Why Texas is a Popular Market for Millennials

Millennials are in a situation where they are not simply buying homes; they are also making the first significant purchase of their lives. This is why it’s common for them to be much more attentive when looking for a home. They want to make sure that they get their money’s worth. Aside from the fact that Texas is very friendly to millennial buyers, there are also many homes on the market here. They have so many choices here, so Texas is a popular market for millennials. 

The steps necessary for someone to buy a home today are a lot different than what they used to be. One of the main reasons for this is the change in buyer demographics. While baby boomers and Gen-X have dominated the real estate buyers market for decades, the past few years have brought a shift with more and more millennials looking to buy.

Who are millennials?

Millennials otherwise referred to as Generation Y, are a group of people born from 1980 to 1995. Their generation followed the Baby Boomers (1945-1964) and Generation X (1961-1979). Millennials currently make up the largest demographic cohort in the United States. Studies describe the main distinguishing traits of millennials as confidence, innovation, education, and social networks.

Millennials are characterized by unpredictable purchasing patterns.

What are millennials looking for in a Texas home?

Texas has, in recent years, become one of the most popular US states for millennials to buy their first homes. Houston, Dallas, Austin, and McKinney currently lead the Texas real estate market. The main attractions that can explain why Texas is a popular market for millennials are:

● Low cost of living,

● No state income tax,

● Variety in real estate properties,

● Variety in real estate pricing.

As previously stated, millennial buyers tend to have precise wants and needs regarding house hunting. They will search until they find a home that checks all the boxes on their lists. Let’s go through some of the most common things which draw millennials to the Texas real estate market.

A wide range of options for location

The fact that millennials purchasing patterns are so erratic makes variety very important. Since it offers a wide range of options regarding a home’s location, it is understandable why Texas is a popular market for millennials. From rural homes in quiet areas for online freelancers who don’t have a commute to work to apartments in commercial areas for young workers who enjoy relaxing in a bar after a hard day.

Research shows that millennials tend to look for a home that can give them a way of life that differs from what they are used to. For instance, millennials who are moving from rural areas in Mississippi tend to look for urban metropolitan areas in Texas. The main reason many decide on this step is that they focus significantly on location. They are traveling a lot to get to work or amenities, so now they want to live close to those places. Understanding how a home’s location will reflect on their lives is a big part of how they choose a place to live.

Large outdoor spaces

As they have spent the last few years locked up because of the pandemic, most millennials want spacious outdoor areas to chill alone or host gatherings with friends and family. This is something that Texas has a lot of. This demographic also very much appreciate specific amenities such as a back porch or deck, a fire pit and grill, and a garden or glasshouse.

One of the main reasons Texas is a popular market for millennials is that most suburban homes here offer large outdoor areas like backyards.

Large cooking areas

Younger generations of homebuyers have been known to value spacious kitchens very strongly. And while some of the older generations were fond of separate dining rooms, today’s young adults would much rather have an open concept to easily traverse between the kitchen, dining room, and living room.

While not all homes in Texas have this floor plan, it is prevalent for millennials to buy the ones that do not for less money and then break down a wall or two. Open floor concepts can mostly be found in newly built homes in metropolitan areas, which millennials love since they are often turnkey.

Welcoming neighborhoods

Since most millennials are first-time home buyers, the friendly, family-oriented suburban neighborhoods that Texas offers have been an attractive option for those who are parting with their family homes for the first time. The familiarity makes the transition much more manageable. People from any age group can agree on the importance of living in a place that makes you feel safe and like you belong.

The many planned communities and housing tracts are significant factors for why Texas is a popular market for millennials. They enjoy living in places close to their workplace and decent schools for their children. The availability of public amenities like gyms, community centers with workstations, and cafes where they can work during the day is also essential for millennial buyers.

Personalization

Low-maintenance homes attract millennials very much. However, they also want homes tailored to their individual style and design preferences. The most common choice for exterior and interior design is a classic charm with modern comforts. They also appreciate multi-purpose design a lot.

Modern facilities

Most millennials don’t have as much of a focus on space as previous generations. What they want in their homes is modern, well-functioning features. These include things like dishwashers, washers, dryers, and space to work out.

