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Author: Kristian Wilson

  • Heading into the Wilderness? Essentials to Camp in Style-

    Heading into the Wilderness? Essentials to Camp in Style-

    Labor day is a few days away, and chances are high that camping might be on top of your list. Whether you’ve managed to score an amazing camp spot, or are just camping out in the back yard with the family- our team has hand picked a few awesome accessories to have you camping in style.

    You’ve got a tent and a sleeping bag… but what about an awesome camping chair? Our team picked out a few worth checking out:

    1. Kijaro Dual Lock Camping Chair– Best value and overall comfort
    2. NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair- If you’re looking to spend a bit more..you’ll thank yourself!
    3. Tommy Bahama 2020 Beach Chair-We know, it’s a beach chair…but it has a cooler and it’s super comfy…that works where-ever you go.

    What about something to drink? Our top choices

    1. LifeStraw Go Filter Bottle with 2 Stage Filtration: A water filter is a must for anyone who loves camping and the great outdoors.
    2. Corckcicle 160z Canteen Cockcicle: makes amazing products to keep your wine…er..we mean. …WATER cold!
    3. Hydroflask 20oz Wide Mouth: This is a must have for long hikes… keeps your drink cold for hours!

    How about some ‘tunes? An evening in the woods is always better with your favorite playlist

    1. JBL Clip 3: This little speaker packs big sound…and it’s waterproof!
    2. OontZ Angle 3 Ultra:  100 foot range on this speaker.
    3. Tronsmart T6 Plus: If you love bass… this speaker is for you!

    Happiness awaits!


  • Take your Instagram Feed to the Next Level- Our Picks for Schedulers

    Take your Instagram Feed to the Next Level- Our Picks for Schedulers

    We all know that time is money, and if you are or are aspiring to be an Instagram influencer, the time you spend on your posts key to your success.

    Instagram influencer marketing is now a $2 Billion dollar industry. If you have a niche you’re passionate about, share interesting stories, consistently post compelling content and engage with authenticity- there you might just be able quit your day job!

    Our team took a quick look at some of the best tools out there. We concluded that the first thing a savvy Instagram influencer needs are great tools for scheduling. Here are the best ones we found:

    1. Sprout Social- One of the more intuitive and easy to use tools out there. It’s a more expensive option, but packed with features if you’re going big time.
    2. Later.com– Later touts being able to plan a week worth of Instagram posts in just 20 minutes.  Free plans available, and tiered pricing.
    3. Hootsuite.com-Sure, Hootsuite has been around a while, but they have built a great suite of tools.. 🙂
    4. Bettr– designed with influencers in mind.
    5. Hopperhq– Up to 50 posts at once with bulk uploading

    Happy Posting!

     


  • Searching for a Zoom Alternative?

    Searching for a Zoom Alternative?

    Remote working is in full swing. Do you need an alternative to Zoom? Stay in touch with your customers and coworkers with our top conference call services.

    When you’re considering the best conference call services, consider the following factors:

    1. Call Limits
    2. Call Recording
    3. Ease of setup
    4. Video Conferencing
    5. Customer Support
    6. Call Quality
    7. Free vs. Paid Features
    8. Price

    Our top picks–>

    Ring Central

    • Free up to 100 participants
    • VOIP phone service plans
    • Great for startups and small business
    • Free version is capped at 40 minutes per meeting

    BlueJeans

    • Great for big business: used by Linked In, Facebook and Zillow amongst otthers
    • High voice quality- powered by Dolby Voice
    • Specialized in video conference calls

     

    Google Meet

    • Now free if you have a Gmail account (replaced Google Hangouts)
    • Integrates seamlessly with Google Calendar
    • Audio quality is not as high as other competitors

    Webex:

    • Cisco product- high quality technology reputation
    • Multiple pricing tiers depending on needs
    • Free up to 50 participants

    Every individual and team needs are different- make sure you pick the right option that suits your use case~


  • Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Can’t Miss Picks…

    Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Can’t Miss Picks…

    Are you ready to shop? Savvy shoppers know that August 19th only means one thing… The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is finally here!

    Our team had a chance to review some of the can’t miss items at the sale this year. Check our out top picks below!

    Tory Burch Leigh Slide Sandal- Sandal are IN this summer, and we love this style

    Zella Live in Jogger Pants- We all know Zella makes great leggings, why not Jogger Pants? (ps…they are great sitting on the couch too!)

    Sam Edelman Notch Collar Coat-It’s hot now, but cool temperatures are right around the corner, and sometimes you want your coat to make a statement.

    Veja V-10 Sneakers: These kicks are stylish and super comfy.

    Topshop Long Sleeve Faux Leather Shirtdress: When we can finally hit the town again…this shirtdress is a must have.

