Creative Uses for Tile on Walls

 

 

Add interest to your kitchen or bath walls by creating a one-of-a-kind tile backsplash that mixes tile shapes, sizes, textures, and colors.

 

Most Popular

When looking for tile to use on a kitchen or bathroom wall, choose tiles that are waterproof and stain-resistant. Ceramic tiles are a popular choice because they are durable and affordable. These tiles are made from refined clay, mixed with additives and water, and then hardened in a kiln. Ceramic tiles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and finishes. This tile is glazed, treated with a protective and decorative coating that adds color and an extra layer of water-resistance.

All Aboard

Subway tiles are 3 X 6-inch rectangular tiles (often ceramic) that are usually arranged in a brick pattern. This type of tile was commonly used in New York subway stations, hence the name. Subway tiles were popular in early 20th-century homes, which means that using them today lends a beautiful vintage appearance to kitchens and baths. Tip: Individual tiles are sold in dimensional names that describe their installed size, not the actual size. A 3 X 6-inch tile will actually be 1/8-inch shorter in each direction. A standard grout joint adds the last 1/8 inch. Always check the actual size of the tiles before buying.

 

Uniform Arrangement

Tile is popular because of its versatility. Here, subway tiles add more interest to the kitchen because of their red glaze, interesting texture, and lack of visible grout lines. These tiles are stacked in a uniform arrangement to draw attention to the tile rather than the way they were installed.

 

Mix and Match

Because field tiles (e.g. 4 X 4 inches) are so affordable, homeowners often choose to save money by choosing multiple colors and arranging the tile in a unique way. In this example, contrasting black tiles break up the expanse of white tiles. By grouping the black tiles in fours, they give the appearance of large squares.

 

Zig and Zag

Rectangular tiles are often installed in a staggered pattern (shown in glass). Add additional interest to such an arrangement by varying the tile colors.

 

An Eye Full

Listellos, or border tiles, are typically installed as accent pieces to break up an expanse of tile, draw the eye to a focal point, or to transition from one material to the next. Listellos are more expensive than ceramic or other plain tiles; therefore, they are used sparingly.

 

Stand Out

Decorative tile broadly describes any tile with a pattern, whether that means molding the clay, hand-painting the design, or affixing a decal to the tile before it's fired in the kiln. These decorative tiles break up a wall of plain field tiles. Using just a few decorative tiles draws attention to the pattern and creates a one-of-a-kind design.

 

Money Saver

Using only a few decorative tiles in a wall installation saves money since most of the surface is covered by relatively inexpensive field tiles.

 

Pure Beauty

Natural stone tiles include granite, marble, flagstone, and slate. Granite is the most durable and water-resistant of the natural stones. Stone tiles cut in a uniform size and thickness can be installed just like ceramic tile.

 

Rock Steady

Natural stone tiles come in polished (glasslike), honed (dull), or tumbled (rough) finishes. Tiles with irregular shapes, such as the ones shown here, add a natural, earthy presence to the design. Don't worry about the rough edges; the grout will fill in any gaps. Tip: Mix grout with a liquid latex additive rather than water for added liquid resistance. Seal the grout one or two weeks after installation to increase protection.

 

Modern Marvel

Metal tiles (which look especially good in kitchens with stainless-steel appliances) are usually made of stainless steel, copper, brass, or zinc. These tiles are often manufactured to be the same thickness and have the same ease of installation as ceramic tiles. Metal tiles work well above ranges because metal is durable and easy to clean.

 

Mass Appeal

Mosaic tiles come in a variety of shapes, including squares (ranging from one to two inches), hexagons, and octagons. Mosaics often come in 12 X 12-inch sheets that make them easier to install. Because mosaics are small and easy to handle, they can be used on flat, rounded, or curved surfaces.

 

Mix and Match

Mixing tiles is a great way to add interest to a project . Here, mosaic and listello tiles add an interesting border within an expanse of plain subway tile. Tip: If you're using more than one kind of tile, plan for breakage. Always purchase an extra 10 percent. Plus, the extra tiles will save you from having to track down matching pieces for repair jobs down the road.

 

Block Formation

Another way to mix tiles is to treat sheets of mosaic tiles as traditional ceramic tile squares. These homeowners mixed mosaic-tile squares with colorful squares and arranged them in a stacked pattern. This technique creates an interesting design, but is easy to install.

 

Color Contrast

Using a contrasting grout draws attention to the tile. In this example, a light-color grout lets the round green tiles pop. Use a darker grout with light-color subway tiles to create the look of age.

 

Catch a Wave

Tile is an ideal choice for bathrooms because of its water-resistant nature. It can be used on floors, walls, countertops, in shower stalls, and around bathtubs. Glass tiles are perfect for this type of installation because they are impervious to stains and moisture. Glass tiles are often made from recycled materials, which also makes them good for the environment.

 

Home on the Range

A range-back mural is an arrangement of decorative tiles above the range that creates a focal point in the kitchen. Many manufactures sell predesigned murals that are installed the same as traditional tiles. For a do-it-yourself challenge, homeowners can create a mural by arranging plain tiles into a unique pattern.

 

Attention Craver

The alcove between the range hood and the range top is the perfect location for a mural. Surfaces in this area must be heat- and grease-resistant and low-maintenance. This makes tile the perfect choice. This decorative mural is surrounded by 1 X 1-inch mosaic tiles. The mural breaks up the mosaic that runs through the kitchen.

Kitchen Remodeling Budget Guide

Kitchen remodeling ideas for various budgets, including $5,000, $15,000, $25,000, and $50,000 budgets. Also, tips on finding luxurious looks for less.

Setting Your Budget

 

Before you start your kitchen remodel, you have to set a budget. Remodeling costs vary depending on a variety of factors. We show you how to get a great-looking space that fits yours.
How much does the average American spend on a major kitchen remodel? According to a 2006 report by the trade publication Remodeling, about $54,000 -- and that's just the midrange makeover. The average price of an upscale kitchen was a cool $107,973.

 

If your makeover budget falls short, don't despair. With careful planning and savvy choices, it is possible to create a beautiful new kitchen for much less. Here's our guide to what you can accomplish with $5,000, $15,000, $25,000, or $50,000.

Ideas for a $5,000 Budget

 New kitchen cabinets would devour most of a $5,000 budget, so consider cutting remodeling costs and painting your existing cabinets if they're sound. (You can hire a pro to do the job for $750-$2,500.)
Update the hardware and add a few glass door insets, or remove doors on selected upper kitchen cabinets for an open look.

Replace tired countertops with new laminate; there are a lot of attractive and affordable choices.
Choose nice-but-not-fancy appliances in basic white or black as needed.
Splurge on a stunning new sink and faucet (without relocating plumbing).
Finish it all off with fresh wall paint and pretty accessories.

Ideas for a $15,000 Budget

  A $15,000 budget gives you plenty of options. Combine new, ready-to-assemble (RTA) kitchen cabinets (roughly $4,000-$10000) with budget-minded 3cm granite, to conserve remodeling costs. Granite counter tops are available from $19 per sqft and up. Or, you can splurge on a professional-look 30-inch range topped with a stainless-steel hood. Make it a true focal point with a pretty tile kitchen backsplash. You'll spend $2,250-$5,000 for the appliance upgrade. 

Ideas for a $25,000 Budget

  With a $25,000 budget, you can open up a compact kitchen to another room (check for load or beam requirements) and replace the cabinetry with semicustom maple units (about half your budget). Or choose ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets and a suite of midrange professional-look appliances, and then splurge on stone countertops or a gorgeous stone-topped island. Pretty undermount stainless-steel kitchen sinks -- rather than more expensive apron-front models -- will help you conserve remodeling costs. (The undermount sink is often included with higher-end countertops; watch for specials.)

