Have you slept undersea lately? is the hotel motto at Jules’ Undersea Lodge. Jules’ once served as an undersea research facility, and in fact it still does, but now it’s opened its accommodations to paying guests and become a hotel of sorts.

Located in Key Largo, Florida, the lodge is the only one of its kind in the world and actually requires a scuba dive 21 feet below the sea’s surface for admittance. The small surroundings feature hot showers, a stocked kitchen, books, music and videos but the main attraction is the huge window which looks out at the sea as the fish come around to check out the new inhabitants. And the number of fish is actually very impressive as the surrounding mangrove lagoon is a natural habitat for them, but the Jules’ Undersea Lodge also serves as an artificial reef.

For those who feel a little worried about the accommodations, rest assured the structure is monitored 24 hours a day and has independent support systems as well as redundant backup systems. And if you’ve never gone scuba diving before, the three hour aquatics class will get you up to speed so you can easily and confidently make the dive to the hotel.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Some people dream of farm living but usually that dream comes with a quaint farmhouse, for Glen and Sandy Wells of Kentucky the farmhouse is optional because they prefer to live in the silo.

The 70 foot tall steel storage tank could hold enough grain for 3000 hogs in its heyday but now it serves as six story home. Each floor is a 20 foot circular room that serves a particular function. The first floor serves as a kitchen with custom made oak cabinets, the second floor is a luxurious bathroom, the third floor serves as a game room of sorts and the fourth floor is a guest room. On the fifth floor is the couple’s bedroom, complete with incredible views of the farmland around. And finally the sixth floor serves as a storage area of sorts. They do hope to one day cap the silo with a deck so they can take advantage of the incredible vista surrounding them.

In addition to the silo space, the Wells family took advantage of the stone building that was attached to the silo, it has been converted into a family room with big screen television, pin ball machine, billiard table, juke box, chess table and fireplace. Everything a modern homeowner could want.

Popularity: 1% [?]

If you’re interested in finding a unique home or a second home, there’s an interesting property for sale in Portland, Oregon. But one would assume that this particular home could be moved to just about anywhere as it’s inside a railcar.

In 1949 this train car was created to be a sleeper car but after it served its purpose it was purchase and renovated by Marc Riera. The 85 foot long car has only 807 square feet but the 10 foot ceilings make it seem roomier. Even though it’s rather small the interior is very modern and features stainless steel windows, grid connection, incinerator powered toilet and DSL.

Currently the home is located in Portland on a private lot but it still could be pulled along any existing rail line to be relocated. The lot it resides on now rents for only $150 a month. The biggest bonus of this home is its not technically real estate so there are no property taxes attached.

For a small space the price ticket is a little high, it’s currently for sale $225,000. But you will be saving in property taxes and you’ll be doing your part to save the environment with a very ingenious form of recycling. And imagine the wow factor when you show your friends.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Living in an RV, or recreational vehicle, isn’t the typical solution when it comes to inexpensive living but it does have its advantages and could be the solution for you. RV’s run the gamut in expense so you’ll need to decide your price range before you begin and like automobiles, they depreciate drastically the minute you take them off the lot so you may want to think about purchasing a slightly used RV.? The upside here is the interest is tax deductible.

You’ll need to find a campground that offers year round amenities and then check out what the rent will be for the space including utilities and water.

One of the great benefits of living in an RV is the people you’ll meet. Some will be long term residents like you but others will be travelers coming from all over the country, it’s a remarkable opportunity to learn more about the world around you and the people in it.

And one of the best parts about living in an RV is you’re packed and ready to go for any vacation. No matter where you go you’ll always have everything you need without the worries of what you left behind. Not to mention all you’ll save on expensive hotels and overpriced restaurants.

photo credit: dave_7

Popularity: 1% [?]

Living on a boat may seem like a dream to you but it’s actually quite possible. The biggest concern is probably the boat and the location. Boats are generally considered a luxury but they don’t need to be outrageously expensive, look for a good used boat or a fixer upper to save money. If you’re single or a couple you can probably get by with a 40 foot boat on the low end. If you have children you’ll want to add another 10 feet at least.

Then examine the locations that work for you. Marina’s vary in size depending upon the size of your boat, the location of the marina and the amenities offered. You’ll also have to look for a marina that accepts liveaboards. Not all of them are set up for full-time residents while some of them cater to that type of lifestyle. Make sure you check with your state regulations as some do have rules regarding this type of housing.

The best part about living on a houseboat is you can pick up and go whenever you wish. If you’re interested in a little day’s cruise you can pick up your anchor and go. If you’re considering becoming a snow bird and traveling south for the winter or north for the summer it’s as easy as setting your course and taking to the sea.

photo credit: shahbasharat

Popularity: 1% [?]

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has established a National Housing Locator System which can be found at their new website, NHLS. This website was established in response to the horrible emergency housing situation that arose after Hurricane Katrina Devastated portions of Louisiana. The HUD already had emergency disaster voucher and housing programs which are quite successful but in times of great disaster a new system was deemed necessary.

