Rural Living

Visiting Canada or Are you traveling to Canada for the first time?

Or perhaps want to visit Canada someday?

First-time visitors to any country should know how to travel safely and smartly – and travelers to Canada are no exception to this rule.

The foremost crucial thing you need to know for a hassle-free traveling experience to Canada is that you need to get the Electronic Travel Authorization (eta) to enter the country.

While some countries are exempted from this requirement, you would want to confirm your country is among the Canada eta eligible countries before taking the leap – more on this later in the article!

Canada has been one of the most popular tourist attractions for decades.

Lively vibrant cities, kind people, breathtaking scenic beauty, and advanced quality of education are some of the main reasons why people from all over the world travel to Canada, at least once in their lifetime.

Here are some tips that will ensure you have a great time in Canada.

4 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Canada 

It Is a Huge Country

Canada comes under Russia on the list of world’s largest countries and covers an area of 9.9 million square kilometers.

The fact that it is surrounded by three oceans i.e. the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific means that you will require more time and money to travel around the country.   

While flying might be an easier and faster option, it is expensive.

Hence, the best way to enjoy your time in Canada without breaking your bank is to choose a region or two to explore in advance and spend your time there.

It Is Less Populated

Canada is large if we speak geographically but not many people live there.

The population density is only 3.7 people per square kilometer, which explains a lot of empty space around the country.

 The majority of people live in big cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.

This is why these cities are the top choice of tourists who are traveling to Canada for the first time.

The Requirement of eta

The eta is a must for all visa-free nationals with the exception of Americans.

You would want to confirm that your country falls in the category of Canada eta eligible countries before planning your trip.

Once you are sure your country is among the Canada eta eligible countries, you can travel to Canada without a visa.

However, if not, you would have to get an eta even if you just plan to pass through Canada on your way to somewhere else.

An eta is a travel authorization and not a visa – hence, it is easy to apply for and faster.

With an eta, foreign nationals belonging to visa exempt countries can live in Canada for up to 6 months.

Its validity period is 5 years but if your passport expires before that, it is deemed invalid.

Be Prepared for the Weather

While the natural beauty and wonderful parks of Canada may excite you to your core, you need to be prepared for the cold weather.

Yes, winter never really leaves Canada.

Especially if you are visiting between December and March, you should consider packing up many layers of warm clothes.

Even during the summer season, you are likely to feel cold if you are not a native Canadian.

With these tips in your mind, your time in Canada will likely be the best time of your life.

It is such a picturesque place, which with the friendly Canadians becomes even more lively and welcoming.

So, what are you waiting for?

Plan your visit to Canada and brace yourself for a wonderful experience!

Just if you are a foreign national from any of the Canada eta eligible countries, make sure you apply for an eta first.   

Wellness sanctuary – How do you feel in your home?

Do you feel comfortable and relaxed, or is your home a source of stress for you?

If your living space doesn’t bring you peace, change it.

You can turn your home from distressing to a place of tranquility.

Photo credit: unsplash.com

Make Your Home Into a Wellness Sanctuary

It’s easy to come home after a long day and feel stressed out.

You might have dishes you’ve not gotten to, or there’s mail on the table you need to go through, laundry to put away or vacuuming that needs to be done.

You might just be tired of your old furniture and sick of looking at your walls.

You need a happy place.

What if that happy place could be your house?

All you need is a few small changes to achieve big results with house designs that are captivating.

Start with a deep clean to make your home into a wellness sanctuary

Deep cleaning is a lot of work but brings great rewards.

Remove dust and toxins, improve your home’s air quality and let the light in.

Your living space will look and smell better.

Declutter Your Home

2018 was the year of the purge for so many, and 2019 looks the same.

Go through your place and reorganize your belongings.

Remove the things you don’t want or use anymore and if they cannot be donated or recycled, throw them away.

You’d be amazed at how beneficial it is when you declutter.

Designate a spot to relax

Because your home is your happy place, create a spot just for you to relax.

It can be a sitting room, a library, or any place that makes you relax.

Use this space for your own personal endeavors and hobbies, personalizing the space.

Make it comfortable with a few candles, special pictures or a comfy throw.

Bring the outdoors into your sanctuary

Add natural touches to your home with plants.

They’ll improve the quality of your air and add a touch of the outdoors inside.

Create natural light

Clean your windows to maximize the natural light in your home.

Studies have proven the benefits natural light has on your mental and physical well-being.

Lighting can be a great and easy rural home upgrade.

Go ahead and let the light in!

It’s the perfect way to showcase your newly-cleaned windows.

Switch to non-toxic cleaning products

Who wants to breathe in chemicals?

You can easily make your own all-natural cleaning supplies, or purchase them at most stores.

They’re better for you, and for the planet.

Keep your goals in mind while shopping for homes for sale in Rio Rancho, NM.

Our agents here at Myers & Myers will help you find the perfect spot to create a wellness sanctuary.

Hacks to Survive Blackouts In Rural Areas – Have you ever been to the rural areas when there is a power outage?

There is no light at night, the food going bad in the fridge, the livestock-especially the chicken suffering from the effects of cold temperatures and such dire consequences.

The worst power outages are the ones that occur in winter.

The extremely low temperatures can predispose you and your loved ones to various medical conditions.

Therefore, it is always imperative to be prepared.

Hacks to Survive Blackouts In Rural Areas

Various causes of power outages:

• Extreme Weather conditions
• Interference of the power lines by animals such as birds
• The planned blackout during maintenance

In 2017, Hurricane Maria left millions of people in the dark.

Most of the people stayed for weeks and months without power.

This incidence goes to show that it is essential to be prepared for such eventualities.

