Relocating far away? These Are The Must-Know Mistakes To Avoid

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Buying a home, Home buying strategy, Jacksonville Real Estate, real estate, real estate advice, real estate consultant, real estate information, real estate jacksonville fl, Real Estate Team, real estate tips, relocating, relocation, The best real estate agent in Jacksonville, tips on relocating

COVID-19 has caused many people to reevaluate their living situations—and, as a result, many of those people are planning to relocate to an area that better suits their needs.

Relocating is always a process—but if you don’t do it right, that process can quickly become stressful and overwhelming.

But how, exactly, do you do it right? What mistakes do you need to avoid to ensure the relocation process goes as smoothly as possible?

A video from realtor.com outlined the key mistakes to avoid when relocating to a new area, including:

• Listing your home before you know where and when you’re relocating. Homes are selling extremely fast in today’s market—so before you list your home, you’ll want to have clarity on where and when you’re relocating.
• Not researching your new area. Every area is different—and before you decide to relocate, you need to know that your new area has the amenities and features that you’ll need. For example, if you have children, research the schools and childcare options before you commit to moving to a new town or city. If you’re planning to work from home, make sure the neighborhoods you’re considering have high-speed internet so you can do your job effectively.
• Expecting your belongings to arrive and be available immediately. If you’re doing a long distance relocation and shipping some of your belongings, there could be delays—so if you know you’re going to need an item, make sure to keep it with you and transport it yourself.

Most Tax Friendly States of 2020

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Best places to live, Lowest taxes, real estate, real estate advice, real estate florida, real estate investing, real estate jacksonville fl, Real Estate Team, relocating, relocation, retire and relocate, Tax friendly states, The best real estate agent in Jacksonville, tips on relocating

Retirees are often the main group we imagine moving from higher-tax states to states considered tax-friendly. The coronavirus pandemic, however, has led younger people, many of whom are in their prime career years, to also look for low-cost places to relocate. Telecommuting has made it possible to leave big (often expensive) urban areas and work from anywhere, which is one factor behind the shift. 

The following are some of the country’s most tax-friendly states right now, regardless of why you might be relocating. 

Wyoming
There’s no state income tax in Wyoming, and the average state and local sales tax is just over 5.3%. The average property taxes are $635 per $100,000 in home value. Wyoming has a strong mineral and energy extraction industry, and that’s one of the reasons the state can keep taxes low for residents. 

Nevada
There is no state income tax in Nevada, and the average property tax in the state is $693 per $100,000 in home value. The tax-friendly nature of Nevada may be one reason there’s an influx of Californians moving to the state and the scenic Lake Tahoe area in particular. Nevada receives over a billion dollars each year from the casino and tourism industry, which helps them avoid imposing a state income tax. 

Florida
Florida has no state income tax, but property taxes tend to hover around the national average. The state and local sales tax rate is also somewhere around average for the country at 7.05% combined. 

Alaska
Alaska may not provide you with sunshine and beaches, but it could be an economically sound decision. Alaska residents pay neither state income taxes nor state sales tax. Certain municipalities in Alaska might impose local sales taxes that are as high as 7.5%, but even so, the average local sales tax hovers around 1.76%. There’s also the Permanent Fund Dividend ($992 for 2020), which is paid to every Alaska resident who’s lived there for a full year. 

Tennessee
Prior to 2016, Tennessee did not tax wages, but still taxed income from investments and other “unearned income.” Legislation was passed in 2016 to gradually eliminate taxes on investments by 2021. The state currently carries the third lowest tax-burden in the United States.

We can help you buy or sell a home ANYWHERE! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com 904-515-2479

Short Sale, Foreclosure, Bankruptcy…when can you purchase again?

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bankruptcy, Buying a home, buying a home with credit problems, credit problems, FL, foreclosure, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, low interest rates, Moving to a new city, real estate, relocation, short sale

Predicting Neighborhood Value

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Buying a home, FL, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, House values, Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Moving to a new city, Neighborhood home values, neighborhood value, real estate, relocation, Selling a home

  How do you predict the value of a neighborhood? While no one can say for sure how home values in a neighborhood will rise or decline over time, there are big-picture economic factors that you can look for to help get handle on where they may be going.

1. Major regional employers. If a community depends upon one or two large companies for a high percentage of local employment, you can bet that as the company fares, so will the neighborhoods. While “company towns” are hardly the norm these days, don’t overlook the possibility.

2. Number of properties currently for sale. Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with a neighborhood just because the inventory (i.e. number of homes on the market) is high. Other times, something may be amiss. If you’re seeing street-after-street of “FOR SALE” signs, ask questions.

3. Major construction. Is that a new school they’re building, or is it a supermax prison? Did they clear that land for a new shopping center, or is it a new loop for the interstate? Certain types of construction can improve home values while others can hurt. Getting in touch with the local planning commission as well as the local newspaper’s business section (or website) can help illuminate what’s behind those bulldozers and cement mixers.

