http://www.mydreamlocale.com/blog/index.php http://www.mydreamlocale.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry101001-005522 ]]> http://www.mydreamlocale.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100901-005328 profile and comparison reports we have been able to keep the price down at $0.95

Our reports are allowing more Americans to be fore-armed with precise information to brief Realtors when starting their search for their Dream Locale.

Instead of flailing around like a hooked fish, MyDreamlocale.com gives them hard to get information in an easy to understand way to screen out all the areas that they would not enjoy living in and pointing them straight to where they would be happy. ]]> http://www.mydreamlocale.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100811-145859
1. Cost/square foot.

Median home price is commonly reported, but home sizes can vary greatly among neighboring communities. Unit cost is the best way to maximize the value of your housing dollar. Whether you're looking at residences in multiple areas or want to determine if a specific residence is a good deal, unit cost is the way to do it.

For example, you are looking at two homes. One is a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with an asking price of $279,000. The other is a 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home with an asking price of $264,000. Sounds more affordable, right? Should you really spend another $15,000 for the extra bedroom?

Well, the first house is 2,400 sq. ft. and the second is 2,000 sq. ft. That makes the second house 14% more expensive on a unit cost basis.

Your home is generally your biggest investment. Make sure you maximize that investment.

2. Age range of residential real estate.

Different styles of homes were prevalent in different periods. Prior to 1940, the Victorian, Farm House, and Bungalow styles were dominant. After the war, the Ranch, Split-level, and Cape Cod came into vogue. In the 70's, the Colonial and Modern styles became popular. Which do you prefer, or prefer to avoid? Look for locales where the most of the housing was built during the time your favored style was dominant. You'll be more likely to find homes you really like.

Residential real estate age distribution can often tell you something else about a locale. Different community planning and development customs were prevalent at different times. Look at when most of the housing was built and you'll see when the community was actively being developed. Before 1940 dependence on the car was not firmly established and you're more likely to find the quaint town center and homes within walking distance of small business districts.

From 1945 through 1970, we were spreading out, so communities developed then are more likely to require a car to get most places. However, developers were still laying out streets in grid patterns, or something close to that. Thus, traffic congestion is less of a problem in these locales.

Since 1970, the cul-de-sac and large building lots have reigned supreme. The increased lot size caused communities to spread out, making a car absolutely necessary for anything. The cul-de-sacs feed traffic onto a limited number of main roads, creating traffic congestion.

3. Median Property Tax Rate.

Don't just compare tax bills. Look at the tax rate. In many states, it can vary greatly in a small distance if you happen to cross a county or town line. Equalization formulas and mill rates can get complicated. Make it easy on yourself. Just divide the annual tax bill into the asking price to get an idea of the effective tax rate. Compare it across all properties you may be considering purchasing. If the rate seems really high or low for a particular property, ask your real estate agent to help you find out why.

Keep in mind, if you move into an area with lower taxes but a higher tax rate, you may find yourself struggling to make the tax payment if there is an unexpected surge in property values. In today's real estate market, anything is possible, so beware.

4. Expenditure per student has nothing to do with quality of education.

School expenditures are largely driven by teacher salaries, so they are higher where it costs more to live. Student performance is most affected by parental involvement in the school system and their children's educational experience. Get local district info and contact them to get a sense of how involved parents are in the local schools, and what options you have to be involved in your child's education.

5. Use the web

To get the facts on locales across the U.S. After all, the Internet is an information channel. Use it to inform yourself about what is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. There are lots of sites with helpful information and relocation advice (including the one my company operates). Get the facts and you'll have a quicker, easier relocation process. Get an idea of which locales are right for you before you start working with a real estate agent. It will save you time overall, and make it easier for them to help you find your dream locale.]]> http://www.mydreamlocale.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100723-145627
She and her husband live in southern California and wanted to move somewhere less expensive, near woodlands, not too hot, not too cold, and not too much snow. Seems like looking for a needle in the haystack, right? Not necessarily--thanks to all of the data available on the web.

We broke the request into three components: cost of living, climate, and forest cover.

Determining the cost of living for all locales across the state could be very complicated, so we made some simplifying assumptions. First, housing, food, and energy costs account for most of the average household budget. Second, food and energy costs tend to be consistent across regions. That left us with housing costs.

We then broke down housing costs into its major components: mortgage/rent and property taxes. The US Census collects housing value and property tax data as part of their decennial survey, so we decided to use that data to calculate a housing cost index by county. The results were interesting. While California as whole is one of the most expensive states, we found a lot of variance in housing cost by county within the state.

Based on our calculations, Modoc, Kern, and Kings Counties were the least expensive. Marin, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz Counties had the highest housing costs. In general, northern counties not on the coast were looking most affordable.

So far, so good...at least we could recommend less expensive areas. Now, how to find areas with moderate temperatures?

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--the branch of government that includes the National Weather Service) provides maps of "Heating Degree Days" and "Cooling Degree Days". Exactly, what are "Heating Degree Days" and "Cooling Degree Days"?

One heating degree day occurs for each degree the daily mean temperature is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. So if the average temperature is 63 on a particular day, that's two Heating Degree Days (2 degrees multiplied by 1 day). It indicates fuel consumption to heat your residence.

One cooling degree day occurs for each degree the daily mean temperature is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. So if the average temperature is 67 on a particular day, that's two Cooling Degree Days (2 degrees multiplied by 1 day). It indicates electricity consumption to cool your residence.

