Glass shower doors and bathroom doors can be difficult to shop.  These are deciding factors of the overall look and feel of your bathroom.  So, you need to know that you’re making the right choice when investing in renovating your shower.  In addition to that, you also want to get your money’s worth in pros and advantages.

Namely, the time you spend cleaning your shower enclosure and how cumbersome that could be.  If you want to minimize that stress without breaking the bank, then read along. 

Glass shower doors and bathroom doors can be difficult to shop.  These are deciding factors of the overall look and feel of your bathroom.  So, you need to know that you’re making the right choice when investing in renovating your shower.  In addition to that, you also want to get your money’s worth in pros and advantages.

Namely, the time you spend cleaning your shower enclosure and how cumbersome that could be.  If you want to minimize that stress without breaking the bank, then read along.  We’ve compiled all the information on low-cost alternatives to a bathroom daily wash to make it dirt-proof all the time.

Frosted Glass Bathroom door with airtight metal frame

Frosted glass bathroom doors can be an incredible feature to add to your shower room.  Their sleek design and airtight metal frame will truly transform your morning or night shower routine.  These shower doors come in a variety of styles and can complement any interior no matter the design scheme.  So let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of these shower doors!

The Pros of Frosted Glass Bathroom Doors

Frameless Glass Shower Door for easy maintenance and cleaning

Frameless shower doors are the latest trend, especially in modern and contemporary homes.  Thanks to their smooth and polished design, these glass doors can transform any bathroom from bland to fabulous.

Installing frameless shower doors can make your bathroom appear much larger and brighter.  In addition to their promoting natural flow of light, they also make the space much more open and inviting.  Not only that but the winning point might be just how easy to clean and maintain these doors are.  In fact, many people dread that one chore on their to-do list, and that’s cleaning the shower.

Water stains and soap scum can be incredibly stubborn to remove, especially from the tracks.  However, since these doors have no frame or underneath seals, there are fewer chances for mold and dirt to accumulate.

Since frameless glass bathroom doors don’t have these high-risk areas, they’re the easiest enclosures to clean.  Moreover, there’s no place for water and soap to gather, which virtually translates as no build-up.

All you need to do for maintaining their sleek look is a squeegee and some vinegar or distilled water solution.  You don’t even have to scrub the glass.  A simple swipe will do and your glass will go back to looking crystal clear in an instant.

Strong and sturdy glass: Tempered or Acrylic

The debate on choosing between tempered glass or acrylic for your shower doors is divisive, to say the least.  So, to help you make an informed decision, here are a few considerations to make.

Style

Tempered glass shower doors give that classic look and feel to your bathroom.  In addition to that, they also add to the overall appeal and value of your home interior.  Tempered glass is definitely a worthy investment when it comes to preserving a neat and clean look.  On the other hand, if you’re looking for more intricate patterns and textures, acrylic offers a large range of designs.

Durability and upkeep

Tempered glass is one of the most durable and long-lasting materials.  It’s highly impact-resistant and it can survive extreme temperature fluctuations -which is definitely a must-have feature in a shower.  Once installed, it’s completely hassle-free regarding upkeep.  Acrylic, however, is much lighter than glass and tends to get discolored over time.  It also scratches easily and is prone to damage when in contact with strong acids.

Safety

Both acrylic and tempered glass will serve the intended purpose of keeping water in.  On the safety front, the most damaged acrylic sheets can be through bending or denting.  They won’t shatter in the event of an impact or incident.  Tempered glass can also hold its weight in this department.  It’s 5 times stronger than regular glass and it’s safe to use especially in a household with children or pets.  Tempered glass, on the rare occasion that it breaks, will shatter into small round pieces instead of hazardous shards.

Is it too much of a costly investment?

Glass shower doors are definitely an investment to make, especially if you opt for a frameless design.  Of course, the type of glass you choose also plays a major part in the overall cost.  Tempered glass, being much stronger and sturdier than its counterparts, will definitely raise the bill.  With that said, you want to invest in a good shower door system that won’t break as easily.  You should also consider how much time you want to spend cleaning your shower enclosure.  Ultimately, always go for the safest and most durable solution, since it will pay for itself in future benefits.

Where to Buy?

When shopping for glass bathroom and shower doors, you need to be able to trust the manufacturer and the quality.  This is no small investment on your part, so you need to make sure that everything is in tip-top shape.  Thankfully, at Fab Glass and Mirror, we’re here to satiate all of your glass needs.

We offer quite a range of shower doors, all in different styles, designs, shapes, and sizes.  Whatever materials you need for your next bathroom improvement project, you will be able to find browsing our selection.  So choose your preferred glass, customize it to your liking, and build the shower of your dreams!

