Author: matthewshare

  • Starter Home or Forever Home? Which to Buy?

    Key In Door
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    Buying a home is an exciting and monumental decision. Whether you are looking for a starter home or forever home, there are some key factors to consider before signing on the dotted line. Real estate pro Matthew Share has compiled a list of tips that will help make this decision easier.

    Evaluate Your Current and Future Financial Situation

    When searching for your dream home, it’s important to take into consideration your current and future finances. Factors like income, credit score, debts incurred as well as savings goals including retirement funds or college tuition should be taken into account before deciding between an economical starter house versus splurging on the forever home of your dreams. This will ensure you don’t become overburdened with a mortgage payment that could jeopardize other essential investments in life ahead.

    Factor in the Cost of Home Security

    When navigating the world of real estate, there are a lot of considerations to take into account. From budgeting constraints to proximity and commute times — every factor can contribute in unique ways. But paramount amongst them is security. Making sure your family feels safe when they call their new abode home should always remain top-of-mind while hunting for homes both starter or forever alike. First, learn more about the latest home security systems and devices. Look for reviews, recommendations and troubleshooting tips from industry experts.

    Determine Your Primary Motivating Factor for Wanting To Buy A Home

    When deciding whether to buy a starter or forever home, it is important to determine why you are buying a home in the first place. Are you looking to build equity over time? Do you want something move-in ready? Is it important to have space for entertaining? Answering these questions will help narrow down what type of property may fit your needs best.

    Find the Perfect Starter Home for Your Present and Future Needs

    Money Crashers notes that when considering a starter home, think ahead and make sure that it can easily adapt to your future needs such as expanding the family size or entertaining guests. It is often more cost-effective than purchasing the larger property first. Keep in mind, however, that investing in an upgrade later could entail massive expenses not budgeted for originally.

    Consider The Job Market In The Area

    When making the big decision to buy a starter or forever home, factors such as job market security and wages should be taken into account. Research local industries to gauge employment opportunities that could impact long-term financial stability when relocating away from one’s current location. This information can help inform quality-of-life decisions related to homebuying.

    Make An Informed Decision About Your Home By Comparing Maintenance Costs

    When comparing two properties, The Balance points out that size and age can affect the long-term cost of maintenance. Researching local market trends for things such as insurance rates is necessary before investing in a home, as prices may vary from region to region. Don’t forget about ongoing repairs or renovations that come with owning an older property.

    Secure Your Dream Home With An As-is Inspection By A Professional

    If you’re looking to purchase an “as is” property, it’s best to bring a knowledgeable inspector along. Keep in mind that the value of any home may depend on changing market conditions and other factors like regional zoning laws. By taking these into account for each case specifically, one can make more informed decisions about short and long-term investments.

    Discover Your Top Priorities When Searching For A New Home

    Smart investments can help bring rich returns in the future, so when considering which neighborhood to choose it’s important to take into account the amenities available. Look for quality schools and parks — these amenities are highly sought after, raising property values due to increased demand. Consider what matters most within your chosen community now; this could yield major rewards later on.

    Deciding between purchasing either a more affordably priced starter home or an expensively priced forever home takes careful consideration before committing. Consider different factors including finances, lifestyle accommodations, and community amenities. Comparing costs and benefits is essential to crafting an optimal long-term plan for your home.

    Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org

  • A Business Owner’s Guide to Creating the Perfect Home Workspace

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    If you’re a business owner planning on working from home, you’ve made a wise choice. A home-based business offers many advantages. You don’t have to deal with a commute, which saves you time every day, and you don’t have the added expense of commercial rent. This means you can invest more time and money in your business success. That said, first, you have to set up the perfect home office. This guide from Real Estate for Atlanta explains how it’s done.

    Decide whether to redesign, renovate, or buy a larger house

    If you already have enough space in your home to accommodate an office, you won’t have to take any drastic measures. You simply need to find a quiet space and redecorate it to make it office-ready (more on how to accomplish that below). When selecting a space for your home office, make sure it’s quiet and out of the way. For example, you don’t want to be right by the front door or the kitchen, where people are constantly coming and going.