During a blackout, it is necessary to have a power back-up.

Having a generator is the best way to ensure that you are prepared.

There are different types of generators: some generators are big enough to provide power to the all the power requirements at home.

The large standby generators can be very useful in lighting the house, controlling the temperature inside the house and even for the livestock and pets.

You can get either the gas-powered generators or the solar powered ones.

The standby generators are usually quieter than the portable ones.

Also, they are automatic and are connected to the gas or propane lines.

You can also check out smaller and portable generators that can be moved to power specific equipment.

They can be used to power equipment such as the fridge, freezer and so on.

This helps to make sure that despite the blackout, you can still feed your family.

Not having food to eat during an outage is usually one of the significant causes of panic and it only worsens the situation.

You can also have batteries for backup power.

Batteries have a few advantages over the auto-start generators in some regard.

Firstly, do not produce any noise.

They also do not use any fuel and therefore are friendly to the environment.

The batteries just store power.

Usually, they are connected to a solar power grid.

The primary disadvantage of the solar power batteries is that they are not as useful on a sunless day.

Also, they do not last as long as the generators.

Top three solar-powered generators:

Goal Zero Yeti 1400

Nature PowerPak 1800W Powered Generator Outback Radian

Preparing meals is also quite a challenge during blackouts.

Therefore, always ensure that your gas tanks are refilled.

It provides backup gas supply in case of blackouts.

With adequate gas supply, you can use the Barbecue Gas Grills.

You can also use the charcoal grill to get the authentic flavor of Barbecue.

Therefore, always ensure that you have enough charcoal reserves.

The Smokey Joe is one of the best charcoal grills, and it is also portable.

So you can carry it to your friend’s barbecue party.

Other survival hacks during a blackout are:

Avoid opening the refrigerators

Ensure that you have food that does not require refrigeration

Inspect all electrical appliances and unplug them from the power sockets.

All appliances that produce carbon monoxide should be used outdoors where there is plenty of air.

These include the charcoal grill, generators and stoves.

Most people claim that they would want to purchase items to help them prepare for such emergencies.

You may not have enough funds to buy and may opt for a quick loan, and due to your credit score, you access it at insanely high-interest rates.

Today, poor credit shouldn’t hold you back from preparing and getting the items you need.

Creditrepaircompanies.com is one of the best companies that can help you to repair your credit rating.

You have no reason not to prepare adequately.

In conclusion, in the rural areas, there is a communal lifestyle.

Therefore, ensure to check on your neighbors.

You should also see the local medical supply to plan on how you can get any medicines and how to store your medications that require refrigeration.

Depending on where you live, pests are inevitable. When they are attacking your crops, you need to act fast. Below are some of the best ways to get rid of possums and other menaces.

One of the most important factors of a stable economy is that how much it is dependent on importing the necessary goods from outside.

It’s important to be self-sufficient. Cultivating crops makes you less dependent on others.

Best Ways to Get Rid of Possums

Possums leave urine and feces behind. They also have a strong scent. They can do serious damage to a garden.

You will need to assess whether the damage has been done by possums or whether something else is after the crops.

One way to make sure that the culprit are possums is by measuring the hole they created as they need at least 3 inches to squeeze into it.

If it is a raccoon, the gap will be around 4 inches wide.

It is much harder to protect something as open as fields and it is as important as protecting your house from possums.

How to protect crops from possums

Possums need to be controlled because they can eat over 65 types of plants. They can completely destroy a farm full of crops in a matter of a few days.

They don’t need much to survive; a nesting place is enough as long as they have access to food.

You will find their nests in hollow logs, under masses of vegetation, or in trees.

Some people have tried installing a two-strand electric fence that has wires at 4 inches and at 12 inches.

This would help to not only protect the crop against possum but it would also protect the crops from damage caused by other pests.

Poly tape also works well for this purpose.

An electrical fence usually activates at dusk and remains on until dawn.

Trapping Possums

Sometimes, you have to resort to catching possums as it is the most economically friendly way and the most effective method as well.

But, they require daily commitment as you will have to put food in the traps and check in often.

The minimum sized box for catching a possum should be 10 x 10 x 32 for traps that have single doors.

You could place the trap away from direct sunlight so that the possums do not suffer as much after being caught.

After catching them, you can release them off your property.

Killing the pests should be the last resort. However, it is another option.

Shooting Possums and Pest

Landowners can shoot possums if they are causing a significant damage to the crops or other things present on their property.

But, you can only shoot if it is in accordance with the laws and the regulations of your town.

After trapping them, you could kill them by applying one or two sharp blows to their heads right behind their ears.

Poison Possums

Since the damage done from possums can be severe, some places like New Zealand doesn’t allow them to be released and instead they have to be killed humanely.

The poison regulations differ depending on where you live.

A common and cost-efficient way is to use phosphorous as a poison. However, check with your area. This won’t be an option if you have pets or raise animals.

Call a professional

To find a safe and humane way to get rid of possums, raccoons, and other critters, you can call a professional. Professionals will be able to treat the nuisance safely and easily.

These are some of the ways on how to control possum that could really help you out.

Pest control for crops

There are over 6,000 types of species that can cause pest damage to gardens and crops.

However, the insects cannot travel very far and are limited to the accessible areas that take care of their biological and physical needs.

Some insects are pests only in some seasons, others cause crop damage throughout the year.

Natural methods to keep the pests away

Pests are a nuisance and can destroy your entire crop. This will cost you money but also the time you have put into it.

You could always go for professional help if you are worried that the pests would damage your crops. However, there are some things that you could do yourself that would keep the pests at bay and keep your plants safe.

