7 Smart Steps Every New Homeowner Should Take

Shifting from dealing with landlords to owning your first home isn’t a small achievement. You are certainly proud of yourself and in celebratory mode for the huge milestone. But before you get ahead of yourself with excitement, make sure to take smart steps that can guarantee you a lifetime or long-term enjoyment of your new home. The last thing you want is to jeopardize the future of your home or spend more money and effort down the road trying to salvage the situation. Since you are new to this homeowner’s space and probably don’t know where to start, this article lists seven steps that will make you a successful homeowner.

Essential steps checklist for every new homeowner

Taking the following steps at the early stages of owning your home is guaranteed to save you not just money, but also your home.

Ensure safety and security

The comfort of your family comes first. And that starts by knowing that they are safe from burglars or incidences of fire, floods, and other disasters. You also don’t want to lose your valuable items to the said vices. How can you keep your home safe and secure as a new homeowner?

● Change the locks and access codes

● Install a smart security system

● Light up the exterior

● Get a safe for your valuables

● Install fire and CO detectors

Prioritize repairs

What first comes to mind for most new homeowners is to personalize the space and make the home aesthetically appealing. While that is important, a smart step is to first prioritize critical repairs before spending money on décor. Use the home inspection report you obtained while buying the home as a guide. If finances are a bit tight, you can prepare a priority list and start with the most urgent. Areas that can potentially cause problems in the future such as leaky pipes or roofs and damaged drains should be at the top of the list. Making repairs now prevents the situation from getting worse and potentially requiring more money to fix.

Ensure regular maintenance

Immediately you move in, you need to deep clean your home, change air filters and make sure that water, electricity, and security devices are working well. Then ensure routine maintenance routine going forward. Everything from the HVAC system, water heater, security devices, garbage disposal and more should be checked regularly throughout the year. Besides, regular maintenance such as cleaning the furnace not only keeps it working but also saves you money on heating bills. You should ensure that the exterior stays clean from debris, the lawn is mowed, and the gutters are cleaned.

The home maintenance checklist is long and can sometimes get overwhelming. You can bypass the stress by working with property maintenance experts. Professionals ensure that your home stays in top-notch and functions optimally regardless of the season.

Get insurance

Ideally, your lender will require you to purchase homeowners insurance before the house is handed to you. But insurance is equally important even when buying cash. In case of total loss of your home, you want to make sure that you can get enough compensation to replace your property. Besides homeowners insurance, consider also getting life insurance if you have people who depend on you financially. Make sure to name them as beneficiaries. In case you die unexpectedly, this protects them from losing the home if your income was paying the mortgage.

Purchase a home warranty

In addition to insurance, another smart step is to purchase a home warranty. This covers your home appliances and systems as well as normal wear and tear of your home. As a new homeowner, you will be at peace knowing that you don’t have to deal with a broken refrigerator or dishwasher. Your home warranty can help you keep your expensive appliances working properly or replace them if need be without costing you extra money.

Hire an accountant for your tax return

Owning a home can potentially change your tax return in terms of deductions that you can claim. But getting a hang of it can be quite daunting if you aren’t conversant with tax matters. You are in a better position working with a professional. An accountant helps to make sure that your tax return is done correctly and the deductions claimed are right. An accountant can also help you keep receipts for home improvements to help reduce your taxable income in case you sell your home in the future.

Budget wisely

Now that you have bid paying rent a bye-bye, you’re not off the hook yet. In fact, you are now introduced to new expenses that you didn’t have before. Besides paying the mortgage, home maintenance and repairs, insurance, and property taxes are now part of you. This is not forgetting that utility bills are likely to go up. Creating a budget helps you track expenses, which helps you understand your home spending. This also helps you identify areas where you can cut spending to save more.

Conclusion

Owning a home is certainly exciting, but it comes with its share of responsibilities. Protecting your investment is paramount, which calls for critical steps to secure and insure your home. Routine maintenance is key to achieving an optimally functioning home at all times. In addition, hire an accountant to take care of your homeowner taxes and budget wisely to live comfortably financially.