    If you don’t have a spare room, consider renovating it to create space for your home office. For example, a garage, attic, or basement can be converted into an office space. This is a big project that will require professional help. For example, you need to make sure that any remodeling is up to code. You also need to ensure your own comfort and safety by making sure there’s sufficient ventilation, heating and cooling, and light. Finally, if your home is simply too small to accommodate an office, you can sell your current property and use the profits to invest in a larger place. There are a few key points to keep in mind when house-hunting with the intention of setting up a home office. First, make sure the property has a designated work area. Second, consider whether you’ll have clients at your home. In this case, you’ll want a powder room, a separate entrance, and parking availability.

    Get the right furniture and supplies to keep your office organized

    Once you have a space for your home office, it’s time to start decorating. HGTV has some tips to help, like painting the walls a soothing color, choosing ergonomic office furniture, and accentuating window views with drapes or curtains. Also, if you’re going to entertain clients, set up a seating area. You also want to invest in basic office supplies like paper holders, waste bins, and whiteboards. When organizing your office, prioritize cutting down on clutter, which can create a sense of disorder and anxiety. If you’re going to hold in-person meetings in your office, it’s a good idea to design some business cards. Business cards help to make a lasting first impression on potential customers and create an air of professionalism. They also serve as convenient references for contact information at a moment’s notice. You can try this free tool to create an eye-catching business card. Choose a template that you can adapt to add your own copy, fonts, images, and design elements.

    Find ways to save on your home office space

    Investing in a home office can get expensive, especially if you’re remodeling or buying a new home. Help to keep costs manageable by claiming a tax deduction. The Internal Revenue Service offers a guide detailing who’s eligible for deductions and how to calculate them. For example, you can only claim your home office deduction if you’re self-employed or a business owner, but not if you’re officially employed by a company. (Note: Real Estate for Atlanta is not a tax adviser, and it’s recommended that you consult a tax accountant or CPA for advice regarding home office deductions.)

    Claiming such deductions can be easier if your business is formally registered as an entity like a limited liability company. The requirements for LLC formation vary between states, so make sure to check your area’s guidelines before going ahead.

    The perfect home office will foster productivity while keeping you comfortable. The above guide provides some pointers for setting up the perfect space. With the right space, some new furniture, and some business cards, you’ll be ready to work.

    Real Estate for Atlanta understands that today’s technology-centric real estate market requires agents that not only have interpersonal skills but also have analytical skills which come into play when gathering and analyzing data to advise their clients. You get that and more with Matthew Share! Call 678-520-3113.

    Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org

  • 5 Questions to Ask to Help Seniors Decide How to Downsize

    5 Questions to Ask to Help Seniors Decide How to Downsize

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    While a spacious home with a large yard is often a priority for first-time homebuyers, most seniors are in a season where downsizing makes sense. If you’re considering downsizing or grappling with the how-to of it all, check out this guide from Matthew Share.

    Is Senior Living a Good Fit?

    The first question to ask yourself is whether you’re comfortably able to live on your own. Many older adults find that a senior living facility is the right fit based on medical or mobility needs.

    When contemplating a move to a local skilled nursing facility, compare options to find the best community. Cost may be a priority, as well as good reviews and an ample list of amenities such as on-site dining, housekeeping help, and wellness facilities.

    Should You Buy or Rent?

    For seniors looking to continue living on their own, there’s another decision to make: whether to buy or rent. If you currently own a home, there are perks and downsides to both buying a new property and renting a home.

    Should you choose to purchase a new home, you might need financing, depending on how much your current house is worth. Financing a home in retirement can be a bit more complicated than when you’re working full-time, but it’s not impossible.

    Then, you’ll need to take care of regular repairs, lawn maintenance, and general upkeep. Think about whether you want these responsibilities and if you can manage them both now and in the future. Of course, there are also some possible benefits to homeownership come tax time.

    If homeownership isn’t a great fit at this stage of your life, renting might be a suitable alternative. Typically, renters don’t need to worry about repairs or even outdoor maintenance. Plus, utilities may come included, meaning you don’t need to manage an internet bill or cable subscription.

