Real Estate

How to find tenants

If you have at least one vacant rental unit, your main goal will always be how to get tenants.

That is perfectly understandable. An empty lease means lost income. And the only way to rectify the situation is to get tenants. Easy.

Unfortunately, today, the competition to fill vacancies has become frantic. And why not? With the housing industry in turmoil, more and more real estate brokers are turning to rental property as a means to offset declining commissions and overall loss of income.

So how do you get your fair share? How do you get tenants when everyone else is trying to do the same?

Advertising, promotion, marketing… they all need to be empowered in order to compete. But even that is not enough. What you really need to do is make sure your rental property stands out from the rest.

That means paying attention to every detail, and not from the owner’s point of view, but from the tenant’s perspective.

Start with the curb appeal. Does the rental property make a wonderful first impression, or would a prospective renter have to figure out what lies beyond the peeling paint, unkempt landscaping, and dirty windows?

What about comfort and safety? Would the average renter look at the unit and conjure up thoughts of “home” or be more focused on dark doorways and questionable locks?

What’s in the rental? Is it bright and cheerful? Have the carpets and floors been cleaned? Are the kitchen and bathroom up to date? Is the place move-in ready or would a tenant feel like they needed to paint and scrub from top to bottom first?

If you are wondering how to get tenants, all you have to do is look at it from the opposite point of view. What would make a tenant NOT want to live there? Better yet, what if it was YOU looking for a place to live?

Looking at it from that angle, would you be satisfied with your first impression? Would you feel safe and secure? Does it give you a sense of home or a feeling that it’s just a used shell that dozens of other people have occupied?

Rental property is no different than any other real estate property. If you want to “sell” it, you have to make it shine. You have to show tenants a unit that asks to be occupied, that is exactly the place they have been looking for.

So don’t assume that because you cleaned the place, it’s enough to hook a tenant right away. It is not. There is too much competition out there.

So here is the answer to how to get tenants…

Make sure your rental property is desirable, something you’d be happy to move into yourself.

Keep in mind that the right rent can often sway someone who is on the fence about whether to rent or buy a home. You can easily make the decision for them. How? Offering them a rental property they simply cannot refuse.

Once you do, you’ll never have to worry about finding tenants again.

John Rustice, RentalUtopia.net

Real Estate

The best ways to build an ecological bathroom

One of the top trends for 2013 is including eco-friendly features in bathroom remodels and new bathrooms. However, many people are looking for ways to have a completely green bathroom and not just a few items here or there. These are the best ways to build an eco-friendly bathroom.

1. The first obviously is to be aware of the flow of water. There are three areas in the bathroom that consume water: the toilet, the shower, and the sink. Toilet water flow can be controlled with European-style low-flush toilets. There are two water flow options, one for low flow and one for full flow. Most shower nozzles come with a ring that reduces the flow of water. Another way to make your bathroom eco-friendly is to have your shower water drain into a tank that can be reused to water your lawn and flower beds. The same can be done with the water from the kitchen sink. If you decide to go this route, be sure to use biodegradable soaps and shampoos. As for sinks, low-flow water devices are also available.

2. Use low or no VOC paints. “Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which can have short-term and long-term adverse health effects,” according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Environmental. This is especially important if children use the restrooms.

3. Incorporating natural elements doesn’t just make a bath feel relaxing; certain items can also be eco-friendly. The first is to harness the natural energy of the sun. If you have a south-facing bathroom, larger windows will help heat the room naturally, which will lower energy bills. Window treatments like double cell blinds can keep warm air in at night or block out sunlight during the summer months, keeping the room cooler. Plants are also a great addition to a bathroom, but make sure they are tropical plants that thrive on humidity. Plants help clean the air of pollutants and give us oxygen.

4. Use recycled or reclaimed barn wood for cabinets. Wood stands the test of time well and can create a great rustic look for the bathroom.

5. Using repurposed tile is a great way to create art in a bathroom. By searching for tiles that have been discarded, the homeowner can create a stunningly unique atmosphere by mixing and matching colors and textures for a fraction of the cost of new tiles.

