Posts for Syndication

The number of people buying a home on their own is on the rise. Are you one of them? While it may seem daunting to purchase a property solo, it is certainly far from impossible. In fact, it could be a smart financial move if you have a steady income and plan to stay in your location for the foreseeable future.

If you’re ready to be a single homeowner, here’s what you should know to make the process as easy as possible.

Be clear about what you want

When searching for a home, you’ll be bombarded with choices. How many bedrooms do you need? Would you like a home office? Do you need a place to park your car? Would you like to be close to amenities, nightlife or public transportation? There are many questions to consider, so it can be especially helpful to make a list of everything you need in a home. Once you’ve gotten the basics covered, spend some time creating a wish list of things it would be nice to have, but wouldn’t be deal-breakers. This could include having a Jacuzzi tub or walk-in closets. Once you’ve gotten your lists together, you’ll be better able to refine your search and only look at homes that are a good match for you.

Buy what you can afford

Once you begin your home search in earnest, it’s important to stay within your budget. It can be tempting to reach a little further beyond your means, especially for a home that you love. But that love can sour quickly when you find you’re unable to pay your mortgage each month. Use an online calculator to determine just how much you can reasonably afford.

Consider safety and security

While we don’t think making choices based on fear is always a great idea, it is good to consider how safe and secure your new home will be. Since you won’t always be around to check on your house, look for neighborhoods that have low crime rates. Take note of whether or not the house has a security system or the street is well lit. If safety is a big concern, consider buying a condo so that your neighbors are always close by. The Reserve Residences Condo is the new development project by Far East Organization in Upper Bukit Timah Near the Bukit Timah Reserve.

Think about the future

You never know what life is going to throw at you, so it’s smart to think about your home’s resale value. Maybe you’ll relocate for a job or move in with a spouse and need to sell your home. If your new place is in a great school district, near popular amenities or has a stunning view, you’ll have an easier time selling down the road.

Work with an agent

Buying a home can be a little overwhelming, but working with a professional can help alleviate some of the stress. By partnering with an agent, you’ll have a person who can answer questions and guide you through the process. You’ll also have someone in your corner who will work with you to find a home that suits your needs. Don’t let the fear of navigating the process alone keep you from realizing your dream of owning a home. You can do it!

Compliments of Virtual Results

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly one quarter of employed Americans work from home. Innovations in technology coupled with a changing economy have made it easier than ever to do your job from the comfort of your own home. And while working from home is often more convenient for most people, it can be somewhat of a challenge when it comes time to sell your home. If you are a telecommuter getting ready to put your home on the market, here are our best tips for navigating the process.

Set up parameters for showing times

One of the realities of selling your home is that ideally it should be ready for appointments at a moment’s notice. This may not always be possible if you work from home. Be clear with your real estate agent from the beginning about any restrictions you may need to place on showings and open houses. Request that you be given at least 30 minutes notice before a prospective buyer shows up, or ask that your home only be shown at certain times of the day. This gives you time to plan in case you need to vacate while you’re working. While your agent may not be able to accommodate you every time, you will be inconvenienced less frequently.

Make adjustments to your workload or workspace

If you are interrupted while you are working, have a contingency plan in place. Do you have any work that can be completed in advance? If so, try to use your free time to get ahead on work. This way, if you have to step away for an hour or two during the day you won’t be missing any deadlines. Does your work require that you be at home? If not, find a local coffee shop or library with Wi-Fi so that you can relocate easily during the day when needed. If those kinds of public spaces have too many distractions, considering temporarily renting a spot in a co-working space.

Keep your workspace tidy

This should go without saying, but when you’re showing your home, it needs to be spotless. This goes for your workspace too – which may be tough for those of you who thrive with a messy desk. Every morning before you begin work, and every evening at the end of the workday, take a few minutes to clean. Organize papers, tidy your desk, wipe down surfaces, clear away dishes and cups from lunch and sweep or vacuum the floor. Although you are actively working in the space, it needs to have the appearance of being neutral. Remember, you want potential buyers to be able to imagine themselves in your home. Don’t make it harder for them by leaving evidence of your workday behind you.

