Posted on June 25, 2021 by Evan Javier
Last updated: Jun 25, 2021 17:14

Why You Should Buy Less House than You Can Afford

When looking to find your dream home, it can be a bit pricey, and you don’t want to throw a huge amount of money at something right away. Instead of breaking the bank for a house, consider spending less on a home that might be more perfect than you think.

Here’s some reasons why you should consider buying a house for less than you can afford.

Look at Finances

Before you begin the house hunting journey, you’ll want to get your finances in order. It’s important to know how much you can afford for a down payment and monthly payments, and using something like a house payment calculator can be helpful in determining those numbers.

Begin the Hunt

Once you have that information, it’s time to start looking! Remember you probably don’t need all that space so unless it’s really worth the extra cash, try and find somewhere comfortable, but not too large. After that, you can begin browsing houses within your budget.

However, there is a small catch, and that involves the 2021 housing market.

Buying a house in today’s seller favorited market is no easy task. Buyers today have to either increase their budget to put more money forward, or aim to buy houses that are priced lower than they originally planned for.

Knowing this, remember to not write off houses that may be “too cheap” for you, as you might be able to get said house for a good price and then have money left over for renovations.

I’m not saying to set a budget and then completely ignore it, if you can afford the house you want then by all means buy it. Just remember to not let a person’s asking price fool you, because they will probably be increasing that based on offers they get from other buyers.

Remember Those Remodels

Another reason to consider not purchasing the mansion and going for the smaller home is less potential repair and updating costs.

A 150-square-foot bathroom that needs retiling will cost more than a 50 square-foot one. Your backyard will need more maintenance and care if it is larger than a small dog park.

Repair costs are not guaranteed to be less, but fixing something in a smaller house will certainly hurt your pockets less than in a big house.

Save Money

Finally, saving money is a great reason to buy a smaller house. When you purchase a home for less than your original price, you now have that extra money to cover things like bills and any unexpected costs that might come up.

As I said before, don’t make a budget and then completely ignore it, but just remember that saving money by finding a smaller house is not a bad thing.

Remember these tips the next time you’re out house hunting!

Posted on March 11, 2021 by Rudyard
Last updated: Mar 11, 2021 05:30

Ways Landlords Can Reduce Utility Bills

One of the reasons why people prefer renting to owning is because it is cheaper. The cheap aspect is because they do not have to cater to costs like utilities. Landlords spend a lot of money on water, electricity, and gas bills annually. Below are some tips for utility bill management: Continue reading →

Posted on October 19, 2020 by Rudyard
Last updated: Oct 19, 2020 10:54

How To Find Foreclosures In Your City

Buying a house can be expensive, especially if you want to find your new home in a popular neighbourhood. This is why many future homeowners seek to tap into the foreclosure market. There are multiple reasons why a home goes into foreclosure. Usually, the owners have experienced a major lifestyle shift, such as loss of employment or unexpected illness. Whatever the reason for these homes for sale on the foreclosure list, they offer you the chance to get more home for your money.

Continue reading →

Posted on October 10, 2020 by realtyWW
Last updated: Oct 10, 2020 10:16

5 Things that Renters in London Are Considering before They Rent

What are Londoners looking for when searching for a house or flat to rent? A report by Knight Frank shows that as of 2019, location has become one of the most important factors for London renters. Of course, budget and living space are still significant. But the proximity to work, public transport, good schools, shops and supermarkets, and green space are some of the first things residents look for when shopping for a new home in London. New real estate search tools, like SearchSmartly.co, use these factors to help renters zero in on the house or flat for their needs.

What are the top five things people look for when they rent flats in London? They’re considering proximity to work, proximity to public transport, catchment area of a good school, more living space, and proximity to green space.

Proximity to Work

Being close to work to cut down on commutes is a big driver for renters. According to the Knight Frank research, one in five tenants made their last move for work reasons, compared to about half as many homeowners who moved for work. Since COVID-19 hit in 2020, this factor might change for renters. With more people than ever working from home, at least part-time, they’re willing to spend more time commuting to work than they were before. The average commute time in London is rising from 45 minutes to one hour.

Still, some workers have to be on-site or in-office every day despite the coronavirus pandemic. These Londoners still have location in relation to their workplace in mind. Tools that allow you to search for properties by putting in your work address help you visualise your commute better.

