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Tips for Planning a Stress-Free Move to a New State

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Are you ready for a change? Packing up and moving to a new state is a great way to shake up your surroundings and give yourself a fresh start. Preparing for your move well in advance will ensure everything goes smoothly. Below, we discuss some tips for a stress-free interstate move.

Finding the Perfect Home

First, you need to find a new place to live. Start by researching home prices in your target area to determine the area’s affordability. Next, as you look at different cities in the state you want to move to, find a place that offers the type of lifestyle you’re looking for. Cities have different things to offer in terms of climate, culture, job opportunities, education, housing costs, airport accessibility, and entertainment. What matters most is completely dependent on your own values and interests.

Once you decide on a city, get in touch with Sacramento real estate broker/CEO Carmen Micsa, who can help you find homes for sale. Or, if you’re looking to rent, start searching for potential apartments on rental listing websites. You can also consider renting to own. Rent-to-own programs are great for people who are self-employed or working to improve their credit score and cannot yet secure a mortgage.

Starting a Business in a New State

Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur? Moving to a new state could be a great opportunity to get out of the rat race and finally start your own business. If you want to start a business in your new state, Wave Financial suggests starting by creating a thorough business plan describing what your business offers to customers, how you intend to turn a profit, and what kind of funding you’ll need to get started. Your business plan should also include important details about how your business will be structured and the legal steps you need to take to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws. To learn more, check out this helpful ZenBusiness guide on how to start a company.

Planning for New Living Costs

Depending on where you’re relocating to, your cost of living might increase after your move. Take some time to research the cost of basic necessities in your new state and city. You’ll need to consider housing, food, healthcare, and transportation costs. Be sure to account for the cost of gas, car insurance, and public transit as well.

If your cost of living is going to increase with your move, now is a good time to evaluate your budget. Look for spending areas where you can cut back. For example, you may be able to spend less on groceries by shopping for in-season produce, reducing food waste, and stocking up on pantry staples when there’s a sale. You may even decide to sell your car if your new location is in a walkable neighborhood. This is a great way to cut your living costs significantly.

Planning the Big Move

Long-distance moves can be stressful. Be sure to book your movers far in advance for the best rates and to ensure services are available for your ideal move date. Pods.com suggests breaking down large items so they take up less space. You may be able to get away with a smaller moving truck this way, which can mean some significant cost savings on a long-distance move.

Adjusting to Your New Home

When you arrive in your new home, unpack your boxes as soon as possible so you can start getting settled in. While you’re at it, start working your way through your post-move checklist. For example, you’ll have to register your car, transfer your driver’s license, find a new doctor, and register to vote. When you need a break from all that, get outside and introduce yourself to your new neighbors or check out a local coffee shop. Adjusting to life in a new state can take time, so don’t rush yourself.

Whether you’re looking for a new job, educational opportunities, a lower cost of living, an opportunity to start a business, or simply a change of pace, moving to a new state can help you achieve your ideal lifestyle. Don’t let uncertainty or fear prevent you from taking this leap. While change isn’t always comfortable, it often leads to growth!

Article by guest writer Erin Reynolds with http://www.diymama.net.

For more inspiration on how to let “AIR,” which stands for adaptation, inspiration, and resilience guide you, please consider buying my print edition or e-book The PR- The Poetics of Running, A Book of Poetry in Motion and Morsels of Love, A Book of Poetry and Short Forms on Amazon, or buy it straight from my blog by clicking on my books link, which will take you to Amazon.

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446.

Also mention this blog and receive a great offer whether buying (credit for closing costs) or selling (commission discount).

Running for real estate with joy!

Buying and selling a home, Buying or selling, Condos and townhomes, Contract negotiating when buying or selling a home, Fixer upper, Home Improvements, Home inspections, Home maintenance, Makingyourhomeyourown, Moving, Pricing your home right, Real estate, Real Estate agent, Real estate and home ownership, Real estate market outlook, Remodeling, Running and real estate, Sacramento buyers, Sacramento real estate, Sacramento sellers, Seller's market, Selling Your Home, Selling your Home Faster with Staging, Selling your home in the winter, Staging Your Home for More Money, Uncategorized

THREE key questions to ask before buying your first rental property

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By Katie Conroy, the creator of Advice Mine. She enjoys writing about lifestyle topics and created the website to share advice she has learned through experience, education, and research.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

With so many people investing in real estate these days, you may be thinking about taking the leap into being a landlord. It’s a move that can bring a lot of perks and profits if you plan carefully. So before you start looking for a residential or vacation rental, be sure to connect with an experienced agent from Carmen Micsa and go through these essential questions to help you make the right decisions.

What Costs Should I Be Concerned About?

If you are looking to buy an investment property, you already know that you will need to prepare for the initial cost of that home. Coming up with a reasonable price range is one of the most important financial considerations you can take when preparing to purchase a rental property, so think carefully about what your desired price range should look like. Depending on market trends in your preferred location, you could end up picking homes that are slightly above your target price and offer less, but you should research real estate trends carefully before doing so to see if a buyer’s or seller’s market exists. Keep in mind that Sacramento homes have been selling at a median price of $395,000 over the last month.

