Posts tagged Add new tag

Buying a Waterfront Property

May12
2009 Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

waterfront

Many people purchase a waterfront property as second home, a vacation home. However, during these tough economic times, some might not be able to afford such a luxury expense. If you are one of these people, and you are mulling over the decision to make a waterfront home your primary residence, there are many factors to consider before doing so.

Why do I want to own a waterfront property?
Is it for the view, for the activities or both? If you want to live near more urban conveniences, you choose a property on a riverbank or a canal. If you would like more rural surroundings, an oceanfront home is a good fit for you!

What do I want to do?
If you would like to go fishing, boating and swimming, make sure the water on your property will accommodate your needs. You should also research local, state and federal laws that may affect your plans.

How is the water?
An important thing to remember is that, unlike your landscaping, the water on your property cannot be altered. If you are an avid swimmer, make sure your shoreline and the lake bottom/ocean floor is sandy, not mucky. If you plan on fishing, research the native fish that live within your body of water.

What happens if there is a hurricane?
Keep in mind that flood and hurricane insurance is generally sold separately from home owner’s insurance. FloodSmart.gov boasts a ton of useful information to help you select the right combination of insurance policies for your waterfront home.

When it comes to owning a waterfront property, there is a lot more to it than enjoying a breathtaking view or swimming on your own private beach. Carefully consider the location of your home, all rules and regulations concerning the water and the possibility of enduring severe weather.

Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , , , ,

Take the Stress out of Moving

Nov04
2008 Leave a Comment Written by Alexis

According to the Employee Relocation Council, moving is the third most stressful event in life, following death and divorce. Packing and unpacking an entire life’s worth of possessions can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you are moving for the first time and don’t know what to expect. We have all heard the horror stories about incompetent movers, stolen and broken items and other nail-biting disasters that could convince anyone to forego moving. Despite these terrifying tales, nearly one-sixth of all Americans, an estimated 43 million people, move each year. Here are a few helpful tips and trick to ensure that your move will be smooth and painless.

  • Start packing as soon as you find out that you’re moving.
  • Keep a careful inventory of each and every item being packed. Make a thorough list of your possessions and which boxes they are being stored in. Assign each box a number and, beside each item on the list, place its corresponding box number.
  • Label each box with your name and your address. You can write directly on the box or, to make it even easier, print out large computer labels and stick them to the box.
  • Keep like items together. This will make it easier to designate a room for the box and ensures that unpacking will be easier.
  • Use clean newsprint paper to pack small and fragile items. Old newspapers also work, but the ink may rub off onto your items.
  • Pack all boxes to capacity. Boxes that are under-filled are more likely to be crushed, while boxes that are overfilled can tear or fall apart.
  • Don’t make the boxes too heavy to lift.
  • Reinforce the bottom of each box with at least one strip of packing tape.
  • Use professional packing tape. Masking tape isn’t strong enough to support fully packed cartons.
  • In each carton, the heavier items should be placed at the bottom and the lighter items on top to prevent damage.
  • Wrap very small items in brightly colored tissue so they won’t get lost.
  • Place your electronics and other valuables in their original boxes, if they are still available.
  • Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels and paper goods.
  • Clothes can often be left on hangers and hung in special wardrobe cartons. These boxes are also perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows and blankets.
  • Tape screws, bolts and other loose items to the underside of your furniture.
  • Check your homeowner’s insurance to see how you are covered during the move and if you need additional insurance from the mover.
  • Professional moving companies are required to inspect each box they load into their trucks for liability reasons. A professional moving company will advise you on whether boxes need to be repacked or are not packed properly.
  • Write “open first” on cartons containing essential items such as cooking utensils and toiletries.
  • If you are moving locally, you might want to leave your pets with a friend during moving day. Animals can become confused and frightened during a move.
  • If you are planning to move your plants with you, spray them with water and put them into black plastic bags just before you move. Don’t forget to leave them an open space for fresh air.
    Post a big sign on the wall in the room where you want the boxes stacked to keep them away from high traffic areas.
    • Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , ,

    About the BuyOwner.com Blog

    Welcome to the BuyOwner.com Blog, your source for regularly updated market information!

    Founded in 1984, BuyOwner.com® is the leading provider of real estate marketing services. We pioneered the "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO) market, which today represents over 20 percent of all residential real estate transactions.

    You can read more about BuyOwner.com here.

    Article Archives

    Blog Roll

    Real Estate Top Blogs Real Estate Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory Add to Technorati Favorites Find the best blogs at Blogs.com. Blog Directory Home Improvement Blog Directory

    Subscribe

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner