The Commute Everyone Avoids Is Your Competitive Advantage

The Paradox Of Proximity 

In today's turbocharged real estate market, everyone competes for the same promise: a home just minutes from city centers, close enough to "it all." It is easy to see why the 15-minute commute is prized, feeding fierce bidding wars for central properties. But what happens when a buyer dares to look further out? 

Take the story of an investor who purchased 45 minutes outside the city to avoid the chaos. While others clung to proximity, they quietly built their equity and negotiated from a position of strength. The counterintuitive truth? What everyone wants is rarely the best investment. When the herd rushes in one direction, advantage often lies elsewhere. By leaning into longer commutes—embracing what others reject—contrarian buyers unlock discounts, flexibility, and future growth few are positioned to enjoy. 

The Psychology Of The Herd Mentality 

Why Everyone Wants The Same Thing 

Human nature pulls us toward convenience and certainty. Recency bias makes buyers overvalue what's right in front of them—immediate access to offices, restaurants, and amenities. Social proof tells us we should buy where others buy, and loss aversion fuels a deep fear of missing out on the "perfect" close-in location. These ingrained psychological tendencies drive demand to just a handful of "prime" neighborhoods, creating predictable market inefficiencies. 

The Hidden Cost of Popular Areas 

Those psychological tugs come with a real price. Central city homes regularly sell at 20–30% premiums over outlying options, with competitive bidding turning even modest homes into unaffordable dreams. Inventory remains scarce in these hot zones, creating artificial scarcity that encourages buyers to overpay. Real estate investors often see lower rental yields in these markets, as sky-high purchase prices compress returns. Once desirable neighborhoods reach saturation, appreciation slows to a crawl while previously overlooked regions surge ahead. 

The Arbitrage Opportunity: Geography As Your Edge 

The Commute Premium Breakdown 

In most major U.S. markets, real estate data shows that each additional 10–15 minutes of commute can translate to a price drop of 10–13%. For a median home, that is often $50,000 or more in upfront savings for a modestly longer drive. Consider this comparison: a $600,000 home with a 15-minute commute versus a similar $520,000 option at 45 minutes out. Over time, the lower purchase price allows for faster mortgage pay-down, greater renovation budgets, and far less competition—all compounding to generate bigger equity and cash flow. 

Identifying Tomorrow's Hot Spots Today 

Savvy buyers look for leading indicators: municipal plans for new transit, highway expansions, or corporate relocations. Real-world examples abound throughout American metros. Frisco, Texas was once considered too far from Dallas—now it's a premium destination. Similarly, suburbs outside Atlanta, Denver, and Austin that were dismissed a decade ago have transformed into sought-after communities as growth rippled outward. 

The pattern is predictable: infrastructure improvements typically boost property values by 15-25% within three years of completion. These early investors enjoyed outsized equity gains and strong rental demand as their "distant" locations became tomorrow's hot spots. 

The Demographics Advantage 

Who's willing to make this strategic play? Young professionals focused on building wealth, investors who buy based on numbers rather than emotion, and remote-first workers are all lining up. With hybrid and remote work as the new normal, the pool of potential renters and buyers for longer-commute homes has expanded dramatically. Investors face less emotional competition and enjoy multiple exit strategies—high commuter rental demand today, with the option to sell as areas mature tomorrow. 

The Remote Work Revolution Changes Everything 

COVID's Permanent Impact On Commuting 

The old rules are gone. As of 2025, approximately 35% of American workers operate from home at least part-time, with 12% working fully remote. Even more follow hybrid models that require only 2–3 days in the office per week. Commute time is no longer a daily burden, but an occasional inconvenience. Millennial and Gen Z buyers—now the market majority—increasingly favor space, flexibility, and quality of life over proximity to traditional business districts. 

This shift has created a permanent migration away from expensive urban cores to more affordable, spacious suburbs and rural areas. The rise of "Zoom towns" and distributed work patterns has fundamentally altered demand, creating new opportunities for contrarian buyers. 

The New Value Equation 

Properties with extra bedrooms, flexible layouts, and access to nature now command higher premiums than addresses within walking distance of downtown offices. With the same budget, buyers can afford drastically more space outside city centers: a dedicated home office, a backyard, an extra room for guests or hobbies. 

The cost-per-square-foot difference grows wider with each minute added to the commute. For the first time in decades, working from a distance represents a lifestyle upgrade rather than a compromise. 

Practical Strategy: How To Execute This Contrarian Play 

Identifying The Sweet Spot 

The optimal zone for balancing discounts with practical access sits 30–60 minutes from downtown—a range where savings maximize while lifestyle and occasional office access remain manageable. Smart contrarian buyers leverage tools like Google Maps traffic data, city planning dashboards, and transit authority forecasts to identify areas targeted for future growth. 

Watch for planned transit expansions, zoning changes that allow mixed-use development, or announcements of new business districts. The key is acting before these developments become widely known and prices adjust accordingly. 

Due Diligence Framework 

Research the fundamentals that drive long-term value: strong school districts (which matter even for investors), ambitious community development plans, and proximity to major employment growth zones. Study municipal websites for infrastructure investment news, track local employer activity and hiring trends, and use online investment calculators to model price gaps and projected appreciation rates. 

