How to Decide Where to Live: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Move

Choosing a new city or town to live in is a big decision that involves many factors. Whether you’re looking for a home to rent or buy, you’ll be placing your money on the line when you move, investing in what will hopefully be a happy future. In addition to monetary concerns, convenience and peace of mind will come into play when moving. So, before you jump into a new neighborhood, take time to see if it meets your expectations in terms of the kind of life you’re looking for.

Here are 10 questions to ask before you make your next move...

1. Is the area close enough to important people and places in my life?

Consider the people you want to see most often. Is your potential new home close enough where you can grab coffee or lunch together, or meet for other gatherings? What about your doctor’s office or kids’ school? Work and place of worship? The people and places we spend most of our time at should be near enough that we don’t need to disrupt our day and life when frequenting them.

2. Is the city or town too close to what I want to avoid?

Do you despise traffic, loud noises, paid street parking, and miles and miles of concrete? The situations, scenarios, and scenery you want to avoid should ideally be far from your home. So, as you decide where to move, consider the proximity of everything. Make a note of fire stations, late-night pubs, busy roads, commerce centers, and transit stops. If these kinds of things excite you, take up residence nearby. If not, choose another location.

3. Will this place make it easy for me to work?

If you’re looking for a new job in your new city, research the job there market first. Are positions available for what you currently do? If you’re starting a new business, is there demand for your product or service – and are taxes and policies business-friendly? Keeping your current job? What will the commute be like? These are all important questions to ask when deciding where to live.

4. How much will it cost to live there?

In addition to researching home prices in an area you’re considering moving to, check out the cost of living. What types of charges will you typically incur in your potential new city? There could be parking fees, road tolls, or business fees. You might find that some cities generally have higher gas and groceries costs and higher prices at restaurants and service-oriented businesses. Remember to factor in how much you’ll spend getting to work or going places you enjoy.

5. How much control will I have over what I can do to my property?

If you’re looking for a home you can almost entirely make your own, you probably don’t want to choose a house with a homeowners association (HOA). HOAs typically have strict rules on what you can and can’t do to your property. But, if you’re happy with a generally well-kept home with communal benefits, this situation might be perfect for you.

6. How walkable is the area?

Do you like to minimize the time you spend in your car? If so, look for a walkable city close to grocery stores, cafes, entertainment, and public services like schools and parks. Are space and privacy important to you? If you answer yes, you might not care so much about a city’s walkability but instead place value on remoteness.

7. Is there green space and nature close by?

Studies show that exposing yourself to green spaces and nature has many health benefits. So, if you want to be healthy, ensure you can access open green spaces and natural surroundings within an easy walk or commute. If you have a dog, enjoy hiking, or like spending time outdoors, don’t overlook the importance of parks and wilderness in your potential new city.

In addition to these questions to ask yourself when deciding where to move, consider the following.

8. What kind of climate can I expect?

Do you love four seasons or enjoy a more temperate climate?

9. Does the city or town meet my safety and security needs?

Your safety and security needs will revolve around whether you have children or pets or live alone.

10. How important is it that I feel a sense of community?

What community centers or groups are close by? Does the city hold seasonal events or fun gatherings?

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What Is an A-Frame House?

If you've ever searched for a cabin rental or come across a house or rental listing with a picturesque mountain view, you've likely spotted an A-frame house. Named for their A-shaped appearance, these homes not only serve an aesthetic purpose, but also a practical one—but they're not common (or even popular) in all regions. If you're on the market for an A-frame house, here's what you should consider when it comes to maintenance and resale potential...

A-Frame House Features

With their unique shape, A-frame homes have a characteristic exterior—plus a floorplan that's unheard of in colonial, ranch, or split-level homes.

"A-frame homes are shaped like a triangle or the letter A, with four walls beginning at the foundation and meeting at a pointed roof," says Scott Reid, a home exterior expert at Angi. "They're known for their steep roofs, which usually extend to the ground."

In addition to their signature steep roofline, you'll notice lots of windows, typically dotting the entire front of the home. "This provides great natural light and terrific views," says Laura Bierman, an interior design consultant at YouthfulHome.com, a home services finder. "Floorplans are open and casual."

That pitched roof makes the home ideal for areas with frequent rain and snow. "The advantage is that the snow doesn't sit on top of the house, it kind of slides down," says Beatrice de Jong, broker and consumer trends expert at Opendoor, a home buying service. "But we see them a lot in places like Palm Springs and where that midcentury style is popular."