    Check out rental listings for location, price, and amenities to see if there’s a place that meets your needs.

    Do You Need to Sell Your Home?

    Though selling your current home can free up your finances, you may not want to list the property just yet. There are other possibilities when planning to downsize during retirement; you might rent your home out or keep it in the family. Renting your home might be a financial benefit if the mortgage is paid off (or nearly paid off). Rental income could be a reliable income source, says AARP, though being a landlord comes with complications of its own. But if you decide to make your home a rental, hiring a property manager costs a fraction of the rental price and relieves you of day-to-day duties.

    Should You Keep Property in the Family?

    Keeping your home in the family is another option, should you want to pass the property to a family member later on. There are a few ways you can transfer ownership of a property, namely through a will.

    However, giving someone a home as an inheritance does involve a tax expense. Depending on what the home is worth and who you want to give it to, a private sale might be preferable. Selling a house to a family member may involve a capital gains tax, given the property value and the sale amount.

    Can You Rent to a Family Member?

    Keeping your home in the family via renting it is also a possibility if you’re not ready to sell. Including your home in a trust (so that it remains in the family after you are gone) is one way to ensure someone inherits the property.

    But while you can profit financially, giving your family member a rental opportunity could be beneficial to both parties. However, it’s important to understand the tax implications of rental income, as Chase explains, including fair market value rent limitations.

    The path to downsizing will be different for every senior. Whether you plan to move to a rental or buy a new place, it will take some effort to get moved and settle in. But once you are in your new place, you will be able to enjoy your golden years stress-free.

    When you’re working with Matthew Share, you can be sure that you’ll be guided by an individual with a tremendous ability to analyze and advise while being personable and having fun. Call 678-520-3113.

    Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org

  • A Quick Guide on What to Expect During Your Home Renovation

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    Are you considering renovating your home? Whether planning a minor renovation or a large-scale home extension, you should know some vital information before starting. Review these essentials of home renovation from Real Estate for Atlanta to prepare for what’s to come.

    Ideas for Designing Your Home Office

    A comfortable and productive office is essential for remote workers. Plan for upgrades that encourage you to do your best work. For example, invest in sufficient lighting to avoid straining your eyes from staring at a screen all day. Proper illumination is vital if you work long hours, and studies show that adequate lighting is essential for safety and good health.

    Another necessity is comfortable furniture that encourages good posture. Ergonomic furniture can prevent back pain and other issues associated with sitting in an uncomfortable position all day. Accent the space with hints of bright colors, which studies show increase concentration.

    Add a few decorative details that inspire you and elicit joy. These pieces could be anything from a few family photos to a plant or two. Having things that make you happy in your office will help you feel more positive and motivated throughout the workday.

    The Financial Benefits of a Renovation

    Renovations can positively impact your finances. If you’re planning to sell your home soon, strategic renovations can increase its value. Popular renovation projects like kitchen and bathroom remodels make the most significant difference in selling price. Assess the value by analyzing comparable homes in your area and requesting a home value report from an expert.

    You may be able to decrease your energy bills by making your home more energy-efficient. For example, you could add insulation to your attic or replace old windows with energy-efficient models. If you’re planning an extensive renovation, you may be able to avail yourself of tax breaks and other financial incentives.

    Things to Consider Before Renovating

    Create a workable budget. Initial investments to make the home livable will dictate how much you can spend on other aspects of the project. Determine the scope of the project and your timeline. The timeframe affects everything from the contractor you choose to the materials you use. Also, consider the effect on the family, especially if you need to be outside the home for a while or coexist with contractors moving about the living space.

    Review your skills and be realistic about your skills and abilities if you want to DIY a few things. Don’t take on too much work and risk damaging your home or hurting yourself. Also, consider how adjustments affect other systems, such as your HVAC. If your HVAC system is getting up there in years, it might not be able to handle the increased demand that comes with a remodel. If your system is older than 10 years, you might want to consider replacing it before starting any construction.

    HVAC work is best left to a trained professional. They’ll be able to evaluate your current system and give you a good estimate of the cost to repair or replace it with this tool to help HVAC pros. Dedicated software tools can enable your HVAC pro to quickly create estimates, send invoices, and accept online payments. This means that your system will be fully functional faster and within your budget.