Economic diversity matters too—areas dependent on a single industry or employer carry higher risk than communities with varied economic bases. Look for regions with population growth, job creation, and municipal investment in amenities and infrastructure. 

Financial Modeling 

Run the numbers with analytical precision. Model mortgage savings from outer-ring homes, factor in transportation costs, and compare to projected equity growth in "prime" areas. Rental investors should analyze commuter demand patterns, seasonal vacancy rates, and long-term development pipelines. 

Expect to see the "compound effect" in action—lower entry prices enable higher cash flow percentages, which can be reinvested for bigger appreciation over time. Factor in the opportunity cost: money not spent on location premiums can be deployed for improvements, additional investments, or debt reduction. 

The USDA Mortgage Advantage 

Don't overlook the USDA Rural Development Loan program, which allows zero-down purchases in most "commute zone" geographies. Many buyers qualify for these loans, including middle-income households earning up to 115% of area median income. The compound savings of no down payment, lower home prices, and competitive interest rates can turbocharge returns. 

Consider this example: a $300,000 USDA-financed home 45 minutes from downtown versus a $400,000 conventional loan property closer in. The outer-ring buyer saves $60,000 upfront (20% down payment), enjoys lower monthly payments, and often gets significantly more space—a powerful combination for building wealth. 

Risk Management And Potential Pitfalls 

What Could Go Wrong 

Contrarian real estate investing carries legitimate risks. Macroeconomic volatility—rising interest rates, recession, or major employer relocations—can impact outer markets more severely than established urban cores. Transportation projects face delays, budget cuts, or cancellation. Some areas may resist appreciation despite improvements, particularly those lacking economic diversity or facing demographic decline. 

Climate change adds another layer of consideration, as extreme weather events and changing precipitation patterns can affect property values in certain regions more than others. 

Mitigation Strategies 

Diversify across multiple promising regions rather than concentrating everything in one distant market. Maintain sufficient liquidity reserves to weather market cycles without forced selling. Work with local real estate professionals who understand neighborhood nuances and can spot negative trends early. 

Stay connected to information sources: municipal planning departments, transit authority updates, and local business journals often provide advance warning of policy changes or development delays. Building relationships with local agents, property managers, and other investors creates an intelligence network that can prove invaluable. 

Success Stories And Real-World Examples 

Consider the investor who purchased a home in suburban Atlanta for $285,000 in 2018, three years before the planned MARTA rail extension. When the new transit line opened in 2021, similar homes were selling for $475,000—a 67% increase in just five years. The combination of infrastructure investment and growing commuter demand created exceptional returns for patient investors. 

Another example: a young family abandoned the bidding wars of Austin's central neighborhoods in 2020, purchasing a 2,400-square-foot home in Pflugerville for $320,000. They used their savings from avoiding the premium to add a pool and home office. Today, their property is worth $445,000, while comparable space in central Austin would cost over $650,000. Their quality of life—and net worth—far exceed what they could have achieved with a shorter commute. 

Time and again, the contrarian strategy delivers: early adopters secure better cash flow, stronger appreciation, and greater flexibility when market preferences inevitably shift. 

Conclusion: Embrace The Road Less Traveled 

The real secret lies in reframing perspective: commute time—long cast as a burden—becomes, for the patient and strategic buyer, an investment in a richer, more flexible financial future. The contrarian's reward is building wealth while others pay premium prices for the illusion of convenience. 

Start your research by mapping transit projects and zoning changes in your metro area. Investigate USDA loan eligibility in your target zones. The market's blind spots represent your competitive advantage, but only if you are willing to act while others cling to conventional wisdom. 

Opportunity is waiting—just a few miles down the road. The question isn't whether you can afford the commute; it is whether you can afford not to take advantage of what everyone else is avoiding. 

Kelly is the founder of ClearPath Utah Mortgage, an independent Utah mortgage broker based in Sandy, Utah. ClearPath specializes in providing competitive rates and tailored financing solutions for homebuyers and homeowners across the state.

What Is Included In Home Foundation Inspections

When purchasing a new home, most people do the typical foundation inspection, but forget the importance of having the home's foundation inspected. This is one of the most vital areas of your home since it keeps your home solid. The best way to avoid issues with the building foundation for your house is to have it inspected by professionals every so often. 

What Is A Property Foundation Inspection? 

A foundation inspection is exactly what it sounds like for homeowners. Individuals hire a professional to come out to inspect their foundation. The certified inspector will come out to discuss any problems or concerns you have about your foundation or anything you have noticed about your home. The inspection will let you know if your home is safe to live in. If you have any cracks in your walls or ceiling, they will let you know if they need to be repaired or part of the settling process. Cycling temperatures affect foundations causing them to shift. A qualified inspector can let you know if these changes have affected your house and any repairs that you should make. 

Why Should You Have A Foundation Inspection Done? 

People have foundation inspections done for many different reasons. 

Peace Of Mind 

Maybe you have noticed some cracks in your ceiling you didn’t before, or perhaps you think a crack in your wall is getting larger. You definitely need to find out what is happening. 

You Are Buying A Home And Your Bank Requires It 

If a house is unsafe, a mortgage company will not want to finance a home. They are going to want to make sure that the funds keep up with the property for foundational finance. 

A home inspector wanted it done 

If a home inspector noticed abnormalities of the house or wall during his inspection, he might want a more thorough one done by a foundation inspector. 

