3 Benefits of Owning vs. Renting Your Home

Are you tired of throwing away money on rent every month? It might be time to begin the process of purchasing your own home! While renting a living space might offer some short-term convenience and flexibility, there are numerous benefits to owning a home that many people overlook. Today’s blog will explore just 3 of the many advantages of owning versus renting your home. If you have been debating between renting or buying, keep reading to discover why investing in a home could be one of the best decisions you make for yourself and your future financial goals!

Long-Term Financial Stability

Owning a home is not only a dream come true for many, but it can also provide the much-needed financial stability we all crave. When you own your home, you have control over your housing costs, so you can accurately plan your future expenses. There’s no need to worry about paying rent each month, and you won’t need to stress that your landlord will increase your rent at renewal time. Additionally, owning a home means you can invest in necessary improvements and upgrades that can increase your property value and help protect against potential financial losses. While it might seem daunting, achieving financial stability through home ownership can be as simple as completing daily bunion exercises.

Investment Potential

Investing in a home has long been considered a smart financial move. Not only does it offer the stability of a permanent residence, but it also has the potential to build equity and increase in value over time. Homeownership allows realizing this investment potential and can become a valuable asset for building wealth. Unlike other investments that can go up and down, real estate values tend to increase, providing a steady return on investment steadily. By owning a home, you build wealth for yourself and future generations, making it a bright and long-lasting investment decision.

Customization and Personalization Opportunities

For many homeowners, owning a home means having the freedom and flexibility to make it their own. From simple updates like a fresh coat of paint to more extensive renovations, the ability to customize and personalize a living space can bring tremendous pride and satisfaction. Whether it’s creating a space that reflects personal taste or meets functional needs, the options are virtually limitless. From knocking down walls to installing new fixtures, there’s no denying the immense sense of ownership and accomplishment of creating a unique home.

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3 Cheap Cities in the United States You Should Consider Moving To in 2023

In 2023, the cost of living will be higher than ever in many cities around the United States. It is an expensive time to be alive, from high rent and mortgage prices to increased prices of goods and services, including gas, utilities, and groceries. If you are finding it increasingly difficult to afford to live in your current city, it might be time to call up the professionals at Black Tie Moving and plan to relocate to another city. Keep reading to learn just a few of the cheapest cities in the United States that might be the perfect destination for those looking to save on the cost of living in the future.

Great Falls, Montana

Montana is one of the most beautiful states in the country. With breathtaking mountain views and endless opportunities to explore some of the most gorgeous natural wonders in all of the United States, many people dream of moving to Montana. The good news is that it is possible to make the dream of living in Montana a reality for those wanting to live on a tight budget, thanks to the low cost of living in beautiful cities like Great Falls. Located in the center of the state and just east of the Rocky Mountains, the cost of living in Montana is 14% lower than in other U.S. cities, making it the perfect destination for those on a budget.

Lima, Ohio

If you work in the fields of healthcare or manufacturing, you are likely familiar with this smaller Ohio town. In addition to being a hub for professionals in both industries, Lima is also a city with a meager cost of living in comparison to other similarly sized cities, with rent, utilities, and other living expenses costing 47% less than other American cities. In addition to the low costs of living, Lima also has three major universities located within city limits and has plenty of entertainment and activities for residents to do, despite its smaller size.

Rockford, Illinois

Located just 90 minutes from Chicago, Rockford is a midsized town known for its booming economy, low unemployment rates, and lower cost of living compared to other cities in the area. If you want to relocate within the midwestern United States and want to save a considerable amount of money on the total cost of living, Rockford might be your perfect destination.

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4 Financial Upsides of Downsizing (And 5 Lifestyle Benefits)

Living large is as American as apple pie, so downsizing might not seem the most traditional lifestyle choice, but it’s been catching steam lately. It comes with countless perks, including financial and lifestyle-related benefits, so getting on the downsizing bandwagon might be worth considering.

For starters, the savings you can pocket from switching to smaller living are not negligible. Nationally, the proceeds from trading a 4-bedroom for a 2-bedroom home range around $196K, taking into account prices, closing costs and 10-year property taxes. Savings can be much higher if you’re making the move in one of the country’s most expensive markets. In San Jose, downsizing can result in savings of around $777,000 per move.

