Beni Restea

If your dream is to live somewhere in the mountains without breaking your bank account or the bank, you won’t have a problem finding some of the most stunning mountainous scenery that comes with a guaranteed active lifestyle. Living an active and adventurous lifestyle in some mountain towns in the US may mean waking up at dawn and leaving the house before breakfast time. For some, this may sound unthinkable, but we all know that the best hikes start early. Just you, the trail and the mountains welcoming you in their wilderness. Still, many times you browse the internet for a town that’s close enough to give you these opportunities, you are left disappointed due to their hefty price tag. The cost of living in some of these cities tends to be higher due to them also being holiday destinations. That’s a bummer for the most adventurous of us seeing as the equipment necessary for hiking is also relatively expensive. However, seeing as you came here in search of some affordable mountain towns to live in the US, we’ll give you just that. Fortunately, not all mountainous towns come with a high cost of living. If you don’t want to stick to the most famous mountain destinations across the country like Aspen, or Jacksons, or the big cities surrounded by mountains like Salt Lake City, Denver or Boise, the price tag can become quite affordable. So get your hiking boots ready, dust off your rope and wax your snowboard as the following cities might be at a high altitude but have a low cost of living that will make your adventures more affordable. Idaho Falls, Idaho Yes, we are starting with a town that’s not quite literally a mountain town, but seeing as it is the closest city to the Yellowstone National Park we can let it slide. After all, Yellowstone is the most famous, if not the most popular, US national park. As it is considered the gateway entrance to one of the most spectacular areas on the globe, Idaho Falls, gives adventurers many outdoor opportunities, both in the national park and outside of it. Still, if the Yellowstone, Craters of the Moon National Monument or the Grand Teton National parks aren’t enough to spark your interest, there are other mountain towns on this list that might. However, if you are curious enough to check it out, you should know that there are more than mountains that make this city stand out. A few of those things will work to inspire you in a different way, like the opera, museums, symphony, but also the zoo and the city’s minor league baseball team that brings the whole community together. Medium home price: $425,000 Median household income: $75,000 Boone, North Carolina For those who don’t want to miss out on their outdoor adventures due to their work schedule, Boone, North Carolina provides a healthy work-life balance that will make it easy for you to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains in this small college town. In this town you will also have easy access to the Appalachian State University which is incredibly appealing to those that want to start a family or are moving here with kids or teenagers. This small town offers ample outdoor activities that will keep the entire family busy and year-rounds weather that makes anything possible. From hiking, horseback riding, canoeing and mountain biking, those moving here can also take short trips to the three nearby ski resorts where toddlers and seniors alike can take skiing lessons and become pros in no time. The robust four seasons will give those that move here plenty of activities to satisfy their need for adventure. Medium home price: $499,000 Median household income: $50,000 Ogden, Utah While small little towns like Ogden, Utah pale in comparison to the 35-minute away Salt Lake City, this much smaller gem is the gateway for all mountainous adventures available in the Powder Mountain, Snowbasin and Nordic Valley. Furthermore, this small town sits at 4,280 feet and is right next to 170,000 acres of national forest. We know that it only has around 84,000 residents but the amount of outdoor adventures available in and around Ogden, Utah, are massive and they more than make up for the fact that it’s not a big city. Still, smaller towns have a much tighter-knit community and you won’t find it hard to find people to go skiing, hiking, or mountain biking with, not to mention the water-related activities available on the lakes and rivers nearby. Medium home price: $402,000 Median household income: $56,000 Crestline, California While any city in the state of California may come as a surprise in an article entitled best affordable mountain towns to live in due to the state's average high cost of living. Still, due to its mountainous surroundings and the relatively affordable cost of living, we added it to our list. After all, it is surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest which is packed with all sorts of outdoor activities from camping, to birdwatching, hiking, paragliding, biking and plenty of other options. From Heart Rock to Lake Gregory, those moving here will be astonished at the perfectly-shaped heart pool, the waterfalls and the lake sitting at 4,550 where you can do anything from swimming, fishing, paddleboarding and boating, and even enjoy the 300-foot waterslides. Medium home price: $420,000 Median household income: $62,000 Leadville, Colorado Of course we couldn’t overlook the Grand state of Colorado with its countless mountain ranges even if we’ll stay a short way away from Aspen, Breckenridge or Vail. Still, the small town of Leadville is gathering the attention of more and more investors every year and seeing the ample outdoor adventures waiting for those interested in moving here, it’s best to grab a lovely log cabin or home now, while prices are relatively affordable. While the current population growth almost reached 2,000 residents, don’t let this deter you from setting up roots here. Yes, it is small, but it’s growing and once you see the landscape that surrounds it you’d most likely want to invest at least in a holiday home. Resting at the astounding 10,150 feet, you’ll have a hard time finding a town like this located that high up. Despite its height and small population, Leadville is home to eight museums, 50 historic structures and more than enough outdoor adventures that are ready for you to explore. Ski Cooper is one of the oldest ski resorts in the country but when summer comes, biking, hiking, boating and other water related sports take over. Medium home price: $371,000 Median household income: $68,000 Conclusion Discovering the country’s best affordable mountain towns is sure to be a thrilling experience when you gloss over the list above, but there are so many others that simply did not make our list. Still, with the incredible outdoor activities provided by the ones above and the affordability that attracts more and more people every year due to increased remote work opportunities throughout the country, finding a quaint small town that’s resting at the base (or top) of some of the most amazing mountain ranges in the US isn’t as hard as you might think. Take your pick and enjoy the best mother nature gave us. The cleanest air, the most spectacular views and the close connection to nature’s best medicine, mountains, hills, lakes, rivers and forests as far as your eyes can see.

