Author: Kelley Barlog

Kelleybarlog is a professional blogger and she loves to write
on different news stories.

Categories
INVESTING

Are Lofts Good Investments? (The Answer Is Absolutely)

Are you considering investing in a loft space? If so, you’d be making a great investment decision. These spacious living spaces with unique architectural features can be an ideal place to call home — and because of their trendy locations, they may even grow in value.

Curious to learn more? Keep reading to learn why you should invest in a loft!

Expect a Good Location

When it comes to finding new digs in a hot location, you stand a better chance of landing in a trendy neighborhood with a loft. Many lofts are in repurposed warehouses or factories. And often these spaces sit in hip urban areas that are newly revitalized.

By investing in a loft, you’ll be close to great dining options, concert venues, and walkable areas. Lofts offer an opportunity to get away from it all while still being just steps from fun activities and great local parks.

And if you need to sell your loft down the road, you may be able to get a good return on your investment. Lofts are a great option if you’re looking for a living space with a unique vibe and access to amenities.

Decor Options are Endless

With soaring rooflines and big, open spaces, you’ll have no shortage of decorating options in a loft. You can embrace the openness or find ways to cordon of spaces and create more privacy. You can think of lofts as blank canvases that can become yours to personalize.

Consider putting up walls to set up a bedroom area or study. String up some lights to create the ultimate inside gathering point. Or invest in some stylish drapes if you’re craving a little more privacy.

You can find patterns and colors that complement the exposed brickwork or pipes that may be visible in your space. Go for an industrial look or find ways to carve out a homier ambiance. The options are endless!

Soak Up the Sunlight

Large windows are one of the big architectural benefits you’ll notice in a loft. After all, many lofts used to be factory spaces. When you’re living in a loft, you’ll have tall, spacious windows that will fill your space with light.

And since sunlight can help you feel happier, you’ll notice you’re feeling better, too, after living in a sun-soaked space. While you’ll have to reach a little higher to dust your light fixtures, the pros outweigh the cons with lofts.

The sun also will call attention to the unique architectural features, like molding, original flooring, and brickwork. Take advantage of the opportunity to nourish your health and get a great view with a loft apartment.

Change the Space When You Need To

Lofts offer a lot of flexibility, too. Whether you’ve just moved to a city or you’re ready for fewer square feet in your life, lofts are a good choice. You can make the loft space work for you.

As your family grows, you can get creative and use bookcases and moveable walls to create new living bedrooms or play spaces. Or if you’re looking to build more room for storage, you can rearrange your furniture to establish a designated area for your tools, cleaning equipment, and picture books.

Best of all, you won’t have to worry about bothering the neighbors when you’re making any adjustments. The thick walls and open spaces provide more of a sound barricade than what you’ll find in a traditional apartment. All you need to do is know what you want to get out of the space, and then you can do it.

No Need to Deal with Landscaping

A big advantage of investing in a loft apartment? You won’t have to deal with landscaping or yard upkeep!

Like studios and other communal living options, you avoid the responsibility of having to mow the lawn every weekend or trim the hedges. And you won’t need to spend money on lawn care equipment. This is time and money that you can reinvest in more enjoyable experiences.

Many lofts are in large industrial buildings that don’t have a lot of green space outside. While this may be a drawback for some, you might not be completely out of luck.

As a bonus, some loft spaces feature rooftop communal areas where you can enjoy breathtaking views. You might even be able to find a space for a community garden — and you’ll certainly have enough sunlight in your personal space to keep your plants happy indoors.

Lofts Provide a Downsizing Option

Are you a senior looking to downsize? Then you might want to consider lofts for rent in your area. Lofts mean that you’ll have less space to manage and more time to explore the area around you.

You won’t have to spend all of your time dusting. You’ll be able to carve out the storage space you need in a loft, but you’ll need to be more deliberate about what you take with you when moving in. For seniors eager to live more minimally, lofts are ideal.