Let’s take a closer look at the most notable financial benefits you can count on if you’re taking the smaller living route.

Live in a cheaper house

This is probably the most obvious perk, but it’s worth stating: When you downsize, getting a smaller home will cost you less, translating to lower monthly payments and less interest paid over time if you’re going for a mortgage. If you are able to pay for it with cash, you’ll basically be mortgage-free henceforth.

Increase your cash flow

Selling your current, larger home and going for a smaller one allows you to tap into your  home equity. You can use this in various ways to help yourself going forward:

• Reduce your debt

Whether you’re looking to pay off  the new home or your student loans, that extra cushion of cash can help alleviate some of the debt you might have incurred over time.

• Make an investment

If you’ve paid off your new home and you find yourself having a bit of extra cash, you could invest in a property portfolio. Real estate is a well-known source of passive income – rent out that extra property and wait for the income to come in! A new car or another essential possession are other ways to use your extra funds.

• Contribute to your retirement fund

If you’re debt-free, use some of the equity to invest in your future. Go for Roth IRAs and pretax retirement plans to help build an additional financial cushion for when you leave the workforce. Even small yet consistent dividends can make a huge difference over time!

• Offer financial support to your children

If you’re a parent to mature children, you could use some of the savings resulting from downsizing your home to lend your kids a helping hand. It could be a down payment for their new home — in today’s competitive market, they are sure to appreciate the help!

Reduce your taxes

As homes are taxed based on their value, you’ll qualify for different taxes if you downsize. Your smaller home is likely to cost less, which means you’ll pay less in property taxes. You can use the extra cash however you see fit.

Cut down on utility and maintenance costs

With a smaller home come reduced utility bills. There’s less room to heat during the winter and cool during the summer. That translates to lower electric, gas and water bills. You might still have the occasional maintenance expenses, but with less square footage, there’s less to fix. Moreover, if you have a smaller yard, landscaping will also cost less.

Besides the numerous financial benefits, downsizing also comes with a slew of potential lifestyle perks.

Find the ideal space for you

Think of your new home as a blank slate that allows you to start over and create the ideal living space for you. Keep the possessions that represent you and dispose of the rest – toss or donate them. Keep your new space breezy and airy to make the most of your new life. To help you do that you can keep seasonal and bulky items away from home instead of having them clutter it up – or worse, have them get damaged if you keep them in an area of the home that’s not air conditioned. That can harm sensitive items if you live in a hot and humid climate such as the South. If, for instance, you live in Space City, renting a Houston self storage unit to keep sports items and clothing is a great way to protect them when you’re not using them.

Reduce cleaning time

For most people, cleaning is an unwelcome chore. And the bigger the house, the longer this task takes. When you move to a smaller home, you get the unexpected perk of less cleaning time because there’s less space to tend to. This leaves you extra time to do activities that you like and to enjoy life more.

Embrace a more minimalist lifestyle

Cutting down on living space is a great way to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle. With less space to keep stuff in, you’re less likely to buy it. This will help you change your shopping habits from food and clothing to various household items.

Enjoy more family quality time

This is an unexpected perk, but it makes sense. When you live in a smaller home, it’s easier to congregate in the common areas and spend more quality time together as a family as opposed to living in a larger space which naturally makes people spend time alone.

Spend more time in your forever home

If you’re downsizing prior to your retirement years, you’re much more likely to live in your new home when you reach that time. It will mean you’re less likely to move later in life so you can comfortably live in your forever home and grow old here.

Essentially, living smaller will get you access to a more relaxed lifestyle, with less financial burdens, and will help you be more focused on life experiences.

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How to Save Money on Utilities

Utilities are one of those expenses that you don’t think much about until the bill comes and you
can’t believe you used that much energy. Simple things like turning on the lights in the morning,
taking a shower, washing dishes, and so much more use energy that you have to pay for every
day. However, there are a lot of ways you can reduce your utility bills and save money each
month.

