Category: Home Buying

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

December 8, 2022
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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March 16, 2022
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

March 7, 2022
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
February 23, 2022
The Getting Started Guide to Real Estate Investing
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Are you considering diving into real estate investing? Congratulations! This is the first step toward a stronger financial future. As you begin, it’s essential to consider your options and to survey the landscape. First, there are your financial options. Since most people get into real estate investing for the chance to build wealth, financing is a crucial piece of the puzzle. Once you find your financing, the type of property you buy plays into your financial options and what you can do with the property. Ready to learn more? Atlanta Realtor Matthew Share offers the following guidance for those new to real estate investing.

Getting Real with Money

Conventional financingoffers the most common option for real estate investing. But you’ll need at least 20% of the investment property’s purchase price for a down payment, as well as a good credit score. Another option is a Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loan if you don’t qualify for conventional financing. There is a catch — to be eligible for an FHA loan, the US government requires you to live [there] for a minimum of 12 months. So, either you live in the property for a year then rent it out — or, if you purchase a multi-family property, you could live in one of the units while you rent out the rest.

Getting help from investors or wealthy individuals through hard money loans or private money loans provides another way to get into the real estate market. A warning, though: Hard money loans are asset-based, so you’ll need to put up collateral. Lastly, there are home equity loans and lines of credit — essentially, using the equity of your current home as collateral for a second mortgage. While this is a risky move, it does allow you to use this loan for the down payment for the new property mortgage.

Property Types

When you stop and think about it, there are plenty of options for getting into rental real estate investing. Choosing the property type involves knowing how much and how you’ll get your financing, what you plan to do with the property, and how much you will be involved (or can afford to hire help) in managing the property. Your options include:
- Single-family homes
- Multi-family dwellings
- Condos and townhomes
- Commercial real estate
Single-family homes are great if you’re just getting started as an investor and especially if you plan to live in it for a time. This makes any improvements you make on the property more worthwhile. For instance, putting up fencing around the property is a sound investment when it’s put in place to keep your family safe — and will continue to reap dividends when the time comes that you rent out or sell the property.

For rental properties, a multi-family dwelling like a small apartment complex may be more feasible. Though it can be harder to get the financing because of the higher purchase cost.

A condo or townhome offers similar advantages to the multi-family dwelling — plus a homeowner’s association (HOA) and possibly a property management company included. Be careful, though — before you buy, check with the HOA because some may prohibit you from renting out your unit. Having to fork over homeowner dues can also drain on your cash flow. Lastly, commercial property can be much easier to manage and have longer leases in a completely different type of rental property. But while those leases are longer, you may have extended vacancy periods between tenants, so it adds a different type of risk.

Remember This is a Business

At the end of the day, managing an investment property comes down to running a business. And as a business owner, you have paperwork and legal issues to attend to. For starters, you’ll want to register your business with the state. There are several entities to choose from, but an LLC will be your best bet. This type of entity ensures your assets are protected and provides additional tax benefits. You’ll also need an LLC operating agreement Georgia designation with the state. Once you finalize your registration, you will receive an EIN number (your tax id), and this enables you to open a bank account or even hire employees when the time comes.

Whichever way you decide to manage your finances, put together a strong financial plan, and remember that this applies to more than your mortgage. Investigate and research your options to choose what is suitable for your budget, risk comfort levels, and how you want to be connected to your property as the landlord.

Are you ready to find the perfect rental property in the Atlanta area? Then connect with real estate expert Matthew Share to guide you through your property search. Call today! 678-520-3113

Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org
October 26, 2021
Downsize the Easy Way with These Great Tools and Apps

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With so much technology available today, it’s tempting to unplug instead of learning every new gadget and app on the market. However, while the learning curve can often feel intimidating, there’s a lot to gain when you take advantage of new technology. Take these downsizing apps and tools for example! Once a dreaded task, modern technology has made the moving process easier than ever. This guide from Real Estate For Atlanta offers insight on how technology can help you sell your old home and settle into a downsized house the easy way, regardless of your age!

Downsizing Resources

Downsizing is a daunting task; fortunately, modern technology can help, and the following resource list can help point you in the right direction. So, charge up your smartphone and prepare to take advantage of some of the best sanity-saving tricks.

Apps for Moving: The Only List You Need

A great list of resources to use before, during and after your move.

The Top Apps and Sites for Selling Your Stuff

Declutter your home (and sell your old things) before putting your home on the market.

20-Plus Best Places to Sell Stuff Online and Paid Quickly

If you’re looking to declutter and make money from the items you’re purging, find out what options exist for selling your items online and locally.

How to Sell Your Home: A Checklist

Wondering how to slice into your massive task list? No worries! Use this checklist, and then create a feasible timeline to accomplish everything on your list. Consider setting up calendar reminders on your phone to help you stick to your goals.

Search for Rental Properties Online

If you’d prefer to rent a new place, as opposed to purchasing one, use websites like Rent.com that can help you find exactly what you need at a price that suits your budget.