Did you know that more than 6.5 million US youths are diagnosed with a disability? Beyond that, all the youth that fits in this category qualify for special needs education. Almost 10% of the American population is composed of special needs children and teenagers with the right to education. But, how do we provide the necessary educational programs for special needs children? Many private schools took it one step further and went above and beyond to create special needs classes that accommodate many disabled children and teenagers. The pandemic brought about another challenge for parents with disabled children who were now pressured by circumstances to move their kids to an online learning environment or homeschool their special needs child. To set a better future for the next generation, we need to step up and help those who can’t help themselves. Creating the optimal living environment for special needs children, building more educational opportunities, and having more real estate agents that specialize in providing housing for the disabled, are a few of the things that will support disabled people in our communities. This way we can create more special needs awareness to the general population and it would also help to eliminate bullying to some extent. What are special needs schools? A special needs school is not just a facility designed to accommodate children with disabilities. These schools provide the educational methods and amenities catered for students with special needs education(SNE). Students that qualify for special needs education are students with difficulties and disabilities that make it harder for them to absorb information. The United States made it clear through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1975 that every student with disabilities is entitled to special needs education. This means that every public school in the US needs to be equipped with the right tools and methodology to accommodate and educate students with difficulties and disabilities if necessary. However, disabilities have a broader spectrum, and they could range from visual impairment, attention deficit disorder, and children with autism. The individual attention required for students with these disabilities usually comes at an additional cost in public schools. On the other hand, many parents enroll their special needs children in private schools specially designed to accommodate children with all types of disabilities. Why are they important? With dedicated education for our special needs children, they can benefit from connecting with others that experience the same struggles. That way, our special needs children won’t be singled out and won’t have social interaction difficulties. The bonding between non-special needs children with special needs children is also of great importance in a public school environment, where the two learn to coexist. Here is a list of some of the top private schools in the US that put their best efforts into offering the highest quality of education for their special needs students: Devereux Glenholme School, Washington CT Little Keswick School, Keswick VA Kennedy Krieger School, Baltimore MD May Center Schools, Randolph MA Brehm Preparatory School, Carbondale IL Triad Academy at Summit School, Winston-Salem NC T.C. Harris School, Lafayette IN The Children’s Institute, Verona NJ The Vanguard School, Lake Wales FL The Hill Center, Durham NC The Ivymount School, Rockville MD The Center School, Somerset NJ Central Institute for the Deaf, St. Louis MO Oakwood School, Annandale VA New Leaf Academy, Bend OR Ann Arbor Academy, Ann Arbor MI Chartwell School, Seaside CA The Woodhall School, Bethlehem CT The John Crosland School, Charlotte NC Eagle Hill School, Hardwick MA Commonwealth Academy, Alexandria VA Chamberlain International School, Middleboro MA The Monarch School, Houston TX Henry Viscardi School, Albertson NY AIM Academy, Conshohocken PA No children should be left behind despite their condition, and that is what special needs education is all about. Putting our best efforts into educating and raising special needs children is vital in helping our society reach its maximum potential by removing the barriers and the differences that make us unique. Understanding what special needs education is and its importance can help both you as a parent and your special needs children have better educational opportunities.

