Property Tax: What is it?

What is Property Tax (Real Estate): Simply Explained?

Property tax is an annual tax levied on the ownership of a plot or real estate. It serves to finance public services such as road construction, fire department, police, and schools.

The amount of property tax is usually calculated based on the estimated market value / assessed value or the standard land value of the plot. In some regions, property tax may also be based on the size or condition of the building located on the plot.

Property tax can vary by state or municipality in the USA. In Germany, it differs from federal state to federal state.

In general, owners or beneficiaries must pay property tax annually or quarterly.

Property Tax Comparison

Property tax in the USA and Germany differ in some important aspects:

1. Purpose of the tax
2. Calculation and basis
3. Control rate and amount
4. Payment and deadlines

Purpose of the Control

The land control in the USA is used to finance public services such as schools, roads and public safety. In Germany, the land control serves to tax the ownership of a plot of land.

Calculation and basis

In the USA, the land control is calculated based on the estimated market value of the land. In Germany, the land control is calculated based on the value of the land, which results from the standard land value and the building cost.

Control rate and amount

The control rate for the land control varies in the USA from state to state and from community to community. In Germany, the control rate for the land control is legally determined and usually amounts to between 300 and 600 percent of the standard land value.

Payment and deadlines

The property tax in the USA is due annually and must be paid by the owners. In Germany, property tax is generally due quarterly and can also be paid by the owners or by the beneficiaries of the property.

Overall, the differences between property tax in the USA and Germany are significant, but they serve both countries to finance public services.

US-Firmengründung speziell für Tax-Lien-Investoren

• Gründung einer LLC oder Corporation
• Registered Agent Service (gesetzlich vorgeschrieben)
• Geschäftsadresse
• Postservice

• US-Firmengründung

Key facts at a glance: Tax table

Here is a direct comparison of the property tax in the USA and in Germany:

This table contains the most important differences between the property tax!

The most important links: Property tax

Here are the most important links for Germany and the USA with a focus on the states New York and California.

• Property tax (Germany)
• Property tax (New York)
• Property tax (California)
• …
• Taxes USA (Real estate purchase)

Buying a house: Financial planning, brokers, loans & Co.

The dream of owning your own home, living independently within your own four walls, being able to design everything yourself and furnish it according to your individual wishes. But with this wishful thinking it is far from being done, because there is much more to buying a house. There is a long way to the goal of being able to lean back, relax and enjoy life in your own garden. To make this as easy as possible, here are the best tips & tricks on what you should pay attention to when buying a house and what pitfalls you can avoid.

• Buy a house

House types in a list:

• Buy a house
• Farm
• Bungalow
• Semi-detached house
• Single-family house
• Half-timbered house
• Holiday home / weekend house
• Prefabricated house
• Wooden house
• Country house
• Massive house
• Apartment house
• Terraced house
• Beach house
• Villa
• Low-energy house
• Zero Energy House & Passive House

Farm: Prices, tax, estate agent & procedure for purchase

The decision to buy a farm is made by families as well as couples or singles in middle or older age, who want to change and appreciate the individual way of living in the middle of nature. We offer you farms in attractive rural locations.

Buying your own farm as a permanent residence or as a weekend home. You need to decide if you want to buy a property in need of renovation. These farms can often be purchased at very reasonable prices. Alternatively, there are properties that have already been refurbished by their previous owner and are in a modern and very good condition. These farms are usually ready to move into immediately. However, you have to expect a higher purchase price. This is especially true if the farm is in a very central location with a good infrastructure. What else there is to know about farms as real estate, you will learn in the following.

• Farm

Bungalow: no stairs, barrier-free & often access to the garden

A bungalow is above all practical and modern. Especially with young families, this type of house is very popular, because you can find all the rooms on one floor and this is a great advantage with children. In addition, a bungalow is extremely durable. You can move in as a young adult and stay in this house all your life. As a pensioner, the absence of stairs and the single storey are a great advantage. Choosing the right house is not easy. You invest a lot of money in the construction or purchase and it is a decision for life.

A bungalow is an ideal investment and investment in the future. This type of house is ideal for families, and perfect for a long life. Besides the special construction of a bungalow, it offers many other advantages. Choose your own design or a prefabricated house. Plan the floor plan, calculate prices and design your own modern home. In this article you will learn everything you need to know about this building type. From the definition to the financing.

• Bungalow

Semi-detached house: features, checklists & living with neighbours

The term semi-detached house refers to a residential unit, which usually extends over several floors and is approximately the size of a standard detached house. A semi-detached house offers two almost identical living units, each of which is roughly the same size as a detached house. Of course, this depends entirely on the type of single-family home. In principle, however, the aim of a semi-detached house is to provide space for a medium-sized residential group.

However, the difference between this and a detached house is that, as the name suggests, semi-detached houses, extend over half of a very large, long house. This saves land area and you still experience almost the luxury of your own house with a few restrictions, which we will go into more detail in the course of the article.

• Semi-detached house

Detached house: Small house for the whole family

What is a detached house? Under this term one imagines first of all a terraced house or a semi-detached house, which is correct, but does not explain the term sufficiently. The single-family house describes only that it is designed in principle for a family, the size, shape or location you can choose freely. Decide for a luxurious city villa or a down-to-earth bungalow. Build or buy and bring everything up to date and modern. In this article you will learn everything you need to know about this type of house.

• Single-family house

Half-timbered house: living with charm – purchase, costs & renovation

Everyone who grew up in Germany has seen them. But how exactly it is to live in such a house, you probably only know once you get the chance. However, the houses are not for everyone and require a lot of work. You can read about how the construction method influences the living atmosphere in the following.