So all we had to do was compare those two maps with our housing cost map to find areas that weren't too hot, weren't too cold, and weren't too expensive. Heating degree days are at moderate levels in the central valley and along the central coast. Cooling degree days are at moderate levels in the northern half of the state. Putting it all together, we were now focused on a few counties: Shasta, Tehama, Glenn, and Colusa.

Step two complete.

Next, we turned to the US Geological Survey for a forest cover map of California. Each of those counties had areas of forest cover, specifically pine, fir, spruce, and hardwood. Comparing the forestry map with the other three maps allowed us to identify areas within each county that would meet their needs. The western sections of Colusa and Glenn counties; the east and west ends of Tehama county; and everywhere except the south-central area of Shasta county.

Problem solved. Knowing what areas would meet their general needs, they could now focus on finding the best place to live in any one of those areas.]]> http://www.mydreamlocale.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100330-145448
How many people would move to a locale because their friends liked it? Lots. How many people would ask a real estate agent which locale is best for them? Plenty.

Why is that? It's because people are only now becoming aware of the resources available to help them find the best place to live. In the past, we didn't have any alternative to seeking the advice of people we know or had met and then guessing about whether a locale was really right for us.

Imagine: you're moving to a new area. There are dozens, perhaps hundreds of locales around the area. During your relocation, you ask friends and colleagues who live in that area where you should look for a new home. You might get suggestions like: "look here, it has good schools", or "I live in X and I really like it", or "try Y, there are a lot of transplants there".

Not being satisfied, you get in touch with a real estate agent or relocation service and ask them to help you find the best place to live. They start asking you a lot of questions about what you like or don't like in a locale. Then you go out and drive around. You're still not sure. It's not that you're indecisive; it's that you don't have the right information to make the decision.

What's more, the real estate agent may steer you to locales they know well and where they have a lot of experience. It's not because they are unethical; we all tend to gravitate to that with which we are most familiar. But is that the best thing for you? No.

Choosing a locale and buying a home is one of the biggest decisions in your life. That's a lot of pressure. Add to it the stress and uncertainty of moving and you are really in a difficult spot.

But there is an easy way out. Do your homework first before contacting a real estate agent or relocation service. Get unbiased advice--use the Internet for research, the same way you would if you were buying a car.

There are many web sites that offer "relocation advice". Be careful which ones you use. Some are affiliated with relocation services and serve to generate sales leads on potential clients. Many are affiliated with real estate companies. Did you know that real estate salespeople are limited by the US Fair Housing Act in what they can tell you about a locale? It's not that you aren't allowed to know (the information is available through the Census bureau), it's just that they cannot be the ones to tell you.

So look for independent, unbiased, unaffiliated, unrestricted advice to inform your decision. How can you tell? To be sure, review the legal disclosures on the web site to determine if it's affiliated with a real estate or relocation company.

Reorder your search process. Start by determining which locations are best for you. There are several web sites that provide independent recommendations. They range from asking a few simple questions to having you completely lengthy questionnaires. Pick one that makes it easy for you to get what you need without overwhelming you.

Once you've done that, or if you already have a few places in mind, get reports on those areas so you can compare and contrast each locale. Look at housing, school, and demographic data to validate which locales are most appealing.

Now you are ready to contact a real estate agent or relocation specialist. Use the information you have to interview them. Make sure they know the locales you're interested in and have experience there. If they don't, find someone who does. This is a very important decision. Make sure any professionals with whom you're working are properly qualified to help you.

Once you've settled on a locale, get in depth information on the place. In addition to being a home, your residence is a huge investment. Would you invest $250,000 in the stock market without knowing a lot about the companies in which you were investing? No. Then, do the same with the investment in your home. Review real estate, school, demographic, and cultural facts for the locale to make a fully informed decision.

Does that make it a sure thing that you will make the best decision? No, but it does maximize the possibility of being happy with your decision. Knowledge is power. Use the web to put yourself in the power position when you move.]]> http://www.mydreamlocale.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry090621-145037
- Residential real estate
- Schools & Test Scores
- The people who live in the area

The most important components in assessing real estate are:

- Properties available in your price range
- Is the type of residence you want available in a prospective area
- The factors that could impact future real estate values in the area

1. Know Your Unit Cost

Using Realtor.com or any site featuring real estate listings, you can easily identify whether a locale has appealing properties in your price range. But, you should go beyond that to look at Cost per Square Foot (i.e., unit cost). This is determined by dividing the square footage of living space into the price of the property. For example, 1,900 sq. ft. of space offered for $225,000 costs $118 per square foot.

You can use the unit cost two ways:

A. To get an idea of how much living are you can afford in a locale for your target purchase price

B. To compare different properties to see which is the best deal

Here are examples:

If your target purchase price is $175,000 and the average cost/sq. ft. is $125, then it's likely that you will be seeing residences of about 1,400 sq. ft. in your price range. Is that enough space for you?

You are considering two different properties. One is 1,800 sq. ft., offered at $209,000. The second place is 2,000 sq. ft., offered at $249,000. Assuming both are in your price range, it's always best to stretch your budget and buy the most you can afford, right? Not necessarily. The unit cost of the second place is 7% higher. So the property will have to appreciate in value that much more for you to get the same return when you sell.

