How You Can Flip Homes And Flip The Script On Your Career And Education

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If you’re an adult thinking about going back to school, you might be wondering how you can afford your tuition on top of your mortgage. While there are many things you can do, including taking out student loans and applying for grants and scholarships, there is another solution that can also help increase your personal wealth: flipping homes.

Today on the Moving & Storage Of Jacksonville blog, we offer a few quick tips that can help you flip homes and afford your education.

Evaluate your financial standing.

There’s no real way to determine how much you can expect to spend on buying and reselling properties. A good place to start is to evaluate your current income, savings, debt, and credit score. Once you know this, you can speak with the mortgage agent and realtor to determine what’s feasibly affordable. Even if you can’t do it by yourself, you may be able to take on investment partners that can shoulder some of the financial burdens.

Choose the right properties.

Once you have a number in mind, it’s time to choose the right house. Ideally, it will be under your overall budget so that you will have a bit of money left over for updates and unexpected repairs. Steer clear of homes with significant foundation problems, which basement waterproofing company GJ MacRae explains are easily noticeable by bowing, bulging, cracked masonry, and sagging floors.

Form an LLC.

You don’t necessarily need a formal business structure to start flipping houses. However, it comes with many benefits, the least of not which are tax savings and the ability to write off many of your expenses. As an LLC, you’ll also separate your personal money from that of your business. Speaking of money, you can form an LLC online for less than an attorney’s office would charge you if you don’t mind reading up on local regulations before you get started.

Get cozy with cleaning.

Cleaning happens at every step of the renovation and resell process. Don’t be shy about putting on some gloves and boots and cleaning out things previous owners may have left. Just as importantly, you’ll find that you save money if you act as your own deep cleaning service. Before each showing, plan to clean every surface, vacuum well, or, at the very least, take the rugs outside for a quick shake to reduce dust.

Utilize online learning.

When you’re running a business and going back to school, time efficiency matters. Consider going back to school for an online degree program, which has the bonus of also being more affordable than brick-and-mortar learning. A quick tip: pay close attention to the schools you want based on your professional aspirations. If you want to be a teacher, for example, this may help by offering information on the types of degrees you can get and what types of information you’ll learn that will make you a better educator.

Find the right storage partner.

Finally, but just as important as all of the above, find the right storage partner. This is especially beneficial if you plan to buy bulk materials, such as wood, brick, and flooring, to save money on your home-flipping endeavors. Look for a storage partner that’s close by, has convenient hours, and won’t break the bank.

Flipping houses is a great start to a career in real estate. But it’s also an excellent side job, and you want to go to school for something else. Start by identifying your financial standings and then form an LLC to protect your personal credit from issues surrounding your business. You also need to get comfortable with the vacuum and look for other ways to save, such as going to school online or buying in bulk and storing materials for when you need them most.

Upsizing to Start a Business? Here’s How to Balance Home Buying and Business Related Responsibilities

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Entrepreneurs aspiring to start a home-based business need one thing the most, space – for work and storage. A home office serves as the perfect place to run a business as it provides the privacy needed to work and the storage required to safely store documents, equipment, and inventory. If space is an issue in your current home, the best option is to save up and upsize. Today, Moving & Storage of Jacksonville explores the steps entrepreneurs should take to find the right property for their businesses and family.

Home Buying Process

First, let’s look at the steps to follow to find your new home.

• Set Accurate Financial Expectations

Upsizing typically involves paying more than what you’ll earn from the sale of the current home. But, this is not always the case, as moving to a location with lower housing prices can result in spending less on a bigger home. In addition to the purchase price, you’ll need to factor in closing costs, moving expenses, and an emergency fund. Traveling to visit properties will involve a cost as well.

Hence, before you enter the market for a new home, take the time to create an accurate budget that provides a clear idea regarding how much you can spend on a new home.

• Apply for Mortgage Pre-approval

If your calculations denote the need for a mortgage, it’s best to apply for pre-approval. During pre-approval, your mortgage lender will ask for documents regarding salary, bank statements, tax filings, and credit scores. A reported United Financial Credit Union, based on their assessment, you’ll be given a clear mortgage amount that you qualify for. This will further help to shortlist properties and make adjustments to your financial plan.

• Hire a Real Estate Agent

Between managing finances and starting a new business, you’ll have your plate full. Hence, opt to work with a real estate agent who will do the legwork of finding properties and scheduling showings. The same agent can also be tasked with selling the current home for the best price, managing closing proceedings, and providing suggestions for hiring movers and mortgage brokers.