There are many ways to make a new bathroom eco-friendly. Updating a bathroom can be done with just a few tweaks here and there. Remember, reuse, reduce and recycle applies both in bathrooms and in any other room in the house.

Real Estate

Free insider information on how to get the best used cars that most dealers don’t want you to know about

Here is an idea to find free “insider information” available only to certain dealer staff that will help you get the list of used cars and trucks that most dealers don’t want you to have, get a free extended warranty with your purchase, and get a competitive interest rate.

With over 35 years of experience in the automotive industry, a transportation consultant has advice worth listening to.

If you are looking for a used car or truck that is single owner, with no rental history, multiple service maintenance records, accident free, and always garaged, look no further.

Having the “insider information” about the vehicle’s history from used car and truck dealers is one of the main advantages you should take advantage of.

You could limit your search to single owner vehicles with no rental history, maintenance records from multiple services, accident free and always garaged if you only asked.

And if you need financing keep reading:

Getting the best interest rate is a valuable tool when buying a new vehicle, as it gives the buyer the purchasing power to receive the most car for their dollar.

In the past, a consumer would first request the best interest rate offered by their bank and then compare it to the rate offered by the dealer. It is no longer a difficult loan process.

The process is now simplified, as these banking associations allow you to compare what your local bank offers with multiple lenders offered by the dealer, making it easier to find the best interest rate.

Once you find what your Bank and Dealer will offer you, the two offers are compared and you, the consumer, make the decision that makes the most sense. It is easy.

Here’s a tip for getting an extended warranty for a reasonable cost:

Some later model used vehicles are classified as certified or non-certified. Certified means the factory warranty is usually extended for an additional year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. And that warranty is typically valid anywhere the manufacturer sells in the US, usually with no deductible. This can save you hundreds or even thousands in unnecessary repair costs.

Certified cars and trucks undergo a more rigorous inspection process and have standards that increase the chances that the vehicle you are buying will be problem-free at the time of purchase. It just makes sense for dealers to fix them right the first time, since they’ll have to do the repairs anyway if the vehicle comes back during the warranty period.

Certified vehicles cost a bit more than non-certified vehicles, but if you normally don’t like to spend a lot of money on an extended warranty, they can be a good alternative.

Now comes the time when you have to consider what is the best offer. No two used vehicles are in the same condition, so the best price isn’t always the best deal.

Inspect everything in person before you buy and give it a good test drive. The car or truck should be going straight down the road when you let go of the steering wheel, and the steering wheel should not be jumpy at any speed.

If you think you’re too new to make the purchase decision yourself, it may be worth getting it thoroughly checked out by your unbiased local mechanic.

It’s a lot like chicken soup. It can’t hurt and it can only help.

Real Estate

stop paying electricity

Every month, you receive a bill for your electricity. The cost can add up quickly month after month. You can do everything you can to lower that bill, too, like not leaving a light on when you leave at night or not turning on the central air conditioning when it’s hot. However, these are must-have conveniences at home and not give up just because you don’t want your electric bill to go over budget!

What is the way for you to stop paying electricity? It can be expensive for a home or business. How much would you save annually? By analyzing the numbers, you may decide that it might be too good to be true! With off-grid solar, you’ll be able to generate enough to eliminate that bill once and for all. It is a wise investment that will pay for itself over time.

Quality Products

To benefit from off-grid solar power, you need to be sure you have quality products. There may be a substantial difference between what one manufacturer offers and another. Do your research to make sure you buy only great materials you can count on. You want to be sure that your investment will pay off.

You may be surprised to learn that you can get quality materials at a fair price for this type of project. Many of the suppliers buy the materials in bulk. Doing so saves them money, and they are often willing to pass some of those savings on to their customers.

Estimate and Evaluation

Find a wonderful out-of-network solar service provider to help you inspect your home or business. They can see what you need and, based on that assessment, share estimated costs with you. They must break down the cost to you into two parts. The first part should be the total cost of the materials you will use.

The second part should be the cost of your labor charges to install those materials. It’s a good idea to contact several providers and get these free quotes. This will give you the opportunity to compare costs and see who offers you the best overall deal.

