SkyFive Properties Blog

Buying real estate isn’t something that should be taken lightly. Buying a home or even a property to rent out is a huge purchase, and there are so many ways you can make mistakes. Below we have 7 common real estate buying mistakes you need to be sure to avoid when it’s time for you to buy your next property. Take a look:

1. You’re Not Doing Enough Research

Doing plenty of research before you commit to buying in an area is very important. You should be consulting with a trusted professional who knows the ins and outs of the area so that you are well aware of what you’re getting yourself into. You should know about upcoming developments, the areas that are growing, and any homes you have looked at that are near construction. A great real estate lawyer can simplify the process. Having a detailed understanding of the neighborhood will help you to predict the value of the property over the years.

2. You’re Ignoring Your Budget

Ignoring your budget is a bad idea. You need to work out your budget including your BAH, living expenses, investments, extracurriculars, and expenses so that when you purchase your house, you’re not struggling and adding unnecessary stress. Figuring out a realistic budget and then making sure you stick to that budget is key. Don’t view houses outside of your budget!

3. Letting Yourself Fall In love With A Property

The second you allow yourself to fall in love with a property, is the second you start making it ok to ignore red flags that you may otherwise spot as you view the property. Ignoring the home’s imperfections could leave you with a huge bill on your hands, and a lot of extra work. Do not go into your house hunt emotionally, under any circumstances.

4. You’re In A Rush

It’s normal to feel under a little stress to find a place to live, but the last thing you want to do is pick a place out of desperation. This will cloud your judgement, and you’ll feel rushed into buying a house that is not right for you.

5. Not Negotiating

Buying a house is different to going to the store and buying something. You can easily negotiate the asking price – in fact, it’s expected. Just make sure you are reasonable, as offering too low won’t do you any favors. Consider negotiating repairs and appliances in the contract, too.

6. Overlooking Buying Expenses

Don’t forget the other costs you’re expected to cover when buying a property: closing costs, a home inspection, commission, home insurance, repairs, and utilities – and that’s not all of them.

7. Thinking You Can Fix Up The House Yourself

Unless this is something you do for a living, avoid attempting to fix up the place yourself. You might convince yourself that you’ll be able to buy your dream fixer-upper if you do this, but it could cause more issues in the long run. Make sure you factor in professional work you may need done on the house, so you can do the maths properly.

Often the idea of moving house can seem like a hugely stressful situation. You are uprooting your entire life and transporting all of your belongings to a brand new domain. When you’re moving house you really want to avoid wasting time; you are busy and need to get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Similarly, you want to make sure you get the most out of this process as you can. From discovering the best estate agents to researching the best areas to live in, there are so many elements to consider. Before you get started on your new journey, consider these seven savvy stages. They will help you to move into your very own perfect palace.

Find a Real Estate Agent You Trust

Save yourself a lot of time and headaches by finding an estate agent that is actually going to help you. The amount of time you spend online looking for houses that don’t suit you or your needs is ridiculous, so you need a person who understands this. Seek help from outer banks real estate and you will be able to receive automatic email updates when homes meet your criteria. This is specifically useful if you are looking for information about the Southern Shores, NC community. Drop them a line and talk to one of their expert realtors today.

Find an Area You Love

Make sure you have researched areas carefully so that you know exactly where to look. If you have any doubts then go and visit them yourself before looking at houses there.

Get to Know Your Neighbours

Once you have found your dream property, or even before that, it’s always good to talk to neighbors. Having friendly faces nearby will really help to enhance your living experience.

Touch Up Your Paintwork

You have found the perfect home and it’s time to move in; the first thing on your agenda should be that paintwork. Get the chic shades you are looking for and transform those walls into something that is more your style.

Invest in New Furniture

Now you can find the perfect furniture items that can complement your new space. From large oak dining tables to comfortable four-poster beds, now is the perfect time to shop around and bring your visions to life.

Start Your Landscaping Projects

Spruce up your garden, get your hedges trimmed and make your lawns look lush. Getting your landscaping perfect will really help you to feel at home in your new pad.

Add the Finishing Touches

The final touches to your home include soft furnishings, such as rugs, cushions, and pillows for your bed. You should also think about other accessories such as candles and photos that will make your new place feel just like home.

Moving houses don’t have to be stressful, annoying or time-consuming as long as you do everything correctly. As long as you take all of these notions on board, you will be ready for a smooth sailing journey.