    Allsaints Fetch Snake Embossed Leather Crossbody Bag: This bag says it all.

    Kiehl’s Jumbo Creme de Corps: Keep your skin hydrated at a great price.

    Hunter Original Leopard Waterproof Rain Boot: You’ll want to splash in the puddles all day long with these cute boots!

    Nordstrom 400 Thread Count White Down Comforter: This comforter is great all season long…why not pamper your bedding?

    Nordstrom Baby Hooded Bunting: Ok we had to throw one in for the little ones… this is adorable!

    Happy Shopping!


  • Are You Looking to Sell Your House?

    Are You Looking to Sell Your House?

    For many Americans, the new realities of working remotely have opened up possibilities for relocation that they had not considered before.  Open House searches are on the rise, and people are figuring out ways to make moves. Our team was curious about where people are moving- here’s what they found.

    On the popular real estate website redfin.com 27% of searchers were looking to move to an area outside of their immediate metro area. In the second quarter of 2020, the most popular places people were looking to move included Phoenix, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Austin and Atlanta.

    Why are people looking to move? Many potential buyers from out of town are now working remotely, so affordable options that include office space, a big backyard, and good weather are now a much higher priority.

    Tech workers are making up a large portion of the new buyer pool. A realtor in Austin was quoted stating that he had buyers from New York, San Francisco and Portland buying homesites in Austin, sometimes site unseen!

    Even areas that have been thought of traditionally as ‘vacation’ towns, or ‘places to retire’ are now also seeing an influx of full time residents with Palm Springs, CA as a perfect example. With nice homes priced between $350k and $600k- it’s no surprise that urban dwellers are ditching their apartments for more space and sunshine.

    Only time will tell if this trend becomes permanent, but one thing is for sure- with the many new realities we all face, considerations about moving are top of mind these days.

    If you are looking to sell your house- consider the following:

    When you are ready to sell your home, there are a few steps that you must keep in mind. Knowing how these steps work and being prepared for them is one of the best ways to get the most out of the sale and ensure that you can get moved out quickly. Some of the steps to take to get the most out of your real estate investment includes:

    Working with a Real Estate Agent

    One of the first things that you should do when you are ready to sell your home is find real estate agents near you. Some people want to go the “for sale by owner” route, but this can take a lot more time and effort to complete than doing it with an agent. Be aware that it does cost a commission, or a percentage of the sales price, to hire a real estate agent. But considering they often take on all the work and can handle the showings, the legal documents, and more, they are often worth it to get results.

    How an Agent Can Help You

    There are a number of benefits to hiring a real estate agent rather than trying to do it all on your own. Some of these include:

    1. They help you list your home at the right price. This helps you to get the highest price possible, without your home sitting on the market forever.
    2. They can present your home in a way that makes it more appealing to potential buyers. You love your home and that is great, but a real estate agent knows how to make it shine to a buyer.
    3. They can bring in more potential buyers. Most buyers like to work with an agent. And many times your agent will already have a list of people who may have some interest in the home. This helps you to get the best offer possible.
    4. They handle all of the paperwork for you. This is one of the most difficult things to do when you try to sell your home on your own. With the help of a real estate agent, you will not have to worry about all of the paperwork and legal stuff because they will do it all.
    5. The agent can get the best offer from each buyer. When the home sells for more, the agent earns more. This incentivizes them to get a better offer on your home.
    6. Can negotiate after the inspection. While you most likely will need to get a few things done on your home after the inspection, an agent will make sure the work is kept to a minimum.
    7. Speeds your closing time. This helps you to get the home closed on and the money in your account so much faster than before.

    Typical Costs for a Real Estate Agent

    There are several factors that will come into play when you have to pay for your real estate agent. Some agents will charge more if the sale price is below a certain threshold and then will lower the rate if the price is higher. Some may have other deals and incentives to get sellers to work with them. The average commission for most real estate agents is 6%.

    Before you sign with an agent, take the time to ask about the commission they will earn. This helps you be prepared and can make it easier to factor in this cost when you finally get an offer on the home. You as the seller will be the one who will pay the commission to the real estate agent. This 6% is often split between the buyer’s and the seller’s agent, but the seller is still responsible for the whole amount.

    Picking a Good Sale Price

    The next thing that we need to take a look at is how to pick out a good sales price for your home. There are a lot of different things that go into determining a price for your home. While you want to get top dollar for your home, you do need to be realistic about what a buyer is willing to pay.

    To determine the price of your home and what to sell it for, you must consider its location, how big the home is, how many rooms and bathrooms, any upgrades, and even what other homes in the area are selling for as well. And since each home is a little different and very unique, this can be hard.

