SkyFive Properties Blog

Anyone who doesn’t want to get upset and spend energy on the organization of the move will hire professional movers. Some people don’t have time to move on their own, so they hire movers even when they go a few blocks away. Others want their belongings to be in safe hands during the removal, especially if they move across the state. You can read about all the advantages of hiring moving companies at this link.

The primary services offered by moving companies are related to carrying and loading your belongings in a moving truck or van, transporting them to the desired address, and then unloading. Anything beyond that is part of the additional services. You should be informed about them, and agree to use them before the movers start working. That way, you will avoid confusion and unexpected and high costs.

Packing Your Belongings

Rare are the people who enjoy packing stuff while moving. This job can be quite tiring, especially if you have some valuables that need to be packed in a particular way. Delicate items need specialized packages to arrive safely and in one piece at your new address. You can feel stressed, especially if you have no experience with packaging and packing supplies.

The reason why most people choose to pack things on their own is primarily financial. Hiring professionals to do this job for them is considered an unnecessary expense. But once they start packing, they realize they were wrong.

Most movers charge extra for the packaging service. They will inform you about it when making a cost estimate. If this item is not stated, there is a good chance that you will find it in the final bill, which will be much higher than you planned.

You can provide packing supplies yourself, or you can leave this job to moving experts. They mainly use specialized containers for household articles and other stuff and safety boxes for valuable and delicate items. That’s another extra cost, but if the safety of your belongings is important to you, the decision to leave the packaging to professionals is a real deal.

Disassembly and Assembly of Furniture

Assembly and disassembly of furniture is an integral part of every move. Packing and loading large furniture like a sofa or closet can be a problem. It’s usually necessary to disassemble these pieces to pack them as well and practically as possible. Also, disassembly will help you preserve your belongings and move without damage.

See the source below for tips on how to protect furniture while moving:

https://www.moving.com/tips/how-to-protect-your-furniture-when-you-move/

Dismantling furniture seems like a simple job, but it requires precision and patience, especially if you have to work with expensive pieces. In this case, the assembly and disassembly services offered by moving companies come in handy.

Professional carpenters will take care of your movables. They will ensure the furniture assembly and disassembly and its safe packaging for transport. These experts have all the necessary tools for these jobs. Also, a great advantage is the guarantee of movers that your belongings will be in safe hands.

Cleaning the Space after Removal

Another task that awaits you, and you probably don’t look forward to it is cleaning. After you pack your things and the movers take them away, there will be many junk, dust, and dirt left in the rooms. Pieces of the wall can also fall off if workers hit it while carrying furniture. So, you have a lot of work to do.

After the removal, you want to go to your new home as soon as possible. If you hire movers for cleaning jobs, you won’t have to waste time cleaning up the mess left over. Still, you should know that not all companies will do the cleaning. Make sure to check with house removal companies what additional services they offer.

Some removal agencies offer the option of renting containers, where you can pack your stuff whenever and however you want. This additional service is handy when you have a lot of time until the departure day, and you don’t want to pay movers for packing. Still, you need them to load and transport the container to your new address.

You know that it’s time to replace your fences when they are old. The last rainy season has affected them a lot, and you see rotting wood and signs of mildew that need to be addressed as soon as possible. These structures are always susceptible to damages because of the exposure to the elements, so you need a cost-effective solution to repair them.

The repairs should be done now and not in the next few months. You know that your family’s safety is on the line, and you need to determine whether you call a company in OKC or do things your own way. Read more about what you can expect when a fence company does repairs on this site here. Even if you have experience in fence building, there are still advantages that you need to consider when it comes to hiring the experts. Here are some of them.

Why Call an Expert Fence Company?

They Handle the Permits and Planning Stage

For DIY projects, you will need to do all the plans and install the fences. You will plan where to source the materials, tools, and help. Checking and going to your local county in OKC is your job, and you need to get permits and follow the building codes in your area. You need to know all the fence standards and restrictions.

With the experts, they already know the building codes in your area, and they can get the necessary permits for you. They can get quickly approved because they have a license to operate in your neighborhood. The contractor will help you source the materials, and they already have the tools and expertise to make the work faster.

Save Time

Building fences on a big property will take a lot of time. You will have to call the suppliers, get the work done yourself, and you won’t be able to rest much. The time it takes to install a new fence will depend on the type of materials that you are using. You also need to learn about basic carpentry and do lots of digging for posts. Many have excitedly begum the building process only to be faced with delays and unforeseen headaches along the way.

When you hire the experts, you can do other work aside from digging holes in your backyard. They will help you save time, which is one of the most valuable resources that you have. They know what to do, what materials to use, and they have tools that can make them very efficient. You can find many professional contractors like Apex Fence company – OKC to install the fences you want to have on your property. With their help, you know that the project is in good hands.

Save on Costs

In theory, doing the DIY way may be cheaper at first glance. However, the cheaper portion will only hold true if you have the knowledge and tools to do the job. You will have to know which materials are excellent to use, and if you are not sure which suppliers are legitimate, you’ll have to shop around and do some research.