Well off the beaten path and nestled amongst the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains lies the charming little town of Canton GA. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere, Canton is a wonderful place to visit, regardless of your rank or station in life. Simply walking down the street is profoundly enjoyable; the warm smiles from passers-by are almost as bright as the Georgia sunshine bathing the sidewalk in its cheery afternoon rays. Now, these good southern vibes are nice and all, but you may be asking; what is there to actually do in Canton? Glad you asked! There are actually a ton of things to do in this cozy little haven of southern culture. Without wasting anymore time, let’s take a look at all the things one can get up to during a visit to Canton GA! Explore nature With its prime location in the Blue Ridge mountains, one of the most enjoyable pastimes you’ll find here is simply going out and taking a walk down its trails and through its forests. There are dozens of peaceful walking trails that criss-cross the hills surrounding Canton, and all of them are worth exploring. Strolling along under the canopy of green treetops is a feeling that very little else can compare to! If you want to capture the sights and sounds of the trails through the forests and meadows that surround Canton, why not bring an inexpensive digital point-and-shoot camera? Taking photos and videos of these beautiful nature scenes will help preserve them for years to come. Additionally, these forests are home to dozens upon dozens of unique species of flora and fauna, and getting a photo of a rare species of flower or video of a beautifully patterned bird is a uniquely satisfying feeling. Another great way to experience the nature surrounding Canton is to find a bike and explore some of its bike trails! If you prefer an activity with a bit more of an adrenaline kick than simple flat trails, there are some more challenging routes you can take, but be sure to bring a sturdy mountain bike and a good helmet if you plan on riding these! Do some street photography Now, if you aren’t into photography, this one might be coming out of left field, but just hear us out! Street photography can be a highly enjoyable way to spend your time, and there are few places that are better suited to this activity than Canton is. Now, if you’ve never heard of street photography, don’t worry! It’s easy, and anyone can do it. In simple terms, street photography is just that; walking around and capturing photos. But on another level, street photography is a lot more than that. It’s about telling stories. It's about catching a glimpse into the souls of the people and places, an honest, relatable way. It’s not a science, and there’s no right or wrong technique; it’s all about telling a story. And it doesn’t cost a load of money to get into either! Unlike portrait photography or macro photography, you can use just about any camera to do street photography. If you’ve got a couple bucks to spend, you could go for an entry level DSLR and a couple of decent lenses. If you’re on a budget, you can spring for a $100-150 point and shoot. Once you’ve got your camera, all that’s left to do is go out and capture the world around you in your own unique way. Take pictures of people going about their everyday lives, take pictures of birds flying overhead. Take pictures of an interesting stone on the sidewalk, if it catches your eye! Canton is full of unique things to photograph that can provide you with an invaluable opportunity to express yourself and at the same time capture beautiful photos. Spend some time downtown While Canton is by no means a metropolis, it does have a lively downtown area that’s home to all kinds of attractions that will keep you busy as long as you’re there. Let’s look at some of the things you can find in downtown Canton! Well, if you are just starting the night off, you’ll probably be looking for a place to eat dinner. Luckily for you, downtown Canton has plenty of sumptuous restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for some meticulously prepared sushi, a heaping pulled pork sandwich or a piping hot pepperoni pizza, Canton has exactly what you’re looking for. After dinner, you might just be in the mood for a drink. If you find yourself in this situation, fear not! Canton has a variety of great places to snag a drink, from old-timey saloons to slick, modern cocktail bars. If you want something a bit slower-paced and lower-energy, there are also several venues that curate and serve craft beers and wines, so you can enjoy an artisan twist without having to deal with raucous drunks or blaring music. If drinks aren’t really your thing, why not stop by the local theatre and watch a show? The Canton Theatre is over one hundred years old, but it still regularly puts on a selection of musicals, dramas, tragedies and comedies. Among the productions you’ll find played at the Canton Theatre you’ll find timeless classics and bold new think-pieces by up and coming playwrights alike. These plays are produced by different theatrical troupes, from high school drama clubs to experienced professional actors, and the variety is, frankly, refreshing! Whatever you decide to do while you’re in Canton, we’re sure that you’ll agree that is a timeless slice of Americana that just feels right to spend time in. If this place captures your interest like it did ours, you might just want to consider moving there! If you are interested in moving to this little north Georgia haven, a great place to start is by contacting one of the real estate agents in Canton. Once you’ve found a real estate agent that suits your needs, you’ll be well on your way to making the city of Canton your home!