Take time off

While it may not always be possible, if you have some flexibility in your work schedule, why not take some time off? This gives you the time and space you need to focus on getting your home sold quickly, and it will save your work from constant interruptions. After all, isn’t flexibility with scheduling one of the greatest perks of working from home? Use it to your advantage during what can be a hectic time.

Compliments of Virtual Results

You just bought a new house. You should be happy, right? But unfortunately, you can’t quite shake this sinking feeling that somehow you’ve made a big mistake.

The good news is that feeling anxious after a big purchase is totally normal, and there are ways you can deal with it. Check out these thca carts if you want to get rid of your anxious feelings. Here are a few proven methods you can use to help conquer that feeling of buyer’s remorse.

Remind yourself why you bought the house

When you first began your home search, did you write out a list of what you wanted and needed in a home? Now is the time to revisit that list. Does the home you just purchased tick off many of the items on your list? What was it about the house that made you originally fall for it? You might discover that it isn’t the house itself that is provoking your anxious feelings. It could just be that any home purchase would trigger these feelings. It can be incredibly reassuring to remind yourself of why this house is the one for you.

Make a list of your worries

Home ownership can bring with it a new set of worries that you might not have anticipated. Go ahead and make a list of what’s worrying you. This could be everything from not being able to afford your mortgage payments to making needed repairs on the house. After you’ve gotten all those doubts on paper, choose one worry and tackle it. Maybe it’s a small repair you can finish in an afternoon. Or perhaps it’s a plan for how you’ll pay your mortgage if you suddenly find yourself without a job. The best way to banish your worries is to confront them head on. Yocan vape is something you can turn to when it gets too overwhelming.

Pick your favorite spot

A great way to ease any worry is to be mindful and present. Walk around your new house and really see and experience every room in the present moment. How does the light hit the wall in the afternoon? Which window affords the best views? How nice is it going to feel sitting in front of a fire in the new fireplace? Imagine taking a bath in that new Jacuzzi tub. Pick a favorite spot in your new home that you can retreat to when you’re feeling particularly anxious. If you live in the Surrey area and are looking for a hot tub or swim spa, then click here to visit allspa of Farnham. Take some deep breaths and remember that this feeling of buyer’s remorse is only temporary.

Have a housewarming party

Nothing makes a house feel more like home than filling it with friends and family who love you. Don’t feel like your house needs to be “finished” before inviting people over for a housewarming party. Have a barbecue, cook a three-course meal in your new kitchen, or get your friends together to watch the big game. It doesn’t matter what the reason is, just get your favorite people together to celebrate you and your new home. You’ll be amazed at how their excitement for you will make you feel.

Ultimately, when feeling anxious about your new home purchase, simply remember that this is a natural part of the home-buying process. Soon those feelings will pass and you’ll wonder why you ever worried in the first place. If you’re looking for a natural way to ease those anxious feelings and improve your mood, you might consider trying mushroom gummies.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Buying a new home can be stressful. But when you have to do it from across the country, it can be doubly so. If you’ve recently gotten a new job, committed to a new relationship or just need a change of pace, you may soon find yourself in the position of house-hunting from another state. Here’s what you need to know so you can survive the process.

Start online

In today’s technological world, much of your home search can be conducted online from the comfort of your current home. Check out real estate websites to see what’s listed in the local market. Post on social media that you’re looking for a house in the area. Get a sense of what prices are like and what you’ll be able to afford. Use Google Earth to take a virtual tour of potential neighborhoods. There is so much you can learn without even visiting.

Interview real estate agents over the phone

Even though you can’t meet them in person, you should still take time to interview potential agents over the phone. Your relationship with your agent is an important part of the process, and you’ll be relying on them even more when moving from a long distance. Working with someone who is extremely knowledgeable about the market you’re moving to is important. Try to interview at least three agents to find the one that is most compatible with your needs.