You can enjoy panoramic views of the skyline around you and enjoy the open spaces within your loft. And being so close to downtown, you’ll be able to get in your steps as you head to the newest restaurants and shows.

Invest in a Loft

Lofts are a great investment option if you’re looking to land a great property with a lot of upside. Whether you’re looking to make a lifestyle change or just try a cool new architectural space, you can find what you’re looking for in a loft. Know that you’ll also gain a space that pays off in the long run as a profitable investment!

To find more information on properties and real estate, check back for more informative articles.

Categories
BUILDING A HOME

Do Solar Panels Save You Money? What Homeowners Should Know

Solar Panels

Do solar panels save you money? With all the buzz around solar panels and switching to solar energy, this might be a question you have wondered once or twice.

Switching to solar energy has many benefits, including reducing your carbon footprint, reducing your dependence on the grid, having the ability to produce clean and renewable energy, and more. Just by installing solar panels, you are helping create jobs and stimulate the economy while making a healthy choice for yourself and the planet.

While there is an upfront investment that can be costly, going solar also provides a variety of ways to save money and quickly see a return on your investment. If you have been considering solar energy but aren’t sure of the money-saving benefits, this short and simple guide is for you.

Reduced Energy Bill

When you have solar panels installed by the top solar provider, you will benefit from a reduced energy bill. Generating solar energy means you no longer have to solely rely on the grid and your local energy company. This result is a reduced bill, and in some cases, no bill at all.

Net Metering

One of the money-saving benefits of solar panels for your home is the ability to participate in net metering. When you generate more power than you can use, you can sell it back to the grid. This is a great way to earn extra income from your solar panels.

Tax Credits

Did you know you can receive a tax credit for investing in solar panels? It’s true, when you go solar, you may qualify for a federal tax credit. Depending on the state you live in, you may also qualify for additional incentives on the state level. These days you can connect with a CPA or tax expert on demand from your home in Denver or Minneapolis.

Increased Property Value

By installing solar panels in your Columbia SC home, you are increasing the property value. Depending on a few factors, adding solar panels to your home can increase the value by up to $15,000. As a bonus, your home is likely to sell much faster if you have solar panels.

Reduced Gas Bill

If you have a gas water heater, you can upgrade to an electric model and save money on your gas bill. Many homeowners use solar energy for their electric water heaters, which saves money on gas and electricity. This is yet another way you can save money by using solar energy.

Do Solar Panels Save You Money? The Answer Is Yes

If you are wondering, do solar panels save you money, the answer is a resounding yes.

By switching to solar, you can save money on your energy and gas bills. You will also benefit from tax credits and the ability to participate in net metering. Perhaps one of the biggest ways solar energy saves you money is by increasing your property value.

Switching to solar energy is one of the best things you can do, both for your wallet and the planet.

Don’t forget to browse our site for advice on home improvement, real estate, property management, and more.

Categories
REAL ESTATE

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost? What to Know Before Buying a Home

Flood Insurance

Flooding remains one of the most common natural disasters throughout America, yet most homeowners’ insurance policies won’t cover flood damage.

For those buying a home, this lack of coverage can be easy to overlook—at least until a severe storm leads to catastrophic flooding in your region. Because any area can flood, it’s important to make sure your property has flood insurance, which can be more complex than it sounds. After all, how much does flood insurance cost, and where do you get it?

Here’s what to know before buying a home.

How Do You Get Flood Insurance?

If you can’t get flood insurance from your traditional homeowners’ insurance policy, where does it come from?

Homeowners can get a stand-alone flood insurance policy via the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is backed by FEMA, or by purchasing insurance from a private insurer. These policies cover millions of homes at risk of flooding throughout the United States.

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?

This question is a tricky one, as the answer varies depending not only on the state but also the specific location of your home. Because certain areas are more prone to flooding than others, homes in regions that see more floods will cost more to insure. To understand your risk of flooding, you’ll have to check your flood zone map by state.