Having a smart thermostat is almost a given in the minds of millennial buyers.

Many millennials want to communicate with their homes through their phones. If you are selling a home in Texas, experts from spydermoving.com recommend installing at least a few cheap home automation devices, such as smart lighting and heating. This is sure to help you entice millennial buyers.

Final thoughts

We really have millennials to thank for the recent skyrocket in homeownership rates. Millennials have slowly been taking over the housing market and shaking it up by looking for different things than previous generations. When they are ready to spend money on a new home, they are also prepared to ask a lot for it. Texas is a popular market for millennials because it can offer all of that to them.

Our Guest Author Today Has Chosen to Remain Anonymous

Photos Used:

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THIS IS NOT AN ADVERTISEMENT   

If you are just seeing this article and have not yet read Part One, please go back one week to the first of the series. I am sharing this with you all as a public service - no monetary or other consideration is exchanged between Tim and myself. Find out more about how we know each other in Part One today!  Al Cannistra

Our Guest Author today:  Tim Allen, BA, MM, CSA

“What Kind of Medicare Plan Might Fit Your Unique Needs?” (part two)

Client Tales – Part Two of a Three-Part Series

Welcome to Part 2 of Client Tales, where we’ve been sharing stories about Medicare beneficiaries, what plans worked best for each one and why. With Annual Enrollment right around the corner, the goal of this series is for you to be able to know which of the various options out there might best fit your unique needs and to help you avoid costly mistakes. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

My name is Tim Allen and we’ve been helping Medicare beneficiaries since 2005, TX License 1355125. I am the founder of Your Retirement Inc and Sales Production Coach at Affordable Health Insurance Agency where I’ve trained our agents for the past 14 years. I am a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Round Table and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. My bride has stuck with me for 45 years and we’ve been blessed with 2 wonderful children, 6 grandchildren, and one “in the oven.”  Favorite pastimes include performing, composing & arranging music, kayaking, fishing, woodworking and being a Papa to his grandies.

So far in this series we have looked at the Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans through the eyes of my clients. In this session we will look at two popular Medigap supplement options with excellent value: G Plan and High Deductible G Plan. Would either of these plans work well for you and why? We’re going to share with you some rea-life Client Tales to help make that clear. I think you’ll see through these true stories that there is no “one size fits all!” BTW, the names and pictures have been changed to protect the identity of our clients.

Client Tale #4 

William is our 4th Client. He had a heart transplant 2 years before turning 65 and was on his employer plan. At age 65 he had to leave that plan and went on Medicare. His anti-rejection medications for the new heart were very expensive and he still had many visits each year with specialists.

He did not like having to pay a higher premium for a Medicare supplement, but he chose that option with a Prescription Drug Plan to keep his costs for treatment as low as possible. This was the best fit for him. Many people think they can’t afford a Medicare Supplement. But even if William’s premiums were $2500 a year that would still be much less money than the approximate $3,400  - $12,500 maximum out‐of‐pocket cost of a Medicare Advantage plan when used a lot! As you can see, there is no “one size fits all!”

Medicare Supplements work with Medicare. Generally, Medicare pays 80% of the cost and your plan picks up the 20%. You may also be responsible for a $233 Part B deductible. But otherwise, you pay $0 for medical care. Supplements feature the Broadest Provider Choice. There are no Referrals Required and they are preferred by many Providers.  What’s the downside? There is usually a higher monthly premium, and a separate stand-alone drug plan is required. There are often no (or less) Value Ads such as dental, vision or a health club membership. Health questions are not asked when you first turn 65, leave an employer, move out of state, or have another special election period. But otherwise, you may be denied coverage or charged more based on your health. 

Client Tale #5 

Our 5th Client Tale involves educators in the state of Texas that were on the Teachers’ Retirement System Health Plan (known as TRS), which is a very good fit for some people. But there may be other options out there for others through private health plans that could save them a lot of money and still provide excellent coverage. 