Ideas for a $50,000 Budget

At $50,000, you're spending half the average price of an upscale kitchen, but assuming your room isn't large or complex, you can still expect luxury kitchens at this price -- especially if you shop carefully for good-quality kitchen cabinets (your most significant expense). At this price point, you can have American made cabinets in various wood species (usually maple or cherry) and quite a few upgrades to cabinets such as soft close doors and drawers, pull our shelves and much more.

Splurge on that commercial-grade range or cooktop you've always wanted (the $5,000-$7,000 stainless-steel model -- not the $39,000 handmade French enameled cast iron). Or a pair a commercial-style 36-inch gas cooktop with a sleek hood, and stack a warming drawer with your wall oven. Tired of all that stainless steel? Splurge on a built-in fridge or dishwasher with custom panels that match your cabinetry. Just remember that the panels cost extra. (Rough estimates from a home improvement store ran nearly $60 per square foot of coverage for natural cherry with raised panels.)

With labor averaging a third to half the price of "hard materials,"it's easy to see why high-end kitchen remodeling costs more. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call. 404-954-1623. We are always here to answer your questions.

Budget Kitchen Remodeling: Kitchens Under $2,000

 

Updated Charm Painted white walls and a white ceramic tile backsplash already help this small kitchen live large. In a budget-friendly makeover, newly painted cabinets, chic cabinet hardware, and stainless-steel appliances freshened the look. To further boost the kitchen's style, the laminate countertops were replaced with warm butcher block, and neutral ceramic tile replaced the red linoleum floor. Total cost (excluding labor): $1,974

 

Gorgeous Galley Kitchen

Fresh Perspective The original galley kitchen looked dated, but its layout was functional. With quick updates -- paint, new cabinet hardware, and a few decorative elements -- the kitchen was brought up-to-speed on a dime. New clear glass panels and a fresh coat of paint on the upper cabinets refreshed the room's style at minimal cost. The neutral color palette complements both the existing black kitchen appliances and the cream-color laminate base cabinets. Total cost (excluding labor): $501

Remodeling your kitchen doesn't have to cost a fortune. 

These smart kitchen remodels are full of ideas for quick, easy, and affordable updates.

 

Decorative Accents Decorative accessories (affordable additions) dramatically enhance the overall kitchen design, proving impactful updates can be done on a dime. An eye-catching pendant light replaced a dated glass-globe fixture over the sink and adds a touch of drama, while a new bamboo shade provides warmth and texture, bringing together colors used throughout the room. A rug created from durable carpet squares protects the existing hardwood floor from heavy traffic through the kitchen and into the adjacent garage.

 

All in the Details The warm gray hue on the kitchen walls and countertop trim serves as a bridge between the black appliances and cream-color kitchen cabinets. Grass-cloth wallpaper lines the inside of the glass-front doors and screens the contents of the upper cabinets, providing welcome texture and a hint of modern style.

 

Savvy Storage Ideas Any extra storage space provides a big impact in a small kitchen. Moving the refrigerator just 13 inches to the right provided enough room to add another base cabinet and more countertop space. Open shelving installed around the refrigerator implemented even more storage, keeping everyday dishware within easy reach.

 

Improved Function Empty space next to the range was the perfect spot to add another cabinet. This addition holds a microwave oven and small wine refrigerator, plus its top provides essential countertop space near the range.

 

Bright and Sunny Yellowed oak cabinetry and dated wallpaper once left this small kitchen feeling dark and drab. New white paint on the kitchen cabinets and a sunny yellow paint on the walls brought the space fresh charm and made the room feel larger and brighter. A simple Roman shade made from yellow, green, and white lattice-print fabric adds a touch of softness and introduces a cheerful pattern. Total cost (excluding labor): $435

 

Complementary Finishes The Roman shade's Moroccan-inspired pattern brings a modern vibe to the room, which is enhanced by a new urban-style pendant light. The light fixture's antique pewter finish complements the new satin-nickel cabinet hardware and the existing faucet for a coordinated look throughout the room. The existing sink was in good shape and works well with the white-painted kitchen cabinetry.

