SkyFive Properties Blog

When it comes to having the most control over a home investment, there’s no denying that having your own built is the simple most effective way to do it. You can choose everything from the walls to the roof to the shape and size of each room. You even have some control over how you build it. But it’s not an easy process by any stretch of the imagination. It takes investment, time, research, and work. So, before you throw yourself into the process, you should ask yourself some questions first.

Why are you building a home?

It might seem like we’ve already answered the question. Most people build a home instead of buying one because they want more control and they want to ensure that they have everything they want and need in it. However, have you already taken a look at the market to see whether or not that dream home is already out there? There’s a good chance you might have to compromise on some wants to fulfill your needs, but it is going to be a lot less expensive and a lot less work. Make sure that the home you want isn’t already on the market before you commit to building it yourself.

How are you financing it?

As mentioned, and as we should mention time and time again: building your own home is expensive. Some might already have all the money they need lying aside, or they may be able to sell their existing properties to build one of their own. For those who don’t have that option, you need to look at your financing options from places like Discover.com. There are different self-build and home construction loans that might be applicable to you depending on your circumstances. But entry requirements for these loans are higher than the average, often demanding a significant down payment, not to mention a pristine credit score and some history with the lender. Don’t get your hopes up until you have your financing at the ready.

What are your priorities?

Before you start looking at plans, builders, materials, or locations, take a moment to think about what you want and what you need from the home. It’s important to categorize them, too, so think about creating a wants vs needs checklist. Needs include things like accessibility, space, access to utilities and certain resources. Whereas wants might be more discretionary purchases such as having a certain kind of garden or having a lavish bathroom. You have to prioritize them because you need to be able to find wiggle room in the budget, which may mean sacrificing a want in order to fulfill a need. Don’t have them separated and you may find yourself cutting something that you later realize was key to your home.

What is the budget?

The costs involved in the process of building a home can be somewhat flexible. You may find yourself spending more than you intended on some things. So, to make sure you don’t run out of money halfway through the process, you need to put together as comprehensive a budget as possible. It should factor in labor, materials, legal costs, insurance, housing plans and much more. Ask around for quotes and make sure that you’re not missing anything. As mentioned, certain costs can grow within the building process, so it’s a good idea to leave some money aside for emergencies so that one part of the budget doesn’t eat into another part of the budget.

DIY or let someone else?

Self-builds are becoming a lot more common. People looking to save money may skip a lot of the costs of labor by handling it themselves. There are lots of resources like SelfBuildZone.com that can help you learn about all the different steps and factors that go into building a home, too. Those who build it themselves will often rely on small sub-contractors to handle the most intricate, expert work, and sometimes a sub-manager to help guide them along the way. However, self-builds require even more work and time than your average new build. Not to mention, if you’re not as thorough as possible there’s a good chance you could make a mess of it.

Can you find the right land?

Of course, if you’re going to build a home, you’re going to need somewhere to do it. Finding the right land means thinking about what you need in a location, whether it’s close to your place of work, the services you need, and so on. But you also have to ensure that the land is available. Sites like Landwatch.com can help you find plots out on the open market, but the best way to hear about land for sale is through word-of-mouth. Network with other real estate industry members and construction firms and you may be able to hear about land that’s for sale that others may not yet be fully aware of.

From a plan or your very own?

This is another “cost vs. quality” question you have to ask. There are a lot of stores that sell house plans that your team can then build from. There are many varieties and though costs can vary, they tend to be cheaper than having your own building designed from scratch. However, teams like CochranEng.com offer the client significantly much more choice in what they want from a plan and work closely with you to ensure all your requirements are fulfilled. What’s more, home engineering and construction teams also ensure that the build is better suited to the topography and the environment surrounding the home, so you have a fitting solution instead of one that might prove to be a mismatch down the line.

Are you ready for the legal hurdles?

There’s more that goes into building a house than simply constructing it on the spot. Even if you have bought the land, you are not necessarily ready to build it yet. You have to ensure that you have all the legal permissions, too. The planning permission process can take a lot of time, so it’s best to get the ball rolling as soon as possible so that it doesn’t hold back the building schedule. This includes making sure there are no plans to build other things on that spot such as railways or airports which can later come and disrupt your plans. Depending on where you build, there may be zoning policies that can affect things like taxes and other building fees, as well.

Are your protections in place?

As with anything, things can go wrong during the construction of the home. An accident on the site can lead to weeks of work being undone and can result in plenty of damages to materials that you need to build the home. In a carefully crafted budget, such a large disaster could push finishing the project well out of your range. That is why it is essential you have some financial protections in place. If you’re using contractors, there’s a good chance they already have their own insurance. But ErieInsurance.com can help you take a closer look at any extra coverage you might need or how to protect yourself is it’s a self-build project instead.

What are you doing with the exterior?

The process of actually put the home together is going to be where most of the work goes, but let’s not forget the fact you may very well have plans for the garden or the surrounding land. When you’re building land, don’t think about just the land the house is built on, but the land you might want around it. Do you already have a team like CreatescapeLandscaping.com at the ready as soon as construction is finalized? Do you have plans to pave a driveway connecting your home to the rest of the road? Don’t neglect to plan for the exterior or you might find yourself with no room in the budget for it when the home itself is constructed.

Are there any other ways to cut costs?