Many homeowners rely on traditional fuel sources for heating their home. These include natural gas, coal, electricity, and others. But more and more homes are turning to propane to keep their home cozy in chilly weather. Propane can be used both alongside electricity or in place of it completely.

Wondering if switching to propane could be the right choice for your home? Keep reading to learn about five of the top advantages of propane to help make your decision.

1. Safe for the Environment

You may not know it, but propane is considered a clean fuel. This means when it burns, it will not contaminate soil or groundwater. It also has a pretty low carbon composition, which is good for keeping emissions low. Propane is actually identified in the 1990 Clean Air Act as a good fuel alternative to combat overall toxic air levels.

2. Alternative to Other Popular Energy Sources

Propane is also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It’s a great alternative because it has a higher octane level than typical gas. It’s colorless and odorless. Propane can heat water tanks much faster than regular electricity To ensure you always have the amount of propane you need, consider research a propane delivery service. You can learn more about some options.

3. Advantages of Propane: Reliability

During bad weather or other emergencies, electricity frequently goes out. Losing power for a few hours isn’t usually a big deal, but if electricity is knocked out for days or even weeks, it can cause a lot of problems. The benefit of propane is that even without power, it can power your needed appliances like a stove.

Knowing you will always have emergency power is a huge peace of mind, especially if you care for aging parents in the home who have medical needs.

4. Increase Home Safety and Versatility

Propane is mostly associated with outdoor grilling, but it truly can power most indoor appliance. As mentioned, propane can heat water tanks much quicker than electricity. It is also great to use for a fireplace. This is because there will be no soot or ash typically found with wood burning fireplaces. Using propane is also safe for the home because typically tanks will be buried even deeper than other fuel tanks.

5. Save Money

One final reason to switch to propane is to save money. Powering your everyday appliances with propane instead of electricity can save you up to 30%!

Heat Your Home for Years to Come

After checking out this list of advantages of propane, it should be clear how great the switch can be. Whether you are shopping for a new home or just considering switching to propane in your current home, it’s a smart choice.

Thinking of taking an even bigger step and purchasing a home abroad? Be sure to check out helpful tips and tricks for this exciting, but stressful process!

The area of Hong Kong is home to about 7.3 million people. That’s 20% more residents than the whole country of Singapore.

Don’t let the area being populous scare you away though. Hong Kong is a place that’s full of things to do and incredible things to see from the Temple Street Night Market to the I.M. Pei’s Bank of China Tower and beyond.

If you’re thinking of getting in on the hot Hong Kong property market as an expat, there are a few things you should know before you get started.

Below, our team shares 5 considerations to keep in mind.

1. Buyer Stamp Duty

If you think buying Hong Kong property is going to cost a lot as is, you’re going to be shocked when you find out about the Buyer Stamp Duty. In order to control foreign ownership of Honk Kong homes, the government imposes what is essentially a 15% tax that you need to add to your home price.

If you want to avoid this tax, you’ll need to apply for permanent residence which would allow you to circumvent your status as a foreigner.

2. Understand Hong Kong Mortgages

Hong Kong mortgages are not unlike mortgages you’d find in most countries. In Hong Kong, you’ll likely get your mortgage financed through a mortgage insurance program that will require you to put down 10% of your home’s value.

That means you can get the other 90% of your property financed.

3. Do Your Research

There is a lot to know about the Hong Kong area and the last thing you’ll want to do is jump into a property without adequately researching everything you’re buying into.

Be sure to take the time to assess the local community, its public transit accessibility, and what your investment is charging per square foot in comparison to comparable homes.

Doing your diligence is an important step when buying a home anywhere so be sure you don’t gloss over doing a thorough assessment when buying Hong Kong property.

4. You’ll Want to Work with an Agent

No matter how much research you do, you’ll want to work with a real estate agent to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal and have a full understanding of your home’s market. Note that some expats choose to forgo an agent and purchase direct from sellers.

That being said, we think you’ll have a better chance of getting good value in a foreign market if you work with somebody who’s from the area.

All agents must be licensed in Hong Kong. You can look up a directory of reputable agents on the Estate Agents Authority website.

5. It’s a Plus If You Can Really Get to Know the Area

Do you need to rush into a property purchase?