Create Zoned Heating and Cooling

If you live in a larger home you probably have rooms in your house that you don’t always use
such as a guest bedroom or extra bathroom. If you are rarely spending time in these rooms,
they don’t necessarily need to be kept at a temperature you are comfortable in. instead you can
close the doors and vents in these rooms so that you aren’t wasting energy heating or cooling
them. This is called zoned heating and cooling because you are creating active and inactive
zones within your house. If your heating and cooling systems do not have to work as hard as
they normally would to regulate the temperature in rooms you don’t use.

Keep Your Vents Clean

Keeping your vents clean and changing the filters regularly is another important way to make
sure that your heating and cooling systems are not being overworked. If you don’t take these
measures, the vents can get clogged and blocked by dust and debris and they won’t be able to
work as efficiently so you should change them at least once a month. In between changing
them, you can use a vacuum to clear out any dust from the filter and vent itself.
For the same reason, you need to make sure nothing is blocking any of your vents, both inside
and outside. Any furniture that could be blocking a vent should be moved to another spot, and
trees and pushes on the exterior should be trimmed if they’re blocking an outside vent. You
want the airflow to be unobstructed so that your heating and cooling systems don’t have to work
as hard. This will save energy and in turn save you money.

Be Smart About The Dishwasher

Doing dishes is a pain, but throwing everything in the dishwasher and running it every night can
end up costing you way more than you think. However, using a dishwasher generally saves a lot
of water in comparison to hand washing. Most dishwashers will use less than 5 gallons of water
for each cycle, but handwashing can use up to four times that amount.
To get the most out of your dishwasher you want to make sure it is completely full before
running it, which will also help the dishes get cleaner. You can also turn off the “heat dry” option
before you start it. Instead, just open your dishwasher when it is finished and let the dishes air dry. If you run the dishwasher overnight, you can open it up in the morning and they’ll dry
while you are at work for the day.

Insulate and Seal

When it is cold outside, heat is always going to leave your house if it finds a way to. You can
reduce the amount of hot and cool air that leaves your home by making sure everything is
insulated and sealed properly.

If you have an attic this is a very common place for air to escape from, so insulating it can make
a huge difference. Additionally, your floors, walls, and crawlspace should all be insulated
properly. After you have insulated your home, make sure other areas are sealed. If you place
your hand next to the window and the air feels cold you may need to add weatherstripping or
caulk to stop this airflow. If you don’t feel comfortable tackling this project on your own, an
experienced contractor will help you.

Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beach goer operating out of
Southern New Jersey. She writes for a bankruptcy lawyer in Philadelphia.

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For more saving money, making money, and investment ideas go to www.MoneyAhoy.com

Downsizing Is A Financially Profitable Move – Find Out How Much Big City Dwellers Can Actually Save

Switching to a smaller home can potentially save you hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on where you live, according to a recent STORAGECafe study that looked at downsizing in the country’s 20 largest metro areas by population. The study computed potential downsizing savings by taking into account the difference between the median home value of four-bedroom homes and that of two-bedroom homes in the metros analyzed. Other savings and expenses related to downsizing, including closing costs and tax savings over a period of ten years, were also considered.

Downsizing within the country’s top 20 largest metros can save homeowners between $400K in San Francisco Metro, which takes the top spot for potential savings, and $93K in Phoenix Metro.

San Francisco, San Diego and LA take the downsizing savings podium

Californian metros generate the highest amount of savings for their downsizing residents, mainly due to the high home values in the area. San Francisco Metro homeowners planning to downsize from a 4-bedroom home to a 2-bedroom home are set to save a little over $406K. Looking at just the city of San Francisco, and not the metropolitan area, savings from downsizing are even larger, at around 535K.

Moving to a smaller home is an option not only for empty-nesters and retirees, but for other types of families as well who are interested in keeping an active, big city lifestyle without being overwhelmed by housing costs. Moreover, you can compensate for the reduction of space at home by using self storage. A 10×10 self storage unit in San Francisco, for example, rents for about $270 per month, and you can use it to store a variety of belongings, including extra furniture and appliances, sports equipment, clothing, seasonal items, toys and books and so on.