One of the best ways to make money from an investment is to become a homeowner, as long as the rental property is in a popular place.  If you want to invest in real estate and reside in a flourishing economy, purchasing and renting it out is a good option.

And in today’s real estate market, townhouses are the safe bet.  According to the National Association of Realtors, townhouses are the second most popular housing option in the United States, behind single-family detached houses.

But if

One of the best ways to make money from an investment is to become a homeowner, as long as the rental property is in a popular place.  If you want to invest in real estate and reside in a flourishing economy, purchasing and renting it out is a good option.

And in today’s real estate market, townhouses are the safe bet.  According to the National Association of Realtors, townhouses are the second most popular housing option in the United States, behind single-family detached houses.

But if you're looking for a high-yield rental property, look for one of these prime townhouse investment areas.

Which Aspects Are Most Important When Buying a Townhouse?

Location

Location is one of the essential parts of buying a townhouse.  Also, pay special attention to the economy's health, demand, job opportunities, new home construction, unemployment rates, household income, the area's affordability, and anything else that could affect your decision.

Tenants will be interested in your townhouse because of its convenient place.  When looking for a good townhouse to buy, it's important to learn as much as possible about the neighborhood.

Beds & Baths

It's important to consider not only the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need right now but also how that could change in the future as your family grows.  Each family has a unique preference for the appropriate amount of bedrooms and bathrooms.  Consider this while buying a townhouse.

Appliances

It can be costly to get all new appliances for the home.  Think about how old your present appliances are and which ones you favor before making this decision.

House's Age

When buying a townhouse, consider its age.  Buying an older property requires time and money for renovations.  When purchasing an older house, consider building codes.  Knowing the building codes then and now can assist you in understanding the house's condition.

Cost

The home's price will affect whether you buy it.  Stick to your budget.  Consider all offers and closing charges to make a financial and goal-friendly selection.

5 US Cities To Buy A Townhouse

Tampa Bay, Florida

With a population of over 4 million, Tampa is not only a beautiful metropolis but also one of the world's top tourist spots, which makes it the most wanted place to live in the United States.  Since it is a rapidly developing city, investing in townhouses to rental properties here might be profitable.  Property prices are lower, the unemployment rate is much lower, and the tax burden is lighter, all of which attract new residents.

There is still a great demand for homes in the Tampa area since many individuals are moving there.  It is a golden chance for investors to increase their earnings and net worth.  Tampa has a wide range of residential areas, each appealing to a specific budget.  In addition to a robust economy, low inventory that moves quickly, and pleasant weather throughout the year.  It is the finest location in all of Florida for purchasing a townhouse.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle is a good place for wealthy people to buy property.  Seattle's economy and workforce are growing.  Since 2016, property prices have doubled in five years, twice as quickly as the national average.

Even though prices are high, investors and buyers keep coming to Seattle's real estate market because the city has a good population and a strong economy.  Seattle's great public schools and gorgeous parks are perfect for young families.

Salt Lake City, Utah

The real estate market in Salt Lake City is excellent for long-term buyers and holders.  Also, you can't overlook Salt Lake City's renowned salty lake and the surrounding mountains, not to mention the city's rich religious culture, historical sites, and natural features.  They bring in sightseers and potential new residents similar to this part of the country.

Salt Lake City is swiftly becoming one of America's most popular cities thanks to its attractive combination of low housing costs and a thriving job market.  Utah's booming economy, low unemployment rate, and low state and municipal taxes are all perks of investing in Salt Lake City real estate.

Atlanta, Georgia

The city of Atlanta serves as the state capital and principal commercial hub for Georgia.  It consistently ranks among the top 10 states in terms of GDP contribution to the United States.  The real estate market in Atlanta seems promising because of the city's current economic expansion.

A growing population and stable job market are positive indicators for Atlanta's real estate market, which is set to become one of the greatest in which to invest in buying property in 2022.

Atlanta's job and population growth are signs of a solid real estate market.

Boise, Idaho

The Boise real estate market has become one of the hottest in the country.  Due to low mortgage rates, low inventory, and high demand, many Boise townhouses sell for more than their asking price.

Boise's real estate market has been boosted by the number of homebuyers who have been priced out of more costly locations and have moved there to start or expand their businesses.  According to academic research at Florida Atlantic University, the Boise market is now the most inflated in the United States.

With a dependable economy, many available jobs, and lower house costs than many of its bordering states, Boise is a great place to settle down.