5 Tips for Securing Your Dream Home This Year

The housing market is cooling down, but it’s still tough out there. Today’s high-interest rates have more homeowners staying put instead of risking an increase in rates, meaning there’s less inventory. What does exist is often scooped up by corporate investors with deep cash pockets that an individual buyer simply cannot compete with.

As a potential buyer, you face several hurdles. High-interest rates and decreasing inventory can make your pursuit seem hopeless. Are you destined to rent forever? Would now be a good time to start trekking the wilds in search of a good cave?

Please, take heart. Determined buyers have found ways in equally economically tough times to get a permanent roof over their heads. Here are tips for securing your dream home this year.

Consider a Mortgage Buy-Down

What is a mortgage buy-down? Traditionally, this term refers to a plan lenders use to allow you to reduce high-interest rates by paying more upfront for your home’s purchase. However, it’s critical to understand the terms you agree to if you choose this route.

For example, some buydowns result in a more or less permanent interest rate reduction (unless you later refinance). In such plans, you pay 1% of the total loan amount for each .25% interest rate reduction, although the exact percentages may vary by lender. Lenders also use the term “discount points” to refer to this type of buy-down.

However, there are also temporary buy-downs. These give you a break on your interest for the first year or two, helping you recuperate financially after plopping down a huge downpayment. A 2/1 buydown means the first year’s interest is two percentage points below the long-term rate and 1% lower the second year. A 3/2/1 buydown extends this by one year.

What’s the catch? Lenders must still account for that interest. Either they must pick up the slack, or the home’s seller pays the difference. In that way, this model isn’t that far removed from sellers paying more toward closing costs.

Essentially, these programs result in a lower profit margin for the seller or lender. Therefore, it’s best to keep this card in your back pocket early in negotiations until you know how anxious the seller is to close. If they’ve already purchased elsewhere and don’t want to be stuck with two mortgages, you could be in luck.

Get Smart About Your Search

It’s easy to search for a home online these days, but not quite so simple to find legitimate listings. Popular home search websites can fall woefully out of date, wasting your time with properties already under contract but not yet updated.

Furthermore, scams exist in droves. While you shouldn’t have to worry about commercial sites like Redfin and Zillow, scammers use sites like Craigslist and Nextdoor to “sell” properties for which they have no title, bilking people out of thousands of dollars.

Your best bet is to locate a few properties that meet your specifications and contact the listing agents directly. In some states, real estate agents must decide whether to represent buyers or sellers, but other jurisdictions have no such restrictions. Even if you can’t work directly with the listing agent, they can recommend an esteemed colleague who can help you with your search.

Working with a licensed Realtor® protects you in several ways. These professionals have the knowledge to educate you through the sales process, ensure the property sale is fully legal and official and connect you with their network of lending professionals to help you get the right mortgage.

Consider a Non-Traditional Purchase

What is a non-traditional home purchase? It relies on heavier seller involvement throughout the buying process instead of obtaining a traditional mortgage. There are two basic models you might consider.

Such structures often benefit buyers with credit woes or other hardships complicating the lending process. They can be harder to find but potential boons for those who otherwise could not purchase a home of their own. It also reduces the expenses involved with moving to another apartment while struggling to save a downpayment.

Seller Carryback

In a seller carryback, the title to the real property changes hands as in a traditional sale. However, the seller, not a third-party lender, acts as the lender. Such arrangements can make for a quick and easy sale if the seller owns the property free and clear.

It’s more common for the seller to have a mortgage. If their lender allows seller carrybacks, you could lock in their existing rate. However, the principal doesn’t transfer, meaning you’ll still pay the full purchase price. Such plans usually come with a balloon payment at the end of a specified term, like five years, during which the buyer is free to secure alternative financing.

Lease Purchase or Lease Option

In a lease purchase, the seller maintains ownership of the property, essentially acting as a landlord. The buyer originally takes possession as a tenant. There are two basic structures to such plans:

● Lease-Option: A lease option only compels the seller not to sell the property to anyone else during the lease term.

● Lease-Purchase: A lease purchase binds both parties to the contract under breach of contract remedies unless the buyer cannot obtain financing.