2. Determine the Residential Price Distribution

The Residential Price Distribution allows you to assess the potential for price appreciation--or price depreciation. For example, if your target purchase price near the top of the range of values for a locale, you have more downside risk. Maybe that's OK, maybe not. But make an informed decision about the issue.

3. Find the Age Ranges for Residential Properties

This is the distribution of residential real estate by year built. It will allow you to assess whether the residences in the area will offer the characteristics you want. In many cases, residences and neighborhoods reflect the architectural and community planning styles prevalent at the time the area was developed.

For example, if most of the residences were built before 1940, the locale is likely to have a central business district with shops and restaurants. If most of the residences were built after 1960, the locale is likely to have businesses in strip malls. One may appeal more to you than the other.

In addition, homes sizes have consistently grown over the years, so if space is your primary concern, look for locales with newer homes.

4. Property Tax Rate

Actual property tax calculations are usually complicated. Ignore that. Just divide the last annual tax paid into the asking price of the residence. Do this for properties in each locale and compare the differences.

The property tax "rate" is important, not just the total tax bill. Here's why: in a locale with lower total taxes but a higher tax rate, guess what will happen if property values rise significantly? Your property taxes might become unaffordable--forcing you to sell.

5. Schools & Test Scores

Here is the one place you should not rely on statistics. For example, Expenditure per Student is driven primarily by teacher salaries, which are related to the cost of living, not to the quality of education. The Student to Teacher ratio may be lower in a district that has less aides/school. Thus your child may get less attention than in a district that reports a higher student to teacher ratio but also has more aides.

What matters most is how involved parents are in the education system. Contact the district to determine the level of parental involvement and what opportunities you have to make a difference in your child's education.

6. Median Income

Knowing the median annual income for residents of the locale is very important. Here's why: it is the only data that correlates to rising real estate values. That's right! Nothing else relates to rising real estate values.

I have reviewed data for 25,000 locales across the U.S., looking at what might correlate to (and potentially predict) rising home values. Nothing does--except median income.

Some examples of data that you would think relates to rising home values, but does not:
- Owner occupied v. Renter occupied residences
- Single family residences v. Multi-unit dwellings
- Vacancy rate
- Age distribution of residential properties
- Any demographic variables (other than median income)

So, visit the Census web site to get 1990 and 2000 or current year median household income. If income is rising, it's a safe bet housing values are too or will in the future.

7. Age Distribution of People in the Locale

If you have kids, make sure they will have friends their own age. Make sure you'll have friends your own age, too!

So that's it. Make an informed decision about where to live and be happy with your choice.
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Having made the decision to relocate, management must communicate the news to everyone. The general rule is to tell employees as much as you can as quickly as you can to limit the rumor mill. Often, people will assume the worst in the absence of information, that they haven't heard anything because the news is bad.

If details are missing from the story, it's often because there are unplanned factors to consider or other things delaying the communication. However, once everyone has been notified, if you will be moving with the company, it will be helpful to take the following perspectives into consideration.

The company will most likely focus on these things:

1. Fast relocation

All the time that there is uncertainty--be that with employees, suppliers or other stakeholders--can be unhelpful and de-motivating. The faster the relocation the better, as it puts the shortest possible fixed dates around the most stressful period before things will improve. If you have a question, ask it--it's possible the company didn't anticipate it and the answer will be helpful to others as well.

2. Ensure employee satisfaction with the new area

Having employees find the best place to live in a new area can be a big challenge since they won't know the area, won't know what the price of houses similar to their own is, what the schools are like, what the area is like in comparison to their present area. Fortunately, there are many web sites where you can easily get useful information on the new area. These range from US government sites, like the Census bureau, to relocation sites that help you find the best place to live.

3. Employees focusing on their new job and not problems to distract them at home

The Human Resources department knows that the business's key competitive asset is their employees. If they have problems at home, they won't be productive at work until their home life is settled. If you are experiencing challenges, ask HR for advice or assistance.

4. Limit disruption to the business as much as possible

If employees still have to deal with moving their family, making sure that the children are in a good school, making sure that the family is happy in their new home and neighborhood--they are likely to be distracted. So the faster everyone is in place, motivated and happy in the new area, the faster the disruption to the business will be over.

Much of the ground work can be carried out before the move by researching the new area using specialized web sites, such as MyDreamLocale.com, that provide useful information rather than just regurgitated statistics and offer useful insight into the communities in the new area.

5. Limit cost to the business

a. The cost of losing experienced staff, including productivity of new people v. those who chose not to move

b. Recruitment, hiring and training new employees

c. Employee relocation costs (Real estate commissions, Mortgage fees, Title insurance, Other closing costs, and Travel expenses during relocation)

Ask your employer what is included in the relocation package. Some companies provide a lump-sum amount which you can allocate as needed. Some companies specify which expenses they will reimburse and what limits they may impose on the reimbursement.

6. Ramping up productivity in the new location as quickly as possible

In any relocation, the move will mean that some employees come with the company, some will not. New employees will take time to get up to the job performance that was achieved at the prior location. The company will want to achieve this transition quickly. Offer to assist new employees with improving their productivity--it will make you look good, and the faster everyone is up to speed, the less pressure there will be on you to take up the slack.

The positive aspect of new employees joining the company is that they will accept the job and the company how it is today. This may be an opportunity for the company to introduce different ideas and practices. For example, the company may be willing to allow staff flexible working hours or the ability to carry some work out from home.

