Small money, big opportunity: micro-apartments

In conversation with Lukinski / Kapitalanlagen (Stephan M. Czaja) – Investing with little money, spreading risk from the outset and earning even more money directly through kickers such as furnished rentals – sounds good? It is!

My tip for young investors: Invest in micro-apartments – even with little money! I’ll show you why here!

You can enter the real estate market even with little start-up capital. Micro-apartments in particular offer you the advantage of a manageable price, but can still generate a solid return – especially in sought-after locations.

Perfect for trainees, students, young professionals! You can get such apartments with 25m², 30m² in medium-sized and larger cities for less than €20,000 (with 20% equity, you would only need ~ €4,000)

You heard right! Let’s continue:

What is a micro-apartment?

A micro-apartment is a small, efficient apartment of around 20 to 30 m². Perfect for students, young professionals or commuters who want to live centrally and compactly. For you as an investor: low purchase price, easy to let.

5 facts: What makes a micro-apartment

These features are standard in micro-apartments and make them particularly attractive:

1. Small living space of 25m² – 40m²
2. Combined living and sleeping area
3. Compact kitchenette or kitchenette
4. Small bathroom with shower
5. Furnishing with clever storage space solutions

Micro-apartment?! Small apartment, high yield

You can find more videos of me on YouTube x Real Estate Experience!

Why micro-apartments are interesting for you

If you want to start small, this form of housing is ideal. You don’t need a lot of capital and still benefit from stable demand and good rental opportunities.

Advantages at a glance

These arguments clearly speak in favor of micro-apartments as a starting point:

• Already available for less than €20,000
• Easy to rent – furnished and compact
• Low ancillary costs due to small area
• Popular in cities with universities or commuter structure

Sample calculation: how realistic your entry is

You can find a micro-apartment for €25,000 in cities like Braunschweig or Magdeburg. With negotiation and a bit of luck, you can pay just €18,000. With 20% equity – i.e. €3,600 – you can finance the rest from the rental income. Your start in the world of real estate – without a huge budget.

What you should look out for when buying

It is particularly important not to buy too emotionally when starting out. You should check these factors beforehand:

Checklist for your purchase

Get an idea before you buy – these points will help you:

• What is the location like? (Proximity to university, city or train station)
• How much renovation is required?
• Are there comparable rents in the area?
• Is the apartment furnished or do you need to upgrade?

Why demand is so high

The trend is clearly moving towards small, efficient apartments, as more and more people are living alone. This is also shown by the figures from recent years:

• Almost 50 % of all households in Germany are single-person households
• Many people live alone today – whether young or old
• The desire for central living continues to grow
• Rents are climbing – especially for small units

What should you bear in mind?

Micro-apartments have many advantages, but you should also be aware of their limitations:

• Little space – not for families or furniture fans
• Fluctuation can be higher (e.g. for short-term rentals)
• Furnished rentals need a little more organization

Get off to the right start!

Getting started doesn’t have to be complicated. Look at specific offers, calculate realistically and focus on good locations with high demand. The best way to gain initial experience is with a small, manageable property.

My tip for young investors: Invest in micro-apartments – even with little money

Even if you “only” have €10,000 or €15,000 at your disposal: You can get started! Micro apartments offer you a real opportunity for your first real estate investment with manageable risk and potential for more. My tip: Watch the full video on YouTube or visit immobilienerfahrung.de for more practical tips.

Bought and now? Rent as….

Imagine entering the world of real estate – not with millions in your bank account, but with only around 5,000 euros in equity. Sounds like a dream? But it is possible. That’s what today’s special is all about: how to start your first own apartment as an investment with style, color and a little courage.

• Renting a student apartment

Interview: Family foundation in Germany

FIV: So that we can all get an idea, what are the big family foundations that everyone knows about?

Stephan: There are some well-known examples that most people will be familiar with. The “Krupp Foundation” and the “Siemens Foundation” are two of the best-known family foundations in Germany. Both foundations have set themselves the task of preserving the family fortune and passing it on to the next generation. However, they also support social and cultural projects. The purpose of a family foundation is primarily to secure and increase the family’s assets in the long term.

FIV: What is their purpose, why do these well-known families set up foundations?

Stephan: Large family foundations such as Krupp or Siemens are often about keeping the company and its assets in the family and protecting them across generations. The foundation separates the assets from the private assets and they cannot be sold or inherited so easily. Family foundations also enable long-term tax optimization and provide a legal framework to protect the inheritance from external influences.

