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Over the past two years, we’ve lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history. Because of the health crisis, many of us have spent more time at home and that’s led us to re-evaluate both what we need in a house and how much we appreciate having a safe space. If you’ve found your current home isn’t filling all your needs, you may be wondering if it’s time to find a new one.
There’s reason to believe a change of scenery could boost your happiness. Catherine Hartley, an Assistant Professor at New York University’s Department of Psychology and co-author of a study on how new experiences impact happiness, says:
“Our results suggest that people feel happier when they have more variety in their daily routines—when they go to novel places and have a wider array of experiences.”
A move could be exactly the new experience you’ve been looking for. If that’s something you’re considering to better your lifestyle, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Buying and selling a home is a major life change, and it’s not a decision you should enter lightly. But, if you’re questioning whether or not a move would bring you more happiness, it’s important to explore if it’s the right choice for you.
To find out more and discuss your options, reach out to a local real estate professional. They’ll explain the process – including how to list your existing house and search for a new one – in clear and simple terms.
You should also think about your lifestyle and what you’re hoping to get out of your move. What needs aren’t being met in your current home? What features would bring you more joy and make your life easier? For example, are you now working remotely and need a home office? Do you crave more fresh air and open outdoor space to unwind in? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you get started and position your real estate advisor to work with you so you can find just the right home.
Home features aren’t the only thing to consider. You should also weigh your options when it comes to location. Is the weather something that’s important to you? Does it have a tendency to impact your mood? If it does, you may want to factor it into your next move. The World Population Review shares:
“What states have the best weather? When evaluating each state for temperature, rain, and sun, some states stand out. . . . Climate and weather preferences are personal and subjective. . . . “
Better weather can mean different things to different people. Some prefer the heat, others cooler temperatures, and some want to experience all four seasons. Think about what makes you feel happiest and prioritize that in your home search. If you’re moving to a whole new location, your agent is a great resource with a strong network to support you along the way.
Moving could provide you with a fresh beginning and the chance to find happiness in your new home. Let’s connect today to talk about your goals and options in the current market.
Buying or selling a home in Southeast Virginia? Connect with expert realtor, Chris Garguilo!
(Article submitted by Alice Robertson of Tidyhome.info)
When you operate a business from home, you must have a productive area to stay on task. It is essential to find real estate where you can set up a workspace environment, and if you’re wedged into a corner or trying to operate from a seat on your couch, chances are your productivity is suffering—and perhaps your back as well!
Read on for tips that can help you set up a space that will work for you, and not against you.
Focus Problems
When you work in your home, distractions are everywhere. The day-to-day tasks of running a house and caring for children or pets can quickly suck your time away, leaving you frustrated and unorganized.
More Space, Please
Not every house has the space required for a home business. One solution is buying a new house to make room. In that case, you should follow some necessary steps when looking to buy.
This goes beyond factoring in the cost of the home itself. Calculate the expenses of the new property, and have a feel for what your business is going to bring in. A bigger house means increased costs. Also consider how much you’ll need to spend to get your business up and rolling in the space. New furniture, new equipment, remodeling, and so forth, adds up.
Once you’ve finalized a budget, take the mortgage amount you plan to pay plus the new figures and ask yourself if the resulting monthly payment is practical. You’ll need to get preapproval for a mortgage, which as U.S. News explains is more thorough than prequalification, and then you can begin a serious search for a new home.
Finding or Creating the Right Digs
Connecting with a trustworthy and knowledgeable real estate company is one of the most important steps towards finding the right home. That being said, you can start your housing search via the web.
WUSA explains that while there are many benefits to searching online, there can be significant drawbacks, too. It gives you a glimpse into what’s available, but experienced professionals know how to find the best options in the database that fit your requirements and price range. Agents also understand the subtle language in listing descriptions and can provide a crucial objective opinion regarding a home’s value. And they can help you navigate location-related concerns like zoning, fees and permits.
Of course, the other option is to revamp your existing home. You can either add onto your home to create more square footage, install an extra building for your work, or revamp an existing room, garage or basement to meet your needs. Your realtor can help you through these decisions as well, ensuring that your ultimate result boosts your property value—rather than hurts it.
Personalize Your Priorities
As you look at properties, think in terms of not only your current business’s needs and functions, but also your expectations for the future. Would you like to meet clients in your space? Will manufacturing be part of the picture? Do you require an outbuilding for storage of supplies or equipment? How separate from family members should your work area be, and will parking be an issue if clients or delivery vehicles come to your home? All of this should be taken into account, and communicated to your real estate agent.
Moving Forward
Once you have made a plan regarding the purchase or re-design of your property, you can focus on your organization. It is crucial first to choose a business structure for your new company. Your entity type has legal and financial implications, so you need to evaluate what is best for you.
A limited liability company is a popular choice, thanks to its simple structure and minimal startup and compliance requirements. However, keep in mind that every state is different, and you must meet the rules and regulations in Virginia. You can easily get your business established by going through an online service, sidestepping figuring out the nitty gritty details yourself.
Operating a business out of your home allows for more flexibility than renting or buying office space. The benefits of designing a space that fits both your personal and professional needs can be substantial.