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3 Biggest Mistakes Landlords Make

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Investing in real estate is one of the smartest things that you can do with your money since renting your property is one of the most practical ways to make a passive income.

However, being a landlord is not as simple as it may seem. There are plenty of things that can go wrong along the way. Here are some of the most common errors landlords make with their rental properties and what you can do to steer clear.

Choosing The Wrong Tenant

The most common mistake that landlords make is choosing the wrong tenant. Usually, this is a result of inexperience, as they are in a rush to find someone to rent their property quickly. However, it will cost you more money in the long run if you choose the wrong tenant. They can cause all sorts of expensive damage, and you could find yourself in legal trouble.

You’re better off holding off on renting your property until you find the perfect person. For this reason, many landlords opt for a property management company instead of doing it themselves.

If you’re looking for Houston property management there are some great options out there that can help you with your tenant selection and avoid costly disasters.

Choosing The Wrong Property

Although investing in a rental property can be a smart financial decision, not all rental properties are created equally. It’s important that you make the right choice when purchasing your property.

Choose the right location and you could find yourself making a significant amount of money. However, choose the wrong location and you could find yourself struggling to find the right tenant.

Ideally, you want a highly sought-after area that is close to shops and schools. The more appealing the area is, the more likely you are to make a big return on your investment.

Failing to Keep Up On Maintenance

Regardless of how new your property is, you’ll still need to maintain it. When issues come up, it’s important that you handle them immediately. Even something as small as a tiny leak in the roof could turn into a monumental problem later on. Make sure that you fix issues right away before they turn into larger problems. Not only is it important for your relationship with your current tenants, but you’ll also be much more likely to find good future tenants if you offer them a property with no issues.

It’s not always easy to be a landlord. However, with a little experience and the right tips on your hands, you can make a great income renting out your property. Just make sure that you avoid these common mistakes, and you should get the most out of your real estate investment for years to come.

5 Perks of Having Children

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Having children is a big responsibility. Not to mention that it can significantly impact your finances. Any parent can tell you that their lives and wallets have changed significantly since they brought a child into the world.

However, along with many of the sacrifices we make as parents also come a substantial amount of perks. So, if you’re on the fence about whether you want to have children or not, then here are some of the advantages of being a parent that you should know.

You’ll Never Have an Empty House

In your older age, it’s nice to know that someone will come visit you. Whether you’re living in an assisted living facility, or still in your own home, it’s always nice to know that you have company from your children. People who don’t have children may often look back and have regrets about the fact they didn’t procreate.

Periods of the year like Christmas are especially advantageous with kids since you know that your house will be full of family to open up gifts under the Christmas tree.

Tax Perks

When you have children you are entitled to a significant amount of tax savings. The IRS can save you thousands of dollars a year thanks to child tax credits. Although taxes are hardly a reason to have children, it’s certainly an added perk to know that you’ll pay less when tax time rolls around.

When you consider that the cost of having a child can add up significantly over the 18 years of them living with you, it’s nice to know that you have a financial break wherever you can get it.

They Give You Meaning

There’s something about being a parent that gives you significant meaning. When you have nobody else to look after other than yourself, you’re less inclined to push forward through difficult times.

Yet, when you know your children depend on you, it gives you an extra purpose in life to get out there and continue fighting as hard as you can to get everything done that you need to.

Kids Are a Great Excuse To Stay In

In our younger years we may feel pressured to go out and socialize regularly. Unfortunately, not everyone always wants to attend every social event. We can often find ourselves struggling to find a good excuse to miss the social event we’d rather not go to.

Kids are a great excuse for staying in and missing an event that you don’t necessarily feel like going to. So, if you’re looking for one of the best excuses to stay in and have a quiet night in front of a movie, then look no further than parenthood!

 

5 Ways to Make Your Move to a New Home Go Smoothly

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You’re a new home buyer and ready to move into your newly purchased home. Congratulations! You are surely excited to start your new life, but as you know, you first must pack and move your belongings from your old to your new home. There’s a lot to take on when you move, and it can feel overwhelming. But with a little bit of planning, it doesn’t have to be. The financial experts at Solarity Credit Union have some tips and tricks for new home buyers to make your move to a new home go smoothly.