Installations

Spend your time talking to potential providers of off-grid solar energy resources. You need to know that they can successfully install what you need. Find out how long it will take to get the job done. They will usually send a team to do the job so that it is complete in a matter of days.

Due to the demand for such services, it may take a few weeks before they can schedule you. It can be hard to wait when you know such rewards exist, but it will be worth it. Be patient and give them the time they need to do their other jobs.

Repairs and maintenance

Most of the time, there is very little maintenance involved with off-grid solar materials. Hire a professional who will come at regular intervals to check everything. They will typically complete such a review every six months, but it must be done at least once a year. They should also be able to take care of any repairs you may need.

To reduce the cost of repairs, be sure to get a warranty on labor and materials. Please read the warranty in its entirety and make sure you fully understand what is covered and what is not. You don’t want any surprises if you need to contact the vendor to handle future repairs.

Real Estate

The Advantage of Opting for Furnished Flats

Many people actually prefer furnished apartments as they offer some distinct advantages including a better return on investment and better tenants. But before deciding if a furnished apartment is the best investment decision, you should be aware of your target market, the demand for this type of rental apartment, as well as the location of your property, as they are very important things to consider.

Furnished apartments actually attract contract professionals and families on vacation. It’s important to stress that location plays a critical role in your long-term success. Another key thing to consider is the size of your property. If you plan to attract contract workers, you should have a smaller property. In contrast, families going on vacation prefer multi-story properties.

Furthermore, furnished properties offer higher returns compared to unfurnished properties. The main reason behind this is that tenants are more than willing to pay more for the convenience. Also, short-term leases (most of the time) are not covered by traditional leases and the regulations that apply to longer leases.

Many real estate investors also prefer to invest in furnished apartments as they are often rented out for shorter periods. As a landlord, this gives you great flexibility. This has a clear advantage if you are interested in using your apartment for holidays or other purposes. Furnished apartments also tend to attract better tenants. This is most likely if you own a property in the city center and are acquired by professionals as tenants. These tenants are less likely to damage your property.

And because your tenants don’t need to furnish the property or bring in large pieces of furniture, they’re less likely to damage the walls of your property. But along with the advantages, potential investors should also know what the disadvantages of furnished apartments are. Furnishing an apartment means that you will have to invest a considerable amount of money from the beginning. And that investment will not be a one-time thing. Over time, you may need to replace some parts inside the apartment.

Lastly, furnished apartments have a higher turnover rate influenced by different market forces such as weather and season, holidays, currency exchange rates, and others. That means you’ll have your hands full looking for new tenants. Not all renters are looking for furnished properties, as many have possessions that they want to take with them. Keep in mind that your target market with a furnished space may be considerably smaller. So if you want to start your own real estate investment, going for furnished apartments is a smart choice.

Real Estate

Accommodation Management Companies: Expert Management or Incremental Income

As a hotel owner/investor with perhaps one or two hotel assets, you have invested your hard-earned capital and risked tapping into your loans in pursuit of a profitable lodging operation. Also, given your limited exposure to the hospitality industry, you may have selected a professional management company to operate your hotel. Perhaps a “top tier” management company, a company that not only franchises hotels but also provides management services. Alternatively, he may have selected a “second tier” company. That is, a hotel owner/franchisee with dozens, maybe even hundreds of hotels managing their own assets and those of others. Or perhaps he has chosen a smaller boutique firm with possibly one or two hotels of its own looking to add to its management portfolio. No matter who you have selected, you expect them to have your best interests in mind with every decision they make. Well, that may not be exactly the case.

The goals of lodging owners and investors are rarely completely aligned philosophically or financially with the goals of their designated management or sometimes even their brand. Operators and brands often have conflicting goals, which are in direct conflict with maximizing profitability for owners. For example, brands have an interest in maintaining brand standards and creating “brand equity”, which may not always be in the best economic interests of an individual accommodation asset. Sure brands will argue that what’s good for the brand will have a trickle down effect on you, but changing your new wallpaper behind the front desk from a shade of beige to a shade the brand wants to install in all its hotels (which I that a major brand has asked them to do, which will remain anonymous) is actually a misuse of capital that will never affect revenue or guest satisfaction.

