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  • Clean Air Facts: What are the Benefits of an Air Purifier?

    Clean Air Facts: What are the Benefits of an Air Purifier?

    Introduction

    When it comes to home devices, you may wonder: what are the benefits of an air purifier? Why should you own one? In this article, we listed down some of the features and pros of an air purifier that will get you convinced as to why you’ll want to buy one for the home (or office).

    Photo by form PxHere

    Nowadays, air quality is becoming a concern due to the various pollutants and airborne diseases that threaten our lives. We care about you and your family and that’s why we want you to know the many health benefits that you’ll get from using an air purifier correctly.

    Photo by Álvaro Bernal on Unsplash

    Thanks to the technology that we have today, these air purifiers have special filters that will clean up even the smallest bit of dust in the air, resulting in comfortable breathing space.

    What are the benefits of an air purifier?

    If you are wondering about the benefits of an air purifier (and why you should have one at home or in the office), here are some of them:

    1. It helps alleviate allergies

    Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is a terrible experience for most people. While most people have it during springtime to the summer season, some may experience it all year round. That’s where air purifiers come in handy.

    Some air purifiers even have turbo modes that are especially useful for high pollen counts. If you have a garden and you have allergies (or someone in the home does), we recommend an air purifier to help lessen the pollen-induced sneezing.

    Photo by Mor Shani on Unsplash

    2. You sleep better

    Do you ever cough so extensively in the middle of the night? It’s probably due to stuffy air and polluted breathing space. An air purifier is a solution to that – simply run your unit all night long and it will help reduce the particles in the air, helping you to breathe comfortably.

    What’s more, many air purifiers have convenient features such as a timer, automatic sensor, and light-dimming modes to help you sleep soundly.

    3. Controlled fried food smells

    If your biggest problem is a smelly kitchen, an air purifier will help you with that problem. Just make sure you get an air purifier with an activated carbon filter, which will clean up odor from the room by absorbing it.

    Food smells such as those from fried chicken and even leftover takeouts can linger in your kitchen, especially if you haven’t cleaned up for days. An air purifier will help reduce the foul smell – coupled with washing the dishes, of course. 

    Photo by LOGAN WEAVER on Unsplash

    4. Alleviates asthma attacks

    Just like with allergic rhinitis, asthma attacks will also be reduced if you have an air purifier around. Asthma worsens when there are too many particles in the air that causes the symptoms to act up. That’s why having an air purifier around will help asthmatic patients.

    To get the most out of your air purifier, we recommend getting a medical-grade or H13 HEPA filter instead of just a regular type. This type of HEPA filter will clean up smaller particles as much as 0.1 microns, contrary to 0.3 microns for the regular HEPA filter. That’s also a good reason why it’s called medical-grade – they use it in hospitals.

    5. They can disinfect homes

    If your air purifier filter is of medical-grade (as mentioned above), it can disinfect your home from certain bacteria and viruses, but a UV-C sanitizer is also a plus. While not all manufacturers have this sanitizing lamp, it’s a great addition to your air purifier when it comes to eliminating threats of viruses n your home or office – just make sure to use it responsibly.

    6. Reduce tobacco and cooking smoke

    As mentioned above, air purifiers will help in reducing odor, and smoke is included in the list. Tobacco smoke can release harmful VOCs in the air and cooking smoke is just downright suffocating. With the help of an air purifier with an activated carbon filter plus a HEPA filter, the smoke smell will go away.

    7. They’re great for pet homes

    Did we mention that air purifiers are great at catching pet dander? If you have a Fido or a Tabby at home, you’ll want an air purifier to help reduce the likelihood of sneezing due to your dog or cat shedding.

    If you want to find out more, check out this extensive and informative article listing down the benefits of an air purifier (and why you should get one).

    Is it worth buying an air purifier?

    Yes, air purifiers are worthy investments for the home or office. Whether it’s a tabletop or cubicle air purifier that’s small enough to fit between your computer and your file organizer, or if it’s a tower-type that you set beside a large file cabinet, air purifiers come in all shapes and sizes for various room types.

    When you buy an air purifier for your personal space, you’ll feel the difference as it cleans up the pollution obtained from the outside world. Whether it’s pet dander, smoke, dust, pollen, and the like, an air purifier will sweep it up.

    Photo by mohamed hassan form PxHere

    Can air purifiers help babies?