Happy, well motivated employees, who have made the move to the new area easily, found the right house in the right area for them with good schools for the children will all present the company with enthusiastic and rejuvenated workers who will re-pay the company for the costs of relocation and moving to the new area.

Knowing the company's perspective can help you successfully negotiate the challenges of a job-related relocation.]]> http://www.mydreamlocale.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry081110-144405
The way to maximize your income is to make sure that you observe this formula:

Maximum income = (Highest rent + lowest default + lowest maintenance) x 12 months

How do you get all these things?- well its not easy otherwise everyone would be doing it, however here are 5 top tips that should put you in the best place to achieve your investment objectives.

1. Look for Economic Redevelopment Zones

Watch the national and local news for areas that have been really run down but something big has happened. It could be the announcement of a new Super Casino, new high speed rail link into a big city, the creation of a large inward investment -- think of what happened to property investments in Atlanta,GA when that city hosted the 1996 Olympics.

The development of a town as a commuter hub, the re-development of inner city areas into fashionable places to live are all great places to invest. Once the development starts happening, the Starbucks, Borders, banks and bistros all follow. For today's urban professional these are places that they will want to live- delivering good demand forcing rents higher and reducing the rest of rental vacancy periods.

2. College Towns

Places that are college or university towns are always high on any investors check list. Not only do they guarantee a regular influx of prospective tenants, the youth and energy of students rubs off on the rest of the town- they are happening places with loads of things to do, fun places to eat and good sports facilities.

University "towns" such as Columbus, OH (Ohio State), Tempe, AZ (Arizona State), or Austin, TX (University of Texas) represent solid places to invest as there will always be fresh potential tenants.

The one potential downside is that sometimes students may have difficulty in the transition from having good ole' Mom taking care of everything to taking care of that cleaning and cooking gig-- so check out your students to avoid high maintenance costs!

3. Commuter Towns

These towns may not be the prettiest but their very location means that they are always going to sought out by those workers who need to be within commuting distance of the work but either don't want to or can't afford to live nearer to their work. Places located near to Interstate intersections, great rail stations, local commuter airports, even ferry stations (think Staten Island!) are always going to be chosen by people who need to commute. The presence of the infrastructure allows them to commute further, quicker and more efficiently.

An additional investment benefit here is that as the prices of property nearer to the workplace rise, the value of your property will rise as workers look farther away to get the right accommodation for the money that they are prepared to pay.

4. The State Capital or a Regional Hub

The demand for property in a capital hub city is generally higher that the amount of property available for purchase or rent so although the costs of purchasing such a property may be high, you will be rewarded by high levels of demand, consistent levels of demand and good capital growth.

Look at neighborhoods within the city that have traditionally been seen as the poorer parts as renters will consider these areas which offer better value for money.

5. Your Own Stomping Ground

It's always worth considering places closer to home. Buying a place next door or just down the street from where you live may seem a strange idea but think about it- you know the place, the neighborhood, the facilities and the sort of people who would be your target market.

Having a place that you can literally keep an eye on and act as your own management agency will reduce your operating costs. Even if you decide to employ a management company to manage the property, a local property allows you to keep a watch on how they are taking care of your investment. Having a local property can be less stressful and time-consuming.

Keep these five principles in mind while doing thorough research before buying. Reviewing historical property price, number of residents and location can help you maximize the gain that you will have from reaping the rewards of your investment.]]> http://www.mydreamlocale.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080614-143626
If you don't already know the area, then research, research, research! Make sure you know the good areas and the bad area before you end up buying the right house in the wrong neighborhood. Remember, don't go on looks alone. Identify trends because an area that looks iffy may be on its way up while a nice looking area may be in decline.

It's too late when the closing has happened and you get the keys. Realizing that you have made a big mistake at this point is no good. You end up wanting to sell or you put up with something that had you known about it from the outset, you wouldn't have bought the place.

20 years ago, the library was "the" place to get information. In some communities it is still a useful resource for local publications. Now we have the Internet--available 24/7 from the comfort of your living room or kitchen.

However, like a big library the Internet contains a huge volume of information and figuring out the wheat from the chaff is very difficult. A number of websites are now relating all the information into useful data that people can easily compare places with which they otherwise might not be familiar.

Using this site to narrow down your search for the place of your dreams. Find a locale that you and your family can be happy, will save you valuable time and allow you to be very pro-active with your Realtor.

Just as with buying a car, use the Internet to get the facts before engaging with a salesperson. To be informed is to be in control.

You will be able to tell them exactly which zip code or neighborhood you have identified as being the best match for you. They can then give you details of houses in this area only, rather than trying to direct you into a great house in the wrong area. This will save you time by only looking at houses in the areas you already know are right for you.

Once you have the area figured out, here are tips to make sure that the house is the right house for you:

Shared drives--often look OK to start out with but can turn into resentment as your neighbor parks their cars/deliveries/friends inconsiderately so that you struggle to get to your own house.

Primary roads--may look quiet but after you have moved in you find out that they are bus or commuter routes, or used by emergency vehicles who blast past your house in the middle of the night with their sirens going.
Adjacent to part-time businesses or parking lots--ensure they are not a hangout for people who may cause damage, reducing the value of your house and causing you to incur maintenance cost.

High Power Lines or electricity substations--many people have the perception that they are a health or safety risk, which may impact your ability to sell when you're ready to move.

Near restaurants, night clubs or bars--can subject you to unwanted smells or noise.

Flood plains or coastal areas--in addition to the distress of coping with flood or storm damage, many insurance companies will either not offer coverage or will charge very high premiums. Make sure you can obtain the coverage you want before entering into a purchase agreement.

Doing the right research beforehand and keeping these things in mind when looking for your dream house can shorten the moving period and avoid you making any costly mistakes in what may be your biggest purchase.]]> http://www.mydreamlocale.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080129-130852
If you and your family are planning a move that involves relocating and purchasing real estate try to relax and enjoy the adventure. Planned moves can be especially exciting to plan and the prospects of starting over in a new home can be intriguing. There are special areas of terrain or features like a water view, a view of the city or a mountain range that is preferred over another view or feature. For example some people won't even consider moving anywhere without a water view. Still other prospective homeowners want to live close to the interstate.

Get your family involved by working with them to design your desired lifestyle. If you enjoy playing tennis where you currently live you will want to live close to the nicest park facility with tennis courts. If your children or spouse are active in sports or other activities, investigate communities where there is access to new facilities that support your family's hobbies and interest. Visit the new community with your family if possible and let them have a say in where the new home will be. Moving and relocating can be fun and exciting especially if you are buying real estate.

The Internet is the place to investigate communities, real estate prices and the geographic differences. Every location has it's charm and the local chamber of commerce organizations all have newcomer packages. Go online and request moving and relocation packages from various chamber of commerce organizations that are located in places you are considering moving to. Conduct as much research as possible especially of geographic relocations land you in the middle of a culture shock. Study the culture in various parts of the US and you will discover real cultural differences sometimes in the next state over from yours.

Important laws, rules and regulations can be vastly different in other parts of the country. Louisiana for example is the only state under Napoleonic Law this could be important or an interesting fact at least. Think about hiring a moving and relocation specialist who will handle the entire task no matter how unpleasant for you. If your company is relocating you may have the fees for a relocation specialist covered by your company's relocation compensation policy. Check with your company's human resources department for moving and relocation benefits.

Moving, relocating and buying real estate does not have to present a hardship for any family member. Retaining the services of a real estate professional one who is experienced in moving and relocating families can help to make your move go off without a hitch. First make a list of priorities for yourself and have each family member follow suit. Include the following information:

• What kind of neighborhood do I want to live in and what do I want my daily, weekly, monthly and holiday activities to look like. For example if you have a family member who wants to start the day off with a swim and the weather where you are planning to move to doesn't have a pool, you may have a problem. This activity will help identify the necessary elements each family member needs when moving and relocating to a new place.

• Have each person get rid of their own clutter by dividing clutter into three piles; keep, throw away and give away. If you haven't used it or looked for it in a year, you probably won't miss it.

• Old toys and children's keepsakes can be as hard to get rid of as your hubby's favorite tattered lazy boy. Practice tough love and commit to not dragging junk to your new home.

• Remember that relocation cost are greater with distance, spend as much time as necessary identifying expenses your company should cover or that may be used as an income tax deduction.

• Find a reputable moving company by getting referrals from your company's human resources department. Check the references of the mover and contact the Better Business Bureau in the city you are moving from and the city you are moving to.

It's never been said that moving and relocating is fun but buying real estate can be. Visit the web sites that offer real estate listings that include prices, photos of the property and community. Don't buy a house you haven't seen. Plan a trip to the new city with the family if possible.

Richard Rizza is a Home Business Development Expert and Professional Marketing Consultant. He is in the top income earner in the Home Business industry. To learn insider secrets and powerful marketing strategies from the pros to help you explode your home business empire, sign up for Richard's FREE cutting edge Ezine go to http://richardrizza.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Rizza]]> http://www.mydreamlocale.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080129-130015 http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._E._DavidsonBy J. E. Davidson

When your belongings overflow your house, sometimes it's just best to get rid of what you don't need. There are times, though, when you don't want to part with certain possessions, but it would be convenient to have them out of the way for a while.

You might be able to store your belongings at the home of a friend or family member, but it can be inconvenient to catch them at home so you can get your things back when you need them. Storage unit facilities offer round-the-clock access, security, and protection for your possessions. And you won't owe your friends or family any favors in return!

Here are ten valid reasons why you may want to consider renting a self-storage locker:

1. When you are moving, you can store the things that aren't truly necessities until you get settled into your new home. Packing up household goods that you won't need right away gives you time to get your new home arranged into a livable condition without all that extra stuff underfoot. Move the stored items in as you need them or find room for them.

2. Houses that are on the market while the owners are still living in them will sell faster if they aren't filled with clutter. Get all that junk you have stored in the closets, basement, and attic and garage out of the way so they can see how much space your house offers. Storing excess furnishings out of the way makes your rooms appear larger and the prospective buyer can imagine their own furnishings in the house

3. Seasonal items can take up valuable space when they aren't being used. You might be surprised how much room you have in the garage when you don't store your snowmobile, snow blower and Christmas decorations there all summer! In the winter, motorcycles, bicycles, summer sporting goods, pool equipment and barbeque grills can be stored safely out of the way until the seasons change.

4. Decluttering your home can reduce daily stress by giving you more room to live! You may have family heirlooms and other possessions with sentimental value that you seldom use, but can't bear to part with. Old tax records, seasonal decorations that you only need a few weeks a year, and other household goods that aren't necessities but something you would like (or need) to keep anyway can be stored securely in a self-storage locker.