Get clear about your needs

When you’re searching for a home nearby, it’s easy to take an afternoon to look at potential homes, even if you don’t think they’re a perfect fit. Not so if you’re moving far away. In order to maximize the time you have to look at homes, you need to get very clear about what it is you want and what you can afford. Make a list of what you can’t live without and a list of what might be nice to have. Be sure to communicate these desires to your agent so that they can be sure to schedule viewings only for homes that fit your needs.

Take a weekend visit

If possible, you should try to get out to your new city for a couple of days to look at houses in person. If you’ve gotten specific about your needs and communicated them to your agent, you should have enough time to see the homes you would be genuinely interested in. You can also use this time to drive around potential new neighbors and get a feel for them.

Consider short-term housing

If all this sounds too stressful, you might consider simply living in short-term housing when you first arrive. Look online for short-term leases or sublets in the city where you want to move. Taking a few months to get to know a neighborhood can help make your housing choices clearer, and it can relieve some of the stress as you are packing up and getting ready to move.

While buying a home from across the country can be daunting, it isn’t impossible. With a little planning and a trusted agent at your side, you can complete your home purchase more easily and be settled in no time.

Compliments of Virtual Results

While moving can be a real drag, sometimes it’s obvious that it’s time to go. A move can be just the thing you need to jumpstart your life and invite positive change. If you’re unsure whether or not you’re ready to take the plunge, here are 10 signs that now is the time to relocate.

1. You’ve outgrown your space

Have you resorted to renting a storage unit, even after you’ve de-cluttered your home with the KonMari Method? Then it may be time to upgrade to a bigger space. Wouldn’t it be nice to have some room in your closets and cabinets again?

2. Your finances have changed

Are you making significantly more or less money than you were when you moved into your current space? If you find yourself with nothing to spare at the end of the month – or much more than you know what to do with – then you might want to consider moving into a home that is more in line with your current financial situation.

3. Your family is growing

Are your kids getting tired of sharing a room – and there’s another one on the way? Or maybe it’s time to start a family and you’re not happy with your current school district. Either way, a growing brood is a good indication that it could be time to move into a home that is more family-friendly.

4. The house feels empty

Are your kids off to college, or grown with their own families? Do you suddenly find you have more rooms than you know what to do with? Why not downsize so you have less to take care of?

5. The neighborhood has changed

Are crime rates going up?  Are there more empty houses or yards that aren’t being maintained? Sometimes neighborhoods change. If you don’t like the way it’s heading, it could be time to go.

6. You hate the weather

Those snow days were fun – at first. Now hauling out the snow shovel every few days is getting to be a bummer. If you find yourself pining for sunny days and warmer temperatures, it might be time to relocate to a more temperate climate.

7. Your commute is wearing on you

Studies show there is a direct link between commuting time and happiness levels. If you’ve found your good mood waning recently, think about moving closer to your job.

8. You’re in a new relationship

While we wouldn’t recommend moving every time you meet someone you like, there are moments when you know you’ve found the person you’d love to spend the rest of your life with. If your current place is too far away from them, it makes sense to move closer.

9. Your house needs work

Are you getting tired of making trips to the home improvement store every weekend? Is your to-do list getting longer instead of shorter? Then maybe it’s time to give your wallet and your free time a break with a new place that requires less maintenance.

10. You like the idea of a fresh start

Sometimes there aren’t black-and-white reasons to move. Maybe you’ve just gotten the itch to explore a new place, to expand your horizons. And that’s perfectly okay. If your intuition tells you that it could be fun to move on, then now may be the perfect time for a new adventure!

Compliments of Virtual Results

When a buyer decides to make an offer on your home, they usually make the decision with their heart, not their head. Buying a home is an emotional decision, and smart sellers will leverage this information to make the quickest sale for the highest price. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, here are our best tips for how to make buyers fall in love with your home.