1. Make a Checklist

With the number of tasks that need to be completed prior to moving into a new home, it’s a good idea to take a few moments and jot down a checklist to keep you on task. You can even break down your checklist by timeline so that you can see when each task should be completed.

Firstly, include packing on your checklist. You want to leave yourself enough time to pack your physical belongings without feeling pressure to get it all packed in an impossible amount of time. As a new home buyer, you may not have gathered as many belongings as someone who has lived in the same home for 30 years or more, however, it’s easy to underestimate the amount of stuff you own and how long it will take to pack it all. It can take two months to pack a home with four bedrooms. Making a checklist helps provide peace of mind, as you can see how you are progressing without worrying you’re forgetting something important in the process.

Of course, there is much more that goes into moving into a new home than just packing your belongings. Tasks such as transferring utility services to your new address, filing a change of address form with your local post office, enrolling children in new school districts, hiring movers, and arranging for transport of vehicles are important too.

Moving.com has already prepared a moving checklist that you can use as a template when creating your personalized checklist.

2. Create a Reasonable Moving Budget

You’ve found the perfect home, been approved for a home loan with a great lender, and made space in your budget for your monthly mortgage payments, but closing fees and your down payment aren’t the only up-front costs a new home buyer needs to keep in mind. Moving can be expensive, and if you’re not prepared for the cost, there can be some sticker shock.

Setting finances aside prior to the move can help ease the pinch in the pocket when preparing to move into your new home. It’s always a good idea to sit down with your budget and come up with a dollar amount that can be safely spent on moving costs while still leaving you with finances available to set up your home and make any unexpected repairs that come up after living there for a few weeks.

Budgeting for your move can also help you can afford to hire professional movers or prefer to rent and load a moving truck yourself. Hiring professional movers can be expensive, especially if moving over 100 miles or over state lines, as the cost can go from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars quickly with long-distance moves.

To keep costs down, consider a mixed approach to moving. If you are able to load a moving truck yourself or with friends and family, you can hire professional movers to unload the truck at your new location. This can help lower costs significantly. Having a budget in mind when making these types of decisions will help you keep your finances on track.

3. Donate, Sell, or Dispose of Items You No Longer Use

When planning a move, it can be a great time to start purging unwanted or unused items that have been hiding in closets or the attic. Packing items that you no longer want or need can add unnecessary costs to your move. Instead, two to three months prior to your moving date, start decluttering around the home. Have your family join in and make donate piles for gently used items and trash piles for items that are no longer in good condition.

Start with items that are in view and work your way into closets and storage areas until you have decluttered as best you can. Pairing down your belongings ahead of packing can help cut down time spent on loading boxes of unwanted items and cut down on the cost of moving these items.

If you’re donating items, don’t forget to ask for a receipt to use as a tax deduction on your next tax return. For items that are in great condition, consider selling them at a garage sale or online to make back some of the cost of moving.

4. Pack for the Move

Leave at least four to six weeks to pack your belongings before moving. Try to finish packing your things at least one day prior to your moving date. It’s never a good idea to pack up to the minute before loading the truck, as this can be stressful and leave you exhausted on moving day.

Pack a moving-day bag to take with you in the car. This bag can contain clothing, medication, electronics chargers, and toiletries. Remember, when you arrive at your new home, finding all those items in a sea of boxes can be challenging, so save yourself the trouble and pack an essentials bag ahead of time.

5. Notify Friends and Family of Your New Home Address

Don’t forget to let your friends and family know your new address. Filing a change of address form with your local Post Office is great, but mail only forwards for a limited time, so it’s imperative to update your address with all of your subscription services, utilities, banks, schools, work, insurance companies, and so forth.

By preparing for your move ahead of time, you can ensure the process goes smoothly. Working with the right lender can make the whole home-purchasing process go smoothly too. Are you looking for a home loan in Washington State? Solarity Credit Union has home loan options to help you make your new-home-buyer dreams come true.

 

3 Tips For Having a Great Relationship With Your Teen

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When it comes to being a parent, one of the most difficult periods is the teenage years. Despite how much we might like to believe that our relationship with our child will be the exception, the truth is that many parents find themselves struggling to maintain a happy and healthy relationship with their teenagers once they turn a certain age.