My wife and I are a good example (pictured on the left). When my wife turned 65, she was in TRS. Jane was a retired teacher paying $135 per month in premium and my premium was more than $400. As a couple, we are saving more than $400 per month on a Medigap High Deductible G supplement with a Part D plan. There is no network, so we can go to any provider that accepts Medicare without a referral. If you are interested in this, there is a form that you will need to send to TRS and we’ll be happy to tell you more about it.   

Please capture this QR code or contact us at yourretirementinc.com.      

The G High Deductible Medigap Supplement plan may be one of the best‐kept secrets out there. Just like Plan G it is accepted by any provider who accepts Medicare. There is no Network to worry about. 

It has a low premium:

• $35 Month for a female, 65-year-old non-smoker ‐ $76 Month at age 80

• $40 Month for a male, 65-year-old nonsmoker ‐ $88 Month at age 80.

It has a $2,490 Deductible which may function like an 80/20 Plan with a $2,490 Maximum Out-of-Pocket: Medicare will always pay the first 80%. Your 20% cost share accumulates toward the $2,490 deductible and when you reach that point you pay no more for the year and are covered at 100%. But your premiums are far less than plan G rates. This may not be the best alternative for everyone, but it provides an excellent value for many. It’s like having a Rolex watch on a Timex budget! See the illustration below regarding how it works:

Final Thoughts

We covered the Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO in podcast 1 and explored two of the Medigap Supplements in podcast 2. Do you know which plan will work well for you? It may not be possible to make that decision with the limited information that we’ve explored so far.  So, tune in again for our third and final podcast next week where we will explore more options. We’ll also compare the plans sided by side. Finally, we will have a short pop quiz to confirm what you’ve learned. Again, there is “no one size fits all” – but which one is a perfect fit for you? 

Click on this link or capture this QR code to watch a 25-minute video 

that will explore these options in more detail: 

This podcast is my original work and the pictures within are mine exclusively or I have purchased the right to use them.

By Tim Allen, BA, MM, CSA

Affordable Health Insurance Agency

We will publish Part Three one week from today. Make sure you come back for more great information.

Al Cannistra

Credits: Photo 127617853 / Heart Human © Anton Skavronskiy | Dreamstime.com. 

Other pictures and/or charts created by Tim Allen..

SPECIAL: This is a repost from one of my other blogs:  www.SanAntonioRealEstate.blog

Introduction

My regular readers know that we keep this blog pretty much to real estate and posts that are unique one time articles. We are breaking all norms with this first post of a 3 part series - our very first trilogy if you will. And there is good reason for that.

I have known the author for more than a decade. Tim and I were introduced by a mutual acquaintance at a time of need for our family. I had an aging parent struggling with many medical expenses and high out of pocket costs. We were in need of a solution. 

The first meeting was by phone and during that time Tim took note of all the current doctors and agreed to research an insurance plan that keep the medical providers intact. A couple days later, he came out to the house and presented the options. If memory serves me, his systems searched something near 500 plan options.

He found a plan that met all the criteria and that was my first introduction to a Medicare Advantage plan. It was an outstanding option and proved to be the solution we needed. Since then, Tim has helped me personally with the right plan, which we review every year and I have literally referred dozens of friends and associates to his office knowing that they are in good hands.

So, I hope you enjoy this series and if you have a need, please give Tim a call. In the interest of full disclosure, Tim is not paying for us to publish this article nor do we receive any sort of commission or other form of payment. Call this a public service from us and I hope it will help you or someone you know.

Al Cannistra

Our Guest Author today:  Tim Allen, BA, MM, CSA

“What Kind of Medicare Plan Might Fit Your Unique Needs?”

Client Tales – Part One of a Three-Part Series

Welcome to Client Tales, where you will read stories about Medicare beneficiaries, what plans worked best for each one and why. With Annual Enrollment right around the corner, the goal of this series is for you to be able to know which of the various options out there might best fit your unique needs and to help you avoid costly mistakes. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

Tim Allen, presenter, has been helping Medicare beneficiaries since 2005, TX License 1355125. He is the founder of Your Retirement Inc and Sales Production Coach at Affordable Health Insurance Agency where he’s trained their agents for the past 14 years. He is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Round Table and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. His bride has stuck with him for 45 years and they’ve been blessed with 2 wonderful children, 6 grandchildren, and one “in the oven.”  Favorite pastimes include performing, composing & arranging music, kayaking, fishing, woodworking and being a Papa to his grandies. 

