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Simple, Savvy Strategies for Keeping Your Rental Property Secure

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Although rental properties are a wise investment, they can be difficult to monitor if you don&’t live nearby or if you have a busy life. Thankfully, there are strategies you can use to minimize the risk of break-ins, theft, and property damage.

Assess the Market

Assessing what security features are expected in the local rental market is essential when preparing your property for lease. One effective method for identifying these expectations is to explore local rental listings. By analyzing similar properties in your area, you can gain insights

into what security measures they have incorporated. This could range from basic features like peepholes and chain locks to more advanced systems like key codes, remote unlocking, and surveillance cameras. Understanding these expectations allows you to enhance your property’s appeal and align with market standards, ultimately attracting responsible tenants who value safety and security.

Install a Security System

The turnover of rentals is high, which makes security and maintenance essential concerns. This doesn&’t mean you must invest thousands of dollars in state-of-the-art surveillance and alarms. You can find a security system that suits your needs and budget or invest in a few essential products—such as smart home devices or a well-placed exterior camera. You&’ll also want to coordinate your security system with the rental platform you use to book guests. For example, they may provide sound decibel monitors and digital locks, so check in with them before

investing in your system.

Know Your Area Codes

To enhance the security of your rental property, consider using a reverse callback service to identify unknown callers before engaging with them. These services allow you to look up phone numbers, helping you distinguish between legitimate calls and potential scams. Familiarizing yourself with various area codes can provide further insight into where calls originate, adding another layer of caution. For example, you can look for info on the 212 area code and see that it&’s linked to New York City, which can help you recognize whether a call is from a local tenant or someone out of state.

Hire a Property Manager

A proactive and responsive property manager can help you maintain your property, screen tenants, organize cleaners, and improve security. Regularly having someone on the property can deter burglars who could be casing the house. If there is any damage to your rental (either

by tenants, weather events, or a break-in), your property manager can address it immediately. This is especially important if you have a vacation rental with a high turnover.

Document Everything

Documenting everything inside your property (e.g., furnishings, appliances, amenities) is a good idea in case of theft or damage. This makes insurance claims a much more straightforward process. While most tenants will be honest and report anything they break, not everyone will. A detailed record of your belongings—including a photograph, the cost, and the manufacturer—can help resolve a dispute if it arises. Be sure to give your property manager a copy of this document so he or she can do regular checks for damage or theft.

Post Emergency Numbers

For a multiplex property, consider posting a list of local emergency contact numbers somewhere visible in a common area. Be sure to include phone numbers for the local police and fire department, as well as your and your property manager’s numbers. You may also want to find a contact who lives next door or on the same street in case of minor issues that can be resolved by someone nearby. Other services to include are your plumber, electrician, and go-to handyperson.

Maintaining the security of your rental property is a multifaceted task that demands attention to detail and proactive measures. By implementing advanced security systems, conducting thorough tenant screenings, and staying informed about the latest safety technologies, you can significantly reduce risks and provide peace of mind for yourself and your tenants. Remember, a secure property not only attracts responsible tenants but also contributes to the longevity and value of your investment. Ultimately, your effort to secure your rental property pays off as a stable, profitable, and safe real estate venture.

 

Author: Manny Seymour

Mastering Your Backyard and Garden: Essential Power Tools for Every Task

Maintaining a backyard involves much more than just watering plants and trimming hedges. To effectively manage your outdoor space, whether it’s a modest backyard in a New York borough or a sprawling garden in New Jersey, choosing the right power tools can transform yardwork and gardening from a chore to a pleasure. This guide will help you navigate various factors to select the ideal tools that make yardwork and gardening efficient and enjoyable.

Assess Your Backyard’s Needs

The first step in selecting the right power tools for your backyard is to understand  the specific needs of your backyard. The size and complexity of your space play a crucial role in determining which tools are suitable. For larger areas, cordless mowers or powerful chainsaws might be necessary to handle extensive landscaping tasks efficiently. Conversely, smaller backyards benefit from more compact, easily maneuverable tools like robot lawnmowers that can handle detailed work without overwhelming the space.

