Monday, July 24, 2017

6 Tips for a Stress-free Move

                                                         6 Tips for a Stress-free Move

Moving can be very stressful. Packing up your family’s life and moving it to a new location takes planning, time, and effort.  Instead of being stressed about the move, get yourself organized so you can be excited about the new home and opportunities for your family.

Here are six tips to make a move to a new home easier:

1. Make a List

Write down everything you will be moving. This record system allows you to place items in numbered boxes and write down the content of every box. When you get to your new home, you will be grateful to know exactly where everything is and which room to put each box in.

2. Use Clear Bins

Purchase a couple of clear plastic bins to use for the most important items. These items are things you will need first in the move like paper towels, trash bags, necessary cookware, phone chargers, and tools. The clear bin will stand out in the sea of cardboard boxes and allow you to get the items you need quickly.

3. Pre-Clean the Home

If possible, go to your new home early for a quick touch-up in the kitchen area and bathroom(s). These tasks can be tedious on moving day and having the home pre-cleaned will allow you to start unpacking right away. Stock up the cleaning supplies and toiletries ahead of time, so there is no stress in finding these items.

4. Hire Movers for the Valuables

It can be cost effective to ask your friends and family to help you move, however, if you are transporting heavy, valuable furniture, you may want to consider hiring a mover. They have experience moving these types of items and can lower your risk of damaging anything important. If they do, they are insured and can pay for it.

5. Donation Pickup

Arrange for pickup if you have items you are planning to donate to charity. Most charities are willing to come to your home to pick up the items, especially if you are donating large pieces of furniture. This saves you the trouble of figuring out how to get these pieces there.

6. Clean out the Fridge

Buy your last set of groceries at least two weeks before the move. This is the time to get creative with your cooking and use up any items in the fridge that won’t last the move. The less waste you have to worry about throwing out before the move, the better.
A move is a challenge, but there are ways to ensure it’s less of a hassle. Keep these tips in mind for a stress-free transition.


Friday, July 21, 2017

How the Housing Market Is Improving

                               
                                       How the Housing Market Is Improving

Americans are growing more confident in the state of the economy and the housing market. Many of the responders in a Berkshire Hathaway Homeowner Sentiment Survey reported they are satisfied with the economy, and that its health contributed towards their real estate decisions. There are many factors contributing to the increase in confidence.

Employment Rates Are Up
           
Unemployment numbers have been steadily decreasing, indicating that more people are securing and keeping their jobs. American tax payers have also claimed their income is higher than a year ago. These factors allow new home buyers to feel secure financially and establish confidence in the housing market.

Lower Delinquencies and Foreclosures

The recent HUD National Housing Market Summary shows that loan delinquencies and home foreclosures are lowering. The numbers reported in this summary show the lowest rates in these areas since 2007, resulting in mortgage companies building more confidence in buyers. This confidence from the mortgage companies gives future buyers a better chance of obtaining a loan and purchasing a new home.

More New Construction Communities

When the housing market is succeeding, the new construction industry benefits as well. Builders can bet their homes will sell in a successful market, and they will look to invest their resources accordingly. The new construction industry likewise offers more jobs to the community, improving the overall economy.

Millennial homebuyers have reported they would prefer to wait for a home that meets their needs instead of trying to fix one up. This benefits the new construction market since these buyers are likely willing to build the perfect home from scratch. When this industry is flourishing, the overall outlook for the housing market improves, developing a cycle of confidence.

Higher Mortgage Rates

Although Americans have greater confidence in the housing market, they are concerned with rising mortgage rates, which can be daunting. Mortgage rates typically rise when income levels and the housing market improve. A higher rate can increase the price of a home, but it should not cause much concern as a higher income should justify the investment. Lower home prices or mortgage rates are not good signs for the housing market since these trends signify fewer people are buying.

Confidence Gives Buyers Options

The growing confidence in the housing market gives buyers a chance for more options in their home purchase. Home buyers are taking more time to decide on the right home and location since they feel confident the right home for them is within their reach. The current housing climate is the perfect environment for talented real estate agents to make their mark, as plenty of new homebuyers look to find the ideal match.