Simple Tips for Impressive Real Estate Photography

Follow these tips to produce beautiful photos of your home right on your smartphone.

Work With an Experienced and Skilled Realty Firm

Maximum One Greater Atlanta Realtors has the knowledge and experience to move your home off the market as quickly as possible and for the best price.

Downsizing Resources For Seniors

Seniors face unique challenges when it comes to downsizing: they’re presented with the monumental task of moving on top of physical and emotional factors. Below is a list of resources specific to seniors to help simplify the moving process:

7 Ways to Make Downsizing as Easy as Possible

It’s important to approach the moving process with the necessary sensitivity in order to reduce the emotional tension involved.

Technology Can Help Seniors: Here’s How

While some seniors embrace technology, others may run from it. Either way, technology can help during the moving process and has many other benefits as well.

5 Ways Technology is Making Moving Easier

Basic technology assists the tasks involved with moving; learn how here.

The Best Phones for Seniors

If a new phone or plan is required to take full advantage of available technology, you’ll want to first find the phones that are best suited for seniors.

You may long for simpler times, but doing things “the old-fashioned way” is rarely easier. If you’ve been avoiding downsizing because of the hard work involved in packing up and selling a home, take advantage of these resources. You’ll spend a little time learning the new technology, but it will pale in comparison to the time and stress that you save during your downsize.

Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org

October 7, 2021
Home Features That Millennial Home Buyers Love

By Linda Zhang

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Want to target the largest group of homebuyers? Make sure its technology is up to date, inside and out. Technology is a big part of homeownership these days and a crucial selling point for millennials. Before putting your home on the market, consider a few upgrades that will attract younger buyers. People between the ages of 21 and 38 are now settling down and looking to start a family. They want a low-maintenance, modern house with an inviting community and neighborhood. Here are features that millennial homebuyers will love.

Outside

https://www.pikrepo.com/fyfyt/white-and-brown-wooden-house-on-green-field-with-trees-and-purple-flowers-landscape-photography

If the lawn and landscape aren’t attractive, chances are potential buyers won’t even bother to look inside. Start with a well-manicured lawn, ornamental trees and flowers, and a few time-saving gadgets to pique interest.

The first thing a would-be buyer sees is the front lawn, flower beds, lights, mailboxes, and trim. Maintain the lawn and landscape: Mow, weed, water, and edge every week. Trim back overgrown trees and shrubs. Pinch off dead flower blooms. Younger homeowners, busy with jobs and raising kids, don’t have spare time for fixing up and working in a high-maintenance yard.

Outdoor solar lighting and roof panels are of interest to environmentally conscious millennials. Solar lighting draws the sun’s energy into the house to reduce utility costs and wear and tear on the environment. Solar-powered appliances, fans, water pumps, and generators will save them money and save the planet. A moisture-sensing automatic sprinkler system is pricier, but also saves time and water.

Artificial intelligence and smart gadgets are a draw for young homebuyers. You can add inexpensive security cameras, pool heaters, lights, locks, doorbells, and window sensors that are controlled from apps.

Room for Rover

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1598630280000000&usg=AOvVaw0SAoBrYkBOyIxdlCMny2Ya&hl=en&source=gmail

The majority of millennials own at least one dog, so having room for Rover to run is a must. Make sure your fence is in good shape so buyers know their pets will be safe.

Inside
Convenience and space are big draws. A large, wide kitchen with ample counter space is essential for cooking, eating, and socializing. The kitchen is now a place to hang out. Why not wire it for a television or stereo system? It’s not always possible to knock down walls, but you can update the kitchen with energy-efficient appliances and light fixtures.

Because bathrooms and bedrooms always get the most traffic, they need an occasional update. Remove old vinyl flooring. Replace rusty toilets and faucets. If shower doors cannot be cleaned well, then it’s time for new ones. Tear off dirty wallpaper and paint in neutral colors. When it comes to closets, the bigger, the better! While there may not be much you can do to make closets bigger, you can remove the clutter from them before a
showing.

Home Office
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of millennials preferred to have the option to work from home. It’s a trend that’s sure to continue after the pandemic passes. Show off the versatility of your house by dedicating a room for office work, home projects, bill-paying, game-playing, and social media. Add a table for powering up phones, laptop computers, and tablets. Wi-Fi is essential today, and buyers will want to
see how strong the signal is inside the house.

Inside Smart

Buyers may want to add smart features, and they’ll want to know which features you’ve already installed. A smart home has one or more of these specially designed items:
● App-controlled thermostats
● Indoor security cameras
● App-controlled air conditioners
● Color changing light bulbs
● Automatic lamps

● Smoke detectors
● Smartphone wall outlets
● Modular lighting panels

With more smart gadgets coming to the market every year, homebuyers will want to be ready for them.
Depending on when your home was built, chances are it needs a facelift to keep up with today’s newer models. Smarten up the place with a few well-placed gizmos that tell buyers this house is up to date and ready to be lived in.

When Linda Zhang isn’t redoing one of the rooms in her own house, she’s writing about home decor and other real estate issues.

August 27, 2020