Proximity to Public Transport

Proximity to public transport is another important factor that is changing as a result of the pandemic. Before 2019, public transport was a key factor for many Londoners, especially to those without cars. Being close to an Underground station or bus stop is still significant. But since COVID-19, people are more willing to use other forms of transportation to avoid being in cramped carriages with others.

The number of cyclists in London is up by nearly 120 percent as a result of the pandemic. Even though more cycling or walking could put less importance on public transport, it does make location more essential. If you have to cycle or walk to shops, work, or school, you’ll want to live in an area that has all these amenities nearby.

Catchment Area of a Good School

Because of high mortgage rates, many young families are choosing to rent flats in London instead of buy. These families want to be near good schools, so catchment areas are a top rental factor. If parents rent a house in a school’s catchment area, their child’s application will receive priority over those outside the boundaries. Competition over getting into London’s good skills has gotten tough in recent years. The Guardian reports that less than 85 percent of London’s pupils who applied for primary school were accepted by their first choice in 2020.

As getting into to first-choice schools gets harder, parents of young children will focus on living in catchment areas of good schools, to up their chances of getting in. The pressure of finding a good school makes location of a house or flat all the more important to London’s tenants.

More Living Space

Most of the time, when tenants search for a new place to live, they’re after more living space. Demographic groups like iGens (under 25) and Millennials (25-49) are more concerned about upgrading their space. Early twentysomethings who are just graduating or working in their first job will want to move into a nicer place with more room since they have the money to afford it now. The same goes for Millennials, either nesters (couples without kids) or young families.

Living space has become especially important in the midst of the pandemic, as more people spend time at home than they used to. If they stay at home, they prefer to have more rooms, especially if they don’t live alone.

Proximity to Green Space

Balconies, terraces, communal outdoor space, or proximity to parks have become a major consideration for London renters post-COVID-19. Just as staying at home more often has made the demand for larger living space go up, so too has it made the desire for green spaces increase.

People want to be near outdoor areas where they can relax or play without being too close to others. And they don’t want to have to travel far to get to these green spaces. As a result, more residents are searching for flats in London near to parks and other green areas.

Final Thoughts on Renters in London Some needs of London renters stay the same, and some will change. Undoubtedly, the pandemic will affect tenants’ needs and preferences when it comes to finding a new home. As these needs shift, real estate tools should shift to accommodate them.

Posted on August 13, 2020 by Rudyard
Last updated: Aug 13, 2020 05:23

Property Payoff: Tips To Increase Resale Value

Any time you embark on a home improvement project, you should think about property value. Truthfully, some renovations are heavily influenced by trends while others can actually increase the resale value in the long term. What makes the difference? How do you know which upgrades are worth implementing and which aren’t? Here are a few tips to keep in mind. Continue reading →

Posted on April 1, 2020 by realtyWW
Last updated: Apr 1, 2020 16:19

TOP REASONS TO HIRE A REAL ESTATE AGENT

Buying or selling property is the most important decision of an individual’s life. Wonder why? Well, this is because you have to invest a huge amount at once. Real estate agents are experts that can help you with buying or selling a property. They have the right practical knowledge about the housing market and knows how to handle the opposition team.

Because the buying and selling process can be long, intricate and annoying, real estate agents are trained professionals who can manage things like a pro! If you are still confused before hiring an expert real estate agent to sell your property, then here is what you need to know.

The Right Professional Knowledge

There is no doubt in accepting the fact that real estate agents are professionals, who have the right practical knowledge about the housing market industry. Along with that, they are skilled and highly experienced in what they do. Not only this, but they can expertly handle all the paperwork for you.

In this modern world, where it is hard for you to make buying and selling decisions, real estate agents can explain to you all the facts to make quick decisions. This is because their collaborative approach allows them to serve their clients with all the knowledge and experience they have. In case you are looking for a luxurious property near your then Mont Botanik Residence is an ideal place for you to visit. It is perfect and highly efficient for smart living. And the best part, your real estate agent will handle everything from paperwork to the right settlement amount.

More Efficient

With a real estate agent on your side, you do not have to worry about the time-consuming selling or buying process. The agents are highly trained to handle all the dealings and procedures to provide you with the utmost convenience. From seeking a perfect house to bidding the right amount, the agent will do it all. Your real estate agent will even handle all the boring phone calls from the buyers and can make the meeting deals go smoothly.