If not, check out apartments in Hong Kong and take in the area for a little bit before putting down roots. Investing in a foreign country can present a lot of challenges.

Be sure to take the time to make sure buying is right for you before jumping in.

Wrapping Up Things You Have to Know Before Buying Hong Kong Property

There you have it. 5 Things to Know before buying Hong Kong property.

Be sure to do your diligence before making a property purchase and best of luck to you finding a new home or investment property.

For more help answering all of your biggest property acquiring questions, check out our buying tools on Sky Five Properties today.

There used to be a time when choosing the very best product on offer for you to buy was an easy process. Going to a physical store, picking it up and feeling it, and having the chance to make sure it suited your needs, the older retail method makes a lot more sense than shopping online for some goods. Of course, though, you don’t always have much choice. To make this easier for you, this post will be exploring the stronger materials you’ll find around the web, giving you the chance to base your purchases on the actual quality being presented to you, rather than promises from the seller which could be meaningless.

The Benefits of Sturdy Building

Saving both time and money are the key driving factors which push budget companies towards using substandard materials. Time is saved when it comes to preparing resources which are softer or easier to cut, as machines won’t take as much to get through them. The financial benefits come as a result of the materials themselves simply being cheaper, opening the doors to much greater profit margins. These benefits aren’t always worth it, though, especially when they are compared to the sort of goodness which can come from going down the sturdy route, as you can see below.

Longer-Lasting

Going for something like solid wood over MDF or for metal over plastic will usually result in products which last a lot longer. Budget materials are often only made to preserve their looks until they’ve left the store. Once you get them home, it will be easy to chip, stain, and even completely break them, wasting the money you’ve spent if you can’t take it back. Higher quality products will often last for decades, whereas some of the cheaper options you’ll find could be ruined after a couple of days.

Better Aesthetics

While it is completely subjective, most people will find that they prefer the way that high-quality materials look. Solid wood is a great example of this, as it looks far better than particle boards which have been covered with a veneer, especially when you have the chance to see the texture on the surface. This is something which can be tested if you’re able to see a product before you spend money on it. Of course, though, this isn’t often possible on the web, as you will only have product pictures to go from.

Greater Resale Value

A lot of people don’t end up keeping their old furniture for a long time. Instead, styles will change very quickly, and this makes a lot of people want to update or upgrade on a regular basis. When you buy furniture which is built to last, you will have a much better chance of selling it for something close to what you paid for it. Over the years, the value of certain options like this could even go up. You can see this trend by having a look around eBay at some secondhand furniture.

Typically Fairer

It’s easy to ignore the ethical side of things when you’re buying something like furniture. In reality, though, like a lot of the products on today’s markets, the good value you will find in budget options is usually largely thanks to where it has been built. People are much more likely to have been treated fairly when you spend more on your furniture. The larger brands will be accountable for the labor they use, and you will be able to figure out where something was made before you spend money on it. This is a great way to make sure that it fair for everyone.

Sourcing the Sturdy

With some drive to start following this sort of route in your own home, the next step in this process will involve learning how to spot the best materials for use in your place. This doesn’t have to be too hard, as long as you know where to look, and are willing to do some research before you spend money on pieces. Below, you can find some of the work you’ll have to do when you’re trying to achieve this. When a company doesn’t give you the information you need, it’s likely that their goods aren’t very strong.

Find The Material:

This all starts with some searching based on the exact material being used to make the product you’re looking at. A lot of companies will happily let you know if something is made from solid wood, giving you something to look up when you’re buying things made of this resource. When it comes to metal and plastics, a lot more abbreviations will be used, making it a little more challenging to find a match online. The easiest options to research will be examples like stone, as different strengths in this area are common knowledge.

About The Brand

The people making the products are also very important. Furniture and homeware companies vary by a huge degree when you look between them, with some offering great savings, and others preferring to put the money they make into the products they sell. While this will simply write some options off for you, it will also give you a good idea of the level of quality which can be expected from different brands. Reviews are one of the best ways to achieve a goal like this.

Be Aware Of Prices:

Being aware of the normal prices on the market is also a great way to find the best quality products. Trends like this don’t tend to vary much between stores, with the price of goods like this being hard to push down past a certain point. Eventually, people would stop making money, and this would defeat the purpose of them creating a product in the first place. When you find an item which has a price which looks too good to be true, it probably is, and you should use other examples as a guide to see what sort of quality you can expect.