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, A-frames can be incredibly practical. "A-frame homes have a simple form, making them easy to build with a small team of contractors," Reid says. "The A-frame design tends to be more naturally energy-efficient than a traditional house, and stronger, thanks to the structural integrity of the triangle shape."

Maintenance Considerations

Because A-frame homes have so many windows, you'll want to keep an eye on their condition to avoid exorbitant heating and cooling costs. Hot air rises, but it can also be difficult to trap indoors in winter in a home with older windows. "The high ceilings and glass surfaces make an A-frame more costly to heat," Bierman says.

As such, de Jong suggests replacing windows with double-paned windows if you can afford it, to contain hot and cold air depending on the season. And while an A-frame's roof is designed to allow precipitation to roll off, there is more roofspace overall to maintain.

"Because A-frame homes tend to have about 20% more exterior surfaces, it can be difficult to fix a few shingles or patch a leak on the roof," Reid says. "Many homeowners have found durable metal roofs easier to maintain. If you need to fix a few shingles or patch a leak, it's best to hire a pro to do the job for you so you don't hurt yourself."

Keep in mind, too, that A-frame homes can be harder to clean inside. "The high ceilings make it difficult to clean surfaces, fans, lights, and windows," Bierman says. Bierman also points out that A-frames are usually made of wood, which means a potential for termite infestations. (Fortunately, this threat is easily mitigated with regular pest control visits.)

Resale Potential

Unique A-frame homes aren't for everyone, but the right buyer will have their eyes peeled for these gems. Those buyers likely value the home's unique design and its prized features, such as the vaulted ceilings and abundant natural light afforded by floor-to-ceiling windows.

But there are some concessions to be made when purchasing this home, particularly when it comes to space.

"[A-frames] have less interior space than the typical home because the exterior walls are steeply sloped," Reid says. "This unique architecture also means they generally have less room for storage. If you love interior decorating and hanging photos, you might find the sloping walls challenging. A-frames also leave less headspace, which may be uncomfortable for taller people."

A bigger family might not want to live in a home with minimal storage and a bedroom that opens up to the rest of the house (which is often the case with the top floor of an A-frame: These spaces are typically used as lofted bedrooms), which could limit your resale options.

"The open floor plan usually means that the primary bedroom is on the top floor but open to the rest of the space, so privacy is minimal," Reid says. And as mentioned previously, heating and cooling bills could deter new buyers.

But don't let these factors prevent you from enjoying an A-frame. "Their unique architecture and living and wall space can make it harder to sell as a full-time property, but they could be a great investment as a rental property," Reid says. "A-frames can be great as a short-term or long-term vacation rental, but full-time living in one can be difficult."

NMLS ID 394275 | DRE ID 01769353

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What Is an Open House?

If you've ever listed your home for sale or driven by a newly listed home, you've likely heard about (or seen signs about) an open house. An open house is an invitation to the public to view a home to generate interest and offers in a newly listed property, and a well-attended open house can lead to a speedy sale.

Whether you're on the market to buy or sell, here's what you can expect during an open house. What Is an Open House? Open houses are held to generate interest, attract potential buyers, and help the agent selling the home, says Hao Li, broker with HouseSigma, an AI-powered online brokerage.

"When a seller lists a property for sale, the seller's agent will often hold an open house where anyone who's interested can come inside and tour the home at their own leisure," Li says. "Open houses usually last for about two hours and are normally held over the weekend." An open house lets prospective buyers and their agents have a look at the property during a designated time, which makes coordinating visits easier on the seller and can attract more people all at once.

"The expectation is that buyers who are in the market for the type of property being offered would be able to view at their convenience," says Julie Longtin, broker-owner of Cityside Properties in Providence, Rhode Island. "You do not have to go through the formality of scheduling a private appointment."

While the goal is to sell the property at hand, agents are also looking to connect with prospective buyers who attend and might be selling their own homes down the road, Li says. Open houses are usually held soon after a home is listed for sale. "Seller's agents will typically hold open houses the first weekend of a new listing to capitalize on interest in a fresh, just-hit-the-market property," Li says.

Wait much longer to throw an open house, and chances are most potential buyers have already come across your property and either viewed it or ruled it out. Still, an open house can also revitalize interest in a property that's languishing on the market, especially in a highly competitive market.

