How to handle long distance relocation like a boss

How to handle long distance relocation like a boss

If you are from out of state moving to a new state it can be quite intimidating. Many people feel stuck when it comes to taking that new career or job that you have always wanted. It turns out that it is not as hard as you are making it out to be. Just keep these tips in mind.

Do your homework.

The first thing you need to do when relocating you have to ask yourself the following questions 

What is your area of desire?

What is the crime rate in those areas?

How far is it from your new job?

How is the school district?

Question number 4 may seem pointless if you do not have a kid but it is a proven fact that homes closer to good school distracts sell at a higher price and faster.

You want to Google map the area you will be moving to, you want to know your commuting time to work. How far will you be from your Childs school? How far is the closest gym? Etc.

The most important piece of homework you do is finding the right agent who can help you understand the market and areas better. You want to make sure this agent is a local expert who has a good reputation for buyers relocating for work.

Create a Travel Budget.

Depending on how far you are traveling from budgets may very so what you need to do is see how many times you can travel comfortably back and forth. This is where having a great agent comes into play. Your agent can schedule 3-5 showings per day upon you visit. On average it takes no more than 8 showings to find the right fit.

The Law and The Anxiety.

Most people get nervous when it comes to dealing with the whole home buying process from a distance. In the age of connection and technology, it is easier than ever. With the right real estate team, there is literally nothing to worry about when it comes to going through this journey.

When you hire an agent make sure the agent has a team of local professionals. This team can work together on your behalf and help guide you that closing table with little to no stress. 

Good luck with your relocation out of state! We hope you take this advice and everything goes smoothly. If you have relocated before feel free to leave any additional tips in the comments below.

4 things burglars look for!

4 things burglars look for!

  Every 13 seconds there is a burglary happening somewhere in America. Most targets are found in dense urban environments like t Queens, New York! It is unfortunate but it can be prevented! With a little attention to detail and time you can make your house burglar proof.

 Before we can do that we have to think like a burglar. What do they look for when trying to coordinate the perfect score?

1)    The Presence of Home Security

 60% of burglars will choose a different target if they see any indicator of a home security system. The fact is a simple security sign in the yard makes a difference. It deters up to 60% of home invaders. So it might be a good idea to invest in one.

2)    Possible Witnesses

 So Noise neighbors are not always a bad thing. Neighborhood watches are a strong deterrent of burglars statistically burglars are less likely to target a home that could have someone watching them.

3)    Visibility of the Home

 Although nice big trees and bushes give you privacy they also allow burglars to move undetected through yards and homes. If it hard to be seen from the street it is a prime target for someone looking for an easy job.

4)    Multiple Escape Routes

 Corner lots are easier targets if they have a driveway on both sides it is easy to get in get out. Mix that with a lack of security and tall shrubs blocking your home from public view makes it burglary heaven.

 It is important to have a couple of different measures in place to prevent this from happening to you or your family. You families safety and peace of mind is worth more then anything in the world so be careful out there.

  If you are in the market for selling your home it is a good idea to hire a professional who has a security checklist. It helps you have peace of mind that your realtor knows how to best protect you and your family’s belongings when selling your property.

4 Things to do to protect your home when on vacation

4 Things to do to protect your home when on vacation

  You are planning your trip and your excited about some get serious R & R. You have worked hard to earn this time off for your family not to mention all the planning! Unfortunately most people don’t plan for the worst case in regards to security of their biggest asset. Here are 3 things that will protect you from the cat bandits out there.

1.    Don’t overly show off on Social Media. 

 I know you are excited to tell everyone you know that you will be out of town living your life to its fullest with a fruity drink in your hand. Unfortunately, It is also inviting unwanted guest to potentially have an underground action at your house. So boast at your own risk.

2.    Motion Detector Camera’s

 In the age of smart home motion sensor cameras are becoming more popular. Many people use these to track pets and keep and eye on the babysitter but it can also be useful to protect your home from potential thief’s. Some motion deter cameras now sync to your phone so if you have an unwanted guest you will now and can call authorities on them.