As expensive as it can be, it should be no surprise that many who build their own homes will constantly be looking for ways to cut costs. There are a few tips that can help you find wiggle room in the budget when you need it. If unexpected costs come up, you might be forced to find flexibility elsewhere. For instance, you can cut the costs of building materials by asking for spare materials from other construction projects or looking for those who sell reclaimed materials at a dramatically lower price. You can consider prefabricated homes that are as simple as getting all the pieces of a room in piecemeal and putting them up. You might even consider reducing each room by only a couple square feet to majorly reduce the overall cost of the build.

Until you have the answers to the questions above, it’s safe to assume that you are not yet ready to build a home. Do some homework, figure out what financing is available and how to construct a budget, talk to professionals or those who have built a home before. The option is always there, but it’s never worth taking it before you’re ready for the responsibility.

If you are planning on buying your dream home in Florida, you are probably interested in ensuring that the actual move will be as efficient as it is possible. However, we often end up leaving things for the last minute and suffering from the lack of time. Inadequate organization complicates matters, leaving us feeling helpless and wishing we never had to move in the first place. Before you enter a state of desperation, keep on reading and discover a few helpful tips on how to organize your things and enjoy a successful moving experience.

#1 Get rid of clutter

As time passes, we end up accumulating a lot of things that we do not use. If you want the moving process to be as simple as it can be, getting rid of clutter is the first step to take. Eliminate all items you are not using, as well as those that are not necessary. In this way, you will have fewer things to pack and organize in the new home. Donate what is still useful and avoid keeping stuff just in the thought that you will need them later on.

#2 Items sorted by categories

Even though you might be tempted to classify your belongings by room, it is far better to opt for classes. It is a type of categorization that is more efficient, and it will save you a lot of time. Begin with your clothes, as these are often in different rooms of the house. Proceed with documents, books, shoes, and various accessories. Take your time in sorting your possessions in this manner, and you will be thankful when unpacking them in the new home.

#3 Plastic boxes and labels

While cardboard boxes are perfect for moving, these can be easily damaged. Moreover, you will have to spend a lot of time writing the contents of the box. The more efficient alternative is to use clear plastic boxes, as the content will be visible in an instant. You can also invest in a label maker, creating fun labels for each box. Knowing where everything is, you will find it easier to unpack and organize your belongings.

#4 Professional Movers

Even though you might not have considered a professional moving company before, there are a lot of advantages to using such a service. First and foremost, the Florida movers can help you organize your things before the actual moving day. You will benefit from expert assistance, which will also mean that you will experience less stress as a result of the move. Afterwards, the team of specialists will come and pick your boxes, delivering them to the new address. If necessary, they can help you to unpack as well.

#5 Calendar with moving tasks

If you have a lot of things on your mind, the last thing you might need would be to think about the move. It is far easier to organize a calendar with moving tasks, accomplishing them one day after the other. For example, you can set a specific date and time to call the professional movers, another one to categorize your belongings and one to shop for new items. The calendar will keep you efficient to the maximum, making the whole experience less stressful.

In conclusion, these are some of the best tips to follow in case you are planning on moving to Florida. Keep in mind that professional movers can also organize your belongings, helping you feel less stressed.

If you have a house to sell, then the chances are that you’ll want it to sell pretty quickly. There aren’t many people that put their home on the market just to see what happens; they put it on the market to sell. Plus, you will want to get as close to the asking price as possible when it is up for sale. But if your home isn’t quite up to scratch, then in a competitive housing market, people will choose other homes, or they will go in with a low offer.

So to maximize your chances at getting a good sale of your home, sometimes staging your home is a good idea. Even if the people looking around the home have children, they don’t want to see toys all over the home, for example. You want to stage the home so it looks like a show home, so the potential buyer can see themselves living there.

Here are some of the ways that you can stage your home if you’re looking to sell your home pretty quickly. If you don’t make any effort with the home, then it can affect the time it takes to sell. There are, of course, sites like hankbuyshomes.com that you can use to sell in certain areas, if you need to move fast. But you might not get the price that you’re after. So take the time to stage; have you thought of any of these before?

Give the Curb Appeal a Boost

Curb appeal is what the potential buyers will see as they arrive at your home for the first time. So things like a driveway, front yard, doors, and windows, will all play a part. If the outside of the home doesn’t look good, then it can immediately put the buyer off. It can put them in a bad mood before as soon as they arrive, and then it won’t matter how good the inside of your home looks. Think about the ways that you could improve the curb appeal of outside of your home. It could be giving the walls fresh lick of paint or it could be rearranging the yard, or neatening up the driveway.

Deep Clean Your Home

A sparkling clean home is going to look good to every buyer. So if you’re not able to do it yourself, then a cleaning company could come in and have the whole house sorted in a short amount of time. Clean windows, shiny floors, and sparkling surfaces will show the buyer that you care about the home. It will make the home and interiors look newer and fresher, especially if things like bathroom shower screens are looking spotless. According to interiors site houzz.com, you shouldn’t skip this step, it really is key!

De-clutter

If there is a lot of junk around the home, then it can make the home look messy and too personal. So de-clutter what you can. Even if it means putting things into boxes and into storage for a short amount of time, it can make a big difference to ho the home looks. Potential buyers will look in closets, cupboards, and cabinets, so it pays to have them looking good and free from clutter.

Go Gender Neutral

You never know who is going to be looking around your home, so it is a good idea to have something that will appeal to most people. For things like the master bedroom, it can be a really good idea to create a gender neutral look. If you normally have floral bedding and curtains, replace with more plain and subtle versions, for example. If there is anything that a buyer sees that gives them a negative impression, then it will be what they remember. So keep it simple and don’t have anything too over the top.

Take Away Personalized Items

When someone is looking around a home with a view to buy, they want to be able to imagine themselves living there. But if there are giant photographs of you and your family all over the walls, then it can put them off. Instead, stick to generic pieces of art or photography. It is a fine line between making the home looked lived in and not too sterile. So don’t strip all the walls of any personality. Just make the ‘personality’ less about you and your family. It will make it easier for someone else to imagine living there.

One final point would be to think about how the home smells and feels when people look around. Could you diffuse essential oils in the home, for example? How about having the heating on a little? When it smells good and feels cozy, it can help buyers to enjoy their experience in the home.

There are many plus points to owning a second property, especially when it means visiting your favorite location more often. Many people invest in a holiday home when they’ve visited a place regularly, and fallen in love with the area, and all it has to offer. The most difficult thing about your property investment should be leaving it behind to head back to work and everyday life. A vacation property should always feel special, and you’ll want to be able to relax as soon as you arrive. Therefore, it’s crucial that it feels comfortable, and just like home, when you walk in at the start of your getaway. You don’t want to have to try to settle in for the duration of your break; it needs to be a place which is ready for you and your loved ones to unwind and relax straight away.

The more you live in a house, the more it will feel like home. However, vacation abodes can often feel unfamiliar, because you don’t spend the majority of your time there. But, don’t worry; there are plenty of things that you can do, prepare, and plan for, the next time you’re at your favorite destination. Investing a little time and effort into your holiday property now will ensure that it becomes your ideal getaway every time you arrive. It’s time to start writing a list and ticking off the things needed to make your getaway pad feel as homely and welcoming as possible. The following are some ideas, inspiration, and advice for those who are ready to create their ultimate vacation environment and make their getaways even better.

Think About When You’re Away

One of the major issues facing those who arrive at their vacation property is that the house hasn’t been lived-in for weeks or months at a time. An empty home can often feel unloved as dust and dirt can build up, rooms become cold or sun-damaged, and there will always be one time when someone leaves something in the refrigerator. Therefore, it’s vital that you make plans for your house while you’re back at work and dreaming of being there.

Look into home watch services so that you can be confident that your property remains damage-free and secure when you’re out of town. You’ll have peace of mind that you’ve invested in reputable people to look after and take care of the little, and major, issues when you’re not there to do it yourself. You can receive updates and reports on your vacation home so that you can take action should any issues arise.

If you’ve gotten to know your local community and made friends who live there permanently; you can always ask them to keep an eye on your place when you’re away. Invest in a cleaning service, so the place is spotless when you arrive, and you don’t have to reach for the feather duster. You could also encourage close friends and family to utilize the accommodation when it’s empty. Trusted loved-ones will ensure that the place is clean and tidy, and again; you’ll feel secure in the knowledge that it’s not being left empty.

Investing In Your Interior Design

One of the best things about a vacation property is that you’ll have another environment to decorate and fill with your favorite items. Therefore, it’s worth investing in quality things that you can leave there, and utilize as soon as you arrive. Unpacking things is laborious and time-consuming, so make sure you have all the essentials in each room of the house and don’t have to worry if you’ve forgotten anything. Stock up on cupboard essential like cleaning products, toiletries, cooking oils and the like; all you’ll need to do is grab your fresh items from the store when you arrive.
Now it’s time to add the little touches that make a house feel like a home. Frame some family photos and place around the rooms, add soft furnishings like cushions and throws, and put some art, ornaments, and design features out on display. You don’t want your summer home to feel like a hotel, so make sure that there’s nothing generic about your property and fill it with personality and character. Entertainment systems, books, board games, and sporting equipment are all the things that you and your family will look forward to enjoying during your stay. Therefore, make sure that your space is filled with all the things that will keep everyone occupied; just like back at your other house.

If you’re like many Americans, you’ve probably heard about house flipping and are wanting to get into it yourself. With a Real Estate market worth $31.8 trillion, who wouldn’t? The only problem is, you don’t have all this money to throw at a house. What many don’t know is that it’s very doable to start flipping houses with no money.

No, that wasn’t a typo. It really is possible to flip houses without having to invest your own money. We are going to dive into exactly how you can do this, and furthermore, why you should.

Real Estate investing is of the fastest and simplest ways to grow long-time wealth. There’s no better time to get started than now. Fast and easy doesn’t mean that hard work isn’t involved, though. With hard work comes real and remarkable results. To find out how you can start flipping houses with no money, read on!

What Does it Take to Flip a House?

While flipping a house can seem relatively easy, there is a lot more that goes into it than you would expect. Most all of what it takes to flip a house is simple, but there are many things that you need to get a grasp on before you start, especially if you’re going to be doing it with no or little money down.

Here are a few things you’ll want to have before you make your first deal:

A Knowledge of Your Target Housing Market

Before you start going out and trying to find the perfect house to flip, you need to do some research about the market in your local area. This includes finding out what houses generally go for in the area, what neighborhoods are hot, and what style of home is popular in the area.

The types of houses that are popular in the Breckenridge real estate market may be different than the Seattle market. You need to find out what’s popular where you’re trying to go.

A Good Understanding of Style

A huge part of successfully flipping houses with no money is creating a look in a house that will draw buyers in. You’re taking a house that was run-down, beat up, or poorly maintained and turning it into something amazing that people will want to pay money to live in.