"Agents are typically holding more open houses than usual for the same listing because listings are sitting on the market longer," Li says. "Buyers are taking their time during this real estate cool down. In general, there are fewer buyers and fewer bidding wars, so homes just aren't selling as fast."

In 2021, an open house could end in multiple offers—not so today. "Buyers are taking their time," Li says. "They no longer feel the need to rush to put in an offer. So sellers will have to be patient and actually wait for days for offers to come in, if any."

Even if an open house doesn't generate an offer, Longtin says it usually offers a real estate agent a ton of information they can use to adjust the listing price or make fixes to the home, especially if they're asking buyers the right questions. "How well is the property received? Is the property priced right? How does it show to the average person? What are the pros and cons of the subject, and how does that affect the market value? A successful agent would have the tools and the dialogue to gently extract this feedback," she says.

How to Prepare for an Open House as the Seller

Sellers preparing to hold an open house should prepare the way they do for any showing by cleaning, removing personal effects, and leaving the house on the day of the event.

"The best way to hold an open house is to hire an agent who offers staging," Li says. "Clean the property, make sure there's plenty of light and a comfortable ambiance, and tuck personal items out of sight. Especially family photos. Buyers like to picture themselves in the home, so pictures of the current owners hanging on the walls don't help that image."

Longtin stresses that cleanliness is most important on the day of an open house or any showing. "A clean and immaculate property both inside and out is always received better than the alternative," she says. "Make it smell as good as it looks! The more comfortable you make the environment, the longer people stay, the more success you will achieve."

On the day of the event, make yourself (and any family members, children, and pets) scarce and let your agent handle the rest.

"Sellers should stay away during the open house. Resist the urge to peek at what's happening, and whatever you do, do not set up hidden cameras," Li says. "You don't want potential buyers finding a hidden camera and submitting a complaint."

Don't worry if you feel your home gets lots of traffic from folks just browsing for fun. "We all know that the 'Nosy Neighbor' may attend out of curiosity. Not to fret," Longtin says. "Neighbors may have friends or family members who may be a candidate, as well. So, when it comes to open houses, the wider the net, the more fish you can catch!"

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Reasons to Use the Rainbow Method to Create a Vibrant Home

Bright splashes of color can brighten any space and make it more vibrant. Some organizational experts are also using the rainbow method to create a highly organized, visually pleasing home. People living amid order instead of chaos can truly enjoy the beauty of their place and add bursts of color at the same time. Organizational gurus Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin came up with the concept of the rainbow method for their television show, “Get Organized With the Home Edit.” The two used the order of rainbow colors —red, orange, yellow, blue, green, indigo and violet — to create visual appeal and functional organization. 

Those who've watched the show saw the duo help actress Reese Witherspoon organize her home with the color pattern. They have shared that the rainbow order is pleasing to the human eye and is user-friendly. Because people see rainbows in nature, their brains recognize the pattern and understand it. The bright colors add a lot of cheer, even to boring and drab areas of the home, such as a closet. 

To use the system to get organized, homeowners should follow these steps:

Step #1: Group Items

First, people should group similar items. If organizing a collection of toys, the categories might include stuffed animals, hard toys, and collectibles or special items that aren’t played with.

Step #2: Sort Into Piles of Each Rainbow Color

Each group should be organized into separate rainbow color bunches. All the blue stuffed animals go in one pile, all the yellow in another and so on. For colors that fall outside the rainbow, the “Home Edit” stars suggest making a separate pile. 

Step #3: Place Items in Rainbow Order

The final step involves planning where to store items, purchasing organizers and arranging the items in rainbow order. Plan to use the rainbow method on open shelving, bookcases and other visible places where organized items can be easily accessible and add to the room’s aesthetics. For example, an over-the-door stuffed animal organizer allows the homeowner to show off favorite toys. Place them in like colors, with all reds at the top left, and go through each color of the rainbow. It’s best to line items like books on shelves based on the cover color and where they fall in the rainbow rather than by size or type. 

Creating an organized, functional and aesthetically pleasing home creates a soft place to land for the people who live there. It becomes easier to find what one needs when hunting for an item. Some of the reasons to use the rainbow method specifically include:

1. Create Fun for Kids

Teaching children early in life to stay organized and put things where they belong can serve them well as they enter school years with more intense studies and demands. Following the rainbow helps them know where to locate what they need and how to put things back where they go and stay organized. 

2. Transform a Storage Area

Storage areas are traditionally rather drab, featuring gray-colored totes and similar bland hues. However, ordering things like a rainbow changes that. Clear bins show what’s inside and the lineup of bright hues can draw people in and make the entire storage experience more exciting. It will become a decorator’s showcase rather than boring. 