5. When you are repairing, remodeling, or repainting your home, it's a lot easier if you aren't tripping over stuff or constantly having to move it out of the way. Consider renting a storage unit to hold them until your project is finished.

6. When an elderly relative passes away suddenly, they often leave a houseful of goods behind. Many of their possessions could be valuable antiques, or have strong sentimental value to family members. Putting those belongings in a self-storage unit keeps them in a secure location, and it will be easier to give the house a thorough cleaning before it goes on the market. The family can decide later how to divide the heirlooms that haven't been willed to specific persons.

7. As your family grows, you may have outgrown baby clothes, cribs, walkers, strollers, toys and other equipment you want to save for the next child. Storing them in a locker keeps them safe and out of the way until the next child grows into them.

8. Storage units usually have tight security measures, and a climate-controlled locker is a safe environment for valuable antiques and artwork. Insurance on the contents of your unit can also be purchased from the self-storage facility as an added precaution.

9. An expanding business may need extra storage space that isn't immediately available. Renting a self-storage unit give you time to find a permanent facility or build your own warehouse. The rent will be tax deductible!

10. Collectors or hobbyists may find they have run out of available space at home. Renting a small self-storage unit can give you the little extra space you need, and keep your collectibles or hobby supplies handy for when you want them.

Self-storage facilities are everywhere, and it's easy to find one near your home or business. Check the yellow pages for self-storage facilities in your area , or google "self-storage" to find self-storage company web sites that can point you in the right direction!

more information on self-storage

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._E._Davidson]]> http://www.mydreamlocale.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070927-124155
A new career opportunity sometimes means that your family will need to relocate to another town. The decision to move is often arrived after careful consideration of various factors including the other partner’s career; the effect on the children’s educational and recreational activities; and financial issues. In addition, it often means leaving behind family and friends.

If you are the “trailing” partner, it may fall to you to get the new home up and running, the kids in schools, and possibly find a new position for yourself. This can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help relieve the stress of relocation and turn your move into a successful endeavor.

Take your time.
As with all moves, there are so many things you need to do before making a house your home. From dealing with utility companies, to unpacking and decorating the home, to finding a new doctor, your to-do list will seem endless and you can easily become overwhelmed. Don’t try to accomplish everything at once. Make a list and divide it into three categories: immediate, secondary and down the road. Set your own timetable. Remember, you are the boss of this project, so the only person you have to please is yourself.

Get out and meet people.
More than likely, you won’t know many people in your new community. Your partner will have an opportunity to build relationships with coworkers. You, however, will have to find other ways to meet people. Besides introducing yourself to neighbors, find a place of worship, volunteer in a community organization, join a social club or gym, or just say hello to people. Ask your real estate professional to recommend organizations. Reevaluate your career goals.

If you had to leave a job behind, check to see if your partner’s company offers any employment assistance for relocating partners. Many companies have formal and informal programs, offering as little as resume support to as much as arranging job interviews. Your real estate professional can also be a great resource. He or she usually has some insight on the area’s job market and may be able to give you names of career counselors or leads to firms that are hiring.

If you’ve desired making a career change, now is the perfect opportunity to do so. You may even want to consider an entrepreneurial career that you can take anywhere. And, if you decide to stay at home, consider fulfilling some personal goals such as advancing your education, starting a new hobby or volunteering.

Most importantly, don’t push yourself by setting unrealistic goals. Moving is a process and it will take time for you to get acclimated to your new home and community. Make this move not only a golden opportunity for your partner, but for yourself as well.

Jennifer is a successful Realtor in the San Diego market. She has lived and worked in the San Diego area for over 30 years. She specializes in the area of relocation and has many resources available to assist families and individual who are relocating.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Burroughs]]> http://www.mydreamlocale.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070919-143614
Relocating is exciting for some and a big problem for others. There are many reasons for this. You may move for a career opportunity, to move into a bigger home, or even to start a new life. You might be really looking forward to moving to a new area, meeting new people, and having new experiences. But if it is not carefully planned, relocation and runaway relocation costs can turn what could be a smooth move into a difficult and stressful experience.

Here are 5 key things to consider to make your moving and relocation an overall stress free experience:

1. Whenever you make the final decision to move, consider the possible changes in living costs in the new area. Things like utility costs (you may be considering moving into a larger home in a warmer or colder climate) commuting costs (there can be as much as .50 a gallon or more in gas costs state to state) or higher state and local taxes all can take a big bite out of a new salary. You want to be sure that you can afford to live in the new area, and that your new job will pay you accordingly or if moving to retire, won’t eat up your planned retirement income.

Don’t forget to factor in all the relocation costs of the move. Is it a corporate relocation with a relocation package and everything reimbursed or are you going to be paying for the moving van and everything associated with the move?

2. After you’ve made the decision, make a checklist, with as accurate as possible calendar of all the things you need to do. For example, important documents such as warranties, tax records, receipts, medical records, genealogy documents are just some of the items that should be set aside and kept safe. Get referrals from you doctor and dentist on professionals at your new location. Establish a bank account at the new location (maybe you’ll get lucky and you present bank has a branch in your new area).

3. Hire a moving company with a great reputation. Ask friends and have the prospective moving company give you the names of three recent customers. Call the customers to get their experiences. Problems, how were they solved? Did the company back up their promises? Check with the BBB. If the company is not competent enough, you might end up in a long drawn out mess. Have all the costs and payment methods in writing and upfront. You don't want to have the moving company damage your belongings with no quick method of getting the item fixed or you compensated for the loss.