What Kind of Repairs to Do

When flipping a house with no money, you’re going to need to determine which types of repairs are the most valuable to the resale of the house. Since you likely will be doing some of the work yourself, it’s a good idea to read up on some DIY home repairs that make a difference in value.

How to Estimate Rehab Costs

Just because you can flip a house without using your money doesn’t mean that there isn’t any money involved. It’s a good idea to start looking into how to estimate costs and budgets for repairs. This will help you when you are finding the money you’ll use for the flip.

The biggest and most important thing you need to have before you start flipping houses is a determination to do it. It’s not the kind of thing that you can just jump into and give up on halfway through. You need to know that you’re going to stick it out till the end before you even start to ensure your success.

How to Start Flipping Houses With No Money

Now that you know a few things about what it takes to flip a house, it’s time to start figuring out how to pay for it. Like I mentioned before, you won’t be using any of your own money, but you will be using someone’s money. This is often referred to as OPM or Other People’s Money.

Most successful Real Estate investors make money off of Real Estate by having other people pay for their endeavors. Now, you may be wondering, “who on earth is going to pay me money to flip a house?”

Believe it or not, there are plenty of ways to have other people pay for your investment. Here are just a few:

Hard Money Lenders

HMLs are great for someone who is flipping houses with no money when that person knows they will be able to fix and flip quickly. A hard money lender is someone who will lend you the money (with or without a good credit score) and will charge a larger interest rate. They will usually also charge some sort of percentage of the cost as well, depending on the lender.

The reason it’s important to be able to repay the money quickly is that of the high-interest rates. These rack up really fast and will be a burden on your final profit if you end up holding for too long.

If you find a property that you know you can rehab and resell within 3-4 months or less, then a hard money lender may be the right option for you.

Partner/Investor

Another great way to start flipping houses with no money is to find a partner or investor who has the funds to buy and fix the property. A lot of times, you can find someone out there that has the money to invest but doesn’t have the time for the grunt work. That’s where you come in.

You can make a deal with an investor/partner and have them purchase and finance the fix, while you do the labor and share the profits with them. You can find partners all over the place like:

• Your local Real Estate Investor Association
• BiggerPockets forums
• Friends and family

Once you find a partner, you can start flipping houses with no money.

Private Money Lenders

Like hard money lenders, private money lenders take the place of a bank and finance your flip. While these types of lenders aren’t always readily available, a lot of times you can find someone who will help make your flipping dreams become reality.

A private money lender is anyone who you know personally, like a friend, family member, or colleague who is willing to lend you the money. Often times you can receive these loans with low interest but may be asked to pay back a “point” or percentage of the final sale. Finding a private money lender may not be as hard as you think, you just have to try.

Now Get Out There and Start Flipping

All of this is possible for anyone out there, all you have to do is try. Sitting back and wondering if you can afford it, or doubting that Real Estate investing will ever work for you is only going to hold you back.

So get out there, and start flipping houses with no money. The only thing you need to do now is start.
To find more amazing tips and advice on everything and anything Real Estate, check out our blog!

Are you considering moving home to start living in a small town? Movement away from cities is speeding up, with net domestic migration to the New York City metro area dropping by 900,000 since 2010. That’s a trend we’re seeing more and more.

It’s not just the lure of fresh air that’s taking people out of our cities. Small communities are taking action encouraging people to move into what areas. They even offer incentives, such as cash grants and help with tuition fees.

This is because while 75% of the USA is classed as rural land, only about 16% of the population lives in these areas. Living in a small town isn’t for everyone, but they’re keen to have you if you want to live there! Let’s help you to answer the question. Is rural life for you?

Is It Cheaper?

You might think the answer to this is a simple yes, which seems like the obvious response. That’s more than likely to be true, but things aren’t as simple as a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’. You’ll find that some things can be more expensive in rural America.

Property is cheaper, that’s for sure. Manhattan apartments can cost $1 million or more. In the country, you can expect to pay more in the region of tens of thousands of dollars for a house.

However, you’ll probably also earn less living in a small town. Most prices are relative to earnings. But you may find that the cost of traveling to work or during your leisure time costs you more.

There are long distances to cover, not much public transport in a lot of places, so you’ll spend more on gas. You might also find that the cost of food fluctuates a lot. This is because the cost of gas affects the cost of driving the trucks which bring goods to your small town.

A Sense of Security

Living in a small town brings a sense of security to your life. It’s not unusual when you live in a city to see the police dealing with the effects of violent crime.

You may have seen some figures suggesting that it’s less safe to live in rural areas but this is due to a higher rate of traffic incidents rather than violent crime. So do be aware on the roads – they’re often not as well maintained as city roads.

In your day-to-day life though, living in a small town feels safer. Because it is.  This feeling of living in a secure environment is often enhanced by the local community.

Lower Rates of Crime

To expand on the point about crime – the crime rates in small towns are a fraction of what they are as major cities. Crime exists in rural areas, sure, but this is more likely to be petty theft or vandalism than anything more serious.

Communities in Small Towns

A question for city dwellers – how many of the people living in your apartment block do you know by name? Thought so. Small towns are a more affable place to live. In the cities, people are so busy we barely notice each other, let alone take an interest in each other’s lives.

When you’re living in a small town, you’ll quickly find that everybody knows everybody. There can be a bit of gossip, but people tend to get on, on the whole. They’ve grown up together and many people will have lived there their whole lives.