    One way to figure out a fair sales price on your home is to perform a “comps” analysis. This is when you and your agent will look at some of the recently sold comparable homes on the market. While it may be hard to find one exactly like your home, it can give you a better idea of how much similar homes in your area have sold for.

    This is also why it is important to work with that real estate agent we talked about earlier. They know how to handle the pricing of your home and will help explain it along the way. They can take in all of the factors for you and come up with a fair price that is likely to sell your home quickly.

    Staging Your Home

    If you have already moved out of your home and no longer live there, one way to sell it faster is to stage the home. This helps to give your potential buyer a look for how the home can be used and gives them a vision of all the potential in the home. Never leave the home completely empty because this slows down the process.

    List the Home and Start Showings

    When you are ready, your agent will come over and sign some paperwork with you. This helps both of you be on the same page the whole time and can avoid confusion later on. The agent will also take pictures of the inside and outside of the property so they can show potential buyers, both online and in person. It is then time for the agent to list the property and wait for the calls to come in.

    At some point, you will need to show your home. The days of  an ‘Open House’ are gone for now, and most agents will hold private showings. The agent can handle this, but you must make sure the home is clean and ready to go. And you may have to be out of the way for a bit. Sometimes it only takes a few showings and sometimes you may need to deal with quite a few showings. But these are the best way to sell your home. All buyers will want a chance to look through the home and see if it is right for them.

    Accepting an Offer

    At some point, you will get an offer on your home. If the offer sounds good to you, you can accept it and move on with some of the inspections and other things that need to get done. You can also provide a counteroffer to better meet the needs you have if the buyer’s offer is close to your original offer. If the offer is way off, you can choose to decline the offer.

    The offer will often include information on what the buyer expects. They will say what they want to purchase the property for along with the preferred closing date, any inspections they want, and other contingencies. The most common contingencies including the buyers securing their financing and the buyers selling their other home.

    The Different Types of Inspections

    Your buyer may choose to do a few different inspections to make sure the home is safe and secure. If there are some major problems with the house and they are found during the inspection, then you will be responsible for them. Most home buyers choose to do a full home inspection that checks out quite a few different things, but they can also do a few other inspections based on their needs. The most common inspections include:

    1. Pest and rodent inspection
    2. Radon inspection
    3. Chimney inspection
    4. Roof inspection
    5. Lead-based paint inspection
    6. Flooding damage inspection
    7. HVAC inspection

    As we mentioned, the full-home inspection is the most common, though some may choose the others if these problems are common in your area. The buyer will usually put this in their offer so you can decide which inspections you want to participate in ahead of time. The cost of the inspection falls to the buyer. The cost to fix anything falls to you.

    If there are some repairs necessary on the home, you can typically negotiate these. When the buyer has some minimal repairs to do, you may consider doing them and finishing the process. Other options are to offer the home “as is” so you won’t do any repairs or offer a credit for the work to be done. The credit may work if there is a time crunch on the sale and you don’t have time to get it done. Homes sold “as is” often take a lot longer to sell.

    Closing On Your Home

    Once all the inspections are done and you have moved out of the home, and your home buyer has secured their financing, you can close on the home. These often happen at two different times. You will meet with the lender or a title company to sign off on the home and agree to the sale.

    Later, sometimes the same day and sometimes later depending on the schedules, the buyers will go in and complete their paperwork to buy the home. The funds will go to pay off the rest of your mortgage, your real estate agents fees, and any other closing costs that are necessary. Whatever is left will be deposited in your account and can be used for purchasing your new home, paying off debt, or other uses depending on your needs.
    Typical Closing Costs

    There are a few closing costs you will need to pay before you get any money from your home sale. Some of these include:

    1. Any attorney’s fees for writing up the documents.
    2. Credits towards the closing costs that you and the seller agreed on.
    3. Any HOA fees if applicable.
    4. The prorated property taxes.
    5. Any escrow that is agreed on and other closing fees.
    6. Title insurance
    7. Transfer tax
    8. Agent commission.

    There are some other fees that may be required based on the bank you work with and where you live. You and your agent can discuss these fees before closing so you aren’t caught by surprise.

    Are the Rules Different in Each State?

    There are a few things about selling a home that will vary based on the state you live in. In fact, depending on where you live in each state the rules may be slightly different as well. Knowing what these differences are in your local area can be tough, but this is another benefit of working with a real estate agent to get things done.

    First, the amount in taxes you pay will vary based on one state to the next. Some states will require the seller to pay taxes on the home up to a certain point and others will require the buyer to handle this. Some states, including California, have a special tax on any home sold that may add to the closing costs you must work with.