4. Rental density. People who own the homes they live in tend to take better care of them. Also, it’s preferable to have long-term neighbors versus high-turnover tenants. Absentee landlords or seasonally rented properties can also be a drag on a neighborhood. Get a feel for the rental density and the direction it’s heading. Rental density matters.

5. Environmental conditions. One industrial accident that poisons a water supply is enough to annihilate home values. How susceptible is the region to extreme weather? Don’t rule out environmental liabilities or benefits.

Nobody’s crystal ball is perfect, but to ignore major macroeconomic factors is dangerous. Even if you’re only planning on staying in a location for 5 – 7 years, do yourself a favor and try to position yourself to make, not lose money, on your home with these tips in mind.

Have questions about a neighborhood in Jacksonville? We’re happy to help. Get in touch today: Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-422-7626 http://www.TheHanleyHomeTeam.com

Discussing Senior Transitions

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Buying a home, FL, home ownership, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, Moving to a new city, real estate, relocation, Selling a home, senior transitions, seniors

   We speak with a a number of clients who have concerns about their home as they age. You (or someone close to you) may be facing similar questions.

As we all age, our thoughts inevitably turn to the question of the quality of our lives in the future. Where we live is an important part of that equation. I know I’ve thought about it, and I’ve definitely worked with people who have dealt with the uncertainty.

How will I know when maintaining my home becomes too much? How can I remain comfortable, safe, and independent in my own home? If my home becomes to big for me, how do I find one that meets my needs? Who will protect my interests when it comes time to sell my home?

If you find yourself wondering about these issues, or worrying about them on behalf of an aging parent or friend, I would be glad to offer my assistance. As a real estate agent with a special interest in senior clients, I’ve had the privilege of helping seniors and their families navigate this phase of life.

Please reach out to us if you’d like to chat. We are happy to help, even if you don’t necessarily need the answers to these questions for some time yet.

Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com 904-477-5278 Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside

BACK TO SCHOOL!

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Back to School, Buying a home, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, low interest rates, Moving to a new city, real estate, real estate investing, relocation, schools, Selling a home

It’s that time of year we think of as the “Back to School” season. It’s not really Fall and it isn’t exactly Summer, either. Maybe the weather hasn’t changed yet, but the morning commute is definitely quite a bit busier.

Each year we help families get settled before the Back to School season starts. A lot of people choose to move in the summer months. It’s often easier on the kids to break in a new school with a new school year, too.

We think a lot about kids going into a new school in a new year, and we know it can be tough for them to find new friends and get used to new routines. Just the other day, we came across this quote, and we thought it was pretty good advice for kids and adults alike:

“The way to be happy is to like yourself and the way to like yourself is to do only things that make you proud.”

(Mark S. Lewis, clinical psychologist.)

It’s a pretty good maxim to live by, especially if you find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings facing new challenges. It’s not so much what you would do to fit in, or what you think others would expect you to do… it’s doing what you know will make you proud that makes your way happier.

Our best to you and yours in this transitional season. Catch us up on your life when you have the time and please let us know how we can help you during your next transition.  Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTOR Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-422-7626 http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com

10 Tips Before you Leave For Vacation

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Buying a home, FL, handy tips, home safety, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, low interest rates, Moving to a new city, real estate, relocation, schools, Selling a home, summer safety tips, travel safety

Before you leave town, we thought you might be interested in a few precautionary safety tips to keep your home and your possessions safe while you’re gone. Often in the run-up to a vacation, people neglect to take simple steps to protect themselves from becoming a victim of theft or vandalism.

You’ve probably covered your bases, but just in case, here are 10 basic precautions you can take:

1. Have someone collect your mail and newspaper daily.

2. Leave shades and blinds in normal positions.

3. Put at least two lights and a radio on automatic timers.

4. Have someone leave trash at your curb on garbage collection day.

5. Have someone park a car in your driveway occasionally. If you leave your car outside, arrange to have it moved every so often.

6. Leave a key with a trusted neighbor in case of an emergency. Let the neighbor know where you are going and when you are expect to return, also leave them a way to get in contact with you in case of an emergency.

7. Lock all windows and doors before you go. Do not forget to double-check basement and garage doors.

8. On extended trips have someone to maintain your landscaping, (grass mowed, leaves raked, etc.)

9. Consider turning off your home’s water main to prevent damage from a burst pipe.

10. Be careful how much you check-in on social media while on vacation. If your privacy settings are incorrect you might reveal to strangers your home is vacant!

Be safe and have a HAPPY AND FUN SUMMER!  When you return, let’s talk about your real estate needs before the kids go back to school.  Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-422-7626

Retirement Strategy? Relocate!