What Does A Foundation Inspection Consist Of? 

There are several facets to a foundation inspection that include: 

● A meeting with the inspector - this is when you and the inspector will discuss timelines, any specific areas you are concerned with, and answer any questions you may have about foundations. 

● Visual inspection - this is when the inspector will walk around the inside and outside of your home and note anything he finds. 

● The inspection report - The inspector will draft a report letting you know anything he may have found, including specific areas of damage and recommendations for fixing it. 

What Should I Expect From A Home Foundation Inspection? 

Before a foundation inspector arrives at your property, you should know what to anticipate. Here is what a qualified structural engineer will provide you with. 

Floor Elevation Survey 

Before going into your home, the licensed inspector will gather information about your floor elevation. This is a tool used to measure floor elevations at different points in the house or building. A contour map is drawn to identify patterns of settlement. 

Exterior Examination 

This is typically the second part of the inspection. The inspector will walk around the outside of the home and look for areas that indicate damage to the foundation. They will look for cracks, areas of separation, bulges, and any indications that your substructure is uneven. They also look at the water drainage, the landscape of your yard, the gutter system, around the home, as well as the type of vegetation that grows around your property. Trees can cause a lot of damage to foundations with their extensive root systems. 

Interior Examination 

Inspectors will come in and check the interior of your home. Visually check for any visible damages such as cracks and separation. They will use various tests to determine if the walls and floors are level. In addition to floor and wall level checks, they will also make sure that cabinets are not leaning. 

Windows And Doors 

They open and close the windows and doors to make sure that they open and shut smoothly. If they tend to jam or stick, it’s a sign your foundation has shifted. 

Checking Pipes 

An inspector will check the pipes for dampness or if there are leaks. Water damage or excess moisture will cause mold, which leads to rotting wood. When the wood starts to rot, it can have all sorts of negative impacts on your home. 

Inspection Of The Substructure 

The substructure is essential in maintaining your foundation's integrity. If this area is damaged then there will be areas that are not level and maybe some buckling too. During this inspection, the inspector will look at any beams that support your home to make sure they are stable, there is no visual damage, and are not rotting. 

Post-Inspection Analysis 

Before making their analysis, they will speak with you and inform you about all they found. Then, they will provide you with any recommendations about their findings. The post-analysis report is a more detailed version of what they spoke with you about. This will include information about any current structural damage they discovered and any areas that look susceptible to damage. They will also know specifically where the damage is and how to fix the foundation. 

How Long Does A Foundation Inspection Take? 

This varies by the type of foundation you have and the size of the house. Crawl spaces and basements can take a few hours, while slab foundations aren't as complex and are done much quicker. 

How Much Does A Home Foundation Inspection Cost? 

This can change depending on who is doing your inspection and the size of the home being inspected. You can expect it to be anywhere from $300-$500 for the assessment and report. When you call around for different prices, make sure that the one you choose is done by someone qualified to do so. An unusually low rate likely indicates an inexperienced or unqualified contractor. 

Hiring A Pro For A Property Foundation Inspection Is Simple 

You may think you don't need a foundation inspection in Columbia, MO, but it is the only way to be certain you have pinpointed the problem. One of the most common reasons for foundation damage is due to water damage. Unfortunately, there are other reasons that aren't always as easy to pinpoint in building foundations unless you are trained and qualified to do so. If you see any signs of foundation issues, make sure to call a respected and recognized foundation repair company to come out for an inspection.

The 5 Best Investments During Inflation

Without earning compounding interest, your money's value is wasting away each year at an alarming rate. Your one dollar today will not be able to buy the same goods in the next few decades (or months at this point), and this is because of inflation. It is inflation that is measuring the services in the economy and the measures of average price levels in a country. This is the increase in price at a given point in time. Because of inflation results, the currency that you are holding today will buy less than before. With your buying power and savings at a loss, especially in a time of increasing inflation and wage stagnation (stagflation), you have to start planning to minimize it the best you can. 

Inflation is running rampant across the United States and many parts of the world right now due to many factors with prices skyrocketing. In fact, the U.S. and other countries just printed more money in the past 2 years than they have in the previous 200! The Fed continues to keep the printing press going for now. And with rapidly growing national debt adding up each year, things on the horizon don't look very promising. While inflation needs to be lowered down to a normal 2-3%, it has been hovering around 4% for awhile in 2025! Even mortgage rates are now at record highs, although they won't last forever since the red hot housing market will eventually cool. Clearly the inflation is not "transitory" as it was called for many months, and could contribute to an upcoming global recession. 

Now in 2025 it looks like inflation is starting to cool off slowly along with home prices, and eventually mortgage rates will start falling a bit. But nobody is home free yet.

Inflated pricing a complicated issue with many moving parts. The record-breaking inflation is blamed by many on Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Powell, The Fed, Russia, or China. But the truth is that no one single person or country or industry or political policy is to blame after the Coronavirus pandemic fallout that has wreaked havoc on the economy.

Nowadays just going to the grocery store or buying building materials is costing a fortune at this point, if you can even get the products you are looking for at all in our new inflation nation. There is a noticeable shortage on all items, and prices are reflecting it. Empty shelves and panic buying are occurring even now, especially around the holidays. Even the almighty Dollar Tree will be raising prices on some items above $1 soon! Some products don't increase prices but instead just reduce size or quantity to cut costs.