    Most states have requirements that the seller needs to include any information about the property that may deter the buyer from making the purchase. This is often presented to a potential buyer before they even put an offer in on the home. This could include any updates you did on the home, along with any potential problems that you know about.

    You may also need to work with an escrow account. The way that this is used will depend on the state you live in but allows a little protection on both sides. It ensures that both parties know where the money is and they can get it back if things go south during the deal. Talk with your real estate agent to find out if an escrow account is necessary for you.

    Where is Everyone Moving During the Covid-19 Pandemic?

    Due to Covid-19 pandemic many Americans are ready to live the cities and move somewhere more rural. This is great news if you have a home for sale in a rural area as you are more likely to attract a good buyer for a good price.

    In fact, six out of ten Americans have said that they would consider moving to a less populated area. Some may have been considering this before. Some may be tired of living with all of the health mandates. And some see these rural areas as safer areas to be because with fewer people there, it is a much safer place to be right now.

    This is a common trend no matter which state you live in. Rural homeowners who are looking to make a switch and get out of their home into a new one will find that is a sellers’ market and they will do well. In fact, it is likely that you will have a few offers to sweeten the pot.

    Selling your home is a big experience. You have to get the home prepared and looking nice while cleaning. You need to find a good realtor who will work with you and find the best deal. And you need to finish all of the inspections and other work after you accept an offer. But when you have things organized and ready to go, you will find that it is easy to sell your house quickly.

    Related Posts

    Are You Looking to Refinance? Interest Rates Just Went Down Again.

    Posted: April 19, 2021

    If you own a home, chances are high that you’ve been giving some serious consideration to refinancing lately.   Why Refinance?   Everyone knows that mortgage rates have fallen to record breaking lows, but do you know about the “adverse market refinance fee” set to take effect on Sept. 1 2020? This fee will apply […]

    Is a Reverse Mortgage for You?

    Posted: January 27, 2021

    What is a Reverse Mortgage? If you are over the age of 62 and have most of your net worth tied up in your home, but you don’t feel like moving yet and want to stay put in your home, then a reverse mortgage may be the right option for you. It is a loan […]

    Moving is Tough Work if You’re Not Prepared

    Posted: January 5, 2020

    The average American moves 11.7 times in their lifetime. The COVID-19 pandemic has driven many families to consider moving to greener pastures. Now that you have finally decided to move, it’s time to find a suitable moving company. If you’re moving for the first time, it is important to understand how you can prepare and […]


  • Home Office Furniture Review & Sale

    Home Office Furniture Review & Sale

    Working from home is here to stay for many workers across the US. Make sure you have the best home office!

    Large tech companies including Facebook, Amazon, Google and more have instructed employees to plan for remote working at least through the end of 2020 if not longer. Does your home office need an upgrade? Here are a few of our must have items for your home office:

    Chairs:
    Top of the Line: Herman Miller Aeron Task Chair. Known as the ‘King of office chairs’, this chair is as good as it gets. They are on the pricey side, but many of our readers say the investment is worth it.

    On a Budget: Furmax Office Mesh Chair If you’re on a budget, the Furmax office mesh chair is the right move. At $57.99, it’s a bargain when it comes to office chairs.

    Find your Balance: Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair Want to find your Zen? This classic balance ball chair will surely promote your productivity. Priced around $70

    Keyboards: 

    Go Ergonomic: Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard: This is the keyboard to get if you’re looking for an ergonomic keyboard. ⌨️ $67 at Amazon.

    For Mac Lovers: Keychron K2: This keyboard was made with the Mac in mind. With RGB lighting- this keyboard is exciting! $95 at Amazon.

    Ergonomic at a good price: Logitech K350. If you want an ergonomic keyboard, but don’t want to break the bank, look no further. $37 at Amazon.

    Finally- How about something fun?

    The official ‘BS’ Button: Are you tired of all the Bullsh*t around the home office? Let ’em know with The Official BS Button designed specifically with those moments in mind.


  • Work from Home is Here to Stay- Are you Ready to Move?

    Work from Home is Here to Stay- Are you Ready to Move?

    For many Americans, the new realities of working remotely have opened up possibilities for relocation that they had not considered before.  Open House searches are on the rise, and people are figuring out ways to make moves. Our team was curious about where people are moving- here’s what they found.

    On the popular real estate website redfin.com 27% of searchers were looking to move to an area outside of their immediate metro area. In the second quarter of 2020, the most popular places people were looking to move included Phoenix, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Austin and Atlanta.

    Why are people looking to move? Many potential buyers from out of town are now working remotely, so affordable options that include office space, a big backyard, and good weather are now a much higher priority.

