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Key ring with a trinket in the shape of a house.

Rent vs. Buy a Home in Huntington Beach – Things to Consider

Huntington Beach is a friendly Californian town where tourists come to enjoy the sandy beaches. The atmosphere is relaxed and easygoing, full of simple pleasures and good moments in the sun. If you imagine sandcastles, beach bonfires, pier strolls, and world-class surfing, you imagine Huntington Beach. So if you would like to move here, there is just one question you should ask yourself: rent vs. buy a home in Huntington Beach, which is more worth it? Of course, there isn’t a right or wrong answer to this question, as renting or buying has both advantages and disadvantages. However, some factors can have a say in your decision-making. As a result, let us see what you should consider when making such a life-changing decision.

Can you afford to own a home?

If you’re simply thinking about your mortgage payment, it’s easy to answer yes. However, there are several housing expenses in addition to the mortgage when you become a homeowner. When you rent, you merely pay the rent. You won’t have to pay property taxes, HOA fees, grass mowing, snow shoveling, or spring and autumn cleanups. It’s a one-and-done deal. You only have to pay for utilities. As a result, if you are considering purchasing a home in Huntington Beach, you should be aware of the costs involved. For instance, if you are single and living in Huntington Beach, your monthly expenses will be around $5000. Those expenses include a mortgage, food, utilities, healthcare, or transportation. Also, consider that the median home price in the city is 1.2 million, with a median price per square foot of $635. So, can you afford to own a house here?

A small house made from dollar banknotes.
If you wonder whether to buy vs. rent in Huntington Beach, you should consider homeownership costs vs. rents.

How are your finances?

This question is closely related to the previous one. Still, you must consider more than just the number of housing bills and whether a mortgage lender is likely to provide you with favorable terms on a house loan. After all, the lower your mortgage payment will be, the lower your interest rate will be. And the first essential step you should take before diving headfirst into house ownership is calculating your debt-to-income ratio, savings, and assets. As a result, if you plan to live in Huntington Beach, you should know that the median individual income is $46,500, which is 26% more than the state median. Therefore, if you move here and find a job, you have all the chances of having a good and stable income that will allow you to pay rent or a mortgage.

If you do decide to relocate to Huntington Beach, make your move a success by following the recommendations of reliable and experienced moving professionals who can help you. As they advise, you should ask for moving quotes from different moving companies and choose the one that suits your needs and finances.

Is now a good time to buy a home?

One of the most crucial things to consider if you want to rent vs. buy a home in Huntington Beach, pros and cons, is the timing. If we look at the Huntington Beach housing market, things look promising. Homes here typically receive five offers and sell in around 34 days. In July, the average sale price of a property in Huntington Beach was $1.19 million, up 15% from the previous year. The average sale price per square foot was roughly $700, up 18% since last year. With these reports in mind, you could easily say that the housing market is hot and competitive in Huntington Beach. Therefore, buying a house here can be profitable now and in the future, as the Huntington Beach housing trends show that home values will continue to rise.

Woman holding a home for sale sign.
The real estate market in Huntington Beach is hot, so it might be a good time to invest in a property.

Are you looking for stability or flexibility?

Buying a property can make sense if you know you’ll live in it for at least five years. That’s because it might be a great fit both financially and emotionally. You can put personal touches on your house and make it feel like yours. However, if you wish to be more flexible, living in a rental could be the best option.

For instance, if you are new to a city, you may want to get to know the various neighborhoods before settling down. Or, if you get a job promotion and should move from New York to California, for example, you won’t have to deal with the stress of selling a property while transferring to a new job. Long-distance moving to California is daunting as is, so you don’t need other distractions. As a result, if you live in a leased property, you just need to make sure everything is ready to be transferred from your old home to your new one, and that’s it.

The pros and cons if you want to rent vs. buy in Huntington Beach

As you might imagine, there are advantages and disadvantages to both renting and buying a property. Here are the essential ones:

Renting pros:

  • Flexibility to move around
  • You can easily change homes or neighborhoods if you decide you don’t like it
  • Monthly expenses are generally the same
  • No property taxes, HAO fees, or closing costs
  • Your landlord takes care of the maintenance

Renting cons:

  • You can’t build an equity
  • Rent prices can change over time
  • The landlord can decide to sell
  • You can’t make changes to the place without approval
  • You must follow the terms of the lease.