Some Examples Around The Home

There are loads of pieces of furniture which can be found around the home, and each place will have something different filling their rooms. Some people will always go for the cheapest things they can get, while others won’t mind spending a little more, but it isn’t always easy to know where to start. Below, you can find a range of different ideas, giving you the foundations you need to start your hunt for the best quality furniture you can. Shopping secondhand can often make this process much cheaper.

Work Surfaces

Putting together a kitchen can cost a small fortune if you’re not careful. The only part of this which needs to be strong is the surfaces, though, giving you the chance to save some money on the cupboards you choose. A lot of people go for particle boards for their work surfaces, and this is a shame. The options from World Stone Group online won’t cost much more than this, but will have the chance to outlive anything which isn’t stone, making the purchase make sense. Being able to use stone in the home is a no-brainer for some people.

Tables

Over the years, loads of different types of table have gone in and out of fashion, with a huge array of today’s examples fitting into a lot of styles. Some of these use wood, others use metal, and a wide variety of them will use a combination of the two. This gives you two things to research when you’re looking at items like this. A solid wood top with some quality steel legs will cost more than an option which will last for hardly any time. The time you get out of it, though, will be well worth the extra costs.

Sinks:

Unlike most other furniture around the home, most places will have several examples of sinks. When you are choosing something like this, you will be presented with a lot of different choices, with materials ranging from metal to plastic, and loads sitting in the middle. If you’re choosing metal, the number which comes with the materials which have been used will tell you how good it is. For materials like porcelain and plastic, though, you will have to take a slightly bigger leap of faith. This will be well worth it once you have the new sink installed.

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to start upping the quality of the products found around your home. A lot of people struggle with this area, finding it hard to know exactly what they need to do to find the best options on the market. Thankfully, most of the information you need is well within your grasp, even if you have to work for it a little bit. Reviews will always be one of the most useful tools during a process like this, making it easy to find out what other people think of products, while also getting an idea of common issues being faced.

If you are on the market for a new home, your best chance of finding the right one is getting in touch with a real estate agency. However, not all of the companies are offering the same services, and you will need to make sure that you get the best service that suits your needs. This is why it is recommended that you ask some smart questions before you decide whether or not to sign on the dotted line. Below you will find a list of questions you might want to ask during the initial interview with your real estate agent.

Negotiation Experience

You can be straight to the point and ask them how long they have been working in the field and the area. Ask them how many properties they are dealing with at the moment and how many they sell in an average month. While some realtors will find this question strange, you can tell from their reaction and their response whether they are professional and telling the truth or just bluffing. If you come across an inexperienced agent, you might find it harder to get your home buying negotiations going.

The Area Statistics

Once you are presented with multiple properties to view, you will need to ask for the property statistics and the area stats, too. If your agent doesn’t have this or can’t present it, chances are that you are at the wrong place. Before you make a decision to move into an area, you will need to know about the local schools if you have kids, the amenities, crime levels, and the road networks. Ask this question and you can avoid wasting your valuable time.

Property Price Predictions

You will not want to lose your money in the first few years, and build up negative equity on your real estate portfolio. This is the reason why you want to ask the real estate agent about what your investment will be worth after a couple of years. Most large companies will offer this service, and if your agency really knows their trade, they will show you reports on the property market in the region.

Number of Sales In the Past 12 Months

It is also crucial that you find out about the state of the real estate market in your selected area. If there are a lot of sales, and people stay less than ten years, you might not be buying into a good area. However, if you find that families stick with their home, you might have found yourself a winner. At the same time, if properties are left empty and take ages to sell, you will have to be careful. A popular area with a growing demand will give you a good return on your investment.

Average Turnaround Time of Sales

You might also want to ask about the average turnaround times for selling a home in the area. If you are thinking about buying a foreclosed house, you might want to know what the demand for the home will be after you have renovated it and are planning on selling it for a profit. The last thing you want to face is getting less money back than you invested, or being stuck with a house you cannot rent or sell.

Is There One Contact Person?

When sitting down with the real estate company’s representative, you will need to ask whether you will be able to deal with the same person throughout the search and the buying process. When you contact living in Big Sky you will meet your contact person who will follow up your requests and viewings, instead of having to call the office and updating every colleague about your situation. The effectiveness of communication will have a huge impact on your future buying experience.