 

Backsplash Ideas A new white penny tile backsplash replaced dated 4x4-inch tiles and creates a stunning focal point for the room. Honey-color grout adds a sense of dimension and helps hide dirt and stains. Kitchen appliances were still functional and didn't need to be replaced, which helped curb costs in this makeover.

 

Dramatic Color Palette Its design inspired by a trip to the Mediterranean, this kitchen greets visitors with cheerful colors and an inviting dining area. Before the kitchen remodel, the space was stuck in the 1970s and, at 70 square feet, offered little storage or counter space. To solve the space crunch, a wall between the kitchen and dining room was torn down, combining the two rooms into one welcoming space. Total cost (excluding labor): $535

 

Reuse and Refresh In a smart and frugal move, the kitchen cabinets that were torn out of the original cooking zone were reused and lined them up along one wall. Kitchen appliances were also saved and reused. The look of the space was refreshed, however, by painting the walls a bright coral and choosing apple-green furniture and accessories for contrast.

 

Designer Details Simple accents throughout the kitchen add plenty of personality. To add extra interest to the kitchen cabinetry, chicken wire and striped fabric were inserted into some of the cabinet doorframes. The old-fashioned look complements the furniture, which is a mix of vintage and auction finds, and adds welcome drama without much cost.

 

Versatile Neutral Hues A fresh coat of paint and new stainless-steel hardware brought these flat-panel oak cabinets into the modern age and cleverly left all traces of the original dated kitchen behind. The hues of green and brown on the cabinetry were inspired by the countryside just outside the rural home; they subtly connect indoors and out and offer a neutral backdrop for colorful accents. New cabinet hardware adds the perfect finishing touch. Glass cabinet doors on upper cabinets at the end of the kitchen help lighten the look and show off favorite dishware. Total cost (excluding labor): $1,371

 

Cheap and Chic Updates New matte cream ceramic tile replaced dated laminate along the backsplash for a fresh, budget-friendly update. New 12x12-inch granite tiles bring a stylish look to the countertops, at a fraction of the price of granite slabs, and a new Roman shade created with fun, colorful fabric brings a dash of drama to the neutral color scheme.

 

Careful Planning Kitchen appliances stayed in their original locations, greatly reducing the cost of the kitchen remodel. Most appliances were in good condition; only the microwave over the cooktop was a new purchase. Glass cabinet doors on upper cabinets at one end of the kitchen help lighten the look and show off favorite dishware.

 

Upscale Style on a Budget When the current homeowners purchased this home, the kitchen appliances, flooring, and black cabinets had already been updated. A few simple design tricks took the kitchen from basic to chic and contemporary. In the remodeled space, beige paint updates once ho-hum white walls, a glass backsplash with multi-hue mosaic tiles adds fresh character, and new laminate countertops with a sleek edge profile replicate the look of upscale solid-surfacing. Total cost (excluding labor): $484

 

Smart Choices A beaded-board backsplash in one area of the kitchen was in good shape, so that stayed in place, while the cracked laminate countertops were replaced with a more stylish, budget-friendly laminate. Fabric scraps from the dining area window treatments dressed up a ready-made Roman shade, which adds a punch of drama at the window.

 

Surprising Details For a fresh, youthful look, the upper cabinet doors were removed and the back of the cabinets were lined with foam core covered in colorful wrapping paper. The lively design adds color and interest to the kitchen, and the open shelving keeps everything within easy reach of the cook. Dishware in shades of red and white continue the room's color scheme for a cohesive look.