Buying pros:

  • You can build equity
  • You might have tax deduction benefits
  • You can customize your home freely
  • You will have a sense of stability
  • The value of your home can increase over time

Buying cons:

  • You have o pay property taxes
  • Maintenance and repairs are your responsibility
  • You have less flexibility
  • Home prices can decrease
  • Closing costs for buying can be expensive
A person counting money while trying to choose the winner in the rent vs. buy in Huntington Beach battle.
Your financial status might help you decide the winner in the rent vs. buy a house in Huntington Beach battle.

Bottom line

There isn’t always a simple answer to whether to rent vs. buy a home in Huntington Beach. The answer can change depending on your living status and financial situation. Therefore, the decision is mostly a personal one. However, if you could use some help deciding which is best, speak with a real estate professional. They can help you weigh your options and make an informed decision.

A woman walking and thinking about whether to buy an apartment or a house in Charlotte.

Should you buy an apartment or a house in Charlotte

If you have an opportunity to get yourself a residential property in Charlotte, North Carolina, you should take it! All you have to do is do your best to prepare for that purchase and take your time to get ready for the moving project. However, if you are not sure whether you should buy an apartment or a house in Charlotte, you might want to keep reading this text to find out!

A beautiful house to consider if you opt for buying a second home in Louisiana.

Places to consider when buying a second home in Louisiana

If you have an opportunity to buy a second property in the Pelican State, it would be wise not to waste that chance. Owning such real estate in this part of the US will bring you tax benefits, financial stability, the possibility to earn more money, etc. In other words, you won’t regret making this investment. So, if you are planning on buying a second home in Louisiana, you will have lots of great things at your disposal! And to be certain everything is ideal, you just need to pick a perfect place to buy a property in. For that reason, in this text, you will discover some of the most recommended locations in LA that can be great for purchasing a second home!

a woman wearing a Canadian flag, read about How to stage a Canadian house for American buyers

How to stage a Canadian house for American buyers – tips and tricks

Staging a home is a crucial step to selling, and there are many tips and tricks for staging. You need to know what to do with your space. And how to arrange furniture to invoke the desired reaction. To help you with that, we have some tips and tricks on how to stage a Canadian house for American buyers.

​Cleaning your household

Before you start staging, you need to make your house spotless. Clean like a mad man and make your home cleaner than it ever was when you lived n it. If you want the best result hiring professional movers will make the job easier. In addition, they are not expensive.

person in white protective suite cleaning in the living room
First you have to clean and then think about how to stage a Canadian house for American buyers

​How to stage a Canadian house for American buyers – think about hiring a professional

When it comes to home staging, specialists can handle this task. Your best bet is a professional who has presented many houses before. They know how to use the space and make it appealing to people. However, if you want to save money, here is how to do it on your own.

​What room to focus on?

Before you get into staging, you have to decide what rooms you to pour all of your time into. There are many rooms in the house. However, we recommend focusing on two – the living room and the bedroom. The living room is usually the first room people see when they come in, and the bedroom is where people relax after working all day.

a bedroom
If the bedroom is well-staged you will increase your chances of selling the house

​If you want to know how to stage a Canadian house for American buyers, you have to think about the color and the furniture

The trick to staging a home is not to overcrowd it. So you have to decide what furniture you will need and what color will the room be. We recommend going for neutral colors and leave the furniture that matches the color of the room. Categorize your household items before moving them for the showing.

​Why is decluttering important?

Decluttering your home before showing a house will make it feel like a blank canvas. And that is what you want. You want to make the buyers feel like they can make this home their own. So get rid of all of your personal belongings. If you need some furniture disassembled it’s best to leave it to experts, they will do it and reassemble it bak when you finally sell your home.

​Making the front presentable is how to stage a Canadian house for American buyers

Our final tip on how o stage a Canadian house for American buyers is to clean up the front of the house. Make sure that your grass is green. Plants flowers in your front garden. Water the flowers so they look fresh. You can also buy fake ones. Pain your house if you want to go the extra mile. And when you finally sell your house, you should know there are many upsides of friends helping you move.

A plant in a glass filled with coins.

Guide to buying a property in Nanuet, NY

Buying a property is a big deal for everyone especially for those who are first time in this home-buying business. It can be thrilling but also nerve-wracking, but nowadays buying a property is an investment. Of course, you don’t have to do it all by yourself. There are experts that can help you like lawyers and real estate agents. Also, we have a few tips and tricks that can help you.