Since these methods only keep the pest away and do not hurt them, it is the most humane way.

1.) Burn the crops that are diseased so that it doesn’t spread to other healthy plants.

2.) Mulch your crops regularly.

3.) Grow some plants around the crops to repel the pests.

How to use pesticides

Pesticides are poisonous. You should only use them if there is no other option left to protect your plants from the pests.

You should read the guidelines and only spray till the allowed limit.

Overusing pesticides could not only damage the plants but also could make the plants unsuitable for human consumption.

You also have to take care of other factors like not spraying into the soil or elsewhere.

Use the pesticides only on those plants on which the pesticide is intended to use.

These are the best ways to get rid of possums, raccoons and other critters.

Pests can be a real problem for farmers and landowners as they can destroy the hard work done over months in merely just a few days.

While trying to get rid of them, it is important that we adopt humane ways because the pests are just looking for ways to survive.

You could use different pieces of equipment and ways to capture possums and raccoons to get rid of them so they don’t damage your plants further.

Killing the pests or rodents should be the last resort when there is no other way to stop them.

But, if you plan beforehand, there should always be a way to avoid having to kill pests in order to save the crop.

 

 

Due Diligence Worksheet is so important When you are considering the purchase of a ranch, farm or rural land, it is important to have answers to some very important questions before you actually close the deal.

This list can save you a lot of headaches and also help you prioritize what you will need to do to make your new “slice of heaven” livable!

I would encourage you to examine and answer to the best of your ability each issue contained here plus others that might be applicable to the land parcel.

If you don’t have an answer, give it your best shot and then note it as a “potential risk” item.

When you have completed with your due diligence process, you should have two results.

One is a very clear understanding of the potential risks associated with the property purchase.

The other is an idea of the added costs required–in addition to the purchase price–to make the parcel livable or ready for construction.

Download Our FREE Due Diligence Worksheet

DUE DILIGENCE WORKSHEET GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

Does the proposed parcel meet your personal requirements and allow you to do what you want to do?

If not, what would be required to adapt it to your needs?

This question is site-specific as well as an individual-specific.

Make a list of your wants and needs, and then check it off.

Examples to Consider When Purchasing Farm or Ranch :

If you want to farm, and a majority of property is forested, what will it cost to make the forest into pasture?

If you intend to use a pasture for haying purposes, will you have to renovate the field?

Is there enough water to irrigate or is it a sub-irrigated pasture that needs no irrigation?

What is the slope of the parcel?

What kind of sunlight does it get?

Is it on a hill, or behind a hill so it gets significantly less daylight?

North slopes tend to be cooler and can lose up to four weeks of a growing season compared to comparable parcels with full sun access.

Are there trees on the parcel?

If so, are they marketable timber?

Some stands are worth a lot of money.

Are any existing structures usable?

If not, what is your estimate to get them usable?

What kind of soil is on the property?

Is it fertile and deep, or hard pan?

What can you typically grow in it?

Neighbors can help here.

You can also get a soil map of the area from NRCS (Natural Resources and Conservation Service).

Look at the one including your parcel.

If there is a question, take soil samples and have them analyzed.

This is not a costly procedure.

PLANNING – city, county and state issues

Some parcels may appear to have no issues until you apply for a permit or pursue a development project, and then all sorts of things might pop up.

Before your purchase, go to the county planning office and meet with a planner.

Ask the planner to take a look at the parcel(s) you are considering and ask if there are any concerns about the properties.

Are there any apparent issues that would prevent you from using the land the way you intend?

Most of this deals with zoning.

Find out what is required for development and building.

This may involve some form of master planning or site planning.

This is actually a good thing, as it causes you to objectively think out what you plan to ultimately do.

Find out about the process for obtaining a building permit (if buying land only and you intend to build).

Review that with a person knowledgeable in construction who can point out anything unusual.

If there are any issues, get an understanding of what it might cost you. Also, find out how long it usually takes for the county to issue required permits or perform inspections.

Are there any red flags that should be investigated?

If so, find out what they are and who you need to contact to get specific resolutions.

Are there any designated wetlands on the property?

If there are, you will have some specific building setback requirements for anything you want to do.

Are taxes paid up to date?

LEGAL ISSUES When Purchasing Rural Land, Farm or Ranch

This is a very important yet often overlooked area of due diligence, as it can be hard to understand.

Because it might require professional help at a cost prior to the actual purchase, many people fail to do this part of due diligence.

Sometimes it is a judgment call as to what is really important.

The following items should be examined legally.

Water rights:

This issue isn’t about whether there is water in the well, but rather, whether or not you have the legal right to drill a well or use water on the property for activities above and beyond personal use.

What rights do you have for irrigation?

Livestock watering?

Water for personal consumption is not usually an issue, but make sure you can irrigate a field if you intend to do that.

Property boundaries:

Is there a recorded survey?

If so, get a copy from the county and verify it with boundary markers that you see.

Talk to adjacent neighbors with existing fences and ask them if the fence lines match their understanding of the true property lines.

Walk the property and see if there are any other fences that might infringe on future use.

If they have been there a while, they could pose a legal boundary issue in the future.

If there are any potential issues or critical boundaries to be verified, have a property survey done and put in the property corners.

This is another step often omitted by prospective buyers.

Evaluate your level of comfort and security vs. the cost of the survey, which will run many $1000’s.

Take a look at an aerial map by Google Earth.

This can really be an eye opener.

The county assessor maps also can be a great resource.

The point is for you to have a clear sense of the property lines.

One note here: Rural property lines, while very important, are not exact.

Obviously, a small discrepancy on a 20 acre parcel is not nearly as important as one on a standard city lot.