The cost of flood insurance will also vary depending on the age and condition of your home. Homes that are elevated may have a lower cost as well. In addition, the type of coverage, deductible, and coverage limit all play a role in your final cost.

According to FEMA, the average cost of a $100,000 flood policy is a little over $400 per year.

Can I Lower the Cost of Flood Insurance?

If this cost sounds too expensive—or if you live in a flood-prone area that requires a higher monthly cost—you may be tempted to put off your purchase. However, resist the urge! Having flood insurance when you need it can protect your property in the long-term, and there are even a few simple things you can do to lower the cost.

First, elevate important appliances like HVAC systems and water heaters. In some high-risk areas, elevating your home will lower your monthly premiums. Raising your deductible is another option, as well as checking for flood insurance discounts in your community.

Get Your Flood Insurance Today

The last thing you want to do is delay the purchase of a policy until after you need it. With the facts in this homeowners’ guide, you’ll be able to take steps to protect your property and family from local flooding. Now that you’re no longer wondering, “How much does flood insurance cost, anyway?” it’s time to seek out a policy that works for you!

Want more of the essential home and real estate tips you need in life? Check out our other helpful guides for more information.

Categories
BUILDING A HOME

How Do You Check for Bed Bugs?: 3 Tips and Tricks Straight From the Professionals

bed bug

Are you worried you might have bed bugs? Unfortunately, these pests have become an increasingly bad problem over the last few years.

Bed bugs most commonly occur where many people sleep and can happen in even the most luxurious of places. This means you can unknowingly bring them home with you after traveling.

So how do you check for bed bugs? Keep reading to learn more.

  1. Searching for Signs

If you think you might have a bed bug infestation, you should start by looking for physical signs of their presence. When you are cleaning your bedroom and changing the bedding, you should look to see if there are any reddish stains on your sheets or the mattress. These stains are caused by the pests getting crushed.

If you see any dark spots about the size of a pencil tip, this is bed bug excrement, and it will bleed out onto your bedding. You might also find eggs or eggshells that are very tiny or the live bed bugs themselves. If you are uncertain about what you are looking for, you or your landlord should hire a professional inspector.

  1. Check for Hiding Spots

You should also check for bed bugs in places other than your mattress. When they are not out looking to feed, they will hide in the cracks of your bed frame or headboard.

They have also been known to infest couches, chairs, and even the folds in your curtains. These little pests also like to hide in your dresser drawers, under any loose wallpaper, and inside electrical receptacles.

  1. Learn Their Behavior

You can avoid an infestation before it starts by knowing about the common bed bug’s behavior and life cycle. This will help you get rid of them before they have a chance to establish themselves in your home.

They are primarily active during the night and feed on humans, dogs, cats, and even birds. They will travel out of their hiding spots and up to 20 feet to find a host before heading back to their home.

You will generally find their feces on bedsheets because they will relieve themselves while they are feeding. They need at least one feeding before they can mature into their next stage of life, with six stages total.

Each female can lay between 1-3 eggs a day and up to 500 eggs in their short, six-month lifespan. This is why you must catch them early to end their chances at starting an infestation.

How Do You Check for Bed Bugs?: Learning More

If you have traveled recently and are wondering how do you check for bed bugs, then these tips should help you get started. Start by checking your bedding for any reddish or small black stains on your mattress. You should also see if you can find any of the actual bugs hiding along the mattress seams or inside the bed frame or headboard.

Check your dresser drawers, couches, and chairs to see if you have a full infestation. If not, you should be able to get rid of them before they are able to completely take hold by hiring a professional pest control company.

If you would like more information on keeping a home in top shape, be sure to visit our website daily!

Categories
SELLING

Top 4 Tips for Selling Colorado Real Estate

Selling Colorado Real Estate

Did you know that Colorado is one of the fastest growing states in the United States? Because of its popularity, Colorado has an up and coming real estate market that is a plus for those looking to sell Colorado real estate.

Keep reading to learn the top 4 tips for selling in the Colorado market.