Most moves occur in the summer, so if possible try to move at other times of the year. You will be more likely to have the first team making your move.

4. If renting, you may not want to cancel your existing lease too soon. Your travel date may be postponed or some other unplanned contingency may come up. You will end up sleeping on the street. Build in some extra time in your moving plans. Also, if you own a home, don't make the closing timeline to tight. If possible, make the relocation first and then go back for the closing later. Build some time into your moving plan so the new home is vacant for the time it would take for you to remove wallpaper, paint, and have carpeting replaced or floors refinished. (Nothing raises more havoc with the new move than having to move furniture while you paint and do other renovations.)

5. In the new area find an experienced Realtor who really knows the entire area. Interview, by phone, at least three Realtors from the new area. Write out your questions before the phone interview. Pick the best, but if the first three come up short find three more to interview. (The internet is great for sourcing Realtors). The right Realtor with a broad knowledge of the whole area will help you focus on homes that match your financial and other requirements.

6. (Bonus if you have children) Most of the time, children resist changing their neighborhood. They have friends they do not want to leave. They are comfortable with their school. However, keep them informed on the decision making process. If possible take them on a trip to the new area. Be positive and explain they will still have their bed and toys and other familiar things. If you’re positive about the move they will pick up on your attitude.

Follow the above 5 tips in getting started and you’ve made a good beginning toward a smooth stress free move.

John Groth is a relocation specialist with over 20 years experience. For more great relocation ideas and tips http://www.relocationideas.com has it all. Also at http://www.relocationideas.com/blog you can see posts of the latest ideas and tips in relocation and moving.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Groth]]> http://www.mydreamlocale.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070919-143116
Relocating to another state needs thinking about carefully and there are several things that you should think about before the move. All the states of America are different and you should do a little research into the new state that you are moving to. For example, Alabama is a completely different state to New York. In fact, they are so different that it can be quite a culture shock to make the move between the two. It is vital that you read a relocation guide relevant to the state that you are moving to. In this way, you will have a guiding light to help you decide about living and working in your new home state.

And now for the big question: how do you find a state-related relocation guide? Well, your first step should be to the local bookstore or library. It is almost a certainty that they will have a large area devoted to travel and books on different area of the country. Try to search for information that is direct and specialized on the area that you are moving to rather than the country as a whole. Local information will help you during the move and after you've moved. Remember, it will take you some time to fully adjust to the move. Think long-term rather than short-term.

If you'd prefer a different route, why not look on the internet? Often this information is far better than a book because it is often more up to date. On the other hand, the information in a published book can often be more reliable. I would suggest you research using both methods: books and online.

Once you've gathered all relevant information, you can then keep the important stuff, abandon anything irrelevant, and thus know what to expect in your new state and what culture will be present. Why not create a file or folder where you can collect important information about your move? You could include website printouts, photocopies of pages from library books, or even snippets of information gleamed from participating in online blogs or chat rooms. Don't neglect any avenue of information. Gather together as much as you can, then read and select the good stuff and abandon anything that seems irrelevant.

Relocating to another state isn't difficult IF you have all the facts to hand. Don't neglect the research if you want to have a smooth move.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Relocation and Moving Home...
Free report: 'Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Relocation, but never dared to ask!'
For the best online relocation guide, visit http://www.RelocationPower.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Moore]]> http://www.mydreamlocale.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070919-142516
There are many ways in which a slow down in the property market might benefit rather cause problems for people looking to sell their house.

So look past the doom and gloom and see the clouds silver lining.

Everyone Struggles – if there is a slowdown all vendors will be in the same boat. It doesn’t look like one kind of house is more likely to lose money than another and even geographically there doesn’t seem to be the huge difference in prices there was before the boom. This is good news because it’s likely your next house is likely to change price at the same rate as your current home. Unless there’s a huge crash most people won’t actually lose out.

Small improvements really matter. If a house prices fall this will probably mean the supply of houses exceeds the demand from buyers. In a situation like this any improvements to make you house more saleable can have a huge influence on how likely you are to sell. A few weekends and couple of hundred pounds could ensure your house is more likely to sell than other similar less well looked after houses.

Others might get dis-heartened. If selling a home becomes slightly more difficult many people who are serious about moving house will be discouraged from keeping their home on the market. Less people selling their homes makes it easier for the more confident homeowners to shift their house.

Might encourage first time buyers – many couples are keen to purchase a house but are having difficulty raising the money required. If prices remain static or fall slightly it’s very likely these people will be encouraged to organize a mortgage which will help anyone selling a property whether to first time buyers or not.

Encouraging people to shop round – when buyers realize that people are having trouble selling houses it will probably encourage them to shop round a bit more. This can be great news if you have a house, which isn’t instantly appealing. So if you are on the outskirts of town or could probably benefit from some modernization the willingness for people to compromise could turn out to be quite good news for you

Patrick McNulty writes on behalf of A Quick Sale UK who specialise in helping people who are having difficulty selling their homes.

If you can't sell your house visit A Quick Sale might help solve your problems

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_Mcnulty]]> http://www.mydreamlocale.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry070826-074516
Moving into your new home is an exciting time, but most of us dread the idea of packing and unpacking all of our belongings. It can be a daunting task, and no one looks forward to the work involved with a big move. Valuable items get lost or broken, and our sense of organization all but disappears during a move. These packing tips can make the transition on moving day go smoothly and almost stress-free.