Most homeowners are having difficulties in budgeting their expenses and their time. Fortunately, excellent contractors can save them these kinds of headaches. Another thing is that if you are the homeowner, you can save a lot on additional costs of redoing the work if everything is not right at the first try.

Prioritize your Safety

In any kind of home improvement activity, there are bound to be dangers and hazards that you need to watch out for. The accidents can happen if you don’t watch carefully what you are doing. The lifting techniques can go wrong if you don’t have safety gear in place. Installation of fences is a back-breaking work that is not ideal for many people.

On the other hand, professional contractors already have the versatility and familiarity that goes with fencing jobs. They know the risks to avoid, and they wear safety gear all the time. You can know more about fence safety here: http://safety.ucanr.edu/files/1433.pdf. They also have insurance that will cover any injuries or accidents that they may experience while on the job.

These are just some of the reasons why you should get in touch with a fence company in Oklahoma City. They will take care of you and the project, and you can be rest assured that they will do high-quality work.

The pandemic situation is going on for a long time. But still, there is no prominent solution found yet. Though the business, job, or livelihood was at a stop for a long time due to lock-down, again for the unstable economy’s sake, everything is moving back to normal. But, as the vaccine has not discovered yet, your workspace needs to ensure the utmost safety. A few minimal safety measurements can make a certain safe environment for your workstation.

Because prevention is better than cure. During this novel coronavirus situation, maintaining social distance can help as your safety guard, save your colleagues, and your customers also. Also, the necessary steps for a healthy work environment are easily sustainable. Such as facemask, sneeze guard installation can bring fruitful results. At the end of this reading, you will get to know all the countermeasures to provide the utmost safety to your workstation to fight with the pandemic situation.

Make Facemask essential for all in your office

As this novel coronavirus gets spread by air and goes inside the human body by breathing, using a facemask can minimize the chances of infection. So, making mandatory use of facemask is a must in your office. Especially, the N95 facemask is the very essential one that is available in the market. It can bring you proper safety. The N95 facemask ensures 95% germs and dust cleansing from the air you’ve been breathing.

It happens because of its multiple filter layer. Also, you’ll not feel suffocated using it, as it is designed to be less breathing resistant. Besides, as it is reusable, you don’t need to worry about its buying expenses. You can reuse it several times till the filters of it get incurred or worn out. Similarly, it comes with a nose clip that ensures exact fitting to your face and eliminates the unfiltered air-breathing issue. So, without making any further ado, make facemask mandatory in your office. Besides, installing a glass partition on the tabletop can be helpful.

Install Sneeze Guard on tables where frequent meetings are needed

Installing a glass barrier on your office tabletop can ensure safety for both your employee and customers. As maintaining social distance is the percussive measure for this ongoing situation, so installing a clear polycarbonate sheet on your tabletop can minimize the exposure. This glass barrier also works as a partitioned workspace that protects you from sneezing or coughing of an infected person.

Installing this on the tabletop of the meeting room, in the director’s office, on the manager’s table, or on the reception desk can ensure protection to you and your team from health hazards. You may worry about installing a glass protector may seem odd. However, these glass protectors enhance the elegance of your office suits too.

For further safety, install a sanitizer door machine to get more effectiveness.

Use sanitizer door machine on the entrance door in the office

During this pandemic situation, technology has brought the sanitizer door machine to provide utmost safety to you and your employee. This sanitizer door machine is basically a sanitizer as the handlebar of your door. It ensures hygiene every time you or anyone checks into your office.

Because clean hands can reduce the spread of germs. Generally, people forget to sanitize hands on a regular basis. However, installing the sanitizer in the pathways can help you and others to clean your hands frequently. So, installing a sanitizer door machine on the entrance door of your office is effective.

Now, to prevent an infection coming in, using an infrared thermometer on the entrance can also be effective to provide safety to your office members.

Use an infrared thermometer for checking the temperature of every incoming employee daily

Using an infrared thermometer is efficient to secure the entrance of your office from viruses. You can check on every person entering your office using it. An infrared thermometer can be used from a distance to measure the temperature of a person entering your office.

It is designed to measure temperature from distance to avoid touch or heat. It uses the IR blaster to take the reading and convert it to digital numbers. A check with such a technology device can reduce the chance of an infected or ill person to come inside your office. This monitoring ensures proper health safety for you and your team at your office.

DO NOT allow people having a cough or some breathing problem

Lastly, prohibiting diseased person entry in your office can ensure the ultimate safety solution to your work environment. You can use a cautionary sign-board or sticker to prevent people from having a cough or breathing problem. This is the least you can do to ensure safety to your work environment.

Wrap Up

During this pandemic situation, these few safety countermeasures can provide maximum safety to you, your colleagues, and your office. Implementing these steps can save you and your office in many ways.

Moving houses is a thrilling and exciting prospect, and this is something you need to try to work on as much as you can. There are so many ideas you can use to try to make the most of this, and you need to consider how to get the least stressful move. There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to improving your moving experience, and this is something you need to keep in mind as much as you can.