There is no “silver bullet” indicator that would definitively label one place as “better” than another when it comes to renting out property.  Examine cities as a whole rather than looking for specific things to improve.  Such as the surrounding area, the schools, the rate of violent crime, and how business-friendly the local government is.  It will help you make a wise decision.

Every day, homeowners insurance claims are denied, either by mistake or sometimes for causes no one comprehends.  Suppose you have suffered an insured property loss, and your insurance company has rejected your complaint.

In that case, you have some options to confront your homeowners' insurance claim refusal.  This includes talking with a specialized lawyer, among many other things.

Denied Insurance Claim

Insurance policies are legally binding agreements.  All homeowners'

Every day, homeowners insurance claims are denied, either by mistake or sometimes for causes no one comprehends.  Suppose you have suffered an insured property loss, and your insurance company has rejected your complaint.

In that case, you have some options to confront your homeowners' insurance claim refusal.  This includes talking with a specialized lawyer, among many other things.

Denied Insurance Claim

Insurance policies are legally binding agreements.  All homeowners' insurance policies include exclusions and coverage situations that the insurer will strictly apply against the insurance company.  And insurance companies are experts at drafting contracts to cut their culpability.  The following are some of the more frequent reasons for home insurance complaint denial:

If your insurance provider does not give you an official note explaining their reason for rejecting your claim, the claim isn't officially denied.  The letter that you receive might discuss the wording in your plan that defines the claim refusal.

Read the letter cautiously and evaluate their reasoning for your policy understanding.  You can't do anything if your claim is rejected for a legit reason, such as the premium not being compensated or the form of loss (peril) being explicitly exempted from your coverage.

If, after contrasting their clarification to your understanding, you still think your property damage should be compensated, talk to your insurance company's claims adjuster and, if you have one, call your agent immediately.  It is difficult to persuade a company insurance agent to overturn a claim denial.  Don't give up if you can prove that your homeowners' insurance policy isn't respected.

Make An Appeal

Your homeowner's insurance policy outlines the appeal system that you must follow.  If explaining your case to your insurance firm's claims adjuster does not yield any results, you must submit an official appeal.  You only have a certain amount of time to complete this task.  Your rejected claim is also the moment when the clock starts ticking for your legal alternatives/options.

When you file a formal appeal, your claim receives a second evaluation.  You should include as much proof and paperwork as possible with your request to support your claim.  This will be helpful for compensation purposes.  The more structured you present this data, the more likely you will receive a complete examination of your denied claim.

The state insurance department may tell you to employ an attorney, but it will not pay for it.  As a result, it is critical to weigh the costs and advantages of legal action.  You must find an attorney who deals with home insurance claims and present your case.

If an insurance provider refuses to respect its contract agreements, despite the presence of your lawyer, you should take it to court.  In many cases, the mere threat of a lawsuit will force the insurance company to negotiate a claim settlement.  Yet, each case is unique, so you should consult with a qualified attorney before taking any steps.

Think About Mediation

What mediation entails is hiring an impartial individual, or conciliator, to work immediately with you and an insurance company to help you reach an agreement.

Unless your policy or state law requires your insurer to pay, you and your insurer could divide the cost of mediation.  The court can appoint a mediator or a private expert chosen by both parties and could also resolve the dispute.  You can also go through a state-sponsored mediation plan, which you can generally find on your state's insurance department website.

Settlement is typically quick, but it is nonbinding, so you or your insurance provider can assume the whole thing never happened if either party is unhappy with the outcome.

One disadvantage is that the insurance company's representative will undoubtedly be trained for the procedure.  In contrast, you will be completely unfamiliar with it.  Your insurer may also use the settlement to determine the viability of your case.  You may waste time and money while getting no closer to a solution.

This is why the best strategy is to consult with a lawyer that can properly evaluate, document, and present your case.  This way, you might also receive the compensation that you deserve.

It’s no secret successful investors profit by the millions in the real estate industry, and true to it, the real estate market is expected to hit $369 billion in annual revenue this year.

But outside of the mainstream methods of investing in real estate, such as buying a primary residence, many strategies allow even a novice investor to tap into the real estate market.

Don't believe me? Here is a roundup of 7 ideas for starting a real estate business in California.

Why Consider

It’s no secret successful investors profit by the millions in the real estate industry, and true to it, the real estate market is expected to hit $369 billion in annual revenue this year.

But outside of the mainstream methods of investing in real estate, such as buying a primary residence, many strategies allow even a novice investor to tap into the real estate market.

Don't believe me? Here is a roundup of 7 ideas for starting a real estate business in California.

Why Consider Starting A Real Estate Business In California?