What Is Your Fee Structure?

You will need to calculate the total cost of purchasing a new home, as well. If your agent is straightforward and honest, they will present you with a printed, easy to follow guide on their fees and the schedule of payments. You don’t want any nasty surprises, so always clarify this important detail before you sign up with a real estate agency.

What Are the Running Costs of Homes In the Area?

Buying a house is costly enough, and you need to make sure that you can afford keeping the home and paying your bills. Ask about the cost of heating and electricity, potential tax and additional charges, so you can calculate the monthly cost including not only the mortgage payments and the fees, but also the cost of living in your selected neighborhood.

Are There any Hidden Service Charges?

You might own the building or the apartment, but still need to pay a fee or ground rent. Not all agents will disclose this information in the beginning, and it might be too late to find out about the extra fees after you have submitted an offer. You should ask for a copy of the registration documents and the registry, so you can rest assured that you don’t have to pay more than you are prepared to.

Do You Carry Out Cleaning and Safety Checks?

If you are planning to live in the home you are buying or renting it out, you need to make sure that it is safe and suitable for human occupation. Getting all the heating and electricity, fire hazard, and structural checks can be expensive, but some agents will include this in their fees. Ask them whether or not they offer this service, and whether it is included in one of the packages or payable by you before submitting your offer.

There are many things you need to be careful with when shopping around for your next real estate. Checking out your realtor and the company you are dealing with makes sense, as you will rely on them to avoid some of the mistakes people make when they get too excited about a property.

If you’re looking at buying real estate, you need to know how a foreclosure differs from other properties before making a buying decision. Foreclosures are tempting, especially to an investor, because of their potential. Often, these homes are sold for much less than comparable properties. If a seller is willing to pay cash, a bank might lower their price by $10,000 to $20,000 dollars.

You have the option to skip an appraisal, which can save around $450 on average, too. In addition, the process is usually quicker from start to finish than if you were to buy another home on the market. But, buying a foreclosed home isn’t for everybody. There are some important things you need to know about buying this kind of property.

Read on to find out if buying a foreclosure is right for you!

1. One Major Advantage: The Price is Right

One of the most popular reasons for buying a foreclosure is its price. These homes are typically priced much lower compared to others that are for sale nearby. And, these properties can offer excellent opportunities to make a profit if they are in a prime location for investing.

According to real estate professionals reporting on Trulia, foreclosed properties are currently sold as low as 5 to 10% of their market value price. But, this isn’t always the case. In fact, in areas where prices are rising and the market is slim, you might even pay more than the home’s value. You can learn more about how to tell if you’re getting a good deal on a foreclosure by conducting your own online research.

2. Foreclosed Homes are Often Quick Sales

With a foreclosure, buyers often pay cash and purchase the property as-is. This allows both the buyer and the seller to forgo many of the steps that they would otherwise have to take to complete the transaction.

Also, these homes are typically vacant when the sale is made, which means the buyer has the option to occupy the property immediately. When purchasing an average home off the market, sellers often aren’t ready to vacate the home for a month or two.

However, the timeframe might be longer or shorter than you might expect depending on each individual situation.

3. Homes are Usually Sold As-Is

When a home is sold as-is, there’s a good chance it needs extensive repairs or improvements. Often, the main reason for this is that the previous owner is mad they’re forced to leave their home. They often will purposely destroy pipes, windows, walls — you name it. It’s their way of getting back at the bank. For you, this means the home likely won’t be move-in ready when you close on it.

When you buy a foreclosed home, there may not be room for negotiations. Unlike a regular home sale where the seller is willing to work with the buyer, banks just aren’t. Even if it’s not a requirement, it’s a good idea to get a home inspection prior to closing on the property. You might find that the home isn’t worth the price, even if the price appears to be a bargain.

Some do-it-yourselfers might appreciate the challenge of heavy duty home improvements. But, others might not have the time or funds to invest in the work that needs to get done. And, some jobs might demand a professional’s expertise.

4. Financing Foreclosures

Although it’s possible to obtain outside financing to purchase a foreclosed home, it may be more difficult to get bank approval, depending on the condition of the home. Also, if the home is in a highly sought-after area, or being sold at a very low price, you’ll stand a better chance of sealing the deal if you already have your financing in place.