Sometimes the best way to get your arms around a concept is through a story! So, we’re going to present six different client tales about two popular Medicare supplement options with excellent value: G Plan and High Deductible G Plan.

We’ll also share about Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO Plans that are used by many of our clients, plans for people who receive extra help, plans for people with chronic illnesses like diabetes or chronic heart failure, plans for Veterans, and plans for Retired Educators. 

Which plan would work well for you and why? We’re going to share with you some rea-life Client Tales to help make that clear. I think you’ll see through these true stories that there is no “one size fits all!” BTW, the names and pictures have been changed to protect the identity of our clients.

Client Tale #1 

Rosita and Carl are married with a monthly income of $2,000 and resources of $12,500. 

Resources include checking, savings, investments, and cash value of life insurance. They do not include residence, car, your personal belongings. Rosita and Carl are on Medicare. They didn’t know it, but they could apply for Extra Help as eligible Qualifying Individuals and did not have to pay the $170.10 Part B Premium.

We helped them get Part B and the Extra Help as Qualifying Individuals so they could receive Part B at no cost. They have the full benefit of Medicare and saving a lot of money on medical and drug copays as well!  

Check out this chart to see if you might qualify:

If you are eligible, you may receive Extra Help in the Medicare Savings Program which may pay your $170.10 Part B premium. You’ll receive all those extra benefits - and you may pay less for medical and drug costs!

If you think you might be eligible for this program or one that may possibly pay far more, we will help you apply but we’ll need your written authorization - Please capture this QR code:  

BTW - What plan do you think worked well for Carl and Rosita? It was an HMO, and we’ll take a closer look at that after our next client.) 

Client Tale #2 

When client #2 Angela turned 65, she had become a Real Estate broker. Prior to retirement as an architect, she had designed and built a beautiful Padre Island home on the bay, and had a small yacht tied to her pier out back.

She could afford the most expensive Medicare plan available. What plan do you think she chose? Most people in my seminars tell me that she must have bought a supplement! But Angela chose an HMO Medicare Advantage plan. Here’s why: all her physicians and hospitals were in network, she would receive dental, vision and coverage for hearing aids. Also, she would pay no more premium at her fitness center, which would now be a part of the Silver Sneakers program. She did not mind needing a referral from her Primary Care Physician to see a specialist because she always did that anyway. She was excited that she did not have to pay the high monthly cost of a supplement. Do you see? There is no one size fits all!

What is a Medicare Advantage HMO?

An HMO is a Health Maintenance Organization which features care managed by a primary care physician who coordinates beneficiary care with specialists and puts a high priority on preventive care. People on HMO plans tend to have better health outcomes than those on other plans. Most HMO plans have $0 premium, the lowest copays, the richest benefits, and the most value-added services. So, why doesn’t everyone have an HMO? Some do not care for the required Primary Care Provider referral to see specialists. Compared to the PPO or Medicare Supplement, these plans also have smaller networks – and except for emergency room, urgent care, and travel plans with some HMOs, beneficiaries must stay within the network or insurance will not pay. 

Client Tale #3

Client Tale #3 is Sally. She had an HMO when she first turned 65 and was very happy with it. She had no health issues and saw her doctor once a year for her annual physical, mammogram, pap smear and blood work.

Then she came down with Multiple Sclerosis and the specialists who were recommended to her were not in her HMO network. She didn’t have confidence in her new specialists. She started going to rehab 3 days a week at $480 per month. Her plan had a maximum out of pocket of $5,900, which she quickly used up from all the doctor and hospital visits and she worried as she saw her small savings account dwindle.

She now wanted a Medicare supplement but did not qualify because of her illness. What plan did she move to during Annual Enrollment to see the specialists that she really wanted to see?  

Sally Moved to a PPO – a Preferred Provider Organization. 