When you hear the phrase “waterfront living” you usually think of a particular lifestyle: lounging by the beach day and night. That is what many people think about when they hear about St. Petersburg, western Florida’s dream destination. Still, people are correct in thinking about that. Let's not limit waterfront living in St. Petersburg, Florida, to that. The Tampa Bay area is among the most sought-after destinations on Florida’s west coast. It has everything. Water-based tourism, resorts, restaurants, holiday atmosphere ... it’s no wonder snowbirds, and vacationers flock to the area every year. The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Metropolitan Area is home to over 3.24 million residents. To this, we can add an increasing number of visitors. Comparing 2020 and 2021 would be pointless as 2020 stalled tourism. Yet, there is a 46% increase between 2019 and 2021, highlighting the area’s growing appeal. But let’s see where this appeal comes from. Dream Waterfront Homes If you know anyone who does not want a waterfront home, please point them out. Even if you prefer the mountains to the ocean, you still want a waterfront dream home. Well, St. Petersburg doesn’t have mountains like its Russian counterpart. It does have a waterfront and plenty of it. Both Tampa Bay and the Old Tampa Bay areas provide around 250 miles of waterfront. Here we include both residential and commercial areas. Those planning to make their waterfront dream a reality will find St. Petersburg appealing. The median waterfront home price in St. Petersburg, FL, is at $340,000, while Tampa’s is at $350,000. A $10,000 difference might not mean much. Still, when you consider the proximity to the beach and St. Petersburg’s cultural growth, it’s easy to see why young professionals and millennials are choosing St. Pete. While the real estate market is changing all the time, trends in the St. Petersburg housing market are climbing. Right now, the median home value in St. Pete is at $300,000. Prices range from $150,000 to over $11 million for waterfront homes. Still, there are plenty of affordable options in between. Real estate agents in St. Petersburg FL, shared with us that over 50% of all housing on the market is between $140,000 and $422,000. The downtown area is appealing due to its accessibility, walkability, and incredible amenities available. With the rejuvenation process it recently went through, St. Pete’s downtown waterfront area is the most appealing part of the city. Waterfront Lifestyle Many consider St. Petersburg, Florida, one of the best cities to live in the US for 2021. It’s easy to understand why when you look at what the city has to offer. Its growing population of 267,000 people saw the city’s high points and didn’t waste another thought. The ever-increasing population diversity is lowering the median age of residents. With a booming nightlife and 361 sunny days a year, of course, the city will experience growth. The only thing that changed over the last few decades is the cultural scene, but we’ll get to that in a bit. People who move on the coast usually want a casual and relaxed lifestyle. That would usually translate to boring. But, that’s not the case for St. Petersburg. The bar scene alone is quite the adventure to discover. From classy bars where you can take your significant other for a fancy date to run-of-the-mill bars where comfort is the only focus, everything else is available somewhere in St. Pete. It’s the same with restaurants, and we are sure you will enjoy the culinary experiences provided in the city. Outdoor activities are plentiful as the weather allows for outdoor entertaining year-round. The Sunken Gardens are at the top of the city’s attractions. But State Parks, water sports, sunbathing while enjoying a Mimosa on the beach, or boating are all up there. Chances are you won’t spend a lot of time looking. All you need to do is find your passion, your niche, and favorite pastime activities and look around the city. Waterfront Culture The small and overlooked city of St. Petersburg, FL, started to develop its cultural scene in the early 2000s. Now it is nationally acknowledged for its significant public art portfolio. We could start with The Dali - also known as the Salvador Dali Museum - or The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, but we’ll run out of ink between the total of 20 museums located within the city’s borders. Art lovers will discover and rediscover the world’s beauty together with its shadowed side much closer to their home. While New York's cultural scene is fantastic, St. Pete's got it too. The impact that this artistic and cultural growth had on the city’s general vibe is astounding. The wall-painted murals give residents a connection to the city like no clean white walls remind us of sterile hospital rooms. The abundance of color and art can be seen everywhere, giving the city its own character and life. From glassblowing to pottery, art studios are the salt and pepper of the city’s waterfront culture. It’s so much more than the holiday feeling people expect from coastal towns. This vibe goes beyond the beach life sense of disconnect. The waterfront culture connects the residents to their city through art and passion for the local beauty. Conclusion Who knows? You might wind up living the best years of your life if you conclude that St. Petersburg, FL is a good fit for you. Its growing appeal even makes it a good investment opportunity if that’s something that you’re interested in. So far, local strategies have fueled the city’s growth. But, one of the following effects will be big tech companies making headquarters in the area. That will impact housing prices so if you’re thinking about moving to St. Petersburg, make a move before they do. Don’t miss out on what St. Petersburg can give its residents. You won’t find a more vibrant city on Florida’s west coast.