    Definitely – air purifiers help babies sleep better and also protect them from attacks on their immune system. When the air is clean enough for a baby to sleep, they won’t get a cough from dust or illnesses from airborne particles. 

    If mold is a problem in your household, air purifiers with an activated carbon filter will help reduce the mold spores. What’s more, most air purifiers run quietly (and can also dim the display lights) so they won’t disturb your baby while they sleep. 

    Many units also have Wi-Fi capability so controlling them using a smartphone is possible. That means you don’t have to go to the baby room just to adjust the fan speed.

    Will air purifiers help me sleep better?

    You may wonder: does an air purifier help with improved sleeping routines? Yes – air purifiers will help insomniacs with the following features: 

    • Low-noise modes for the fan (look for levels lower than 28 dB)
    • Light-dimming mode (some models have this feature)
    • True HEPA filter (cleans up dust for you to lessen coughing)
    • Activated carbon filter (absorbs bad, stuffy smells)
    • Auto mode (the air purifier will detect the air quality and adjust the speed on its own)
    • Timer (no need to wake up at 2 in the morning just to turn the unit off!)

    Conclusion

    To sum it up, do air purifiers improve health? We’d say yes – air purifiers are all-around home cleaners for the air that you breathe. Coupled with proper vacuuming, laundering, and other home maintenance needs, your air purifier, when used correctly, will provide you, your family, and your guests with a breathable space to live in.

  • Common Strata Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Them

    Common Strata Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Them

    Accidents happen daily to most of us. However careful you are, a tree may fall and damage your window or, an accident may happen in your driveway.

    Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash

    Strata insurance is insurance that is in charge of taking care of strata title real estate. It might include roofs, exterior walls, driveway, and car parks. It also covers people working within the residence or visitors.

    Strata insurance is a legal qualification in all Australian states. Its best for the owners and residents to speak with their community manager on the several strata insurance coverages in the market. Get several options from strata insurance experts and select the best cover they need.

    5 Common Claims and How to Prevent Them

    Several forms of claims can be avoided. They include storms, break-ins, and floods. Read ahead as we get to expound on them.

    Photo by Sarah Brown on Unsplash

    1.     Fire Accident

    Fire can start fast and spread quickly. The damage afterwards can be unimaginable, resulting in losses. Have fire safety equipment fitted in each building.

    Appliances should be serviced frequently, and if anyone reports a faulty bulb or wiring, fix it immediately. 

    You may want to install residual current devices to protect against electric shock that might be fatal.

    The residential fires to be familiar with include:

    ·        Kitchen fires caused by overheating pans, fryers, or a blown-up microwave

    ·        Candles neglected in the room

    ·        Fires from leftover cigarettes

    ·        Malfunctioning or old appliances

    2.     Leaks

    Leaks and burst pipes can lead to heavy claims if not fixed on time. Repair and maintenance should be observed at all times. Leaks can be hard to detect, but you can get a professional with modern machines. They will help detect where the issue is without further damage to the pipes.

    Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash

    Areas to check for leaks include:

    ·        Check out the walls and ceilings for watermarks or stains.

    ·        Search for leaking taps or showerheads.

    ·        Clean the roof and check out for broken tiles.

    3. Accidents

    Secure communal areas and make sure they are well maintained, uncluttered and neat. Common driveways or pathways should be clear from obstacles to prevent accidents. Before you dig in your garden, ensure there are no wires beneath to damage the networks.

    4. Storms and Flood Damage

    The weather and climate changes might be something to look into. Some parts of the world are lucky to have sunny weather but what about countries that experience storms and frequent rain?

    Make sure your building is stormproof by:

    ·        Trim trees to prevent the branches from falling on houses.

    ·        Clear gutters and drainages to prevent blockages during heavy rains.

    ·        Keep electrical appliances or valuable content out of areas that are risky of flooding.

    Ensure that your tenants are ready and prepared if a storm is approaching. Check-in on your tenants and make sure they are safe. Listen to local weather reports and be aware of what is happening. In case your property is hit hard by the harsh weather, your priority is to check on the residents and whether they are safe.

    Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash

    5. Theft Damages

    Theft or break-in is a common strata insurance claim. Thieves normally target easy and accessible things that are in the common area. They may include BBQs and gym equipment. These are easy targets as the thieves may pose as residents. You may consider putting these types of equipment in a safe environment.