Make sure you have ideas in mind that you can work on that is going to help with this as much as possible. You have to make sure you get the best possible move you can, and there are a few ideas you should be keeping in mind when it comes to assessing this as much as you can. There are a lot of things that play a part in helping with this as much as possible moving forward.

Decide Where You Want to Live

One of the most important things for you to consider is where you want to live and move to with your next home. There are so many ideas that play a part in this, and it is so essential for you to be able to take the right steps toward this. Try to make sure you focus on doing what you can to choose the best place to live, and you will need to go and visit areas before you commit to somewhere.

Choose the Right Estate Agent

It is also really important to make sure you do as much as possible to find the right estate agents in order to take care of this move for you. There are a lot of factors to consider when trying to choose the ideal estate agents, and an option like Burwood Brickworks real estate agents would be great for ensuring luxury and excellent attention to detail, not to mention a great range of properties.

Sell Your Existing Home

Before you actually buy a new property and choose to move house, the important thing you need to focus on is looking at selling your current property. There are a lot of techniques you can use that are going to help with this, and you need to focus on getting the best possible outcome as much as possible. There are a lot of ideas you can use to make the most of here, and this is something you need to focus on as much as possible moving forward.

There are a lot of ideas that you need to keep in mind when it comes to improving and enhancing your house move, and trying to get the best possible experience. You need to make the most of this as much as you can, and there are a lot of factors that play a massive part in this process moving forward right now. Try to use these tips and ideas that are going to help you make the right decisions here moving forward.

Deciding to buy a home is not only taking on substantial responsibility and commitment, but the investment is one of the most significant you will ever make. Choosing real estate in what has been deemed the “Sunshine State” of Australia or Queensland proves to be among the most affordable options for first-time homebuyers. It also comes with its own set of rules.

Buying and selling property is unique from one territory or state to the next because throughout the country each offers its own set of rules and regulations as you can see when inquiring with specialists like http://www.rouserealty.com.au for information pertaining to a particular region. It’s important to research to gain specific knowledge so that you can make educated decisions regarding your final choice and stay within the guidelines for Queensland.

What You Should Know When Investing In Real Estate In Queensland

State property laws in Queensland differ from those throughout other parts of the country, which could catch an uninformed buyer off guard. An agent does not have the authority to give homebuyers advice concerning price points when a property is put up for auction. This rule has been put in effect, with positive results, to avoid the chance of underquoting.

Aside from the auction, a residential investor is given a five-business day “cooling-off period,” something not seen in other states. It allows people the option to “excuse” themselves from the purchase if they determine it to be an unwise choice. There is no “vendor’s statutory disclosure.”

If the homebuyer opts out of the purchase, there is the potential that they will lose the deposit placed on a home based on the terms. Read for guidelines on costs for homes in this area of Australia.

** Flood Zones

Despite the integrity of the property and the desire of the homebuyer, a realty agent will not employ a bid for a home that is in a flood zone. That rule is non-negotiable for investors interested in “buying well.”

Properties that were involved in floods during the years of 2011 and 1974 are virtually impossible to place. The first thing an agent will do is investigate for where a house falls in the flood zone.

** Air Conditioning

The lifestyle in Queensland notes to be unique with experts indicating that those purchasing homes need to “embrace the hills” for the breezes and only purchase those listings that offer the luxury of air conditioning. No one enjoys living in the area without having this convenience, so claims suggest.

That is not saying you cannot purchase an appealing home without this benefit and add this feature on your own. It may be quite an undertaking and will, of course, involve a separate substantial investment, all factors that need to be taken into consideration when scouring the countryside for your ideal property.

** Council Of Brisbane

Australia’s largest council is in Brisbane, which is an advantage. Having a single council means that the sister suburbs offer the same rules, something you cannot say for areas like Melbourne or Sydney.

For people who want to increase the value of their home, this is exceptionally advantageous because you can have precedent throughout the city.

** Pest and Building Inspections

There is a misconception among potential homebuyers that any flaws found in these reports give them the opportunity to pull out of an agreement. That is incorrect. All investors are obligated to act “reasonably,” which translates to the fact that you can’t back out relating to minor findings, nor can you attempt to renegotiate the price point or the stipulations of the contract based on the inspector’s report.

If you attempt to break the terms and conditions or alter them in any way based on trivialities, you can find yourself involved in expensive legal action.

** Ensure Your Property Is Insured

The risk of insurance for the property will pass to the person purchasing as soon as the documents are signed. What that means to you is if there is a flood and your property is damaged beyond repair the day after you’ve signed the paperwork, you could potentially hold liability for damages and be forced into the completion of the conditions.

Often buyers and their agents overlook this aspect of the process with days passing before communication ensues with an attorney who would be the one to advise of this necessity. Immediately upon the contract’s signing, there should be a note of insurance coverage put in place on the home.

** Finance Clause Stipulation

Many homebuyers believe if they have the stipulation, “subject to financing,” in the terms that they will be able to terminate based on this clause prior to the approval date for financing, but that is incorrect. The clause indicates that the buyer uses every “reasonable” effort in obtaining financial approval.