The San Diego metro area ranks second among the country’s biggest 20 metros in terms of downsizing savings. Its residents have the opportunity to save a very useful sum of money by switching from a 4-bedroom home to a 2-bedroom one within the metro area – about $260K. When looking at city-to-city moving among the main cities of the metro area, the most advantageous downsize is from Carlsbad to Chula Vista, bringing in a spectacular $760K.

Los Angeles Metro takes the third spot among the best cities for downsizing – relocating from a 4-bedroom home to a 2-bedroom there provides homeowners with about $240K in savings. However, residents of LA City who choose to relocate to one of the other main cities of the metro area are set to save even more money. Swapping a 4-bedroom home in LA City for a 2-bedroom one in Anaheim will save homeowners over $420K, while downsizing to Long Beach results in average savings of almost $365K.

Seattle, Miami, and Boston residents can cash in well over $200K from downsizing

Downsizing within the Seattle metro area results in savings of around $234K. When looking at the metro’s main cities, the most profitable relocation accompanied by downsizing is from a 4-bedroom home in Bellevue to a 2-bedroom one in Tacoma, which results in over a million dollars in savings.

Residents of Miami are almost equally well-positioned for downsizing savings – homeowners relocating from a 4-bedroom home to a 2-bedroom one within the metro area have the opportunity of saving over $233K. The most profitable city-to-city downsize within the metro area is from a 4-bedroom home in the city of Miami to a 2-bedroom one in Pompano Beach, a relocation that results in almost $290K in savings.

The Boston metropolitan area ranks sixth in terms of downsizing savings – homeowners are set to save about $233K if they decide to move to a smaller home within the metro area. Other metros, including New York-Newark-Jersey City, Detroit-Warren-Dearborn and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, also ensure downsizing savings north of $200K to homeowners.

The Philadelphia metro area ranks 10th for downsizing savings, giving homeowners a profit of around $194K when moving from a 4-bedroom home to a 2-bedroom. St. Louis, Dallas and Riverside metros all have the potential of bringing in savings of slightly under $190K for downsizing homeowners.

Phoenix and Atlanta metros register the smallest downsizing savings – but still an appreciable amount, hovering around $100K

The Chicago, Denver and Tampa metros, ranking 14th, 15th and 16th respectively for downsizing savings among the country’s top 20 largest metros, ensure profits of around $150K for homeowners willing to trade their 4-bedroom homes for 2-bedroom ones. The Houston and Minneapolis metros, on the other hand, provide slightly lower downsizing savings of $133K and $121K.

The Atlanta and Phoenix metros rank last when it comes to downsizing savings – but, even so, homeowners in these two metropolitan areas can get a significant amount of cash if they trade a 4-bedroom home for a 2-bedroom one. Residents of Metro Atlanta can save almost $110K from downsizing within the metropolitan area. Looking at city-to-city downsizing among the metro area’s main cities, homeowners living in Atlanta proper downsizing to Sandy Springs have the opportunity of gaining even more cash – over $280K. Phoenix Metro residents have the opportunity of saving around $93K from downsizing.

Downsizing can be a very sound financial decision for homeowners – from lower mortgage rates to access to cash you can use for other purposes, it can definitely improve your family’s finances. However, it’s important that you are truly comfortable with the lifestyle change before making the move.

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5 Major Home Projects That Are Worth It

Whether you’re upgrading your home or getting ready to sell, investing in your home can add tremendous value. Revamping your current space can transform any house into a home, but how do you know what’s worthwhile?

Some of these projects can be DIY, but we recommend hiring a home remodeling contractor for the more complex projects. These projects can have unbelievable results when done by an experienced hand, so take advantage of a contractor when you can!

Kitchen Remodel

Renovating an outdated or “traditional” kitchen can go a long way! Most new homebuyers look for more contemporary kitchens when touring a home and can make a sizable difference in the final price of the house. They’re important centerpieces of the home, and having a good modernized kitchen can bring a home together. For homeowners and sellers, updating appliances, resurfacing countertops, and new sinks can go a long way in making your kitchen much more comfortable and valuable.

On average, kitchen remodels can cost roughly $25,000, according to HomeAdvisor.com. Generally, these renovations are usually the most expensive.

Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom remodels are one of the most common remodels a homeowner can take on. If you aren’t planning to move, investing in a bathroom space that best suits your needs and wants is an easy decision. We spend a lot of time in the bathroom, and they should be something comfortable. Removing a bathtub that is rarely used is an easy way to boost the space in a bathroom.

If you’re getting ready to sell, an article by Zillow.com suggests that the return on investment for bathroom remodels is high. The average ROI for a mid-range bathroom remodel is about 70.1%. Most homeowners spend anywhere from $6,000 to $16,000 on bathroom renovations, according to HomeAdvisor.com, and this depends on the size of the bathroom and how much work it needs.

Build a Deck

Adding a deck to your home is a guaranteed way to add value to your home. In addition to adding a new outdoor space to your home, when it comes to selling your home, the addition of a deck can get you around 70-80% of your initial investment. These outside spaces are fantastic for hosting guests during the warm weather months and can be worked around existing pools, hot tubs, and landscaping. Even more, for those not looking to move anytime soon, a customized deck built by professional contractors can be built to your desires.

Depending on the size of your desired deck, you can expect to pay on average between $4,000 and $10,000. In most cases, your price can be determined by square footage.

Landscaping

Landscaping is a guaranteed way to boost the curb appeal of your home. How your home looks from the outside is hugely important to potential buyers since first impressions are everything. Simple projects like new trees, pathways, outdoor lights, and general lawn maintenance can go a long way in boosting the value of your home.

Basement Remodel

Renovating a basement can truly maximize your home’s square footage with new liveable space and is guaranteed to bring value and comfort to your home. When homebuying, people will compare your home to those around it, and the difference between the price of your home can vary if it has a finished basement. To get the best results, finding a reliable contractor is essential. Finished basements can be transformed into any number of spaces, such as offices, play areas, laundry rooms, and entertainment spaces. All of these spaces are guaranteed to add value to your home, and in some cases, make it stand out to potential homebuyers.

To fully finish a basement can cost upwards of $20,000. That price can vary dramatically depending on what you want for your basement, like new walls, removed walls, bathrooms, and more.

Remodels like these can go a long way in making your home life much more comfortable, or they can boost the price of your home if you’re ready to sell. These are investments, some more expensive than others, but all worthwhile in the end. No matter how you decide to renovate your home, we recommend leaving the non-DIY activities to the professionals.

About the Author

Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Property Investment

You may have started to realize that more and more people are talking about investing. This is partly because, due to the pandemic, many people are searching for extra sources of income. However, another factor is the fact that people are realizing how great investments are – by doing research and working wisely, you can turn your money into more money. One of the most popular and effective methods of investing is property investment. But it can be a bit tough to know where to start, which scares people off – after all, we’re talking about spending your money here, so you want to be sure you have all the information before you take the leap.

What is an investment?

As mentioned, investment refers to any money that you put into something with the hopes of getting more out than you put in. Simply put, you invest a bit of money, and over time, that money will either grow or provide some other form of income for you. If it’s something you can afford, it’s a great step to take financially. Investments may also have certain added benefits, especially when it comes to property investments. For example, the 1031 exchange rules could mean that, under the right circumstances, one could exchange one investment property for another, and be exempt from certain types of tax. You can learn more about this by looking at this 1031 exchange rules infographic.

Why property?

There are so many different investments, so why invest your money in property? After all, you could invest in other ventures for much less money. The truth is that property investment is great because of how versatile it is. There are multiple ways in which you can use an investment property to earn more money – but we’ll get to that in a bit. And, of course, you don’t have to spend all your money on the fanciest house. You can easily buy a neglected, run-down house and make a few home improvements to increase its value.

What can you use it for?

Anything you want! Here’s a fun fact – even if you just bought a house for personal use, it’s still an investment, because it’s an asset that you can later sell for a profit. You can buy a house, make a few upgrades, and sell it at a much higher price. Or you can use it as an Airbnb. However, the most popular way of using an investment property is to rent it out. This way, you’ll have an ongoing monthly source of income.

Who should invest in property?