People living in a small town are likely to be curious when someone new moves to town. You might not be used to it, but don’t think that they’re nosy when they come to say hello. Soon, everyone in town will know your name too. Which is a good thing – it’s a lot easier to make friends in a rural area where people have time to get to know each other.

This also means people are looking out for each other. Which helps to protect everybody’s homes. They know who lives where, so are bound to raise questions if someone they don’t recognize is letting themselves into your home!

Peace and Quiet

Tired of being woken up by ambulance and police sirens in the middle of the night?

Living in a small town guarantees you some peace and quiet. When you wake up, you look out your window and see a beautiful vista of meadows and fields. Rather than looking down on yet another traffic jam.

You’ll trade walking down crowded streets for hikes through the peaceful scenery. Supermarkets for small grocers. And high-rises for charming cottages. For some people though, things are too quiet. The pace of life is very different too, which a number of people just can’t get used to.

Rural Pace of Life

Life in rural areas is much slower than it is in the city. When living in a small town, most people quite quickly settle into the slower pace.

However, living in a small town might not be for you if the hustle and bustle of the city is what keeps you going. You might be a born and bred city dweller who’d do better in, say, Miami.

There’s less to do in rural areas in terms of entertainment, shopping, and museums. Having said that, you can always take weekend trips back to the city if you miss it – and strike a balance that way.

Rural life is far less stressful, so spending a good deal of time out in the sticks could do wonders for your mental health. If a slower pace of life does sound up your street, you should start looking for homes for sale in Idaho and similar states where there are lots of rural areas.

You may find that your work-life balance gets better, but maybe you thrive in a busier environment. Neither city or rural life is the answer for everybody!

Getting Hold of Things You Want

In a city, you can walk down any street you like and have a range of places to eat lunch. In a rural town, there might be one bar and one caf?. Maybe a couple of restaurants, depending on where you live.

That’s not a bad thing in all cases. The lack of choice is what causes people to come into regular contact and get to know each other. It can be nice to know the people working behind the counter, as well as your neighbors. They might even be your neighbors themselves.

However, it does limit your choice. You might get bored of going to the same sandwich bar for lunch every day.

When you need something to come through the mail ASAP, it can be a frustrating wait in rural areas. In a city, chances are a quick walk or short drive can take you to such a large number of shops that you never bother with mail order.

When you’re living in a small town, on the other hand, you’ll get a lot of practice filling in your card details for online stores. And potentially some anger when the delivery service can’t find your house, give up and go home.

Safer for Children and Pets

Will living in a small town benefit your kids? There’s less traffic and lot’s for them to explore. This means they’ll get a ‘wilder’ upbringing where they can go and discover the neighborhood by themselves. They’ll have all sorts of adventures that they’d never be able to have in a busy city.

You’ll know they’re safe out and about in a small town, particularly as the community will do its best to help if they’re ever in trouble.

Living in the country also means you can introduce a pet to the family. This isn’t impossible in a city, but living in a small town is much safer for a cat or dog. There’s less traffic, for example.

Health and Healthcare

As we’ve mentioned, the slower pace of life in the country could do wonders for your mental health. Plus, you won’t be breathing in emissions fumes all day. These have been proven to damage people’s lungs, and the effects are very harsh on children’s lungs.

The only thing you might like to bear in mind is that a small town may not have large medical facilities of its own. Hospitals and specialist treatment might be a few towns over, requiring a lot of driving time to access.

Cities, meanwhile, tend to have specialist treatment available pretty much on tap. Homeowners living in a small town have to think about how they will access healthcare when they need it.

Utilities

One thing to think about when moving to a small town is the cost of utilities. If you’re very remote, you may find that your home, or the entire town, has no reliable gas supply. Some regions use oil heaters because of this restriction.

It’s also worth thinking about internet access. Some cities have access to super-fast broadband, whereas a remote rural town might still be trundling along at very slow rates. In fact, around 39% of American citizens living in rural areas don’t even have access to a broadband connection of any speed.

If you’re planning on working from home or starting a business that relies on the internet, this might affect you.

A recent Executive Order from the President’s office is looking to boost broadband access in rural areas. But an infrastructure project at such a scale will take a long time to complete. Another thing you should be aware of is that cell phone reception can be bad in the countryside. Which can be a source of frustration – again, especially if you’re running a business and need to speak to clients or partners.

The Types of Property Available

In the city, there are all sorts of properties you can get your hands on. Penthouse suites, townhouses and ‘bolthole’ apartments are all options. In a small town, there might be just a couple of common types of homes which have been built. They probably all look fairly similar.

There might be some rundown properties which have been abandoned years ago. These aren’t great places to live near if you have curious kids. However, on balance, they can also mean your own home costs less.

However, unlike the city (in most cases) you’ll get a yard. So you can actually sit out and enjoy the sun, for example, on your own property. Buying a good barbecue set is a top tip for your first summer in the country.

The alternative, in the city, is to join the heaving crowds heading to the park where there’s barely enough room to sit. Let alone cook a delicious meal.

Selling Your Old Home When You Move

We hope this guide has helped you figure out if living in a small town is for you. Most people sell their home when they move. The alternative is to rent it out, but that can be a headache. Particularly if you’re moving to a different state.

Give your house the best chance of a great sale price by introducing the ‘luxury factor‘. Minimalism is a fantastic way to do this, as it creates space where there was clutter before.

When you’re buying a new home, whether you’re living in a small town or not, there are also crafty ways to cut the cost. Our team will be very pleased to talk you through ways to maximize the sale price and help you through your move to living in a small town.

