Jan 31, 2012

How to Buy a Home in another State

If you are buying a home in another state, it can be quite a stressful experience if you aren't prepared or organised for a lot of complicated manoeuvring. As an out-of-state buyer, you may be at somewhat of a disadvantage because you may not know the best neighbourhoods, local real estate agents or the state laws. It can be overwhelming to embark on a new direction without a map, so here are a few tips to help you stay organised while making your moving plans.


Know Your Budget 
Moving states isn't going to happen overnight, and you still have to take care of all the necessary paperwork that you would if you were merely moving across the street. First things first: have a careful look at your budget and make a trip to your bank. Having a clear idea of how much you are able to borrow, will put into perspective what you can buy. Finding out how much your existing home is worth is necessary as well, however remember that this could change depending on when you sell and what offers you get.


Get Some Help 
You will need someone to be your eyes and ears in the state you are moving to so hiring help is key to finding property when you aren't there. Avoid contacting the listing agent as they generally do what is in the best interest of the seller. To protect yourself and have someone who is on your side, the wisest move is to contact a buyers agent. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and all the major centres have great buyers agents who are willing to stick with you every step of the way. If you are serious about buying at the right time, then you can also purchase property valuation software that will help you keep track of what the markets are doing.


Start Looking 
When you start looking for property in earnest, your agent will give you multiple listing sheets of homes in your preferred area. Additionally, you will probably be spending lots of time reading classified ads and surfing the Internet for homes. Eventually, however, you will have to take the time to visit the area yourself to look at some properties. You need to get a feel for the lifestyle of the new area so that you know for sure you are making the right decision.


Put Your House on the Market 
When selling your home while planning to buy a home in another state, a simultaneous closing is very difficult, if not impossible. Most banks won't give you a loan for a home in another state until they receive notice of the sale of your existing home. Timing is key; you obviously need to sell your home before you make any big moves, so that is why it is so important to be up to date on the situation where you are moving to, and be ready to move fast.


Make the Move
 Unless you are lucky, the chances are good you will have a transitional phase where you don't have a home. This is nothing to be too concerned about, just make sure you have comfortable accommodation lined up in your new area such as at a hotel, temporary rental unit or with friends/family.

Jan 30, 2012

Goat Head's Curry

Happy Monday, every one. If you're feeling cold there, perhaps this hot curry can warm your body.

MellowYellowBadge


Jan 28, 2012

5 Ways to Keep Your Home Safe and Secure

Regardless of whether you have home insurance, you want to know that your home is a safe and protected place. Knowing this means that you can feel easy when heading away for a weekend, or feel safe when you live there alone or are left alone for a week while your partner or roommates head out of town.

Maybe you just want to make sure your investment property in Sydney is well looked after, in addition to having tenants who live there. Here are 5 steps you can take towards having a safer, more secure home.
1.Home Security Systems

One of the most obvious and effective ways you can protect your home is through using a home security system. These can be set for the entire house before you leave for your vacation, and if triggered, a security person will head to the property as soon as possible – especially if you have advised them that you will be out of town.

Place the alarm system stickers on the front doors and all windows that are at easy access, so as to deter someone attempting to break in in the first place.

They are also great if you are home alone for the weekend because there is usually an option to set the alarm for certain zones only – meaning you can still sleep in a safely alarmed house.

2.Deadlocks

Having deadlocks, particularly for your front door, is a great option in addition to an alarm system, and absolutely essential if you can’t afford to install a security system. It will also save you from that annoying feeling of wondering whether or not you locked the door as you drive away after a busy morning.

If your home is in an area particularly prone to break-ins, you may like to consider bars across the windows as well. Include a screen and then you get the added bonus of keeping out the mosquitos during summer as well!

3.Know Your Neighbours

Being friendly with your neighbours is a great idea for a number of reasons, not only for the safety of your home.

Letting them know you are headed out of town and having them keep an eye on the property for you, maybe even feeding your pets or collecting your mail, is one way to keep the home from looking empty or deserted.

4.Housesitters

Ask a few of your friends if they wouldn’t mind staying in the home for a week while you are away: having someone in the house and a car in the garage will mean opportunists won’t even realise you have gone out of town.

If you are home alone, don’t feel embarrassed to ask a friend to come and stay with you – make the most of it and embrace the time you have the home to yourself – it is probably very rare!

5.Choose a Safe Area

If you really do feel anxious about leaving the house unoccupied, so much so that you struggle to sleep or tend never to go away: then perhaps you need to think about moving to a safer neighbourhood.

There is no reason you should feel anxious about leaving the house late at night, and the extra amount you pay in rent, or the sacrifices you have to make in terms of size, will all be worth it for your peace of mind.

Portraits of a Girl Photographer



My niece, Hana, loves to take pictures. Her father let Hana to use his camera. I like seeing her style while holding the camera and making shots.


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