FIV: We also stand for names and who has what! Can you give us a small top 3 of the larger foundations?

Stephan: Let me think for a moment.

• There is the Körber Foundation, which I believe has a volume of around 600 million euros and was founded by Kurt A. Körber,
• There is the Robert Bosch Stiftung, founded by Robert Bosch and worth a few billion euros,
• Or the Quandt Foundation, which everyone knows BMW with a volume of around 1 billion euros, founded by Johanna and Susanne Klatten.

Family foundation explained: What is it?

FIV: What exactly is a family foundation and how does it differ from other foundations?

Stephan: A family foundation is a private foundation whose main purpose is to preserve the assets of a family over generations. In contrast to charitable foundations, which focus on the common good, family foundations focus on the protection and preservation of family assets such as real estate, companies or other investments. The highlight here is that the assets are transferred to the foundation and therefore legally belong to the foundation and no longer to the founder or descendants. This offers a number of advantages, such as protection against inheritance disputes or third-party access.

What are the benefits of a family foundation?

FIV: What are the specific benefits of a family foundation? What advantages can you expect from it?

Stephan: The biggest advantage is certainly the protection of family assets. Through the foundation, the assets remain bundled and cannot be split up or sold so easily, for example in the event of a divorce or inheritance disputes. There are also tax advantages. Income generated within the foundation is usually subject to a lower tax burden than private income. Gift and inheritance tax can also be legally minimized by setting up a family foundation.

Here again very briefly:

1. Protection of family assets from sale or inheritance disputes
2. Tax advantages due to lower tax burden
3. Minimization of gift and inheritance tax

Who establishes a family foundation?

FIV: Who does this? Is there a certain type of person or family for whom a family foundation is particularly worthwhile?

Stephan: Family foundations are particularly attractive for entrepreneurial families who want to keep their company in the family for generations, or for families with large real estate holdings. But wealthy private individuals who want to secure their capital and optimize it for tax purposes also use this option. The establishment of a family foundation often comes into play when assets exceed the limit of around 1 million euros – at this point it really is worth considering.

How can you set up a family foundation yourself?

FIV: If you want to set up a family foundation yourself, what are the first steps?

Stephan: The first step is to get comprehensive advice. There are many legal and tax aspects that need to be considered, and mistakes can be expensive. Basically, everything starts with drawing up a foundation charter that regulates the purpose of the foundation, the organization and the management of the assets. The foundation must then be registered with the relevant tax office and the foundation supervisory authority. It is also important to think about the composition of the foundation board, as this is responsible for the administration of the foundation.

FIV: Can real estate and assets also be transferred to a newly established foundation?

Stephan: Yes, that is possible, I have a great guide online, maybe you can link to it: Transferring real estate to foundations.

FIV: Thank you very much for the interview, Stephan! Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers about the family foundation?

Stephan: Yes, I would say: inform yourself well and get professional advice. A family foundation is a great instrument for protecting assets and saving taxes, but it needs to be well planned and carefully implemented. If you do it right, you can protect your family and your assets in the long term. May I give you two more link tips?

FIV: Yes, of course!

Stephan: If you want to know more about

1. Foundations in general, you can also visit the Federal Association of Foundations
2. Establish family foundations for real estate, please have a look at my website under foundation establishment
3. And now generally on Saving One about family foundations in Germany

Cash & Flow: Investor Podcast

The “Cash & Flow” podcast is specifically designed to provide you with a comprehensive knowledge base as a real estate investment beginner. With new episodes regularly, this podcast presents a wealth of information to help you make informed real estate investing decisions and improve your investment strategies.

Learn Investment: In this podcast, you will learn step by step how to successfuly invest in real estate. From choosing the right properties to calculating returns and effective property management, all the important topics are covered. You’ll get valuable tips and proven strategies to maximize the potential of your investments.

Real estate management: A successful real estate investment also requires efficient management. In the “Cash & Flow” podcast, you’ll learn how to effectively manage your properties to generate stable long-term revenue. From tenant management to maintenance to leasing strategies, practical insights and best practices are shared.

Current Topics: In addition to the basics, the podcast also covers current topics in the real estate industry. You’ll stay up to date on new legislative changes and technological innovations such as the heating ban, heat pumps, solar panels, and wall boxes. This allows you to identify trends and developments and adapt your knowledge accordingly to be proactive in your investments.