The exposed wooden beams are also what make up the charm of the houses for many. So if you are thinking about rebuilding a half-timbered house, it is advisable not to plaster it, because that would destroy the characteristic for many. What exactly constitutes a half-timbered house and what there is to know when buying, selling or renovating a half-timbered house, you can find out here.

• Half-timbered house

Holiday home / weekend house: house by the lake, beach or sea, with terrace

Who does not wish to have their own house in their favourite holiday resort? And this dream is not far away. We’ll tell you how you can buy a holiday home and make money from it. With a few simple methods. However, it is important to mention in advance that the rental of holiday homes is also dependent on the overall economic situation. If people are doing better financially, they will go on holiday more. So here, too, you can’t just count on profitable years.

Hardly any other type of property is better suited as an investment than the holiday home. It is not only characterized by an excellent location, but through modern media and Internet portals, the re-renting of these houses has become very easy. This makes it much easier to generate income with holiday homes. Of course, the cost-benefit calculation is particularly relevant. However, if you manage properly, you can afford a holiday home, gain capital by renting it out and also have a very private retreat in your favourite holiday home. What you should look for when buying a holiday home – and much more – you can find out here.

• Holiday home
• Buy weekend house

Prefabricated house: Turnkey? Costs & advantages and disadvantages

Especially for young adults, the dream of owning their own four walls is big. You want to invest your money and what is better than a property? If you are interested, a prefabricated house would be ideal, because with this type of construction the prices are usually lower. If you want to move in quickly and don’t want to put a lot of energy into building a house, you should look into prefabricated houses. Buy your house with land and have a bungalow, a villa or a terraced house built. The repertoire of providers is large. Compare the different types of houses, gather important experience and decide between materials such as wood or concrete. Move into your first and turnkey house soon!

• Prefabricated house: features, definition, advantages & disadvantages
• Buying a prefabricated house: Costs, construction, etc.

Wooden house: Sustainable living? Costs, construction time & maintenance

Due to the advantages and the cozy aura, the wooden house has established itself throughout Germany and is appreciated by many families. With the wooden house, a distinction is generally made between three types of construction. The classic is the log house, closely followed by the Umgebinde house and the wooden panel house. Only the log house is a purely wooden house, while the other two house types are only made of wood in the basic framework and are made of stone or composite materials in the interior fittings and wall surfaces.

As a living material, wood is very high-maintenance and must be regularly protected against the weather. Nevertheless, with a wooden house you can create an oasis of well-being, which convinces both visually, haptically and in the sensation. What else there is to know about buying a wooden house, you will find out in the following article.

• Wooden house

Country house: features, characteristics and live in the country

A country house is defined as a residential building, which is located on an estate. Mostly it is a large property to which a spacious garden belongs. Size, open space and a romantic, rustic style determine the image of a country house. Townhouses in country house style are becoming more and more popular. Both advantages, the good infrastructure and the rustic exterior appearance, are thus combined.

The massive structures with generous proportions are strikingly designed by the long balconies, terraces, dormers and pavilions. Real wood is a defining material of the country house – folding shutters, windows, doors and railings provide the harmonious style of the house. In some cases, a conservatory or carport is also part of the house. Warm tones, stone, ceramics, rattan and a tiled stove provide a feel-good atmosphere and bring relaxation and recreation.

• Country house

Solid house: Robust material & long service life

A solid house is a construction method of a house, whereby the house is built stone-on-stone from solid building materials. Individual wishes of the builder thus make each house a unique one-of-a-kind. On average, the lifespan of a solid house is about 100-120 years and is therefore more durable than a prefabricated house. The price per square meter of a new house is on average 1,300 euros for the construction costs excluding the land. There is no upper limit for the price limit.

Factors such as costs, materials and the duration of construction are very important when it comes to buying your own home. With the help of information on financing, the choice of land and the life of the house, you can form an opinion and decide which of the listed advantages and disadvantages are decisive for you – and whether a solid house is right for you.

• Massive house

Apartment building: Valuing real estate, apartments, rentals & co.

Your idea has manifested itself and your dream of a house is becoming reality. You have already looked at a few properties, compared prices and set your budget for buying a house. Before you enter into closer negotiations with sellers or reserve a property, you should plan the house financing and determine your conditions. The more professionally you proceed and the more concretely you plan, the less complicated the house purchase will be, from the idea to the financing to the notarisation to the conclusion of the contract. Then everything is ready for the rental of the apartment house. Learn everything here, from the valuation, to the rental of apartment buildings.

• Buy apartment house
• Buy or build a multi-family house?

Terraced house: Living door to door – Costs and advantages & disadvantages of building a house

Young families and couples, as well as anyone in the family planning process, are attracted to townhomes in the same way. Not because they are particularly modern and cool. On the contrary, terraced houses have acquired a somewhat dusty image over the years. But the cliché that terraced houses are only for squares is not at all true.

Due to its space-saving design, the housing form has a huge advantage, because often you can get them even in large cities still relatively close to the city center. Often you don’t even know that you are dealing with a terraced house, because the image that we have been given is wrong. Row houses can be found in Paris London, New York Berlin and all other metropolises. The simple reason for this is that terraced houses are built side by side without leaving space between the individual housing units, thus they require little land area and even in urban regions often come with a front garden or real garden.

• Terraced house

Beach house: living by the sea or renting to holidaymakers

A beach house can be used as a retreat as well as a modern home. A home that many dream of – do you? While the type of home can vary greatly, it remains true to its location – right on the beach. Whether it’s a luxury villa in the Hamptons, a modern bungalow in Calabria, or an aesthetically pleasing single-family home on the Baltic Sea, a direct oceanfront location makes the heart beat faster for many.