    Replacing those items, inclusive of broken windows or new locks, might be expensive in the long run. Here are a few steps you and the residents can take to prevent theft in the building:

    Photo by Adeolu Eletu on Unsplash

    ·        When you happen to see an unfamiliar face. Question them on where they are heading.

    ·        You might consider putting smart locks in the common arrears like gyms.

    ·        Don’t leave doors open at night.

    ·        Get to know your neighbours and the tenants. It will help you recognize new faces.

    ·        Increase security systems like motion lights, alarms, and security cameras

  • A clear mission to improve air quality—and wellbeing

    A clear mission to improve air quality—and wellbeing

    On August 14, 2014, when uHoo was founded by young entrepreneur Dustin Onghansen and tech whiz Brian Lin, they had one vision in mind: to help people monitor and manage indoor air quality, whether in the office or in the home.

    Photo by Tatiana Zhukova on Unsplash

    The objective was as clear as air: to help improve the lives, health and wellbeing of others.

    It was no simple task for it was truly daunting and challenging. Imagine finding a solution to something that should be everyone’s best friend and the most essential element of our human existence—the air we breathe—which can also be every one’s enemy if left dirty and polluted.

    Photo by Luca on Unsplash

    Especially now that the human race is fighting another form of virus that has already killed millions of people around the world, the race to keep the quality of the air we breathe continues, to make it virus-free and liberated from all other pollutants like dust, pollen, allergens and bacteria.

    That is why in its 7th year, as uHoo celebrates its annual #uHooDay, uHoo would like to share the company’s advocacy to as many people as possible. For uHoo, they need people to take heed of the dangers that dirty, unmonitored air quality brings to them, to their families, loved ones and friends.

    It is not surprising that helping monitor clean air in the home or office became the life-long mission of both Dustin and Brian. They share the same chronic respiratory conditions that have bothered them their entire lifetime, Dustin with allergic rhinitis and Brian with asthma.

    Photo by Maxwell Nelson on Unsplash

    Their conditions necessitated a solution that would help alleviate the effects of their respiratory problems, and more so that of other people. It is not about just providing a stop-gap solution but a permanent one, starting with the root cause of the problem: the air they breathe. Their life and wellbeing are at stake.

    Which is why uHoo air quality monitor came about, a product that served as a “light in the tunnel” for their and 300 million other people around the world with similar or even worse respiratory problems—and continue to suffer silently.

    Well, not anymore because by using uHoo, residents and office inhabitants can now track and identify effectively several air-quality factors that affect our health and wellbeing. With uHoo, it helps track, test and monitor the air we breathe—temperature, carbon dioxide, humidity, airborne chemicals, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, and air pressure—to make us feel better.

    Photo by zhu wei on Unsplash

    Good thing that uHoo also has the uHoo Virus Index that makes the invisible “visible” so we can see the air around us and fight viruses indoors by using air quality data and help deactivate them in order to make the air optimized for our health and safety.

    During these unprecedented times, especially because of the pandemic, we need to be wary of indoor air quality. This “invisible war” of knowing the kind of air we breathe is a serious problem, coupled with the mandatory wearing of personal protective equipment like face masks, face shields and also social distancing that has gotten into our nerves.

    So, don’t worry because uHoo got our backs. On uHoo Day, it’s nice to get your own uHoo for your home or office and be on guard to protect the air we breathe so that it will sustain us and not harm us.

  • Most popular basement renovations

    Most popular basement renovations

    There’s so much you can do with a basement. A room underground, without windows or natural light, lends itself to all sorts of fun renovations. This guide will look at the most popular ways to renovate a basement. 

    Photo by Possessed Photography on Unsplash

    Home Bar 

    Having a home bar in the basement gives you and your friends and family somewhere to have fun without having to go out. Whether you want it for parties or just to hang out with your spouse, setting up a home bar is a great way to make the most of your basement.

    Games Room 

    Having a games room in your basement is great for kids and adults alike. Whether it’s board games or video games, the fun will be had by all. If you choose to include a pool table, table tennis table, or dartboard, make sure you have adequate light sources for late-night battles. You could even turn it into a casino room and have a poker night with your buddies. Just make sure you practice on Spincasino.com first.

    Photo by Fons Heijnsbroek on Unsplash

    Den or Informal Living Room 

    A den or informal living room in the basement is a great way to have somewhere you can relax away from the rest of your home. It’s also a nice place for guests to sit down and unwind. If you don’t want them sleeping on your couch when they visit, that is. A den is also an extra room for you to watch television in or just get some peace and quiet.