From real estate-experience.com:

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

Immocation Podcast: Real Stories

On the “immocation Podcast,” you’ll learn how to successfuly build wealth through real estate, whether as a retirement plan, foundation for financial freedom, early retirement, or even full-time employment. Here, the hosts share stories from their coaches and from the community and offer exclusive content, including select YouTube series, to expand your knowledge of real estate investing and help you on the path to success.

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

Real Estate Wiki: The basic knowledge

“Real Estate Wiki” – The podcast “Real Estate Wiki” is specially designed for real estate investment beginners like you, who want to specifically expand their knowledge of technical terms and basics of the real estate world. In this podcast, the most popular and most read articles from the Real Estate Wiki are presented in a short and understandable form.

Popular articles from the real estate wiki: The wiki covers a wide range of real estate terms and information. The Real Estate Wiki podcast selects those articles that are most requested and read by other listeners like you. This gives you the opportunity to focus on the most relevant topics and deepen your understanding of the real estate industry in a targeted way.

The podcast “Immobilien Wiki” offers you new episodes every day. You can find it for free on platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Deezer and many more. Whether you’re cleaning up, sitting in the car, or playing sports, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your knowledge of real estate anytime, anywhere.

From real estate-experience.com:

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

Tip. Buy your first property (cheaply)

Want to invest your money in real estate? We have 30 steps for your first real estate purchase as an investment. Capital investment means: buy and rent. Ideally, you’ll get so much rent that your property will pay for itself!

Learn how to do it here:

• Buy first apartment as an investment
• Buy property (cheap)

The Immopreneur Podcast

“The Immopreneur Podcast” – If you’re interested in real estate development and real estate entrepreneurship, then “The Immopreneur Podcast” is for you. Here you’ll hear firsthand from successful real estate entrepreneurs about how they analyze their projects, close deals, and build their real estate businesses. Whether you’re looking to venture into real estate yourself or simply want to learn more about this exciting field, this podcast will provide you with inspiring stories and valuable insights into the world of real estate entrepreneurs.

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

Immo Insider: Broad spectrum

“Immo Insider” – Dive into the world of real estate financing with the podcast “Immo Insider”. Here you’ll get comprehensive information about different financing options, tips on choosing the right lender and important aspects to consider when financing real estate. This podcast is an indispensable tool for anyone who wants to successfuly finance their real estate projects.

From Engels & Völkers:

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

The Landlord Podcast: Says it all

“The Landlord Podcast” – The Landlord Podcast is a valuable resource for all landlords and those interested in getting into the rental property business. It covers all relevant topics related to renting, including legal aspects, leases, tenant selection, tenant management, and optimizing rental income. Whether you’re already a landlord or thinking about renting out a property, this podcast will provide you with practical tips and helpful insights to make your rental efforts successful.

From ImmoScout24:

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

Real Estate Investor Podcast

“Der Immobilieninvestor” – The Real Estate Investor is a podcast that specializes in sustainable real estate investing. Here you will learn how to find high-yield properties, which investment strategies are successful and how to make your real estate portfolio sustainable. The podcast offers valuable insights into the world of sustainable real estate investing.

By Alex Fischer:

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

Old But Concrete Gold

“Old But Betongold” – Fabian Fröhlich, who describes himself as a likeable “doer”, gives easy-to-use tips on real estate, investments and entrepreneurship in his podcast. With his hands-on mentality and easy-going manner, he appeals especially to the younger generation who want to start immediately to achieve financial prosperity through clever real estate strategies. Although the podcast hasn’t had any new episodes since 2021, the old episodes are definitely worth listening to and provide valuable knowledge for long-term success.

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

L’Immo: real estate and housing industry

“L’Immo” – The real estate industry is undergoing a transformation. In our podcast, you will hear leading minds talking about challenges, political decisions, approaches to solutions and new developments. Dirk Labusch and Iris Jachertz, the editors-in-chief of “immobilienwirtschaft” and “DW Die Wohnungswirtschaft,” ask topical and personal questions. Stay informed about the real estate industry.

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

The best real estate apps

Don’t miss the chance to benefit from these great real estate podcasts! Learn, invest and manage real estate with the “Cash & Flow” podcast, while the “Real Estate Wiki” podcast explains the most important terms in a way you can understand.

Listen to them for free on platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Deezer and many others. Use your time effectively by expanding your real estate knowledge while commuting, on your lunch break or during a relaxing walk. Start now and build your real estate knowledge step by step!

Have fun learning!