You’ve been dreaming of your own house for a long time? Do you prefer to spend time at the beach? Or do you want to invest in a holiday home to rent it out or sell it after renovation with added value? Then it’s time for you to look into beach homes. The beach house, which inspires with a dreamlike beach location, can be used as a home or as a profit-promising capital investment. In the following article you will learn what a beach house is and what advantages and disadvantages it has. Furthermore, the house construction as well as the house purchase will be explained to you in more detail and it will be pointed out what needs to be considered for different needs!

• Beach house

Villa: plot, garden and many rooms – city villa or villa in the countryside

You want to invest your money in real estate and build or buy a house? If you have an affinity for luxury and elegance, you should definitely look into the subject of a villa. A villa is long-lasting and an investment in the future. In this article you will learn everything you need to know about this special type of house. Do you prefer a modern or more Mediterranean style and when is a house a villa? It doesn’t matter whether you want to build in the city centre, in the countryside or on a hill with a pool. You can find the most important information here.

Are you interested in investing in a luxury property and would like to build or buy a villa? Then you will find a few useful tips on the subject here. Decide for yourself whether you want to renovate an old building to keep the charm or build a new building to design everything according to your ideas. Choose between a prefabricated house or a solid house because both have their advantages and disadvantages. Find out what they are below.

• Villa
• Buying a villa: Procedure, Checklist & Co.

Energy efficient building

1. Low-energy house
2. Zero-energy house
3. Passive House

Low-energy house: Live sustainably and save on ancillary costs?

Since 2007, there has been a draft law that attempts to regulate the energy efficiency of construction projects and thus improve the housing landscapes in cities and in the countryside in terms of sustainability. In order to obtain a building license, certain requirements must be met.

In addition, low-energy houses are supported with development loans, as the interest of the government and development banks also continues. Of course, not all new buildings have to be low-energy houses and categories under the definition of low-energy house also receive funding. However, with sustainable living, not only does the environment benefit, but you also save on energy costs. What it has to do with low-energy houses, you will learn in the following.

• Low-energy house

Zero energy house & passive house: definition, function, costs & requirements

Construction and architectural trends are moving more and more into the realm of sustainable living, as not only the environment demands it, but also legislators and consumers. Accordingly, the number of energy-efficient houses among new buildings has more than quadrupled in the area of office buildings, commercial spaces, hotels and also private households.

The zero-energy house and the passive house can be considered as a kind of master class of living. These house forms have the claim to have an energy balance of 0. This means that the already extremely reduced energy consumption is additionally covered by the house’s internal installations for generating renewable energies.

• Zero Energy House & Passive House

Commercial real estate

Buying commercial property – Would you like to buy a retail business, a kebab shop, a tattoo studio, practice and law firm premises, industrial property or entire technology parks? Avoid bad investments and make the best decision from the beginning with us. Buying commercial real estate is an investment for start-ups and business owners. The company grows in the new property. Location and selection criteria are of the commercial property set the course for the future of the company.

• Commercial property

What is a solid house? Construction, materials and features

A solid house is a construction method of a house, whereby the house is built stone-on-stone from solid building materials. Individual wishes of the builder thus make each house a unique one-of-a-kind.

The opposite of the solid house is the prefabricated house. In this construction method, the house is built according to the modular principle with a wooden structure. For the solid house, on the other hand, materials such as aerated concrete, sand-lime brick, goat stone (walls and floors) and wood (staircase and roof construction) are used. All materials are delivered to the construction site, where they are later assembled into a house by specialist companies.

On average, the lifespan of a solid house is approx. 100-120 years and is therefore more durable than a prefabricated house. The price per square metre of a new building is on average 1,300 euros for the construction costs excluding the land. There is no upper limit for the price limit.

You want to buy or build a house, but don’t know which one is right for you? Then take a look at our guide to house types from A – Z! Here you will find all house types, from bungalow to terraced house!

Room layout: free design of your own 4 walls

Due to the individual wishes and needs according to which a solid house can be planned, there are many different options for the room layout. The design, size and use of individual rooms is entirely up to the builder. Walk-in wardrobes, an open kitchen or soundproofed music rooms – any interior or exterior wishes can be discussed with the architect.

Advantages and disadvantages: Location, infrastructure, construction time & more

80% of today’s builders still opt for an architect’s house in solid construction, despite the alternative of the cheaper prefabricated house. Which reasons speak for and against, to decide for the building of a solid house, is explained in the next paragraphs.

Advantages: high durability & good sound and fire protection

The decision to build a solid house brings you some advantages, also compared to a prefabricated house: The reason and the biggest advantage why the multitude of builders decide for a solid house is the individual design of the house. Floor plan, size, materials, shape and equipment of the house can be determined at will.

The solid materials such as concrete or stone provide a good indoor climate and improve the air and moisture circulation inside the room. The high-quality building material ensures a high sound and fire protection advantage.

The lifespan of a solid house is 100 to 120 years, so three generations can live in the house. In contrast to a prefabricated house, the solid house is also more resistant to environmental influences such as flooding or heavy rain. The long life and the solidity of the house also make it possible to achieve a higher sales price.

Costs of work on a solid house can be saved by doing work on the house yourself instead of hiring craftsmen for these activities. Up to a certain point, work done by the owner can be counted as equity.

• Individual design (floor plan, size, materials & equipment)
• Good indoor climate due to solid materials
• Good fire and sound protection
• Long service life
• Resistant to environmental influences
• High selling price
• Own contributions can be counted as equity

Disadvantages: long construction time & construction delays

Besides all the advantages, a solid house also brings negative points. Before the construction takes place, the financing for the house should be clarified. Possible subsidy programs can be claimed from credit institutions. The double burden of financing the new building and the additional rent for the previous apartment can be more easily managed with the help of a subsidy program.