Eco-friendly Options

In today’s environmentally conscious world, opting for eco-friendly tools is more than a trend — it’s a responsible choice. Battery-powered tools like hedge trimmers and lawnmowers are excellent alternatives to their gas-powered counterparts. Not only do they emit fewer pollutants, but they also help reduce fuel consumption and overall running costs. By choosing these greener options, you contribute to a healthier environment while keeping your backyard and garden in top shape.

Understand Noise Regulations

Before investing in new equipment, it’s essential to be aware of the local noise regulations in your area. Many communities have specific rules about how loud backyard tools can be, especially during early mornings and late evenings. Battery-powered tools generally operate at lower decibel levels compared to gas-powered machines and are preferable in noise-sensitive areas. By respecting these guidelines, you ensure a peaceful environment for yourself and your neighbors.

Seek Tool Versatility

Yardwork and gardening tasks vary greatly throughout the year, and having tools that can adapt to different needs can significantly enhance your efficiency. Tools with interchangeable attachments offer an excellent return on investment. For instance, a trimmer that manages edging or a leaf blower that doubles as a vacuum can simplify maintenance. Investing in versatile tools means you need fewer items that save space and money.

Prepare for Seasonal Needs

Each season brings unique challenges and requirements in the care of your backyard and garden. A versatile tool collection should include items like snow blowers for clearing winter snowfalls, robust leaf blowers for autumn leaf management, and reliable hedge trimmers for maintaining hedges and bushes in the spring and summer. Having the right tools ready for each season makes the work easier and protects your backyard from seasonal damage, ensuring that it thrives all year round. Moreover, integrating tools like sprinkler systems can help manage the varying water needs of your plants throughout the seasons, further promoting a healthy landscape.

Ergonomics and Comfort

Working in your backyard shouldn’t be painful. Ergonomic design in tools can significantly impact your experience. Tools that feature adjustable handles, lightweight construction, and padded grips can reduce physical strain, allowing you to work longer and more comfortably. These features are essential for those who spend a lot of time maintaining their backyards and can help prevent fatigue and injury.

Smart Storage Solutions

Proper storage extends the life of your tools and keeps them in good working condition. Assess your storage space and consider solutions like wall-mounted hooks, racks, or a dedicated shed with organizing shelves to keep your tools dry, organized, and easily accessible. Good storage not only protects your tools from the elements but also ensures they are ready to use when you need them, saving time and effort in maintaining your backyard and garden.

 

Choosing the right power tools for your backyard is an investment in your property’s beauty and your own quality of life. By considering your backyard’s specific needs, opting for eco-friendly and versatile tools, respecting local regulations, focusing on ergonomic design, preparing for seasonal demands, and implementing effective storage solutions, you can create a more efficient, enjoyable, and sustainable experience. Remember, the right tools make the job easier and allow you to achieve the best possible results in your yardwork endeavors.

Written by Benjamin Byrne,

starterhomediy.com

Master the Art of Home Renovation

Home renovations are intricate undertakings that necessitate meticulous planning, efficient communication, and well-informed choices. In this guide, we will delve into the essential elements that constitute a successful home renovation. By exploring these facets, we aim to ensure that your next project is marked not only by its seamlessness but also by the satisfaction it brings.

Understand What’s Involved

Before embarking on a home renovation project, it is essential to comprehend its scope and potential challenges. Having a clear vision of the desired outcomes serves as the cornerstone for a successful renovation. By identifying the specific areas that need improvement and understanding the structural requirements, you can streamline the renovation process and ensure that your project achieves the desired results.

Use Home Maintenance and Repair Apps

In our digital age, technology has revolutionized how we approach home renovations. Home maintenance and repair apps have become invaluable tools for connecting homeowners with skilled professionals and accessing available services. These apps provide a platform to review the ratings and read reviews of contractors, making it easier to find the right experts for your project. Additionally, they enable you to obtain estimates from multiple professionals, empowering you to make informed decisions and secure the best value for your investment.

Keep Communication Open

Clear and open communication between you and your contractor is pivotal throughout the renovation process. Ensuring that both parties are aligned regarding your vision, expectations, and timelines can prevent misunderstandings and costly delays. Regularly updating your contractor on any changes or concerns can help maintain a productive and collaborative working relationship, ultimately leading to a successful renovation.

