Most Recent Living Articles
WHAT TO DO AFTER A HOME BURGLARY
Crime statistics suggest that unfortunately many South African homeowners may experience their home being broken into at some stage. Dealing with and knowing what to do after a home burglary can be an extremely traumatic experience. That is why security is a top priority for many homebuyers and homeowners alike. However, even with security measures in place, there is the chance of becoming a vi
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HOW TO CREATE YOUR PROPERTY WISHLIST
It can be an exciting endeavour to shop for one of your largest investments. However, before getting carried away with a list of dream features, it is best to define what it is that you want in a home versus what it is that you actually need. After some contemplation, you may find that the ideal home for you and your family is not what you initially thought it would be. Here are a few considera
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HOW TO KEEP SPIRITS UP WHEN RECOVERING FROM HOME
During any recovery, emotional wellness needs to be tended to in the same way as physical wellness, particularly if you have to endure a lengthy recovery period from home. Being removed from normal routines and being confined to your own home can have some seriously damaging mental effects – even worse so if you are not happy with where you live. A research study investigated what being p
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DEALING WITH DOWNSIZING
The financial burdens that force homeowners to downsize often makes it harder to deal with the complicated emotions that arise when moving to a smaller home. The process of adjusting to a smaller living space is filled with a variety of emotions that are often easier to deal with when you have arrived at the decision willingly rather than begrudgingly, as is often the case when downscaling owing t
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COSTS THAT INCREASE WHEN UPGRADING TO A LARGER HOME
There comes a time when your home no longer fits your family or your needs. Upgrading to a larger property is often a significant achievement in a person’s life. But, as exciting as the whole prospect might be, and while you might qualify for the home loan, there are other associated costs to consider before taking this next step. Below are the three most important costs to consider befor
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WILL DOWNSIZING RELIEVE THE FINANCIAL PRESSURE?
When it comes to financial stress, downsizing sometimes makes the most sense to keep up with the rising costs of living. As tough as it might be, you stand a much better chance of recouping your losses and bolstering your financial position if you sell before you start falling behind on your bond repayments. Below are some of the pros and cons to downsizing: Con: Hidden Costs Be prepared fo
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3 CONSIDERATIONS FOR PURCHASING A RETIREMENT HOME
For those who are reaching their golden years and are looking to purchase a retirement home, there are several aspects to consider, including the financing of the property, the type of property they want to stay in, and the type of ownership they want to undertake. Acquiring Financing Banks are often reluctant to grant finance to investors who are 60 years old and older, which i
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HOW TO CARE FOR HERITAGE PROPERTIES
Your home might be old, but does that automatically make it a heritage property? Well, according to the National Heritage Resources Act of 1999, if your home has been around for more than 60 years, technically speaking, the answer to that question is yes. According to the act: “No person may alter or demolish any structure or part of a structure which is older than 60 years without a perm
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PET-PROOFING YOUR HOME FOR TODDLERS
Introducing a child to a new sibling is never easy – especially when the new sibling is an entirely different species. Helping your furry first born adjust to its new furless brother or sister can be tricky, but it’s by no means a lost cause. There are several things responsible homeowners can do to foster peaceful co-residence between their toddlers and their pets. Be mindful of yo
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THINGS WE SHOULD BE CLEANING ANNUALLY
After months of hibernating indoors, it’s finally time to draw back those curtains and allow the light to stream in, highlighting the thousands of dust particles dancing in the daylight and revealing the months of accumulated dirt that lay hidden from eyesight in your dimly lit household. Spring cleaning is often that necessary reminder we all need to wake us from our winter weari
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4 TRICKS TO GROWING VEGGIE GARDENS IN AN APARTMENT
Vegetable gardens are becoming a household standard these days. It is not uncommon to find vertical gardens hanging outside and planters sitting on the window ledges within apartment complexes. If you want to create your own vegetable garden, but don’t have any open soil, there are various ways of working around this: 1) Make use of sunny spaces Purchase pots or create wooden pl
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FIVE WAYS TO FEEL AT HOME FAST
The buying process is over, and the moving truck has delivered your household goods to your new property. Now it’s time to unpack and turn your new house into a home. Here are five tips to get you through the labour-intensive process a little easier: Divide the work You have friends and family who are willing and able to help – get them involved. As the saying goes, many hands
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