Management companies, on the other hand, have an interest in growing their portfolios and their income (usually a percentage of your own), but may not be motivated to help your hosting operation achieve its maximum financial return. short individual or, even worse, long. finished. They may also lack the experience or incentive to control costs, seek the best market position for an individual property, maximize a hotel’s market penetration, or possess the knowledge to find their way through the myriad of distribution channels. old and new.

Given that average management fees, currently hovering around 2.5% of a hotel’s total gross receipts (including incentive fees), are significantly below rates of yesteryear, it’s no wonder. In recent years, in an attempt to increase revenue, management companies focus on generating incremental revenue by adding properties to their list at lower rates. Many of these companies maintain the same number of staff and resources by spreading them over more assets.

Take the following example. At the current rate rate, an additional $25,000 in hotel revenue represents about $500 in fees. Let’s face it, $500 is not a significant enough return on the additional efforts, staff time, and resource allocations it would take for the management firm to generate that additional $25,000. However, as a homeowner, it can make the difference between paying your mortgage with cash flow or out of pocket.

The economic facts just don’t add up. Consider a typical select-service hotel with 100 rooms, an average daily rate of $70, and 70% annual occupancy. Average rates for this hotel would be around $35,000. With management company revenues per hotel at such a low level, what can an owner really expect from them? While your hotel may benefit from any spending power, it will also absorb travel-related expenses related to management companies, accounting services, co-op marketing, etc. This is often an area where some less scrupulous management companies recoup some of the revenue lost in recent years.

When the fees are at this low level, the game becomes volume. It is not my intention to criticize any management company. I was COO of three small to medium sized companies operating national brand and independent luxury hotels and currently represent many hotel owners through our consulting practice. I see both sides of the problem. But… there are few volume-focused companies in any industry you can think of that are known for their outstanding levels of service to their customers.

So what’s an owner to do? Become an informed owner who monitors your hotel’s performance (or hires someone to do it for you). Please note that for $35,000 a year in fees, your services may be restricted to the limited supervision of a property manager; let’s hope it’s good. If you’re hiring a management company now or are in the stages of interviewing one, ask yourself a few questions about their relationship and how they will report back to you on how successful your hotel is. You may not need all of the information suggested below, but you certainly do need some. ask yourself…

Get a report from a company representative who is on site for a day or two each month detailing their findings of the physical plant, operations, and sales efforts by the staff they supervise? Does his finding match yours?

Obtain timely monthly operating statements that compare results against budget and last year?

Receive monthly reports on the performance of the hotel measured by third-party companies, such as
1) Smith Travel Research’s STAR report to review its REVPAR performance against a precise competitive set and market tranche;
2) TravelClick’s Hotelligence Reports to measure your GDS penetration;
3) Distribution channel contribution reports to review your brand, internet, wholesaler, GDS and other contributions to your revenue?

Receive monthly booking pace reports to review your revenue position compared to the same period last year along with an action plan for improvement?

receive monthly sales reports such as; Top Customers report showing the productivity of the hotel’s top 20 customers and the changes in their productivity year over year; reports on the returns generated by advertising expenditures in pay-per-click, GDS, print and other advertising media; and salesperson productivity reports to determine who sells and produces at your hotel?

Obtain reports on the effectiveness of your reservations department (such as conversion and coverage reports) and the quality of a guest’s stay through secret shopper calls or visits?

o Receive monthly reports on how satisfied your guests and staff are compared to your brand or similar hotels?

Receive reports on the industry performance in the areas of profitability, expenses, labor costs, REVPAR generation and market penetration of your hotel at least once a year to compare the performance of your management company?

o Receive annual reports on changes in the market, such as more or fewer competitors, new or closed businesses or industries in the area?

Or receive an annual marketing plan with monthly or quarterly updates on progress?

receive assistance in the planning and implementation of capital projects?

Receive an annual report on asset condition and franchise compliance?

As an owner, the ball is in your court and many times you hire a management company because you are too busy to get involved in the details necessary to ensure that the return on your hotel investment is maximized. Maybe it’s time you took some time to investigate if this is happening?