Old buildings and minimalism with interior lover Sandra

We caught up with Sandra, also known as Our.homeliving, and she takes us into the world of home styling and minimalism. Through her aesthetically pleasing photos and minimalist interior design style, she inspires many people and shares her passion for interior design. We share with you Sandra’s love for the Bauhaus era as well as her tips at the end that everyone can take to heart for their aesthetic and cozy interior.

• Our.homeliving Instagram
• Our.homeliving TikTok

Bauhaus era: the pioneer of modern design

FIV: Hi Sandra, nice of you to take the time for us, before we start with current affairs, let’s say you could go back in time, what era would it be?

Sandra: I believe in the Bauhaus era. As a pioneer of modern design, the Bauhaus movement laid the groundwork for many modern design trends. A visit to this period would allow you to experience the minimalist aesthetic and clean lines that continue to inspire today. I have a few coffee table books from this period and love browsing through them.

FIV: Aha – And what materials do you prefer to use to create such an aesthetic?

I love how wood creates a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Sandra: I love natural materials that bring warmth and authenticity to a room. Wood is a clear favorite for me as it offers versatility, durability and a timeless beauty. I love how wood creates a warm and cozy atmosphere while connecting with nature. We have an incredible amount of wooden furniture. Otherwise, I like to use materials such as stone and linen. Both lend a natural charm and offer an incredible amount of scope for design.

FIV: Old or new building – what do you prefer to work with and why?

Sandra: That’s a really difficult question, to be honest. I appreciate both the uniqueness of old buildings and the modern aesthetics of new buildings, but my heart definitely beats more for old buildings. We lived in an old apartment for 5 years and I loved it. Apartments in old buildings exude a unique charm. The high ceilings, the beautiful stucco decorations and the characterful wooden floors give every room a special atmosphere that I love. It’s a really exciting challenge to renovate these historic buildings and breathe new life into them while retaining their original charm and authenticity.

Minimalism – less is more

FIV: We can almost guess the answer, but let’s take another look anyway: Eclectic or minimalism?

Sandra: Definitely minimalism. I appreciate the simplicity, clarity and calm that a minimalist approach can create in a room. The clean look and reduction to the essentials particularly appeal to me and are often my guiding principles when designing.

However, I sometimes have to remind myself to stay true to this style, as there are indeed just too many beautiful things that can be tempting. Nevertheless, I make sure that my rooms always look tidy and organized, as I enjoy the calming effect of a minimalist design.

FIV: You know what’s good Sandra, why don’t you tell us 3 tips for creating the perfect home?

Think not only about aesthetics, but also about functionality.

Sandra: 1. take time to discover and define your personal interior design style. Search through sources of inspiration such as magazines, blogs and social media platforms to find out what appeals to you.

2 Then make a plan and think about how you want to use your rooms. Sketch the floor plan and experiment with different layouts. I like to create mood boards for this. They are my absolute game changers. Important: When furnishing a room, don’t just think about aesthetics, but also about functionality. Ask yourself how the room will be used and choose furniture and decorations accordingly.

3. experiment with colors and textures to add depth and dimension to your space. Choose a color palette that suits your style and personality and play with different textures.

Ceiling lights are only there to look good!

FIV: Okay, now we know what’s important, is there a faux pas that should be avoided?
Sandra: My faux pas is definitely when you don’t have enough indirect lighting. I’m not a fan of ceiling lights at all. But they still have to hang and look nice, haha.

Here you can get inspiration from Sandra for your interior:

• Our.homeliving Instagram
• Our.homeliving TikTok

Now in FIV Issue #32!

You can also discover the whole interview as well as inspiring fitness stories, travel tips and fashion in the complete magazine!

• Read now: FIV Magazine #32

More interior?

Haven’t found the right aesthetic for your own interior yet? Then let yourself be inspired here:

• Furnishing styles

Karl Who? the cult of Karl Lagerfeld’s living space

Anyone who hears “Karl” and immediately thinks of black sunglasses, a tight white braid and a stiff collar knows the fashion icon Lagerfeld – and understands why his Parisian apartment went under the hammer for a dizzying sum. Five years after his death, his home made for a brilliant finale: sold for a hefty ten million euros, and that’s no bargain price, it’s a statement!

The bidding battle! From 5.3 to 10 million US dollars!

How does an auction like this actually work?

It’s all happening at an auction! You start with an amount, which in the case of Lagerfeld’s luxury love was already 5.3 million euros. Then it’s time to put on your poker face and hope that the other bidders don’t realize how much you want the piece. After all, prices rise, hearts beat faster and when the last “Sold!” is heard, you know it’s more than just a purchase – it’s an event.