Aside from the cost of buying your first investment property, you should also be prepared for other expenses associated with owning a rental. If you are buying a vacation property, hiring a management company should be included in your budget, since an experienced property manager can provide 24/7 customer service, on-demand professional cleanings, and easy-to-understand info about bookings. By ensuring you and your guests have access to these perks, you can net more bookings and more glowing reviews.

What Upgrades Should I Be Focused On?

Chances are, you will need to make some repairs and improvements to your investment property before you list it as a vacation or residential rental. There are some pros and cons to marketing your home either as a long-term or short-term rental, so also be sure to think about these as you make your initial upgrades and repairs.

For both vacation and residential rental properties, investing in new paint for the exterior of the home can be an effective way to boost curb appeal, although this sort of improvement project can be a big job that necessitates detailed planning, thorough preparation and appropriate tools. The size of your home and materials needed will determine how much you’ll spend to freshen up your property’s exterior.

Wondering what color to use for your home’s exterior? If you want to add curb appeal to your investment property, most experts recommend shying away from bright hues and using pops of color in your landscaping or even for the front door. Speaking of landscaping, if you’re concerned about keeping your investment property secure, you can also consider using protective plants in the front yard.

What Other Steps Should I Take to Ensure Profits?

Creating a plan for your finances and home improvements can ensure some ROI for your rental property. If you want to maximize that ROI, there are some other measures you can use to attract potential renters and protect yourself from potential losses. You can start by making sure that your rental rates are not too high or low for your property and area. While you don’t want to miss out on potential profits by setting rental rates too low, you also don’t want to lose potential tenants because similar properties have much lower rental rates.

To boost profits and keep your own stress levels low, you may also want to consider using a manager to help out with your first investment property. While using a property manager means paying additional fees, the expertise and guidance you will receive in return can be well worth the added expense. Plus, you may be able to deduct management fees from your taxes as a rental property owner.

Owning an investment property can be worthwhile. You just need to take the right steps from the start. Take stock of overall expenses, necessary upgrades and get a read on what you can expect when it comes to making a profit. With a smart approach, you will see profits roll in much faster, and ensure ROI on your rental.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, or seasoned investor, Carmen Micsa will provide you with outstanding and dedicated real estate service! Call (916) 342-2446 or email carmenmicsa@yahoo.com to schedule a meeting!

Bedroom remodel, Buying and selling a home, Buying or selling, Contract negotiating when buying or selling a home, Moving, Pricing your home right, Real estate, Running and real estate, Sacramento buyers, Sacramento real estate, Sacramento sellers, Staging Your Home for More Money

How to Plan a DIY Bedroom Remodel

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Image via Unsplash

 

A dated bedroom can age your home in an instant. Remodeling is a great way to upgrade the aesthetics of your bedroom, but that’s not the only reason to give your bedroom a facelift.

In fact, an updated master bedroom can also make it easier to sell your home and you’ll see a 40 to 80 percent return on investment when you do. While that’s less than the ROI on kitchen and bathroom remodels, bedroom remodels are also much less expensive.

On average, bedroom remodels cost about $10,000 to $30,000, with additional expenses for high-end upgrades. Completing the remodel yourself brings the cost down significantly. However, DIY remodeling comes with challenges of its own. Without pros to handle the planning, purchasing, and renovating for you, it’s up to you to manage and execute the project.

Use this guide to plan your DIY bedroom remodel so it’s a smooth process from start to finish.

Choose a Style

Before planning projects and shopping for materials, you need a vision of how you want your bedroom to look. If you intend to sell your home in the future, choose a style with resale value in mind. The style should be both soothing and cohesive with the rest of your home’s interior design. It should also include the features that buyers want in bedrooms, such as built-in storage and plenty of natural and ambient lighting. For inspiration, check out these bedroom before-and-after pictures from Architectural Digest.

Plan Projects

With a vision in mind, list the projects that will get you there. Remember that for a DIY remodel, you need to stick to projects you’re confident you can complete.

These projects are ideal for a DIY remodel:

● Repainting
● Installing trim and molding
● Updating lighting fixtures and ceiling fans
● Replacing carpeting or flooring
● Adding built-in storage
● Installing a new closet door
● Replacing furniture, linens, and window treatments

Things you shouldn’t do yourself include installing new electrical fixtures, moving walls, adding or moving windows, and installing gas fireplaces.

Set a Budget

Next, decide what you’re able to spend on a remodel. Your budget should reflect the value of your home and your personal financial situation. Zillow recommends basing your budget on the value of the room as a percentage of your overall house. It’s not necessary to pay cash for home renovations, but if you choose to finance, ensure the payments fit within your budget.

Price Out Projects

Now that you have a plan and a budget, it’s time to determine how much each project will cost. Research costs for construction materials as well as new furniture and décor, keeping your budget in mind as you select options. Don’t forget taxes and shipping costs in your calculations.