    Thoughts About the Exterior of the Home

    The type of material you use for your siding significantly impacts the overall look of your home. You’ll need to decide if you want something that’s low-maintenance or if you’re willing to put in a bit more work to maintain the appearance of your home. Your roof is another critical factor. While looks are vital, proper roofing materials are crucial to efficient insulation and structural protection.

    A home renovation offers many advantages. You have an excellent opportunity to redesign your home office, boost your productivity, and increase your enjoyment of working from home. Review your circumstances and create an ideal plan for your home renovation.

    Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org

  • Here’s How To Make A Move To Atlanta

    Here’s How To Make A Move To Atlanta

    Moving to Atlanta isn’t as hard as people expect. If you want to make your transition as simple as possible, real estate broker Matthew Share presents some info and a few tips that can help.

    A Quick Look at the Cost of Living in Atlanta

    Overall, the cost of living in Atlanta is moderate, falling relatively close to the national average. While that may be enough to leave you feeling confident about a move, particularly if you’re coming from a high-cost state, it’s still wise to look at a few details.

    When it comes to housing, explore what’s currently available in-market in the various suburbs and neighborhoods first to familiarize yourself with what to expect. When buying a home, finding homeowners insurance in Atlanta is important, as it will cover you in case of disaster. Storms are nothing new in the region, and most mortgage lenders require homeowners insurance no matter where you live.

    It’s always a good idea to look into a home warranty. If you want to see if a warranty is worth it, understand that a home warranty is a useful tool for keeping your home budget safe by preventing you from having to pay for major out-of-pocket expenses in the event one or more of your home systems or appliances fails. It’s worthwhile to explore what home warranty options are available and choose the best one for you and your home.

    In terms of monthly expenses, Numbeo notes that you can anticipate spending around $208 for utilities and transportation costs are pretty reasonable, sitting at $5,509 annually for a single adult or $15,012 per year for a family of four. Healthcare runs $2,583 annually for a single adult, with a family of four paying closer to $7,959 per year.

    Compared to many other states, childcare is affordable in Atlanta. You can expect to spend around $7,782 per year for each child. In-state college tuition is also pretty low, sitting at $4,737 per year according to College Tuition Compare.

    Tips for a Successful Move to Atlanta

    Start Making Connections Now

    Having local connections can make your transition easier, giving you a social foundation for when you arrive. Start building relationships by tapping your network. Find out if any of your contacts have connections in Atlanta and request introductions. That gives you someone you can turn to if you have questions or need advice about the city.

    Joining local social media groups can also be wise. Whether they’re social or professional, it’ll give you the inside track on your new city.

    Finding a doctor is also important, as you’ll want medical treatment and prescriptions to go uninterrupted before, during and after the move. This is where telehealth is so helpful — online platforms are now designed to allow you to consult with board-certified physicians to discuss any conditions you may have, as well as get new medications or prescription refills. The benefits of an online doctor include the convenience of connecting anywhere you have an internet connection, and most major insurance providers cover the service.

    Choose to Move Mid-Month and Mid-Week

    If you want the best price on moving services, select a date in the middle of the month. Additionally, opt for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Those are far less popular times to move, so you’ll have an easier time getting your preferred movers and a good price.

    Keep Your Furnishings in Mind When Choosing a Home

    While focusing on the furnishings you own when considering houses seems odd, it’s a wise move. If some of your furniture won’t fit through the doorways, around corners in hallways, or up staircases, you’ll need to either choose a different place or plan on purchasing replacement furniture.

    Make sure to measure any furnishings you’d like to keep and store those metrics in a note on your phone. Then, bring a tape measure with your during property tours, allowing you to determine if your stuff fits.

    As with furnishings, you’ll want to ascertain what items you’ll need in your new home to get settled in ASAP. Many people choose to leave behind larger appliances like refrigerators as part of the selling agreement to reduce the number of large items included in the move, which means you’ll need to start looking for new items before moving day.