    Wine Cellar 

    Having your wine collection close at hand is a great idea if you like to have friends over for a glass. You can store all of your bottles in the basement, and then just bring them up when you’re ready for a party. Whether you go with an old-fashioned brick cellar or one of the modern options, having a wine cellar is a great way to make the most of your basement.

    Photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash

    Theater / Media Room  

    While you can turn your basement into a theater by building out the room and adding furniture, there’s plenty of other ways to do it that are more affordable. If you have the electronics already, why not watch movies down there? You can also go for something unique and build a home cinema in your basement instead of a traditional media room.

    Library  

    Having a library in your basement is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. An underground room lets you stay out of the way, while still being able to enjoy some peace and quiet. Whether you want to read or write, it’s a great place for relaxation. It also gives you the perfect opportunity to store your extensive collection of books.

    Photo by Svetlana Gumerova on Unsplash

    Home Gym 

    If you like working out, investing in a home gym is a great way to make the most of your basement. You can have anything from free weights and equipment to cardio machines and cross-trainers. Whatever you want, you can get it for your basement home gym as long as you have the space for it.

  • Should I Hire A Company To Install an AC?

    Should I Hire A Company To Install an AC?

    Air conditioners are necessary for people living in areas with a hot and humid climate. In fact, air conditioners are a necessity more than a luxury in these places.

    Image by Universal Service from Pixabay

    However, for an AC to function efficiently in these homes, it needs professional installation. And, although some people prefer DIY AC installation, it can lead to a costly disaster. 

    Although DIY enthusiasts prefer the installation of air conditioning systems on their own to save money, they end up spending more money than they expected. And why is this? It requires experience and skills to install an air conditioner properly and efficiently. 

    Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

    So, when it comes to installing an AC unit in your home or office, always consider hiring a company that specializes in AC installation. The more knowledgeable and skilled the company is, the better the chances of getting the AC installed professionally. Therefore, you will not need to make any frequent or unnecessary adjustments and repairs to your system. With that said, let’s look at the top reasons why you should hire a company to install AC on your property.  

    Reduces the chances of making costly mistakes

    Typically, AC systems have different components, all of which play an equal role in making your system operate efficiently. Thus, the slightest damage to any of these components can affect the performance of your air conditioner. So, unless you are experienced in handling all the components of an AC system, there’s a chance that you will compromise one of these components during the installation. 

    Damaging a single part, or cutting an important wire, or improper AC installation can lead to costly and dangerous consequences. Therefore, to avoid the high cost of AC installation, consider hiring a professional AC installation company. 

    Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

    Gives you peace of mind

    Another reason why you should hire an AC installation company is to get peace of mind since you will be assured that your AC system was installed by a professional. A professional AC installation company is the best bet if you want to make sure proper installation of your system. Besides, professional installation ensures that your air conditioner functions optimally throughout the entire year. 

    To keep your warranty valid

    Most AC manufacturers require certified companies to do the installation for the warranty to remain valid. Therefore, you should hire a certified AC installation company if you want your warranty to remain valid. Choosing to do a DIY installation can render your warranty void, meaning you wouldn’t get to enjoy its benefits in case your system breaks down. 

    Technicians from certified AC installation companies know the ins and outs of AC systems. That means, they can ensure a safe installation, to prevent the AC from being damaged during installation. And, in case the air conditioner breaks down, you are assured that it’s covered by the warranty. 

    Safety

    The experts from Hartman, Air Conditioning Installation Company agree that DIY air conditioner installation has a lot of possible hazards. From handling items like fan blades, sharp metallic debris, electrical parts, and refrigerant. The sad thing is, you might not realize these potential hazards because you are not aware of them. Hiring a company to install your AC can keep you out of harm’s way. 

    Knowledge and experience

    AC installation experts have tons of experience and knowledge when it comes to installing different models of air conditioners. This is another reason why you should hire an AC installation company. There are many things that you don’t know about AC installation if you lack the necessary training. That means you might face endless and unnecessary challenges during the installation process. So, why don’t you hire an AC installation company to avoid dealing with these challenges?

    Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

    Efficiency and time

    As the good old saying goes, time is money. With that said, you should understand that AC installation is time-consuming. And, this is something you want to avoid. Instead of spending an entire weekend installing your air conditioner, you can spend that time with your family if you opt to hire an AC installation company. Besides, a DIY AC installation can end up costing you a lot of money, more than you’d have spent on an AC installation company. 

    Hiring an AC installation company is the most practical option because—apart from saving you money, it helps you save time. An installation company also clears any doubts about the installation because they have the experience to do a professional job. 

    Professional AC installation companies are known for their efficiency. The companies use different methods and skills, which allow them to get the installation job done within the shortest time possible. The skills, pace, and technologies applied by these companies increase their installation efficiency. That makes it worth hiring a company to install your air conditioner. 

    Accountability

    In case your air conditioner malfunctions immediately after the company installs it, you can contact the company immediately for repairs or compensation. Most AC installation companies offer installation warranties, meaning they can repair your system for free if it’s damaged within a certain timeframe. Besides, these companies are accountable for their services, meaning they cannot fail to rectify the problem. On the contrary, if you choose to do a DIY installation, and your AC breaks down, there’d be no one to take responsibility for. 

  • Can You Sealcoat Your Driveway by Your Own?

    Can You Sealcoat Your Driveway by Your Own?

    Sealcoating your driveway is one of the easiest and cost-effective ways of protecting and prolonging the lifespan of your driveway.

    Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

    Typically, asphalt paved surfaces are susceptible to general wear and tear from traffic and weather. However, sealing your driveway regularly gives your driveway the extra protection it needs to resist deterioration and last longer. So, now you understand why you need to sealcoat your driveway. 

    However, most people wonder whether they can sealcoat their driveway on their own, or they should hire a sealcoating contractor for the project. The answer is, you can sealcoat your driveway on your own. However, you must have the right tools and skills for this to be successful. How can you sealcoat your driveway? It starts with preparation. 

    Photo by Jonas Jaeken on Unsplash

    Preparing your driveway for sealcoating

    Typically, asphalt driveways are designed to last for around 30 years. However, your driveway cannot last that long unless it was installed properly and you do regular maintenance. To keep your driveway in a good condition, you must fill cracks whenever they appear, and also schedule sealcoating after every three years. 

    Preparing your driveway for sealcoating is a very tedious task, which can take a full day. Applying the sealer, on the other hand, is the easiest task of all, which takes a few hours to complete. You can even do it with sealcoat sprayers from Asphalt Industrial. Here are 4 tips to help you prepare your driveway for sealing:

    • Choose a day with the perfect weather – this is the first step, which is very important. Scout the weather reports seeing if you can get at least three days of hot temperature, without rain.
    • Determine the size of your driveway – you need to take the dimensions of your driveway—this will help you know the number of materials you need. 
    Photo by Dillon Kydd on Unsplash
    • Clean your driveway – always make sure that you have removed all the dirt, leaves, grass, loose gravel, and other debris from your driveway before you start your sealcoating project. These can make your sealer lose its effectiveness. 
    • Repair the driveway – this is the last thing to do before sealcoating your driveway. Inspect it to see if there are any cracks, and then use an asphalt patch to fill the cracks. 

    Sealcoating your driveway

    First of all, you will need to look for an alternative parking spot before you start your project. This is because you will need to wait for some time before the sealant dries up. You can wait for up to 48 hours if you apply two coats. 

    Preparing the sealant

    • According to the experts from CSG Sealcoating, Tampa, you should place the sealer cans with the lids down. This allows the solids in the sealer to move around, thus making it easier to mix the sealer before application. 
    • Use a corded drill with a paddle to mix the sealer. Besides, look for a piece of plywood to create a flat and stable work surface to mix the sealer and station your tools. 
    • Although DIY sealcoating projects can be done with push brooms and shovels, it becomes easier when you use a squeegee. So, make sure you have one in place—it will make work easier for you. 
    • Since you have to apply a complete coat to avoid color or lap problems, you should purchase an extra container of sealant, just in case. You can save the container for final touch-ups. Besides, it serves as an insurance policy in the event your driveway requires more sealant than expected.
    Photo by Matt Safian on Unsplash

    Define the borders

    • Here, you have to use room painting as an example. Define the borders of your driveway using a 5-inch paintbrush. 
    • Apply the sealant into the crannies and nooks.
    • If your driveway has areas that are hard to define or need extra protection like garage doors or slabs or paver steps, tape them off. 