Throughout a real estate agent’s career, it’s to be expected that they will have to evolve and dynamically shift their selling and marketing strategies. They’ll need to stay up to date on new developments in the world of real estate, regularly pursuing all of the essential real estate agent publications. If you’re a real estate agent, you’re probably well aware of this. You know the ins and outs of this constant self-improvement process, and you’ve come to terms with the fact that you need to stay on your game to succeed in this business. But what can you do to break out of the rut and get ahead of the curve? Enter: senior’s real estate! This lucrative and highly enjoyable sector of the real estate market is primed and ready for the taking, beckoning welcomingly to all ambitious real estate professionals who want to reach the next level. First, we’ll look at how the senior real estate market is doing, and then we’ll see how you can break into this market. What’s happening in senior real estate? The senior real estate market is expanding rapidly, and while many wonder what the cause of this is, studies analyzed the phenomenon. The main reason is the evolution of the species coupled with the development of medicine. Modern medicine increased life expectancy drastically over the last half-century. This results in people living longer and healthier lives. A natural result is more seniors. But how does that impact the housing industry? Besides an increased number of seniors worldwide, we can also look at the socio-economic factor. So-called baby boomers are people born after World War II who overcame the 65-age threshold in 2011. By 2030 the rest will also turn 65 and make for 21% of the country’s population. This results in a higher demand for senior housing. The senior housing market is one of the most profitable real estate niches; it surpassed the National Property Index and multifamily properties in returns and income returns. What makes this real estate market even more attractive is that amidst the COVID pandemic, it was the only residential real estate market that exceeded the NPI and multi-family total returns. While the NPI had 0.74% returns during the first quarter of 2020, senior housing grew to 0.79%. It’s worth diving into the senior real estate market. From assisted living to active adult communities, senior living is a hot sector of the real estate market. It will also continue on this trend as life expectancy will lead to continuous growth in that age group. Researches show that by 2029 an estimated 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65, at which time, for every four US residents, there will be one senior citizen. This unstoppable trend will increase the demand for senior living facilities on the market based on the level of care, amenities, and other senior-related interests. So what can you do to break into this market? Marketing Strategies for Baby Boomers With almost 40% of all 2020 homebuyers having been at least 55, baby boomers are part of a growing housing market segment. Seniors, retirees, and those who will soon join their ranks belong to the most affluent target demographics in which real estate agents do business. It is the real estate agent’s job to change their marketing techniques to best suit their target market. The most important factor to analyze is the type of homes that seniors are looking for. With children all grown up and a decrease in the amount of living space necessary, an American Associations of Retired Persons’ study from 2018 shows that around 41% of adults over 50 consider downsizing for their retirement. This, coupled with their decreased mobility, influences the housing options they seek. Their budget also plays a vital role in the housing types and prices they can afford with unexpected expenses; living on less is another factor influencing their decisions. Marketing strategies may need some alterations for these seniors, but online marketing is not entirely obsolete. Studies have shown that Facebook is used by around 65% of 50-64-year-olds and by 61% of seniors over 65. While this is a direct result of their desire to keep in touch with their families, Facebook ads are an excellent way to go. Let’s see other concrete marketing strategies for Baby Boomers. Do your homework When dealing with seniors, you must be aware of their priorities, worries, and desires. You have to know how to talk and relate to them. As this is a specific niche in real estate, you could get the Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) certification through the NAR. Other options include doing the research yourself. Whether it’s about reverse mortgages or understanding how buying a home will affect their 401(k), IRA, or pension plans, answering their questions is part of the package. With any senior generation, health care and social assistance should be a focus for any real estate agent that wants to be successful in the senior real estate market, so check the area. Confidence in the information you provide and a level of authority will work wonders, especially since they will expect this level of expertise from you in your niche. As real estate agents, understand that seniors have different worries than other age groups. Helping them will go a long way to build trust and, in the end, build your portfolio. Refine your social skills While working with gen-Z or millennials may need a certain amount of embellishments because even the most challenging homes are seen as something to conquer, seniors don’t like to waste time. Colorful language or glowing promises may lead to a sale, but the client won’t be happy. Treating them with the respect they deserve is key. Explaining more complex concepts might be a bit of a challenge but be patient. Give them the facts, straight and simple, and make sure you know the answers to their questions. Similar to other generations, baby boomers don’t appreciate sugar-coating. While some may require a certain level of assistance, they are independent and like to be addressed directly. This generation of seniors is the most independent we have seen in a long time. While buying behaviors in the US change based on ages, talking to their children and arranging a new home for them might not be the best idea. These baby boomers like to deal with things as much as they can on their own. Coddling them isn’t the best idea. Listings that attract seniors If you want to attract a specific clientele, you’ve got to offer a product that they want. Seniors may not be limited to one type of home, but some directions can be applied. We already covered downsizing, but that’s only part of it. To find out what attracts seniors the most, simply look at what budget senior home buyers typically have in your area. With a little research, you can easily find out how much this demographic is generally spending on their home purchases in any area. Once you know how much they’re spending, you can start finding listings that suit their budget and taste. You should also pay attention to their needs. While they tend to be independent, some may require a certain level of care, and you should also look into assisted living communities or other retirement communities in the area. Most importantly, however, is to talk to them and find out what each senior wants. You shouldn’t be surprised to find investors amongst them. While this doesn’t go for every senior home buyer, it’s certainly applicable in some cases. Choosing the right marketing While there are many benefits to marketing using online advertising and social media, you might think that conventional marketing such as lawn signs, business cards, and billboards is more appropriate. Don’t dismiss online marketing so fast. We already mentioned Facebook but let’s see what else can be applied. Telephone calls and snail mail are still applicable, but the ever-growing social media is a great option. A gentle nudge might take you to video calls and even virtual tours. Especially during our current crisis, virtual tours are the ideal way to go about showing off listings. Try guiding them through the online world, but apply the conventional marketing techniques mentioned above if you can’t. Always find ways to stay connected. Retirees, especially those that no longer work in any way, shape, or form, have plenty of time on their hands. By staying connected via phone, e-mail, or snail-mail, you show your focus on their situation. But remember, customer relationship management isn’t a thing of the past but is greatly appreciated by seniors. The agency relationship doesn’t end with the closing day. A housewarming gift is always a great gesture that will ensure your client satisfaction and great reviews. All in all, the seniors real estate market is booming, and there’s no better time to break into this market than right now. We hope we’ve given you a good idea of what to expect from this market and how you can operate with the best chances of success. With some hard work and dedication, you might just be the newest success story in the seniors real estate market!