They have larger networks than HMO plans. No referral is required. They can be used out-of- network, although that may be at a higher cost. That means an increased risk of financial loss if highly utilized: Based on the current plans in Texas, their maximum Out-of-Pocket, could be more than $12,000 if out of network. They have less value-added benefits than HMO plans. But on a positive note, some plans have national networks; Like some HMO plans, certain PPOs will even put money back into your monthly Social Security checks to help toward your Part B premium. 

Final Thoughts

Do you know which plan will work well for you? But what about a G Medigap Supplement? What about a High Deductible G Medigap Supplement? Most people – even many agents are not aware of this little gem. Again, there is “no one size fits all” – but which one is a perfect fit for you? Watch for the second podcast in our series to explore more Medicare plan options. Click on this link or capture this QR code to watch a 25-minute video that will explore these options in more detail: 

This podcast is my original work and the pictures within are mine exclusively or I have purchased the right to use them.

By Tim Allen, BA, MM, CSA

Affordable Health Insurance Agency

We will publish Part Two one week from today. Make sure you come back for more great information.

Al Cannistra

Home Improvements that Increase the Value of Your Property

 Our guest author today is Ethan Griffin...

 

Everyone enjoys participating in a renovation project from time to time. If you are thinking about what your next one could be, make sure not to make the decision too hastily. It is now more critical than ever to know which upgrades will and will not increase the value of your property. After spending so much time in them, our homes have become the center of massive changes and re-evaluation. For example, home offices and outdoor spaces have become highly wanted features. Whichever home improvement you go for, you should consider hiring an agent. This is done to ensure that the agent values your home correctly.

Having More Usable Square Footage Can Increase the Value of Your Property

Increasing the amount of usable space in an existing home makes financial sense. This is especially true in areas where most available properties have finite land and space. An example of this type of area is a city with many townhouses instead of large lots with acreage.

The value and price of all homes largely depend on the livable square feet they contain. This means that the more livable square feet there are, the better. Adding a bathroom, a lounge, or any other needed space to a home can greatly increase its function and add value.

However, your only option isn't just building an addition. Adding some walls can also convert part of an oversized kitchen into a small pantry. If you do want to build an addition, however, the national average cost to build an addition is somewhere around fifty thousand USD. Of course, the actual cost varies greatly depending on the type of room you would like to add. For example, building a small laundry room can cost you as little as around eight thousand USD. But, building an entire master suite with a bathroom can go up to a hundred thousand USD.

Upgrade Your Curb Appeal

Even simple things such as power washing your driveway or hiring someone to wash your windows and mow the lawn can significantly impact your home's curb appeal. Improving your home's curb appeal can greatly increase the value of your property. After all, it is the first thing your future buyer will see about your home.

As long as you don’t go overboard, working on your home's curb appeal can greatly increase the value of your property.

Hiring a good landscaper can be of great help. However, even if you don't have that kind of money, you can work on it yourself. Adding plants or repainting your home's outside walls are just some great ideas. You could also refresh your walkway or mulch the lawn. It's important to know where to stop though. Too many features can put buyers off since it can look like a hassle for upkeep.

Replace the old front door

Another great idea for improving curb appeal is refreshing old front doors. A fundamental steel front door costs about a hundred bucks. However, if you add another one to two hundred to that, you can get a door with so much more character which is sure to improve your home's curb appeal. If you are not in a financial place where you can afford a brand new door, adding a fresh coat of paint or lacquer may be all you need.

Improve Outdoor Living With a Deck or Patio

If the pandemic has taught us anything, having a nice usable outdoor living area is very important. When it comes down to it, a deck or patio is the most popular choice for making such an area for yourself. Depending on the way it is made, it can be a place to dine with family, have a beverage after a hard day at work, entertain friends, or work outdoors for a few hours. 

On average, having a deck in your backyard adds over seven thousand dollars in resale value. Building a deck will usually cost between five and ten thousand dollars, depending on the size and any additional features you might want. So, you can almost be sure that you'll at least break even if you do not see a positive ROI on this project.

Refresh the Look of Your Kitchen

Most of your future buyers will focus on the kitchen as the central feature of your property. This means that if yours is outdated or looks subpar, it will negatively affect the property's resale value in the future. Another essential thing to consider is whether you have maximized the utility of the space in your kitchen. Not being able to use your kitchen fully because of poor layout can be a big problem for your home's value.