3.    House Sitter

The most traditional way of preventing the wet bandits (home alone reference) from ruining your homecoming is hiring a house sitter. Have a trusted friend or neighbor check in on your house every so often at random times. Offer them free beer or food to help prevent anything bad from happening.

4.    Upgrade your home security

Security systems are getting more and more effective. Doing some research can really help you with setting your mind at ease when away. Your home is your biggest asset it would be horrible to violate your right to privacy.

Enjoy your vacation and stay safe!

Queens Home Buyers: Four ways to compete with All Cash Buyers and Win

Queens Home Buyers: Four ways to compete with All Cash Buyers and Win

  As a Broker in the Queens market, I cannot tell you how many times I have won deals and lost deals to all cash offers. In a world where cash is King, how in the world can you beat the offer? 

Here are some tips and tricks that I have developed to help my clients stand against the all cash goliaths.

Pre-Order Your Appraisal: This may be difficult to do with larger banks but if you are working with a direct lender or broker you can have things lined up in advanced. If you can get the appraiser in and out within 24-48 hours half the battle is won. This is super important for co-ops being that this is usually one of the longest processes outside of the board interview.

Inspect Quickly: It is wise to do an inspection on a house before purchasing it. What I would recommend is have one on standby if you going to see a hot property that you know is on your radar. If you like it negotiate the deal on the spot they accepted it have your real estate team ready and working! Pre-ordered appraisal ready, pre-ordered inspection check…

Overpay: This is the best way to compete with an all cash buyer. Usually cash buyers want a little bit of a discount. So in order to change the sellers mind you might want to have your client come in with a higher offer. To show you are willing to give them more if they are willing to deal with a little longer of a closing.

Show Off Credentials: For co-ops you have to not only show that you can afford the property but that you are qualified to pass the board with flying colors. If you can plead your case better than an all cash buyer it is likely you will win the deal.

If David could win with a sling shot you can with a pre-commitment! Good Luck!

Why Waiving Your Home Inspection Can Lead to a Huge Risk!

When purchasing a property, never offer to skip the inspection! It may seem like a good idea or attractive to the seller for a quick deal but it could lead to huge problems down the road.

Real Life Example:

We had a client who refused to listen to us when we advised that they get a home inspection after negotiating the best price possible. The individual in this case waived their right to proper inspection because they wanted to close the deal before anyone else put in an offer. By neglecting the advice of his realtor, it cost him $25,000 after closing. He found out that there was asbestos in the basement and it needed to be removed.

It is never a good idea to buy real property without the advice of a good inspector. So this is how you avoid getting caught it the hoopla.

Pre-Purchase Inspection:

If you want the home, it is important to inspect the home before getting into contract. Worst case, scenario you spent a couple of hundred to avoid paying a couple of thousand later.

It’s better to be safe than sorry.

But, The Seller Did An Inspection!?

So, most sellers do a pre-home inspection to help make the sale go as smoothly as possible. This is a good idea to show what ‘as is’ really means. The hope is that the buyer gets what they get. Unfortunately, the inspector has loyalty to whoever is paying them so as a purchaser it is a good idea to get a second opinion in case the seller's inspector missed something on purpose or even by mistake.

Move Quickly.

If your offer is accepted it is wise to get the inspection done quickly to avoid being outbid. It is important to keep the momentum, asks your realtor to connect you with an inspector before you find a place. So when you are ready to pull the trigger they are on call.

TIP: If you are looking at a hot market where properties fly off the market ask your realtor to pre-schedule an inspection. If your realtor has to cancel the inspection, it's better than scheduling after the accepted offer. Nothing is worse than getting the inspection done and being outbid.

The key here is not to get caught up in the drama of the bidding war. Don’t let the fear of losing a house force you into a tight spot!

Happy House Hunting!