Working from home has countless benefits for renters, especially given the current pandemic. People are willing to work from home because of the rising risk of exposure to the virus in crowded office environments. Another reason for people wanting to work from home nowadays is the lack of job security. As a consequence, there are lots of people that have started their own business while working from home. For renters, a home-run business is an easy way to increase their financial stability and get their bills paid on time. These reasons listed above are exactly why landlords should get informed now more than ever on whether or not their renters are allowed to start a home business. What do landlords need to know? There are many important things for landlords to know and consider when allowing or not allowing a renter to start a home business. For starters, they need to know the status of their property, the rental lease agreement, and they need to screen the renters before making the final agreement. With all that being said, here are a few things that can prevent a renter from starting a home business: - Zoning laws may specify that the property is in a strictly residential area, which can lead to legal trouble for the landlord if a renter is running a business on the premises. - Mortgages most often interdict home businesses being run on the property. This can lead to the landlord having to pay the entirety of the mortgage before any business is run on the premises. - If the renter is running a business at home without a license, this can also lead to legal trouble for the owner of the property. - When a renter runs a business at home, there’s a liability. In addition to potential customers getting hurt, landlords must also consider that there may be dangerous machinery present, and that the renters themselves could end up getting injured. These are just a few examples that landlords have to take into consideration if their renters start a home business. Now let’s go back to the original question: Are renters allowed to start a home business? In short, the answer is yes - as long as there are zero legal barriers. What do renters need to know? If a renter should start running a business at home, there are a few things they need to know going into it: - Let the neighbors know - If the business is going to require making noise, a lot of traffic to and from the home, activity late at night, and so on, it’s common decency to let the neighbors know ahead of time. - Let the landlord know in advance - This will allow the landlord to make any adjustments they need before it’s too late. In fact, it’s wise to keep an open line of communication with the landlord at all times. As stated above, failure to communicate with either the neighbors or the landlord before starting a business can result in some unwanted issues. For example, if the neighbors complain to the city about noise or other disturbances, the city can find the landlord and even shut down operations. Insurance claims Believe it or not, insurance companies are often the cause for renters not being able to start a home business. For any property, there has to be some sort of insurance. That insurance agreement may specify that no business can be run on the property if it’s being rented. There are many reasons for insurance agencies to not want businesses established on properties that they insure. Maybe the business requires the use of harmful chemicals that could cause structural damage. Maybe there is a need for a lot of electrical equipment, adding to the risk of electrical fires. It could even come down to the risk of human life, and injury or death on the property. Of course, if we’re talking about emails, calls, and administrative work, the risk isn’t very high. But risks associated with equipment, materials, or chemicals that might be used within the building can increase the risk of accidents. Of course, injuries are something that an insurance agency wants to avoid at all costs. Problematic mortgage As we already mentioned above, mortgages can hinder the ability of a homeowner to run a business from home. This, of course, would directly affect the renter of the property, too. For any business run from a residential property that is still under the effect of a mortgage, the landlord should check with the mortgage company before anyone can start a business on that property. If the landlord has a mortgage, any business run on the premises can breach the terms of the mortgage. A breach in the mortgage contract will affect the landlord far more than it would the renters. If the landlord’s mortgage company finds that they breached the terms of the mortgage contract, the landlord might be forced to pay the mortgage in full, otherwise risk losing the property. Checking with the mortgage company should be the first step for any landlord that is aware of their renter or potential renter wanting to start a home business. This is why it’s so important to keep that open line of communication between the renter and the landlord from the start. Preventing Home Businesses Landlords have the legal means to forbid, restrict, or limit home run businesses for renters. These means can be straightforwardly written in the lease or imposed in certain circumstances, even if they are not specified in the lease. For example, let’s say a renter starts a home business that increases foot traffic coming to and from the home. The landlord may forbid it if the neighbors are bothered by it or if the business increases the wear and tear of the property through a restraint on alienation. The simplest and most stress-free way in which a landlord can impose restrictions and limitations on a home-run business is through the lease. Under a rental agreement, it can be specified that no business is to be run on the premises. Additionally, it can be stated that if the business gets too big, the renters must relocate. A rental agreement that covers these types of scenarios helps landlords avoid conflict or offer grounds to solve them in a swift manner. One thing to note, however, is that statistically around 50% of all businesses in America start or are operated from home. This might hinder a landlord’s ability to market the rentals they own and may make them fail and go out of business. This could limit the number of potential renters who want to operate some form of business from home. Conclusion Renters are allowed to start home businesses as long as they are in accordance with the laws and terms of the contracts that they have signed. A landlord, however, has a legal right to ensure that no laws are broken and make sure that the renter’s business is in accordance with the terms of the lease that they have signed. If the landlord decides not to allow any kind of business to be run on the property they have leased, they are entitled to do so. They can even evict renters if they violate the terms of a lease or if the business creates a disturbance for the neighbors. Many renters might be in the market for their first apartment and could use some helpful guidelines for their first rental. All that being said, landlords should take into account the realities of the times and the needs of the renters. They might be in financial trouble due to a worldwide pandemic that has affected all of us, renters and landlords, alike. Keep up with the realities of the world we are living in and ensure that your renters are in the best position to face today’s economic struggle. Like & Share this article with fellow landlords who might be facing similar circumstances such as rent being paid from a home-run business.