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Buying a home, homes for sale in Jacksonville FL, Jacksonville FL Real Estate, real estate, relocation, retire and relocate, retirement strategy, Selling a home

Unlike earlier generations of retirees who paid off their mortgages and retired in their family home, today’s Baby Boomers are looking to capitalize on home equity to enhance their retirement savings. If you’re thinking how relocating might stretch your retirement dollar, below are a few points you should consider before relocating, downsizing, or trading up:

1. Speak with your spouse or partner first, even if you think you’re both of the same mind. Don’t assume that you’re in agreement. When the moment to make the leap comes, feelings may change.

2. Consider the cost-of-living in a different part of the country. There’s a pretty big swing between rural Florida and urban San Francisco, for example. This might also mean factoring fuel costs if you’re moving into an area where you’re likely to spend more time driving.

3. Consider whether your plans are realistic. For example, could you really live in a 1-bedroom condo after spreading out for years in your present 4-bed/3-bath?

4. How much will the ease and pleasure of retirement depend on family and friends? What are the pros/cons of moving nearer/farther away? Conversely: Are there any detriments to moving closer to younger family members? (I.e. are you ready to open a free grandkid-sitting service?)

5. Consider the potential impact of capital gains if you have substantial equity in your home– speak with a tax professional. This is especially true if you’re downshifting from ownership into a rental market.

Relocating to a more affordable area as well as to a smaller home is a strong strategy. But real estate values and property taxes can vary immensely by locale, even within the same state. Research thoroughly. Also, you want to spend significant time in the location to make sure its compatible with your lifestyle, pace, and interests.

If you’re thinking about relocating or know someone who would like to speak to a local agent about relocation plans, please pass along our information. We would be honored to serve your friends and family: Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS 904-422-7626 Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com

Relocating? How Your Visit Matters

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Buying a home, Moving to a new city, relocating, relocation, tips for moving to a new city, tips on relocating

Are you considering a move to a new city? Maybe you’re trying to make the choice between two or three potential options. If so, how you visit your future home can have a dramatic impact on which one makes the final cut.

By making a few subtle shifts in how you prepare for your visit (and how you spend your time while you’re in town), you can gain more useful insight into the community.

Tip 1: Stay a week if possible
While a long weekend might be your only shot, you can get a much better perspective on a place if you have enough time to unwind. A mix of weekdays and a weekend is a great way to get a view of the rhythm of the town. If you have a long time to plan, visit the place in Summer versus Winter, too.

Tip 2: Rent an apartment or house
A family living in a hotel is expensive and automatically puts you “outside” the community. With a little more room and the facilities of a real living space, you’ll get a better sense of what it might be like to “really be there.” Plus, avoiding the hotel will keep you off tourist-trap areas and hopefully away from major highways.

Tip 3: Explore some on foot
Driving aimlessly can be a good “survey” technique (and indeed, getting lost is a good idea, too), but walking neighborhoods and downtown districts will give you a vivid sense of the community.

Tip 4: Get the local low-down
Before you go, find friends-of-friends on Facebook and other social media sites who can give you an idea of the must-see places that locals love. Use this list as your guide, not the tourism brochures.

Tip 5: Pay attention to what matters to YOU
Remember: You’re the one thinking of living there. Don’t let what others see as the main benefit to the town be what guides your decision to live there. Go with your gut, your values, and your comfort level!

By the way, we’re glad to help you sell your home prior to the move, or refer you to a trusted agent in your destination city. Just get in touch! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS 904-422-7626 http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com

Tips for a Relocation Visit

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Moving to a new city, referal to destination city, relocation, tips on relocating, visit your future home

Are you considering a move to a new city? Maybe you’re trying to make the choice between two or three potential options. If so, how you visit your future home can have a dramatic impact on which one makes the final cut.

By making a few subtle shifts in how you prepare for your visit (and how you spend your time while you’re in town), you can gain more useful insight into the community.

Tip 1: Stay a week if possible
While a long weekend might be your only shot, you can get a much better perspective on a place if you have enough time to unwind. A mix of weekdays and a weekend is a great way to get a view of the rhythm of the town. If you have a long time to plan, visit the place in Summer versus Winter, too.

Tip 2: Rent an apartment or house
A family living in a hotel is expensive and automatically puts you “outside” the community. With a little more room and the facilities of a real living space, you’ll get a better sense of what it might be like to “really be there.” Plus, avoiding the hotel will keep you off tourist-trap areas and hopefully away from major highways.

Tip 3: Explore some on foot
Driving aimlessly can be a good “survey” technique (and indeed, getting lost is a good idea, too), but walking neighborhoods and downtown districts will give you a vivid sense of the community.

Tip 4: Get the local low-down
Before you go, find friends-of-friends on Facebook and other social media sites who can give you an idea of the must-see places that locals love. Use this list as your guide, not the tourism brochures.

Tip 5: Pay attention to what matters to YOU
Remember: You’re the one thinking of living there. Don’t let what others see as the main benefit to the town be what guides your decision to live there. Go with your gut, your values, and your comfort level!

By the way, we’re glad to help you sell your home prior to the move, or refer you to a trusted agent in your destination city throughout the United States and Canada. Just get in touch! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS 904-422-7626