Delays in construction due to extended periods of bad weather are not uncommon, as a builder this can increase not only the waiting time but also the cost. The reason for the extended construction time is often the long drying times of the building components, which lead to extensions. In addition, some of the construction stages can only be completed due to the weather, as is the case with the roof truss, for example.

The construction of a solid house requires the cooperation of several trades. The construction requires the support of bricklayers, roofers, painters, tilers and many more. Communication between the various tradesmen can therefore also be difficult. If the communication fails, it can also lead to delays or even construction errors.

• High financial burden
• Long construction time
• Often delays in construction
• Working in the weather
• Many different trades

Energy rules for builders & homeowners: correct insulation, heating and energy certificates

For builders and homeowners, there are energy rules that are relevant when it comes to building, buying or renovating. Heating, insulation and new energy certificates are the biggest points to consider. Which regulations and specifications apply to future owners or residents of a solid house will now be explained to you.

Heating: Replacing oil and gas boilers

All oil or gas boilers older than 30 years must be taken out of service. In addition, the German Energy Agency stipulates that owners of single-family and two-family homes with low-temperature and condensing boilers who occupied at least one apartment themselves on February 1, 2002 are exempt from the rule.

Insulate: Roofs and upper storey ceilings

Homeowners must insulate all ceilings of heated rooms that adjoin an unheated attic. Ergo the roof or the top floor ceiling of the house. dena excludes all homeowners who were using at least one flat in their house on 1 February 2002.

Energy certificates: Energy classes from A+ to H

The new provisions of the energy regulations also affect the energy certificate. This innovation includes the differentiation into various energy efficiency classes from A+ to H. The information must also be labelled in property advertisements so that consumers, tenants and buyers have more clarity about energy consumption.

Want to learn more about energy-efficient building? Here you can find out everything about

• Zero energy house and passive house
• Low-energy house

Land: selection and characteristics of the right plot

Before land can be used as building land, it must be checked whether this land may be built on and in what form. The land must be designated as building land according to §30 or §34 of the Building Code (BauBG), so that construction can take place on it without restriction.

A decisive factor in the construction of the solid house is the right choice of the plot. A location with a good infrastructure and a good connection to the transport network is a relevant point for many builders when determining the location. However, the so-called “micro factors” are not irrelevant either, these include disturbance factors in the vicinity of the future house such as noise, electricity pylons, electrosmog and the orientation of the garden.

The development plan provides information on the procurement of the building land. The height of the groundwater level as well as regulations on the ground floor and floor height up to the roof pitch and number of storeys are recorded here. So that contaminated sites in the soil, such as oil or building rubble, can be determined, a soil survey should be carried out; a sum of €800-2,000 should be calculated for this.

Checklist: Choice of the plot

When looking for the perfect property, some important factors should be considered. The most relevant points can be found here in a checklist:

• Is it designated building land?
• Is a good infrastructure available?
• Are there any interfering factors in the environment?
• What is the nature of the building land?
• Is a soil expertise required?

Tip. Buying a plot of land: Building area, building application & Co.

Important aspects when building a solid house: developer, architect & Co.

Building a house is a big task for every builder. It does not matter whether it is a prefabricated house or a solid house, the construction often turns out to be a time-consuming challenge. Always be reckoned with unforeseen construction delays, which can drive the costs massively up.

When building a house, there are two different ways you can proceed. On the one hand, there is the possibility to hire an architect, who designs your house individually and personally tailored to your needs. On the other hand, a developer can be commissioned, which usually presents you with pre-planned solutions and modules, which can be put together as you wish.

Especially in certain regions cheap plots of land can be purchased, because certain regions are concerned about the influx of new citizens. Thus, money can also be saved with the property, even if this does not correspond to your first desired location.

Building or buying a solid home: Tips & options for financing

Due to the high and long-term value of the house, you are in a good negotiating position with the bank with a solid house. The market value of a house is the basis for a construction or real estate loan. This is calculated from the material value of the property, the demand, the environment and the infrastructure. Furthermore, the year of construction, the substance, age and equipment of the property also flow into the sales value. Land value, general market value per square meter and the comparative price with other massive houses also play a role.

If the house is in a sought-after location and is also in good condition, the bank may grant a high loan amount. The property is considered collateral for the bank and can be financed via a land charge. The market value assessment should be carried out before any financing by an expert, because it is considered the basis for a financing assistance. In the case of solid houses, an annuity loan is granted and secured with a land charge. If the fixed period of the loan of usually 3 to 18 months is exceeded, interest surcharges are added. After the loan follows, if necessary, a follow-up financing.

• Building a house: Prices, costs, taxes & Co. – learn more here!

What you should consider before buying/renting a solid house

Solid houses of different styles can be purchased both for rent and for sale. Before signing a rental or purchase contract, the condition of the property should be checked for any defects.

Each type of house brings with it its own special characteristics that speak for or against the prospective buyers. A solid house is mainly determined by its individuality and long life. With an older building the energy Effienizenz of the house should be examined in each case. Otherwise it can come here to high energy and additional costs.

Large outdoor and garden areas require intensive maintenance, so there should be enough time and money to maintain the property in the long term.

Review of the purchase contract / lease agreement

The real estate contract must contain all the important points about the personal details of the buyer and seller. In addition, the negotiated price, location and description are listed. Information on equipment, furnishings and existing defects are also part of the contract points. Finally, the processing of the payment and the time of the handover of the keys are also documented in the contract.