That does not mean this stipulation can be used as an “out” in order to terminate the agreement. The investor needs to show they have put forth sufficient time and effort in trying to obtain approval for their financing before the approval date in order to use the clause to break the terms.

If you attempt to use the clause improperly, you run the chance of contractual breach risking deposit forfeiture and potential legal responsibilities holding you to the obligation.

Final Thought

When buying a property in Queensland, whether it be a residential home, vacant plot, or commercial unit, investors typically sign terms and conditions with the help of a real estate agent.

Due to the unusual circumstances in this region of Australia, it’s wise for you to consider using not only these experts but also employing a legal professional who can ensure that you oblige the unique rules and regulations that apply in this particular area.

In Queensland, a contract seems to be quite difficult to break once it’s been made. You do not want to find yourself on the wrong side of litigation for making mistakes with legal documentation, nor do you want to place an agreement for something that you haven’t carefully considered.

Moving is one of the most challenging tasks for property owners. It’s easy to start panicking and assuming everything will go wrong. However, you can manage this move correctly as long as you come up with a good plan. Let’s review some of the essential tips to keep in mind while planning your move.

1) Organize Everything

Start by organizing everything into smaller categories.

For example, you may want to put all of the clothes into specific boxes. This plan will let you take the boxes to the right rooms without having to think twice. It can ensure the transition to your new home is swift and doesn’t get prolonged because you were unprepared.

It’s the little details that matter and organization is a must. It’s the bare minimum while you are planning a move. The most significant mistake anyone can make is leaving this to the last day or hoping everything will work out on its own. Instead, you want to get on top of things and organize every last detail.

This includes what items are getting moved, what will be tossed out, and what things are fragile. All of this information is going to come in handy down the road.

2) Hire the Best Movers in Town

The best decision a client can make is hiring the best moving company in town.

This plan is the ideal option for those who are feeling overwhelmed and need a proper strategy in place as soon as possible. Instead of delaying things and looking to seek out friends, it’s better to have professionals help you out. Certified movers are going to have the requisite experience to do a good job and are not going to waste time.

The moving company is trained, competent, and professional. It will not make mistakes.

Don’t do it all on your own!

3) Coordinate with Movers

Don’t ignore your movers and hope they will figure things out on their own.

The moving company can also be a great resource as you look to start planning. They will be able to break things down and highlight what you should consider in advance. This information is priceless and a must in most cases.

4) Take Inventory

Are you taking inventory before moving to your new home?

You don’t want to leave the property until you have accounted for everything. A simple checklist is a good start, but you should also start taking pictures or making videos of items. This list will let you know where everything is without having to dig through each box.

A lot of property owners waste time doing this, and it doesn’t have to be this way!

Look to take inventory and stay as organized as you can. It will save time.

5) Label Boxes

It’s great to take out boxes and put items inside, but you have to label them too.

It can become confusing for you and the moving company if each box looks the same. It’s best to organize the boxes based on where they’re going to go in the new home. For example, you want to keep all the kitchen items in the same boxes instead of mixing them with items from other rooms.

It will ensure you don’t have to go back and forth between rooms in your new home.

Labels don’t take a long time and will ensure you are on the right path.

6) Protect Valuables

Are there specific valuables in your property?

Whether it is diamonds, gold, or something else, you want to have it noted down as soon as possible. Don’t ignore these things, so you don’t misplace them during the move. You want to keep them protected in case something were to go wrong during the move.

Ignoring your valuables and hoping they will survive is one of the worst things a person can do. Get on top of this and make sure you are packaging them appropriately. If not, the valuables might get damaged or lost during the move.

7) Prepare for Transition to New Home

It’s important to recognize the new home isn’t prepared unless you make appropriate changes.

This concept will include getting the connections hooked up before you arrive. Whether this is the electricity, gas, or hydro, you want to have it in place as soon as possible. There shouldn’t be a moment spent in the house where you’re without these essentials.

It’s best to prepare in advance to avoid dangerous situations.

Check out Removals Reading for more information, it’s important to look into hiring a world-class moving company and organizing every last detail. With years of expertise and the ability to provide meaningful results, this moving company is the ultimate option for clients.

Call in and set up a meeting with this moving company to begin your journey towards a new home. It may seem daunting right now, but with the right team of professionals by your side, this move will be a breeze.

Moving is challenging if you let it be. Start early, stay organized, and get a good moving company in place. This formula will make a noticeable difference and lead to the perfect move.

Today, investments and the way people grow their money is diversifying. Some opt for investment funds in the bank or purchase of currencies, and; others decide to invest in properties. Through a mortgage loan, you can make one of the best investments of your life because there are currently various credit products that are adapted to the specific needs of entrepreneurs who receive income and dividends that are difficult to verify. Take into account that currently there are ideal circumstances to invest in a property, even during the COVID-19 crisis, buying a home is still a good idea. If you are retiring, you may want to sink some of your money into a retirement property.