Easements on the property:

Are there any recorded easements on the property?

There could be an easement for the electrical company to put a future 25,000 volt power line through the center of your property.

Or it could be access for a new natural gas line or any other kind of utility.

It could be one for a power line leading to a neighbor’s property or an access road for a neighbor to reach his property.

If there is an easement, is there a maintenance agreement in place?

You don’t need to contest easements; you just need to determine if there is something planned that YOU ARE NOT AWARE OF.

Again, know this before you buy.

Legal Access to Your Property:

If directly from a county public road, you have clear access.

If from a private access road or if it crosses over a private parcel you must:

Determine that the access use is recorded.

Determine that the county recognizes this as the legal access for the parcel.

Determine whether additional work is needed to upgrade the road to required county standards.

Talk to the owner of the property the road crosses and see what the owner’s understanding is.

If it is a road used by multiple parcels, determine if there is a ROAD MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT.

This will determine responsibility for routine and special maintenance of the road.

More gravel is needed– who pays?

Winter plowing is required–who does it?

Rural Property UTILITIES

Power:

What power is onsite or nearby?

What is the power company’s estimate to bring power to where you potentially want to put your structures?

One big question you need to answer–and it is a cost issue–should the power be buried or run overhead on poles?

Remember that buried power is less likely to be affected by wind, snow, and ice.

Determine if you need or want three-phase power.

Some utility companies provide it and some don’t.

It is really needed only for heavy duty shop applications such as welding equipment.

Telephone:

Sometimes this can be run with the power line but is a different utility from the power company.

How close is telephone to the parcel?

Again, relatively accurate costs should be quoted by the telephone utility.

Rural Internet:

Is DSL or broadband internet available?

If not, your only potential is satellite internet.

Cable:

This usually is not an issue, as it isn’t usually available for rural properties.

Water:

Is there a public water connection?

If not, what water is available onsite?

A strategy for obtaining water is vital prior to your closing.

This may be one of your biggest risks.

Wells:

If you are buying a developed property, test and inspect any existing well(s).

There are many companies that can quickly and inexpensively test well capacity and water quality.

This will give you a clear understanding of existing water sources.

If there is no acceptable source of water, a well must be drilled or dug.

Drilled wells are very common.

Neighbors or a local well drilling company can give you an idea of what /where/how much/ water might be obtained by drilling.

There is no guarantee though.

Some sites CLEARLY will have water and some CLEARLY will not (stay away from these).

Many will fall in-between.

Costs of wells/pumps could be from $3000 to over @$25,000.

Surface wells are also called dug wells.

If there is water near the surface this could be one of your options.

Sewer/Septic :

Is public sewer available?

Is there an existing system of septic tank and drain field?

If so, these should be tested and inspected so you know their condition.

If none exist, a new septic system must be installed.

The local health department can most likely help you with designers or installers.

A couple of phone calls can probably provide you some initial answers.

However, the design is fully based on the kind of soil that is used for the drain field.

Beware of wet ground!!

This could cause significant added costs for the system.

DUE DILIGENCE of EXISTING HOME AND STRUCTURES

Have inspections completed on a home and any other usable structures so that you will have a clear understanding of the condition of each one.

This will provide you the basis to estimate any additional work you may have to do to make it livable for your purposes.

Examine any abandoned structures on the property.

If they are condemned, the county may require you to either repair or remove them.

One example of this is a mobile home that stood on a piece of property.

Inside the mobile home was extremely bad mold and mildew that rendered the mobile home useless for any form of habitation.

In a case like this, you may decide to have the seller remove it from the site prior to closing on the property so you are not responsible for it.

After taking care of due diligence, you will be able to sleep better knowing that you have examined this major purchase reasonably and you are now ready for the next steps!

Download Due Diligence Worksheet

Not all small towns are dying as the population of remote workers or remote employees continues to increase to about 20 to 23 percent of the entire global workforce.

As more remote employees relocate to small towns and companies shift their labor force requirements to include a large number of remote employees, it has become critical that such businesses find ways of keeping the remote worker productive and connected.

For a mid-sized company, it is critical you integrate solutions and tools that foster good communication.

As your business grows, you will likely have remote workers in various locations, including rural America.

In fact, for such a company, remote working means that you can source talent from anywhere in America and the world.

The integral portion to achieving optimal communication between your headquarters and your remote workers is technology.

Home Maintenance Tips that Will Save You Tons of Money

Tech Solutions For Remote Employees Feel less Remote

With the right technological solution, managing your remote team will become so easy – it is as if they are literally next door!

Here are a few toolkit solutions that will help your remote workers feel less remote while promoting teamwork.

Voice over IP (VoIP) and Video Conferencing

When working with remote teams, you need to find creative things such as reinventing the typical conference room meeting. VoIP and video conferencing allow you to connect with your remote worker in the remotest of small towns.

These solutions offer you a unified means of communication over the Internet through local connections.

When using VoIP, your remote workers may have one office number that automatically routes calls to cell phones and delivers voicemails through email.

This way, it is easy for the remote worker to stay connected at all times – and they are available to you anytime you need to call them.

On the other hand, video conferencing involves a visual connection.

Instant Messaging

Instant Messaging, also known as IM, has become one of the best and least intrusive means of conferring or getting a simple answer.

For instance, IM is perfect for getting answers to logistical questions or for one-off requests like asking for links to specific files.

IM involves any form of communication that offers you a chat function integrated with mobility capabilities.

Extra features in the best IM software include GPS functionality via a user’s mobile device.

This functionality allows a manager to easily identify where the remote team is at and relay critical information immediately; for example, companies like Executiveautoshippers.com can use the technology to find out where exactly a driver is.