Take great photos for your online listing

In today’s real estate market, most buyers begin their home search online. For this reason, it’s essential that you have great photos for your listing. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. What kind of photos would you like to see of a potential new house? Make sure photos are well lit, rooms are clean and all your home’s qualities are emphasized.

Give the exterior a facelift

Once a buyer has browsed through the online listings, they’ll determine which houses they’d like to see in person. But just because they found something they like in the listing, doesn’t mean that feeling will automatically transfer when they show up to your front door. First impressions count. You only have a few seconds when the buyer arrives at your house to make it look inviting. They will assume what they see on the outside will be reflected inside. Take time to give the exterior of your home a facelift so that it has the best possible curb appeal. Clean up the yard, trim trees and bushes, plant annual color, power wash the outside and give the front door a fresh coat of paint. Have a Fire Space Clearance company remove all dead and dying weeds, grass, plants, shrubs, and trees around your property to protect your home in the event of a wildfire.

Furthermore, have your local roofing contractors inspect and repair your roofing before you list your home for sale. If your roof sags in the middle or at any point, something is structurally wrong. This problem requires professional assistance to fix and is best left to trusted roofing companies in Panama City. When a roof repair is done properly, it will help boost your home’s curb appeal and even it’s resale value.

Clean, de-clutter and de-personalize the interior

To make buyers fall in love with your home, you must make it easy for them to imagine living there. That can be difficult if there’s a giant framed photo of your grandmother staring at them, or worse, sports paraphernalia from an opposing team. Give your home a thorough cleaning and remove clutter, including bulky furniture. Take down all family photos and store all personal items. Your home should feel fresh, clean, spacious and neutral.

Appeal to a buyer’s senses

In order to work on a buyer’s emotions, you must appeal to their senses. Fill the air with good scents, like fresh flowers, baking cookies or brewing coffee. Set out some light snacks and drinks. Play some soothing, ambient music. Use fabrics with a variety of colors and soft textures for beds, couches, curtains and tablecloths. You want to make your home feel warm and inviting and leave potential buyers feeling relaxed and happy.

Price it right

One of the most important details that will move a buyer from “like” to “love” is offering your home at just the right price. Do you homework and research comps in the neighborhood. Talk with your real estate agent about how to best price your home to sell – not too low, not too high. You want to hit it right at the sweet spot, which an experienced agent can help you do.

Are you ready to make buyers fall in love with your home for sale? Then follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to closing day.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Do you find yourself having to choose between two homes that you love? It’s a lucky problem to have. Some buyers struggle to find one home that meets their needs. Nonetheless, your good fortune doesn’t make the choice any easier. If you find yourself torn between two houses, these tips can help you make a decision you’ll feel comfortable with in the end.

Go back to the beginning

When you first began your home search, did you make a list of all your needs and wants? It’s time to pull that list back out. For each home that you’re considering, make a list of all the things about it that you like. Then compare those lists to your original list of needs and wants. If one home seems to match much better than the other, it may make your decision more obvious. You may also build your dream home with the help of a custom home builder and incorporate the best features of each home in your design. If you choose to go this route, your best bet will be to consult with multiple custom home builders before deciding who to work with for best results.

Consider the neighborhood

While you may imagine your future home to be an oasis, it is not a private island. You will be part of a neighborhood, which can impact your overall happiness in the long run. Take time to evaluate each neighborhood and what you like or don’t like about it. How far away is it from your work? Is it in a good school district? Are there amenities nearby like markets and gas stations? What are the crime statistics? Do the neighbors keep their yards maintained? Are there many other homes for sale? These are all questions that can help you determine which neighborhood is more suitable for your individual needs.