Some helpful tricks when you are buying a property

Location is the key in the property business. Let’s be honest, New York is the capital of the world so wherever you decide to buy a property, the chances are you will have a great location. Nanuet is one of the best places to live in NY especially if you want to raise a family there. You will have that suburban feel while living in NY. Also, the schools are highly rated so that’s a bonus.

Tip from real estate experts – it’s better to buy the worst house in a better neighborhood than the best house in a less attractive neighborhood.

Additional help you might need

If you are not an expert in this field, make sure to find a good lawyer to help you with all the legal questions you might need. For finding the best location and good price, hire a licensed real estate agent. They have listings and can quickly find you some good properties. Of course, you can do it on your own, but this is the safest and quickest option.

The bank

Buying any kind of property is expensive. But that’s what the banks are for. If you have a good credit score and down payment ( depending on the bank, you will need something between 10 and 20% ) you are good to go. The lowest score for buying a house is 580. The bigger the score is, the better the offers you will get. If your score is not there yet, there are things you can do to improve it. Sometimes one month is all it takes. There are ways to buy property without down-payment but then the mortgage is different. Make sure to talk in the bank with the agent about all the options that are available for you.

Money you need for buying a property.
Buying a property in New York is not cheap, but the bank will be able to help you out.

Living in Nanuet NY

As stated before, this is a great place to live. Maybe even the best in NY. Most residents here are homeowners. Hopefully, you will be one of them soon enough. Having a dense suburban feel is amazing and this can be the best place for the kids and even pets if you have some. If you don’t, what are you waiting for? A quick walk to the local shelter can bring you your new best friend.

Moving to Nanuet NY

When you find the right property and buy it the next step will naturally be relocation. This is a hard part due to all the heavy lifting, planning, and packing but there are ways to avoid all that hassle and do it the easy way. Getting by using shortcuts does not make you lazy. It makes you smart. No one needs stress in their life. Local movers can do all the hard work for you and they can do it quickly, check them out at slatterymoving.com.

Before you start with the packing

Don’t rush anything, this needs to be done properly. First things first, you need to declutter your home. There is no need to bring everything with you. Things you have collected over the years that simply clutter now – got to go. Anything you no longer use or haven’t in the last year or more even is now just clutter. Get rid of all the clutter. It will make packing easier. Also, you will be more organized and unpacking later will be quicker. Another thing to be done before packing is getting all the supplies. Make sure to get good quality moving boxes. Big chains like U-Haul, Walmart, Ikea, and such will have everything you need from boxes to bubble wraps ( for the breakable items ).

A cat in a cardboard box
Make sure to get some good quality moving boxes.

Additional storage

Chances are you will be needing some additional storage for all the household items you are still unsure where to put. Of course, you want a secure facility for your possessions. In NY this is popular due to a lack of space. Make sure to pack nicely all the items that are going in the storage. Furniture should be covered.

Storage
Renting additional storage to keep your belongings might be good.

Adapting to Nanuet NY

Adapting to any new neighborhood can be quite overwhelming. But know that in Nanuet it will be easier. Suburbs are usually friendlier. So, getting to know your next-door neighbors might be fun for you. If you have a backyard, throwing barbeque might be a great way to celebrate your moving in and to meet all the neighbors. Also, take your time. Adapting can take time. People are often worried about kids and how will they adapt to a new place. Studies have shown that little kids are actually better at adapting than adults even though they look a bit fussy at the beginning.

After buying property

Make sure before you move to tell everyone important your new address. After you relocate, start with unpacking. As soon as you are settled, you can begin your new adventure. Check all the security alarms and fix if any of them need fixing. Safety first. After that, you can start decorating to your taste. This will be part of your new adventure. Making new memories is great. Of course, if you want this done professionally and quickly you can hire an interior designer. New York is full of good designers. Take your time, enjoy this process. Maybe this will be your forever home, you are in the best possible place so why not? Good luck and stay safe during the relocation.

Flipping houses in New Hampshire via phone and a computer.

Flipping houses in New Hampshire – the complete guide

The prospect of purchasing a house and selling them later looks so easy. It looks like all you have to do is just that – buy and sell at the right time. However, there is more than it meets the eye. New Hampshire today looks like a place for a lucrative investment, and today we are going to explore just that – how you can flip houses in New Hampshire when you should sell, and how to avoid mistakes when flipping houses in New Hampshire! The last time we have explored why Maryland’s real estate market is great, and today, we are going to turn our attention to New Hampshire!