Real Estate

The difference between a check and a check stub

The difference between a check and a check stub can sometimes become confusing, especially if you’re just starting out in banking or working for the first time. In most cases, employers who write or print checks will send a check and pay stub to the employee to explain how the final pay was calculated. However, there are cases where a payment is made by check and no stub is attached, which is usually the case for contractors or freelancers. Vice versa, those who are paid through direct deposits can only receive the check stub as proof of payment.

What is a check?

According to the Princeton.edu website, a check is “a written order directing a bank to pay money.” When a person receives a check as payment, he provides a bank authorization for him to receive the full amount of the check, which is taken from the check provider’s account. If there are no funds available (insufficient), then no funds are distributed. As a legally binding document, checks can be used in court as a contract between the issuer and the recipient.

What information does a check contain?

Three types of information are found on checks: recipient information, supplier information, and bank information. Recipients will find their full legal name, the amount being paid to them on the check in standard numeric and numeric form. Traditionally, the writer’s contact information is also found on the check, to include her name (or company name), address, and contact phone number. Banking information including the bank routing number and issuer account number. Also, some banks may have a prominent logo.

What are the most common uses of checks?

Checks are most commonly used in exchange for a good or service. They represent legal tender and have the same functionality as currency.

What is a check stub?

A check stub is a record that details the information contained on a check. Since checks are sent to the bank for their cash value, the person(s) cashing the check does not retain any proof of the transaction. Therefore, the check recipient traditionally retains the stubs as a receipt.

What information does a check stub contain?

Paycheck stubs come in a variety of forms, such as paycheck stubs used on payroll or business stubs given to contractors. The most common information contained on the check stub includes the recipient’s name and account identification information (employee number, last four digits of social security number, etc.), the check issuer’s business information (name , address, etc.), the amount of the check, and a breakdown of how the final value of the check was calculated (withholdings, fees, etc.). On some check stubs (especially payroll records), a history of payments over a period of time may be present.

WWhat are the most common uses of check stubs?

Most of the time, check stubs are used as proof of income by the recipient. As a legal record of payment, these documents verify the amount received and are most often used to report proof of income.

Real Estate

You need to invest in real estate to achieve financial security – but educate yourself first!

Real estate investing has always been an attractive avenue to earn money and achieve financial independence, which would eliminate the need to worry about financial downtimes like the kind we are currently facing.

Unless you have been living on a remote and uninhabited island or planet, you are no doubt feeling the effects of the recession which has challenged the earning capacity of even the most prosperous individuals, groups/organizations and nations.

Those who survive and/or thrive despite all the uncertainty and adversity do so by adopting serious strategies to develop and nurture their money-making skills, especially in lucrative fields like real estate investing.

However, the problem has often been that most people in society, despite being aware of the potential benefits of real estate investment, lack the competence to profitably and profitably venture into this line of business.

Many of those who ventured in without getting reliable information and education to guide them have burned their fingers and become victims of a few rotten eggs that lure unsuspecting enthusiasts into bogus real estate investment deals.

As a real estate solutions provider, I have seen this happen for quite some time, and my desire to help potential buyers avoid such painful negative experiences means that I ALWAYS focus FIRST on educating them on the proper form or process of investing in real estate. real estate. .

I offer you details on how to confirm the condition of the land or building, and the relevant documents that you must have, while ensuring your investment in the future.

For example, I am often asked certain questions about the real estate solutions I offer by different potential clients. These same questions are being asked of others who do what I do, in the industry, including the corrupt looking to mislead, or even mislead, their customers.

In my case, I have developed the discipline over the years to tell the truth to every customer regardless of whether or not it might lead to a lost sale.

In the short term this may seem counterproductive, however in the long term, as my experience has repeatedly shown, it can pay big dividends in the form of powerful name/brand credibility due to your demonstrated integrity.

Here is an example of the answers I give to questions commonly asked by potential buyers:

Question: Distance (Isn’t that property too far from the city?)

Answer: Distance doesn’t really matter when it comes to making money. For example, most of us leave our various hometowns to do business in Lagos. Why? For the value and monetary benefits that we hope to obtain. Some of us own property outside of Nigeria, so acquiring some here in Nigeria’s new Lagos, currently attracting countless foreign investors, with its enormous potential and wealth, can only make MORE sense!