    Tech workers are making up a large portion of the new buyer pool. A realtor in Austin was quoted stating that he had buyers from New York, San Francisco and Portland buying homesites in Austin, sometimes site unseen!

    Even areas that have been thought of traditionally as ‘vacation’ towns, or ‘places to retire’ are now also seeing an influx of full time residents with Palm Springs, CA as a perfect example. With nice homes priced between $350k and $600k- it’s no surprise that urban dwellers are ditching their apartments for more space and sunshine.

    Only time will tell if this trend becomes permanent, but one thing is for sure- with the many new realities we all face, considerations about moving are top of mind these days.

    If you are looking to sell your house- consider the following:

    When you are ready to sell your home, there are a few steps that you must keep in mind. Knowing how these steps work and being prepared for them is one of the best ways to get the most out of the sale and ensure that you can get moved out quickly. Some of the steps to take to get the most out of your real estate investment includes:

    Working with a Real Estate Agent

    One of the first things that you should do when you are ready to sell your home is find real estate agents near you. Some people want to go the “for sale by owner” route, but this can take a lot more time and effort to complete than doing it with an agent. Be aware that it does cost a commission, or a percentage of the sales price, to hire a real estate agent. But considering they often take on all the work and can handle the showings, the legal documents, and more, they are often worth it to get results.

    How an Agent Can Help You

    There are a number of benefits to hiring a real estate agent rather than trying to do it all on your own. Some of these include:

    1. They help you list your home at the right price. This helps you to get the highest price possible, without your home sitting on the market forever.
    2. They can present your home in a way that makes it more appealing to potential buyers. You love your home and that is great, but a real estate agent knows how to make it shine to a buyer.
    3. They can bring in more potential buyers. Most buyers like to work with an agent. And many times your agent will already have a list of people who may have some interest in the home. This helps you to get the best offer possible.
    4. They handle all of the paperwork for you. This is one of the most difficult things to do when you try to sell your home on your own. With the help of a real estate agent, you will not have to worry about all of the paperwork and legal stuff because they will do it all.
    5. The agent can get the best offer from each buyer. When the home sells for more, the agent earns more. This incentivizes them to get a better offer on your home.
    6. Can negotiate after the inspection. While you most likely will need to get a few things done on your home after the inspection, an agent will make sure the work is kept to a minimum.
    7. Speeds your closing time. This helps you to get the home closed on and the money in your account so much faster than before.

    Typical Costs for a Real Estate Agent

    There are several factors that will come into play when you have to pay for your real estate agent. Some agents will charge more if the sale price is below a certain threshold and then will lower the rate if the price is higher. Some may have other deals and incentives to get sellers to work with them. The average commission for most real estate agents is 6%.

    Before you sign with an agent, take the time to ask about the commission they will earn. This helps you be prepared and can make it easier to factor in this cost when you finally get an offer on the home. You as the seller will be the one who will pay the commission to the real estate agent. This 6% is often split between the buyer’s and the seller’s agent, but the seller is still responsible for the whole amount.

    Picking a Good Sale Price

    The next thing that we need to take a look at is how to pick out a good sales price for your home. There are a lot of different things that go into determining a price for your home. While you want to get top dollar for your home, you do need to be realistic about what a buyer is willing to pay.

    To determine the price of your home and what to sell it for, you must consider its location, how big the home is, how many rooms and bathrooms, any upgrades, and even what other homes in the area are selling for as well. And since each home is a little different and very unique, this can be hard.

    One way to figure out a fair sales price on your home is to perform a “comps” analysis. This is when you and your agent will look at some of the recently sold comparable homes on the market. While it may be hard to find one exactly like your home, it can give you a better idea of how much similar homes in your area have sold for.

    This is also why it is important to work with that real estate agent we talked about earlier. They know how to handle the pricing of your home and will help explain it along the way. They can take in all of the factors for you and come up with a fair price that is likely to sell your home quickly.

    Staging Your Home

    If you have already moved out of your home and no longer live there, one way to sell it faster is to stage the home. This helps to give your potential buyer a look for how the home can be used and gives them a vision of all the potential in the home. Never leave the home completely empty because this slows down the process.

    List the Home and Start Showings

    When you are ready, your agent will come over and sign some paperwork with you. This helps both of you be on the same page the whole time and can avoid confusion later on. The agent will also take pictures of the inside and outside of the property so they can show potential buyers, both online and in person. It is then time for the agent to list the property and wait for the calls to come in.

    At some point, you will need to show your home. The days of  an ‘Open House’ are gone for now, and most agents will hold private showings. The agent can handle this, but you must make sure the home is clean and ready to go. And you may have to be out of the way for a bit. Sometimes it only takes a few showings and sometimes you may need to deal with quite a few showings. But these are the best way to sell your home. All buyers will want a chance to look through the home and see if it is right for them.