 

Nautical Inspiration Before the kitchen remodel, the bland tile floor, dark oak cabinets, and bright white walls didn't offer much in the way of high style. Now the kitchen shows off plenty of personality and a timeless style, thanks to solid maple planks underfoot and bright red base cabinets and a blue kitchen island. Total cost (excluding labor): $1,390

 

Money-Saving Steps The existing white appliances were kept as a cost-saving measure; plus, they fit in perfectly with the nautical motif of the kitchen. To add a punch of color, the base cabinets were first sanded and coated with a high-quality primer, followed by two coats of enamel paint. After the door and drawer edges were distressed with medium-grit sandpaper, the revamped cabinet doors were finished with brushed nickel hardware for a custom look.

 

Finishing the Space A bold, striped fabric on the barstool cushions help pull together the various colors used throughout the kitchen. Beaded board paneling on the kitchen island adds to the room's Cape Cod vibe, while the island's blue paint mirrors the rich hue found on the kitchen walls.

Check out this article I just found. I think it fits right in with the topic of our blog.

10 Health Benefits of a Clean House

15 Ways to Winterize Your Home

15 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter

From general fireplace maintenance to the furnace inspection, find out what you need to do in order to properly prepare your home for winter.

Convert to Gas

Nothing communicates home-loving coziness like a fire in the fireplace. Unfortunately, traditional wood-burning fireplaces tend to lose more energy than they produce, pulling heated air out of the house and sending it up the chimney (and burning wood adds to air pollution). If you have natural gas or propane heating, consider having gas logs installed. A direct-vent system is best for new, air-tight homes; it pulls in air from outdoors, pushes it past the firebox, and sends the warmed air into the room. Vent-free systems require no chimney, flue, or outside exhaust. They're relatively inexpensive to operate, warm the room efficiently, and meet national standards for indoor air quality.

Call the Chimney Sweep

If gas logs aren't in your budget and you use your wood-burning fireplace often during the winter, have it cleaned and inspected before winter. Burning wood releases volatile gases that cool and condense on the inside of the chimney, forming sticky, smelly, highly flammable creosote. Allow enough of it to build up, and you run a risk of a chimney fire. Also make sure the damper is working properly and that the chimney is capped with screening to keep out critters.

Put the Ceiling Fan in Reverse

Check your ceiling fan for a switch that allows you to reverse the direction of blade movement to turn clockwise instead of counter-clockwise. Warm air rises, and the clockwise rotation of the blades forces the warm air down to where people benefit from it.

Wash the Windows

Yes, it's a tedious job, but washing the windows inside and out twice a year--spring and fall--rewards you with sparkling views, unobstructed light, and the opportunity to check for cracks and damaged caulking. Use a commercial window cleaner or make your own by mixing 1/4 cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Newspaper makes the best "cleaning rag" because it's absorbent and won't leave lint, but wear gloves to protect your hands from the newsprint.

Rearrange the Furniture

Changing the furniture arrangement is an easy way to give your rooms a new look and feel for the winter. Pull seating pieces close to the fireplace to create a cozier mood, and bring out soft chenille or fleece throws to ward off the chill. Set up a new display on the mantel to create a wintertime focal point--dark colors and layers of objects supply rich texture that adds increases the cozy factor. Some homeowners keep two sets of slipcovers, white for summer and a dark, warm color for winter.

Make Windows Airtight

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 10 percent of the air that leaks out of a house exits through the windows. Caulk around window frames and apply weatherstripping between the sash and window frame to eliminate air leakage. Tension seal and magnetic types of weatherstripping are durable and effective for double-hung windows. For casement and sliding windows, apply self-adhesive V-strip weatherstripping to the side of a clean, dry sash or window jamb. Measure the length you need, cut the V-strip to fit, then peel off the paper backing while pressing the strip in place.