Whether you're into house flipping, rental properties, or wholesaling, the state of California is one of the best to invest in the real estate industry.  Despite pandemic-inspired emigration, the sunny state still has a significantly high population of about 39 million people.  As a result, demand for real estate is always high, fueling consistent real estate value and investment profit margin appreciation.

The Golden State has a high-value, high-job growth market.  This means the state continuously attracts wealthy residents willing to pay top dollar for residential and commercial real estate.

Additionally, California has favorable taxes, and its real estate market is diverse, ranging from beach areas and vibrant urban centers to leafy suburbs, allowing investors the flexibility to invest in markets that suit them best.  That said, here are seven ideas for starting a real estate business in California:

1. Wholesaling In California

Thanks to high-value, continuously-growing markets like San Francisco, Fresno, San Diego, and others in southern California, the state is historically a high-value real estate industry.  As a result, property values are always high.

This makes it an excellent market for wholesaling because home buyers are always open to paying top-dollar for properties, allowing a wholesaler a larger profit margin from each deal.

Additionally, the region has a high population, which means ongoing demand for wholesale properties from residential buyers and property investors.  Moreover, wholesaling is legal in California and has no education requirements, capital, or prior experience, making it an even viable business model for first-time investors.

2. Flipping Houses In California

If wholesaling is not your speed, flipping houses in California is the second most sought after way to start a real estate business in California.  The region has a strong buyer market because people are constantly moving here to enjoy its sunny weather, a long string of national parks, miles of coastline, and cultural diversity.  That drives demand for housing higher, and one is guaranteed a market for flipped properties.  What's more, California has high median property prices, which motivate lenders to offer more significant loan limits meaning easy access to funding for house flippers.

Also, although the state of California's high population favors real estate investors, it's a boon for low-earning property buyers because it fuels skyrocketing property prices.  As a result, despite California being a high-value market, there's demand for affordable residential and commercial properties.  Flipping is an opportunity to capitalize on this demand since you could focus on flipping distressed or after-market properties at a price high enough to earn a handsome profit but below market value.

Some of California's best areas for house flipping include Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Jose, the Bay Area, Fresno, San Diego, and Irvine.  If this will be your first time investing in California's house flipping ecosystem, consider adding both detached and attached housing units to your target portfolio.  But take your time to research the area before investing because, like other areas, the success of house flipping in California is also influenced by geography, culture, livelihood, and population.

3. Property Management

California is one of the most viable markets for a property management business.  The state's property market has about 45% rental units, with more coming up due to the area's high population.  This creates significant business potential for property managers.  Furthermore, California's population is diverse and includes all sorts of people, from students, to the working class.  This allows property managers to target niches they thrive in best to maximize profitability.

Although California's property management market has a low barrier to entry, it's subject to specific laws and regulations.  You will need a real estate broker's license to start a property management business.  You can obtain it either through the California Department of Real Estate or work in partnerships with licensed Realtors or real estate brokers.

If you opt for the former, you must undergo education training and pass a licensing exam before getting your real estate license.  You'll also be subject to real estate license revocation or suspension should you fail to uphold the necessary property management laws.  You also need to register the business, and obtain an employer identification number to hire employees, open property management bank accounts, and pay taxes.

Note, however, that these are only required if you plan to buy and sell properties as part of your property management business.  But if you only solely manage the property, you don't need a license.

4. Real Estate Brokerage

A real estate brokerage is a firm established to assist consumers in purchasing, selling, or leasing real estate properties.  When performing on behalf of the buyer, a brokerage assigns its brokers to locate, and show home buyers new properties, aid them in creating an offer, negotiate on their behalf and ensure everything goes smoothly.

When working on behalf of a seller, a brokerage in California lists, advertises and supports the seller throughout the selling process by advising them, aiding with negotiations, and executing a purchase contract, among other tasks.  California is an ideal place to start a real estate brokerage because it has a hot housing market with high prices, resulting in large sales commissions.

Besides capital, you will need to get a broker license to start a real estate brokerage in California.  You also need to register it as either a corporation or sole-proprietor brokerage.  Starting your brokerage as a corporation can be expensive, but it protects you from the liability of legal disputes arising from real estate transactions carried out by your firm.

5. Real Estate Photography

Many of California's residents are well-educated individuals with up-to-date knowledge of technology.  They often begin their property searches on the internet via sites like Zillow and other similar listing sites.

As a result, most landlords, property managers, property sellers, and real estate companies often resort to hiring photographers to help make their listings stand out due to the competitive nature of real estate in California.

This creates demand for professional real estate photography services, making it an excellent way to get your leg into California's real estate market without putting your money on the line.