Both of these structures require a nonrefundable option fee that can be quite steep — you’re basically compensating the seller for not selling the property during the lease term. Additionally, buyers may pay an additional monthly fee typically applied to the downpayment in a lease-purchase contract. Buyers usually pay homeowners insurance and accept the other responsibilities of ownership throughout the lease term and purchase process.

Securing Your Dream Home This Year

Today’s market is tough for buyers. However, it’s still possible to secure your dream home this year.

Consider the three tips above for securing your dream home this year. You can find a way to thrive despite challenging market conditions.

About The Author

Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find her in a yoga class, advocating for body positivity, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, or smashing the patriarchy.

2022 Was The Year Of My Dreams, I Truly Never Wanted It To End.

Let’s just take a minute and reflect on 2022, the year I truly did not want to end.

This has been one hell of a year, the year I have dreamt about since I was a little girl. This year not only did I buy my first home, but I bought my first home with the love of my life. We finally have a place to call our own and a place to make so many memories to come. Not only did we go in on buying a house together but this was also the year that the man of my dreams asked me to marry him. Not only did he ask me to marry him but he took me to my favorite place and asked me to marry him in front of all my friends and family, on the ocean with a ring fit for a princess.

We started planning our wedding and we found our dream venue….

I didn’t think this year could get much better, that was until I found out I was pregnant in October! I have always wanted to be a mom, ever since I was a little girl. That was my dream. I had the best mom growing up, and I’m lucky enough to say that I still do have the best mom. I have always wanted to be just like her and my dream was finally coming true! Not only did I find out I was going to have a baby but I was going to have a daughter!

A little girl, a little mini me!

I honestly can’t tell you how many times I have cried this year, I promise they were all good tears…. I am so beyond blessed to have the year I did, this past year! I am so excited to see what 2023 has in store for me and, for my growing little family but I really loved 2022 and truly did not want it to end.

I’m Actually Doing The Damn Thing.

I’m really doing this…

I am truly adulting and it is the weirdest thing ever.

Recently my fiance and I bought our first home together. Which is honestly a huge step for any couple…We officially have a mortgage, and homeowners insurance and we are choosing to spend the next 30 some-on years together. We both have “real” jobs, “fur babies” and planning a future together…

This is all so shocking to me because if you were to tell me two years ago that I would be with the love of my life, engaged and owning my own home as well as, being on a completely different career path… I don’t think I would have believed you.

You see, two years ago I was out partying and living life completely carefree. Now… no longer are nights of going out to random parties at midnight, drinking god knows what until god knows when. No longer are toxic friendships bringing me down and FINALLY… No more toxic relationships with different f*** boys, who had completely damaged my mental and emotional health.

Finally, I have found myself and I am the happiest I have ever been. I have grown into the person younger me would be so damn proud of.

What happens when you finally stop caring what others think and start living your life for yourself is weird.

I won’t sit here and say it was easy, hell, it was the hardest thing I have done. I let go of old friends I thought of as sisters, girls I talked to sometimes even more than my actual sister… When you spend so much time with people and then they are suddenly no longer there, it’s hard… but I knew it was for the best.

It was a very, very dark time…

Even though that time was hell, that’s when I found myself. Like the real me, not a form of me that was trying to make everyone happy, but me. I had a different glow to me if you will. It was noticeable and everyone was commenting on it. During this time I found someone who made me truly and genuinely happy. He made all of the heartaches I had been through worth it, from the first date I knew he would be the one, and look where we are now. A new house, two fur babies, and, an engagement ring later… We are doing the damn thing.

Like every chapter in life, it has its ups and downs, but the “ups” and the good times completely weigh down the downs. I don’t know where I would be if I was still the person I was back then.

I don’t think about it much. I don’t want to think about it, because none of it matters anymore.

To the girl who is too afraid to let go of the past… do it! I promise it will be the biggest weight off of your chest. Take a moment, take a deep breath, get up and just do the damn thing!