Boosting your investment portfolio with a rental property might be a smart thing to do if you find the right one. But why should you consider real estate in the first place? Without question, real estate has produced some of the wealthiest people in the world. But far from being a wealthy person, you want to profit from your rental properties, and you might have difficulties doing so if you are a first-time investor. Before we get into details on remodeling, furnishing rental tips for investors, and costs, it is crucial to know how to spot the right rental and buy it. After all, real estate is a tough business and a competitive industry. Without proper research, you can end up losing thousands of dollars and get nothing in return. If you want to see returns, here are some things to consider before you go shopping for an investment property. First, do your research Search for the property on your own before bringing in an expert’s opinion. If you find a real estate agent to help you with the purchase, chances are they will push you to buy before you find the right investment. By doing your research beforehand, you can narrow down all the characteristics that your rental property must have before going for the purchase. There are many things to consider in a rental property, such as location, size, type, amenities, and so on. Once you narrow your searches, you can seek out an agent’s help to close the deal. But how can you differentiate a good rental property from a bad one? There are a few key features to look for in a rental that you need to know when you go out for shopping investment properties. Have your eye and ears peeled to these features, and make sure you follow these steps to find the right investment property. Neighborhood Every property is situated within a neighborhood that caters to different lifestyles and people. When you find a property that interests you, look around the area to see what kind of people it attracts. This will most likely indicate the type of tenants you will get in your rental and the vacancy rate. For example, rental properties near a university will attract students; therefore, the pool of potential tenants will most likely be students. Family-friendly neighborhoods attract families with children, and an area where people spend their retirement days is most likely going to attract seniors. Job availability If an area is undergoing development and building projects that require a lot of labourers, chances are there will be high demand for rental properties. A community with high job availability attracts a lot of tenants. See if they have a lot of industry or commercial real estate development. Announcements and signs that companies are looking for employees indicate the areas’ job availability. If the news features some big announcements such as the relocation of a company in the area, chances are there will be a big pool of workers that will come along. This is also a sign for you to act quickly as prices for properties can go up as a result. Be sure that if a company relocates across the road from your rental, employees will most likely become your new tenants. Look for amenities There is more to a neighborhood than job availability. Tenants like to have access to extensive amenities, such as gyms, parks, restaurants, public transportation, movie theaters, and more. All these perks attract tenants and increase the price at which you can rent your property. Have a great idea of where the highest density of great amenities is and aim to purchase a rental property in that area. You can’t go wrong with it! Talk to locals Many investors underestimate the power of a network. You can find out so much about an area just by talking to residents or local real estate investors. Search for real estate associations in the area, or perhaps you can learn more about the site via social media. Locals have a lot to say to you, even if it’s not a face-to-face conversation. Most of the time, you are just a click away from finding valuable information about a neighborhood. Contacts can provide detailed insight and advice on the area and lead to a profitable rental property. Safety No one wants to live in a dangerous neighborhood. If the area is a primary spot for criminal activity, avoid investing in rental property in the area at all costs. Nowadays, crime statistics can be found relatively quickly using the internet or by visiting the public library for accurate crime statistics for that area. Ask the local police if you will and determine if crime rates are declining or increasing in the neighborhood. Find out about the frequency of police presence in the area and decide whether or not it is the right investment place. Average rents Your bread-and-butter is your rental income, so you need to know the average rent in the area. This is important when you need to set the price for your property rental and determine for how much properties rent for in the same neighborhood. Aim too high, and you might be vacant for a while, go too low, and you might not be able to cover your expenses. Remember that your rental needs to bear enough to cover taxes, mortgage payments, and any other costs. Seeing how rental prices evolved overtime could also give you a good idea of rental trends. Today, an affordable rental property could mean bankruptcy later if taxes increase in the future or if you can’t afford to cover your expenses any more. Conclusion Good cities and neighborhoods can be found in every state, and good properties are present everywhere if you know where to look. It takes a bit of footwork and research to nail down the best properties for your next investment, but with a bit of patience, your hard work will be rewarded with a good return on your investment. Rental isn’t going to produce a substantial monthly paycheck at first, and picking the wrong property will do the opposite. That is why we have laid before you some of the features you should look after and some things to keep in mind before you are fully committed to buying your first rental property. If you enjoy our content, make sure to share it on all your social media platforms.