Budget Smartly

Renovations often come with significant financial commitments, making it crucial to establish a realistic budget from the outset. Sticking to your budget is essential to protect your finances and prevent overspending. Accurate cost estimations for materials and labor are essential components of your budget, and they provide a roadmap for managing expenses effectively. It is also advisable to include a buffer in your budget to accommodate any unforeseen expenses that may arise during the renovation process.

Select a Good Contractor

Selecting the right contractor is a pivotal decision in the success of your renovation project. Conduct thorough research into the history and reputation of potential contractors. Seek out references, read online reviews, and request a portfolio of their past projects. This due diligence will not only help you make an informed choice but also instill confidence in your selection, knowing that you have chosen a reputable and skilled professional to bring your renovation vision to life.

Get Multiple Quotes

Receiving multiple quotes from different contractors is a prudent step in ensuring that you get the best value for your investment. It allows you to compare the scope of work, materials proposed, and pricing structures. By obtaining multiple quotes, you gain insight into the range of options available and can make a well-informed decision based on both quality and affordability.

Home renovations can be both exciting and challenging endeavors. To ensure a successful project, it is imperative to start with a clear understanding of the renovation process, leverage technology to connect with professionals, maintain effective communication, etc. These key points provide a comprehensive guide to navigating the intricate journey of transforming your home into the dream space you envision. By following these steps, you can embark on your home renovation journey with confidence and achieve the desired results that enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your living space.

Benjamin Byrne

starterhomediy
starterhomediy.com

A Pre-Move Checklist for a Career-Related Relocation to New York City

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While a career-related relocation is exciting, moving to a new city is challenging, too. Luckily, it’s easier if you get your ducks in a row ahead of time. If you’re moving to New York City for work, here’s a quick pre-move checklist to help with the process.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

While NYC isn’t the largest city, that doesn’t mean the location you choose for your new home doesn’t matter. There are many different neighborhoods across the city, each with its own feel, personality, and amenities. As a result, you want to focus on the right area.

How you determine which neighborhood is best may depend on your priorities. Another critical part of the housing equation is preparing for a purchase. Make sure to check your credit scores,

organize paperwork lenders may want, choose a reliable real estate agency, and outline your budget to determine what you can realistically afford.

If buying isn’t an option, renting is a great alternative. You can scout homes and apartments online, allowing you to find opportunities in your price range in cities like Tallahassee and Santa Rosa Beach that come with the right features, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and location. Plus, you can use 3D tours to narrow your options when searching for apartments.

Outside of housing, you may want to look at New York City school ratings if you have children. That way, you can choose a property in an excellent school district. Access to amenities – including preferred grocery stores, healthcare providers, or recreational areas like dog parks – might need to factor into your decision, too.

Step 2: Preparing Your Stuff for the Move

Before you worry about packing or finding movers, you need to make sure your stuff is ready to move. Spending time decluttering is essential. Otherwise, you may pay to relocate items you don’t want. Along with pumping up the cost of your move, it means dealing with property you prefer not to keep when you arrive in New York City.

Find a simple decluttering strategy if you’re not sure where to begin. The KonMari Method is always a solid choice, allowing you to focus on items that bring you joy.

Along the way, also take an inventory of your items and record videos or take pictures to show their condition. Damaged, lost, or stolen belongings are potential negative outcomes of moving. By having an inventory and proof of condition, you may have an easier time receiving proper compensation from the movers if something goes wrong.

Step 3: Hiring the Right Service Providers

While you could try to handle the entire relocation process yourself, that can be incredibly stressful. Generally, it’s better to hire service providers to lessen your burden. That way, you get critical support and can focus on other crucial activities relating to your new job.

The service provider you’ll need could vary based on your situation. For example, if you are an entrepreneur, using a formation service to establish your new business in NYC is a practical necessity. (If needed, you can use this popular formation service’s guide on how to start a company to help get your venture off the ground.) Or, if your house is damaged in any way, you may need home repair professionals to deal with any damage before selling or moving out.

Hiring house cleaners may be a wise move in any situation. They can help you pass a move-out inspection on a rental or ensure the home is in great shape for buyers. If you’re flying to New York City, or have multiple vehicles, a car shipping service may be a necessity, too.