Unfortunately, this investment avenue isn’t for everyone. If you invest in something, you need to still have enough money for all of your bills and necessities. This may not be possible with property investment, especially if you’ve just gotten the property, and are still waiting for renters or improvements. Keep in mind that investing and saving go hand in hand, so if it’s something you truly want but can’t afford just yet, you may be able to save up until you can afford it.

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6 Creative Ways To Save Money

Saving money can be hard. Did you know that 45% of Americans have no savings at all? Lots of factors can make it hard to save – low income, high bills, impulse spending, and other things can impact your ability to save.

Increasing your income or reducing bills may not be easy for everyone. The good news is that there are plenty of creative ways you can save money!

Learn the 30-day Rule

Impulsive spending is a huge problem if you are trying to save money. On average Americans spend $155 a month impulsively! That’s almost $2000 a year!

A fantastic way to avoid impulse spending is by learning the 30-day rule and using it!

The 30-day rule is an extremely easy concept to learn. When you want to buy something, don’t buy it straight away. Set the money aside for 30 days. At the end of the 30 days buy the item if you still want it. In most cases, the urge has passed, and that money can be saved instead!

This rule is so simple and effective – following it could save you thousands of dollars a year!

Have Frugal Fun

Frugal fun may not sound like fun but take a moment to think about it. Start by working out how much you spend on entertainment. Trips to the movies, eating out, and nights at the local bar can add up to a lot of money every month. If you have kids as well, then your costs for entertainment will be even higher!

Switching how you spend your time to more frugal activities can save you a small fortune. How can you still have fun whilst saving money?

There are lots of simple ideas. You could host meals at home with friends or family (when safe to do so of course). There is no substitute for watching movies on the big screen. However, staging a fun movie night at home is much cheaper! Popcorn, drinks, and sweets can be bought cheaply at the store. Just turn the lights off and you have got (an almost) cinema experience!

If you’ve got kids, then there are many things to do that can be done cheaply or for free! Trips to a local park, bike rides, nature walks, or just camping in the garden are all fun activities for kids!

No one is saying you should never go out again. Nevertheless, the more you cut out the more money you can save!

Eat Well For Less

Food is something that can be expensive if you aren’t careful. Eating out, grabbing lunch on the go, or constant snacking can add up to a lot! Not to mention it can also be bad for your health.

To save money on food means doing some planning. Start by always having a list when you go grocery shopping – this can help avoid impulse purchases if you only buy what’s on the list.

When shopping for food consider switching to cheap food rather than buying expensive brands. Often, they taste the same!

Avoid buying lunch every day. Instead, make your own – you can pack it with things you like and it’s much healthier!

Consider stopping eating out altogether or cut down to as little as possible. Cutting back on eating out can save you literally thousands of dollars a year!

Search For Freebies (or at least used goods)

The internet is a powerful tool that you can use to find all sorts of amazing bargains. There are entire sites dedicated to giving away goods for free.

Free books, furniture, clothes, and more can be sourced online for free! 

Search local Facebook groups, Craigslist, or other online groups that are dedicated to people giving away unwanted items.

If you can’t find what you need for free, then the next best thing is to buy used goods. Amazon, eBay, and more all sell plenty of used goods. The savings on refurbished electronics alone can be hundreds of dollars!

Don’t forget to visit local thrift stores or goodwill for more incredible finds!

Sell Your Unwanted Stuff

Does your home look like an Aladdin’s cave? Lots of stuff everywhere that you can’t think of parting with. You will need it one day, right?

You probably don’t! Spend time going through your home and decide what you really want to keep. Everything that is not on that list can be sold! 

Clothes, books, electronics, and kid’s toys are just some of the things you could resell.

Selling your unwanted stuff has never been easier thanks to awesome sites like eBay and Decluttr. You can also sell your stuff through local groups on Facebook.

If selling online isn’t your jam, then simply have a yard sale instead!

All the money you make can be added to your savings. 

Cut The Cable!

Cable can be expensive. The average cable bill in America is over $2600 per year! Have you considered getting rid of cable altogether?