Business Start-up Process

Creating a strong foundation is integral to developing a successful business. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to create one and get the business up and running:

• Write a Business Plan: A business plan is the founding document of the company that includes comprehensive information regarding product offerings, funding requirements, pricing, target customers, competitors, market trends, and more. Here is a resource to help you get started on the business plan.

• Establish an LLC: Moving to a new location (especially a new start) will require you to register the business locally. A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the best business structure for home-based entrepreneurs as it protects personal assets from litigation and allows you to use business expenses as tax-write offs.

• Create a Website: Regardless of the industry you’re in, a website is essential to make the business successful. Through the website, you’ll be able to directly connect with customers, make sales, and build a strong online presence.

• Engage on Social Media: These days, social media makes marketing far easier, but it still takes some effort and creativity to help spread the word about your business. Infographics are a great way to connect with potential customers, and they’re much easier to generate than you think – especially if you click here and use this free tool to get started! From there, you can share your new infographic via Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to help expand your audience.

• Design Eye-Catching Banners: As reported by The Kraus Group, the average attention span of customers is just 8 seconds. Hence, once they land on your website, they should be greeted with an aesthetic banner prompting them to take action, whether that is to register, make a purchase, or sign up for your email list. There are plenty of free banner creators on the making that’ll provide you with a range of customization templates to choose from.

Upsizing can serve as the start of a new chapter in your professional and personal life. By working with a real estate agent you’ll significantly reduce the pressure on your shoulders to find the perfect home. The time saved can be dedicated to setting up the business by establishing an LLC, creating a website, and writing a business plan.

Moving & Storage of Jacksonville provides the best moving, logistics and relocation services at an affordable rate. Reach out today if you have any questions!

New Beginnings in New Cities

Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes, when you need a fresh start, one of the best ways to get it is by simply wiping the slate clean and starting over. Before you do, there are a few things you should consider.

Deciding Where to Go

According to the U.S. Census, the states with the most growth in the last decade are Utah, Idaho, Texas, North Dakota, and Nevada. In addition, many people are moving out of cities and into suburbs and rural areas. When thinking about moving somewhere new, look for places like Jacksonville, FL, which offers culture, family activities, natural beauty, and a plethora of work opportunities.

Finding a Place

Once you decide what area you want to move to, you’ll have to find a place to live. There are many pros and cons to consider when deciding to rent or buy in your new hometown. Take time to really consider what amenities you want and need and where you can find them. An apartment may be better if you want a trial run in a certain neighborhood, and renting gives you time to adjust before making a big purchase. Conversely, buying a place allows you to get settled in faster and feel like you really belong while immediately building equity.

Making Changes

If you’re trying to get a new start in Jacksonville, FL, simply moving isn’t going to cut it. You’ll need to think about what changes you want to make in your life. Then, go out and make it happen.

New Work Interests

A new city means a new job. It’s up to you if it’s in the same industry or a new one. You might also consider opening your own business. Opening a physical business in your new community is a great way to establish yourself and meet new people, while an online business gives you time to explore and enjoy the area. To make it last, be sure to follow best practices by creating a business plan to describe your products and services, marketing plans, financial plans, and goals.

Better Yourself

This is also the perfect time to better yourself. Go after things you’re passionate about. Start a new hobby or go back to school. It can be a good idea to earn an HR degree online, which helps in employee management, benefits, and policies, whether you’re working for a business or starting your own. Or, shift your career interests toward mental health with a psychology or sociology degree. If you’re not interested in a degree, continuing education classes are fun for simply expanding your mind.

Getting Social

One of the best parts about moving somewhere new is the exposure to new people and new cultures. Go beyond the usual clubs and coffee shops to find new friends. Try joining fitness classes or special interest clubs. Look for people who have similar interests to you, or take the chance to branch out and find a whole new social circle.

Get Going on Your Fresh Start

Once you decide where to go and get focused on making changes, you’ll have your fresh start in hand. Contact Moving and Storage of Jacksonville for full-service or labor-only moving solutions to get you going right away. 

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Bad Credit or No Credit? You May Still Be Able to Buy a House

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Be sure to check out jaxlocalmovers.com to find other helpful content.

When you’re looking to buy a house, you can expect that lenders will immediately look at your credit history. The better your credit history and the higher your score, the more likely you are to be approved for a good mortgage.

So, what do you do if your credit history leaves a lot to be desired or simply doesn’t exist? Well, don’t give up hope just yet because you may have options. From getting your debt under control to applying for an FHA loan, below are some tips to help you land that mortgage so that you can move into the home of your dreams!