Put Up Storm Windows

Install storm windows to reduce air leakage year-round. You can find storm windows with vinyl, wood, or aluminum frames and glass or plastic panes. Glass is heavier but longer lasting and clearer than plastic, which scratches easily and yellows over time. Interior storm windows are generally mounted inside the window jambs or flush with the molding. They're easy to install but must be removed when you want to open the windows to let in fresh air. An exterior double-track or triple-track storm window is permanently installed on the outside of the window, and the lower half of the window moves in a separate track from the screen so you can lower or raise it to control air flow.

Clean the Gutters

Whether your gutters have become roofline planters like this one or have simply accumulated a season's worth of fallen leaves, get them cleaned out before winter rains and snows arrive. After scooping out leaves and debris, flush the gutters and downspouts with a strong stream of water from a hose. Make sure the gutters fit snugly against the house and repair any cracks or damage. Many companies offer leaf guards that claim to prevent leaves from collecting in the gutters, but most don't keep out dirt, debris, and seeds, so you'll still have to flush them out.

Check Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Experts recommend replacing the batteries in smoke alarms twice a year, and if your smoke alarm is between 5 and 10 years old, replace it with a new one. There should be at least one smoke alarm on every level of your house and one in or near each bedroom. Safety experts recommend similar placement for carbon monoxide detectors--high on the wall, one on every level of the home, and near bedrooms. Where NOT to put them: within 15 feet of gas appliances, furnace, or fireplace because these give off small amounts of carbon monoxide when they're first turned on and would trigger false alarms.

An Easy Fix

Even though only 2 percent of air leakage is through electrical outlets and switch-plates, every little bit counts, and insulating outlets is easy and inexpensive. Check a hardware store for outlet gaskets (also called insulation gaskets). To install them, turn off the electricity, remove the faceplate, pop out the perforated gasket, and press it over the outlet. Screw the faceplate back on, and you're ready to power back up. Look for UL-listed gaskets made from fire-retardant foam.

Have the Furnace Inspected

Call an HVAC professional to check the fan belt that runs the blower, vacuum out dust and debris, and oil the bearings if necessary. Buy enough filters to see you through the winter months and change them monthly--when filters become clogged with dust, the furnace doesn't operate efficiently and your energy bill goes up. Set the thermostat at 68 to save on energy costs, and consider replacing a manually controlled thermostat with a programmable one. This allows you to set the temperature at a comfortable level when you're in the house and cut it back to a cooler level when you're at work. Used properly, programmable thermostats can save up to $180 a year on heating and cooling costs.

Time to Go Tankless?

Conventional storage water heaters use energy to keep the tank full of hot water at all times; a tankless heater provides hot water only when you need it, which requires less energy thus saving you money. Whole-house tankless heaters are probably not cost effective for most homeowners--they cost more upfront than storage water heaters, and installation costs are also much higher and more complicated. Point-of-use heaters, however, are small and installed where you use them--at the kitchen sink or in the bathroom--and because they only need to furnish enough hot water for fixtures in that area, they can be efficient, cost-effective, and green. Gas-fired models deliver hot water at a faster rate than electrical models, which require upgraded wiring if they have to do much more than supply hot water to a bathroom sink.

Plug Hidden Leaks

About 30 percent of the cold air that leaks into your home comes through holes where pipes, vents, or electrical conduits run through the walls, ceiling, and floors. Check under sinks in the kitchen and bathroom and in the basement for gaps around pipes, and fill them in with an insulating foam sealant. Small gaps can be effectively sealed with caulk.

Protect Pipes from Freezing

To minimize the possibility of water freezing in your plumbing pipes causing them to burst, wrap each pipe in a blanket of foam insulation. Check hardware stores for these foam tubes, which have a slit on one side. Just cut the tube to the length you need, pull the slit open, and push the tube onto the pipe. If the slit doesn't have self-adhesive edges, use duct tape to secure it.