    Start Your Job Search Before You Move

    Generally speaking, you want to have a plan for your career before you start the relocation process. Often, it takes weeks or months to land something new. So, if you aren’t in a remote role that can travel with you, start seeking out opportunities two or three months before you plan on heading to your new state.

    If you want a new career once you move, why not launch your own business? You’ll want to start by writing a business plan. With a business plan, you can set the stage for success. In your plan, outline your company description, funding requirements, selling strategy, business structure, and financial projections. That gives you a solid roadmap, increasing your odds of making your dream a reality.

    Moving to Atlanta is exciting, but make sure you have a game plan ready to go. Research the area, hook up with an online doctor, purchase good homeowners insurance and a home warranty, check out home product reviews, and find a place that suits your budget and lifestyle. Atlanta has a lot to offer — it’s up to you to make the most of it. Contact Matthew Share to begin your home search today! 678-520-3113.

    Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org

  • 6 Tips for Buying a Home While Starting a New Business

    6 Tips for Buying a Home While Starting a New Business

    One important consideration when you’re preparing to start your own business is whether the home you’re presently residing in will suffice to sustain both you and your new business. If your home is too small or otherwise inconvenient, this could limit future business success, and make the work of entrepreneurship less invigorating, and more stressful. You want to feel as free and empowered as possible, during that exciting time when you’re getting your business off the ground. So if your house is holding you back, you may want to look at relocation as a serious option. Here are some helpful tips for how to go about this with minimum stress and expense.

    Know what steps go into starting a home business.

    Before you begin house-hunting for a new home for you and your business, make sure you have a clear perspective of what all will go into getting your business launched. Your first step should be to write up a business plan. Next, you should consider different legal structures for businesses and figure out which will work best for you. Read up on any licensing or certification you will need to operate a business in your industry of choice.

    When you’re moving and starting a business, you’ll have a lot on your plate. Keep yourself organized and on track with a monthly planner template. This template allows you to create a visual representation of every deadline you need to meet.

    Know what you want in your new home.

    Take some time to write up a list of what you need and want in a new home, keeping in mind both your business and your personal life. Some details to consider include location, the number of rooms, having enough space, parking access, and zoning for business. You will probably want to find a house where you can set boundaries between your workspace and your personal space, also. 

    Think about the future.

    Keep in mind that your needs right now may not be the same as your needs five years from now. Do you anticipate a lot of business growth? What about changes to your family size? For instance, you may eventually opt to move your business into a commercial building. If you have kids, they will likely move out at some point. If your needs may change in the near future, you may want to rent for now, and buy later. Also, consider whether modifications can be made to the house you buy if your business or living arrangements change.

    Work with a good real estate agent.

    Having a professional and experienced Atlanta realtor like Matthew Share by your side will make house-hunting and buying a lot easier. When you select a real estate professional who understands your specific needs, it’ll be easier to find a home that can accommodate your family and business.

    How to save when purchasing a home.

    You want to go in ready to make a deposit of at least ten percent, so the sooner you can start saving for a down payment, the better. Think about expenses you can cut for the short term, just to have more cash on hand for your purchase. If you’re considering buying a fixer-upper “as is” to save money, make sure it’s a viable investment and not going to end up as a money drain.

    Hire professional movers.

    You’ve got enough on your plate right now, without having to worry about relocating your entire life and business completely on your own. So look for a good moving company in your area that will look over your home before writing up a moving estimate. Don’t hire a mover who won’t give you a contract in writing, or who isn’t insured.

    Though moving while you’re in the process of launching a business may seem like a recipe for extra stress, the effort you put in now can translate into a more efficient and profitable business later on. So if you’re questioning the suitability of your present residence as a business location, consider relocating earlier rather than later.

    Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org

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  • Should You Move Closer to Help Your Aging Parents?

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    You may notice that your parents need some assistance with daily tasks as they age. They may be having some health concerns as well. However, is it time for you to move closer to them? How can you tell if you are overstepping your boundaries or a good idea to devote more time to their care?

    Deciding when to live nearby requires many considerations, including how it will affect your life and your parents’ lives. You don’t want them to feel like you are taking away their independence. Ensuring their safety without encroaching on their way of life is tricky because they may need more aid than they are willing to admit.