Find a good balance when redesigning your kitchen. It shouldn’t look flashy.

A clever idea would be to hire a home inspector to do a check-up on the fixtures in your kitchen. Inspectors can suggest which areas of your kitchen need renovating. This way, you can avoid working and spending money on things you don't need. In case you feel like updating your entire kitchen is too big of an undertaking for you at the moment, a minor remodel could still help your home's value. Things like new faucets, drawer knobs, and cabinet fronts in a matching style will give the kitchen a modern, cohesive look. 

Work on Your Flooring

The ROI of updated flooring depends on your property's current condition and value. We can separate the value of upgraded flooring into three scenarios. First, if you have a low-end property, having lovely hardwood floors or good carpeting will only add value for house flippers, since it is less work for them. Therefore, renovating floors could help raise the value of your property, but it is a pretty big gamble. 

However, having updated and beautiful floors could be why potential buyers choose your home over someone else's property if your home is mid-range. So, replacing worn-out flooring is an excellent idea in this case. Finally, if you have a costly, high-end property, replacing the floors will only be a waste of money for you. Most buyers ready to invest so much into a new home are also prepared to replace the flooring themselves.

If you decide on this home improvement, we have two main tips: 

1. Since replacing floors requires removing everything from your home, including bulky furniture, it can be hard to find a place for all of it. Renting storage is a great solution for dealing with bulky items during renovation. You can move your stuff there for a while and put everything back when you're done.

2. Lately, many more buyers prefer the look of luxury vinyl planks in gray or espresso to hardwood or carpeting. Thankfully, this is excellent news for you since they are much cheaper to buy and install

Install Small Features

There are plenty of small features and appliances which are cheap and easy to install that most buyers will appreciate. The most popular ones lately have been:

• Energy-efficient appliances, 

• Programmable thermostats, 

• Security cameras, 

• Video doorbells, 

• Wireless home security systems, 

• Wireless smart home appliances, 

• Smart lightbulbs, 

• Smart home assistant speakers.

From cameras to smart locks, people will value any form of added security.

Many of these can be DIY-ed, or you can install them yourself. However, if it seems too big of a job or you might fail to do it yourself, make sure to call a professional who can help you.

Conclusion

While considering which updates are worth making for your home, your best bet is to think whether doing so will make your buyer see your place as somewhere they want to live. That is the best way to gauge which home improvements will increase the value of your property.

Author’s Bio

Ethan Griffin is a freelance writer at Heavenly Moving and Storage. He enjoys spending time with his friends and reading poetry. He volunteers at a dog shelter and enjoys custom blend teas.

https://unsplash.com/photos/TiVPTYCG_3E - featured image

https://unsplash.com/photos/z11gbBo13ro - picture 1

https://unsplash.com/photos/-aDGbdTsBZg - picture 2

https://unsplash.com/photos/cT7IeEz5-G8 - picture 3

How to Adapt Your New Home to Your Lifestyle

 Guest Author Today:  Martin Horrowitz 

So, you've moved into your new place, but can't quite say it's your new home? Or, are you planning on moving but are scared you won't easily adapt to the new surroundings? Whatever's the case - we might have something for you. In the text you'll find below, we'll show you how to adapt your new home to your lifestyle. Also, there will be some additional tips on the side that will help you get to know the place you'll call home. Stick around!

Something you're already familiar with (an introduction)

We can talk for hours about how the pandemic changed our everyday scenery. Don't worry; we'll try to be short. Anyway, one of the most significant consequences (and there are too many to mention) the virus left us is that most people work from their living quarters. Because of this, it's getting harder and harder to differentiate between work and home. Also, this downright unfortunate historical moment gave many folks a chance to think more about their homes. Did you know that Google searches on home improvement options almost doubled in the past two years? As you surely know, there's a good reason why that is so. Anyway, here are some home improvement ideas and other things you can do to create a more homey environment.

It's getting more difficult to differentiate between work 

and home.