This is why it is essential to have a hedge against inflationary price increases. When prices go up, you need an investment that will go up in value, and your portfolio should be able to keep up with the costs as you age. In addition, the economy of a particular country can rapidly contribute to inflation. This can be in the form of a rise in wages or rapid processing of oil and other raw materials. 

It is natural to have inflation in the market. However, who wants to lose money over time? It helps to lower your bills and save more money, but what you really need to do is invest in things that give you a return higher than the level of inflation. This is why many disciplined investors are going into other asset classes when they notice that the markets are going to turn into a climate of inflation. Some of the top assets that you may consider to fight inflation include the following: 

5 Top Investment Options To Fight Inflation

1. Gold 

Gold bullions or coins are always considered a hedge when the prices are soaring. This is because gold has not lost its value over centuries, and it’s still considered by many as an alternative currency. Gold bars and specific coins are helpful when a native currency of a country is losing its value as the people’s trust in the government becomes lesser. This is a physical asset that one can hold in their hands, and the value tends to hold for the most part. 

2. Bond Portfolios 

Bond portfolios with 60/40 stock are a traditional mix of bonds and stocks, and they are considered the safest investments. They are conservative, and if you’re unsure about how to do the work on your own and are reluctant to pay for an advisor, you can consider the dimensional DFA Global Allocation instead. This can be a straightforward strategy, and like any other investment plan, it has its cons. 

If you compare them to equity portfolios, they won’t perform well over a significant period of time. There are also the effects of compounding interest to consider. It is essential that the 60/40 is only a hedge that will keep the overall portfolio safe. However, you will likely be missing out on a few returns compared to the stocks with a high percentage. Some bonds have been booming, but no investment is guaranteed in a volatile economy filled with inflation. Bonds have also been having a moment in 2025.

3. Real Estate Investment Trust 

The REITs are known to be real estate companies that operate and own some income-producing properties. These houses tend to rise with inflation, and you can invest in one that consists of a pool of other like-minded people. The pool will pay out the dividends to the investors. Of course, if you want more exposure to this but want a lower expense ratio, you can always consider Vanguard Real Estate ETFs. 

However, know that there are disadvantages when you put all your money into a real estate investment trust. They are very sensitive to the changes in high-yielding assets. As the interest rates are rising, some people find it attractive to invest in treasury securities, and the result is a lower share of prices because the funds were withdrawn away from the REITs. 

Another thing is that REITs need to pay property taxes, and this can be more than 20% of their total operational costs. If the council or municipal authorities suddenly pass a law that increases the taxes for the budget shortfalls, the shareholders may find themselves strapped for cash. 

There are certainly high yields in general, but the taxes are imposed on the dividends. Most of the rates fall at about 15%, and the dividends are currently taxed according to the higher percentage of REIT. They are considered a personal income that can raise the rates and potentially put you in a higher tax bracket. 

4. S&P 500 

Stocks are still the best choice when you want to invest for the long term. Businesses usually have gained from inflation, especially if they require little capital as a start-up. Those that are often dependent on natural resources are considered losers. 

Today, the S&P 500 has a high enough concentration when it comes to communication services and technology businesses. They can account for more than 35% of the stake in the Index. Overall, the communications and technological developments serve as capital-light for many companies, and they can emerge as winners afterwards. 

If you are going to invest in the S&P 500, you need to look into the SPDR ETF for the S&P 500 that will be a watch list on your behalf. However, like any other investments out there, specific disadvantages may be present in the S&P 500 Index. One of the significant drawbacks includes giving a higher priority to many companies with a lot of market capitalization. The stock prices for the larger companies will influence the Index in no time. Also, there are no exposures with the small capital companies that historically provided the best returns. 

But when it comes to the very basics, you can get around a 9% growth per year investing in the stock market compared to a 3% loss to inflation each year. And all the compound interest from dividends really adds up.

5. Income From Real Estate 

The income from real estate comes with rentals. The amount and cash flow you receive every month can beat inflation. When the inflation rises, expect that your home will also increase in value. This is because the landlord can charge a higher amount each month. The result is that there will be a higher rental income that keeps up with the inflation. This is one of the best reasons you should consider investing in real estate if you want diversification. 

However, know that there are cons to real estate investing. First, you have to cough up a considerable amount of money for the initial investment, and the transaction costs are higher than what you may have anticipated. Additional costs like insurance, repairs, and maintenance can't be forgotten as well.

The second thing is that houses and real estate are not liquid, so you can’t quickly sell them without substantial losses in their value. Purchasing a home will require maintenance and management, and you also have a great deal of financial liability if you don’t research this industry before getting into it. And don't forget about other costs like property taxes or condo HOA fees!

In addition to rental income real estate or flipping properties, you can also invest in land if you speculate that it will increase in value over time.

Ignore Inflation Increases 

Inflation can be tough on your personal finances, small business, and retirement planning. But utilizing the above investment options, potentially along with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or other precious metals like silver, will ensure that your investing goals aren't inhibited. With a smart strategy including the tips above, you can inhibit the inflation inflammation!