Know your credit score.

The first thing you should do is obtain your credit reports, which will show you your credit score and history. Each of the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — will provide you with one free report per year. Once you get the reports, thoroughly look them over to check for errors, and be sure to dispute any errors should you find them.

Once you have an understanding of your credit score and history, you will have a better idea of what kind of mortgage you should pursue. For instance, a conventional fixed-rate loan requires a minimum score of 620, while adjustable-rate loans require at least a 640.

Get debt relief.

If you are carrying a substantial amount of debt, you will probably need to get a grasp on it before applying for a mortgage. Explore debt relief and assistance in your state, and hire a debt relief specialist to help guide you through the best ways to manage your debt. Factors like your total debt and employment status will play a role in choosing the right solution.

Build your credit first.

This may not sound too fun, but you might consider building up your credit before buying a house. Even if you get accepted for a mortgage with a low credit score, chances are that mortgage will not prove cost-effective in the long term. If you apply for credit cards and consistently make your payments on time, you can get your credit score up within a few years.

Turn to smaller institutions.

If you have no credit history as opposed to poor credit history, you may be able to find a smaller bank or credit union that is willing to work with you on a home loan. However, start with any banks where you have been a long-time customer.

Ask someone to cosign.

Another way you could possibly score a mortgage if you have little to no credit history is to find a cosigner, such as a parent or a partner. In short, a cosigner will assume legal responsibility for your home loan in the event that you default on your payments or your debt goes into collections. If you have already been approved for a mortgage, using a cosigner can also land you a higher loan amount and a better interest rate.

Research FHA loans.

Finally, it might be worth your time to look into FHA loans. These are popular home loans for individuals who have no credit history and/or low incomes. To determine whether or not you qualify, the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) will review your payment history for bills like car insurance, rent, utilities, and so forth. Therefore, if you’ve been consistent with such payments, you stand a better chance of getting approved.

It may require a little more work, but you can still get a mortgage if you have bad credit or no credit. Remember to check your credit score and look into all of your debt relief options. Also, consider taking time to build your credit, seeking a loan from smaller banks or credit unions, and using a cosigner on your mortgage application. Lastly, if you have a history of paying your bills on time, apply for an FHA loan.

Are you looking for a top-notch moving service to get your belongings from A to B quickly and safely? Call Moving and Storage of Jacksonville to get a FREE estimate! (904) 239-2439

Move Your Business Efficiently With These Considerations

Moving a business to a new location without interrupting the daily flow of operations can be tricky; in fact, for some business owners, it can feel like an impossible task. Packing up, preparing new signage and marketing materials, and keeping customers informed about the move are just a few things you’ll need to consider, as well as how to do it all without losing a lot of time or money. It might ease the pressure, however, to know that there are several things you can do to make the moving process easier, including staggering the tasks involved in the move so you can keep running your business and serving customers. It can also be helpful to start gathering resources that will help along the way; check out the services offered at Jax Local Movers to begin the planning process for hiring movers and securing storage.

Here are a few things to think about when you’re ready to move your business:

The legalities of moving to a new state

Taking your business across state lines? Opening up in a new area can be stressful, but you can start planning ahead now by gathering everything you need to form an LLC and register your business so that you’re compliant. Not only will this give you peace of mind, it will also offer a measure of protection for your personal assets as well as tax benefits, which will definitely come in handy as you get to know the ins and outs of running a business in an unfamiliar location. Forming an LLC comes with different rules in every state, so make sure you’re familiar with the legalities and hire a formation service to take care of the paperwork so you can save money on attorney’s fees.

Communication with your customers and employees

Moving a business may come with some legal considerations, but it also requires stellar communication if you want to avoid any problems. Working on the move as a team with your employees and/or partners is essential, as is making sure your customers are up-to-date on your timeline. If you decide to close up shop completely in order to focus on the move, how will customers get in touch with you if they have issues with previous purchases or outstanding orders? Consider designating at least one person for the job of handling customer service, updating social media with news about the move, and mitigating problems so you can hold onto your audience.

Changes to your invoices, signage, and other important resources

As you begin to plan for the customer end of your move, it’s important to include preparations for changing signage, your company’s address and phone number listing on Google, and your invoices, banking, and financial documents. Planning early for these items will allow you to ensure that there are no roadblocks on opening day so you can serve your customers and get paid on time. Updating your invoices is a cinch with an online invoice generator, which allows you to customize a premade template with your choice of fonts, colors, and images so you can create a professional-looking document that aligns with your branding.