6. Real Estate Appraisal

Don't fancy all the above ideas for starting a real estate business in California?  You should consider being an appraiser or starting a real estate appraisal company.  An appraisal company makes independent assessments and estimates the value of a property for purchase or sale.

Given appraisals are necessary for every property sale or purchase, you stand to earn good money when you start an appraisal company in California since the region reports over 400,000 units in annual home sales.

Additionally, an appraisal business has a vast target market with options ranging from homeowners and mortgage brokers to escrow companies.  The best part about it? A real estate appraisal business can be home-based and part-time.  However, startup costs might be a bit high because you need business insurance, a good computer, internet service, and a decent marketing budget besides licensing.

7. Home Staging

Staging homes for sale is another excellent way to earn money and get into California's lucrative real estate market.  This is because property owners and sellers always look for a more hands-off way to stage their properties.

Suppose you've got an eye for design, or professional interior decorating skills; you can start a professional home staging company and offer a complete design package which saves them time and earns you a good commission.  To begin a California staging business, choose a name for your entity, and get licensed. Research your target market to understand the target buyer.

This is especially essential because staging in affluent areas like Los Angeles County means you'll need to invest in expensive staging props to appeal to the buyer.  Additionally, create a pricing structure, and market your business to other investors, property managers, Realtors, contractors, and real estate agents.

Helpful Resources For Starting A Real Estate Business In California

Considering an investment in California's real estate market? Here are some helpful resources to kickstart your investment journey on the right note:

The California Department Of Real Estate

California's real estate investing market has favorable regulations but also unavoidable bureaucratic red tape.  For instance, you must have a real estate license to run a real estate brokerage in California.  To acquire the license, one must take three college-level rei courses approved by the California Department of Real Estate, take a salesperson exam, and include an employing broker's information in their license.

That said, the California Department of Real Estate website is one of the best resources if you're getting into the Golden State's REI investing.  The website covers everything from licensure and regulations to what out-of-state applicants need to get into California's REI.  It also has a resource page with a lot of helpful information for real estate businesses in the region.

California Association Of Realtors

The California Association of Realtors, known as CAR is a non-profit organization for Realtors.  It’s one of the largest and also oldest Realtor organizations having been first established in 1905.

It was purposely established to promote professional ethics in the real estate industry, and has over 170,000 members.  It lobbies and promotes the interests of its members at local, and federal state levels. The organization has a website full of data & statistics on the latest real estate sales and prices in California, emerging and upcoming trends and basically everything a first-time rei investor needs to know.

The Northern California Real Estate Investors Association

The Northern California Real Estate Investors Association, famously NorCalREIA, is one of California's largest public real estate investing clubs.  It's headquartered in Sacramento and has over 900 members ranging from professional Realtors, real estate agents, mortgage lenders, brokers, investors, and contractors, to other related real estate professionals.

The club regularly organizes and hosts rei investing educational events and monthly meetings allowing new investors ongoing networking opportunities with like-minded individuals.  The association also has a helpful website with an informative blog and a rich variety of downloadable resources.

Real Estate Websites

The beauty of living in the information era is that you can find almost anything on the internet.  Nowadays, many trustworthy websites are jam-packed with helpful information regarding real estate investing.

The Real Estate Skills blog is an excellent example.  We have a ton of resources ranging from how-to articles to complete investment guides fit for first-time wholesalers to seasoned rehabbers.

Besides us, legal sites like Nolo boast plenty of legal and regulation-related information that comes in handy when you are a beginner investor trying to figure out what's legally required of you.  Investopedia covers almost anything you might want to know about financial services and real estate investment.

Final Thoughts

Investing in real estate is one of the most sure-fire ways to build wealth.  To be precise, California's real estate market is ripe with opportunities thanks to the state's high population, high-growth job market, and continuously thriving economy.

We've highlighted some of the best ways to get your foot into this market and included a good mix of low to medium capital investments, like wholesaling in California, that suits beginners with little to no real estate investing budgets.

Author Bio

Ryan Zomorodi is the Co-Founder and COO of RealEstateSkills.com

Real Estate Skills is an online real estate education company that helps people start and grow real estate businesses.  With thousands of students nationally, Real Estate Skills offers a suite of educational programs and coaching in the areas of house flipping, wholesaling, and real estate investing.

Ryan has led the identification, acquisition, rehab, leasing, and management of rental and fix-and-flip properties across twelve states and counting.  He has over 10 years of business and real estate experience, including a business management degree with a specialization in entrepreneurship and a minor in marketing from San Diego State University.