In fact, some messaging applications allow you to connect to your employee’s calendar, automatically changing the status to ‘in a meeting’ if a meeting is scheduled or when making a presentation to someone.

Some of the most powerful collaborative features you will find in IM programs include group chat and screen sharing.

‘Pinging’ someone and getting feedback as if the remote worker was standing next to you will help him or her feel more connected to your company and other teams.

Cloud-Based Technology

Cloud-based solutions provide you a means of sharing real-time data in a format that is easily accessible.

In many businesses, the number of applications employees can access via the cloud usually defines their mobility and flexibility.

Organizations make it easy for employees to log into critical systems from any location, store files, and quickly tap into company critical information.

Another solution is Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

When your employees have to work on company sensitive information, a VPN is the best solution that offers flexibility, as well as security.

The VPN is essentially a gateway to your organization’s server or information for approved users with an Internet connection, a computer and the proper authorization credentials.

Rural Living in Cyprus is a prime state that has cultural influences from Greece, Turkey and some Asian countries.

This multicultural effect, economic stability and political stability have lured expats who come here to start or expand their businesses.

According to Immigration Service experts, quite a good number of expats seek to know how they can live in rural areas in Cyprus.

The cost of living in rural Cyprus is lower than in the cities or near the beach.

However, some newbies may find it hard to understand how people live in the rural areas especially if they relocate from the city in their states.

Therefore, this guide will highlight some crucial points on how expats live in rural Cyprus.

Expats’ Rural Living in Cyprus

Rural Areas in Cyprus

Cyprus is a mountainous state especially as you move further away from the flat beaches.

Some of the Cypriot people still live in villages and small, rural towns, which the government encourages for sustainability.

Some of the best rural districts to choose as an expat include the following:

Expats’ living in Strovolos

it is further subdivided into smaller areas called parishes.

The Cypriot government controls this rural locality, and numerous expats are known to live here.

Most of them are engaged in farming or the mining business, which does well in this region.

Getting a house or land in Strovolos is easy when using an agent.

Expats’ living in Moutoullas

If you love high altitude and serenity, this is the village to choose.

It is mountainous and holds a rich history.

The village is part of the Nicosia District, and expats can work as heritage site workers or engage in business at the district headquarters.

Expats’ living in Amathus

Expats who want to feel like royals usually choose this locality.

Cyprus appreciates this area as a royal city.

It is the area where the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite sit, making it very significant.

You can acquire a house in this area with ease and still access major cities like Limassol for work.

Expats’ living in Achna

Most of the Cyprus citizens consider this rural village as abandoned.

It is located near the South East of Cyprus although ruled by the Northern part of the state.

What makes the village a great choice for experts is the fact that it is not too far from the beach.

Any investor can settle here for tranquility and development of their businesses, where raw materials and labor are readily available.

History of Expats’ Rural Settlement in Cyprus

According to government reports expats started moving to rural areas in early years.

The Cypriot citizens are friendly and welcoming no matter in which part you decide to settle.

The early expats moved from nearby countries like Portugal, Turkey and Greece just to mention but a few.

They were in search of raw materials to send back in the factories in their countries.

However, the Cypriot government has continuously encouraged settlement of expats who contribute positively to their government.

More so, it is also active in making treaties specifically to check on tax and investments matters.

With time, this has encouraged foreigners from all corners of the globe.

Today, most of them have become expats in Cyprus and continue to contribute to the economy.

Encouraging their settlement in the rural areas brings development all over the state in an equal measure.

Why Expats Choose Rural Living in Cyprus

According to a survey that questioned some expats, rural living in Cyprus is very economical, and the cost of everything is affordable.

The houses are of high standards yet cheap.

If you have a business that does not require a main city location, then this is the best place to locate it.

Your bills will be very reasonable.

Farmers and business people who can easily access raw materials in the rural areas are the greatest beneficiaries.

Cyprus allows the buying and building of properties under regulated guidelines.

Most expats who live in rural areas have their own properties that they have purchased through various plans.

The department of land and farming in the country promotes the productive use of abandoned land in the rural areas.

On the brighter side, most expats are also great investors in farming and other agricultural activities.

Further, they also allow hiring of foreigners under specific guidelines which has also promoted more expats to join the rural areas.

Amenities like world-class schools and healthcare facilities are not concentrated in the major cities but are all over the state.

Therefore, expats can easily take their families to standard schools and access health care using their international or local insurance coverage.

Friendly regulations and taxation programs

Cyprus is a state that has imposed fair taxation programs for foreign investors.

Those who have become expats in the country have done so because of friendly taxation procedures available.

According to expats who have been in the country for long, they enjoy the taxation rates that apply to businesses they do both in the rural areas and the town areas.

Expat’s Housing in the Rural Areas

Expats in Cyprus are free to move to rural areas and mingle with other Cypriot citizens.

The government does not have any hindrances to such plans.

In fact, the housing department in collaboration with the government makes sure that the expats get the necessary tax breaks and other support to secure a house in the rural areas.

It is also notable that title deeds for a housing or farming land are easily processed, especially when the right procedure is followed.

An authorized agent is the right person to use when when expats want to secure such a land.

They can choose their settlement rural areas in any districts and start the process through the offices in any district capital.

Expats’ Moving to Rural Cyprus

As a final word, it is worth mentioning that the population of expats moving to rural Cyprus is increasing by the day.

This is an indication that they are not only enjoying this kind of settlement but also affording it.

Thanks to the Cypriot government that has played a great role in promoting expat’s rural settlement in Cyprus.