    Things to Look For

    According to a nationwide survey, one in five Americans provide unpaid care for family members. Look for the following critical signs that may indicate your loved ones need additional support.

    Health Concerns

    If your parents have medical problems that require specific care, they may need someone to assist them. Ask them about their doctor visits and assess whether they take their medications as directed. If they are struggling to maintain good health, it may be time to consider moving closer.

    Confusion

    Pay attention to signs of cognitive decline. Not everyone’s memory is perfect, so some forgetfulness is a normal part of everyday life. However, if they seem disoriented completing daily tasks or become upset when they can’t remember something, this could point to a matter that needs attention.

    Lack of Home Maintenance

    If you see that your parents’ home lacks care, they may feel overwhelmed with the requirements of maintaining their property. Even if you do not move nearby, you can help by hiring a maid service or lawn care company.

    To find reliable services when you aren’t local, search for nearby providers and read online reviews to narrow down your options. Discuss your loved one’s landscaping needs with local contractors to get quotes. Be sure to ask them about any current deals they are offering or potential discounts. Look for house cleaning services from senior care companies to find professionals that understand your parents’ unique needs.

    Other Considerations

    If it seems best to live near your older family members, there are many other details to address in addition to their care needs.

    Thoughtful Conversations

    Discuss your moving plans with your parents to see how they feel about them. Do they want you to live close? You do not want to cause discord or make them think you are taking over their lives. Talk to them about their expectations and yours.

    Manageable Property

    Your senior relatives likely live in a house that is bigger than they need. A large house presents challenges that are difficult to navigate and take significant work to maintain. Perhaps your parents should not be climbing stairs, or maybe they have more rooms than they can take care of effectively. You may need to help them find new living options that better suit their current lifestyle. Or you may only need to make a handful of modifications that allow them to safely remain in their home independently.

    If a smaller home is the best solution, Atlanta real estate expert Matthew Share can assist in helping your parents sell their current home and buy a new home. With a keen awareness of the Atlanta real estate market Matthew can point your relatives toward ideal neighborhoods and properties, and guide them every step of the way.

    Moving Process

    To make your move or theirs more manageable, look into professional moving services to eliminate this major burden. You or your parents are likely to have myriad things on your mind with this life change. Finding ways to minimize tasks will go a long way to easing the process for everyone involved.

    Moving closer to help your older relatives is a complex process that can be taxing and emotional for everyone. When you take the time to ensure you are making the right decision and address the essentials for your parents’ care and your own needs, you will all benefit.

    Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org

  • No Showings, No Open Houses Opens The Door To Thrown Away Equity

    In this day and age of mobile tech and “mash button:  get food delivered instantly”, everyone is looking for instant gratification and an easy way to accomplish everything instantly online.  Because of this, there is no shortage of companies attempting to convince people that they are the “new and easier” way to sell or buy real estate.  But, is it really possible to sell your home for full market value without going through any of the inconveniences associated with a more traditional approach to selling?  Unfortunately, the reality is a resounding NO.  If you really think it through, you don’t need to be a trained expert to see why these claims absolutely have to be unsubstantiated.  For profit companies that are offering to buy your home are not going to live in your home after purchasing it.  They are going to put it back on the market and sell it for more than they bought it for and the difference between what they buy it for and what the final occupying buyer pays is how they make a profit.  In spite of this, it is surprising that these companies seem to be getting so many homeowners to take the bait.  Temporarily, we are in a perfect storm situation to allow these companies to profit from the naivete of many unsuspecting homeowners.  Here is why they have become so popular:

    1.  Homes are consistently selling for MORE than comparable sales substantiate:  When a home seller speaks to a real estate agent to find out what their home might sell for, the agent determines that value by looking at recent sales (“Comps”).  This comps-substantiated value is the price that any responsible listing agent is likely to provide a seller.  However, the sellers that choose the traditional listing route are very frequently ending up with a bidding war on their home and actually selling for more than their list price.  In fact, in the past 12 months, Matthew Share has averaged a sale price of 2.7% above full list price for all of his seller clients.  There are many examples of home sellers who have explored offers from one or more instant offer companies prior to meeting with Matthew (not a good idea by the way – it is better to meet with Matthew Share FIRST) and subsequently listed the property. In every one of these cases, the sellers who listed the traditional way ended up netting a minimum of $10,000 more than they would have had they sold it the “easy” way. Hindsight is always perfect vision.