1. Start early!
You might want to hold a yard sale to help clear out unwanted or unneeded items. Thrift stores and consignment shops will gladly accept your unwanted clothes. The fewer items you have to move, the easier your move will be. In addition, you may raise some money while getting rid of things! Prepare for packing by getting the necessary supplies:

Strong, corrugated cardboard boxes
Box labels or stickers
Foam peanuts or “popcorn” and bubble wrap
Tissue paper or newsprint for wrapping delicate items
Packing tape to seal boxes
Markers
Scissors and/or Exacto knife

When packing boxes, keep their weight between 25-35 pounds. Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes. Pack items from the same room together. Seal the box with packing tape, and clearly label it, indicating the general category of contents and which room the box’s items come from. (Color coordinating box labels will make unloading easier, too!) First, pack possessions you rarely use, like items from the garage or storage areas. Once you clear out the garage, you will have space to store the boxes until moving day. You can also save time and space by ordering a “pod” or “pack rat,” a portable storage container. Pack a few cartons each day, so your workload doesn’t seem overwhelming.

2. Pack dishes and other fragile items
When packing fragile items, it is important to keep them safe and secure from breakage. Select a medium-sized box and line the bottom with crumpled packing paper. Carefully wrap each item individually, and place in the carton. When packing glasses and stemware, fill them with crumpled packing paper. Place items in an upright position. Separate layers of items with packing paper or bubble wrap, and be sure to fill in any empty space to prevent shifting of items. Mark the box “FRAGILE,” and always stack at the top.

3. Pack small appliances and electronics
When possible, you should pack small appliances and electronics in their original packaging. These items fit efficiently in their original boxes, and are often awkward to fit into other types of cartons. If you do not have the original packaging, choose an appropriate-sized box, and place protective padding on the bottom of the carton. Wrap an old blanket or protective pad around the item, and place it in its carton. Wrap cords separately, label to identify usage, and place in a plastic bag away from delicate surfaces. Non-detachable cords should also be wrapped. Place cords between the padded item and the box.

4. Pack Mirrors, Paintings and Pictures
Wrap small mirrors, pictures, paintings, and frames, and place on edge in cartons. For added safety, place tape diagonally across mirror to protect better against damage. Do not place newspaper directly against paintings, because ink will transfer from the newsprint to your artwork.

5. Pack clothes
Use wardrobe boxes to pack clothes on hangers. You can keep clothes smelling fresh by placing a scented dryer sheet in the box with the clothes. Keep folded clothes in dresser drawers, and take the drawers out before you move the dresser into the moving truck or pod. Once the dresser is loaded, replace the drawers during the actual move. Be sure the drawers are not overloaded, as this can cause damage to the dresser during the move. When you unload into your new Arizona home, remove the drawers first.

6. Disassemble beds
Near the date of your move, disassemble beds to prepare for transport. Take the mattresses off the frame and disassemble, being sure to keep all nuts, bolts, and other hardware in a sealed plastic bag. Label the bag and place in a box labeled appropriately. Secure bed rails with tape or twine.

7. Pack food items
When packing canned goods, place upright with no more than 24-30 cans per box. Wrap glass containers and boxed foods individually and pack in small cartons. Try to consume all perishable and frozen food items before your move, as these items are difficult to move to a new Arizona home safely. If packing medicines, seal caps with masking tape. Wrap and pack upright in small cartons. If needed during travel, carry medicines with you.

8. Pack a survival kit
During your move, you may be unable to find some important everyday items that you will need the first few days in your new home. Pack a "survival" kit to carry in your car or have first off the truck. Some important, often overlooked items to place in the survival kit include the following:

Basic Tools — Hammer, screwdriver, knife, tape, etc.
Bathroom products — Soap, shampoo, toilet paper, towels, etc.
Kitchen items — Disposable utensils, cups, plates and snacks, drinks, paper towels, etc.
Cleaning products — Cleansers, broom, dustpan, sponges, etc.
First aid supplies — Bandages, disinfectants, pain relievers, etc.

9. Stay organized
When loading moving cartons into your pod or moving truck, it is important to stay organized and load efficiently. This will ease the unloading process and keep your items more secure from damage. Keep boxes from the same room together to help the unloading process. Stack heavier boxes near the bottom, and lighter boxes near the top. Always stack fragile items at the top.

10. Ask friends for help
Your friends can be a helpful and inexpensive resource to utilize during your move. Ask for their assistance, and let them know your move date well in advance. Offer to reward them during and after the move, as this will encourage their enthusiasm to assist with the move.

11. Unloading
Once you arrive in your new Arizona home, the unloading process begins. When removing boxes from the moving truck or pod, take them to the proper rooms where they belong. Stack boxes neatly and allow ample space for moving furniture into the room.

12. Unpacking
If possible, take off an extra day or two from work. Having a couple of days to unpack will make the job less overwhelming, and you will return to work a little more refreshed than if you were rushed to unpack. Unpack larger items first, and assemble items you had taken apart for the move. Focus on one room at a time, starting where you feel most comfortable.

NewHomesSection.com. New Homes Section lets new home buyers browse Arizona new home listings from builders across the Phoenix area. New home ads for new developments and communities are updated daily. Browse Arizona New Home Listings at NewHomesSection.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jayson_Gibson

mydreamlocale.com says: Some really great suggestions here to relieve the stress of moving]]>