How to Know When it’s Time to Move to a Larger Home

Few of us are lucky enough to have the funds to move into our first home and have that be big enough or in the right location to serve as our “forever home.” Still, as your circumstances change or you seek to make the most of market opportunities, you may feel an increasing desire to move to a larger home. As you’ll know, though, bigger homes come with larger expenses, so it can be difficult to know when it’s the right time to move.

Much of this will come down to your situation and your gut instinct, but here are a few tips to help you better understand what you should be considering when making this decision.

Signs that a move is on the horizon

Perhaps the first and most irrefutable feeling that you’ll get when it’s time to move is that of being cramped. Whether it’s due to the number of people, the need for more of a workspace, or accessibility needs, you know when there’s not enough space for everyone to be comfortable. Sometimes, this will be as obvious as bumping into things or needing to step over stuff, or more subtle, like hearing activity from all over the house.

Aspects like this can help you to know if you need to move to a bigger house, which USA Today Money expands on by saying that the need for additional storage or bedrooms can also factor in as key reasons. Your work situation can also play into this sense of needing to move. Perhaps you’re now able to work at home, or in a hybrid role, or live too far away from work, or live too close to work where the cost of living is very high. In all of these situations, a house move may very well help to alleviate some of your problems.

How to know if a move is right for you

The first aspects to address once you know that you’re ready to move mainly pertain to your finances. A good sign that you can move to a bigger home is if your debt-to-income ratio is low, according to Business Insider. It’s said that to get a mortgage, you need a debt-to-income ratio at or below 43 percent. To find your ratio, divide your monthly debts by your gross monthly income and then multiply by 100 to see the percentage.

You can also get a good idea of the affordability of upscaling by using the fee-free mortgage in principle from Trussle to soft check against many mortgage lenders. This service will allow you to accurately see how much you could borrow. Being a soft check, it won’t impact your credit score, but it does check your credit history and eligibility. This way, you get a reliable figure that you can then work from to find a larger house within your budget.

However, knowing your prospects as a potential mortgage lender is one thing: another is knowing your affordability on the other side. You’ll need to work out the costs of moving and the admin that goes along with getting a new home, as well as a likely increase in monthly costs. When you move to a bigger house, you’re likely to end up spending more on local taxes and utility bills. So, you’ll want to research those elements too.

You’ll likely know when you’re approaching the time when you need to find somewhere more spacious to live, but just before you hit the point when you absolutely need to move, check if it’s financially viable.

Home Buying 101: Things to Ask Yourself When Looking for the Perfect Family Home

Buying a home is a big, if not the biggest, investment many of us will make. It’s also a process that requires careful consideration and a lot of thinking in advance. After all, it’s a place that needs to accommodate your family members and help them learn, grow, and thrive.

Because of that, it’s important to consider some of the most crucial factors before making such a big decision. Below, four things to ask yourself when looking for the perfect family home.

Is the location right for you?

The location of your new house is the one thing you won’t be able to change about it. Because of that, you need to carefully consider whether the location is right for you and your new family. Of course, if you’re moving to a new city, your research process will be a lot different from someone who’s moving just a few doors down the street. Still, it’s important that you do your homework and consider your family’s current and future needs. Here are some of the things to keep in mind when choosing a new location.

· the distance from your new home to work, schools, and city center

· proximity of parks, woodland, and walking trails (especially if you have a family dog)

· proximity of restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and pharmacies

· parking spots

· accessibility and appearance of a neighborhood

· lot location itself (e.g. near a busy road, a commercial property, or a body of water)

Are you looking for a new build or used home?

Depending on their preferences and budget, families may choose to buy a pre-owned home or build a new one. Of course, both options have their pros and cons. New homes come with home warranties and eliminate the “what if” factor that usually comes with pre-owned homes. Building developers may even throw in ‘bonuses’ as an incentive for you to put your name on the dotted line.

On the other hand, pre-owned homes are often in need of repair and may come with cosmetically covered up conditions. And since the house has been used for a while, you may need some help from eco friendly cleaning services to make sure all the stains, and hidden dirt are eliminated and you’re left with a safe, clean environment. That said, used homes are often move-in ready since they come with the appliances and sometimes even furniture. This is perfect if you’re strapped for time and need to relocate as soon as possible.