Help You Find the Right Neighborhood

While searching for a perfect house, surrounding or neighborhood should be the first things to consider. Do you want to know why? It is because the surrounding of your house leaves an impression of your house and your living standard. And only a real estate agent is skilled to find you a house with a perfect neighborhood. They have practical knowledge and access to the listing database of your neighborhood properties. This smart access to such information allows them to evaluate the financial image of your house and make wise decisions before letting you invest heavily.

Right Guidance While Bidding Any Price

Being your supporter while buying the right house, real estate agents also provide you guidance before you could make any decisions about the investment. Because of their understanding and knowledge about the market, they can evaluate the true financial price for your house. And this information can help you bid the right amount to crack a fair deal with both buyer and seller.

Contacts in The Housing Market

Real estate agents have contacts and networks in the market that enables you to look through the housing market. Besides, no dealer can understand the recent market conditions or price fluctuations like an expert agent. They are expert in understanding the property market situation.

Negotiate It Well

If you feel like negotiating with the opposite dealer is an untiring process, then leave it to the professionals. The real estate agents are highly trained to negotiate and help you settle on the best price possible. They are experienced in handling the dealings smartly for you.

Manage All the Documentations

The buying and selling process involves lengthy paperwork and transactions that can become too exhausting for you to handle. That is why you should hire a professional estate agent who can manage all the paperwork and documentation to make the process easier for you.

Make Swift Transactions

Stop worrying about the transactions you make for the house. Whether you are paying a fixed amount or covering installments, the real estate agents will make the process easier for on-going and future transactions. All you need to do is consult an expert professional and let the agent deal with everything while you lean back and relax.

IN THE CONCLUSION

As an individual, if you are worried about the exhausting buying and selling process, you should leave your stress over to professional real estate agents who are meticulously trained to manage all the things for you.

Posted on March 5, 2020 by realtyWW
Last updated: Mar 5, 2020 13:29

Benefits of Renting vs Owning a Home

Meta:It’s never easy deciding whether to rent your own house. It usually comes with many consultations and meditation since you would not want to regret your decision only after a few months of settling down. Consider the following factors to help you decide.

A few years ago, it was lucrative in the sense of cost-effectiveness to own a house as opposed to renting. Back in 2018, however, some major tax changes brought the margins between the two closer together.

White Bubble Illustration — https://www.pexels.com/
photo/white-bubble-illustration-1111372/

Just like deciding on the best portable safes to secure your most precious of items, consider the following to secure your decision to rent vs own house.

Current Standing to Rent Own House

Keys, Hands, Own, Buy, Sell, Home, Real, Market — https://pixabay.com/
illustrations/keys-hands-own-buy-sell-home-1317389/

What’s your financial position at the moment? Are you in a secure job or is it just part-time? Are you single, or have a family; settling or always on the go? What’s your long-term goal? Get a financial planner or a dependable real estate agent to answer these properly.

The Cost Factor

Tell us already, is it cheaper to rent or own a house? For starters, the dynamics in the market has greatly shifted after the tax law changes were made back in 2018. Whereas it may seem a suitable financial plan to buy your own house, you may end up paying more in the long run. It is not to say renting does not come with its associated costs and risks since the rent charges may also shoot up on an annual basis.

Other than the taxes, interest payments, and fees associated with homeownership, you will have to make random repairs that you won’t see coming. You also need to factor in costs of new furniture, equipment and upgrades and also other utilities and insurance charges which are normally covered in rent payments. Consider using a mortgage calculator to find those extra charges.

Consider the following benefits you’ll accrue should you opt for renting as your current option:

Why You Should Contract Rent to Own Houses

Maintenance and repairs responsibility shifts to the landlord.
Reduced paperwork with fewer upfront charges.
Opportunity for a good credit rating if the landlord makes reports to credit bureaus (make sure you find out).
Zero property tax bills and you also won’t sweat over falling home values.

closeup photo of room for rent sign — https://unsplash.com/photos/bb7YrenUr3o

This does not mean that a house for rent to own by the owner will not come with some downsides. These include:

Zero tax benefits, and you also fail to build equity.
Vacancies may limit your choices.
The property can be sold at the landlord’s timing or raise the rent, which might greatly inconvenience you.