It is a program that other countries should emulate if they want to have an all-state development.

With some research, you can identify the best location that you want to live in when you become an expat in Cyprus.

Birdhouse Plans and Ideas – Do you love seeing birds fly in and out of your yard? For many homeowners, a birdhouse is a good addition to their yard as it provides a safe haven for their feathered friends.

It’s also a place for birds to raise their young.

Birdhouses can also be a good do-it-yourself project; something that even a person with limited DIY skills can pull off with the best birdhouse plans.

A testament to how easy it is to put up your own birdhouse is the fact that there are many kid-friendly birdhouse plans available.

Yes, that’s right, even a grade schooler can build his own birdhouse given the right tools and instructions. Building a birdhouse is a fun activity to do with your child.

Best Birdhouse Plans

Whatever design you intend to have for your birdhouse plan, there are several things to keep in mind.

Types of birds

Find out what bird species are in your area.

Different areas and climates attract different types.

From there, think about the kind of birds you actually want to attract.

Perhaps you are hoping for colorful cardinals.

Maybe you want to attract birds that eat mosquitoes.

Keep in mind the birds you want when you are considering how large or small to build your birdhouse.

Building your birdhouse accordingly will increase your chances that the birds you want will find your birdhouse.

Size of the birdhouse

Be sure the size of the house is appropriate for the type of birds you want.

The inside dimensions must also be large enough for the adult bird and the growing young.

The size of the entrance hole is equally important.

If it is too small, the bird won’t be able to get inside the birdhouse.

If it is too big, then there’s the risk that predatory birds and animals could get inside the birdhouse which could spell trouble for your feathered friends.

Birdhouse materials

As for the material, wood is the best.

It provides the best insulation.

Other materials such as plastic and metal may not be able to insulate the nest, which can make the eggs or young birds overheated in sunny weather or chilled in the cold.

Use galvanized nails which won’t rust.

If you choose to paint the birdhouse, use dull colors to easily blend in with the surroundings.

Keep in mind predators when you paint birdhouses and nest boxes with colors.

Birdhouse Ideas

There are many nest box ideas that you can look online for the birdhouse that you are planning.

You can go for the traditional box house with a slant roof, a round hole in the front, and peg perch.

This birdhouse design can house any kind of birds.

What makes it attractive to birds is the size of the hole, so you should cut a hole that is comfortable for the animal to get in.

A platform or open box is a simple to build birdhouse.

It’s a three-sided nest box that can be hung in the backyard, attracting birds to come and raise their young ones.

Then there are the decorative birdhouses that are used more for aesthetic purposes.

This type of birdhouse isn’t really designed to attract a particular type of bird.

While a decorative nesting place can enhance the look of a garden, it can also be infiltrated by unwanted species like rodents.

The birdhouse design may also be affected by the birds that frequent your backyard, or are rampant in your area.

For instance, a woodpecker would likely stay in a box that is filled with sawdust or wood chip.

The house for this type of bird also known as Northern Flicker should be placed high on the tree trunk, and placed in direct sunlight.

Doves, meanwhile, love to settle at birdhouses with twigs, weeds, and grass.

The nest box should also be placed high, at least seven feet from the ground.

It should be with partly open sides to attract doves.

It’s also not uncommon to see flinches.

This type of bird is common in cities and towns.

These birds aren’t picky when it comes to birdhouses, as they can settle in open platform designs as well as enclosed boxes.

But you should place some extra wood at the entrance or mounting on a pole to provide a safer and attractive nesting place for the flinches.

Wrens are probably the species that prefer to nestle in a place closer to the ground.

If this is the type of bird that mostly frequents your area, then you should construct a birdhouse that is less than 1 ¼ inches in diameter.

This would prevent sparrows from getting inside.

Building Birdhouses

Regardless of the style you come up for your birdhouse, you would want it made from materials that can stand up to the weather.

As mentioned earlier, wood is the best material for a birdhouse.

To be more specific, you can opt for cedar which is affordable, readily available at home improvement centers, and can last for years even when left outdoors.

Pinewood is another excellent option.

For most birds, the floor of the birdhouse should be at least 4 inches by four inches.

Bluebirds, meanwhile, need a slightly larger floor measuring five inches by five inches.

The entrance hole should be at least 1 ½ inches, which is of the right size for native birds to enter but small enough for European starlings and house sparrows to come in.

The entrance hole, meanwhile, should be at last five inches above the floor of the birdhouse.

The roof, meanwhile, should be over-sized.

It must extend over the house so that it can shed rainwater away from the entrance.

There is also the likelihood that rainwater will still find its way inside the nest box even with an overhanging roof.

So you should put drainage holes in the bottom of the birdhouse.

Along with narrow gaps under the roofline, these holes will also keep the birds comfortable during warm weather as air circulation should be good inside the nest box.

Another important consideration in building a birdhouse is hanging it at the right height.

The general rule of thumb is that the birdhouse should be at least five feet above the ground.

It must also be placed several feet away from bushes where predators like cats can hide.

The birdhouse should also have several food sources for its tenants.

It would be great if you place it in a yard with native flowers and shrubs that produce seeds and berries.

Or add plants in the garden that can attract insects which the adult bird and its hungry young can feed on.

Hand-made Birdhouses

Novice and experienced woodworkers can also make their own handmade birdhouses.

The beauty of birdhouses is that you can use recycled or scrap lumber along with tools such as hammer, nails, and cordless drill.

For example, get a pinewood board that measures 18 inches in length and two shorter boards that are cut at an angle.

This would be for the roof that will have a downward angle, letting the rainwater to drain off.

Then cut two pieces with identical lengths and attached these to the backboard using an air-powered nail gun.