  1. List in the Springtime

One of the best seasons to list your home for sale is during the spring. As the weather begins to warm up so does the home buying market. The most active selling season is between April through June.

If selling your home in springtime is not an option you can also do an online search for “sell my house now” to sell when you need to sell instead of waiting for a certain time of year.

  1. Declutter and Depersonalize

One of the first things you want to start doing as soon as you make the decision to sell your home is to depersonalize it and get rid of all the clutter. Any family pictures you have on the walls take them down and put them away or in a temporary storage unit.

If you have too much furniture you might also want to consider selling some of it or donating it to make your space look larger and more inviting. The more you declutter your home and depersonalize it the easier it will be to sell it.

  1. Clean the Windows

This might sound like a no-brainer but really take the time to clean every window inside and outside. When your windows are nice and clean it will give your home a fresh and clean appearance.

Honestly, most people will not notice that the windows are clean but if they are dirty trust us they will quickly notice and it will turn them away.

  1. Price It to Sell

Another tip is to always price your home right. We are not suggesting that you undervalue it and get less than it is worth but take the time to price it appropriately. Home prices in Colorado actually continue to rise but you want to make sure that you do not overprice the house assuming that it will sell.

The best way to price your home is to first get a fair market value in order to determine what the right price is for the exact area in Colorado your home is located in. When you price your home right it will help the competing buyers automatically raise the price of the house.

Feeling Like a Colorado Real Estate Pro?

Now that you have our top tips about selling Colorado real estate, you can apply our tips above and sell your home in no time. We wish you the best of luck to sell your home and receive a fair price for it.

Did our blog post help you out today? Please continue to browse our site for some more informative reads.

Categories
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

The Pros and Cons of Owning Commercial Property

Commercial Property

Any kind of property, whether it is a commercial property, or residential property can be a truly fantastic investment opportunity. When it comes to your money, commercial properties are known to offer great financial rewards compared to residential properties. With that being said, there are some unforeseen risks that commercial property owners take on.

For that reason, if you are interested in owning a commercial property it is wise that you do some research and learn about the major pros and cons of that kind of investment.

If you are interested to learn more, continue reading below:

What is a commercial property?

In order to really know the pros and cons of a commercial property, it is first important that you know what a commercial property actually is. Below is a list of the most typical types of commercial properties:

  • Retail buildings
  • Warehouses
  • Office buildings
  • Industrial buildings
  • Apartment buildings
  • Mix use buildings, such as retail, office, and apartments

There is no doubt that there are slight differences in terms of running each and every type of commercial property, but the overall pros and cons that exist within these types of property are pretty consistent.

Pro – income potential

One of the most important pros to keep in mind is that they typically have a great annual return. In fact, that return price usually comes out to around 6 percent to 12 percent. This is much higher than single-family home properties where the return is usually 1 percent to 4 percent.

Con – Major commitment

One con that you might want to be aware of is that commercial property investments do require a lot of time. You will have to be a present landlord and make sure to fulfill any requests from your tenants to make sure that they are satisfied and treat the property with respect. You’ll have a lot to manage, much more than if you were just purchasing a residential property like a home.

Pro – Professional relationships

Another great aspect of owning a commercial property is that you are much more likely to have a business-to-business relationship with your tenants. The reason why is because both businesses’ reputations depend on the quality of the property. Without personal relationships getting in the way, you are likely to have easier time-solving issues, getting your rent checks, and maintaining tenants for many years.

Con – Larger initial investment

This could be seen as a con if you do not have the liquid cash in order to make the purchase easily. Purchasing a commercial property is likely going to cost you more than purchasing a single-family home, and it could keep you out of vying for the top properties in the area if you are strapped for cash.

Pro – Limited hours of operation

The final pro for you to keep in mind is that commercial properties have limited hours of operation, unlike an apartment building where people are obviously there throughout the day. Limited hours of operation means you’ll have more traditional working hours and won’t have to worry about middle-of-the-night emergency phone calls from a tenant.