Whether you remain in the city or move to the countryside, we wish you the very best of luck with your move – and we’re here to help if you need us.

It’s cheaper to buy than rent, but saving for a house isn’t exactly easy. Then you factor in the cost of interest and the encouraging noises you were once making about home ownership start to sound muffled and even a little alarmed.

Fortunately, you don’t need to follow the path most commonly traveled: the dream house and the conventional mortgage. Home ownership is important to the economy and the government, so there is a whole list of ways to buy a cheaper house or to save money on mortgage costs.

Looking for the cheapest way to buy a house? Check out our full guide here.

The Cheapest Way to Buy a House: 5 Techniques

We’ve put together a list of five hacks to buy a cheap house by saving on the principal or scoring extra perks like low-interest rates, discounts, or savings on fees.

1. Buy a Foreclosure

Buying foreclosures are often the go-to for those looking for the cheapest way to buy a house or find a property to flip.

Purchasing a foreclosure was the way to go ten years ago when banks were trying to off-load more houses than they could handle. But even then, banks weren’t selling for pennies on the dollar, and they still aren’t.

Foreclosures are typically available for less than the balance especially if the property market in that area has declined significantly. But you won’t make out like a bandit nor will you find heavily discounted properties on the MLS.

If you want a really cheap property, head out to sheriff’s auctions, which are advertised in the local paper. Buying at auction requires a cash payment, but you’ll avoid the fees associated with a mortgage, especially interest.

2. Find a Short Sale

If you’re not interested in the strings that come with auction properties, you might consider a short sale.

A short sale property is a property in foreclosure. In the case of the sale, the house is listed below its value or the value of the mortgage in an attempt to attract more buyers and offload the house at a decent price quickly.

Despite its name, short sales aren’t always over quickly. In many cases, houses are listed so low that the bank either wouldn’t accept the deal or takes several months to a year to agree to the sale.

It’s hard to know what a bank is willing to accept for a property because the bank wants to maximize the sale – it’s already losing money. However, those rare property unicorns, pre-approved short sales, are one way to identify the lowest price. In a pre-approved short sale, the bank accepted an offer, but the buyer walked away at the last minute.

There are deals to be had and those who find them have found the cheapest way to buy a house. Once the bank is handed the title at the end of a foreclosure, the property could go for even less cash than a short sale. The key is for the bank to recognize when this is a possibility.

3. Get a Grant

Are you a first-time home buyer? Do you qualify as low income? You could get help with buying a house through a grant or low-interest loan scheme.

If you’re not fussed about a specific property, these grants could help you get into a new home faster:

FHA Loans

Federal Housing Administration loans are often income-based and provide a way for new buyers to get into homes without a conventional mortgage. The FHA offers loans with favorable terms so you can save on interest and fees.

USDA Loans

The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers both loans and grants to those who fall within the income requirements for their region. The homebuyer assistance program provides fixed loan payments, so you don’t need to worry about your house becoming more expensive than you signed up for.

Good Neighbor Next Door

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers the Good Neighbor Next Door program offers discounts of up to 50 percent on the listed price of a home in a “revitalization area.”

Only those in certain professions qualify: firefighters, teachers, law enforcement officers, and EMTs are invited to apply.

VA Loans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers service members, both active and veterans, the chance to buy a home without the hoops.

These loans make for cheaper homes because the interest rates are competitive and there’s no private mortgage insurance required. There’s also no minimum credit score or down payment required.

State Programs

Your state and city may offer its own grants and home buyer programs to help locals buy cheaper homes. Ask a real estate agent at Jeeves Realty or your local HUD-approved housing counseling agency to learn more.

4. Buy Urban

Be like the pioneers of the past and move into an urban neighborhood that is, as they say, “up and coming.”

Up and coming is a strange modifier. It’s used to refer to recently gentrified neighborhoods, but some also use it to describe up and coming adjacent communities – the ones that have “potential.”

Buying in these neighborhoods or zip codes often means scoring lower property prices for the cost of living within driving distance to areas with more amenities.

Check with your state or municipal government to learn about additional grants or loan options available to buyers moving into revitalization areas.

5. Buy Rural

Rural properties aren’t just a place to retire. They’re also far cheaper than suburban properties and often include both significantly larger properties and land. Buying rural has several advantages. Your property price isn’t likely to fluctuate significantly, meaning you won’t find yourself in an upside-down mortgage.

Plus, you could get help from the USDA, which has programs to encourage people to buy properties and live in rural areas across the United States.

Don’t forget, you’ll also save on extras like homeowner’s association fees and property taxes.

Save Money for Tomorrow With a Cheap Property

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or you’re hoping for a blank canvas to make your own, using these methods for the cheapest way to buy house saves you money today and allows you to dream for tomorrow.

From the principle to mortgage insurance and interest, there are plenty of ways to save. You just need to be creative and even be willing to experience something new.

Did you find a property at a steal? Share your stories in the comments below.

When you’re trying to sell a property, making a healthy profit is often the hardest part. If you’re moving then you’ll want as much financial security as possible to help you with your new home. So it’s crucial to squeeze all of the potential value out of your existing property before you sell it. The best way to do that is to give your house the “luxury factor.” If you really want to upsell your property then you need to blow away potential buyers. You need to improve their perception of your household so that they believe it’s worth the added value. Here’s some advice on giving your home the luxury factor in order to upsell it.