In the heart of Paris: live when millions flow

Two videos brought the live action straight from Paris to the world. Like at a fashion show, fashion victims and real estate moguls sat on the digital front row while the bids for the Lagerfeld loft shot through the roof. What a show! You could almost feel Karl somewhere watching the spectacle with an ironic smile.

Lagerfeld was already a magnet at Paris Fashion Week, and he still is today.

More than just four walls: Lagerfeld’s apartment as a style symbol

Sure, the apartment has style – like everything Karl touched. But it’s about more than that: it’s about the attitude to life that the designer embodied. Every corner, every view out of the window onto the Seine tells a story of fashion, of art, of Paris. Anyone who lives here is not just buying square meters, but a piece of fashion history.

Karl who?!

Karl Lagerfeld’s influence on the fashion world was enormous – he was not only the creative director of Chanel, but also a visionary designer who knew how to combine tradition and innovation. His apartment? A reflection of his character: elegant, extravagant and with a pinch of flamboyance. And who knows, perhaps the new chapter of this place will be just as exciting as the last. One thing is certain: the spirit of Karl continues to waft through the rooms, while somewhere out there, in a new home, a fan giggles in his legendary leather gloves.

Designer through and through.

One of the last interviews

One of the last interviews with Karl.

Robot under construction

In the interview Real Estate & AI with Lukinski, we talked about the future with AI. We had a few follow-up questions about the exciting topics and what we can expect in 4, 5 years. Among others, it was about:

Robots under construction with AI

Robots in construction are robots that use AI technology to autonomously perform certain construction tasks. The use of robots can help increase efficiency and accuracy in the construction process and reduce the need for manual labor.

An example of a robot in construction is an autonomous tiler capable of laying tiles on floors and walls. The robot uses AI technology to precisely position and adjust the tiles to achieve a perfect result.

Another example is an autonomous painting robot capable of painting walls and ceilings. The robot uses AI technology to analyze the surface and calculate the amount of paint needed to achieve an even finish.

There are also robots in construction that are capable of lifting and transporting heavy loads. These robots can help reduce the need for manual labor and increase safety on the construction site.

The use of robots in construction can also help speed up the construction process by performing tasks faster and more accurately than humans. As a result, construction companies can increase productivity and reduce costs.

Overall, robots in construction can help optimize the construction process by reducing the need for manual labor, increasing efficiency and accuracy, and boosting productivity.

Fancy more future?

Real Estate & AI (Artificial Intelligence) – The Interview

Today and the future – How is a villa created and how would it be created if artificial intelligence were in play. This interview with Stephan Czaja of Lukinski provides an overview of the steps involved in planning and visualizing villas and their timeline. Architects usually create 3D visualizations to give their clients a better idea of their design.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can improve the process of 3D visualization in the future through automation, personalization, simulations, increased efficiency and real-time updates. Other possible developments include automation of planning, control of construction machinery by AI, creation of 4D visualizations, and personalized advice through AI-based tools. A look into today and the future with AI!

• Real estate & AI (artificial intelligence) – the interview

A preventive maintenance strategy can also increase efficiency in the maintenance process by allowing maintenance work to be planned and carried out in a more targeted manner. In addition, predictive maintenance can help to increase safety on the construction site by identifying and eliminating potential problems at an early stage. Overall, predictive maintenance can optimize the maintenance process, reduce costs and improve safety on the construction site.

Predictive Maintenance

In the interview Real Estate & AI with Lukinski, we talked about the future with AI. We had a few follow-up questions about the exciting topics and what we can expect in 4, 5 years. Among others, it was about:

Predictive Maintenance with AI

Predictive maintenance is a method that uses AI technology to optimize the maintenance of buildings and construction machinery. It uses data from sensors and other sources to predict potential problems and failures before they actually occur.

Detect anomalies and problems early

By monitoring data and sensors in buildings and construction machinery, AI-based software can detect anomalies and problems early on, preventing costly damage and breakdowns. For example, the software can predict when a machine needs to be serviced to avoid failure, or which parts need to be replaced to ensure a longer machine life.

Efficiency in the maintenance process

By using predictive maintenance, construction companies can also increase efficiency in the maintenance process by being able to plan and carry out maintenance in a more targeted manner. This can reduce costs by avoiding unnecessary maintenance and preventing expensive repairs or breakdowns.