An important clause to check the contract for is the exclusion of liability for material defects. If this is not excluded, the seller can oblige the buyer to compensation for already known defects.

Build or Buy: Arguments and comparison – Building a house vs. buying a house

Building or buying – this is the question facing those interested in a solid house. Buying a house and building a house each have different advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before making any decision. Costs and factors such as time play an important role.

House construction: first-time residents in an energy-efficient house

Unlike a house purchase, the time until moving into the house in a construction is a time of several months or a year. However, this period can also be delayed by weather conditions and a construction stop in winter.

With the construction of a house also comes a free design of the interior and room layout. First-time residents benefit from modern technology. The costs of your own home can be permanently reduced by opting for an energy-efficient house.

The average value of a self-built detached house is 1,300 euros per square metre, but this can be increased or decreased by individual influencing factors.

Buying a house: Prices determined by location

Buyers of a solid house are spared the costly and time-consuming construction phase and can move into the house more quickly. New residents of a house can remove non-load-bearing walls of the house and thus enlarge rooms and change the room layout. Conversions are particularly easy with solid houses because individual bricks can be removed, so new windows can be installed or old windows can be enlarged.

With a purchased house, however, previously hidden diminished value damage can only come to light in retrospect. In terms of price, a solid house that has already been built has an advantage, as the house is offered at a fixed price and, as in the case of construction, the price is driven up. Properties in need of renovation and refurbishment are offered at a lower price than properties that are ready for immediate occupancy.

Building or buying? – Find out more about building costs, interest rates and financing here.

Tips for the renovation of a solid house: Value increase, subsidies & Co.

Not only can energy and ancillary costs be saved with a refurbishment, but the value of the house can also be increased. While the value of the house increases, the risk of damage decreases in return. A core refurbishment also has an impact on insurance costs, the premiums paid for homes that have not been refurbished are significantly more expensive. Prioritizing is important so that areas that require extra urgency, such as leaky window repairs, are rehabilitated first.

Information on subsidies and companies should be carefully researched in advance: Subsidies from the state can be granted here. Trade directories, relatives or the Internet can help you select the right companies.

Suitable for families, investors & individualists

For whom is this construction method of the solid house the right choice? Large families and people who attach great importance to the individual design of their own home will find a suitable type of house in a solid house. Due to the high value of the house, it is also well suited as an investment.

Large families: space and home for several generations

A solid house is ideal for large families. Size and number of rooms can be chosen according to your own needs. Due to the long life of the house, it can also be passed on to future generations of the family.

Individualists: individual design also for luxurious wishes

A solid house can be planned individually by an architect. Lovers of individual design can have the house built entirely according to their own personal wishes and needs. Luxurious wishes can also be implemented in the best way with a solid house.

Developers who want to use a property as an investment

In contrast to the prefabricated house, the solid house is in a significantly more expensive price segment and is a much higher investment. Using a solid house as an investment and a store of value is a good idea for old-age provision in view of the high market value.

Checklist for your solid house: heating, equipment & co.

Every builder has his own requirements and wishes for his own home, from the selection of the plot of land to the furnishing of the interior. The size and dimensions of the outdoor facilities must also be planned in advance. In addition to these points, factors such as the heating method, thermal insulation and the glazing of the windows must also be considered.

Listed here is a checklist of key points to consider when choosing your home:

• Heating method: How is the house heated? Cost comparisons etc.
• Thermal insulation: Have values & status explained
• Bathroom equipment: Check need for renovation
• Windows: number, glazing, condition
• Outdoor facilities: garden, pitches & co.
• Number of rooms: Are the rooms enough for you? Expansion possibilities?

Marketing Podcast: Basics + Expert Tips

Let’s start with the marketing basics. Further reading: all articles. Because in our podcast you will not only get to know extremely practical examples of large companies and corporations, but also the little basics of marketing, from social to content marketing to offline marketing, trade fairs, POS and Co.

Marketing Podcast: Spotify, iTunes, Amazon & Co.

Marketing pursues one goal above all: sales are promoted through targeted marketing. The secret recipe: a “proof of concept”, i.e. a working business model. The same can be applied to your marketing, a functioning marketing channel is worth more than ten different attempts. With us you will learn about the individual channels, instruments and methods in marketing. We speak at a high level with insights, but also break down all the steps so that beginners can follow along.

Now stream & learn for free on:

• Spotify – Marketing Podcast
• ITunes – Marketing Podcast
• Amazon – Marketing Podcast
• Deezer – Marketing Podcast
• Google – Marketing Podcast

Marketing mix: instruments, methods and strategies

It sounds simple enough, but there’s a lot that goes into the marketing mix these days, and new methods are being added all the time. The strategies and methods have diversified. From newspaper articles and posters to radio advertising, TV advertising, online marketing, social media marketing and even more specifically content marketing.

The best way to learn marketing is definitely to learn from examples (and yes, mistakes). Galileo already said:

We can only see so far because we sit on the shoulders of giants.

That means: Learn from the mistakes or successes of others to plan your marketing campaigns as optimized as possible right from the start. In the same way, you need to understand marketing learning:

• Either: Trial and error (try it yourself)
• Or: Learning from others

The more examples you hear, the more conclusions you can draw for your activities.

In the beginning, for you as a beginner, it’s all about building your own working channel. The big question:

Where do you find your specific target group?

Example Amazon: Find and expand your target group

Explained very simply: Look at Amazon. The goal has always been to sell all kinds of products, to all kinds of audiences. But you can’t do that on day one.

The more specific the target group, the more specific the product, the lower the investment in advertising. But they started with books and book lovers. Why focusing makes sense, you learn in the Marketing Podcast!