Due to the typically lower prices of foreclosures, some buyers pay with cash. This is usually a preferable option for the owners, which at this point is often a bank. Otherwise, they might require preapproval before entering accepting an offer to buy the home. You can avoid any questions about your ability to finance by obtaining a pre-approval letter from your bank prior to making an offer on a foreclosure. But, this is not necessary if you plan to buy with cash.

The Bottom Line on Buying a Foreclosed Home

If you are interested in buying a foreclosure, there are a few steps you should take. First, research the prices of other homes in the area or ask a realtor to help you determine if the price is fair, or better than the average market price. Then you should get a professional home inspection so that you can accurately assess the amount of work and expense that the home will require. There are also many opportunities to buy houses during the pre-foreclosure stage. Read a detailed guide here.

Before you make an offer, make sure that it won’t be a problem to obtain quick financing, if necessary. A foreclosed home can be a great way to make a return off of a property if you have all of the information you need to make a wise buying decision.

Looking for Money Saving Advice for Moving?

There are more ways to save on your real estate purchases than buying a foreclosed home. In fact, you can save money on buying real estate n practically every situation if you know a few tricks of the trade. Are you planning on an upcoming move and want to get the most bang for your buck? We’ve got good news! If you want more advice for saving money for buying and moving into your new home, we can help. Our top-notch real estate advice can benefit every buyer.

Check out this blog for money-saving tips that help you save cash when transitioning from one home to the next!

Moving is a hassle that takes up your time, energy, and money. Nobody enjoys the process, but once the move is finished you’ll feel a lot better. Preserving your money when moving is important if you are living on a budget or just spent the majority of your savings on a down payment on a new home. There are a number of ways for you to save your money when moving to a new property. Let’s go over a few of them.

Do all the packing yourself or with friends and family

Packing things up is a tedious task that requires many hours of work. The first thing you’ll need to do is organize all of your belongings into different categories. From books to financial records, to electronics and easily breakable objects, the last thing you want when you finish moving is being confused about which boxes hold what.

Get your friends and family to help out if they have the time as it will save you many hours of your own time – or hundreds of dollars in labor from a moving company. Label boxes with a marker so you know what each one contains, and bubble wrap any objects that you consider valuable or could break if not handled delicately.

Want to save even more on packing costs? Consider going to grocery stores or liquor stores and picking up some of the free boxes laying around. When you’re on a budget every dollar counts, so consider balancing your time with the amount of money you’re willing to spend on the move.

Buy a home without a Realtor

Buying a home without using a Realtor is a risky move, yet could be the right decision for you depending on your situation. The ability to search the internet for properties and negotiate with Realtors yourself can be daunting, but if you are successful in your journey then you will up saving thousands of dollars in commission fees.

However, this is easier said than done – especially in competitive real estate markets like New York or Toronto, Ontario. There are some companies online that work like real estate agents but don’t charge the usual commission fee.

For example, InstaOffer is a company based in Toronto, Canada that allows you to make bids for homes directly from their website. The Realtors who work at InstaOffer do all the negotiation for you to make sure your offer gets accepted and will review any contracts to make sure you aren’t getting taken advantage of.

You only have to pay them a flat fee of $5000 instead of paying your real estate agent’s commission (which will be a way higher price). This means that the more expensive the home you’re buying, the more money you are going to save using their service.

Buying a home without a realtor is a dangerous game though, since you may end up buying a home with issues unbeknownst to you. This could include faulty wiring, loud neighbors, airplanes flying over your home daily, or an insect problem.

Many of these issues take time and money to investigate, but a real estate agent can guide you through these problems and make sure you don’t make a mistake on your purchase.

Book a moving company during the non-peak season

Many people don’t know this secret, but moving companies tend to increase their rates in the spring and summer because things get busier. Many people are trying to move during the warmer months, so take advantage and move during the fall or Winter.

Give a few different moving companies a call and ask what their moving rate will be if you book a few months in advance and want to move during the off-season.

Depending on the size of the moving company, you may be able to negotiate a cheaper move for giving them notice and providing them business during the months when things slow down. To try to save even further when booking a moving company, negotiate moving on a Tuesday or Wednesday since weekends are busier times.

People typically work full-time during the weekdays so moving companies may be more compelled to lower their fees for you if you book at a time when business is slow.

Sell or give away things you don’t need

This should be done at least weeks before your move date to avoid any stress. You may have hundreds of dollars worth of electronics, books, furniture, or other things in your home that you rarely ever use.