4 Tips To Design The Perfect Family Home

Do you yearn for a family house and want to have the whole building designed to your specifications? To achieve your dream goal, you need to consider every step carefully. We have 4 top recommendations that can make your decision-making process easier for homeowners. 

1. Get Your Priorities Straight 

Before you even meet your architect, you should have a clear idea of what you expect from the house. Do you think it is obvious? Often a simple open discussion between partners on this topic sparks the first disputes. 

So you start with the facts. How many household members will permanently occupy the property? Do these persons have any specific claims? And will there be any overnight visitors? 

The answers to these questions should give you a more specific idea of how big the house will be and how many rooms it will have. 

And what specific rooms for individual members are planned? In addition to the children's rooms (by the way, will all the children be in one room, or will each child have their own room?), there are other demands arising from hobbies and jobs. A musician may require a studio, an athlete a gym, a person working from home a home office. 

One family member will require a large kitchen, another a workshop or garden house. Every square inch can have major implications for a home or property. So try to come to a reasonable compromise, it will make the architect’s job easier. 

2. Go For Large Multifunctional Spaces On The Ground Floor 

On the lower floor, we recommend following fashion trends and creating the largest possible central room with a multifunctional purpose. This typically combines the living room with the kitchen and dining area. However, you can also accommodate a study area for working from home or use the room for home workouts. In short, it should be the social heart of the entire house, where all members of the household can spend the day together. 

On the top floor, you can situate separate rooms such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and more on the upper floor. The privacy of the individual residents should be paramount. 

3. Have No Sharp Boundaries, Just Smooth Transitions 

Partitions, doors, and strict boundaries are a thing of the past. Have one type of flooring, one type of paint or tiling throughout the floor, use the same type of furniture. You can find lots of inspiration on HGTV or your local Lowes and Home Depot stores. 

Any changes in style should be smooth, not sharp. This also applies to transitioning into the exterior. The living room can lead through French windows into the conservatory, followed by an outdoor terrace that leads seamlessly into the garden. 

4. Keep Sustainability In Mind 

Ecology is an important aspect of all new buildings. Try to take home sustainability into account in every step. Go for natural materials where possible. Insulate the building with the latest technology and consider installing photovoltaic panels or a heat pump for sustainable electricity and heating generation. 

Have A Fabulous Family Home 

Designing the right family home is no easy feat. It can be hard to please everyone in your family as well as property compliance requirements and future house buyers. Keep these tips in mind to perfect your properties.

Checklist for First Time Home Buyers

Did you know that 64 percent of American adults are homeowners. Are you looking to join this club? Thumbs up to homeownership!

Homeownership comes with a number of benefits. You get to build wealth over time, you can customize its design and appearance, and you enjoy significant tax deductions.

Exciting, right?

However, the process of acquiring a home can be long and complex, especially if you are a first-time buyer. Worry not, though aspiring homebuyers. We are here to take the guesswork and pains out of this house purchasing process.

Here is a checklist for first time home buyers.


Determine Your Housing Needs

A common mistake first time home buyers make is entering the market without a fine grasp of their housing needs. If you do this, you might end up acquiring a house not because it’s what you needed, but because you liked it at first sight!

As such, the first step to buying a house is to pinpoint your exact housing needs. Consider the following points:

• How big is your family right now?
• How big will your family grow in the future?
• Do you work from home?
• How much garage space do you need?
• What features do you want the house to have?
• What about nearby amenities like schools and hospitals?

When you have answers to these questions, you’re more likely to find the right home.

That said, we all aspire to own dream homes. If you’re anything like the vast majority of first-time house buyers, it’s unlikely that your first home will also be your dream home. It’s vital to embrace that fact that what you need right now is a home that meets your needs, not wants.


Establish a Budget

A house is one of the largest financial investments you will ever make. Right now, the average price of a home in the United States is about $325,000.

First, now that you already know your housing needs, you can easily narrow down to specific properties and determine the price range. Can you afford it?

This is why you need to establish a budget.

Start by looking at your finances. If you’re able to pay for the house in cash, good for you. But if you’re going to rely on a mortgage, budgeting becomes even more crucial.

As a general rule of thumb, you need to be able to pay at least 20 percent of the house’ cash price. So if the home you need costs $300,000, you should be able to put down at least $60,000. If you are unable to raise this amount, then it’s clear the house is out of your budget.

In this case, you will need to revise or scale down your housing requirements. Or you may want to postpone the purchase until you get your finances right.


Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

There’s nothing imprudent about buying a home through a mortgage. After all, about 70 percent of homeowners in the U.S. have a mortgage.

While a mortgage can help you achieve your dream of homeownership, securing one can be challenging, particularly if your credit score isn’t in the green zone.

It’s, for this reason, you must get pre-approved for a mortgage before starting to hunt for a property. Pre-approval also lets you know the amount of money you’ll eventually qualify for, which enables you to know the price range of houses you will be searching.

To enhance your chances of getting the best mortgage lender and securing a mortgage approval, it’s highly advisable to work with a mortgage broker like a home loan specialist.

This professional won’t just increase your chances of securing a mortgage. They’ll also give your handy financial advice to ensure you’re purchasing a property that suits not only your housing needs but also your financial situation.


Hire a Real Estate Agent

Another professional you need on your team during the home buying process is a real estate agent.