Newark real estate trends for first-time home buyers

Newark is often overlooked when considering the move to NJ and buying a home. But this city is much more than only a transportation hub in New Jersey. After decades of neglect and a bad reputation the city is bouncing back and developing. The economy is booming and it is becoming more desirable. With this in mind, we should consider the real estate trends in Newark.

Newark – the city

Newark has a long history and a great reputation. However, it has suffered a decline during the 20th century. The city was once a cultural and industrial hub. After its decline, it is now experiencing a renaissance. A reinvestment process is increasing the interest in Newark and its population is steadily rising. This is why Bluebell Relocation Services and other movers are getting very busy with the influx of people.

A street in Newark
Newark is the largest city in NJ but it is much quieter and calmer the near by NYC

Here are some of the characteristics of Newark that make it desirable:

  • The largest city in NJ
  • Close to NYC
  • Great amenities
  • Good schooling
  • Rich History

The largest city

Newark is the largest city in New Jersey. It provides an urban feel of the big city with less hustle and bustle than in NYC.

Location

The city has a great location,. It is at the center of New Jersey making it perfect for a major transportation hub of the state. It is also on the mainline to New York and Manhattan. The commute is easy and fast making it desirable for those commuting to the city. This is also the reason why more companies are moving here as well.

Amenities

The city offers great amenities. With its cultural diversity, it offers a great social experience. This is also reflected in the food and art in the area. At the same time, the city has some great cultural locations. Performing Arts Center, Newark museum, and other cultural location are centered in Newark

Schooling

Newark has a large educational system and a network of schools. However, the scores and graduation rates are not that high. But, Newark is also home to the Rutgers-Newark, NJ institute of technology, University for dentistry and medicine, and Hall University school of law.

History

Newark has a rich and diverse history and ethnic culture. The city presents its gothic, colonial, Artdeco, and renaissance architecture that gives it its charm and artistic feel. It is one of the oldest cities in the state and it celebrates its diversity and culture. Newark museum features an assortment of ethnic collections and exhibitions. The city is also host to a number of different heritage festivals.

Newark Real estate trends

With the Newark renaissance and reinvestment process in full swing real estate market is experiencing certain changes. The city is moving closer to the river adapting more and more residential buildings. In previous years the market is experiencing growth. With more and more people looking to relocate to Newark, even interstate the prices are on the rise. The trends show that real estate prices are rising and have a tendency to keep on rising.

Real estate
The city has a booming real estate market that is on the rise

This is causing massive investment in real estate with the expectation that there will be considerable return in the long run. This is also causing local relocation for those that already own homes in Newark. They are looking for good real estate investment in the imp

So, Newark real estate market is on the rise. The trend is to invest in real estate in the foreseeable future due to favorable prices increase in the future. Here are the reasons and trends that are influencing such growth.

  • Affordability
  • Attractiveness
  • Adequate returns
  • Rental market
  • Housing market

Affordability

At the moment the real estate market is very affordable. The homes are more affordable than anywhere in New Jersey. At the same time, they are affordable in comparison to the rental prices in NYC. This is why there is a huge local relocation trend in NJ and why professional, local assistance is the best option for local moves.

Attractiveness

Millennials consider Newark very attractive. It is affordable and the real estate is cheap. It has a great location and a transportation system that connects it to NYC easily. At the same time, the city is walkable and easy to navigate. This makes it perfect for families with children.

Returns

The investment in real estate is showing a great rate of return over time. This is why the market is growing. In the foreseeable future, the market is predicted to grow further making a home acquisition a good choice of investment.

A room with table and chairs
Both the housing and rental markets are strong in Newark

Rental market

The rental market in Newark is also strong. Two-thirds of the residents are renters. They live in older buildings with two to four apartments. However, these apartments are much more affordable than in NYC. At the same time, renters are more protected by law in Newark and the rent control is not as severe as in NY.

Housing market

The housing market in Newark is on the rebound. After a decline during the sixties through eighties, the market is finally healing. Local demand for housing is on the rise. At the same time, the market is experiencing the added demand from those coming out of state. More and more people are looking for quality movers to handle their Newark move across the country stress-free. This is the main reason why the property market is on the rise. Property appreciation is predicted to rise in the years to come.

So, Newark is proving to be a great place to invest in real estate. Real estate trends mirror the reinvestment effort in Newark. Buying property in the largest city in NJ might be a good idea for the first time buyers.