Think about future value

Selling your home in the future may not be top of mind, but it’s important to consider its resale value down the road. How does each home stack up to the others in the community? Is it larger or smaller? Is it the nicest house on the block, or does it fall somewhere in the middle? Are property values in the neighborhood going up or down? How long do homes in this neighborhood typically stay on the market before being sold? Are there many foreclosures? If you think that you’ll be selling your home anytime in the future, it’s important to consider what your return on investment will be. You may even think about future renovations with the help of kitchen remodeling contractors to further boost the property’s value.

Ask for feedback

Trying to choose between two homes can be a very emotional decision. But in the end it is also a business transaction. It can be helpful to ask for feedback from someone who is not emotionally connected to either home. If you’ve partnered with a trusted professional real estate agent, they can offer advice and suggestions that will help you make this difficult decision. An agent who has been working in your market for several years will have the knowledge and experience to offer you an educated opinion.

In the end, the best way to decide between two homes you love is to arm yourself with facts and data. While your intuition can help guide you, if you weigh the pros and cons and consider all the pertinent market information, you can feel confident that you’ll be happy with the home you choose.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re buying a fixer-upper or need to make some repairs before moving in, an FHA 203k loan may be what you need.  This type of loan allows you to roll renovation costs into your mortgage so that you’re only dealing with one loan instead of several. This type of financing is backed by the Federal Housing Administration and is available to both buyers and those who are refinancing.

How does a 203k loan work?

A 203k loan allows you to combine both the purchase price and renovation costs so that you are only dealing with one closing and one mortgage payment. The amount of your loan will represent those combined costs and your down payment will be based that combined amount.

There are two types of 203k loans:

• A streamlined or limited 203k loan is capped at $35,000 in renovation costs and is for homes that don’t have major structural issues.
• A regular or standard 203k loan is for homes that need more extensive repairs that could make them uninhabitable during the work.

What types of repairs are covered?

The types of repairs covered for these loans include:

• Structural repairs
• New garage or landscaping
• Energy conservation
• New roofing, siding or plumbing
• Adding a second story to the home
• Bathroom and kitchen remodels
• Decks and patios
• Well or septic system installation
• Eliminating problems that are health or safety hazards

Luxury improvements such as pools or tennis courts are not covered for a 203k loan.

Who can qualify for a 203k loan?

Generally, buyers will need a credit score of at least 640 to qualify for a 203k loan. You’ll be required to provide documentation of assets and income verification that is standard for any FHA loan. You will also need to provide a proposal that details renovation plans as well as the associated costs. After that, an appraiser will estimate the current value of the home as well as what the future value will be after the repairs are completed.

Are there drawbacks?

203k loans are great for homeowners who want to buy properties that are in need of some substantial repairs. It helps to offset renovation costs that you might not otherwise be able to afford. However, these types of loans do require extra paperwork and usually take longer to close, so they may not be ideal if you are on a strict timeline. You’ll be required to pay private mortgage insurance and your monthly mortgage payments will likely be higher than you may have planned for. In addition, 203k loans often have higher interest rates and come with extra fees, such as hiring an independent consultant to prepare your renovation proposal and cost estimate. Not all properties qualify, and the home’s value cannot exceed a certain amount, depending on where it is located.

Ultimately, a qualified real estate professional with experience in helping homeowners with 203k loans can be one of your best assets. They can help you navigate the process and make the best choices based on your personal situation and the local market.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Moving during winter is probably not something you hoped you’d ever do, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. However, moving in winter has some perks. Since fewer people move during the cold season, you’ll likely get more personalized attention and lower rates from your residential movers.  You’re also likely to enjoy more flexible scheduling.

If you find yourself confronted with a winter move, don’t fret. Follow these tips to make sure your move is as effortless as possible.

Check the weather – and then check again

Winter weather can be unpredictable, and poor weather can wreak havoc on your moving plans. Keep checking the weather in the weeks leading up to the move, and then check every day in the few days before. If it looks like a big storm is going to bear down, it might be better to delay a day or two if possible.