Yes, an agent will add to your costs, but their services are worth the money. You see, hunting for a house is an exciting task, but that’s where the fun ends. When it comes to negotiating on a price and closing the deal, you’ll certainly fall short.

A local real estate agent will take the hard work out of your house hunting exercise. They know the properties that are on the market in your preferred neighborhood, so you won’t be moving from door to door looking for a “house for sale” sign.

Now, the question is: how do you find an experienced and reliable local real estate agent?

Contact any of your friends or relatives who live in the area you want to snap up a house and ask whether they can recommend an agent. If someone you know has a good experience with a certain agent, you can trust that they’ll also offer you a similar experience.

If you’re unable to get leads from your social circles, take your search online. The search engine will pull results of real estate agents near you, but be sure to evaluate ratings and read reviews before settling on an agent.


Strike Quickly

After finding the right property, make an offer and close the deal as quickly as possible.

Some first-time buyers make the mistake of dragging their feet once they find an ideal property. 

Some think they’ll find an even better property down the road.

Well, you’ll always find a better house if you keep looking, but it will certainly be pricier. And by the time you come back to your first option, you’ll find it sold!

The gist of this is move quickly after finding an ideal home. With an agent on your team, closing the deal shouldn’t be an uphill task.


Use This Checklist for First-Time Home Buyers

Fewer things are as exciting as shopping for a first home. However, don’t let excitement get in the way of doing the basics right. With this checklist for first time home buyers, you now know what you need to do.

All the best and keep reading our blog for more real estate tips and property management. Visit The Real Estate section of our website right now for more frugal insight and information.

How To Style Your Bedroom When On A Budget

For some unknown reasons, the bedroom seems to be the last space for people to spend their time and money on redesigning. Maybe because it is not the first room you see when you enter your home or the place where you enjoy your dinner with your family 

The bedroom is usually the place where the old college furniture pieces end up. However, your bedroom should be a place that you love to spend time with. The good news is, you can style your bedroom even when you are on a budget. 

Tips On How To Redesign Your Bedroom On A Budget 

Here are some design tips that you can use to help you redesign the space without spending a lot of money. 

1. Switch Things Up 

You can change the layout of your bedroom without spending any dollars! You can give your bedroom a whole new look by changing some of your furniture's location. Sometimes, less is often more. 

You can eliminate some excess furniture to open up some space and make it more refreshing. With a little time and energy, changing the direction of your bed can make all the difference! 

2. Change Your Throw Pillows And Bed Covers 

The bed is the focal point of any bedroom. That is why changing your throw pillows, and your bed covers are one of the best ways to make small changes. You can try choosing a bed cover that is entirely different from what you currently have. You can also stick to basics like white beddings. White beddings work well in all seasons. They can be layered with a wool blanket during winter and lighter sheets during summer. 

3. Change The Lighting 

Lighting is an essential element in any room. However, it is especially crucial if you want to create an inviting and relaxing atmosphere. You can also look to your bedside lamps for an impactful change. You can do this by switching out your existing lamp shades. 

4. Wall Arts 

Another thing you can do is arrange the wall arts in your bedroom. You can use modern farmhouse wall signs if you want a rustic feel in your bedroom. You can also arrange your wall arts in any way to create some layering. 

5. Paint 

Using paint is an essential and low-cost thing to consider if you want to give your bedroom a new look. When your wall has a moody accent, it can provide the space a more sophisticated look. You can use light grey or pale blue to give your room some comfortable and relaxing feel. You can also use paint to liven up an old piece of furniture. Paint your old dresser or nightstand with a bright, fun color. 

6. Think About Your Floor Too 

Like changing your bed covers, you can also add or change a rug in your bedroom. It will have a big impact and to your space. You can even think about adding a thick rug to pull a room together.

Checklist For Moving Away

Many Americans seem anxious to broaden their horizons. Whether to find new work or raise a family, the prospect of moving out is an appealing one. What is hindering most is the uncertainty of the action. Is the grass really greener on the other side? 

All U.S. states probably boast attractive prospects for movers. Those Memphis homes for sale start to look really attractive once you have finally decided you are going to move. Not all areas are going to fit your specific needs. Before you even budge, here are some things you need to know about moving to another state. 

Where Are You Living? 

It is not wise to start the moving process without having a location waiting for you. Start making a list of places you have recently traveled to. Are there any that you felt comfortable in? Do some research on housing prices. It is often said that a resident is merely a tourist who decided to stay. 

Spread The Word 

If you have any relatives or friends in the area, then it makes sense to let them know you are planning on moving. Depending on how close you are with both, you might be able to personally relay this news. Should that be difficult, try emailing them instead. Don’t forget to tell everyone about your job, of course. 

Employer Coverage 

When you put in your two weeks' notice, ask about moving reimbursements. Costs that are typically covered include shipping services, packing, and transportation. Some companies may only cover these based on whether or not you're relocating for a related job. The only way to find out is from a simple yes or no. 

Secure Your Stuff 

The most expensive part about moving (besides housing costs) is hiring movers. Professional movers require an expert evaluation of your property before giving an estimate. A cheaper alternative would be to rent a portable moving container for $2,000 to $3,000. Costs may vary based on container size, rent duration, insurance, and extra components. 