Make the most of these items that you will never use and sell them on sites like Kijiji, eBay, or Craigslist. You can also trade them for other items using Bunz. The less stuff you need to pack the better, as it will save you money on moving costs and organizing things.

You’ll also have more space available in your new home once you move in. Use the money that you earn from these items toward hiring a moving company. For the items that no one wants to buy, either donate them to charity or leave them on the sidewalk for others to pick up.

Hoarding is a bad thing to do when it comes to moving. The lighter the load the better.

Move everything yourself

If you are really trying to conserve your money when moving then consider renting a moving truck. You will save hundreds of dollars on hiring a moving company, but you’ll have to be prepared for what comes with moving everything yourself. Big items like couches and large televisions require at least 2 people to move, so you’ll have to ensure you have a physically capable friend or family member to help you out.

The whole moving process will be twice as stressful, but it may be worth it if your budget is tight. You’ll probably be sore the next day and may injure yourself during the move, especially if you live on the upper level of an apartment or condo, so be careful.

Remember, asking a friend to help you move is a big commitment, so be sure to repay them in some form or another. Follow these tips and we’re sure you’ll save hundreds, if not thousands on moving costs.

Ah, the eclectic culture, stunning landscapes, delectable food- visiting Europe is truly a dream. From afar, investing in Old Continent property seems like a straight shot to real estate success.

But, there is still a wave of uncertainty when it comes to investing in the European market. After a capricious ripple of economic crises, many are reluctant to tap into this territory.

There is a lot of speculation as to whether Europe is still (or ever was) a hot market. Don’t blindly fall into international investing; you need to understand the region. Here’s an overview on whether Europe is the best place to invest in property.

What to Consider When Investing in European Real Estate

Let’s get some of the bad out of the way first. Is there reason to avoid European real estate? What are the key elements you need to consider? From currency risks to high purchase prices, you need to know the current trends. (160)

Purchase Price

A low purchase price is essential to maximizing your ROI. Some European markets offer great affordability, while others are a total money pit.

You’ve also got to consider the type of renter you’re looking for. What areas are they visiting? How much are they willing to spend on a weekly/monthly/yearly rental?

For example, if you’re looking for retiree occupants, you should consider external regions of metro Italy or Croatia. These affordable countries offer many outdoor lifestyle options in a more quaint setting.

Also, keep in mind that a cheap investment doesn’t always equate to a good investment. You have to consider a country’s past and present appreciation values to know where you’ll thrive.

Taxes

Even if you don’t work in the country you’re investing in, you’re going to be accountable for paying taxes. Luckily, as a U.S. citizen, you can receive credits on some of the international real estate taxes you pay.

Let’s use France as an example. Beginning in January of this year, property owners must pay an annual wealth tax. If your property’s net value is greater than 1.3 million euros, you’re liable. This is in addition to France’s sales taxes and maintenance taxes, which runs rather steep.

Currency Risk

No matter what country you invest in, you’re going to have the risk of paying high currency exchanges as a borrower. As a rule of thumb, it’s recommended you borrow as much as you can due to inflation.

But, which country do you borrow in- your own or the one you’ll invest in? Depending on your lending situation, the loaner could inundate you with unnecessary charges.

How you plan to pay off your loan affects the type of loan you should look for. If you’re using income earned in your own country, look for a loan provider from your own country. But, if you’re using property earned interest, a foreign lender is the better option.

Residence Rules

Owning property in a certain country doesn’t grant you the right to live there. You’ve got to figure out what visa you’ll need to not only live but do business in that region.

This depends on how much you’ll be using the property yourself. Keep in mind most European countries don’t offer visas for the sole purpose of investing.

But, if you plan to rent your property out for most of the year, you might not need a visa. You’re allowed to stay in the EU for 90 days at a time throughout a 6-month period.

Interest Rates

The last major consideration we’ll go over is the low-interest rates attached to European mortgages. It’s predicted these rates continue to remain on the lower end, but they will rise.

Once rates spike again, it could be problematic for investors. It’s predicted this will cause a lot of low yield investments.

Still, you’ll want to purchase real estate on a fixed rate, as floating rates are volatile. Income can rise with inflation, but your rate doesn’t have to. (660)

Why Invest in European Real Estate

Now that we’ve focused on some of the concerns, let’s get into the perks of European investing. All factors considered, Europe can be a desirable investment due to its ever-growing popularity.