There are plenty of beautiful living spaces around the country. La Posada is one of them. Buying a retirement home is an increasingly popular option for those envisioning their golden years in a heavenly location. In addition, the increase in life expectancy strengthens the idea of a real estate investment for retirement. It is a comprehensive quality of life project, in which you invest from now on and decide how to retire tomorrow. Here are things to look out for:

1. The location

Try to find a place where there is a good network of roads and proximity to medical services and supermarkets, as well as churches, entertainment and friendliness centers. Everything within reach.

2. Explore the facilities

The growing number of older people who are becoming healthier and more active is a reality, which is why experts suggest investing in properties with a pool, beach access, a home gym, and green areas for activities such as yoga, hiking, or gardening. Are there medical centers nearby? Or shops and service centers such as transportation? It is essential that you consider the ease of access to the property and its surroundings before acquiring it since failing to do so may compromise your comfort.

3. Adequate architecture

Try to choose properties where the stairs are the minimum necessary, if possible, opt for the options with an elevator. Wide corridors and finishes such as non-slip floors, as well as natural lighting and ventilation, are other qualities that you should take care of.

4. Plan ahead

Many people do not like to think about the future and especially when it comes to one where we are old. Not all of us like the idea of aging, but it is a reality from which we cannot escape, and the best we can do with it is to prepare for when the moment arrives. Yes, it is true; we do not know what the future holds, but we can anticipate situations such as having an economic plan to bear our expenses, have a decent life, and enjoy what you have harvested over time.

So, before you completely fall in love with a place and decide to buy a property, you must consider all the factors that we have previously mentioned. And more if you are thinking of acquiring the property long before your retirement. If you do it in a cheap area, but with a minimal capital gain, you run the risk of not renting it at the price you would like to obtain a favorable income for you. And in case your plans change, and you want to sell it, you will have to do it at a lower cost than you had thought.

When preparing for and finding a mortgage at a good price, you must pay attention to the mortgage calculator, as taking that lightly can put you in some trouble. This is even truer as nowadays, banks don’t offer as many offers as they used to be in the past. Yet, there are sufficient offers to spin your head, and finding the best offer is not easy and can take a lot of time. However, it is important to find the right loan conditions to avoid over-indebtedness. With free real estate credit simulations, it becomes a lot easier. Want to know? Just keep reading.

How does it work?

Before delving into details as to how simulations help you get the right mortgage, you must know how a real estate loan simulation works. Previously you had to hire a credit broker to do this. And besides, you can still hire the services of this kind of independent professional these days. Just know that they will take 1% of the total capital you borrow from the bank for the preparation and refinement of your file, which can be seen as an additional burden for some borrowers. The latter then turn to simulation platforms. In addition to being easy to use, they are free and available 24/7. However, if you don’t want to take any risk, then it is better to take the help of a professional broker.

The use of mortgage simulation platforms is within the reach of everyone. It only takes a few clicks to complete the appropriate forms. You need to add a few details about yourself such as your name, the type of loan you want, the maximum duration of the contract, the expenses you already have, and your income. Then click on “simulate”. The results will appear in a few minutes. You will not have to pay anything for an online mortgage simulation. You can also repeat the process as many times as necessary to be sure to find the best loan conditions in relation to your financial situation. The simulations are not only free, but also without obligation on your part. You get to know exactly as to where you stand in terms of getting the loan, at what interest rates, and for how long.

Why simulate a mortgage loan?

But, why is embarking on a mortgage loan simulation so important, even if it means paying a professional to do so? The answer is simple! This approach allows you to minimize the risk of over-indebtedness. With the right loan terms, you’re not going to borrow more than you can afford to pay per month. This is why, during this process, the dedicated sites ask you for the charges and credits you already have.

Simulation is also the first step towards a low loan. It highlights the ideal monthly payments according to your situation and the duration of the commitment necessary for the repayment of all the debt. In a way, this is a fundamental step, which will facilitate the future management of your monthly payments. So, make sure not to skip it or else, you will miss out on some crucial details, which could have helped you get the loan at a suitable interest rate.

The loan simulation also helps to calculate your debt possibilities. You are unaware that this is an important detail in the success or otherwise of your loan application. As a reminder, for a first loan, you must have a debt ratio of 30%, for a second of 33%, and so on, to obtain the favors of the banks.

The difference between loan comparison and simulation

It is important to differentiate between a credit comparison and a mortgage loan simulation. These are the first two steps in applying for a loan from the bank. They are interdependent, of course, but totally different.

The simulation makes it possible to find the right loan conditions such as the number of monthly payments, possible monthly charges, duration of the contract, etc. The comparison helps to put the different offers of the banks in competition, both online and physical. To do this, it takes into account: the quality of customer services, nominal rates, APRs and the reputation of banks, etc. The simulation goes before the comparison.

To find the ideal mortgage contract, you must use the results of it in the forms of offer comparison sites. This second step will also only take a few minutes. It is completely free and without obligation, at least for the majority of specialized platforms on the internet. You are spoiled for choice. But be careful, don’t jump on the first offer on the list with both feet. Take the time to visit several banks to make sure you find the right one. Of course, if you want to save thousands on closing costs and fees, consult a professional mortgage broker for expert assistance.