    Applying the sealant

    • Apply the sealant on your driveway. However, be careful to avoid spattering on areas that you shouldn’t, like tile floor, decking, garage door, or tiles. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s directions when applying the sealant. 
    • If you have a thicker sealant, consider scrubbing it with the brush side of the mop—this allows it to integrate better with rougher surfaces of an old driveway. If you have a thinner sealant, on the other hand, use the squeegee side to spread it. 
    • Now, depending on the kind of sealant that you have, you might need one or two coats. Either way. Make sure that you coat the entire surface. 
    • As you apply the sealant, start adding a new bucket when you are about halfway with the first bucket. This ensures that any color disparity is spread out evenly, leading to a new-looking and uniform driveway.
    Photo by Stephen Crowley on Unsplash

    Common mistakes to avoid during DIY driveway sealcoating

    • Don’t depend on your sealer to fill the cracks on your driveway. Make sure you’ve filled them before applying the sealer. 
    • Don’t forget to clean and prepare your driveway before you start your project. Failing to do that will make the sealant not stick on the driveway. 
    • Make sure you stir the sealant properly—and don’t use a stir stick as it will not blend the solids and water to give you the consistent mixture you need. 
    • Avoid using the wrong applicator. Using a squeegee when the instructions specify brush or vice versa can cause premature failure of the sealer. 
    • Sealcoating your driveway too often will make the sealer flake off. Therefore, you must wait until you start seeing asphalt aggregate before applying a new coat. 
  • Everything You Need To Know About Business Broker License

    Everything You Need To Know About Business Broker License

    Business brokers are also called intermediaries or business transfer agents. They play an important role in the world of buying and selling businesses. They take on a variety of tasks aimed to help clients achieve their goals, either to acquire or transfer a business. Some business brokers specialize in certain industries or possess unique, technical characteristics. 

    Photo by Joshua Mayo on Unsplash

    Over the recent years, we’ve seen how the business brokerage industry has exploded. Employment opportunities in the sector are ever vibrant and are expected to grow further in the coming years. Hence, it is not surprising why many want to take on this career path.

    If you want to be part of this industry, you’re probably wondering if business brokers need a license. Here are some important things you need to know about a business broker license.

    Photo by Cedrik Wesche on Unsplash

    Do business brokers hold a license?

    A professional license is proof of competence to practice a certain trade, work, or specialization. Professional license requirements for business brokers vary per state. As of date, 16 states require a license to practice the profession, including Florida. Meanwhile, some 13 states require a license as a realtor to commence a career. In other states, a license is not required as long as you work under a brokerage company.

    However, all business brokerage agencies or companies are required to secure a business license, which is different from a professional license. This ensures that the brokerage firm has the necessary legal documents to conduct business.

    Photo by Joshua Mayo on Unsplash

    How to become a business broker?

    Unlike other regulated professions, business brokers don’t have an established licensing system; hence, the requirements differ per state. 

    Generally, licensing bodies require education, training, and experience to sit for an exam. Once you pass the exam, you can become licensed. 

    But as mentioned above, each state has unique licensing requirements. For example, in Florida, anyone who practices the sale of small businesses needs a general real estate broker license. To be eligible to sit for the Florida broker license exam, you need to possess either a four-year degree in real estate or a two-year sales associate license. In California, business brokers are required to have a real estate agent license and work under a real estate broker, even for transactions that don’t involve real estate.

    Photo by Ishant Mishra on Unsplash

    Why do business brokers need real estate licenses?

    An Orlando Business Broker emphasized that, technically, there is no “business broker license” available. It might sound absurd but what states require is a real estate license. 

    A real estate license is required to entitle you to charge a commission or fee for the transfer or sale of real estate. And since most business transactions involve the transfer or sale of real estate, acquiring a license in real estate is necessary. 

    Selling a business is very much like selling a real estate. Although business brokers require a unique skill set, education and training, they share the same concepts in law, taxation, and accounting. So, a solid background in real estate is extremely relevant and useful for business brokers.

    Photo by Joshua Mayo on Unsplash

    What is a board-certified broker?

    To regulate the business brokerage sector, some states have established professional associations that oversee the practice. These associations set the requirements for the profession. For example, in the State of Texas, the Texas Association of Business Brokers (TABB) determines the educational, training, and examination requirements of business brokers.

    Board-certified brokers are professionals who have satisfactorily met the association’s requirements. They have met the core education and experience requirements, passed a certification exam, complied with ethical standards, and met the continuing education requirements.