Step 4: Managing the Timing of the Move

In many cases, Niche points out that one of the hardest parts of moving is getting the timing of all of the activities right. That’s why you’ll want to have a calendar dedicated to your move, making sure you don’t overlook something critical or run into other scheduling problems.

Step 4: Preparing for the Job Market

Moving to a new area can be exciting and daunting all at the same time, especially when looking for a job. Take some time to research what types of jobs might be available in your area and get an understanding of the local job market. Professional networking is another great way to meet people in your field and find out about job openings so don’t be afraid to sign up for local professional events or join online networking groups.

Updating your CV is an important part of finding the right job. Take some time to review it and make sure it accurately reflects your current skills and experience. Utilize online tools to create a professional, clean looking CV that stands out from the crowd while also ensuring all relevant details are included (this may help if you’re looking for a good option to explore). If needed, get a friend or colleague to give you feedback or ask a recruiter for advice on how to write and format your CV in the best way possible.

Taking the time to plan and prepare for a career-related relocation to New York City is an important step in ensuring that your move goes smoothly. With the proper pre-move checklist in place and a clear understanding of what you need to do before, during, and after your move, you’ll feel more confident and ready to tackle whatever new opportunities lie ahead.

Author: Linda Chase, AbleHire

How to Make Your Rental Property Stand Out

House interior
Image: Pexels

If you’re an investment property owner, you know that the appeal of your rental will be one of the deciding factors when it comes to maintaining a successful operation. If you take the time to make your rental more appealing, you could have more interested renters and potentially increase your profits.

To help you get the most out of your investment, we put together the following tips to help make your property more attractive to potential tenants:

Invest in Popular Amenities

When people are searching for a place to rent, they want amenities that match their lifestyle and interests. Features like upgraded appliances, washer/dryer hookups, high-tech security systems, etc., can all make a rental property even more desirable. Be sure to research which amenities are popular in the area so that you can offer them to prospective renters.

Modernize Your Property

Property owners should also consider making modern modifications when attempting to create a more appealing rental space. Updating flooring or painting walls with trendy colors and patterns can give properties a fresh new look and feel. Adding storage or additional living spaces can also increase the viability of potential renters who may require extra space for their belongings or family members.

Make It Sparkle

If your investment property is well-maintained but has seen better days, it might be time to give it a thorough deep cleaning. Cleaning carpets, scrubbing floors, and wiping down surfaces can remove dirt and grime that’s built up over time. It’s important that any deep cleaning is done professionally in order to ensure the best possible results.

Consider Security

Investing in security features for a rental property is a smart decision. Ensuring that the property is well-protected can not only save you time and money in security repairs but also provide peace of mind for both yourself and your tenants. Installing locks, surveillance cameras, and motion-activated lighting are all great ways to ensure the safety of your property. Investing in these features now will pay off greatly in the long run.

Spruce Up Curb Appeal

When it comes to renting out your property, having curb appeal is essential. Not only will it attract potential tenants, but it will also boost the overall value of your property. Start by making sure that any landscaping is neat and tidy and that all of the building’s features outside are in good condition. Add a few potted plants or planters to add color and texture for an inviting entrance. Don’t forget about making sure pathways, driveways and walkways are clear and unobstructed so

people can easily access the rental property. These small details make a big difference in how your rental property is perceived.

Hire a Property Manager

Another important part of running an investment property is deciding whether hiring a professional property manager would be beneficial for managing

day-to-day operations such as maintenance requests and collecting rent payments on behalf of the owner(s). Depending on the size and scale of your rental business, there could be great cost savings associated with hiring a qualified property manager who can handle these tasks efficiently and effectively without having too much impact on the budget.

Market Your Rental Effectively

In today’s digital age, social media has become increasingly important when it comes to marketing rentals successfully online where most potential tenants are looking for their ideal living situations. Utilizing platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter while using visually appealing infographics can help draw attention from potential renters who may not have heard about your listing otherwise. When designing infographics, turn to free online tools since this may help you get a better feel for design if you’re a novice.