There’s nothing more luxurious than space (and lots of it)

When buyers are looking for a luxury home, they want spaciousness. You might think that a home needs to be adorned with a heap of expensive decor in order to be deemed “luxurious”, but that isn’t the case. And that’s why it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune in order to give your home the luxury factor and massively raise its value. In the modern age, luxury is all about contemporary design and an open plan. Your home needs to feel as large as possible. That’s what potential buyers are looking for in a new property. They’re looking for room to grow. They’re looking for a large and spacious home in which they can spread their wings.

You should strip back your home to the essentials. Minimalism is the goal. And we’re not just talking about de-cluttering; we’re talking about the color themes and styles used throughout your house. Neutral colors are minimal, for example, because they’re plain and calming. Repainting your walls white and getting neutral-colored furnishings could really help to reflect light and brighten up your home. Lighting is important in a home, and this will give the impression that your home is vibrant, warm, and spacious. Those three things equate to luxury in the mind of a homeowner.

One focal point per room can really tie everything together

Focal points are very powerful when it comes to giving a household the “luxury factor”. Granite counter tops could give the kitchen a luxurious feel. An exotic houseplant could add some natural vibrancy and color to your living room. You might even want to check out a company such as Sterling Sleep Hospitality for hotel-quality mattresses to really spruce up the bedrooms. A small detail such as a luxurious bed can be the focal point that really ties a room together. As mentioned in the previous point, making your home look luxurious isn’t about overwhelming it with expensive possessions; it’s about achieving a visually-captivating aesthetic. And that can often be achieved with one powerful focal point in a room.

Curb appeal is absolutely essential

If you want to convince buyers that your home is a luxury property that’s worthy of its high-value price then you need to make a good first impression. Curb appeal is everything in the property market. It’s not enough to make your home look fantastic on the inside – it needs to look fantastic on the outside. If you repainted the interior then you need to repaint the exterior. Everything needs to be consistent. You should power-wash the driveway to give it a brand-new feel. You could even re-pave the path leading up the house or plant some trees to give the front of your property a vibrant natural aesthetic.

Moving abroad can be a great investment. But it has a downside you can fall easily into. You could lose your entire savings account, and it’s unlikely you’ll still have your job. And then finding a job in your new country to pay for your house will be difficult. So you need some preparations in place…

Do you have experience in the housing market? Maybe you’ve got the possibility of a mortgage on your side; you’re doing better than many! Maybe all you know is that prices rise and fall. But maybe you know that prices are usually better overseas? And now you’re seriously looking into moving internationally.

Everyone who moves needs a property checklist. Especially if you’re headed overseas. Moving to your own country is difficult enough, but moving abroad can be harder! There’s a lot to consider in real estate abroad: legal requirements, exchange rates, etc. And if you don’t know the needs now, you might be in for a loss. So if you’re to become an expat, you’re going to need tricks up your sleeve. Below are some of the best to take into account.

Buying Rules You Can’t Skip

Seeing as a lot of us want to buy, this is the first thing to consider. And yet, every country has different rules. Wherever you want to go, whether you’re chasing low prices or the sun, buying will be harder than home. But there are still a few general themes you can follow, so let’s highlight them.

Make sure you research the country. If you’ve got a place in mind, look into it as much as you can. You can never be too ready for adjusting to a new lifestyle after all. Say you’re off to Spain: you’ll probably need a translator first thing. And then you’ll need a lawyer who’s specialized in Spanish real estate laws. You’ll need to check if who you’re buying from holds the title deed, and that you’re going to get them. After this, once a deal has been made, make sure you get all the details in writing.

And these are the basic rules that apply everywhere! So make sure your visa fits the requirements, and make sure buying is in your best interest.

Try Renting First

Renting is a good way to determine if you can afford a place. It’s also a better investment in the short-term, as you’re not wasting large amounts of money. If you’re in a contract, you can withdraw after a short period if necessary. At the same time, you can also see how living in another country works out for you. There’s a lot of advantages to renting, and with your future at stake, you’re not throwing money away.

Renting shows you how the landlords in your new country act. It also shows you the common regulations and expectations of living in a place abroad. If you rent, you’ve got a better chance of settling in, especially in shared accommodations. It might not be what you want to do, but often it’s necessary.

Buying usually comes later on, and hardly anyone can ever buy a house outright straight away. Becoming a successful expat depends on your choices here! Check out links like https://www.rumah.com/properti-sewa to diversify your moving choices. Sites like these are good to trawl through to identify the patterns in renting accommodation.

Find a Place That Suits Your Environment

No matter where you’re going, there’s going to be some challenges. A lot of them will be environmental, from both the surroundings and the people. With this in mind, you’ll need to know you can fit in. And this can be harder than it seems. You’re almost definitely going to experience homesickness, and possibly even culture shock. Take this into consideration, and let yourself in gently.

You’re going to need to pick your location specifically. Just choosing the first home available is a mistake, and you’ll lose money out of the deal. So take some advice before you start looking. If you’re hoping to work, you’re going to need a country with a good market for your profession. Plenty of work opportunities means your investment will quickly pay itself back. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more of a holiday home, find somewhere good for leisure. Prices will vary across these locations, and finding somewhere in the middle is going to come with a few compromises. A good guide to which country is good for what can be found at http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/best-places-to-live-abroad.

Settling in is a challenge for anyone. However, when you know the neighborhood, you’re going to have a much easier time. Try to connect with the people you’ll be living near; be hospitable and friendly.