3. Combine With Other Methods

The rainbow method combines with other organizational techniques easily, speeding up the decluttering and revamping process. Approaches like the 12-12-12 organizing method, in which people find 12 items to throw away, 12 to donate and 12 to return to their proper place allow for decluttering. The rainbow method gives them a chance to make things they do keep aesthetically pleasing. 

4. Locate Items Quickly

Organizing items by color makes them easy to find. For example, someone who needs a red hat for a special occasion can go to where the hats are stored and locate the red section. 

5. Encourage Mindful Consumption

It’s easy to buy more than what’s needed. However, when things are organized, it’s easier to know what’s on hand and double-check before buying. Doing so avoids waste and overbuying. Source

Get Clear on Needs vs. Wants.

Buying a home can bring many emotions mostly excitement but planning ahead and knowing what you want is key to making the experience less stressful! It’s tempting to think your first home is your forever home, but the truth is, it likely isn’t. So don’t feel like you need the perfect home right off the bat, because you can always upgrade later. For now, you just need a house to fit your current season of life.

Sit down and list out the three to five things your house absolutely must have, focusing on the true non-negotiables. For example, maybe you need to live close enough to commute to work every day, or maybe your pets need a fence.

Then, write down a few “wants” that could be the cherry on top of your first home. A swimming pool? Granite countertops? Enough bedrooms so your kids don’t have to share? It’s up to you!

Just know that you probably won’t be able to get them all, and make sure to share your list with your real estate agent.

Okay, you’ve got your shopping list in hand, so now it’s time to do some research and find your first home. Here’s what to keep in mind as you start your search:

• Get ideas online. Find homes you like online and send them to your real estate agent so they get an even better idea of what you’re looking for.
• Research neighborhoods for the best fit. Instead of running around the whole city looking for a house, narrow down your search to just a few areas. Remember, real estate prices are all about location, location, location. Look into crime rates and the quality of schools.
• Think long term. Like I said, you probably won’t live in your first home forever, so make sure to buy one you can resell down the road. Buy in your neighborhood’s lower price range and learn about the local economy. Are home prices rising or falling? Are businesses booming or closing?
• Be patient. Finding the right house takes time. More than likely, you’ll look at several houses and make several offers. That’s just part of the process. So be patient and proud of the fact that you’re willing to wait for the right house—not settle for the wrong one. Source

Why Changing Your Door Locks Is Essential After Buying a New House

Closing on a new home may be one of life’s most thrilling events! After weeks, or maybe even months, of house hunting, researching neighborhoods, putting in offers, and waiting for approvals – the search is finally over. There’s just one more major task to complete before you can start unpacking those boxes and fully settle in: getting your door locks changed. You might be surprised to find out that most homeowners don’t think twice about this essential safety measure. One of the first things you should do after buying a new house is get your locks changed. You never know who might have a copy of the same key to your new house or who might have had access to the lock system at some point. Even if you trust the previous owner, there’s no reason to take any chances. A professional locksmith can complete the task securely and swiftly, allowing you to continue your to-do list while they work.

Perhaps you’re wondering why this is one of the most crucial tasks you should complete following the closing of your new house. This article will explain a few key reasons why changing your locks should be at the top of your priorities.

Here are some top reasons to change the locks on a new home;

The Previous Owners Did Not Hand Over All the Keys

You may want to trust the previous owners at their word if they seem honest and straightforward. The upstanding character of the last owners, however, is not sufficient to guarantee whether or not you have all copies of your new home’s keys. Consider, for example, that they have resided in the home for years and have lost track of how many real estate agents, nannies, housekeepers, neighbors, relatives, dog sitters, friends, caretakers, repair technicians, security firms, and so on that have copies of the old keys. There is no telling how many keys to your new home are floating around out there. The best way to protect your house, family, and belongings is by changing the locks as soon as possible after you take possession.

There Could Be a Master Key Out There

Even if your home is brand new and you are the first people to live in it, there isn’t any assurance that the locks are safe from a third party. If you’ve recently purchased a brand-new house, there’s a good probability that the locks are master keyed, which is a typical practice for many property developers.

All of the houses in one block, for example, may be accessed with a single key that fits each lock mechanism, as it is easier for home builders working on multiple homes at the same time in the same division. Subcontractors are frequently given access to a master key system, which means they can enter any of the homes as well.