A key in the lock of an open door.

House-hunting in Irvington, NJ

With all the house purchasing and moving challenging, house-hunting seems too be the most overwhelming. The reason is the amount of responsibility you feel when trying to find a perfect home for your family. There is a series of criteria you want and need to fulfill, but often, it’s not possible to have it all. There’s the price, the size, safety, looks, location, etc. That’s why it’s necessary to have a strategy for house-hunting in Irvington, NJ to make sure you’ve picked the right house for you and your loved ones. Here are some useful tips to read before you start the search.

Birdview of a neighborhood perfect for house-hunting in Irvington.
What house is best for you? Start house-hunting in Irvington, NJ well-prepared.

Prepare yourself for house-hunting in Irvington, NJ

When going house-hunting, it’s necessary to be ready for the process and start making plans in advance. On-time planning and organization will ensure you have house hunting and relocation in Irvington that is easy and quick. First of all, you need to know what you want from a house. If necessary talk with your family members and decide on some basic characteristics your future home should have. Talk about the size, style, number of rooms, etc. Also, decide on some deal-breakers, as well. Having a clear image of what you are looking for will make it much easier to actually find it.

Location matters, too

Even though Irvington is a smaller city, start your search with some idea of a favorite neighborhood. This factor depends on the school your kids go to, your office location, etc. However, if you don’t have a favorite place, that’s okay – it’s easy and fast to get around Irvington wherever you live.

Expectations vs. reality

After deciding what you want your house to look like and make a list of favorite characteristics, try to be realistic. Make sure you understand that it’s not always possible to find a perfect home without any flaw. There will probably be some details that you can take care of once you move in, or ignore them as they don’t bother you as much. However, know your priorities and deal-breakers and you’re ready for house-hunting in Irvington, NJ.

Get pre-approved

To avoid wasting time on looking at homes you can’t afford, make sure you get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start your search. Getting pre-approved means you will have a clear image of your budget. This will save you a lot of time as you will look at houses according to your financial possibilities. Furthermore, you’ll avoid the feeling of disappointment when falling in love with a house and then realizing you can’t afford it.

Start your search online

Nowadays, house-hunting in Irvington, NJ has been a lot easier, with all the sources you can find online. Online search is also great if you’re moving to the East Coast from another location. That’s why we recommend starting your search on some of the reliable real estate websites and get the idea of what’s the Irvington market like at the moment. However, don’t get lost among all the homes for sale – try to stick to your list of priorities and choose the properties that match your requirements. This way, you’ll be able to narrow your search to your favorites and make the list of homes you want to take a look in person.

Bonus tip: even though some homes are not yet put up for sale, they could be found on a pre-market list. These are not listed at all traditional multiple listings websites but are worth finding since these lists may include a hidden gem you’ll like.

Visit the open houses

It’s time to match that online image with the reality. One of the great ways to find a home you like is by visiting open houses. Also, if you have enough time, you can go drivign around looking to spot a ‘for sale’ sign on a house. Visiting houses will give you idea of what are the popular homes, are the prices realistic and what are the common pros and cons of Irvington properties.

Open house sign.
Open houses are a great way to learn more about the market and explore certain neighborhoods.

Hire an agent for house-hunting in Irvington

If you’re new at this, you may find the whole house purchasing process confusing and overwhelming. That’s why trusting a professional is the way to go. An experienced real estate agent will tell you more details about the local market situation, and be able to locate your dream house much faster. Also, the process of evaluation and purchasing will go more smoothly and safely.

A man holding a key ring and a small model house in his hands.
Experienced agents know the local market well, so they can help you with house-hunting in Irvington, NJ.

After buying a house, there’s a process of moving into your new home. Again, the help of an experienced pro will give you peace of mind and also save you a ton of time and energy. Gibraltar Van Lines offer reliable and professional moving services at affordable prices, so you can move without any stress and don’t break the bank.

Stay calm

Buying a home is quite emotional, especially if house-hunting takes too long. It usually causes people to fear and panic. However, you shouldn’t rush with making important decisions and thus making a mistake like offering too much for a house for fear of losing it. Also, don’t wait too long before putting an offer – the house might go to somebody else.

Finally, your house-hunting in Irvington shouldn’t end without a thorough inspection of the property. No matter how much you like a house, make sure you have ti inspected in detail. Neglecting some of the important flaws will surely give you more problems in the future, so set your feelings aside and have the house checked. Good luck!