If possible, create a home office

While we're on the subject of separating work from home, it might be good to mention this option. We assume you know how hard can it be to focus on work while there are far too many things inside your home that can catch your attention. Whether it's your pet, spouse, or favorite book, it doesn't matter. What matters is that you're not entirely focused. By creating a home office, you'll designate a single room to hold no distractions. The people you're sharing the home with will know when not to disturb you. Your pets might disobey those orders, but the important thing is: you'll have something pretty close to peace.

Explore your new neighborhood

This one doesn't have to do a whole lot with home improvement. As a matter of fact, it has nothing to do with it. Still, it's crucial for adapting to your new home. By taking long walks around your new neighborhood (or further), you'll get a chance to feel the vibes of the place. Say, for example, you're moving to a new Texas neighborhood. Texans are very hospitable, regardless of the "no trespassing" stereotype. If you want to explore the area with a Texas-native guide, you can ask one of your neighbors to show you around. Next thing you know: you greet the cashiers in the local supermarket by their names, and you know every dog's owner around the block.

Getting to know your new neighborhood will help you adapt faster.

Open space concept

Let's go back to those home improvement options. Nowadays, many homeowners (here's how you become one) are saying goodbye to walls. What's the catch? Well, since the pandemic started, things became a bit claustrophobic, and... Okay, okay. Removing walls to make more space isn't something people came up with only two years ago, but it certainly became a trend during the mentioned period. So, you might want to think about opening your rooms up a bit. Research proves that more open space inside one's home leads to better productivity and less stress. That sounds pretty good, doesn't it?

Find another space

Okay, we're back on the street once again. The thing is: if you notice the whole work-from-home isn't working, we've got a cool suggestion. How about you find another space to spend time in, like a local coffee shop or a pub? A change of setting is something we need the most sometimes. Not only will you do that, but you'll also have a chance to meet new friends and establish local connections that will make you feel more at home. They say home is where the heart is.

Find a place that locals like to visit (whether it's a diner, coffee shop, or a pub), and mark it as your second home.

 

Design your garden for some unforgettable barbecue parties

Want people to love and accept you? Organize barbecue parties. While this might seem like a pop-psych parody, it's not that far from the truth. An outdoor patio in your backyard will certainly make your new neighbors look across the fence. Some (obscure) studies have shown that folks with beautiful backyards have better social capital (the number of connections and people they know). And who are we to distrust science? Anyway, an old-fashioned housewarming party never hurt anyone. That might be just the thing to get you started. 

How to adapt your new home to your lifestyle - a summary

Let's do a quick walkthrough. So, how do you adapt your new home to your lifestyle? Well, it seems our lifestyles are pretty much directly influenced by coronavirus safety measures. That's why we'll guess that your work from home. Also, we know it can be hard to differentiate between work and home now. To ease the adverse effects, you can designate one of the rooms in your new place as office space. It's already empty and devoid of distractions, so... Another thing: take long walks around the neighborhood and visit places where locals like to go. You can even throw a housewarming party. Before you do that, think about how the lack of open space dictates how you view your home and do something about it by removing some walls. 

Author bio: 

Martin Horrowitz is a Texas-born freelance writer currently working with State to State Move. In his free time, he loves tackling DIY home improvement projects with his kids. 

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What Kind Of Home Suits Your Lifestyle?

First Guest Posting on this Blog! Our Guest Poster Today:  Matthew Schwimmer

Home buying is a process that involves many options. The question is: How do you narrow down the choices and make the best decision? Before you jump into the growing house market, it would be good to look into your finances and get pre-approved for a mortgage. Once you have that settled and know your budget, it's time to start thinking of what kind of home suits your lifestyle. This article will share the different types of homes and what to consider when choosing the one that matches your life dynamics.

Things to consider when house hunting

Owning a home is an outstanding achievement. We strive to make our homes a reflection of ourselves. Therefore, homeownership is something that makes us proud, and we want to care for the home's function and appearance.

Once you start the search, you will come across numerous home types. You will need to make a decision based on your family's needs, priorities, and preferences. Hence, if you want the following scenario: find 'the one,' arrange the long-distance relocation with a moving company, transport everything into your new place in Texas, unpack, settle in, decorate, and enjoy your new home, you will need to consider a couple of things. The goal is to find the home that supports your lifestyle, not the other way around.