If you’ve considered moving or making a change, then you have probably also come to the realization that there of certain factors that will determine where best to move. Whether you need to figure out why live in Utah or move to another country, there are also other factors that could affect your happiness or quality of life. Moving to a new location shouldn’t be made lightly.

Let’s have a look at some of the important factors you should consider when looking for a place to live:

Job Opportunities

Employment opportunities should be right at the top of the list and considered as an important factor when looking for a new place to live. You need to be able to make a living to support you and your family. This means that job opportunities and careers that not only meet your financial needs but also enable you to feel fulfilled. Some locations may make more sense than others if you focused on your career and the opportunities available. If you are in a couple and need two incomes to support the household then the opportunities need to be there for you both, ideally.

The Cost Of Living

Regardless of if you are looking to buy or rent your home, another factor for you to consider is the cost fo living. The cost of living can vary greatly from one location to the next. Whether it’s the cost of a home, rent, groceries, utilities, insurance, utilities, etc. All of these need to be thought about when making your decision. It will help you to figure out whether the move is affordable. If you are making a change in your career, then you may be forced to make do with your new living costs.

The Crime Rate

It may be obvious for some, however, some people forget to check this element to their move. Crime statistics and rates are a really important factor to consider. Although no one can completely remove the risk of potential crimes, there are things that you can do to choose a safer area where the crime rates are lower.

How Close You Are To Your Freinds And Family

How close or how far you move from your family and friends is something that needs to carefully consider. This will obviously be different for everyone, this is because each person’s relationship is unique. For one, the distance may need to be within walking distance, for others, living all over the world doesn’t bother them. You have to decide what is best for you and your family.

School And Education System

Depending on whether you have children or not, the education and school system to your new location will be an important factor when you choose a new home. Just like thinking about your commute or proximity to the amenities, you also want to make sure the schools that you deem right for your children are near where you live or work.

These are just five of the important areas that you need to think about when choosing a new location to live in. Are you planning on moving? What are you thinking about ready for moving?

This 3,000 word guide is the ultimate resource for anyone that needs to know if it’s best to rent before owning. There are many factors involved that can make renting or owning a home seem like an extremely complicated decision.

Naturally, the place that you select to live will have a deep impact on your overall quality of life. Home ownership for many, especially first-time buyers, is highly desirable, but thinking about the overall financial commitment can be stressful.

The internet age has brought us so much information about why buying a home is fiscally smart, while at the same time, we are bombarded with news about bank fraud (hello Wells Fargo CEO), foreclosures, and politicians painting doomsday scenarios about the state of our national economy. However setting all hype and outside noise aside, strategic execution into buying a home can be the best decision of your life.

After all, real estate, when viewed upon as a long term investment over decades, has proven to be extremely effective and lucrative. This guide will help you to weigh out the pros and cons of if and when to rent before owning so that you can make a wise, informed choice for your future.

There are expenses associated with owning vs renting a home that should be weighed carefully, starting with an honest assessment of the overall costs. While there are variables in the figures depending on the property, this guide will give you a solid place to begin your understanding.

We’ll examine each expense in detail and provide useful hacks covering the questions to ask when renting a house and more. It will be best to create a google doc and do a side-by-side comparison of these costs, line by line and then below the costs, make some overall notes. Doing the exercise of reviewing and budgeting your living expenses is well worth the time as it may open your eyes to costs that you might not have considered.

What to Look for When Renting a House

When you rent a house, the first thing to think about is the timing, duration, and amount of the lease. Everything is negotiable, so you will want to make your first offer to the landlord below the asking price. It is not uncommon for renters to make their first offer 5 to 10% below the asking price for the property.

Next, you’ll want to consider the timing of the lease. If you are already contemplating to rent vs own, you’ll want to keep the lease term short. Extended lease terms are better for those who are not contemplating ownership. Most leases will start on either the 1st or the 15th of the month.

However, elevators for condos are generally in high demand during those dates, so you might want to make arrangements for them as soon as you get an executed lease agreement in place.

Moving Expenses

When renting a house, you will have expenses associated with moving, including the moving team and vehicle. Overall, it’s important to research credible movers with many, many positive reviews online.

If you don’t do your proper research, this cost could balloon several times over. Interstate moves can be particularly challenging as less reputable movers have been known to hold furniture ransom for additional fees since the entire move period takes longer and requires more logistics.

Also, remember to buy your packing items in advance like boxes, bubble wrap, and packaging tape. Movers will often charge you triple the cost of these items.

Security Deposits and Upfront Money

Your landlord is likely to require a hefty security deposit that might grow if you have pets or other circumstances as outlined by their policies. The standard move-in fee of the first month, last month and security deposit has lately been adjusted by savvy landlords requesting the first month and two months of security.

This would allow the landlord more control of deposits and a less desirable situation for the renter. Beware of anyone telling you that this method is ‘standard,’ it isn’t, and everything is negotiable. Also, there may be some non-refundable fees charged by condo management for usage of the elevator and truck docking station.

Remember to inspect your new home extensively before handing over your deposit, and writing all of the property defects that will either be fixed or remain as-is, as part of your home rental agreement. This will protect you and give you peace of mind for the eventual return of your security deposit.