    Accepting an Offer

    At some point, you will get an offer on your home. If the offer sounds good to you, you can accept it and move on with some of the inspections and other things that need to get done. You can also provide a counteroffer to better meet the needs you have if the buyer’s offer is close to your original offer. If the offer is way off, you can choose to decline the offer.

    The offer will often include information on what the buyer expects. They will say what they want to purchase the property for along with the preferred closing date, any inspections they want, and other contingencies. The most common contingencies including the buyers securing their financing and the buyers selling their other home.

    The Different Types of Inspections

    Your buyer may choose to do a few different inspections to make sure the home is safe and secure. If there are some major problems with the house and they are found during the inspection, then you will be responsible for them. Most home buyers choose to do a full home inspection that checks out quite a few different things, but they can also do a few other inspections based on their needs. The most common inspections include:

    1. Pest and rodent inspection
    2. Radon inspection
    3. Chimney inspection
    4. Roof inspection
    5. Lead-based paint inspection
    6. Flooding damage inspection
    7. HVAC inspection

    As we mentioned, the full-home inspection is the most common, though some may choose the others if these problems are common in your area. The buyer will usually put this in their offer so you can decide which inspections you want to participate in ahead of time. The cost of the inspection falls to the buyer. The cost to fix anything falls to you.

    If there are some repairs necessary on the home, you can typically negotiate these. When the buyer has some minimal repairs to do, you may consider doing them and finishing the process. Other options are to offer the home “as is” so you won’t do any repairs or offer a credit for the work to be done. The credit may work if there is a time crunch on the sale and you don’t have time to get it done. Homes sold “as is” often take a lot longer to sell.

    Closing On Your Home

    Once all the inspections are done and you have moved out of the home, and your home buyer has secured their financing, you can close on the home. These often happen at two different times. You will meet with the lender or a title company to sign off on the home and agree to the sale.

    Later, sometimes the same day and sometimes later depending on the schedules, the buyers will go in and complete their paperwork to buy the home. The funds will go to pay off the rest of your mortgage, your real estate agents fees, and any other closing costs that are necessary. Whatever is left will be deposited in your account and can be used for purchasing your new home, paying off debt, or other uses depending on your needs.
    Typical Closing Costs

    There are a few closing costs you will need to pay before you get any money from your home sale. Some of these include:

    1. Any attorney’s fees for writing up the documents.
    2. Credits towards the closing costs that you and the seller agreed on.
    3. Any HOA fees if applicable.
    4. The prorated property taxes.
    5. Any escrow that is agreed on and other closing fees.
    6. Title insurance
    7. Transfer tax
    8. Agent commission.

    There are some other fees that may be required based on the bank you work with and where you live. You and your agent can discuss these fees before closing so you aren’t caught by surprise.

    Are the Rules Different in Each State?

    There are a few things about selling a home that will vary based on the state you live in. In fact, depending on where you live in each state the rules may be slightly different as well. Knowing what these differences are in your local area can be tough, but this is another benefit of working with a real estate agent to get things done.

    First, the amount in taxes you pay will vary based on one state to the next. Some states will require the seller to pay taxes on the home up to a certain point and others will require the buyer to handle this. Some states, including California, have a special tax on any home sold that may add to the closing costs you must work with.

    Most states have requirements that the seller needs to include any information about the property that may deter the buyer from making the purchase. This is often presented to a potential buyer before they even put an offer in on the home. This could include any updates you did on the home, along with any potential problems that you know about.

    You may also need to work with an escrow account. The way that this is used will depend on the state you live in but allows a little protection on both sides. It ensures that both parties know where the money is and they can get it back if things go south during the deal. Talk with your real estate agent to find out if an escrow account is necessary for you.

    Where is Everyone Moving During the Covid-19 Pandemic?

    Due to Covid-19 pandemic many Americans are ready to live the cities and move somewhere more rural. This is great news if you have a home for sale in a rural area as you are more likely to attract a good buyer for a good price.

    In fact, six out of ten Americans have said that they would consider moving to a less populated area. Some may have been considering this before. Some may be tired of living with all of the health mandates. And some see these rural areas as safer areas to be because with fewer people there, it is a much safer place to be right now.

    This is a common trend no matter which state you live in. Rural homeowners who are looking to make a switch and get out of their home into a new one will find that is a sellers’ market and they will do well. In fact, it is likely that you will have a few offers to sweeten the pot.

    Selling your home is a big experience. You have to get the home prepared and looking nice while cleaning. You need to find a good realtor who will work with you and find the best deal. And you need to finish all of the inspections and other work after you accept an offer. But when you have things organized and ready to go, you will find that it is easy to sell your house quickly.