Notice from the above that my answer was given using points that were obvious and therefore easy to accept. In other words, they were based on verifiable facts and devoid of sentiment or exaggeration.

It is this sincere disposition that draws potential buyers to connect with me, long after I have engaged with them.

true story example

A few years ago, a former client recommended me to the London-based director of social responsibility from a senior decision-maker at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

We had a serious phone conversation here in Nigeria, and he finally came in for an inspection and bought 2 acres (12 parcels).

As I write these words, those parcels remain secure on our Dominion Gardens and Parks estate and have appreciated greatly in value ever since, as you can imagine.

For that buyer, who today owns those parcels, there is no doubt that she has reaped multiple returns on that investment made a few years ago.

However, all that was needed was the ability to make an accurate and well-informed DECISION to choose and purchase the right type of property at the right place, from the right source.

The best way to achieve the above combination of favorable circumstances (ie everything “right” you need!) is to contact a tried, tested and true provider of the solutions you need.

The client who referred me to this lady did so based on the memory that I delivered what I promised and landed the property at affordable prices, with valid documentation and without complications.

Your future financial independence can be secured through a smart investment in real estate.

But you have to start by giving yourself the right kind of information and education in order to get it right.

Take some time to identify a trusted expert who can advise you to achieve your chosen goal.

Do it FIRST, before you consider reaching into your pocket to pay for any property.

Real Estate

Yacht charter in Sicily, the Aeolian Islands and Calabria

This Italian beauty will leave you wanting more. There simply isn’t enough time on a sailing yacht charter to explore all the fantastic sailing terrain and go see all the stunning historical sites Sicily has to offer. Let us introduce you to some of them and tell you more about yacht charter in Sicily in detail.

What makes sailing holidays in Sicily so popular?

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. Together with the smaller surrounding islands, it constitutes the Region of Sicily, which is the largest autonomous region in Italy. With its favorable central location, it serves as a good transit station between the eastern and western Mediterranean. The large, jagged shoreline is well suited for safe anchorage and the prevailing northwesterly winds are ideal for sailing. In addition, you will find excellent sailing facilities and many ports, as well as mooring possibilities.

The island is easily accessible thanks to its 3 airports in Trapani, Palermo and Catania. The main ports are Trapani, Palermo, Messina and Catania, which are at the same time the capitals of their provinces. Messina is the busiest because of the ferry links to the Italian mainland and elsewhere in Sicily, and because it is a stopover for Mediterranean cruises. The distance to the Italian mainland from Messina is only 5 km. Traveling there by ferry from Civitavecchia, the closest port to Rome, can be much cheaper than flying there. The region of Calabria, which forms the southern tip of Italy, can also easily serve as a starting point for chartering an Aeolian yacht. It has its three main airports in Reggio, in Lamezia Terme and in Crotone.

Sicily benefits from a mild climate with no significant tides, a rich culture and history, as well as excellent seafood and cuisine. The spectacular rocky landscape due to the volcanic origin of the island is something to behold. There are fertile mountains, beautiful aquamarine waters and many hidden coves to anchor quietly.

On top of all that, Sicily boasts impressive natural attractions like Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, or the Stromboli volcano in the Aeolian Islands, as well as numerous ancient historical sites.

Some relevant information to rent a bareboat in Sicily:

Location: southern tip of the Italian peninsula

Capital: Palermo

Total length of coastline: 1,483.9 km (including minor islands)

Total area: 25,711 km²

Highest point: Mount Etna, 3,329 m

Main airports: Trapani; palermo; Catania

Population: approx. 5,100,000

Country code: +39

Climate: Temperate, Mediterranean

What are the main charter destinations in Sicily?

The main charter flight bases are in Marsala, Trapani, Terrasini, Palermo, Sant`Agata di Militello and Portorosa. It is very convenient to get to Terrasini, as it is located only 10 km west of Palermo airport. However, all of those ports are located only 2 hours or less from an airport. They are concentrated in the north as it is very popular for charterers to go from there to the Aeolian Islands. It is also possible to rent a yacht from Reggio Calabria on the mainland and cross the Strait of Messina to go to the Aeolian Islands. The Strait of Messina has a traffic separation system and for pleasure boats it is mandatory to notify the Coast Guard before crossing.