    2.  The effort and time it takes to sell a home the traditional way is over-exaggerated by instant buy companies advertising.  Here’s the truth:  Most listings these days get multiple offers and sell for ABOVE full price in just a couple of days; so the hassles associated with showings are limited to one weekend only and Open houses are not necessary to cause a sale even the traditional way. To really drive this point home, Real Estate For Atlanta is offering 10 day listing agreements; guaranteeing to sell your home in 10 days or less.

    So, ask yourself:  If I offered to pay you $10,000 to have 24 – 48 hours of people looking at your home, would you take me up on my offer? If so, then why would you give up $10.000 or more of your equity just to avoid that very minimal inconvenience for such a short period of time.

    That said, I will admit that there are some circumstances in which it does make sense for a seller to knowingly leave that money on the table; but that would be limited to very specific and less common scenarios. For this reason, you (and anyone you know) should reach out to Matthew Share as a first step (before contacting any instant offer companies who will try to pressure you with an offer that’s only good for a few days. He will learn about your situation and discuss the pros and cons of ALL of your options (including the instant sale) and help you decide what’s best for you.

  • What to Consider Before Relocating for a Career Change

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    People change careers for a number of reasons. Sometimes they’re unsatisfied or unchallenged at work, while other times they’re looking for more flexibility in their careers. For others, their life goals or values may have changed and they need a job that better aligns with their personal philosophy.

    Whatever your reasons may be for changing careers, there’s a lot more to it than you may have initially thought. If you own your home and you’re relocating to a new city, town, or country, for instance, you’ll need to sell your current house while simultaneously looking for a new place to live. You’ll also need to search for a new job within your desired field.

    To help you prepare for the transition, Matthew Share discusses some of the factors you’ll need to consider when relocating for work. Read on to learn all about selling your home and relocating for a career change!

    Your New Career

    Knowing you’re ready to change careers is just the start. To get ready, use a free resume builder to highlight your experience and qualifications in as neat and professional a manner as possible. Next, in order to successfully make a career shift, you need to consider your reasons for changing careers and start searching for a new job.

    Career Jump has loads of free resources on its website, helping you to choose a career that fits your personality and salary requirements — and allows you to use the transferable skills you’ve gained in your former career. You’ll also find advice on job searches, interviews, cover letters, and career development.

    Your Desired Location

    In addition to choosing a new career path, you’ll need to decide where to relocate to. But finding the right area for you will depend on your home buying budget, transportation needs, and chosen career path. You may not need access to public transport if you’ll be working remotely in your new career, but home affordability may be a big factor if you know you’ll be taking a pay cut or relying on savings until you’ve landed a new job.

    Your New and Existing Home

    As we mentioned above, you’ll need to consider your home buying budget when relocating for a career change — as this number determines how much you can realistically afford to spend on the purchase of a new house. It’s also important to think about the cost of selling your current home, as common fees include:

    • Estate agent fees.
    • Conveyancing costs.
    • Early repayment fees.
    • Home improvement expenses.
    • Energy Performance Certificate fees.
    • Removal costs.

    In addition to considering the cost of selling your existing home, you’ll need to think about your home buying wants and needs. How many bedrooms and bathrooms would you like to have in your new home? Do you need a space for a home office? Are you looking for a home with lots of outdoor space, or would you prefer to buy a house with minimal lawn care and garden maintenance?

    Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, a real estate agent like Matthew Share can help you to list your existing property and find a new home in your desired location. Alternatively, you may choose to buy a new home before listing your existing house — or you could rent out your house to one or more tenants.

    Your Moving Budget

    Once you’ve found a new home in your desired location, it’ll be time to start planning your move. And if your budget allows for it, this is when you would hire a removals company to handle everything from packing and transporting your personal belongings to unpacking them in your new home. Or if you’ve already accepted a job within your chosen field, your new employer may offer a relocation package that covers the cost of hiring a moving company.