The impact on your new community

As you begin making plans for moving day, it’s also important to consider how your business will impact the new community. Will you be able to offer jobs or support other small businesses in the area? Make it a point to get out and introduce yourself, make connections with other entrepreneurs, and look for ways to partner with them that will benefit both of you. Do a little research to find out more about local events you can be a part of, such as conventions or festivals; this is a great way to boost your profile within the community.

Opening a business in a new area can be daunting, but by planning ahead, you can make sure the process isn’t too stressful. Prepare early on for things like new invoices and signage, as these details will give you peace of mind as you focus on growing your business.

Ready to start planning for moving day? Get in touch with Jax Local Movers with questions or concerns.

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What to Do When Moving for Work

Written By: Suzie Wilson
suzie@happierhome.net
Happierhome.net – “There’s no place like a Happier Home!”

What to Do When Moving for Work

If you are moving for work, there are many things to consider. The following outlines some of the most important tasks to complete before moving day.

Selecting the Right Area

The first thing to do when moving for work is to choose a neighborhood close to where you plan to work. Data show that about half of Americans feel that housing affordability is a major problem in their local areas, so research the cost of housing in the areas that are within driving distance of your new job. In some cases, it may be financially beneficial to drive further to work while living in lower-cost housing. If you need to move quickly, it may be helpful to rent a residence so that you have more time to research and carefully select your ideal home.

If you do not already have a job lined up, utilize employment resources to help you find work in the area. Helpful resources include:

• Job listing sites
• Professional networking sites
• Government resources
• Job fairs

When applying to jobs, it is important to have a professional resume. There are many free resume templates to work from available online that can help you organize your information and customize the design.

Once you have determined the area you want to move to, search for the right home. If you have kids,  research the local schools to ensure they are a good match for your kids. See if the area offers school choices or has charter schools or private schools.

Organizing and Packing

Finding work, schools, and housing are generally the biggest aspects of any move. However, there are numerous smaller things that should be added to your to-do list. Some frequently forgotten tasks include leaving a forwarding address for mail, making sure you do not have gaps in health insurance coverage, ensuring pets are healthy before the move, and organizing all-important paperwork. If you will be using a new hospital network, remember to transfer immunization history and other important medical records.

Hiring a professional moving company Moving & Storage of Jacksonville makes the physical process much easier. When professionals pack and transport your belongings for you, you can focus on other important tasks.  

Taking Care of Kids and Pets

If you are moving with children, do what you can to ease their anxiety. Tell them about the upcoming move as soon as possible. Give them tasks, such as packing their bedrooms, to help them feel like they have some control. Allow them to select paint colors or furniture for their rooms. If possible, visit the new neighborhood beforehand. Leave out special belongings as long as possible and make sure they are clearly marked so that they can be unpacked quickly in the new house.

When moving with pets, it is important to make sure your furry friends are comfortable. Although you can’t explain the move to them, you can make sure they are kept away from the chaos of moving day as much as possible. Have a room in both houses set up with food, water, and toys so that pets have what they need while all the packing and unpacking is going on. Remember to give them extra love. Ask your vet for a sedative if your pet is particularly anxious.  

Although moving for work is a big undertaking, it is possible to keep the process manageable. Take it one step at a time to better keep track of all you need to do.

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Empty Nesters: Explore Downsizing to a Smaller Home

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Empty Nesters: Explore Downsizing to a Smaller Home

When your kids moved into homes of their own, you may have been excited, at first, to have the house all to yourselves. Grocery bills and laundry loads decreased. However, you may soon realize you have too much space.

While you may have a lot of good memories, you may decide to just keep a few mementos and say goodbye to such a big house that now requires so much cleaning, maintenance, and yard work. If you decide to downsize, here are some added benefits of moving as well as ways to make the move easier.

Experience a stress free move from start to finish by contacting the professionals at Moving and Storage of Jacksonville or by phone at (904) 239-2439.

You Will Save Money in Unexpected Ways

Not only will you be saving money on utility bills, you may find yourself saving more than you anticipated. Consider some of the expenses to repair your old, large family home: replacing a heat pump, adding insulation, or even replacing an HVAC system.

You may choose a smaller place closer to your grandchildren and closer to town. You could also save on homeowners’ insurance and property taxes. If you move closer to town, you could walk more than before. You would be saving money on gas, exercising without even trying, and putting fewer miles on your cars.