Marketing explained simply: basic knowledge, marketing mix and tasks

You want to learn marketing? Then you should first deal with the question of what your specific goal is!

What do you want to have accomplished in three or five years?

What skills, abilities and knowledge do you want to possess?

Depending on the specifics of your profession or even your business, you need to focus on individual areas that promise you the most profit.

Marketing jobs

As a marketing manager you can (at the beginning) never dance on all weddings. That’s why jobs in marketing are so diverse. Here is a small overview.

Jobs in Marketing:

• Marketing manager
• Product Manager
• Sales Manager (Sales)
• Online Marketing Manager
• Social media manager
• Media planner
• Market Researcher
• Project Manager

There are hundreds of books for every single area of marketing, with hundreds of pages each. There are many good marketing book recommendations, but the best recommendation is: practice, practice, practice!

That’s exactly why we launched our Marketing Podcast, with best practices from our agency! Books rarely lose their relevance as quickly as in marketing. Whether big business or start up, every year new methods come into play, new social networks, new offline marketing options. We take you with us into the marketing jungle. Here you will learn what is important, especially in online marketing.

Now on Spotify: Our Marketing Podcast!

Expert Know-How: Marketing Examples

Podcast on marketing strategy and methodology – every week we, Lasse and Lukinski, explain business and marketing details from real agency life. It’s all about practical examples from corporations, international marketing campaigns and of course real life hacks that we might have just found out this week! No matter what your job as a marketing manager entails, you’ll learn the right tools and strategies here.

Marketing Tools: Software for Marketing

In addition to marketing methods and strategies, you also need software and tools for reporting and monitoring.

With software you can cover different areas, e.g. keyword research to discover trending topics (for example via Google Trends) or also frequently searched topics (XOVI, Sistrix & Co). There is also software for re-targeting, e.g. for Facebook Ads.

A very large area where we talk about these blocks of topics, among others:

• Keyword and topic research tools
• Email Marketing Tools
• Graphic Tools
• Video Tools
• Audio Tools
• Influencer Marketing Tools
• Promotion, retargeting and personalization tools

Frequently asked questions about learning marketing

Finally, a few common questions that come to us not only through the podcast, but also at the agency via email and on Instagram.

What do you do in marketing?

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, marketing is all about driving sales of products (whether physical or digital, individual or subscription). Already Henry Ford said, founder of modern automation:

For every dollar you put into your product, you have to have another one ready to make it popular

True words, from one of the greatest entrepreneurs that’s been on this planet. And of course, we also talk about famous personalities in our Spotify Podcast. From Höhle der Löwen with Carsten Maschmeyer to Elon Musk and his crazy projects around electric cars and space travel. You’ll learn that and more, in our Digital Marketing Podcast. As mentioned, there are many strategies, methods and also marketing tools with which you can reach target groups extremely precisely.

KPI: Key Performance Indicator

The mix of strategies is just as important as the performance on the individual platforms, as well as their reporting and monitoring. Here you check the important key figures (KPI: Key Performance Indicator).

With these metrics you can compare different time frames, e.g. the current and the previous month. This in turn allows you to optimize your content and ads.

That’s the typical marketing cycle you go through.

1. Establish ideas / strategies
2. Launch campaigns
3. Evaluate campaigns / ideas
4. Optimize campaigns / ideas

You can learn a lot from all these insights, for new campaigns.

What is there for marketing?

This question can only be answered very briefly, as the answers would be very long. In marketing, there are nowadays so many areas, as never before. From classic direct marketing to ultra modern methods such as digital content marketing via magazines and influencers.

The marketing methods are of course extremely different. With event marketing you are directly at the target group, content marketing is very passively scattered. A currently very well-known example is influencer marketing. People with a large reach use, test and rate products on their social media channels. Through these recommendations, their followers become aware of the product. Keyword sales promotion and recommendation marketing.

Through cross-channel marketing, you can then connect different areas with each other and, for example, send influencer marketing directly to your own Instagram shop. Instagram shopping is an increasingly important topic, especially for target groups between 18 and 35 years.

Marketing areas

Here is a small excerpt of the different marketing areas:

• Direct Marketing
• Content marketing
• Social media marketing
• Influencer marketing
• Guerrilla marketing
• Experiential Marketing
• Marketing through trade fairs

Source: Social Media One:

What are the 4 marketing tools?

If you want to have a job in marketing later, you have to deal with the basics. No matter if you study business or watch YouTube videos and learn. No matter how, the first thing you will learn are the 4 P’s of marketing.

Strategies like to be expanded, so there are now also 5 P in marketing, 6 P marketing. But these four basic aspects in marketing are the central ones that have worked since Henry Ford.

Price, Product, Place and Promotion!

The mix of these sub-areas enables the optimal marketing of products.

Price: Cheap cheap or… High price segment?

Price – price is the core segment in marketing for almost everyone. Do you operate a low price strategy or a high price strategy? You know it yourself, from every supermarket or online shop, there are cheap products and there are the expensive branded products.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. However, the active decision and positioning is important for your brand image.

Product: quality, quantity or both?

Product – Your product is what draws and keeps customers. Customers become repeat customers and so customer lifetime value becomes an important aspect. Instead of constantly winning new customers, ensure with a good product for regular customers and referrals.

Ask yourself, honestly: would you recommend your product to your friends?

In the area of product policy, you deal specifically with your product range or the individual, specific products. Here you learn a lot in the Marketing Podcast, in our special on the Lean Canvas (episode 4, 5 and 6), on the topic of developing a business idea.

From the business idea it goes at some point to the horizontal and vertical product or assortment acquisition.