With a list of projects and prices in front of you, revisit your budget. Do your plans fit within the constraints of your budget, including a buffer for unexpected costs (Curbed suggests 5 percent, but if it’s your first DIY remodel you might want a bigger cushion)? If not, you’ll either need to cut low-priority projects or find ways to reduce costs, such as choosing less expensive materials. However, be mindful of cutting too much: It’s better to do a few projects to a high quality, saving the rest for later, then to end up with sub-par results.

Get to Work!

With your project planned down to the penny, you’re ready to get started. Stay flexible as you remodel — you never know what kind of unexpected surprises could pop up — but avoid deviating from the original plan too much. By planning carefully and following through on that plan, you can achieve a DIY bedroom remodel that fits your vision and your budget.

Article written by guest writer Erin Reynolds with www.diymama.net.

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!

Buying and selling a home, Buying or selling, Moving, Pricing your home right, Real estate, Sacramento buyers, Selling Your Home, Selling your Home Faster with Staging, Staging Your Home for More Money, Tips for a Successful Open House, Uncategorized

Selling Your Home Faster and for More Money with Staging – Tips for a Successful Open House

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Photo credit: Pexels.com

Staging is the key to a successful open house

 

Holding an open house is no guarantee that your home is going to sell and more often than not sellers end up feeling disappointed after the big day has come and gone. Simply opening up your home to buyers isn’t enough. First, make a few simple changes to boost your home’s buying potential. Too many sellers neglect these easy open house preparations that will make a huge difference.

First Impressions

 

No matter how much time and money you spend fixing up the inside of your home, it’s the outside of the house that potential buyers are going to see first. Never underestimate the importance of first impressions, particularly in home-selling.

Wash the outside of your home. According to HGTV, this can give you a big boost of curb appeal. Clean out the gutters, wash the windows and make sure the front door is nice and clean. Repaint the door and window trim if needed. A set of brand-new house numbers may also be in order, an inexpensive way to make your home look nice and fresh.

Spruce Up Your Lawn

 

Curb appeal will get people in the door of your house, and that’s how you find buyers. Make your home look so appealing that house hunters can’t resist. Start by making your lawn look amazing. Mow the grass, get rid of leaves and make sure there are no weeds. Give attention to your flower beds and landscaping. According to House Logic, fresh mulch and nicely pruned shrubs go a long way toward boosting your curb appeal.

Add some pops of color to your landscaping. Plant a few flowers in bright hues of yellow and orange. They will quickly catch the eyes of potential homebuyers. Pansies, tulips and geraniums are easy to find everywhere and grow in pretty, vivid shades.

Consider having the driveway repaved. It’s not as expensive as you think to have fresh asphalt put down and this will greatly increase your curb appeal. A nice, new driveway makes a huge impression.

Don’t forget the mailbox. Clean it or repaint it to make the mailbox look new, and add a pretty border of flowers around it.

What Else Curb Appeal Can Do

 

Great curb appeal doesn’t just get people to notice your home, but also it can actually increase the resale value of your home, according to Forbes. The money you put into landscaping will actually go back into your pocket when you sell your property, so it’s worth it to put extra care and attention into this detail.

Plant shrubs to fill in empty spaces and bare areas. Shrubs are relatively inexpensive and easy to plant, and you can buy them full-grown so you don’t have to wait for the fruits of your labor to appear.

Use Staging for Selling Success

 

Once you get buyers in the door of your home, make sure they like what they see. With a little bit of simple staging, you can encourage people to start bidding on your property.

First, remove clutter and knickknacks. Potential buyers want to see a simple design so they can imagine their own belongings, not your favorite family photos. Stick with simple furnishings, but don’t make the interior of your home too bare. Add some colorful pillows to the sofa, put a pretty vase of fresh flowers on your kitchen table and leave just a couple of small appliances on the kitchen counter. Display guest towels in the bathroom, and make up all the beds with beautiful linen and blankets.

Have an Easy Open House

 

Make some simple preparations before the big day will help you to impress potential buyers. Focus on your curb appeal, stage your rooms, and you will get the results you want.

As a real estate broker working with many sellers and buyers and owning my own company, I can offer a commission discount or two months of free staging for new clients who mention this blog. Some conditions and restrictions apply! When you work with the best, you get the best, so feel free to call me at 916-342-2446, or e-mail at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com. To search online and get free listings, go to www.dynamicsacramentohomes.com. 

Author

 

Suzie Wilson is an interior designer with more than 20 years experience. What started as a hobby (and often, a favor to friends) turned into a passion for creating soothing spaces in homes of every size and style. While her goal always includes making homes look beautiful, her true focus is on fashioning them into serene, stress-free environments that inspire tranquility in all who enter. The Ultimate Guide to Prepping Your Home for an Open House is filled with tips, tricks and other advice based on Suzie’s years of experience in interior home design that will set you up for success.