    The Bottom Line

    From choosing a new career and moving to a different city, town, or country, to selling your existing house while simultaneously searching for a new home, there are so many factors to consider when relocating for a career change. The more help you can enlist throughout the process, the easier your move and career shift will be!

    Today’s technology-centric real estate market demands an agent like Matthew Share who not only has interpersonal skills but also analytical skills which come into play when gathering and analyzing data to advise their clients. Call 678-520-3113.

    Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org

  • Is an Open House Always a Good Idea? Some Points to Consider

    Real estate pro Matthew Share comes with a unique combination of an undergraduate degree and work experience in marketing and sales and a Master’s degree and work experience in computer information systems, all combined to help you sell or buy your next home. Contact Matthew today! 678-520-3113

    Image courtesy of https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-black-coat-standing-near-white-concrete-building-7937214/

    Social media and the relative simplicity of do-it-yourself marketing have fueled the recently renewed debate over whether open houses are still necessary to sell a home. While a big part of your real estate agent’s job is promoting the sale of your home, many sellers increasingly supplement their efforts by posting their listing via social media, which often includes a professional-looking logo created by tools like a custom logo maker.

    There’s a lot of downside to having an open house. You have to clean and arrange your house to an extent you’ve probably never had to before, and then you have to keep it that way. If you have pets, it’s necessary to hide them away or ask someone to watch them while you’re showing your house. It can be a very difficult way to live. After all, you can’t put your life on hold while you make a showplace out of your living environment.

    There are other drawbacks, enough to make anyone question whether an open house is ever really worth the effort and the risk of allowing a stream of strangers to wander freely around your house and poke into every corner, no matter how private. Read on for more considerations from real estate expert Matthew Share.

    Burglary

    Open houses are advertised invitations for people who are bent on stealing, not viewing. Inviting strangers into your house is always an iffy prospect. Having people you don’t know wandering at will while you can’t keep a close eye on them is a recipe for theft. The Day points out that there have been many cases of burglary at open houses in the U.S. in recent years.

    Some thieves will use an open house as an opportunity to get familiar with (or “case”) your home, identify how and where they could most easily enter your home, and decide what they want to take. A professional burglar will leave an open house knowing exactly how to break in without getting caught. Some people simply help themselves to small but valuable objects as they pretend to look through your house.

    Prospects Without Prospects

    You put so much time into preparing your home for an open house that you don’t want to focus on prospective buyers who aren’t qualified to buy, either because they haven’t gotten prequalified or because they simply cannot get a home loan. Lots of people just like to look around because they’re curious or because they’re looking for decorating ideas. When it comes to an open house, there’s really no way of weeding out the unqualified prospects who invariably show up.

    Inquisitive Neighbors

    Do you have neighbors you don’t get along with, or know someone nearby you really just don’t want in your house? An open house is an invitation for anyone to come on in. You can’t hire a bouncer to admit some people and turn others away like what happens at exclusive nightclubs. Curious neighbors want to see how you live and what kind of stuff you have in your home, but they’re certainly not there to discuss purchasing your home.

    On the other hand, you may  well be friendly with your neighbors, and it is certainly true that the people on your street might know somebody in the market for a new home or even be interested in moving themselves. If you feel comfortable doing so, consider hosting a “neighbors-only open house” to at least spread the word your house is for sale.

    If you are planning an open house, Zillow notes there are some things to do to get ready in addition to figuring out how you will deal with the problems mentioned above. If you live in an area that is still dealing with a serious outbreak of COVID-19, you may need to adhere to extra safety precautions.

    There’s really no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to open houses. You may do as well or better with a well-targeted and well-presented online approach. Listing your house online, promoting it through your Facebook page, or setting up your own website are all valid and effective tactics.

    Another Option

    If you really want to host an open house, why not consider a virtual open house?  You will still have to stage your living space and keep your pets out of sight, of course. However, allowing people to see your home without physically stepping foot in it will go a long way towards eliminating the opportunities for stealing, time-wasting, and snooping.

    Content Contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org