Keep paths clear of snow and ice

Carrying furniture from the truck to the house can be hard, but it’s doubly so when there’s snow and ice. Keep winter supplies like shovels and ice scrapers handy and clear sidewalks and driveways. Make sure there’s a spot cleared in the driveway or street for the moving truck, and that’s there is a clear path to the door.

Protect the floors

Winter weather often churns up mud and debris, and you don’t want to be tracking that into either your old house or your new one. Make sure there are mats in front of the door and cover floors with tarps or heavy cardboard to keep them clean.

Keep sheets and blankets on hand

Sometimes there’s no way to avoid bad weather. Keep sheets and blankets on hand, that way if it begins to rain or snow while you’re moving your belongings inside, you have something to cover them with. This is especially important if you have any antiques or other valuables that could get damaged if they get wet.

Stock up on extra gloves

Your hands will be the first things to get very cold on moving day, and your gloves could easily get wet or dirty before the day is through. Keep spare pairs of gloves on hand so that you can treat your fingers to a warm, dry pair as needed.

Make sure the utilities are on

It may go without saying, but make sure the utilities in your new home are connected when you arrive. However, don’t turn on the heat on moving day. Your furnace will work overtime to keep the house warm, while all that toasty air blows out the front door. Instead, hook up a space heater in the bathroom and keep the door closed. You may also need to check the boiler to determine if it’s working properly or if it needs a boiler repair service with the help of professional boiler repair specialists.

Have plenty of warm drinks at the ready

Nothing warms a chill like fresh coffee or hot chocolate, so be sure to keep warm drinks available all day. Not only will up it warm up your insides (and your hands), it can do a lot to warm your spirit on a busy and sometimes stressful day.

Compliments of Virtual Results

You’ve found a house you love and you’re ready to make an offer. Unfortunately, you find out from your real estate agent that the house is under contract – meaning the seller has already accepted another offer. While it can be frustrating to have someone else beat you to the punch, all is not lost. In cases like these, it might make sense to put in a backup offer.

What is a backup offer?

A backup offer is exactly what it sounds like – a fallback should the deal not close with the first buyer. This allows you to submit a contract to the seller with an addendum that states if the first contract should be cancelled for any reason, that your offer is the very next one that will be accepted. The backup offer needs to be signed by both the buyer and seller and will also often include an earnest money deposit.

Why might the first contract fall through?

In most cases, the first contract probably has contingencies. These are certain requirements that must be met before the sale of the house can proceed. Typical contingencies include:

• The buyer selling their current home.
• The home passing inspection.
• The home appraising for the sale price and not lower.
• The buyer securing a loan.

Any one of these contingencies is a potential downfall that could kill the sale. The home would then fall out of contract and the seller would put the property back on the market.

Is a backup offer legally binding?

Just like the first contract, a backup offer is legally binding as long as both parties have signed it. If the primary contract is cancelled for any reason, then the backup offer becomes the purchase agreement. At this point, you will not be able to walk away from the sale without forfeiting your earnest money deposit, unless you specifically allow for that contingency in the contract.

What are the benefits of a backup offer?

In some markets where bidding wars are common, having an accepted backup offer means you will not have to go through a stressful bidding war should the home come back on the market. And if it’s a home you love, having that security can be really important.

Are there any drawbacks to a backup offer?

In some cases, a backup offer can provide extra motivation for the first sale to close quickly. You will also want to consider if you can afford to have your earnest money deposit tied up for any length of time. If you continue to look at other homes while you’re waiting to hear about your backup offer, you may also lose your earnest money should you decide to buy another house.  Waiting on a backup offer can also indefinitely postpone your moving date, and if the first contract falls through on a contingency such as a leaky roof, that’s an issue that you’re going to inherit.

If you’ve found your dream home but it’s already under contract, talk to your real estate agent about making a backup offer. They can discuss the pros and cons with you in detail and help you decide if it’s the right move.

Compliments of Virtual Results