One other perk of selling a large home is being able to afford a beautiful newer, smaller house. If you have already paid off your family home, you can decide to take out a mortgage to purchase a new place. Since the housing market is so good, you can often make money from the sale of your home and not have to take out a new mortgage when you downsize. Even if you’re not lucky enough to have paid off the old home, oftentimes the profit can allow you to buy a new, smaller home outright or for a smaller loan. For tips on getting a mortgage as a retiree, check out The Balance.

Be sure to hire a knowledgeable realtor when you’re selling your current home and purchasing a new home in the Jacksonville area. Realtors can offer suggestions about updates before selling to get the most return on investment. In addition, they can help you find the perfect home for your needs!

Also, be sure to change the locks of any home you purchase. You want the added security that comes with you being the sole owner of a new set of locks and keys. Previous owners of your house may have given keys to evicted tenants, neighbors, and a score of other people. Just use online search criteria like “find a locksmith near me” to help you to connect with a professional and reliable locksmith to make sure your new home is secure.

You Will Declutter and Feel Less Stressed

As empty nesters, once you started to look around your too-big house and saw so much clutter, you felt stress. Clutter causes stress.

Downsizing can be like a breath of fresh air. It gives you the perfect excuse to get rid of the things that are weighing you down. Go through your home and purge. Weekend purge sessions give you a chance to sift through things with your kids when they visit, bringing back memories and family stories, allowing your kids to accept leaving their home. If you’re ready to start, you may find these tips from Moneycrashers.com helpful.

Decluttering will save you money on the move, since moving less costs less. Don’t put yourselves at risk by carrying boxes and furniture yourselves, so strongly consider hiring professional movers to take the pain out of moving. You won’t have to worry about renting a truck or finding enough friends and family to help you. And, you know your things will be safe with people who have the experience and equipment it takes to move a household.

As empty nesters, you won’t regret downsizing. You will save more money than you expected to, and you will be happier in a smaller, more manageable home. Sometimes you will miss your old house, but downsizing can lead to big improvements in the quality of your life.

Article Courtesy of Charles Simmons Tosellortostay.com

tosellortostay@gmail.com

The Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Homebuyers

Article written by:

Charles Simmons with Tosellortostay.com

Contact him @tosellortostay@gmail.com

Right now, many hopeful homeowners are thinking of starting their search. Low interest rates make this an appealing time to buy, but demand is high, and the market is pretty competitive as a result. Here’s a guide for how to have an effective house hunt without losing your mind along the way, presented by Moving & Storage of Jacksonville.

Do Your Research

The first step of any successful house hunt is research. Start by using an online calculator to get a sense of how much house you can afford. You won’t know your budget for certain until you’re pre-approved (more on this later), but this will help you get a sense of what kind of loan to get.

Next, take a look at your local housing market. One of the best learning tools at your disposal is to sort by recently sold homes. You can see how long the property was on the market, take a look at its features, and see how its final sale price compared to the original asking price. This is also where an agent comes in as a valuable resource, as they can give you an informed idea of what’s happening in your market.

Secure Your Funds

The next step in your journey should be reaching out to your lender and getting pre-approved for your mortgage. This is absolutely necessary in today’s market. Without pre-approval, you’re virtually guaranteed to get passed up in the offering stage (unless you’re offering cash).

Be sure to ask your lender about what kind of options you have as far as loans are concerned. For example, if you have a large down payment saved, a conventional loan may make the most sense. FHA loans, however, may allow you to afford a bigger house with a smaller downpayment. Compare your options to see what’s best for your situation. You should also determine whether it would be helpful to pay points on your mortgage, which can help lower your interest rate. Use an online calculator to help you determine if this is the right decision for you.

Find Your Home

Once you have the funds all set, you can start your house hunt. Come up with a list of “wants” and “must-haves” for your ideal home, and use that list to judge potential options. In this market, if you’re interested in a property, you may need to move fast. Be prepared to jump or pass on properties quickly. First-time home buyers often don’t realize that they’ll likely make several offers before getting accepted. This is perfectly normal, but it makes it especially important to avoid getting too attached to a particular property. House hunting is a numbers game, and you will find a house that’s a good match.

Once you do and your offer is accepted, you’ll move into closing. You’ll have an agreed-upon window of time in which you can schedule inspections and appraisals, and hammer out details before the house is yours. If everything goes smoothly, you will have your very own home!

Buying a home is a big step, and we hope this article has made it a bit more approachable. Congrats on entering this phase, and good luck on your search!

The trusted professionals at Moving & Storage of Jacksonville can help take the stress out of moving day. Get in touch with us today by calling (904) 239-2439. You can also visit our website to learn about the different services we offer our customers.

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