Legal Domicile 

Moving to a new state means big changes for your taxes. Establishing a new permanent residence means having to file for legal domicile. This is only because each state in the Union has its own laws pertaining to marriage, inheritance, or liability. The state legislature may require proof of residences such as voter ID, pet and vehicle licenses, or a new driver’s license. 

New Driver’s License 

Some areas are easy enough to navigate without a car, and others aren’t. If you are going to be driving in a new state, then you will need a new driver's license. A window of thirty days after moving applies, though state laws may vary. This process is quick and easy. Go to the nearest DMV as soon as possible with your social security and new address. 

Transfer Utilities 

Once you have moved in, make sure the lights work. Call your utility providers to let them know about the move. Schedule a transfer or installation to your new home address. Some locations, like condominiums, may already have a plan built in. In that case, take an assessment of what utilities are necessary to your living from the ones that aren’t.

How To Find An Estate Lawyer Nearby

Planning an estate and writing a detailed will helps to ensure the future security of your assets and finances. The idea is complex, with many uncertain about how and where to begin. 

For validity and legality, it is wise to search for an estate lawyer near you in, as the first step in the process. An attorney specializing in wills, probate, and estates can detail each step in readily understood terms, plus help as you attempt to "future-proof" your life's affairs. Keep reading for questions you should ask a lawyer when drafting your will. 

Writing a will involves more than delegating inheritance. As you outline these details, you will be planning your affairs or estate, which could change several times over the course of your life, considering probate and assigning the roles of power of attorney and executor. 

How does an estate lawyer define a "will," and what is the process of writing one? Let's consider wills and estates in simplistic terms. 

How Is A "Will" Defined And What Is Involved In Writing One? 

A legal document delegating inheritance once an individual passes refers to a "will." An inheritance would include property, finances, and personal assets. An estate attorney ensures the validity and legality of a will, encouraging you to keep it current to protect your wishes. 

The document will introduce the beneficiaries to the estate preventing problems upon distribution. You will further assign an executor responsible for administering the estate's contents to the beneficiaries following your passing. This can be a person or an entity. 

Each time you update your "last will and testament," a wills and estate lawyer will sign to validate the document canceling all versions created previously. These are destroyed by the court. A will cannot expire unless a current one exists with a legal witness and signature. 

Upon passing, the executor, whether a person or institution appointed by you, will petition the court to be named the official estate's executor. Once selected, the executor will manage the estate, ensuring that your wishes are followed as written in the last will and testament verbatim. 

A common mistake people tend to make with their will is compiling the details independently instead of consulting an estate attorney or following legal guidelines. 

It is not a requirement to have a lawyer to establish a valid and legal will, but it is wise to have the document reviewed by a lawyer to confirm it is adequate and for keeping on record f or the future. Let's go over the steps in drafting a will a bit more in-depth. 

● What Is Involved With Appointing An Executor 

A primary component of a will is designating who will serve as the estate's executor to manage your affairs upon your passing. 

When selecting the ideal representative, the recommendation is that an individual is younger but not less than 18 years old, someone you implicitly trust who is capable of such a massive responsibility. 

"Reserve executors" should be designated. The primary you choose might have life circumstances rendering them incapable when the time comes, or perhaps tragedy will strike, taking their life. Some designated estate executors will simply not want the added responsibility and time commitment.

Any number of people can serve as executors, including your estate attorney or someone with will-related expertise. Open for details on wills and probate. 

● What If The Contents Of A Will Need To Be Changed 

Whenever you have life circumstances that bring significant changes, it is imperative to change the will's contents. These scenarios can involve: 

1. The passing of a beneficiary 

2. The need to change a specific beneficiary 

3. The birth of a child could add to your beneficiaries 

4. Divorce and remarriage 

A "codicil" is a will amendment written as a separate document but created in the same manner and approached as you would with a will legally. Ideally, you will have your estate lawyer assist with the changes or, at the very least, review the document for adequacy and keep it on record. 

● Can You Prepare If The Will Were To Be Contested? 

It is possible for an individual left out of the will or beneficiaries unhappy with their estate portion to challenge the will's contents. In these cases, it becomes their responsibility to prove "undue influence" or that there was coercion at the time of the will's creation. Fraud is also a basis for challenging the contents. The parties would need to prove the following: 

1. The person's actions result in them benefiting further from the will. 

2. The misrepresentation affected your decision-making, particularly regarding how the will was created. 

Some beneficiaries could feel slighted by the will's contents, or individuals left out of the document could feel you did so in error and place a claim against the record or "contest the will." 

It is increasingly common for beneficiaries to be successful with their claims in the court system, where it is found as a "moral obligation" for the deceased to adequately "bequest" family members, particularly children. 

What if extenuating circumstances led to the small gesture, and that is precisely how the deceased wanted it, thus the valid last will and testament? It seems wrong for a court to override an individual's wishes. 

Final Thoughts On Estate Lawyers 

When drafting and finalizing a will, it is to your benefit to have a local estate lawyer close to you in Bardon, QLD, working alongside you throughout the process. The legal professional in Queensland can then be called into question should there be a challenge to the contents helping to dissuade any changes from the written wishes. 

The estate attorney professional will vouch for the validity and legality of the document and can speak for your state of mind when drafting the contents.