Place: POS, trade fair, infrastructure & Co.

Place – where do you need to offer your products or services? And do you only stay online, do you only sell stationary or do you combine analogue and digital marketplaces? In this area of marketing, you decide on your sales locations, which can be very specific or very general. Very specific, like a shop in a prime city centre location, or very general, like a shop on the Amazon platform.

Promotion: marketing the idea

Promotion – marketing is what it ultimately comes down to. As mentioned before, Henry Ford once said that for every dollar you put into a product, you have to have another one ready to make it known.

Promotion, within the marketing mix, is all about this aspect! How do you get people to pay attention to your product? And more importantly, how do you get the people who have become aware of your product to become buyers?

What are marketing measures? Example: Content Marketing

Here is a small example of what such an elaborate marketing campaign looks like.

What is content marketing? How does content marketing work? You already know the typical advertisement. Big, loud, colorful, and most importantly, noticeable. Content marketing is extremely passive in comparison.

A simple example would be this: Your company is about to release a new, very innovative product for electric cars. Of course, the classic marketing channels can be used, e.g. TV advertising. Ultimately, however, many users will set out and actively search for reviews, tests or even testimonials in search engines or social networks.

If you don’t think about this aspect of marketing when releasing your product, you run the risk of negative reviews, no matter how small, quickly moving up in Google’s algorithm or on Facebook.

Accordingly, it needs alternative facts, testimonials that have been placed. E.g. at larger online portals, magazines or blogs. These articles are not written in an advertising form, but at first glance very neutral and objective.

Why without advertising? The important thing is that there is (not negative) opinion!

25Even if this absolute value is neutral, it is better than any negative rating. Even much better, people don’t perceive this form of placement as advertising at all. Accordingly, you should also hold back on marketing buzzwords and resort to simple language when using such content marketing. Of course, only if it fits, if you are in the field of real estate, insurance or finance on the road, had to have language accordingly information density.

Lean Canvas Special! Develop and test business idea

1. Product (problem / solution) and USP
2. Key figures, unfair advantages and target group
3. Marketing and finance (costs/revenues)

Product (Problem / Solution) and USP – Part 1

The Lean Canvas is a variation of the Business Canvas. Instead of complex key partners you focus on the business idea. In the first part we talk about the 9 steps of the Lean Canvas, more specifically about steps 1-3: Problem, Solution and USP. To “invent” profitable business models you need to know the needs of your target group. In the Lean Canvas you look at problem and solution. From this you create the next steps, for example the USP, the Unique Selling Proposition. Many see this USP as “what am I”. But the USP is much more precise and concrete. Learn how to develop your business idea in the first part of the Lean Canvas.

In this podcast episode, you’ll learn, among other things:

• Lean Canvas Part 1: Problem, Solution & USP

Key figures, unfair advantages and target group – Part 2

In part two, we focus on steps 4-6 in the Lean Canvas. Especially key figures! These are very important to validate (test) the potential success of your business idea. After that we jump to an extreme advantage for you as a founder and foundress, the “unfair advantage”. In the next step we start marketing with the target groups, a big topic from print to social ads on TikTok – as an example.

Marketing and Finance (Costs/Revenues) – Part 3

Marketing and Money! In part 3 of the Lean Canvas we talk about the last 3 of 9 steps: marketing, costs and revenue. Of course only ultra abbreviated, but with a lot of know how and practice. From online marketing (like social media) to offline marketing around POS, trade shows and direct mail, yeah right…. Letters! Last big focus is your revenue streams: How do you make money? More importantly, how do you turn customers into real repeat customers to stretch the “customer lifetime value”? That’s what you’ll learn in the third part of the Lean Canvas (Developing a Business Idea).

Starting Sunday on Spotfiy!

Pinterest for SEO and Advertising: Hidden Champion

The share price of Pinterset is currently breaking the boundaries of all social networks. With a rise from around 18 US dollars to over 60 US dollars in less than 12 months, Pinterest has more to offer than many think. From aspects of search engine optimization to advertising on Pinterest. This episode on Spotify show is about the magic behind Pinterest marketing and the question: why do so few businesses use Instagram? Learn about the benefits.

Learn in this marketing podcast episode:

• Pinterest underestimated? Share price and performance
• Pinterest from SEO perspective, example decoration ideas

Facebook Algorithm and Affiliate Marketing

In the second episode of our marketing podcast, we talk about two topics: Facebook Algorithm and Affiliate Marketing. The Facebook algorithm needs to be understood, especially if you want to do more “than just” normal advertising on Facebook. We’ll also talk about passive income and affiliate marketing. Where do you start? What affiliate marketing platforms are out there? And… is affiliate marketing worth it? Insight.

In this podcast episode, you’ll learn, among other things:

• Facebook Algorithm from a Cognitive Perspective (3 Learnings)
• Affiliate Marketing and Basics

Fake reviews in online shops

Fake. In this podcast episode we discuss how easy it is to create your own evaluations and what effects they have. In addition, Lasse has news again, from customer projects, so directly, best practice!

That’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• Fake reviews: Government reprimand against comparison portals
• Text spinning: Create ratings automatically

Marketing Podcast: Spotify, iTunes, Amazon & Co.

New now! Lasse & Lukinski, the podcast on Social Media One. Two marketing super nerds, one studio! One went to college, the other likes to watch breakfast TV. We discuss media weeks & more! Each week we come across new methods and strategies. Marketing is moving faster than ever. New social networks come into play, others lose relevance for certain audiences. We also usually come up with live hacks between the lines, which we leave uncut in the podcast. Real-world agency experience with million-dollar adspend. We want to give you inputs that you can use to grow yourself, your business and your brand. Follow now & never miss a show.