Does the size of the house fit your family’s needs?

This is certainly one of the biggest considerations homebuyers have when looking for a new family home. Surely, smaller homes may seem more appealing for a couple who’s just had their first child. But if you’re planning on expanding your family or want to be able to accommodate an aging family member, you’ll need to take that into consideration and get a house that’s big enough to accommodate everyone. In contrast, if you have older children, they may be moving out soon, and you won’t need as much space.

Factor in both your current and future needs, and pay special attention to the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Ideally, each bedroom will be able to fit a double bed, and there’ll be one bathroom per every two bedrooms. Things like these will allow for flexibility while also making everyday living more convenient.

Will your new home fit your lifestyle?

The way you use your living space will also play a vital role when deciding on your potential new home. Not everyone has the same needs, and someone who travels a lot may not prioritize the same things as someone who works from home or someone who entertains a lot. Think about how you and your family will be utilizing the space and how practical it is for everyday living. Here are some of the questions that can help you find your new dream home based on your lifestyle.

· How big of a backyard/outdoor space do you need?

· Are there dedicated spaces for adults and kids?

· Is there enough storage for your family’s belongings?

· What type of floor plan does your family need?

· What do you value the most about the way you and your family live?

Make sure you answer these questions before you begin house-hunting. That way, you’ll work-out your non-negotiables from the get-go and navigate the complex homebuying process with much more ease.

Wrapping up

Different families have different needs and priorities, both of which play a vital role in the homebuying process. After all, the home you choose now will be central to your family life. Therefore, take your time to consider your needs and ask yourself the right questions. That’s the only way to make sure you’re making the right decision.

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About The Author

Taylor Parker is an American based writer and blogger. She is very passionate about family, fashion, health, and lifestyle. Taylor writes mostly lifestyle articles, but also you’ll find her in home improvement and other niches. You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter

How to Purchase the Home You Always Wanted

Finding a home that fits you is an emotional journey – it’s both exciting and exhausting. It’s also one of the biggest investments many of us will make in their life. This is why you want to make sure that you find “the one” and make the best decision possible.

The question is: How do you actually get the house of your dreams? And, more importantly: How do you know if you are making the right choice? To assist you with your search and help you narrow down your options, here are five things you’ll need to cross off from your checklist and get the house of your dreams.

Consider your personal style and needs

First things first, not every future homeowner enters the home-buying process wanting the same things from their new home. Some prefer the look of a penthouse, some envision a condo, while others like the appeal of suburban properties. Some may embrace the tiny house movement while others see themselves living in a villa.

And style isn’t the only thing you need to keep in mind when searching for your dream abode. You’ll also need to consider your individual needs and choose accordingly. A condo may sound like a great low-maintenance option compared to a single-family home. However, it will not offer the amount of green space, freedom, and privacy that come with the latter. Sometimes, getting the house that ticks all the right boxes will involve hiring a general contractor and having them help you determine the best style, design, and budget so you can realize your project.

Befriend your local realtors

A real estate agent can be of major help in your quest for the house of your dreams. Their experience and ability make them invaluable resources that will make your search easier, smoother, and far less stressful.

According to the best realtors in Scottsdale AZ, befriending your local real estate professionals also means you’ll have access to properties before they officially hit the market. This means that you can beat the crowds and snag the ideal house before other buyers know it exists. They’ll also keep your needs and wants in mind so you’ll steer clear of homes that aren’t appropriate for you, not to mention the amount of time and money they’ll save you in the process.

Do your research

A big part of the home-buying process is doing some extensive research. You want to learn everything there is to know about the location, neighborhood, walkability score, and nearby amenities. Check out the schools, hospitals, restaurants, malls, and other public facilities in the area, and check neighborhood safety as well.

The last thing you want is to find a home that fits you perfectly and realize that it’s not safe or that everything you need is out of reach. Do your homework, and remember to visit the neighborhood on weekdays, weekends, and at different times of the day.

Get your finances in order

Sometimes, you’ll run into homes that will look amazing but will be well outside your budgetary limits. Looking at such homes is a waste of time and it can tempt you into getting something you can’t afford. You’re better off aiming for homes that you can pay off comfortably.