Conclusion

The decision at the end of the day all goes back down to your preferences. When you feel you are fully decided, only then can you be in a position to make an informed decision? Has the above article helped ease your burden on rent vs own house? Share in the comment section below.

Author Bio:

Kay Burton is a practicing realtor for the past two decades. He has not only experienced the diverse shifts in the real estate industry through different periods but has also featured in a best-selling book for homeowners. He offers more insights in his blog concerning just about anything to do with real estate.

Posted on March 4, 2020 by ashley
Last updated: Mar 4, 2020 10:02

Is It Worth It To Buy Cheap Flood Insurance?

A Question With Several Answers

Cheap flood insurance can save you money, but it can also cost you. The long and the short of cheap flood insurance is this: different situations require different solutions. For example, if you’re in North Dakota, on a hillside, away from any bodies of water, chances of flooding are slim to none. You might not even buy any flood insurance.

However, if you’re in Louisiana and don’t have flood insurance, you’re just asking for your property to be sunk into some jungle bog out in the sticks. However, not all insurance is created equal. Some insurance companies will do everything they possibly can to avoid rendering a just settlement to those who deserve it.

Insurance companies do this a number of ways: they’ll delay payment, they’ll dispute claims, sometimes they’ll pretend to lose paperwork—there are so many tactics here that entire law firms make their money off protecting those who have been cheated by insurance groups. However, there are also good insurance providers out there.

Water coming inside the living room — https://pixabay.com/photos/flooding-surreal-living-room-design-2048469/

The difficulty comes in determining “who is who in the zoo”, as the saying goes. How do you tell whether a cost-effective flood insurance package is going to actually protect you in the event of an emergency? Well, this writing will go over a few ways to figure that out.

Determining If Flood Insurance Provider Can Be Relied On

It is worth it to buy cheap flood insurance if it’s good insurance, or you’re in a low-risk situation. It’s bad to buy it if you’re in a high risk area, and you can’t trust the insurance provider. Then you’ll want trusted options. Some homeowners are in areas where a flood isn’t likely, so they go with a bottom-dollar option, and that works fine for generations.

Many homeowners can’t afford to go that way through collateral impact of a storm. If you were in Florida near one of the coasts, lax flood insurance invites hurricane damage. Accordingly, research prospective insurance providers online. What do reviews say? What’s the “scuttlebutt”? Ask around, see what people who use such companies are saying.

Flooded houses — https://pixabay.com/photos/flood-city-neighborhood-houses-642586/

Beyond that, you might seek consultation, or go through a vetted group to make your decision. Agencies vetted through this site are known to properly protect the interests of the clients they serve.

Preparing Your Property

Something else that can be worthwhile is home fortification. While there are certain weather situations where it’s impossible to avoid being flooded, this isn’t always the case. If you’re not interested in insurance at all, you might use the money you would have spent on such protection to fortify your house against potential disasters.

If you did decide to get insurance at this point, then you’d likely get a better rate, and there would perhaps even be a better chance of seeing a just settlement in the event of an emergency.

Neighborhood And Assistance

Something else you can look into is the neighborhood where you’re looking to buy a property, or how it’s presently zoned. If you’ve already got a home, this information is still worthwhile. Sometimes you’re in a place that’s more likely to flood. The history shows this. If you didn’t realize that until you did the research, then it could be worthwhile to consider selling.

Additionally, if you’re on the market for a home, you may want to carefully consider the likelihood of a flood before you buy a property. One thing is sure: properties known to be in hazardous areas are likely going to be less expensive. Again, this isn’t something that is the same across the board, but it’s worth factoring in.

Flooded cities — https://pixabay.com/photos/high-water-elbe-meissen-emergency-876580/

Something else to factor in is the possibility of federal relief. Sometimes an area isn’t going to flood unless some truly unexpected, “Act Of God” level catastrophe transpires. In such events there are generally government agencies who can help those affected recover from what they’ve endured.

Making The Best Choice For Flood Insurance

Carefully vetting insurance providers, preparing your property, and choosing your neighborhood represent some of the best ways you can prepare your home for a flood, and keep from being totally discomfited should one transpire.

Additionally, such steps can be key in helping you find the right flood insurance provider. It can be worthwhile to get cheap flood insurance, but it might not me. It depends on the situation. Take your time, call around, and figure out as much relevant information as you can beforehand to make the best choice.