Categories
INVESTING

Real Estate Investing: How a Realtor Can Help

Everyone dreams of making the most out of their hard-earned money, and sometimes, that 9 to 5 job just wouldn’t cut it if you want to achieve your dreams of wealth and luxury, or maybe even if you just want a stable and financially secure life. If you have money to spare, you’ve probably thought about investing it on something so that your money can grow, and real estate is renowned one of the best and most consistent options out there.

Real estate investing offers a variety of options for newcomers and veteran investors alike, and if you truly want to make the most out of your real estate investment, working with a realtor could help you get to the next level.

But first, here are the various ways that you can put your money in real estate.

Ways to Invest in Real Estate

Rental Properties

If you want a consistent way to generate income and you have a considerable amount of money to spare, purchasing a property and putting it up for rent is a reliable way of investing in real estate.

House Flipping

You can engage in real estate and yield quick returns in your cash by house flipping. Simply put, house flipping is purchasing a property and making improvements or waiting for it to appreciate and then selling it at a higher price.

Real Estate Investment Groups (REIGs)

REIGs are similar to small mutual funds wherein the group invests in rental properties, such as apartment blocks or condos, with the goal of leasing these properties. REIGs are great for people who want to own rental real estate without burdening themselves with the task of running it.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

Investing in REITs can be compared to investing in stocks, as the money you invest is used by a corporation to purchase and operate properties, then you get paid dividends for it.

Online Real Estate Platforms

Online platforms allow real estate investors to connect with other investors so that they can pool their funds and then invest these funds in a commercial or residential deal. It takes relatively less money than investing in a property by yourself outright.

Why Would I Need a Realtor?

Working with a realtor will be especially useful if you’re looking to invest in actual property such as rental property or property that you’re looking to flip for a profit. Realtors are best for investors who don’t have the time to work on the research and planning that real estate investing requires, as they do the handiwork for you to ensure that you have time for your other endeavors.

Having a reliable and skilled realtor at your side throughout your investing process will give you various benefits, all towards the ultimate goal of making the most money that you can out of your investments.

Benefits of Working with a Realtor

Quick Deals

Realtors dedicate their time to making sure that you make profits as soon as possible. There’s no need for you to tighten up your schedules to meet with potential buyers as your realtor does that job for you. Also, your realtor also helps you identify other great investment opportunities for you, so you wouldn’t have to take the time to research by yourself.

Market Knowledge

An experienced realtor knows the current state of the market and specific trends that are taking place in it. By working with a realtor, you’ll have access to insider knowledge that can help you find the best properties that you can invest on as well as aid you in strategically listing your properties. A knowledgeable agent may even help you improve your properties by suggesting what could make your property more valuable so that you could sell it or put it up for rent for a higher price than you initially thought of.

A Well-Connected Network and Referrals

Working as a realtor is bound to give a person multiple connections with a lot of people through former clients or former colleagues. The best realtors have a wide network of people that they’ve worked with or encountered throughout their years of experience, and this will serve you very well if you choose to work with one as you’ll be able to have a source of consistent referrals through your realtor. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell property, your realtor probably already has information on who’s selling and who’s looking to buy and will be able to connect you with these people and help you strike the best deals as quickly as possible.

Great Negotiation Skills

If you work with a realtor, you wouldn’t have to worry anymore about getting shortchanged when selling or unwittingly buying an overpriced property. Since your realtor does the negotiating for you, he’ll be able to get you the best rates both from sellers and buyers alike, and there would be no need for clueless haggling as your realtor has knowledge of the market at his or her disposal for you to take advantage of as an investor.

Categories
REAL ESTATE

Top 5 Criteria To Observe When Choosing a House for Retirement in Outer Banks, NC

House for Retirement

When people get to their retirement age, they usually relocate to a different location to start a new chapter of their lives. For most people, it’s a good opportunity for them to spend their golden years relaxing near the ocean, living a life of leisure and comfort.