Streaming services, sites like YouTube, and no TV at all are all far cheaper options. You can still watch lots of great content on the various streaming services for a fraction of the cost of cable.

There is another reason watching less cable TV could be good for you. Less exposure to ads means less impulsive spending! You could save even more money on top of not paying for cable.

6 Creative Ways To Save Money – Wrap Up

These 6 ways to save money are super easy for anyone to follow.

If you are serious about building wealth, then you should try to implement all 6 methods to help build savings faster.

Once you are in the good habit of saving money it will become second nature. In no time at all you will be a money saving expert! This is a fantastic habit that will serve you well.

Author Bio

Hey, I’m Chris. I have a degree in Business Economics from the University of Liverpool, own a small fast food business and run LifeUpswing.com. I will help you to make money, save money, and think about money in a way that will give you back your freedom.

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How to Shop for a Home Warranty Plan

It seemed so easy in the beginning. Initially, your new home was the stuff of dreams. From summer evenings on your front porch to fabulous dinner parties, your first year as an owner was terrific.

And then, winter arrived. Now, that charming character home has morphed into a living nightmare. Barely a month goes by without something breaking. February isn’t even over, and you’ve already spent over $5,000.

The dishwasher ate it. Then, an ice dam in the roof triggered a leak. And worst of all, the furnace died. You’ve burned through your savings, and now, you have a growing credit card balance. Homeownership was supposed to make you rich – so much for that idea!

When you’re a renter, maintenance and repair bills are a foreign concept. When something goes wrong, the landlord takes care of it. But, when you become an owner, you become the landlord.

Here’s the reality – home repair is bloody expensive. As it stands today, fewer owners can afford to deal with these costs adequately. There is a better way, though – more and more, Americans are discovering home warranties.

These plans allow owners to pool their risk. In doing so, they can avoid being surprised by huge, unpredictable repair/replacement bills.

That only leaves one question: Which home warranty firm should I choose? In today’s article, we’ll show you how to separate the wheat from the chaff. 

Wait – What Are Home Warranties?

If you’re new to homeownership, you’re probably unfamiliar with the concept of home warranties. In short, a home warranty is a plan that covers the cost of emergency repairs/replacements.

Like homeowner’s insurance, you’ll pay monthly premiums to a home warranty provider. Whenever a covered appliance or system breaks, you call your firm. If they approve your claim, they’ll send a repairperson to your house.

At that point, you’ll pay a nominal charge called a service fee. Similar to an auto insurance deductible, it discourages small claims, but keeps more significant claims, like a busted furnace, viable.

Costs for home warranty plans vary by provider. However, you can expect to spend an average of $600 per year, and $75 (service fee) per call.

Find Firms That You Can Trust

Home warranties sound like a cool concept. Sadly, the under-regulated nature of the industry means that it’s home to than its share of shady outfits. Don’t believe us? Start googling home warranty firms in your state. Chances are, more than a few have a long trail of horror stories associated with them.

You often don’t hear from those who receive satisfactory service. But, you’ll hear plenty from those whose home warranty firms failed to meet their expectations. Despite extensive bad reviews online, there are home warranty firms that are legit. Start with search terms like “[company name] Trustpilot” or “[company name] scam”. Then, skim through the reviews.

Many bad reviews follow a familiar formula – often, you’ll hear complaints about firms not covering x appliance/system. However, had these reviewers read the fine print before signing, they would have already known that. Or, they’ll complain about their plan’s cost. Often, these folks fail to realize that in some years, major repairs aren’t needed.

However, some reviews should raise a giant red flag. If you repeatedly hear about “preexisting conditions” being used to deny claims, excessive wait times for service/reimbursement, or incompetent contractors, steer clear.

Profile Your Needs

Now that you’ve found some legit firms, figure out what coverage you need. For instance, if you can handle appliance repair jobs, but not furnace repairs, opt for a systems plan.

If you can handle no more than a $50/month commitment, make a note of that. Do you have more significant resources, and don’t want anything to do with repairs? Check out a firm’s comprehensive, or “platinum” plans.

Once you have accounted for these factors, use ReviewHomeWarranties filterable tool. By doing so, you’ll eliminate options that don’t fit your situation, thereby making the selection process smoother. 