Tips On Leasing Space For A Salon Business

Contrary to popular knowledge, most business owners rent their business spaces instead of buying or building. Renting is more convenient and affordable because it gives you the freedom to move or close down your business if things go south. Renting is also cheaper than the latter. Salon business owners are some of the renting enthusiasts. Before renting a space for your salon business, there are a few things you need to know. These property lease terms include: 

What Are The Terms Of The Lease? 

One of the most important things you need to know when renting or leasing a space for your salon or any other business is what the lease entails. You can find out all this information by reading the lease or rental agreement fully, word for word. Some people ignore this step because they find the document or papers to belong and uninteresting. However, you must know what it contains because it is like a contract. The lease usually contains general terms about the contract and all the agreements between you and the landlord. Therefore, you need to read it so that you can see if whatever is written in the document is the same as your agreement. 

This is an especially important move if the landlord is the one who made the document. It would be best if you made sure that they got the terms right. If there are any details that you do not agree with, you can go back and negotiate with the property owner, then make the necessary changes. Make sure you don't ignore the dates, payment figures, and other special terms. You also need to check your freedoms and those of the landlord when terminating the lease. 

How Easily Can Your Clients Access The Space? 

Another important factor to consider before renting or leasing a space for your salon is the accessibility of the area. Clients are an essential part of the success of any business, especially a salon. Therefore, you need a place in an area with a lot of foot traffic because the foot traffic will act as a marketing strategy for your business. You also need to check if the area has a parking space for your client's vehicles because salon services take time, and your client needs to be assured of the safety of their vehicles. It would help if you also had an area near transportation so that your clients can get to and from the location easily. Accessibility is, therefore, an important factor when choosing the location. 

How Many Clients Can Space Accommodate? 

The size of the space is also an important element you need to know. The size of the space directly influences your business size and the number of customers you can handle at a time. This means that you have to consider how many employees you have, the quantity of equipment, and your overall business needs. For instance, if you want the business to accommodate a beauty salon, spa, and other beauty services, you will need a large space. It is also worth noting that the business size affects the cost of renting or leasing it. 

It would help if you also considered whether or not the size of the space is expandable. If you intend to maintain the location for a while and expand your business in the future, you may need an expandable space. Getting an expandable space is a good move because you do not have to pay a lot of money for a large space, but if your business is successful, you can always expand it. 

How Is The Security In The Area? 

Security is a mandatory requirement when looking for any business space for hire. It would help if you had a place that will offer safety to both your employees and clients. Therefore, you need to look into aspects like the crime reports of an area. Note that the security of your business location directly affects your profits and marketability. 

Final Words On Salon Leases

You can also consider things like the sanitation of the space and its physical appearance. However, space's physical appearance is not too important because you can always change things by painting and interior decoration. Note that the cost of leasing the property or space is also a vital factor to consider if you are looking to find salon space.

Tips On Home Lighting That Looks And Feels Good

The importance of lighting in your home, both natural and artificial, cannot be understated. This is true whether you are selling your home or boosting your mental health naturally. Luckily there are a wide variety of home lighting options to boost your home's value while improving your mental health,, typically by decreasing anxiety and depression and improving sleep quality. 

Here are some of the top options for frugal home owners that need a bit of a boost mentally.

Sliding Sash Windows

Increasing the natural light shining into your home is one of the smartest ways to boost your mental health. When it comes to increasing natural light in your home, the more windows you have the better. Regardless of what windows your home currently has, you can get replacement sash windows customized to the look and feel you want. The fact that they are low maintenance and highly secure are also great for peace of mind as well. The charming window style will also make you smile!

Skylights

Skylights are definitely one of the most effective and awe-inspiring ways to add additional natural light to your home. They are one of the obvious choices, but they can only be done in certain rooms of certain homes, and can be quite expensive. If you have the option physically and financially, then it could be worth it for the value of your home and the boost in your mood!

Mirrors Near Doors & Windows

Let's face it, we can't all afford to put in endless windows, sliding doors, and skylights. What is the next best thing for adding natural light to your home and brightening things up almost free of charge? Mirrors! Adding mirrors to key areas of your home, especially near doors and windows that provide significant natural light, can amplify your overall home lighting. It can also maximize your artificial lighting as well if your options for lights or outlets are limited. There are plenty of great deals on mirrors at discount stores and online ecommerce shops. Adding more mirrors to your home could end up with you seeing yourself in a whole new light!

Bedroom Lights

The lighting and accessories in your bedroom is as essential to your mental health as it is to boosting the value of your home price. Before going to sleep you ideally want darker lighting to help your body's natural melatonin production. For this you can use warm color light bulbs and/or dimmable lights. Also make sure to avoid the blue light from televisions, computers, smartphones, and tablets before bed because the lights from these screens stimulate your brain instead of relaxing it.

Personal Portable Wellness Light

Sometimes when it comes to home lighting and mental health, you need a little extra help. That is where a personal wellness light comes in. These bright LED lights (usually under $50) are perfect morning companions on your nightstand or at your desk, and can give you a natural mental boost without resorting to caffeine or pills. They also use minimal electricity, so it is very light on the old wallet. They are also useful when leaving your home due to portability, most are the size of a tablet. 

Let There Be Light

Boosting your mental health naturally is always a good thing if you can manage it. Improving your home lighting is a great place to start. Let your light shine on!