Form an LLC

Forming a limited liability company (LLC) for your rental business is a smart decision. LLCs provide owners with the necessary legal protection from personal liability in the event of any regulatory or contractual issues. In addition, forming an LLC allows you to keep more of your profits and enjoy certain tax benefits that are not available to sole proprietors. Furthermore, filing as an LLC signals to potential tenants that you offer a legitimate service and have taken all the necessary steps to protect their interests when leasing from you.

Through implementing some of these rental property improvements, landlords can make their properties more inviting and attractive to potential tenants. With a little bit of effort, they can make their properties stand out from the crowd and ensure that their units are filled with quality tenants. By following these tips, landlords can give themselves a competitive edge in the rental market and make sure their investments pay off for years to come.

Author: Tina Martin, Ideaspired

How to Find Success With House-Flipping

Flipping properties for profit can be a lucrative business if you’re knowledgeable about the process of renovations and repairs. The key is to educate yourself on what you need to look for in a fixer-upper, how to calculate a budget, and how to tell which renovation tasks are best left to the professionals.

Know What You’re Looking For

A major factor in your success as a home flipper will be your ability to find a property with great potential that may not look like it at first glance. It will also be essential for you to understand what you should stay away from. Many flippers choose fixer-uppers that need a lot of work because they are less expensive than the other options, but this also means you’ll likely have major repairs on your hands that will inflate your expenses. Not only that, you may get stuck with a house that has structural issues, which can be extremely difficult to fix. Do some research on what you’ll need to look for, and be sure to add a bare minimum of 35% to your budget to account for costly, unforeseen repairs to the electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC system. This will also come in handy should you come across mold or insect infestations.

Make the Right Additions

While knowing what to look for is crucial, it’s also important to know what buyers will be searching for when they’re touring properties. Updating the kitchen is a great way to draw interest, and this can be done without breaking the budget by adding laminate flooring, a do-it-yourself tile backsplash, or an attractive range hood to the stove that will ventilate grease, smoke, and odors. These are great examples of updates that won’t put you over budget but will make a big impact on potential buyers.

Explore Your Funding Options

Once you know what kinds of changes you want to make to your property, you’ll have a good idea of how much funding you need. Buying in cash is always ideal; it enables you to get a better value, spend less time under contract, and carry zero debt during your renovation process. Taking out a loan can be a complicated process, so if you have not saved up enough capital to buy in cash and insist on taking out a loan, prepare as much as possible by boosting your credit score and getting all the relevant paperwork together. There are several loan options available and they may vary according to which state you live in and whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, so explore every avenue before making a decision.

Grow Your Business

Property flipping is a business and should be treated like one from the onset of your venture. Forming an LLC, S-Corporation, C-Corporation, or other pass through entity can provide tax benefits while protecting your personal assets in the event of litigation, but you’ll also need to consider what your operating agreement will be. This document will be shared with the state and will establish how you’ll run your business, but it will also prevent costly misunderstandings by clearly stating the duties and obligations of both yourself and your partners.

Buying a property in order to fix it up and flip it is a big decision, and the process can be expensive and time-consuming if you’re not well prepared. Do your research, arm yourself with the right resources and tools, and get the help of pros for certain tasks to avoid any issues.

 

Author: Kelli Brewer, DeployCare

How to Install a Sports-Centric Backyard With Ease

If you are one of the many who purchased second and third homes with lots of land in rural and suburban areas in the Covid era, you may be considering the many ways to utilize your newly found copious outdoor space. Installing your own sports-centric backyard is a noteworthy achievement, especially if you’ve managed to make it as extreme and as thrilling as possible. But what if you’re only in the beginning stages of considering it? Here are some helpful tips on how to get started.

Permits may be required

If you are planning on making your outdoor playground as special as possible, then you’ll probably requirepermits to have your bike track or go-kart track installed.

Check with your neighbors

If you are thinking of installing a noisy dirt bike track in your backyard, then it would probably be best to check with the neighbors first to see how they feel about it before you go ahead with the project.

Check how much space you’ll need

Suppose you’ve gotten the necessary approvals as far as your neighbors and permits go, you’ll also need to check that the space you have is sufficient for building on and that there is enough space between the tracks as well as length-wise if you are intending on building a dirt bike track, for example.