Now stream & learn for free on:

• Spotify – Marketing Podcast
• ITunes – Marketing Podcast
• Amazon – Marketing Podcast
• Deezer – Marketing Podcast
• Google – Marketing Podcast

The alternative is an already built house that you can buy in solid construction and modernize and rebuild according to your own taste. Lukinski is happy to support and advise you if you are faced with the decision to buy a house and are considering whether it should be a solid house or another construction method.

Certainly, your personal requirements for the property also play an important role in the selection. You can build a solid house according to your own taste, so that you can be creative and adapt the building form, the size, the roof and the room layout to your needs. In this article we would like to look at the solid house from all sides and show you for whom the solid construction method brings advantages and who should opt for the classic in stone on stone construction.

Why a solid house brings advantages

The robust construction is a clear advantage of the solid house. Because they are made of stone, these houses stand out as particularly robust and weatherproof. Stones are almost weather-resistant, so that you can still buy solid houses from the 19th century and move into them after some renovation work. For builders, the focus is on the advantages of free planning. If you choose a solid house, you can plan all elements and details according to your own taste and have them implemented by an architect. Furthermore, solid houses are expandable, which means that you can easily add on and extend when buying an older house.

With a prefabricated house this option is not given, because the basic form is fixed and built from parts manufactured at the manufacturer. The indoor climate and temperature control are another advantage of solid construction. In the warm season, the rooms in the solid house remain cool, in winter the heat is stored in the walls. Equally interesting is the sound insulation. Solid houses have a very good sound insulation and are not as bright as it is the case with prefabricated houses or wooden houses. The solid construction reduces consequential damage if, for example, water damage occurs due to a burst pipe. While the risk of wall and floor damage is enormous with prefabricated construction, solid masonry can be quickly drained without causing major damage to the masonry. In terms of value retention, the solid house is clearly in the lead. See our glossary. Even a century after it was built, it still has a market value that banks will accept and base financing on. If you want to sell your house at some point, you should choose a solid house in favour of the market value and protect yourself from financial losses in this way.

Solid house – are there any disadvantages?

The solid house itself has no disadvantages. However, you have to expect a much longer construction period when building and assume that construction will be interrupted during bad weather or the onset of winter. The costs for solid houses are higher than for alternative construction methods, as you need different trades and have to coordinate the individual construction phases. Basically, you need an architect or structural engineer to plan the house, control the construction phases and regularly check the quality of the construction. This aspect generates costs in addition to the more expensive building materials, which also have to be paid. It is usually not possible to set a specific completion date. Since various trades are involved on your construction site or with the renovation of an existing property in solid construction, the duration of the necessary measures is primarily based on the interlocking construction phases and the reliability of each individual trade.

When buying an already built solid house, you have to expect a higher asking price than with prefabricated houses. In return, you acquire a property that retains its value and can be sold at any time for a good market value. Even though prefabricated solid houses are already available today, the classic solid house is the first choice for people who want to build their home stone on stone. Solid houses are more price-intensive than other types of construction, but this is not a real disadvantage, but rather a side effect that is aligned with the higher effort, the higher material costs and the longer construction time and life span of the property.

Solid house vs. prefabricated house: differences and advantages

Buying or building a solid house?

To build or to buy? Anyone who has decided to buy a solid house is automatically faced with this question and is looking for answers that fit their requirements and the planned time until moving in. If you purchase a plot of land and build the solid house yourself, you have to reckon with a longer period of time and assume that several months or even a year can pass until you move in. The real time period depends among other things on the weather and your start of construction. If you start in the summer, you have to reckon with a construction stop of several months in the winter, which postpones the move-in date. An alternative to construction is the purchase of already built solid houses.

As savvy real estate agents, we at Lukinski – Your Home Sale recommend you take a look at the variety of options you’ll find in our massive home portfolio, for example. As a buyer, you save a long construction period and still have the possibility to individualize your solid house and, for example, remodel the interior. This means that even with an older solid house you are flexible and can enlarge rooms, remove non-load-bearing walls or integrate more light into the house through new and larger windows. Solid houses are very suitable for conversions, as the removal of individual bricks is possible and you can therefore have the property converted at any time.

Another advantage of the already built property in solid construction comes from the price. Existing properties are offered at a fixed price determined by the market value and give you the security that the costs are manageable. Since the market value includes the condition of the property, you will pay less for a solid construction house in need of renovation or refurbishment than for a property that is ready for immediate occupancy.

The financing of solid houses – how is the market value calculated?

A solid house puts you in a good negotiating position with the bank. Since the value retention is higher and longer-term, banks usually finance solid houses more straightforwardly. The basis for a construction or real estate loan is the market value of the property. In the case of existing solid houses, this is calculated from the actual material value of the property, as well as from the information relevant to the environment, infrastructure and demand. A solid house in a sought-after location and in good condition allows you to take out a higher loan amount, since the property counts as collateral for the bank and can be financed, for example, through a land charge. A market value assessment is the basis of any financing and should therefore be carried out by an expert.

At Lukinski, as part of our real estate brokerage services, we offer property appraisals and are happy to make financing recommendations that fit the property and your financial background. For the market value, the year of construction, the substance and the age, as well as the equipment of the property are important. Furthermore, the land value, the general market value per square meter in the region, as well as the comparative price of massive houses in the immediate vicinity are included in the calculation. A good infrastructure also has a positive effect on the market value and increases the value of the property. Financing for solid houses are usually realized by annuity loan and secured in this way with a land charge. If you are interested in a solid house, we at Lukinski will determine the market value for you and create the basis for the financing.