Predictive maintenance can also help to increase safety on the construction site by identifying and eliminating potential problems at an early stage. This can prevent accidents and injuries that can be caused by a lack of maintenance or defective machines.

Overall, predictive maintenance can help optimize the maintenance process, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety on the jobsite. By using AI technology, construction companies can develop a predictive and preventive maintenance strategy to identify and avoid problems at an early stage.

Fancy more future?

Real Estate & AI (Artificial Intelligence) – The Interview

Today and the future – How is a villa created and how would it be created if artificial intelligence were in play. This interview with Stephan Czaja of Lukinski provides an overview of the steps involved in planning and visualizing villas and their timeline. Architects usually create 3D visualizations to give their clients a better idea of their design.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can improve the process of 3D visualization in the future through automation, personalization, simulations, increased efficiency and real-time updates. Other possible developments include automation of planning, control of construction machinery by AI, creation of 4D visualizations, and personalized advice through AI-based tools. A look into today and the future with AI!

• Real estate & AI (artificial intelligence) – the interview

Discover the world of real estate with Timmy, Lea and Finn

Join Timmy and his friends on adventurous journeys that not only stimulate the imagination but also enrich the mind! Each story, whether it’s the discovery of the magical tree house or the mission to Color Island, is perfect for read-aloud time and provides a fun way for children to learn about real estate and appreciation.

With colorful illustrations and engaging storylines, these books will become an essential part of any read-aloud routine! Discover the joy of reading and learning together with Timmy.

Read online now or download as an ebook and turn reading time into a magical experience! The author of the little stories is by the way our editor Stephan. Read the books online for free or download the ebooks:

• Timmy’s Adventure – Immoblien book for children

A learning adventure full of excitement and inspiration

The stories of Timmy and his friends are more than just entertainment – they are an invitation to discover the world of real estate and investment in a playful way. The fascinating storyline encourages young readers to find creative solutions for the future and to take responsibility for their environment.

Why no nursery should be without these books

Parents watch out! The real estate adventures of Timmy, Lea and Finn are a must-have for every child’s room. Not only do they encourage little explorers’ imaginations and love of reading, they also impart valuable knowledge about real estate, sustainability and environmental protection.

Discover the magical tree house, the abandoned property or the color island and immerse yourself in an adventure full of magic and excitement!

Download the free ebook now and join Timmy, Lea and Finn on their exciting journey through the colorful world of real estate.

Tips for reading aloud: Make reading aloud a daily ritual

Reading aloud should become an everyday ritual that both parents and children enjoy. Here are some reading tips to make reading aloud a special moment:

1. Create a calm atmosphere
2. Find the right reading time
3. Choose suitable stories
4. Read aloud vividly
5. Interaction with the story
6. Imaginative conversations

Create a calm atmosphere

Provide a comfortable environment without distractions such as a TV or cell phone so that you can concentrate fully on your child and the story.

Find the right reading time

It is best to choose the same time every day for reading aloud. Before going to sleep is particularly good for calming down, but other times are also suitable, such as waiting times or traveling.

Choose suitable stories

Focus on your child’s interests, be it detective stories, adventure stories or non-fiction. If the child enjoys the story, they will also be more enthusiastic about reading it aloud.

Read aloud vividly

Adapt your voice and intonation to the story to make it more lively. This helps to keep your child’s attention.

Interaction with the story

Allow your child to ask questions and comment on the story. Look at the pictures in the book together and describe them.

Imaginative conversations

Discuss what you have read with your child, think about alternative endings or how the story could continue. Let your imagination run wild!

Frequently asked questions about reading aloud

From what age can I read to my child?

Reading aloud makes sense from the age of one or two. There are suitable books for different age groups, even for babies as young as 3 months.

Which books are suitable for reading aloud?

There is a wide range of books for all ages and interests, from picture books to children’s book series.

How often should I read to my child?

Ideally, reading aloud should take place daily, for at least 15 minutes.

Read & download for free!

Read the books online for free or download the ebooks:

• Timmy’s Adventure – Immoblien book for children

The choice of lighting makes all the difference

Make-up artists prefer to work in daylight or at least with daylight-like lighting. Tips and tricks for at home.

Has this ever happened to you? At home in front of the bathroom mirror, your make-up looks great. Then the scene changes: on the go, you take a look in the mirror and see something completely different. Make-up edges, lipstick color too bright and way too much blush on your cheekbones…sure, we’ve all been there, but what can you do to prevent this from happening again in the future?