Check the drainage

If you are planning on building up in terms of piling layers upon layers of soil on top of one another, you’ll need to check that drainage doesn’t become an issue. This could result in muddy, waterlogged soil that could even be unstable in places if left unchecked. This is where a professional grader’s services can come in handy to ensure that the soil has been layered correctly with proper drainage to allow water to drain correctly.

Repairs and maintenance

If you notice during your project that your paving requires repairs, then it might be a good idea to have this done before you start hosting backyard gatherings to celebrate your new backyard sports installation. Obtain quotes from reputable more than one concrete contractor. Furthermore, be sure to read up on reviews to ensure you’re making the right ch

Pay attention to the lighting

Indeed, you’ll also need to pay attention to the type and quantity of lighting to be installed in your background sports ground. However, this can be quite a complex and technical task that you can get more insight into by reading case studies regarding lights for football stadiums, for example. Moreover, it should help you understand what the ideal lighting should ideally be for a large outdoor project versus a smaller one and what lighting should be used indoors versus outdoors, etc.

The benefits of starting your own extreme outdoor project

Of course, creating a sports-centric outdoor project, whether it be a basketball court, a climbing wall, or a go-kart track, has its advantages, including the most obvious – not having to pay to enjoy your favorite extreme sport; having the opportunity to perfect getting really good at it, as well as getting to experience that sense of accomplishment that comes with building something of this magnitude on your own terms.

Building out your dream sporting backyard is sure to be a project that requires careful planning, especially concerning safety, and having ample lighting will make it successful no matter the time of the day or night.

Author: Danny Knight, FixItDads

How to Make Room for Your New Business in Your New Home

While living in a home is one thing, operating your business from home is another thing altogether. For one, you’ll probably need to have a larger property to separate your business from your home life. But there are other considerations to think about too. So, if you are planning on moving, here are a few tips to help you make room for your new business in your new home.

Selling your property and buying another

First, you’ll need to concentrate on selling your existing home (unless you plan on owning two or more properties) and getting the best price for it. You’ll also need to consider the housing market and whether your property is likely to stay on the market for long or sell quickly, as this will impact your moving timeline.

Estimate what your new mortgage will be, or better, plan to buy in cash

Purchasing properties in cash is always ideal. But, if purchasing in cash is not possible for you and you have no choice but to finance a property, before you decide on a home, it is best to estimate the cost of your new mortgage. To do so, you could use a mortgage calculator to help give you an indication of what this would be. Then it’s about concentrating on getting pre-approved for a mortgage loan ahead of time so that you can rest easy knowing that you have the funds available to purchase a property to your liking.

Think of a wish list for your new property

When deciding on your new property, you should ideally take some time to think of a wish list for your new home, as you will have to consider your business’s requirements too. For example, having a home with two separate entrances and exits might be helpful if you don’t want clients making their way through your home to your home office. Furthermore, you may want to think of having extra parking bays and an additional guest bathroom for clients when they are visiting, etc.

Making the necessary arrangements

Suppose you are planning on moving out of state, and you want to find out what registering your LLC in a new town would entail, then you could opt to use the services of a formation company to help you with the legalities of such a move.

Marketing your new business

Of course, you will want to get the word out there that there is a new business in town and how people can go about finding you. Facebook ads are an excellent tool to use if you want to place a quick advertisement online, notifying people in the area that you have a new business you want to introduce. Furthermore, you can create a Facebook ad quickly and easily with a Facebook ad maker that you can customize even further with your unique brand logo, colors, styling, fonts, etc. You could even put up a YouTube video, for example, highlighting what’s to come in your new location. Furthermore, you won’t be shy of an audience should you decide to use YouTube to market your business, as this marketing platform receives nearly 30 million visits daily.

Indeed, finding a home for your new business will be quite the journey. However, it’s not impossible to find a property that will suit you and your business to a tee. Besides, a change could be what your business needs to grow exponentially, especially if you’re willing to put in the marketing efforts to make it even more successful.

Author: Tina Martin

5 Tips for Planning a Successful Move to a Big City

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The excitement of moving to a new city can quickly become overwhelming when you think about everything you need to do to prepare. The best place to start is to get organized and create a plan. These tips can help you pull off the start of a new life successfully.