To do that, you’ll need to get your finances in order. Examine your credit score and see if there’s something you can do to improve your credit for a home loan. Seeing where you stand will help you set financial limits and minimize stress, making your home-buying experience a smooth one.

Keep an open mind

Every homebuyer starts their home-buying journey thinking they’ll find a home that ticks all the boxes right away. Of course, there may be instances where everything simply falls into its place (in which case – lucky you!). But most of the time, houses will have certain features that homebuyers won’t necessarily want or like.

Now, getting a perfect home doesn’t always mean buying one. Sometimes, it means making small, necessary changes and updates until your new home fits you perfectly. Therefore, keep your mind open when house-hunting. Look past the flaws, especially when it comes to cosmetic blemishes that can easily be fixed. Most importantly, make sure it’s a home that will grow with you. With little time, effort, and TLC, you can take an imperfect house that needs a bit of work and turn it into a gorgeous, warm, and inviting home you’ll love coming back to.

Wrapping up

Getting the house you’ve always wanted is a dream come true for many, but it’s not exactly an easy feat. However, if you follow guidelines and learn what to look for, you’ll make this process so much smoother and easier.

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An Oceanfront Condo In Myrtle Beach: Is It A Good Investment?

Imagine waking up every morning to the sound of ocean waves crashing at your doorstep! An Oceanfront condo in Myrtle Beach can make that dream a reality.

If you are looking for a new house, a second home or, a vacation home, you might be looking for a peaceful, picturesque location. Opting for a beachside location can give all that

Want to settle in a beachside condo or looking for a vacation home by the sea? An oceanfront condo in Myrtle Beach is exactly what you are looking for.

Buying an oceanfront condo in Myrtle Beach for your new home, second house or even a vacation home is a great investment, and we will tell you why. But, first, let’s take a look at why it is better to buy an oceanfront property.

Why Choose Oceanfront?

If you are thinking of buying a property by the beach, what exactly are you looking for? You would want the sound of the waves, and the smell of the sea carried into your home with the breeze. You would want to catch the sight of sunrise/sunset directly from your condo.

To get the most out of that beachside location, you want to buy a property that lets you view the magnificent ocean anytime. Why even buy a beachside property if it doesn’t give you a proper glimpse of the beach whenever you want?

Viewing that aesthetic scene should be effortless. If you find a condo where you have to search around for the view, don’t buy it. This is the reason why you want an oceanfront condo and not an ocean-view one. Be careful of the description while shortlisting your options. Oceanfront means you will get a view from your balcony or window that directly faces the ocean.

But, Why Choose An Oceanfront Condo In Myrtle Beach?

What makes an oceanfront condo in Myrtle Beach such a lucrative property? Here are a few reasons why you would want to make that investment.

You Get To Join The Beach Community

People often talk about how warm and hospitable people are in South Carolina, and Myrtle Beach is no different. The beach community is friendly and welcoming, their hospitality is as sweet as the signature tea of the state. If you are looking for a nice, warm environment to settle down in, look for Myrtle Beach condos for sale. You won’t regret buying an oceanfront condo here.

The city folks are always taken by surprise at how close-knit the beach community is. With only about thirty thousand permanent residents, don’t be surprised if most residents know each other. This is a place where neighbors still care about one another, which makes it a great place for retiring or raising children. If you have kids, they will love growing up in the beach community.

However, this does not mean you won’t meet new people. The place gets flooded with tourists every year. From the warm locals to the intriguing outsiders, you will never get tired of socializing.

The Condo will Always Be Valuable

Oceanfront condominiums are a little more expensive than others because of the many perks they have, like the view of the ocean, being close to the beach, etc. All those attractions make this place very sought after.

People are always looking for these condos, and they make hot sales. Don’t be surprised if you find one up for sale one day and the very next day it is already sold. If you buy a condo and decide to sell it in the future, you will probably be able to sell it at a higher price.

Oceanfront condos in Myrtle Beach never drop in value, and buyers are always available. So, if you feel unsure about this investment, don’t be afraid to make it, because that very same property can be resold easily.