Alternatively, hammer and nails can be used to attached the side pieces to the board.

After attaching the two sides to the board, attach the bottom part of the birdhouse using two nails.

This would secure the two sides to the bottom piece as well.

Once the sides and bottom have been attached to the board, the next to be installed is the roof.

As mentioned earlier, it should be slightly wider than the body of the nest box so that the animals will be protected against the rain.

The circular entry door is the final element of the birdhouse that needs to be fixed.

An opening of 1 ½ inches in diameter should be enough for finches and bluebirds to get into.

It would also be small enough to prevent hunters from entering.

Use a hole saw for this.

Birdhouse Kits

But if you’re really not confident with your carpentry and wood making skills then you can look for a birdhouse kit.

A birdhouse kit has everything you need to build a nesting place for your feathery friends.

It includes the wood pieces as well as the tools you need like paint brush, nails, and glue.

Moreover, you will get detailed instructions on how to build the nest box.

In fact these birdhouse kits are very easy to build that there are models designed particularly for children as young as five years old!

When shopping for a birdhouse kit, you must also look into the inclusions of the product.

One would be the mounting device as it is easier to mount the nest box if there is a bracket or hanger for pole mounting or hanging.

This would save you time and spare you of the hassle trying to figure out how to install a mountain hardware into the birdhouse.

Also, the birdhouse should have one side that opens.

This would give you two benefits.

One is that it will make it easier for you to access the interiors, which is important for cleaning out the birdhouse.

Also, you can look at the inside the box whenever you want.

Indeed, a birdhouse is one great addition to your backyard.

Whether you intend to build your own or buy a birdhouse kit, you won’t regret putting one in your garden.

Rural Living offers many kinds of greenhouse kits, bird houses, mini greenhouse kits.

Birdhouses for Birds – Nestbox, from the name itself, is a man-made box or enclosure that is used as a place for animals, such as specific mammals and birds, for nesting.

Birdhouses for birds are different-sized nesting boxes typically made from wood, and sometimes metal.

These boxes are built to look like small houses, and are made creatively using different colors and embellishments.

These birdhouses are oftentimes found in gardens or outdoor spaces to attract and house different various types of birds.

Birdhouses for Birds and Nesting

Aside from that, it can also be used as decorative pieces that add extra charm to any space.

Strategically placed birdhouses can beautify various areas while giving birds a safe space to nest and interact with other species of their kind.

It can also help maintain or increase the population of bird species in a certain area.

Birdhouses can be made a different number of ways, depending on the kind of bird you’d like to attract.

Below are the different birdhouses most suitable for cardinals, finches, and robins.

Birdhouses for Cardinals

Cardinals are oftentimes characterized by their bright red plumage.

They are called as such because their color resembles the red robes donned by cardinals of the Catholic Church.

They are considered one of the most desirable “backyard” birds, because of the beautiful songs they sing and their vibrant colors that never fade or change.

These large birds are quite easy to attract as they do not migrate, and can be backyard visitors all-year-round, especially when you’ve got a reliable source of food, water, shelter and nesting areas available.

How to attract cardinals

To attract cardinals, one must know that they prefer shrubby areas and thick vegetation.

They have strong and thick bills that are best for eating large seeds such as sunflower and safflower types.

You can also attract them with cracked corn, peanuts, berries, and apple chunks placed in big and spacious feeders suitable for perching.

Also, it is best to steer them clear from reflective surfaces, as they are pretty aggressive, and can get very territorial especially during breeding season to the point that they will even attack their reflections when they see it.

Cardinals are not what you might consider cavity-nesters; they create open cup-sized nests made from various plant materials such as twigs, stems, bark strips and such.

Since cardinals are large birds, enclosed birdhouses will not be suitable for them.

They prefer open nesting areas that give them enough space to perch, build their nests, and freely move around.

You can do this by creating nesting platforms instead.

Nesting platforms are open on all sides, and is built with corner posts that allow roof support that can offer protection for the nesting cardinals.

It is best to mount or position these platforms on the ground or near walls where there is thick plant cover and shrubbery.

The ideal height of a wooden nesting platform, including the roof, would not exceed four feet from the ground up.

It is important to place nesting platforms for cardinals near areas where they can gather suitable materials for creating their nests.

Birdhouses for Finches

Finches are one of the most common birds that you will see in your backyard.

They are pretty sociable creatures that enjoy visiting well-stocked feeders and interacting with their kind.

Also known as “house finches”, these small birds are just about the size of sparrows.

Males are seen with red-orange chest marks, while females are usually plain and un-striped, with heavy streaks on the body.

It is best to attract finches with plant food.

They also enjoy eating some insects and feeding them to their young.

Their natural diet, however, consists of fruit and weed seed.

During winter, they get the seeds from winter berries.

How to attract finches

It is easy to attract finches with different types of food such as various birdseeds, fruits, crumbs, suet, and nectar to name a few.

Just also make sure that you provide a clean source of water, as well as the most suitable nesting areas for them.

When it comes to housing, finches prefer open spaces compared to the regular enclosed birdhouse.

They would much rather choose a nesting platform or basket-style shelter with an open top.

In building a finch birdhouse, always remember that these creatures are quite small.

The ideal dimensions for the birdhouse are as follows: 6 inches in width, 12.5 inches in height, and 8.5 inches deep.

It should also have an opening that is 1.5 inches wide, plus a predator guard that will protect these birds from unwanted visitors.

It is best to place these birdhouses or basket in a tree that’s at least 8 feet tall, giving the birds more space to enjoy around their nesting place.

Birdhouses for Robins

Robins are large songbirds that have round bodies as well as long legs and tails.