Let Out Your Place Back Home

If you’re looking to capitalize really, it’d be smart to put your own home up for let. If you’re basing yourself abroad for the year, make sure you’re making money with your free property. Rent out rooms to multiple people, or allow a tenant to stay alone somewhere with utilities all taken care of. No matter what you want to do, allowing your original house to sit is a waste. However, you may need think think about how you want to leave your previous property. Many people hire a team who specialise in flat clearance in London to remove any possessions they don’t want.

There’s a lot of regulations you’ll still have to abide by at home even when abroad. Managing both these and your new place will be hard without the extra income. There’s probably going to be new tax rates you’ll have to pay, so check these once again. Also, have a lawyer on your side at home base to make sure these tenancy deals go through. You don’t want to come back to a home that’s been tipped, or have someone skip out without paying.

Check the Utilities

So just like taking care of water and electricity at home, you’re going to need it abroad as well. But sometimes these get cut out of ownership deals, and you might end up with a shell of a house. So before you even agree on anything, your utility usage needs checking.

Is everything like gas, electricity, and water connected? Will you have to pay extra to get them set up if not? Have there been any breakages or leaks recently? Sometimes the agent you’re connected with won’t give you all the details, so instead check with owners around you. The public you’ll be moving next to are more honest and will let you know if you’re making a bad investment.

Then check if you’re in an area where any of these supplies can be knocked out. Is there flooding? Do storms affect satellite signals and the possible structure of your house? Is there a drought season that means you’ll have to go without water? If you don’t ask before you start, you’re not going to make a good investment.

Are There Any Outstanding Debts?

A lot of the time when it comes to an expat life, you can get fobbed off with bad deeds. With this in mind, do your background research. Is the seller looking to get rid of debts by letting you buy? If so, will you also be affected? You’re not going to want to deal with any money issues once you’ve settled in, so lookout for it now.

Make sure you counter all segments of the market as well. Are there any outstanding local and government taxes you’ll have to deal with? Is there a supplier out there who haven’t been paid in full? Are there any contractors who are still owed for the building work?

Use Your Own People

To make sure you’re not getting a bad deal, hire people to be on your side in any negotiations. Know where to find the right lawyer or agent to check out the property with you. Similarly, have your own translator if you don’t speak the language. Being smart in your dealings often means working as a team after all.

Seek advice from people you know who have experienced such a move. You’re going to be able to trust their word better than the team in the country you’re moving to. And it’s not only the legal side you’ll need to worry about! Make sure you’ve got an international company to move your possessions with a base in your native country.

Can You Manage All of the Fees?

There’s going to be huge costs in buying a house abroad. Not only will you to have to fork out for a mortgage but for anyone associated with one as well. And it’s these associated costs that could lose you a lot of money.

Only you know the experts you want to hire. Make sure you also know you can afford their prices, and check for increased prices for where you are moving. Their rates might not be the same for every country.  You will also need to think about the price of sending all your belongings to the new country, companies like Return Loads offer long-haul shipping.

There’s a huge checklist for moving abroad, and not everyone’s is the same. Know your country, and don’t take any decisions lightly. You could both succeed or fail in this move.

Indulging in a private, spacious and unique property is something we all want to have the freedom to do. There is a reason that grand properties are given the label of ‘luxury’ and that is because they provide you with something that other conventional properties can’t offer. If you are looking at selling a property that is now too small for you and you are seeking out a luxury abode to meet your new needs and budget, here are the reasons why going luxury is the way forward.

Enthusiastic Experts

The awesome thing about wanting to sell or buy a luxury property is that local real estate agents will jump at the chance of representing you. You will have your pick of the bunch of the many discount realtors out there. They will be able to earn good commission from your property, so it is likely that you can narrow down the best choice for you without much trouble.

Lavish Locations

Luxury properties come hand in hand with lavish locations. Not only will your new home be vast and spacious, but it is most likely to be situated in an exclusive area. Living in a friendly and safe neighborhood is extremely important to most people looking to up-size. There is no use living in the perfect property if it is positioned in an unsightly district. That being said, it is unlikely that the two would ever coincide, so at least you can have the peace of mind that your luxury property will come with the ideal location as a package deal.

Splendid Space

One of the most appealing features of a luxury home is the element of space. If you’re paying a lot of money for a property, you expect it to have the storage, outdoor and indoor space you require. You can enjoy open plan rooms which lead out onto balconies and lavish garden settings. Obviously the upkeep of such a vast space will require more attention, but that will be an element you soon get used to.  For a new home you should expect it to have the car storage, outdoor and indoor space you require.  Remember that this is your life.  You deserve to set it up in the best and most convenient way possible.

Elite Effects

The jaw-dropping effect of entering a distinctive and charming property is second to none. One of the unbeatable features of a luxury home is the abundance of compliments and praise you will receive when your friends and family come round to visit. Your new home will add a sense of sophistication and style to your personality and you will ultimately gain more respect from living in such a sensational location. If you’re looking for a picture perfect living space which is the ideal place to host elegant dinners and parties, this is definitely the avenue for you.

So seek out a new way of living and enhance your life in numerous ways. Allow yourself the space and privacy you deserve and impress your friends when they come round to visit. Relax and unwind in a lavish property and you won’t look back. Make the move to the luxury lifestyle in the most effective way possible; find a dedicated realtor, scope out your ideal location and bask in your much deserved fresh environment.