For this reason, the Outer Banks has become an ideal coastal destination for retirees. It has great weather all year-round, it has beaches that stretch for miles on end, and provides access to tonnes of amenities that you’ll mostly find in an urban setting.

To help your process of finding Outer Banks houses for sale,, we’ve created a list of 5 criteria that you should put into consideration before signing off on your ideal retirement home.

1. Cost of Living

Most retirees live on a fixed amount of monthly income. It is, therefore, important that you consider how much it will cost to live in your desired retirement location.

Fortunately, compared to other popular beach destinations across the East Coast, the cost of living in the OBX is highly affordable. The Outer Banks houses for sale are also fairly cheap compared to houses in big towns.

2. Location of Your Property

Living close to the beach is a dream come true for a lot of people regardless of whether they are in the retirement phase of their lives or not. When relocating to the OBX, you need to find an ideal location that suits your needs well.

If you’re someone who likes to move a lot, you can choose to live in Dare County, which will provide you with quick access to an airport. If you want to disassociate yourself with urban environments, there are plenty of inland places you can choose. It’s all up to you.

3. Your Budget

What your financial stature looks like may not be anything close to what it will look like post-retirement. If you’re going to relocate to the OBX, you need to know how much you can afford to spend without overwhelming yourself. The point of retirement is to lay back and relax without stressing over how you’re going to fund your retired lifestyle.

4. Available Activities To Do

Retirement means having enough time for your hobbies and to try learning new skills. The Outer Banks has plenty of exciting outdoor things to do such as bike trails and golf courses. There are also a ton of water-based activities such as jet skiing, boating, kayaking, and fishing.

5. Weather and Climate

Perhaps the best part about the OBX is the great weather and climate the location has to offer. It’s because of this that North Carolina has surpassed Florida as the ideal retirement state.

The weather in the Outer Banks is moderate with summertime being the usual hot and winter being cool and peaceful, with rare chances of snowfall.

Looking To Retire in the Outer Banks? Houses for Sale Are in Plenty

Some people would argue that any beach is a good beach. The truth is these people probably haven’t been to the beaches in the OBX.

Retiring to the Outer Banks can be one of the best decisions you’ll make in your life. However, do your research first and consult a financial advisor as well as a realtor to help you make the best decision as per your finances and needs.

Categories
REAL ESTATE

Reasons You Should Get A Home In A Safe Neighborhood

Well, there are many reasons to consider while looking for a home in a safe neighborhood. Some feel this to be an easy task, while others think it’s difficult. To ensure that you lead a safe life, it’s important to look for a place with lesser crime rates, lower road accidents, etc. Here are some of the aspects to consider while looking for a suitable home location.

  • Rate of Accidents

If you are looking for a location in the center of the city, ensure that you consider the rate of road accidents. People lookout for a location from your schools, hospitals, shopping malls, everything is near. Along with that, they should also consider road accident rates. In case you wish to collect more details about these accidents and deal with them once you face, you can always hire Law Firm Handling Car Accident Cases In Rochester.

  • Daily Commutation

Mostly, due to employment purposes, people need to relocate. Relocation helps in the daily commutation and the travel becomes comfortable. So, when you are looking for a place, ensure that transportation from your house to the specified location is convenient. Otherwise, there is no point shifting from one place to another.

  • Nearby Amenities

Homeowners, at times, forget to consider the importance of amenities because of the price. Just to opt for a lower price house, they forget all the other things, which no one should do. While looking for a house, ensure that it has all the basic amenities nearby. It feels more convenient when you have all the facilities required to lead a hassle-free life.

  • Property Value

See if any new developments are coming up in your area or the location will develop in the future. Before getting a house, ensure that you look for a place whose price should increase in the coming years. As a result, when you decide to sell it, you should get a hefty amount.

  • Safety issues

Do not pick up a location that has a lot of safety issues. A quick search in Google will provide many details regarding the place. Information like robbery cases, theft, crime rates, etc. are aspects that you must consider without fail. Look for a place safer for you and your family to stay.