Secondary cities are just as flourishing as large metropolises. Demand seems to be on a never-ending upswing, complemented by growing urbanization and better infrastructure.

This exponential growth even affects commercial rental properties. We’re seeing more companies flock to Europe, as certain cities are becoming tech hubs.

Brexit posed serious financial threat to not only U.K. but the rest of the E.U. But, one advantage of this decision is the influx of companies moving to new European nations. Renting out of the U.K. proves to be a financial risk. (791)

Major Cities vs. Secondary Cities

Many investors are seeing better success from properties that aren’t located in the city center. The reason for this is these metro properties have already hit their peak ROI. Outskirt cities still have room for growth.

The busy city markets are now producing a lower yield. Look for alternative locations with a strong micro-economy. For example, the coastal town of San Pedro de Alcantara in Spain grows an abundance of local crops.

This indirectly contributes to the town’s overall growth in housing markets. Plus, it’s a beautiful green town with plenty of shops and beach space. Here you can find more info on why investing in this Spanish town is a good investment.

Is Europe the Best Place to Invest in Property?

Is Europe the best place to invest in property? With low interest rates and high demand, you’ll enjoy a good ROI on your European property. That is if you carefully consider the market you’re going into.

Sky Five Properties can help you find your dream real estate venture. Our innovative, forward-thinking team works with the most sought-after properties in Southern Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. Check out some of our rentals here.

The Sunshine State has been a favorite go-to destination of tourists, families, and people looking for a fresh place to start. But before you start calling those furniture movers and preparing your sunblock, you might want a little more information on what exactly makes Florida so appealing – and how what it has can work for you.

The people

In terms of median age, Florida leans towards the older side – after all, it’s well known for its retirees and the community that’s sprung around them. What this means though is that the environment that you can expect from Florida is one on the quieter side of things – especially if you choose to settle further up north. It’s the perfect place to raise a family or retire.

But younger homeowners need not fret – South Florida is bustling with all sorts of activity, largely influenced by it’s Caribbean and Latin American traditions. Nightlife is bustling in South Florida, and if you can land a property right in the center of these two districts, you’ll be able to party during your weeknights and take some tanning sessions on the beaches on weekends. Aside from being surrounded by a bustling variety of people – you’ll never run out of things to do.

The activities

Florida is home to plenty of attractions – some novelties, while others are events that you’ll want to go through again and again. It’s the home of the Daytona 500, the quintessential American experience that is never quite the same every time it happens. You can’t also forget Disney World, an experience that everyone should rightly try at least once while they’re in Florida. For those looking for a more historical jaunt, Florida’s home to the Spanish-constructed settlement of St. Augustine, a landmark that’s been well preserved for everyone to enjoy.

Let’s not even get started on the landscapes: numerous parks, theme attractions, and day trips all make their home in the Sunshine State. One such attraction is the Bok Tower Gardens, a botanical wonder that’ll delight families and guests.

The cost of living

Remember those furniture movers we mentioned earlier? You might want to bring a couple more of them since Florida is one of the few states that actually has no state income tax. It makes it far easier to move and re-establish yourself there, which makes it a haven for those who simply want a place to build their lives the way the wish, and generally enjoy themselves. Even those who have a more entrepreneurial bent might find things a little easier in the Sunshine State: Florida’s sales taxes are also some of the lowest nationwide.

This frees up your pocket for the expenses your really want to enjoy – whether it be a family trip to Tampa for the weekend or sunning yourself on the beach. The cost of living in Florida is well worth it to people who’ve worked hard and earned their rest, making it the state of reward.

Florida beckons to anyone who wants to settle down, have a drink, enjoy their hard work, and live life the way they want it to. If you’re ever worried about how exactly to mortgage your dream Floridian home, there’s plenty of companies that are willing to help you out. And in the case that you aren’t satisfied with the house you purchased, you can use Florida cash home buyers to buy the house off of you.

For example, we here at Sky Five Properties make it our goal to ensure that your new life in our state is as comfortable as possible. We know what Florida has to offer to those who want to settle here – and we’re willing to work with you every step of the way in order to make that happen.

Is there anything else you think we should add to the reasons why someone should move to Florida? Leave some in the comments below.