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  • Moving is Tough Work if You’re Not Prepared

    Moving is Tough Work if You’re Not Prepared

    The average American moves 11.7 times in their lifetime. The COVID-19 pandemic has driven many families to consider moving to greener pastures. Now that you have finally decided to move, it’s time to find a suitable moving company. If you’re moving for the first time, it is important to understand how you can prepare and what companies you should work with to help you with your move.

    Our Recommendations for the Top Cross Country Moving Companies in the US:

    1. Mayflower Transit: They have been in business since 1927. You can request a quote from the company and see if it falls under your budget.

    2. United Van Lines: A North American moving company that can help you with the relocation and moving.

    3. Stevens Worldwide: They can help you with the moving. Stevens has 150 offices in the USA.

    4. North American Moving Services: Operates in more than 170 countries.

    5. Bekins: Was founded in 1891, so if the experience is what you prefer in a company, they have plenty!

    There are many more national and local moving companies that can help you with the moving process. Just do a quick search and you would know what’s the most viable option for you. It’s a good idea to learn from the performance of such companies and get an idea of what to look for in a professional moving company. Before you engage- check out our helpful tips to help you along the way.

    How To Evaluate A Professional Moving Company

    Keep the following ways in mind to evaluate a professional moving company:

    Check Online Presence

    You are living in an era of modernization and information technology. It’s important for every company or service provider to keep pace with the fast-changing world. The professional moving company should have an online presence.

    The relevant information about the company should be just a click away. It would help you know whether the company is legitimate or not! As you can see from the list above these reputed companies have an online presence.

    Go Through Official Website

    If you are able to locate a professional moving company, find its official website. Go through the official website to find all the relevant information. See what services the company has to offer.

    Don’t forget to check out the section of FAQs as it would help you understand more about the company. In case of any query, it would be a good idea to contact the company and ask for further information. You can check out the official website of the moving companies mentioned above and get an idea of a professional website.

    Ask For A Quote

    It’s better if the rates are published on the website, but if not then ask for a quote. You can contact the company and ask to provide you an estimated amount.

    When you know what to expect in the pricing, it would become a lot easier for you to maintain your budget. Plus, you can try doing some of the tasks in advance so that you can save some costs. All the companies mentioned above would be happy to give you a quote!

    Check The Experience

    The professional moving company should be registered and official. The company should be experienced in what they are doing! When a company has the required experience and expertise, it would be possible for you to deal with it efficiently.

    You can get information about the experience in the about us section of the website. You can also try searching for the company on Google. It would be possible to find the relevant information about it. Some companies are established for a long time and thus, it would be possible for you to trust more on it.

    Estimate The Cost

    Take help from this moving calculator and see what’s the estimated cost. For example, the average cost of a local move would be $1250 while for the long-distance move it would be up to $4890 for a distance of 1000 miles for a house of 2-3 bedrooms. It can be $25 per hour when you are hiring for hourly services.

    The following factors are included in estimating the relevant cost:

    1.Moving supplies
    2. Moving date
    3.Moving size
    4.Packaging

    Tips On Selecting The Best Moving Company

    For nationally or the local moving, keep the following tips in mind when selecting a professional service provider:

    Check Reviews

    When you are selecting a professional moving company don’t forget to check the reviews online. Such reviews are usually left by the current and past customers and thus, it would give you a clear idea about the user experience.

    Nowadays, it’s possible to get an idea about the performance of a company by going through customer reviews. When you go out to eat or visit a place then through reviews you can have a clear idea of what to expect. Make sure you are checking the reviews thoroughly! However, it is important for you to make sure that the reviews are genuine.

    Ask Friends and Family

    It doesn’t matter whether you are moving nationally or locally. If your friends and family members have told you about a professional moving company then it might become your first priority! What best source of information could be other than your friends and family members. Based on their recommendations, it would be possible for you to select a reliable moving company.

    Gone are the days when it was tough to ask your friends or family members to recommend you! You can take help from social media and ask everyone to let you know about a reliable moving company.

    Check Customer Service

    A good way to know about the professional performance and reliability of a moving company is to get an idea about their customer service. To get this information you can see how they are responding to you.

    Nowadays, information, queries, and answers are just a click away. So when you are contacting a company they should be able to answer you within 24 hours. It would give you an idea of their quick response. Plus, you can also see how they are handling their social media as companies nowadays are focused on being digital.

    Finding Out The Rates Set By Moving Companies

    You might be looking for moving company rates and ways on how to negotiate. It’s important that you are finding information about the rates set by the moving companies in advance as it can help you plan your budget.