And while it may be challenging to stay on the same page as them from everything to the fluctuating hormones, to generational differences, it’s not impossible to find common ground. By knowing the right tips, and staying committed, you can have a great relationship with your teen. Here are some of the best tips to build and maintain a strong bond.

Let Them Be Themselves

Even though you might not always agree with their choices, and certainly not always their aesthetics, it’s important that you let them express who they are. Rather than trying to control the way they dress, or the way that your child’s room is decorated, why not let them choose for themselves? A little self-expression never hurt anyone, especially during this time in someone’s life.

The teenage years are made for developing their personality, and learning to stand out. So, hindering their self-expression could have a negative lasting impact well into their adult years. Even though you might not always agree, you should try to support their individuality, and allow them to be a little different if that’s what’s important to them.

Share Your Own Experiences

One of the biggest reasons why teenage years can be so isolating is that we believe that no one has ever experienced what we’re going through. Sharing similar stories from your teenage years can be a powerful antidote for helping your child navigate this often frustrating period of their lives. Be understanding, and above all, remember that you were once a teenager too.

The more that we forget how much we actually have in common with our teenagers, the more distance we create. Even though your teenage years may have been a long time ago, it’s not impossible to transport yourself back to a time when you were feeling the way they are too.

Enjoy An Activity Together

Even though it may feel like your interests are far from similar, sometimes it’s simply a matter of making an effort. Trying to find something that you and your teenager can enjoy doing together. Perhaps it’s playing a video game, or even playing a sport. Try to find something that brings you together, so that even though you may be feeling a generational gap at times, you can still come together out of your enjoyment of the same activity. A little quality time can go a long way as far as boosting your relationship with your child!

 

What is Self-Care and Why is it Important?

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With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we often forget to take care of our wellbeing. Self-care isn’t about being selfish – it’s allowing yourself to put your own needs first for the sake of your health and happiness.

Burning the candle at both ends, will ultimately lead to exhaustion, which can lead to an array of illnesses, as well as anxiety, stress, and depression. Many of us are guilty of not making changes until we reach our limit. Now is the time to step back and evaluate your emotional and physical needs.

In this guide, we’re going to look at some of the ways you can manage self-care.

Maintain a healthy work-life balance

It is commonly the case that people choose to work every hour under the sun for their own professional development, or in fear of falling behind on tasks, but maintaining a work-life balance is key to health and happiness.

Being overworked, can not only make you less motivated, but can lead to an string of health problems including stress, anxiety, and even a weakened immune system. Pledge to set boundaries and stick to them. Take breaks throughout the day and when your shift ends, turn your work phone off to give you the chance to unwind.

Get health check-ups

One of the main reasons people fail to book health-check appointments, is because they’re worried about wasting medical time. However, regular check-ups, mean your wellbeing is being monitored and you can be treated for illnesses as soon as they arise. The same goes for dental appointments. People often skip dental visits as they believe their teeth are in good shape, but later down the line, they can start to suffer from severe tooth and gum problems. With this in mind, you should book your dental appointments in good time with northwickmanordental.co.uk.

Learn to say No

It can be difficult to say ‘no’ when you’re put under pressure to do something, but it’s your right to refuse if you simply cannot commit yourself, or don’t feel well enough to do so. When you accept a proposition at the expense of your own health, you’re losing control of your independence. Remember that you’re only human and you can’t be in more than one place at a time. Next time you’re worried about saying no – just say it, and explain your reasoning. Bet you’ll be surprised that the reaction won’t be as bad as you think…

Take a digital detox

Are you guilty of spending hours scrolling through your phone? While there’s nothing wrong with staying connected with your friends and followers on social media, it may be time to take a break (otherwise known as a digital detox) if it is starting to impact your mental health. What’s more, being glued to a screen, means you’re missing out on the world around you – and that’s precious time you’ll never get back.

Self-care practices may take time to put into action, but by giving yourself the chance to put yourself first for a change, you should start to notice a huge improvement in both your mindset and your physical wellbeing.