The outbreak of COVID-19 also known as coronavirus spreads like wildfire and the effects of it are felt within all industries. Public gatherings, as well as conferences, have been canceled and travel plans are being delayed. Many businesses feel the effects of the outbreak both in a positive and a negative way. Transport companies, restaurants along with the fast-food industry suffer from a dramatic decrease in customers. On the other hand, industries that produce soap, hand sanitizer, and bleach are blooming as customers stock up on supplies. The real estate industry has not remained untouched by the epidemic, but it still remains one of the most attractive investment offerings. The effects of the virus on the real estate market in the USA is a mixed bag of positive and negative outcomes. Keep your eyes open for new investment opportunities that can bring significant long-term gains. While coronavirus is spreading at a rapid pace it cannot beat the speed at which these real estate trends are spreading. Also, more in-depth information related to real estate can be found on real estate related sites such as RealEstateAgent.com, which constantly come up with trendy articles about real estate in the US. Here are some of the most looked-upon real estate trends in the upcoming years that you should look out for. ESG a sustainable trend in real estate With more than 36% millennials saying that real estate is the best long-term investment option, according to a recent study more than 55% of millennials factor ESG policies in their investment decisions. Environmental, social and governmental principles or ESG is an ever-growing trend that affects the investment decision making in multiple areas. These three key factors represent a way of measuring sustainability as well as the ethical impact of an investment. This trend is impacting investment on a global scale and it affects multiple companies and businesses not only the real estate landscape. We see the population becoming more environmentally aware and over the year this is going to impact the real estate market as well. As a result, people are looking for ways to minimize waste as well as pollution, are being more aware of climate change and resource depletion. Eco-friendly homes will be trending and more people will be looking for green build building material. The social criteria focuses on social aspects that make for a healthy or unhealthy community. As far as the real estate market goes, investors will focus on cities that promote diversity, offer a healthy as well as a safe environment, and developed job markets. Investors will be looking at aspects such as family-friendly environments, the median age of the population as well as ethnical composition. Governance is focusing on local or national authority in the field in order to optimize investments for targeted areas. Here we include the tax strategy, the political scene featured in a community if there is any corruption involved at a governmental level, as well as the board structure and diversity. These are all factors that impact the real estate market as well, therefore, we see more people growing awareness toward these aspects, further influencing the choices they make in terms of housing. Technology featured in housing trends Innovation in terms of technology impacts multiple industries and it includes the real estate industry as well. As far as 2020 goes the real estate market will see more smart home tech as an answer to the technological revolution that we are witnessing in the new decade. We are also seeing an increase in high-tech companies that serve the real estate sector. The housing market is starting to adopt new technology, such as apps, smart home technologies as well as online selling platforms. Now real estate investments are just one click away and can easily be made from the comfort of your own home. Simplifying the transaction processes is the main focus of this niche and technological solutions for property and asset managers are aiming to enhance productivity as well as efficiency. Artificial intelligence will play a huge role in the evolution of the real estate market. Building designs, organization, and management are all factors taken into consideration and AI will help in urban planning, design, and many other areas. Real Estate investing will continue to increase The increasing number of investments in the real estate industry is a trend that is continually spreading and as the years go by, more and more people place their capital into real estate. Some US cities experience a higher increase in investment opportunities than others in terms of real estate. Some of the best cities in the USA for real estate investments are encouraging more investors to pour money into the industry. Domestic institutions are continuously increasing their net holding in real estate, therefore, the enhanced domestic activity is one of the reasons for the increasing investment flow to the industry. Also, as we mentioned the technological innovations brought to the industry, boosts property management capabilities and will result in growth for this sector. Conclusion Some of the best long-term investments are held in the real estate sector. This spreading real estate trends will continue to attract more investors that will pour money in real estate. These growing real estate trends are determining a shift in preferences for home buyers therefore, investments, as well as future development, should aim to please buyers. If you invested in real estate for high profits along the line, then these real estate trends will show you where the market place is heading towards. Find a real estate agent in the field that will help you further expand your investment portfolio. If you agree with this spreading real estate trends then we would like for you to share this article on your social media accounts.