To Keep the Insurance in Force

If you are robbed because you were using outdated locks and someone had the keys, your homeowner’s insurance claim may be void. Before they pay the claim amount, most insurance companies will want to see evidence of forced entry.

It won’t be labeled as a forced entry if someone uses an old key to open your front door and enter the premises. Instead, it will be deemed a case of owner negligence. Make sure you change your new home’s locks if you want your insurance to remain valid in case of a burglary!

For Peace of Mind

The most important reason to always change the locks after moving into a new home is for your own peace of mind. Even if you trust the previous homeowners and they have no history of crime, it’s still wise to take this safety precaution. It only takes a few minutes for the professional installation of new locks, and it’s a small price to pay for the comfort that comes with knowing that your home is secure.

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How to Stage Your House for Sale

When selling your home, first impressions aren’t just kind of important — they can make or break a sale. That’s where home staging comes in. Staging is more than just tidying up or rearranging your furniture and painting over a few worn spots; it’s a strategic process designed to highlight the best parts of your home and spark a connection with those who might be looking to buy it.  And the effort is worth it — according to the National Association of Realtors, 81% of buyer’s agents report that staging makes it easier for buyers to picture a property as their future home. By carefully and thoughtfully preparing each space, staging allows buyers to picture what it will be like to live there, ultimately increasing the likelihood of a faster and more profitable sale for you.

Whether you’re planning to stage your home on your own or bring in a professional, these 10 tips for staging a home will make your home stand out in a competitive market:

1. Declutter every room

Less is truly more when it comes to staging. A clutter-free home feels open and inviting, giving buyers the impression that there is more space and, therefore, the house is more valuable. Pack away non-essentials, clear busy countertops, and organize closets for those casual peeks. If you’re short on storage, renting a temporary storage unit can help. 

2. Depersonalize the space

Someone looking to buy a house wants to be able to imagine it as their own, so you’ll want to remove yourself from the equation. Minimize family photographs, personal keepsakes, and distracting bold decor. Aim for a more neutral atmosphere that appeals to a broad audience.

3. Deep clean like a pro

A clean house sends a strong message that it has been well cared for without needing a top-to-bottom remodel. Scrub floors, clean baseboards and ceilings, and dust those spots you usually ignore. Don’t want to do it yourself? Professional cleaning services can be a worthwhile investment. 

4. Hide evidence of pets

Pet ownership shouldn’t distract from what makes your home shine. Temporarily tuck away pet items like beds, bowls, and toys. You’ll also want to address any lingering odors and consider having carpets professionally cleaned to ensure freshness. If you know a buyer is coming by to check out the house, it might also be worth it to temporarily board your pets or have them stay at a friend’s or neighbor’s place.

5. Maximize lighting

Bright, airy spaces tend to feel more welcoming than darker areas. Open up the blinds or curtains, replace low-wattage lightbulbs, and add table lamps if your rooms are feeling a little dim. Strategically placed mirrors can also amplify the light and create the illusion of more space. 

6. Make the living room inviting

Buyers tend to form their very first impression upon stepping into the living room, so focus on staging the living room to make it as inviting as possible. Arrange furniture to promote conversation, add a cozy throw blanket or some pillows, and use subtle decor to make the space feel warm and functional. 

7. Showcase the kitchen

The kitchen is another area of your house that can make or break a sale. Keep the counters free of clutter, polish up or put away appliances, and add simple touches like a bowl of fresh fruit or a flower bouquet to lighten up the space. A spotless, welcoming kitchen can make your home even more irresistible to the right buyer. 

8. Stick to neutral colors

While you might appreciate bold wall colors and quirky patterns, they aren’t always as big a draw to potential buyers. Neutral tones, like soft whites and grays, provide a blank canvas that lets those looking at your home visualize their own style in the space. 

9. Boost the curb appeal

Often overlooked, the exterior of your home can be just as important to homebuyers as the inside. That’s because the exterior sets the tone long before the buyer enters. Mow the lawn, freshen up landscaping, and update entryway touches like doormats, door signs, and potted plants. A power-washed driveway, walkway, and outer walls can make a huge, near-instant difference. Here are some ways to boost your curb appeal.

10. Define unused space

An empty room that has no real defining traits can sometimes confuse buyers. Instead of leaving it empty, stage it thoughtfully — a home office, a reading nook, or even a small indoor gym can demonstrate the potential of every square foot of your home. Source