  • Nearby Hospitals

In case of a health emergency, the first thing you would look for is a hospital or a health center. There will not be much time for you to travel for a long distance. That’s why; look for a place with nearby reputed hospitals that you can visit in no time.

The Bottom Line!

Well, all the above reasons are why you should pick up a home in a safe environment. You have to ensure that there is lesser crime rates, better commutation, nearby schools and hospitals, etc. Investing in a home is a big decision, and you should not hurry. Analyze every aspect and then consider whom to hire so that you are satisfied with it. Additionally, the price of the property should increase with time, and you should be able to live peacefully.

Categories
RENT

Key considerations before moving homes

moving homes

The COVID-19 crisis changed our work and lives in profound ways. More people are working from home. Commute distances between homes and offices matter less. Many are choosing to relocate away from city centers. They are moving to more cost-effective and aesthetic housing options. Here is a short list of things to consider before shifting house.

Work-friendly

The new house will be as much a home as an office. You may want a separate work area. Consider factors that may have a bearing on workplace efficiency and comfort. Sufficient space, enough lighting and ventilation, pleasing ambience, and good acoustics for those conference calls can be some of the considerations. See to it that your work area is insulated from the usual sounds at home, such as a TV in another room. You may choose to take your familiar work desk or get a new one. Some of us like to have a window with a pleasing view, while others prefer workspaces free of such needless distractions. Choose a house that matches your preference.

Connectivity

The speed and reliability of an internet connection is the keystone of work life in the post COVID-19 world of work. Being far from the city center can narrow down choices in terms of service providers and plans. Find out all you can about possible connectivity issues in the area you plan to move to. There would be little advantage in moving to a spacious and charming new house if you find yourself disconnected from your work.

Social life

Working online can disconnect us from our offline lives. Research conducted by the social media management platform Buffer found that loneliness is the most common risk faced by remote workers. Being mostly confined indoors is bad enough. Don’t relocate too far away from your friends. Physical distance might become a detriment to meeting them. Conversely relocating can create opportunities for making new friends. Consider the options for outdoor activities and sports in your choice of new home. Living close to a park or beach gives the added advantage of getting plenty of sun and outdoor time.

Costs and benefits

Most choices in life come with pros and cons. Moving homes is no different. By shifting away from the city center one can get a larger and place for the same price. Think of all the things you can do with an extra room. Make it a home gym, kids’ play room, study, workshop, guestroom, store, or even let it out on airbnb.

Alternately you may choose to get a smaller place and save money. Saving is currently a priority for many. Millions of migrant workers live and work in the US. They send money online to support their families back home. Saving allows them to send larger remittances.

Also consider that some houses need a little work before you can move in. This depends on the terms of the rent agreement, as well as the life choices of previous occupants. The additional work can involve cleaning, pest control, paintwork, general maintenance, and more.

Stuff

Moving homes invokes the all-important question of what to do with all your stuff. This includes your furniture, appliances, heirlooms, and souvenirs. Over time stuff can accumulate. Packing and moving all that stuff can prove to be expensive. There is also the question of whether the new house will have enough space for it all. Relocating creates a unique opportunity. You can sell stuff you no longer need. Hold a yard sale or use a platform such as eBay to sell. Deciding what to keep and what to let go is as symbolic as it is vital. It is an involving and introspective process which applies to not just physical possessions and stuff. Moving homes gives you the opportunity to reinvent yourself as a person.

Change of address

Let people know that you’re moving. Update your contact list with your new address. Key places to change your address are bank accounts, insurers, subscriptions, service providers, benefactors, and beneficiaries. Put your new address on the official USPS site to continue receiving your mail.

About the author:

Hemant G is a contributing writer at Sparkwebs LLC, a Digital and Content Marketing Agency. When he’s not writing, he loves to travel, scuba dive, and watch documentaries.