Posted on January 15, 2020 by Rudyard
Last updated: Jan 15, 2020 14:22

Virtual Reality for Leadership Development

Engage Leaders in a Virtual Environment

The most efficient and quickest method of learning is by doing. However, emerging leaders don’t usually get an opportunity to learn during their 9 to 5. It requires a little amount of time for them to gain sound leadership experience and grasp the relevant knowledge in order to get it right. And this is where Virtual Reality or VR for leadership development comes into play. Continue reading →

Posted on December 11, 2019 by ashley
Last updated: Dec 11, 2019 04:52

How to Rent an Apartment with Troubled Credit

Renting an apartment is never easy under the best circumstances. When you have troubled credit, it becomes much more difficult. But it isn’t impossible as some people might have you believe. In fact, people with troubled credit rent apartments all the time. Unlike you, they know the tips and tricks to renting the best apartment even though their credit score is less than ideal.

In some cases, it’s best to work with a professional real estate agent when your credit score is down in the dumps. They live and breathe real estate, so they’ll know exactly where to send you to find the right apartment or home to rent when your troubled credit score is creating problems.

In other cases, you’ll have to learn things to do and things to avoid to discover the perfect place based on your budget even when your credit score isn’t at its best. Believe it or not, you even have a shot at moving into the gorgeous La Villita apartments in Irving TX that you’ve had your eye on even with bad credit. To begin searching for the perfect Irving apartment for rent, please visit this website: https://www.umovefree.com/Neighborhood/la-villita-apartments-irving-tx/.

With that said, please use the following tips to learn how to find and rent an amazing apartment even when you have troubled credit.

Tip #1: Run Your Credit Report with All Three Credit Bureaus

Before completely giving up on your credit score, you need to run your credit report with all three credit bureaus. They are TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. Why? Believe it or not, there may be minor or major errors keeping your credit score down in the dumps. So it’s best to look over these reports thoroughly and see if there are any issues that need to be fixed.

Plus, it’s critical to know what potential landlords are about to see because they will run your credit report as well. They look at more than just your simple credit score. They’ll look at your outstanding obligations, your past credit history, your history of evictions, and whether or not you pay utility companies and landlords on time.

All of these factors add up in the eyes of potential landlords considering you for an apartment. If you can clean up your credit report ahead of time, you’ll have a much better chance to prove you’re a reliable tenant.

Tip #2: Focus on Looking for Apartment That Do Not Require Credit Checks

This might not be the easiest thing to accomplish, but it’s possible to learn about and look for property management companies and landlords that do not require credit checks. If you can focus on renting from these property owners/landlords, you’ll have an easier time of being accepted as a tenant since they’ll never learn about your negative history or poor credit score.

Be careful when renting from landlords that do not verify your credit. It’s a potential red flag for rental fraud. You’re in a tough enough situation as it is financially so the last thing you need is to get scammed out of your hard earned money from a rental fraudster.

Tip #3: Provide Glowing Reference Letters and Letters of Recommendation to Your Future Apartment Landlord

You may not know this, but positive reference letters and glowing recommendations go a long way in the eyes of potential landlords. These letters will help establish that you are trustworthy, credible, and a worthy tenant that they can feel comfortable renting to.

The best people to get reference letters from are current and former employers, previous landlords, and other high status individuals. If you know a local celebrity, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have them write a reference letter or recommendation on your behalf.

All in all, the goal is to prove that you are financially responsible even if your credit report reflects otherwise. People run into financial trouble from time to time but it doesn’t mean they are a deadbeat. These reference letters will help prove that you are someone worth taking a chance on.

Tip #4: Prove That You Have a Stable Income To Rent An Apartment

The best way to make your case is a worthy tenant as to prove that you have a stable income and share this information with your potential landlord. In fact, if you can show that you make two or three times the amount of your monthly rent your landlord will see that you can definitely afford to rent their apartment.

As an example, if you are renting an apartment for $1000, and you take home $3000 per month, and your other expenses are low, you can show this to your potential landlord. He or she will see that you can easily afford to rent their place and you’ll look like a much better choice even if you do have a negative credit report.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, it’s difficult but never impossible to rent an apartment even though you have troubled credit. There are ways around your poor credit score and negative credit report. In fact, we shared four excellent tips with you above. Please use this valuable information to your advantage and you’ll have no trouble renting a new apartment in no time even with your poor credit report and low credit score.

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