The western corner of Sicily has a steep coastline with many coves, beaches and anchorages.

From Trapani head to the three Egadi Islands, which are a nature reserve with mooring buoys and anchorages. Fees apply and park rangers who arrive at the boat will pick you up and tell you which places to visit.

In a stretch of about 10 nautical miles between Trapani and Palermo, on the north coast, are the beautiful port cities of San Vito lo Capo, Castellammare del Golfo, Balestrate and Terrasini. They all have pontoons to moor. Also on the north coast is Palermo. Better than going to its unpleasant and smelly main port would be to use the Marina Villa Igiea with 379 berths for boats up to 65m or the Marina Arenalla with 200 berths for yachts up to 30m. Continue along the north coast and visit the medieval town of Cefalu and the sheltered port town of Portarosa with good facilities, resorts and restaurants.

Sail through the beautiful Aeolian Islands. They boast a wonderfully rugged and picturesque coastline. The anchorages are quite exposed, so it is safer to spend the night in port. There is beautiful and tourist Lipari. Then Stromboli which erupts every 20 min releasing ash and lava into the air which is spectacular at night. Vulcano Island is a fascinating rental destination. You can go to the edge of the crater and smell the sulfuric acid fumes. Alikudi, Filikudi, Panarea and Salina are the smaller islands.

Cruise along the popular East Coast. From Messina, cover the approx. 25 nautical miles to Taormina. Sail along the steep cliffs with coves and sandy beaches and around the small Isola Bella, a nature reserve connected to Sicily through a sandbar. About 10 nautical miles further south is the small town of Riposto, where you can stock up at the excellent food market. About 20 nautical miles further south it reaches Catania and it is about 30 nautical miles further to Syracuse. This ancient city has a very good marina from where you can walk directly to the lively historic center.

Port towns worth mentioning in the south are Sciacca, Licata with its highly sheltered marina and the spa town of Ragusa with a marina of 800 berths for yachts up to 20m.

What important weather systems are there for sailing in Sicily?

Sicily has mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Catania, on the east coast, boasts the highest average number of hours of sunshine in all of Europe at 2,492 per year. This breaks down to a pleasant 6.8 hours per day. On the island in general, July breaks the record with a whopping 14 hours of sunshine a day.

While the Sirocco brings hot air from Africa, the Mistral tempers and cools the summer heat. Winds from the northwest prevail with a force of 3 – 4.

There are tidal currents in the Strait of Messina, but they are quite weak compared to those in the Atlantic or other oceans.

Summary of weather conditions for sailing a yacht charter in Sicily:

Months with the highest average temperature: July, August, 26°

Months with the lowest average temperature: January/February, 12°

Month with highest average precipitation: December, 79 mm

Months with the lowest average rainfall: June/July, 10 mm

Average wind speed May – October: 8 – 12 knots

Month with the highest average water temperature: August, 27°

Months with the lowest average water temperature: February/March, 15°

Main season: mid-April – October

How much does it cost to rent a yacht in Sicily and what are the different types of charter?

You can rent a 12m sailboat, for example, from around €2,000 and up. Prices increase according to the size, model and equipment of the yacht. Day charter is available, mainly in the form of motor boat rentals. You can also choose between renting a catamaran and renting a sailboat or a motor yacht. Then there is bareboat or skippered yacht charter and you can opt for a crewed charter that includes a chef as well as hostesses and deckhands. The latter will undoubtedly be the case for large luxury yachts. In Italy, it is often common to rent a RIB to explore the area or just have a nice excursion on the water. And flotilla vacations are a very popular type of charter for family sailing vacations.

What activities besides sailing are there on a bareboat charter in Sicily?

If you’re into racing, check out the demanding and challenging ‘Middle Sea Race’ in October, a round-the-island regatta that starts in Malta and then circumnavigates Sicily.