Potential Storage Costs

Think about the amount of clothing and personal items that you have. If your current space is larger than your potential new house, you might have to factor in the purchasing of storage space. These storage units will be cheaper to rent outside of major urban cores.

So, if you need storage, do your research and look at options that may be a bit further away than you had originally envisioned. If a unit that you are looking at renting is listed as furnished, and you have your own furniture or you don’t like their furniture, remember that a deal can be made to keep their furniture in storage and rent the property as unfurnished.

Utilities

Each month, you will have to pay utilities that are not included in your lease. Your utilities expenses will almost always include electricity and often water/sewer/trash fees. Some condominium complexes offer free cable tv, but the entire business model for television is changing.

Your best bet might be to cut the cord and get your television channels online through YoutubeTV, Slingbox or Playstation Vue. Those services are much cheaper than conventional cable or DirecTv. There also may be additional monthly fees for parking when you are renting a condo or home.

Home Renters Insurance

Renters insurance is a must. Things happen. If there are any unforeseen circumstances affecting you negatively while renting a house, you’ll want to be protected. Luckily, renters insurance is relatively affordable. Just be sure to shop around and get bids from at least three different insurance providers and make sure that you are comparing identical policies and coverages.

Costs of Purchasing and Owning Your Home

Buying a home has several unique, one-time fees to consider. The obvious and most important question to ask yourself is…do I have enough money for the downpayment that will be necessary to get a mortgage for the house? For this matter, it is best that your speak with a qualified mortgage broker.

They will give you an array of options on programs to best suit your present cash savings and future projected income. During the process of buying the house, you will need to have it appraised and inspected. Your real estate agent should help you with proper referrals to keep costs under control throughout the buying process.

These buying fees often include mortgage fees, mortgage points, commissions and legal fees. Cash buyers will save on the fees associated with the mortgages. As a rule of thumb, it is wise to 3 to 5% of the overall cost of the home for closing expenses.

Moving Fees and Homeowners Insurance

As with a rental, you will have expenses associated with relocating your household. These moving fees should be about the same as those projected for renting a home. Homeowners insurance will also be mandatory.

Note that the difference between homeowners and renters insurance is that for the renter, they are not covered by the Homeowners policy. Homeowners insurance covers costs of rebuilding the home as opposed to renters being in place for the protection of a renter’s personal items.

In some instances, the costs of homeowners insurance may be paid by the mortgage lender, but this will most likely lead to larger monthly mortgage payments, which we will examine next.

Mortgage Payments

If you have chosen to take out a mortgage on your home, you will have the monthly mortgage payments to consider.

These will vary greatly based on your down payment amount, the current market cycle for interest rates (currently very low), whether the rate is adjustable or fixed (fixed is best for low-interest rates), the payback term for the mortgage (15 and 30 years most common if fixed rate), and any other terms negotiated between the bank and borrower.

For every property listed on the Sky Five website: both homes and condos, we have a mortgage and expense calculator which will help you calculate your projected monthly mortgage expenses.

Property Taxes

In the United States, property taxes are controlled by the local governments. Property tax rates vary between 0 and 4% of the assessed value of the home and land. They are generally due at the end of the year in a lump sum, however, it is wise to calculate your monthly amount of tax due from the annual sum for budgeting purposes.

One of the most desirable benefits of home ownership is the fact that home mortgage interest payments and mortgage insurance premiums are fully tax deductible. It’s an outstanding encouragement by the government for its citizens to buy their homes.

Homeowners Associations

Most condos and planned living communities charge a monthly fee for the upkeep of the areas surrounding your home. This can be a tremendous positive in terms of saving you time and work, however, it comes at a price.

These fees vary a great deal from negligible in single family home neighborhoods without guards, gates and landscaping services…to thousands of dollars per month for premier condos in ultra-luxurious buildings.

Property Upkeep and Maintenance

When you own your own home, you will need to factor in landscaping, repairs and overall home maintenance that is not covered by a Homeowners Association as listed above. This will include maintenance to appliances, plumbing and electrical.

Consult with a guide on how to buy a waterfront home for more specific variables which you might encounter for that type of property. Find a good handyman in your area with strong online reviews. This could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Own vs Rent Deep Examination

Of course, the above is just a brief glimpse at the financial impact associated with each of your options. Are you interested in purchasing a home as an investment? While it is true that you can build up equity in a home and cash out down the line with a nice profit, that is not always the case.

If you are considering purchasing a home solely to make money, you will need to be extremely prudent in the home buying process, and explain your overall wants and needs in detail to your real estate agent.

Timing and Location

The choice to buy a house ties you to a specific location. If you love the neighborhood, city and general atmosphere, great! However, if you want to move away in the near to mid-future, you should certainly think about the flexibility that renting has to offer you.

Real estate appreciation can be quite lucrative over time, but you need to understand that real estate is a relatively illiquid investment…meaning that you can’t get in and out of it easily – like pushing a button, selling a stock and having cash in a few days.

The process of selling a home takes time and to achieve a particular price; significant skill is required on the part of your Realtor that is negotiating on your behalf.