These birds are the largest among North American thrushes.

They are characterized by gray-brown plumage, with orange marks and dark-colored heads.

But among males and females, the latter has a paler head compared to its counterpart.

Just like cardinals, robins prefer open birdhouses.

They are not cavity-nesters so they prefer a nesting shelf or platform that is either open an all sides or has a three-sided enclosure.

It is important to mount these nesting shelves in a natural habitat that is abundant with trees and grass, that’s best for hunting earthworms.

For robin birdhouses is it best to use dimensions measuring 6x6x8 inches.

Make sure it has an open front, with the color of the house preferably in earth tone.

Remembers birds’ basic needs

When creating birdhouses, it is important to remember the most basic needs of birds.

You must make sure that you know the behavior of the species you’d like to attract.

Prepare as much food and water, and place your nesting shelves and birdhouses in the most strategic of places.

This will vary depending on the type of bird you are trying to attract.

When building birdhouses for birds, it is best to use durable wood and corrosion-resistant screws, plates, and other materials as you will be placing these boxes outdoors, exposed to various elements and weather conditions.

Also make sure that these birdhouses are well-made and will be able to protect birds from predators.

Installing a predator guard is important as there are many other creatures lurking in forests and various natural habitats.

Homestead House Plans and Designs ~ It is wonderful to experience life on a homestead.

You live life so much closer to nature in a healthier and natural way.

The happiness indexes are of the charts for people who make the initially difficult choice of homesteading.

The reason for this choice can be many.

Conduct a through and complete due diligence when buying rural farm, property or ranch.

Some people want to do it as an environmentally conscious decision, other want to do it because they feel their skill set is more suited to that type of living and still others chose to look at it as an adventure worth embarking on.

Homestead House Plans and Designs

It is necessary to have a proper homestead house plan before you take the decision to purchase a land as this will help you estimate not only how much land do you require but also what is the kind of land you are looking for.

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Things to consider

The homestead house plan should be made keeping in mind the particular skill sets you possess.

For example if you plan to make a living of your homestead primarily by gardening then your homestead should have an adequate amount of land that will allow you plant a large number of plants and vegetables and should be ideally be free of too many rocks and trees so that you do not have to waste too much of money on clearing the land for your garden.

Also, if you plan to rear livestock then adequate space for keeping the animals, feeding them and letting them roam free should be kept in mind.

You also may have to invest in a pole barn to house the livestock.

All of these things are important to keep in mind when the plan is being designed.

After the plan is designed then you should make sure that the construction is of a high quality and something that will weather the test of time.

You want this move to be permanent so skimping on building quality and material is not a good idea.

This will be your primary dwelling place and just because you have moved to a rural landscape does not mean that you should live without any luxury whatsoever.

Make sure that your living quarters have everything what you need and some things that will make your life easier and fun.

Legal Registration of Your Homestead

Legal registration of your homestead declares that this is your primary place of residence and protects it against foreclosure by the bank in certain situations.

The forms can be filled yourself although it is advisable to take the help of someone who is well versed in reading and explaining to you the finer points of the document.

Make sure you do the due diligence before you decide to invest in your homestead and then follow all the legal guidelines while building the homestead as well as registering it to enjoy the protection offered to your homestead by the law.

Homestead Designs that are Captivating

When you own a house, you would probably want the best of designs to generate your dream home.

There is a growing popularity with homestead designs for modern homes that would operate with maximum efficiency.

It is not necessary to take up a home design or architectural course to appreciate strategic property designs for the desired homestead space.

Homestead houses can be very unique and captivating with the right designs to make each home very modern and contemporary or otherwise depending on the preference of its owner.

You may wish to have a laid back home with a cozy cottage design instead of a glass double story bungalow.

The vast countryside is excellent for homestead designs that offer style, luxury and comfort with energy efficiency and security features.

A dream country home is not impossible for those who plan well with smart savings and investments, although some meticulous research on homestead designs would translate the dream into reality.

It is important to understand the perimeters of building a homestead property with more than basic data and tools.

Each homeowner has vastly different expectations and preferences that may be influenced by a lot of other factors such as budget, time and family needs.

If you have big dreams of a captivating homestead, you would need to check out what is in the market to formulate what you want for your home.

Building Your Homestead

Every homestead is different with different building approaches and tools applied.

Although a detailed homestead plan is helpful with the range of designs that you may have prepared, it is possible that some parts of the blueprint may be tweaked or thrown out of the window even before construction takes place.

Hence, it is wise to take your time in identifying the best of homestead designs that would give you your dream home as it can be a costly activity building a home the way you want it.

The location is a primary factor for a successful homestead.

The blueprint for your homestead must be clear with the various components to be included; this refers to barns, garages, sheds, guest rooms or cottage, servants’ quarters and extra storage.

Some homestead owners would want a large garden, backyard, court, patio or porch.

A homestead design depends also on the functionality of the property to accommodate the living conditions of the occupants.

The best homestead designs for your dream home would be that from your heart instead of leaving it to the experts in the market.

These may offer some excellent ideas to generate an exquisite and luxurious home but the design may not satisfy you or fit your character and lifestyle.

Homestead Land

It is important to make good use of the total land for any homestead instead of letting the remaining land be left in ruins which would mar the overall look and feel of your homestead.

There should be a proper management of the land to ensure a positive outcome of your investment.

Modern technologies with the latest homestead design software are available to produce the best of designs to bring on the most captivating and beautiful home you can ask for.

There is a lot of research on homesteading for beginners and homestead house plans and designs.

Do your due diligence before determining if this is a lifestyle for you and your family.