So, let's take a look at what also goes into getting to the right decision.

Geographical preferences

First and foremost, it's essential to think about where you enjoy spending your time the most. Do you prefer the places with woods and nature, cities with the ocean shore, or an intimate backyard garden? What kind of climate do you like? Would you be happy with all four seasons, or are places that have two enough for you? These are all the questions that need answers from you and your family before you start house hunting.

  

To find what kind of home suits your lifestyle, you will need to decide where to search first.

Ideally, you want your new home to be in a place that has the following features:

• easy access to recreational activities you like doing;
• it is visually pleasing for you;
• it meets your healthcare needs.

City or country?

This is another significant difference to consider. If you love going out or have a rushed lifestyle that requires you to eat on the go frequently, then cityscape might be the better option for you.

On the other hand, if you work from home or don't enjoy traffic noise and flashy lights, some rural areas might be a better choice for you.

Maintenance requirements need to match your lifestyle

If this sounds confusing, let's unwrap it. Consider the following questions: Do you enjoy doing DIYs, especially for home repairs and decor? Do you plan on hosting dinners and holidays? Do you have or plan on having children in the near future? Do you like the idea of having a separate space for yourself, like a workshop, a library, or an art studio?                                                                                                

Your parental status plays a significant role in home buying decision-making.

If you answered 'yes' to most of these questions, you would most likely be happier in a larger space, aka a house. However, owning a home requires a lot of maintenance and care, so be sure to keep that in mind.

Alternatively, try answering these questions: Do you prefer spending extra money on travel to home decor? Do you spend the majority of your day out and about? 

If the answer is positive, you would probably be more comfortable in a condo or a smaller space that doesn't require investing your time and money in maintenance.

What type of home suits your lifestyle best?

Now that you are familiar with things you need to consider to narrow down the options for your new home, let's look at what types of houses there are.

A condo

Condos are for people who love having their own space but aren't necessarily keen on maintaining a yard. Condos are an excellent option for:

• younger buyers who love living in a community;
• homeowners that are looking to downsize or live in a more convenient location.

The main difference between a condo and a single-family house is the exterior space. Also, all the homeowners in that development share common areas.

Or, you could go for an apartment. The only difference is concerning the ownership. A condo is owned by an individual and either managed by them personally or under the condo community's homeowner association. Apartments are a part of a complex that a corporation usually owns.

A penthouse

A penthouse is usually the priciest apartment in the building. However, this is a good option for those looking for security, coziness, and a neighborhood with many different amenities.

Older houses that require renovation 

As paradoxical as it might sound, urban areas are full of older homes with a beautiful rustic vibe. However, many of those homes haven't been upgraded in years. So, when thinking about what type of home suits your lifestyle, consider the renovations and upgrades you will need to do if you go for this option.

Choosing to renovate an older home means increasing its value and functionality.

Suburban homes

If buildings are not a place you imagine yourself living in, you might want to consider the idea of moving to a suburban neighborhood. 

Suburbs are usually more affordable and are an excellent choice for those who plan on raising a family. Also, these homes tend to be newer, which means there's less work you need to do upfront.

Suburbs have unique neighborhoods and offer a sense of community while having affordable homes.

Many millennials choose to move to the suburbs and create an urban lifestyle while purchasing more affordable houses.

A farmhouse

Finally, you might be a rural area type of person. Owning a farmhouse offers a unique, slower-paced, quieter lifestyle. So, if you want to be more in tune with nature and want to settle somewhere away from the city noise and rush, a farmhouse or a country house might be the best option for you.

Final thoughts

Finally, home is where you can spend your time your way. The place where you experience many of the ups and downs alone or with your family. A place where you can be fully yourself. That's why it's important not to rush things when starting a home buying process. Consider your financial health and the future of home prices, your preferences, and priorities when deciding what type of home suits your lifestyle. Happy house hunting!

 

Meta description: Buying a home involves many options. So, if you want to know what kind of home suits your lifestyle, stay tuned for the list of home types.

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Matthew Schwimmer, Blogger and Writer