Analyze The Home Warranty Providers On Your Shortlist

By now, you should have highlighted some promising plans. Before you start contacting firms, however, be sure to put them through their paces.

Are you still on ReviewHomeWarranties.com? For each firm you are considering, read their in-depth review. At the top, you’ll learn about what they cover. You might be surprised at the random things that each provider covers – and what they don’t.

As you hover over different appliances and systems, keep your eyes open for coverage caps. These limits, which often apply to budget plans, could leave you on the hook for part of a claim.

Scroll further down, and you’ll learn more about your chosen firm. There are sections on trustworthiness, how much they charge for plans, and what’s in their fine print. By the end, you’ll get a better sense of whether they are right for you. 

Protect Yourself Against The Hidden Costs Of Homeownership

Homeownership can be rewarding, but it’s no walk in the park either. As a homeowner, you can no longer defer responsibility to your landlord – you’re the one who is in control.

While home repair costs can be crippling, there are ways to cope. For some, a home warranty can help better manage these expenses. If you’re looking for a plan, we hope this article aids you in your search.

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The Common Sense of Flipping Homes For the Best Possible Profit

Real estate has always been seen as a great investment and a great way for people to get ahead. Even those who would never seem to be able to get into real estate have ways to do so. This is basically the idea behind flipping houses; the idea of using one house to secure funding for another one and then starting a chain of buying houses, fixing them, and selling them. It is just a matter of figuring out how to approach the situation in the best possible way in order to maximize profits from the situation. This can be a challenging process but well worth the struggle for those able to deal with the various issues.

What is House Flipping?

In short, house flipping is the business of purchasing a property and then renovating it to sell for a profit. The idea is to use the person’s own home to finance the purchase of another home, fix it up, and then sell that second home for enough to make a profit. By doing this, the person is able to create a short-term, but nonetheless profitable, business based on the idea that real estate will always increase in value, and thus it is worth the time and trouble to deal with flipping houses. Of course, this is never as simple as some would think and requires creating an actual plan to deal with a wide number of contingencies. However, for those who do their research and keep abreast of financial issues, this can be a great way to add some profit to the situation.

Starting a Real Estate Business

There are some basic issues to keep in mind starting a real estate business. The biggest issue is that a person needs to work with a real estate agent in order to not only find but also sell the houses. It is advised that the person makes sure that the agent is informed of the situation ahead of time. Keep in mind that you are trying to, basically, purchase a home, fix it up, and then sell it again for a greater purchase, which means that you need someone helping you. Not all homes make for a good flipping because they are either in the wrong area or just because fixing them up may prove to be too expensive for the flipper’s purposes. Having a real estate ally can only help in weeding out the bad candidates.

Is There a Risk to House Flipping?

Both of those problems need to be considered. While real estate does tend to increase in value over time, there are always those areas in a city where values steadily drop or people tend to avoid. As the idea is to sell the home again as quickly as possible, it is necessary to make sure that the home is at least in an area where people are interested in purchasing a home. Houses with a bad reputation also need to be avoided in order to ensure a sale. By the same token, a house that requires extensive repair may not be worth the effort. While upgrades and such do add to the value of the home, some homes may require so much time and money that it may require taking the house off the market for such a long time, as well pouring so much money into the home, that the effort may not be worth it in the end.

Flipping Houses and Tax Implications

Also, it is advised that working with a tax professional be seriously considered. There are multiple issues beyond the simple sale of the house that need to be considered. Some flippers specialize in homes taken in foreclosures or other seizures. These homes require dealing with the taxes on the home before it can be sold. Also, some local taxes can be so arcane as to require specialized help. Even simple tax issues need to be considered, especially if the house is held for too long. Having someone along that can help navigate you is definitely worth having on board.

Final Thoughts

While finding advice for flipping houses is relatively simple, the bottom line is that a person needs to keep in mind that they are dealing with a large expensive structure with a lot of moving parts. This is not to discourage anyone from doing so but to make sure that you are ready for some of the surprises that can come your way. After all, flipping houses can be lucrative for those willing to brave it, making it well worth the venture.

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