Add Insulation

Check the attic to see whether you need to add insulation -- experts recommend a depth of about 12 inches. Ultra Touch from Bonded Logic is an eco-friendly, formaldehyde-free insulation made from the scraps and waste left over from the manufacture of blue jeans. It's treated with a boron-based solution to prevent mold and mildew growth, discourage pests, and retard fire, and it won't irritate your skin during installation. Visit bondedlogic.com to find a retailer near you.

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How To Turn A Foreclosed Home Into Monthly Income Opportunity

How To Turn A Foreclosed Home Into a Monthly Income Opportunity

Previously, it was very challenging to invest in Atlanta foreclosures for several reasons:

1. Difficulty finding foreclosed homes. (Limited supply)
2. Pricing wasn’t very attractive. (They weren’t deals)
3. Banks wouldn’t negotiate very much.
4. Risky because you needed a quick sale after renovations to protect your profit.

The basic approach was to find a foreclosure and buy it under value. Remodel the house quickly and get it on the market for sale. Price the home well and hopefully sell this home before carrying costs ate into all your profit, especially if you are using borrowed funds to do pay for the project.

This plan carried several risks. One of the risks was “time risk.” You could spend weeks or months looking for the right property only to come up without any real deals. Sometimes the deal blows up after you’ve spent a lot of money doing due diligence. This lost time and money could have been invested into other profitable opportunities.

Another risk was that your rehab costs would usually come in higher than budgeted. Have you been watching those flipping houses TV shows? You may not have noticed but, in almost every flip, the investor ends up having to spend more money than budgeted to make repairs. In many cases, these unexpected repairs were very expensive. Bye bye profit projections!

The last and probably biggest risk was the home selling quickly. Each day a remodeled home sits on the market for sale without a buyer sucks more and more profit out of the deal. When you factor in debt service, taxes, utilities, landscaping and advertising, you’ll see that you have a ticking time bomb on your shoulders each and every day. It’s a lot harder to sell a home than it is to rent one.

These risks kept many investors away from foreclosed homes. However, the current foreclosure crisis has changed the game on this investment opportunity. The first risk has, for the most part, been eliminated. There is a huge supply of foreclosed homes in Atlanta right now. You can probably find a great deal within a matter of hours, instead of months.  Banks are still not willing to negotiate too much, but they are getting better at it, which means you can get a fantastic deal on a foreclosure property. A knowledgeable agent is the best person to help you negotiate. 

The repair risk still exists. This one we cannot avoid. However, the larger selection of foreclosed homes allows you to find homes in better condition and of course, if you are handy, you can do the work yourself; if not, you can always find contractors to do it for you. However, when you hire contractors to do the repairs for you, your costs are higher and they need to be taken into account when you are doing your calculations. In addition, the lower purchase prices available today give you some breathing room in your budget. You can absorb higher repair costs because of the lower acquisition cost.

And the biggest risk, selling the home, can be mitigated through strategies like a “rent to own” program for single family houses and the Section 8 rental program.

The goal of many real estate investors is to create monthly income. One of the best strategies for maximum monthly income is to buy a property and pay it off quickly, or better yet, use your savings to fund the purchase and remodeling costs. Once the property is complete, renting to an agency such as Section 8 will bring you income for many years to come. There are certain aspects of this scenario that you have to be aware of…having a government agency pay the rent guarantees a steady income, however, they will pay significantly less then what you could get from an individual. The flip side of that is the individual, for whatever reason, can stop paying rent and you will be faced with evicting the tenant (which takes about three months in the state of Georgia) and risk having the property sit on the rental market empty and not make you any money. Worst case scenario is that the property will be damaged by the non-paying tenant while you are trying to evict them.

Click Here to Watch the Video

Yes, there are risks involved. However, the potential is there for a non-institutional investor to make money, especially if they would occupy a part of the property and rent out the other part. For example, live upstairs and rent out the downstairs space. See our property at 2066 Ben Hill Road in East Point, GA as a great example.

If you have any questions, please contact us at your convenience.

Good luck in your investment search!