this rare specie that can’t even put a nail in the wall, still there are many things you can do. For example, there is always cleaning up to do and often workers can tell you how you can prepare some works for them. This will make their jobs easier and as a result save you some money.

5 Shop around

When it comes to using the right materials for your renovation project it is always worth to shop around for special offers or to find out if the DIY shop offers discounts if you buy a certain amount.

6 Don’t hide – be open about your plans

Keeping an open communication with the neighbours and passers-by is a great way to find a buyer or tenant. Don’t underestimate the power of the word of mouth.

A construction project usually triggers a lot of interest with the neighbours. They all like to know what’s happening and who is going to move there. They might just know the right person who wants to live in your house once its finished.

7 Decorate wisely

When it comes to choose the right colours and decoration it is always good to get a few opinions. Especial value those of people who are usually dealing a lot with home buyers and tenants. Often it is a good choice to keep it simple/neutral and just set a few highlights.

8 Set a budget

When it comes to your budget, be realistic. Doing your maths is one of the biggest challenges and nearly impossible to get it 100% right. Therefore, don’t plan to spend your last penny, always keep a buffer for unexpected costs.

9 Time

When it comes to time, I never met anyone who could stick to a certain time frame when doing his own renovations – except in tv shows. I believe usually time is estimated very optimistic. Therefore, don’t be disappointed if you can’t finish in a certain time frame. Depending on the scale of you project it is always good to give a few days or weeks extra in case something takes more time than expected.

10 Stay positive

Yes, sometimes a positive attitude can make all the difference. Keeping your spirits up can give you the motivation you need to get the job done: turning your fixer upper into a cosy home.