1. Do Your Research

To adjust more efficiently, learn as much about your new home as possible before you move. Do research on the cost of living and the quality of life in the city. Do you plan to have a family or already have children? You’ll want to know what resources are available for them. Consult with a reputable real estate professional. They can help you find the perfect place and save time you might waste searching for a neighborhood you wouldn’t enjoy.

2. Consider Starting Your Own Business

Think about starting your own business. One of the benefits of moving to a big city is the power of a larger, more diverse population. If you have a niche hobby you could turn into a business, you may finally have an audience to make it lucrative. Before you commit, be sure to create a business plan that includes everything about your business. Talk about the services or products you will provide, how you plan to structure the business, what funding you will need, and what your financial projections are for potential investors — or better yet, simply be your own backer and take on no debt.

3. Budget for the Move

Make your move as easy as possible by planning ahead. Budget for a moving company. A full-service company will save you a significant amount of time by packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking your things. You can spend the time you save focusing on your new business and researching your neighborhood. Additionally, proper budgeting can help you avoid overspending. The cost of living is typically much higher in an urban area.

4. Plan to See Some Attractions

Work in some self-care during your move by doing some sightseeing. For example, you can’t go to New York City without taking in a game at the famous Yankee Stadium. You don’t need season tickets for the Yankees; it’s easy to find tickets at discount prices online. Simply filter your search using the date, price, and seat rating selections to get the tickets that fit your budget. You can even see the view from each ticket using a 360-degree in-seat virtual seating chart. Don’t forget to check out Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge for some stunning photos.

 

As you adjust to life in the big city, remember to give yourself flexibility. You may have days when the changes seem to overwhelm you. However, if you maintain the understanding that those feelings will pass, you can stay on top of your emotions and enjoy your new home.

Author: Julia Mitchell, Outspiration

 

Your Guide to Laying Down Roots in a New State

The decision to move to a new state can be both overwhelming and exciting. The great news is that if you’re considering a big move or even starting your own business in a new place, you’re far from alone. The global pandemic has caused a big surge in changes in the careers and lifestyles of people all over the world. Below are a few tips to consider if moving to a new state and, specifically, if you plan to start a new business.

Become Part of the Community

Even if your business will be run online and won’t have a brick-and-mortar shop, the truth is that being affiliated with your local chamber of commerce, or Rotary Club, and having a reputation for sponsoring local events, is an ideal way to build brand loyalty at the local level. Calling ahead and letting people know you and your new business are coming to town is a great way to start your new life.

Not only will your direct involvement with the locals mean you have a place to turn for events like a grand opening or online reviews, but establishing your business and being known for a certain service or product will also lead to making new connections that could be mutually beneficial to you and other business owners. When meeting with key players, be sure to share your business plan that includes details on the structure of your operations, your mission, and your services. You’ll also want to think about funding sources and financial projections ahead of time for a better chance of success.

Identify Key Services and Costs

When moving to a new place, it’s a smart idea to identify services you’ll need ahead of time. From finding a reputable moving company to creating a list of companies like appliance repair service providers, local contractors, and HVAC professionals, you’ll be in better shape if you know who to call in case of an unwelcome surprise. Especially if you plan on doing home or home office renovations, having key contacts on hand before your move will take the stress out of your transition.

Be sure to also research the cost of living, which includes things like real estate, education, and entertainment, before your move. If you’re moving to New York, it’s important to know that the median home value is around $878,000. Obviously, the price will fluctuate based on where you look at properties.

Find New Medical Services

Moving to a new area means finding new doctors across the board for your family. This isn’t terribly difficult, but it can be tedious. Especially when you’re first getting established. Your insurance will be able to point you toward local providers who are in network, but often it can take several weeks to get an appointment.

If you need to connect with a doctor before you’re able to meet with a new GP in person, consider telehealth as a viable alternative. With platforms designed for virtual visits, you can make your next doctors appointment online, and often book a same-day visit with a board-certified physician. This ensures you can meet with a doctor to discuss any issues or prescription needs from your computer or smartphone. It’s an ideal option until you can establish regular local care.

Peace of Mind

Whether you plan to move to a new state to retire or hope to open a new business, identifying key services, engaging with your new community, and finding medical care are all great ways to have a stress-free transition.