Right, as you’ve already guessed, when it comes to make-up, everything stands and falls with the right lighting. Don’t worry, you don’t have to get professional equipment now. All you really need is a new mirror.

Your new bathroom mirror: this is what it should look like

It is particularly difficult to create daylight-like conditions in bathrooms without windows. After all, the light from the midday sun is very bright and the light color is not really suitable for lighting interiors. It quickly appears uncomfortable and cold. It is also not necessary to illuminate the entire bathroom in this way. Only the area in front of the mirror needs to be illuminated if necessary.

A bathroom mirror with an integrated LED light strip is the gold standard for your perfect make-up. Make sure that the lighting is positioned on all four sides of the mirror. This way, your face is optimally illuminated when you apply your make-up – evenly and directly from the front.

No compromises: It all depends on the light color

When buying your new bathroom mirror, it is essential that you ask about the right light color.

Only LEDs with neutral white light can simulate daylight.

Although warm white tones are suitable for indoor lighting and flatter the complexion, they lead to differences in your color perception. And then it is all too easy to choose a make-up shade that is too dark or apply too much blusher.

Compact make-up guide for a beautiful complexion

1. Speaking of complexion
2. Day cream
3. Primer
4. Foundation
5. Make-up routine

Speaking of complexion – beauty step #1

Of course, we also have some professional make-up advice for you when you’re styling yourself in front of your new bathroom mirror for the first time. Always stick to this order and take your time:

Day cream – Beauty step #2

First, apply your day cream as usual to cleansed facial skin, the neck and perhaps also the décolleté. Make sure you use the right sun protection factor, especially in summer. The day cream should be well absorbed before you continue. This may take a few minutes.

Primer – Beauty step #3

Next, use a primer to even out small irregularities and/or enlarged pores. The complexion will appear refined and the foundation will not form unsightly lumps later on.

Foundation – Beauty Step #4

Now you can apply your foundation or make-up. Feel free to use a sponge to ensure an even result. In the right light, you can quickly check whether you have blended all the transitions properly.

Make-up routine – Beauty step #5

Depending on what you want to apply now, you can use fixing powder, eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, blusher or lipstick.

Conclusion: Neutral white light for optimum conditions

Neutral white light integrated into a bathroom mirror creates the ideal conditions for professional make-up that doesn’t just look good indoors. Have fun trying it out!

Checklist: Goals and criteria of the first condominium

When buying your first property, you should make a well-considered decision. You should set a goal for yourself, which criteria play the biggest role for you in a property and in no case buy for emotional reasons. Make your decision based on business facts and figures that compare well.

In the following post, we’ve broken down for you the points for setting goals when buying a property. Here are our eleven points summarized in short questions:

1. Self-interest or capital investment?
2. What is the maximum purchase price?
3. How low is the maximum gross rental yield?
4. Should I buy rented or unrented?
5. Which cities are eligible?
6. What is the perfect location?
7. Invest in existing or new buildings?
8. How old can a property be?
9. How big does a property need to be?
10. Ground lease?
11. Social binding or post-binding?

Step 1 – Self-interest or rather capital investment?

As already explained in our article on the subject of owner-occupation vs. capital investment, it is always better to use the first property as a capital investment. Because, with owner-occupancy, you always pay 100% of the running costs yourself. Capital investors, on the other hand, primarily let the tenant and the tax office pay.

• Here you will find everything on the topic of self-interest vs. capital investment

Here in brief what self-interest and capital investment mean:

• Self-interest: 100% responsible for costs
• Capital investment: Tenant and tax office pay

Step 2 – What should be the maximum purchase price?

This question depends on many factors. However, the most important criterion is probably the creditworthiness in terms of assets, as well as the monthly balance of assets and equity. These are all decisive factors for your bank when it comes to deciding on financing.

• Read more about maximum purchase price here.

Here is a brief overview of the most important factors:

• Credit rating
• Monthly balance sheet
• Equity

Step 3 – How low can the minimum gross rental yield be?

You want to make the biggest possible profit from your apartment. How high must the rental yield be at least so that the tenant ideally pays off the property and you yourself do not have to pay for repayment and interest?

• Read more about minimum gross rental yield here.

Here, in brief, is the formula for calculating the gross rental yield:

Formula: Annual rent / purchase price x 100 = gross rental return

This goal is also called efficient asset accumulation. Accordingly, the gross rental yield of an investment property should also be high.

Step 4 – Buy a property rented or unrented?