Most people who choose to move to South Carolina want to live in Myrtle Beach, so finding buyers is no hard task.

You Can Rent It

If you choose to buy an oceanfront condo in Myrtle Beach as a second home or a vacation home, you can make a ton of money just by renting it out. Throngs of tourists from all over the world flock to Myrtle Beach every year. These tourists want oceanfront condos that are close by the beach, to make the most out of their vacation.

If you choose to rent your condo, you would be raking in the dough. Hundreds of dollars can be earned each week from renting out the condo. Tourists look for oceanfront condos and the closeness to the hotspots of Myrtle Beach. Many people invest in these condos just to make money from rent. The more amenities your condo has, the higher the rent guests will be willing to pay per night. The rent starts from around $98 but can even go up to over $500 per night.

An Oceanfront Condo In Myrtle Beach Is Perfect For Retirement

Many people choose to retire at Myrtle Beach because every feature of the location is great for retirement. After retirement, people want to live somewhere peaceful, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Living by the ocean is a prime option as nothing says tranquil better than the sound of the ocean waves and the sight of that never-ending blue.

The weather also plays a huge part. After retiring, people want to live somewhere they can rest their bones and joints. Living somewhere that needs snow shoveling and dealing with cold weather for six to eight months straight is not ideal.

Living on pension and savings, you would want to retire in a place where the cost of living is low. In South Carolina, the cost of living is lower than the national median, which is perfect for retirees.

There is plenty of recreation available for retirees in Myrtle Beach. From fishing to golf, the options are many.

The Climate Is Perfect For A Second Home or Vacation Home

Are you looking for a vacation home or a second home that is different from your usual house? Whether it is to chase away the winter blues or to spend summer vacation sunbathing on the beach, an oceanfront condo in Myrtle Beach is what you are looking for.

It rarely snows there, and the weather is mostly warm and sunny. The weather gets hot during summer, and it rains the most due to humidity. But, the average temperature doesn’t go above 33 °C, and you can spend the summer days indoors, sipping sweet tea and enjoying the magnificent view from your oceanfront condo.

In winter, the cold is bearable. You may not be able to swim in the ocean, but you can certainly avoid the teeth-chattering weather you find in the northern states.

Myrtle Beach Is A Happening Location

Myrtle Beach is a happening place, which makes buying property there a great investment. There is so much to do in the location and the surrounding areas.

Starting from the Grand Strand, one of the longest strips of sandy beaches in the US, which is home to the Broad Walk, and Promenade- the most happening place in Myrtle Beach. On Broad walk, you will find restaurants, boutique shops, bars, nightclubs, etc. The main attraction, other than the beach, is the sky wheel. One ride on the sky wheel, and you can view the cityscape of the entire Myrtle Beach area.

Fishing and golfing are big in Myrtle Beach. There are as many as ninety golfing ranges in the area, so you will never run out of options. Similarly, you will find many designated water bodies for fishing. You can do freshwater, inland fishing, saltwater fishing on the pier and beach, or even deep-sea fishing on chartered boats.

Suitable For Anyone

Investing in an oceanfront condo in Myrtle Beach will suit everyone, whether you are a businessman or family person, a retiree or a bachelor, it doesn’t matter. This will be a very versatile investment.

For people who are looking for a new place to settle down with a family, Myrtle Beach has many good schools and plenty of family-friendly venues.

Singles will find many fun activities to do and plenty of opportunities to socialize in the diverse pool of people hanging around in the area. Retirees can live out their dream life after retirement in a condo by the beach, in a place where everyday life feels like a vacation. And, businessmen can find this investment quite profitable due to the constant flow of tourists.

Final Thoughts

Buying an oceanfront condo in Myrtle Beach is a great investment. It is the kind of property that can suit anyone and never loses value, especially when well maintained. Myrtle Beach is a beachside paradise where you can find your dream property.

Moving to a New City? Follow These 5 Tips

Sometimes life calls you to a different part of the world. You might be moving to a new city to follow a loved one or start a new job. Even if you’re staying in the same state, things can feel overwhelming.