    The rates set by the moving company would depend on different factors. Moving to a small apartment would be different from a large house! Thus, the price and rate would be set accordingly. Plus, the moving company would be sending the people to help you with the moving process. There could be a single person, two movers, or maybe three. It would depend on how many people are required for the moving process.

    Pros and cons of fixed-rate pricing versus hourly rates:

    -If you go with the hourly rate, let’s say $25 an hour then you don’t know how long it would take for the company to pack everything and be done with it. Remember- an hourly rate does not incentivize the movers to act quickly!

    -If you go with the fixed price then you would know what to expect in advance. It’s always better to evaluate your options and see what would be an ideal option. In our experience, a fixed cost aligns your priorities with the movers- and that is to move as fast as possible!

    -If you are not interested in packing since you have no time and no idea how to pack then it might seem viable for you to get an estimated cost.

    -For the fixed-rate, the moving company might want to take certain factors into account to quote you a price.

    -If you are moving cross country and considering the hourly rate then it might turn costly for you. Plus, even locally you don’t know how much time would be involved in the moving and what pieces of furniture would require an extra effort in the moving process.

    Hidden Costs

    Apart from all this, make sure you are aware of the hidden costs. It would be a good idea to ask the company in advance what hidden charges are there. It’s possible that you might not be aware of certain hidden charges and when you have to bear the cost, it can be tough.

    Moving is already tough. You must be expecting a change in your life with the whole moving to a new place. If you are shifting to a new city then it might be tough for you and on top of that if a hidden cost incurs then it won’t seem like a viable option to you.

    Tips On Saving Money When Dealing With Moving Companies

    You can save a lot if you are preparing for certain tasks in advance. In fact, it’s always a good idea to take a proactive approach and prepare for as many things as you possibly can.

    Consider the following:

    -You can try packing the items in your house in the boxes. Do it in advance rather than relying on the moving company to help you with the packing.

    -Place the relevant boxes in each room and mark them. Or you can move the boxes together in one area and mark each of them. The moving company just has to grab the boxes and move!

    -You can ask friends and family members to help you with moving. You can rent a van and move a lot of items yourself. Make sure you are aware of how to pack and move the items safely. Let the moving company handle fragile items.

    -You can negotiate with the moving company and try to get the best possible price. It would only be possible if you are doing your homework and trying to collect information about the market rates of the moving companies.

    What To Expect From Movers

    When you are hiring a moving company evaluate the pros and cons. The moving company is hired to make your life easier and your shifting to a new place comfortable.

    The company has to be reliable, trustworthy and should be able to deliver the tasks on time. You have to see if hiring the moving company is worth the cost.

    How To Prepare For The Move

    When you are hiring a moving company, you can prepare for the move in the following ways:

    -Try to get rid of unwanted belongings.
    -Find free boxes to put your stuff.

    -Try to find the deals to make the moving affordable for you.
    -Choose a date that’s less expensive.

    Apart from the physical exertion, you have to be mentally prepared for the big move. Make sure to remind yourself- ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’…and your move may not be done just because the movers are gone!

    What To Do Next?

    Now that you are finally moving it’s time to connect with the best service provider in your area.

    If you are moving to a small apartment then you can ask for a small package or go for the hourly rate provided that the company is giving you suitable rates. You can try packing the majority of the items yourself or moving as many items as possible.

    If you are moving to a large house you can ask friends and family to help you. You can try negotiating with the company to get a suitable price.

    Make sure you are able to get your hands on the best company in the area with the rates that are affordable for you. Always do a little research when you are inviting a company or service provider to your house. You don’t want to hire a shady company or service provider especially when your belongings are too precious. Over the years you have collected these items in your house. You want to take everything in one piece and in good condition for your new place. You don’t want to buy everything from scratch, right! To avoid the fear of stealing or theft, hire a reputable company only. There is nothing more important than your sense of relief.

    The Best Options For The Local or Cross Country Moves

    Depending on where you are moving whether locally or cross country, you can search for a reliable company as per your requirements.

    Consider the following:

    You can check what companies have a great reputation in your area for local moves. Contact the moving company with the best reviews and make your life easier.

    In the same way, you can see what companies are the best for the cross country moves. Do a little research on such companies and check out the reviews left by other customers. Based on your preferences and budget, you can select the one you prefer the most. You can also take help from the points mentioned above.

    You have to see what viable options are available to you. Always aim to find the best moving company with the best price. When it comes to services and peace of mind, won’t you prefer to hire a company that helps in making the moving smooth and relaxes your mind? You don’t want to do everything all by yourself especially if there is already a lot on your plate. Life is not a piece of cake! You have to move on and a good service provider can be of great help in such a time.

    Good luck with moving to a new place!
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