The NHLS is an internet website which is easily searchable and lists available rental housing in across the nation. HUD, State Housing Authorities, Public Housing Authorities and First Responders can quickly find emergency housing by searching the database of available rental housing and government owned single family homes.

The NHLS uses a rental housing industry standard to collect information on private and public housing providers across the nation to make sure that the property is up to a certain standard. Someone searching for information on available housing in a devastated region will be able to find properties and search the provided data until they come up with a great fit.

If you would like to add your properties to the National Housing Locator System so you can fill vacant property while helping out during a disaster, please check out their website for further information and to begin the sign up project.

Popularity: 2% [?]

If you’re a landlord or a property manager and you’re interested in doing your part to help the environment then you may be very interested in the U.S. Department of Energy’s online marketplace so you can purchase Energy Star certified products in bulk at competitive prices.

There are great benefits to purchasing through the U.S. Department of Energy’s website as you can save time by not having to go out and search for products but find them quickly and feel rest assured that you’re getting a good price. And you know that you’re getting one of the best prices around because the suppliers compete with each other.

The customized forms on the website guide you through your purchase so you are buying the right product.

One of the most interesting benefits for some clients is you can remain anonymous with suppliers as you request information and search for bids and quotes. You can choose when and to whom you wish to identify yourself.

Energy Star products that you can select from the website include light bulbs, light fixtures, clothes washers, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, refrigerators, room air conditioners and many more products. All of which, when purchased in bulk, can save you greatly and help the environment by saving energy as well.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Most landlords either allow pets or they don’t with no middle ground. If you’re a landlord that really doesn’t want pets on your premises then you’ve got to hold a firm ground because you can lose your legal rights if you tolerate a tenant having a pet for a significant period of time.

Your first step is making sure your lease clearly states that pets will not be allowed or you can specify that you will accept certain pets, like fish, and that others will not be tolerated. If you’re very strict about this rule you can even ask your tenants to sign or initial this part of the lease.

Then, when you become aware of a pet violation you must act immediately and inform the tenant in writing that you’re aware that there is a pet on the premises and that this will not be tolerated. You may want to give them a warning or notice initially or you can dive right in to a Cure or Quit notice which basically lets the tenant know that if the pet isn’t removed you will begin eviction proceedings.

If it does come down to an eviction situation make sure you have written documentation that the tenant was informed about your policy, the date you realized there was a violation, your efforts to notify the tenant of the problem and the Cure or Quit notice.

Popularity: 3% [?]

One of your most important jobs as a landlord or a property manager is making sure your tenants and their guests are safe and secure in their home. It’s your job to make sure that the home is pollutant free before the tenants move in.

Indoor air pollution has become a more prevalent problem as people have been working to eliminate drafts and air leaks, thereby trapping more pollutants inside. If this is a problem in your rental units you’ll have to improve the ventilation to alleviate the problem.

If you have a large amount of nitrogen dioxide or carbon monoxide in your apartments they you’ve probably got a poorly maintained or vented range, heater, dryer, gas appliances, or fireplace or other heating element. Make sure that all of these appliances are properly vented and that the vents are clear. Check for cracks in the appliance itself and make sure there is a working ducts on heating systems. Perform all routine maintenance procedures as recommended by the manufacturer.

Lead paint is a hot topic for a lot of people, but if your home has been repainted since 1978 you’re probably safe. Most paint stores have inexpensive kits you can buy to test the paint if you’re uncertain.

Asbestos is another pollutant you hear about regularly, asbestos was used in the 1940s and the 1950s to make fire-resistant structures for the home. It becomes hazardous when the small fibers break off and crumble. If your rentals were built after 1972 you’re probably in the clear, but if not you’ll want to have professionals remove and replace all of the asbestos.

It is your duty to keep your rental units up to code when it comes to the safety and security of your tenants.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Natural disasters and hazards hit every region of the United States in varying degrees and it’s your responsibility as a property manager or a landlord to make sure that your property is as ready for a disaster as it can be. One of the most common hazards you will encounter is flooding, use the following information to get your property ready in case there is a flood in your region.

Your first step is purchasing flood insurance, which isn’t included in most standard homeowners’ insurance plans. You’ll have to know the flood susceptibility of your property and where the floods will come from.

Then prepare your home by elevating your electric panel, water heater and furnace as much as possible to protect them from flood damage. Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into your home and causing more damage.

If a flood is coming and you have to evacuate, move valuables to the highest floor if possible. Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves, unplug electrical appliances, but don’t touch any electrical equipment if you’re already standing in water.?

If you are evacuating try to avoid driving and walking in moving water, it only takes about six inches of moving water to knock you off your feet or to cause stalling and loss of control in your vehicle. If you have to walk about use a stick to probe the ground in front of you so you can be as sure on your feet as possible.

If you have had flooding problems in the past, you may want to create a packet for your tenants giving them information on what steps to take in case of a flood and how to escape safely.

Popularity: 2% [?]