Homework and Research

When looking for a home to rent before owning, renters are usually only obligated for a year. Some leases require even less time, and you can find options that are for a month-to-month term.

If you do not have stability in your work and personal life, you might prefer the freedom that comes with a rental. On the other hand, purchasing a home could provide the catalyst you need for stability. It is important that you understand the neighborhood before you sign any papers, whether for a rental or a purchase.

You should utilize both the internet and in-person searches to find out about the community and the people who live there. Feel free to ask current tenants or owners about the neighbors. It is also to ask tenants about their experiences with the landlord.

Is he or she kind, professional and easy to communicate with or are they slum lords, looking to bend rules and keep deposit money at all costs? You can find a map showing the crime statistics for cities across the country with a quick Google search. Additionally, you can drop into some of the local stores to get a feeling for how friendly the neighborhood is.

Knowing the Neighborhood

Watch the interactions of the staff with the patrons, not just your own experience. Take a drive by the prospective new place on a late weekend night to see if the neighborhood has the same “vibe” as during the day. Understanding the neighborhood is one aspect of choosing wisely.

A friendly neighborhood with a stable economic forecast will be more comfortable for you either way. However, you will experience greater benefits from your research when buying a home due to the long-term commitment and experience.

Privacy Matters

Another consideration is privacy. When you are renting a home, the rental agency or property owner can come onto the property with only a small window of notice. The specifics will depend on where you live. However, they have the legal right to enter and work on the place, even if you do not want them to. For those who appreciate privacy, this can be troubling.

On the other hand, if you choose to purchase a house or a condo, you have the right to complete privacy. Nobody can enter your home without your permission other than law enforcement agents who have legal clearance to do so. Many really appreciate having this type of control.

Of course, if you are the homeowner, you also have the opportunity to get to know others in the neighborhood and work to strengthen the community. While renters can certainly contribute to the greater good, the local pride and commitment that come with ownership provide many with a sense of purpose and contribution.

Freedom for Remodeling

If you rent a house or apartment, you must adhere to the current construction and decor. While some landlords will allow for a slightly different color paint or some other minor remodeling, you are pretty much stuck with what you see.

However, those who own their homes have a range of choices limited only by imagination and finances. Should you choose to buy your home, you can not only paint the walls any color you please, but you can also add rooms, knock out walls or install a sauna.

Of course, you have to adhere to the local building codes to ensure your safety but, you have creative freedom over your property. Additionally, you will receive tax incentives at the federal and state levels that are not available if you rent before owning.

Talk to your accountant to determine the best way for you to utilize these for your home and your remodeling and upgrading efforts.

Maintenance

However, there is a downside to this freedom. Just as you have creative control, you have the complete responsibility when something goes wrong. Whether a seasonal storm downs a tree into your living room or a pipe bursts in the bathroom, it is your burden to fix the situation.

While you might hire professionals to do the task, you bear the responsibility of finding qualified and reputable people as well as their expenses. Most homeowners find it necessary to learn some basic maintenance skills to avert some of these costs. For instance, cleaning the gutters and furnace filters.

Getting to know these aspects of your home can help you to connect to your house and can increase your pride in ownership.

Stress Tolerance

Another factor involved in the decision-making process is the amount of stress involved. While buying a home can be a great experience, it increases the amount of stress you are under for a while.

If you or another member of your household has recently experienced several high-stress situations, you might want to hold off on buying a house.

Of course, you also get away from many stressors by moving into a home of your own. As a renter, you may be subject to eviction if certain rules are broken. While the landlord does have to give you a certain amount of notice, it can be quite stressful to relocate suddenly and without expectation. If you own your home and pay your bills, you need not worry about that.

Pros and Cons of Rent Before Owning

If you and your household have the financial stability to obtain a mortgage and have an interest in setting down roots somewhere, then purchasing a home may be the best way for you to go. On the other hand, if you are not yet settled into your adult life, you might want rent before owning until you have a clearer path for your future envisioned.

Remember that renting gives you the freedom to move much more quickly than buying, but that the choice is not only up to you.

You exchange limited control in decorating for the maintenance issues that arise. Is this the type of living arrangement that you desire? Or, are you interested in having the creative freedom to design and live on your own property with privacy and responsibilities?

Are you prepared for the shift in financial affairs as well as how the choice will impact each member of your household? If so, you may not need to rent before owning.  Even if you don’t select a condo or house, you’ll still want to have these same questions to ask when renting an apartment.

Renting Won’t Make You Wealthy

Make sure you understand how each choice will impact your family, talk to your spouse, and take an honest look at what you want in your life for now and in the future. Owning your home rather than renting is a great choice for those who are prepared.

Real estate ownership continues to be one of the greatest investment vehicles available. The process of finding, buying and moving into the perfect home can be extremely exciting and way to come out ahead financially by a great margin.

For those that don’t feel compelled to save and invest through other means, homeownership is a way to invest in a bright future without having to put constant thought and action towards investing.

Appreciation over time and the gradual paydown of your mortgage works tremendously in your favor.