Planning each step of the way makes every move more manageable. It’s much easier to follow a proper moving checklist so that nothing is forgotten or left behind. Whether you’re relocating with your family or branching out on your own, here’s how to figure everything out.

Save Some Extra Money

No matter where you move, the process is expensive. You’ll likely pay a moving team to load up all your belongings and drive them to your new living space. The last thing you want to hear is that you should save some extra money, but it’s the smart thing to do. Don’t forget to take into account whether you should get in touch with local or long distance movers, as this can also affect your budget.

Spare pocket change could save the day in your new destination. You may need to drive further for groceries or sit in traffic longer than where you previously lived. When you go to a new restaurant, you might have to pay for parking.

The new city could also have higher property taxes, making your monthly household bills higher. You won’t know the exact amount until you get there, so don’t get caught by surprise when bills come due or while you’re out in town.

Tipping your movers after they unload your belongings is also a common courtesy. Find out how many movers will help you and estimate $20-$50 tips for each person, handed in cash or paid with your bill. Their time and physical labor made your life easier, so show them a little generosity that many in the industry expect from satisfied customers.

Call Around for Supplies

Paying for boxes, packing tape and bubble wrap might not seem too costly at first, but they add up quickly. If you want to save a trip to the store and keep your spending low, call around for supplies. People can give you old boxes from online orders and newspapers for free. You’ll also get an excuse to see loved ones one last time before your big move.

Local stores may also have boxes they’d like to give away. Call grocers and retailers to ask if you could pick up boxes after their next big restock. They’ll likely let you select however many you want because it prevents their team from making a trip to the recycling plant.

Check Your Moving Truck

Trucks from rental companies will pass inspection before a moving company shows up at your house. You’ll also get proof of this if you rent one and drive it yourself. Still, people experience issues with their vehicles in both scenarios, so keep an eye out for these specific problems.

After loading your boxes and furniture, step back from the truck to see if it’s back-slouched. Large trucks use a design that keeps them tilted toward the front when full to avoid sagging backward and potentially spilling the contents. If your vehicle drops toward the rear when full, it likely needs leaf spring replacements before it’s safe to drive.

You should also double-check for a lock on your truck’s rolling door. Most won’t come with a padlock, which keeps your belongings safe if you need to leave them in the vehicle overnight. Pick up a padlock at any local store to secure your things during travel and before unloading.

Explore the Area

Most people feel isolated and lonely after moving to a new city because the area feels unfamiliar. After unloading your boxes, explore different parts of town. Scout out your preferred grocery store, where you can go shopping and any restaurants you might want to try. Take notes on any place that looks interesting, like museums or family activities, so you can go back when you get a free moment in your schedule.

Find Group Activities

Living in a new city means you get to meet new friends. Look around online to find social media groups designed for your interests, like playing disk golf or skiing. You can also read those coffee shop posters to find group guitar lessons or a monthly knitting club. Even discovering annual events on your city’s website gives you opportunities to connect with people and form relationships that make your town feel like home.

Don’t Sweat Moving to a New City

Moving to a new city is much easier if you follow tips like these. Strategize every part of your move to make the next chapter of your life begin without extra stress. Then, you can settle in and make yourself at home.

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About The Author

Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded. He writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors, and more. Follow @TModded on Twitter for more articles from the Modded team.

How to Host a Memorable Housewarming Party: 5 Tips

Housewarming Time

Housewarming party time? Once you’ve settled into your new home, you’ll naturally want to show it off. A housewarming party presents the perfect opportunity. You’ll catch up with your friends and family while meeting your neighbors.

So where do you start? Here are a few tips for hosting a memorable celebration.

1. Prepare Your Invitations

This may seem like a given, but it’s still essential. Create invitations with the date, time and address. Be sure to send these at least a few weeks prior, so everyone you want to be there can make it. You don’t have to go into too much detail – this isn’t a black-tie event.

If you want people to RSVP, make a note of how they can do so. It’ll make it easier to prepare in advance. Feel free to set the party for any time you prefer. These are usually casual events, so don’t be too strict.

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