When buying an apartment for personal use, it is always advisable to buy unrented. The exception: notice of termination for personal use. For capital investors, however, an unrented property would be much more time-consuming, since you have to look for new tenants.

• Read all about buying rented or unrented here.

Buy unrented as an investment:

Here in brief the advantages and disadvantages!

Advantages:

• Renovation work: Immediately feasible and deductible
• Use of own lease
• Market rent

Disadvantages:

• Vacancy at the beginning: loss of rent
• Renovation expense

Buy rented as an investment:

Advantages:

• No time required for new leasing
• Payment behavior and behavior of existing tenants is known
• Low risk of vacancy

Disadvantages:

• Rental mostly below current market value
• Existing rental agreements must be taken over

Step 5 – Which cities are eligible?

A-, B- or C- location, where is the best place to buy my property? The central question here is whether I choose an investment property or a yield property.

• Read more about layer types here.

A, B or C position

Here is a brief overview of how which of the three layer types is defined:

• A-location (simply: metropolis)
• B-location (simple: large city / city with positive development)
• C-location (simple: small town / country in stagnation)

Where do I buy which property?

The different location types compare areas. Higher yields go hand in hand with lower appreciation. Therefore, depending on the location, one chooses between yield or investment property.

• Investment property: Only to be found in A-location
• Yield property: Good B- or also C- location

Macro, meso, micro location

After the comparison of the A-, B- or C- location, districts and the concrete neighborhood are compared.

• Read all about macro- meso- micro- location here.

Here is a brief overview:

• Macro location (A, B and C location, i.e. where in the country / which city?)
• Meso location (where in the city)
• Micro-location (exact location)

Step 6 – What is the perfect location?

Where exactly should I buy my first property? Owner-occupiers and capital investors, as well as yield properties or investors with the goal of value appreciation, accordingly, the decision of the perfect location is different. Here we go into the analysis again to help you find the best location for your goals!

• The perfect location

Step 7 – Invest in existing or new buildings?

When buying a home, in addition to the question of owner-occupancy or capital investment and return or investment property, one wonders whether to invest in existing or new construction. Both forms have their advantages and disadvantages. In this article, you will learn what they are.

• Read all about existing or new construction here.

Advantages of new construction

• Current state of the art
• Low risk for maintenance and repairs
• Co-determination in interior design

Disadvantages of new construction

• Higher purchase price and incidental purchase costs
• Lower rental yield
• High value loss at the beginning
• Other costs for public development

Step 8 – How old can a property be?

You want to invest in an old building? Then you need to consider a few things before buying. Old properties have some advantages, but also disadvantages. We have compiled a brief overview of all the facts of the different construction years in comparison.

The age of a property is a decisive factor when it comes to buying a property. But what are the differences and defects depending on the age and year of construction of a property? Is it worth investing in an aging house or apartment?

• Year of manufacture and condition

Step 9 – How big does a property need to be?

How big should my first property be? Micro-apartment, 2, 3 or even more rooms? This question is answered here by comparing living space for owner-occupancy and investment. In general, the number of square meters and the room layout is particularly important.

• Read all about the maximum size of a property here.

Here is a brief summary of the criteria for owner-occupants:

• Well-being has priority
• Plan sufficient living space for the future, e.g. family planning
• Area not too oversized > Purchase price, ancillary costs
• Equipment can be improved later

Here is an overview of the three goals for capital investors:

1. High rental yield
2. Good rentability
3. Few vacancies

Step 10 – Is a ground lease necessary?

When dealing with the topic of ground leases for the first time, many questions arise. What is a ground lease and does it make sense? Also one wants to know whether one can deduct the costs of the ground lease, the ground rent from the tax? All your questions will be answered here.

• Read more about ground leases here.

Here is the ground lease summarized in brief:

• Ownership and usage rights permanently separated
• 2 parties: ground lease giver and ground lease taker
• Leasehold lender cedes a plot of land for development
• Leasehold owner receives ground rent for it

Step 11 – Social binding & post-binding?

Before looking for housing, you should know everything about the topic of social commitment in housing. Here you will learn all the pros and cons and what you can do everything from low-interest loans by public authorities for social housing, to obligations, to the grace period.

• Here you will find everything else about social binding and post-binding.

Social binding summarized in brief:

• Affordable housing through public funding
• Very good conditions for loans or grants
• Rent for persons with a certificate of eligibility for housing

The rebinding in a nutshell:

• Commitment to social housing until loan is repaid