    Is a license enough to succeed in the business broker industry?

    Although having a license or being board certified is important, it does not guarantee instant success. Below are some critical elements you need in your practice.

    Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash
    • Education and training
    • Mentoring
    • Patience
    • Negotiating skills
    • Business management and operations experience
    • Communication skills
    • Self-discipline
    • Integrity and fairness
    • Persistence

    Starting a career as a business broker is not simple. There are many hurdles that you need to overcome but for the right person, it can be challenging, interesting, and exciting. With the right mix of education, experience, and personal traits, a business broker career can be lucrative.

  • Appliance Repair: How to Start a Business from a Scratch

    Appliance Repair: How to Start a Business from a Scratch

    Whether you’ve been repairing appliances all your life or want to start from scratch, an appliance repair business can be an appealing option.

    Photo by fauxels from Pexels

    The demand for high-quality appliance repair services is high. In 2021, the appliance repair market size exceeds $4.5 billion.

    While the market is highly competitive, there is always room for top-notch services. That’s why starting a business is an excellent idea, especially if the market in your area isn’t oversaturated.

    Pros and Cons of an Appliance Repair Business

    These important pros and cons can help you make a decision about starting an appliance repair business.

    Photo by fauxels from Pexels

    Pros:

    ·         Flexibility – starting your own business means you can structure your work time any way you like.

    ·         Connections – you can make excellent connections with clients that could take you to a new level of business ownership.

    ·         High retention – once you prove yourself to the first clients, they are likely to stay with you for decades and recommend your business to others.

    ·         Costs – you don’t need an office for your company so you can operate it from home. This type of business doesn’t require high startup costs.

    ·         Predictable income – once you have regular clients, you can enjoy a predictable revenue stream.

    ·         Growth opportunities – you have limitless opportunities for growth and expansion beyond your initial location.

    ·         Quick results – as soon as you land your first client, you can start getting steady revenue and enjoy word-of-mouth marketing.

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    Cons:

    ·         Competition – appliance repair business can be highly competitive so you need to work hard to steal market share.

    ·         Time commitment – you have to be ready to invest a substantial amount of time in running an appliance repair business, especially when you start hiring employees.

    ·         Low margins – the gross margins of an appliance repair business are usually low.

    Overall, if you are ready to invest time and money in the appliance repair business, you have a good chance of succeeding.

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    Let’s take a closer look at the first steps to take to start an appliance repair business from scratch.

    1. Obtain Financing

    If you are starting an appliance repair business from scratch, you need to invest money in equipment, transportation, salaries (if you aren’t a solopreneur), and much more. If you don’t have sufficient funds available, you may need to borrow money. Some of the loan options to consider are:

    ·         SBA Loans

    ·         Business credit cards

    ·         Business loans

    Try not to mix personal and business finances. This can lead to certain issues in case something goes wrong, and you face a lawsuit.  

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    2. Get Transportation and Equipment

    According to experts from Hartman’s Jacksonville appliance repair, for your appliance business, you are likely to need a truck or a van. You’d need it to transport equipment and travel to your clients’ homes. If you are a solopreneur, you may be able to settle for driving your own car for a while. However, with time, you would still need a company vehicle.

    Since appliance repair experts deal with many different appliances, they have to carry numerous tools and some spare parts. Before you go to your first client, you need to have a basic collection of equipment and parts packed in your truck.

    3. Work on Marketing

    Marketing and advertising are integral to the success of your business. While word-of-mouth marketing is amazing, it needs a push. By implementing several simple marketing tactics, you can keep new clients coming.

    ·         Create a website

    ·         Invest in paid search ads

    ·         Work with local businesses for cross-promotion

    The more money you invest in high-quality marketing, the more likely you are to start bringing in money quickly.

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    4. Insurance and Licenses

    To make sure your business operates according to the law, explore insurance and license requirements in your area.

    Insurance is especially important when you have employees. However, even if you are working on your own, it can protect you in case something goes wrong during the repair process.

    Final Thoughts

    Starting an appliance repair business comes with numerous advantages and a couple of downsides. Whether you want to become a solopreneur or hire a team of technicians, you need to seek funding, create a solid marketing campaign, buy insurance, and get appropriate licenses.

    Even if you don’t have experience with appliance repair, a smart approach to starting a business can help you achieve success quickly.