Visit Cefalu, a beautiful medieval city on the north coast with an impressive Duomo dating from 1131.

In Catania, you can admire two Roman amphitheatres. Also visit the open-air market that sells amazing fish and the Piazza del Duomo with its impressive cathedral.

A must-see is the Aeolian Islands, an immensely beautiful archipelago and UNESCO world heritage site. There are active volcanoes and picturesque towns like Lipari with many dive companies and charming boutiques and restaurants.

In the hilltop town of Taormina near Mount Etna, visit the famous Teatro Antico, an ancient Greco-Roman theater still in use today. Stroll through the pretty cobbled streets and enjoy the magnificent views from the top of the high cliff.

Take a tour of Mount Etna on the east coast between Messina and Catania. It covers an area of ​​1,190 km² and is permanently active.

Syracuse is an old historic city with massive fortifications. It has a slightly faded charm, good shopping, and a large Baroque cathedral incorporating parts of a Greek temple built around 500BC. The nearby Necropolis of Pantalica dating from 700 to 1300 BC. C. is home to thousands of rock-cut tombs and is a spectacular sight.

In the Valley of the Temples, an archaeological site in Agrigento on the south coast, is the impressive ancient Greek Temple of Concordia, illuminated at night, as well as six other temples. It is one of the main attractions of Sicily.

Visit stunning Ragusa with many historical sights, churches and amazing architecture.

To soak up some pure, unspoiled nature, head to Sila National Park in Calabria, which is said to have the cleanest air in Europe.

Check out the nightlife, namely Palermo’s Kursaal Kalhesa bar in a restored aristocratic palace and the Caffe Internazionale. In Taormina experience it at the Daiquiri Lounge or at the Morgana Lounge Bar.

Try water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, water skiing, wake boarding, wind surfing, stand up paddle boarding and many more.

Try tasty and healthy cuisine that incorporates a wide variety of vegetables and seafood. There are also some very famous sweet dishes such as ice cream and many pastry specialties so go ahead and enjoy!

Real Estate

Cost of Adding a Greenhouse Extension to Your Home

If you want to add a conservatory to your home, know that it can help increase the value of your property. It will also provide a nice place for your children. You can also place your favorite plants in this area. This investment will increase the value of your property. So is it worth it. In this article, we will give you a deeper insight into the cost of conservative extensions. Keep reading to know more.

Factors that determine the cost of this project

In addition to the cost of labor, other factors, such as the cost of material, affect the total cost. It is important to note that the main material is the type of translucent panels. The price of these units will affect the price of this addition and the comfort level of the conservatory. Similarly, it will also have an impact on energy bills.

The least expensive material is polycarbonate. Other alternatives include double door panels. They can be a good option as far as cost is concerned. Another factor you may want to consider is the material of the frame. If you want to get a low cost material, you can go for uPVC. But if you have a big budget, you can invest in natural wood.

If you’re looking for the best value for money, you can opt for brick, aluminum, metal, and engineered wood. Make sure that the material you have selected can complement your home.

Other factors

The size of the greenhouse is another factor that will affect the cost. For larger conservatories, the cost is usually higher. For larger units, you will have to pay the cost of labor. Therefore, the size of your conservatory is an important factor.

Design will also play a big role in determining the cost of your new project. The cost will vary depending on the type of roof. Some good options include Victorian, Gable, Orangery, Edwardian, and Lean-to, just to name a few. Apart from this, you can choose between dwarf walls or full walls depending on your personal preferences. Obviously full walls will cost more.

low budget options

If you’re on a budget, you can build a conservatory without spending a lot of money. To do this, you will need to opt for a simple design and use low-cost materials. You better take a look at different conservatories when making a choice. Apart from this, you can ask for any display model that is on sale. Usually these units are sold at a low price. Therefore, these units can be a great option if you want to save a lot of money.

Material types that are low in cost include white uPVC and polycarbonate roof coverings. Side panels should be made of enameled glass as they are inexpensive.

Long story short, this was a description of the cost of adding a conservatory to your home. If you want to make this addition to your home, we suggest you consider the factors mentioned in this article. Hopefully, you will find this article useful.