Moving into a Bigger Home to Support Your Business

 

Moving into a Bigger Home

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Has your home business outgrown the size of your house? If you’re thinking about upsizing to support your growing business, you’ve come to the right place! There’s a lot to consider when it comes to upsizing, especially when you have a thriving business to manage. We’re here to help make the process a little easier. Let’s explore a few of the most important steps involved in upsizing your home to accommodate your growing business.

 

Get Professional Buying Help

 

An experienced real estate agent like Antonio Ortega LLC can help you find the perfect new home for your family and your business. Make sure your real estate agent knows the area inside and out! They’ll be able to recommend hidden gems and up-and-coming neighborhoods where you can afford a larger home without breaking the budget. And if you’re looking for specific features—a detached garage that you can turn into a workshop, for example—your real estate agent will know just the place.

 

Determine Your Buying Budget

 

When it comes to upsizing, it’s important to stick to a budget. Buying more home than you can afford will put a strain on your finances and leave little cash leftover for your business. Money Under 30 explains that the rule of thumb is to keep your housing costs at no more than 28% of your gross household income. After insurance, association fees, and property taxes, your total housing costs should not exceed 32% of your income. On top of this, your total monthly debt payments should not exceed 40% of your income. Remember that your moneylender will evaluate your debt-to-income ratio when determining your eligibility for the mortgage you want!

 

Insure Your New Home

 

When you run a business from home, it’s important to have the right insurance to protect your business property from damage. Because regular home insurance only covers damage to your home’s structure or the theft of your belongings, you may want to get a home warranty to cover your home's systems and appliances. Home warranty coverage defined—a home warranty is an annually renewable contract that covers damage and breakdowns to HVAC, electrical systems, plumbing, and appliances. The Balance Small Business also suggests getting special home-based business insurance to cover claims arising from your business activities.

 

Make Home Business Upgrades

 

After moving into your new home, think about making a few upgrades that will accommodate your business a little better. For example, you might want to install a solid core door in your home office to block exterior sounds. You could even replace your home office windows if they’re letting in a lot of street noise. If you buy a home with a garage or basement, consider converting this storage area into a home office. Garages and basements make great home offices because they’re situated far away from the rest of the household, meaning fewer distractions throughout the day. These home office conversions are also ideal if you need to install a separate entrance for visiting clients.

 

Set Up a Home Office

 

Once you’ve decided on the perfect location in your home for your new business space, it’s time to turn it into a functioning office. Remember that your wifi router might be further away in a bigger home, so you may want to get a wi-fi extender to ensure you have a fast connection for work. Install a few functional storage pieces to keep clutter from building up around your office. If your new office is fairly large, consider using furniture and decor to create different zones within the room. For example, you could position a few comfortable chairs in one corner as a casual place to hold meetings with clients.

If your business is quickly outgrowing the confines of your home, you must be doing something right! Upsizing into a bigger space will give your business some breathing room to grow even bigger. Take the time to find the perfect space and adjust accommodate your specific business needs.

Looking for a home in Fort Lauderdale? Antonio Ortega LLC can help! 

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Buyer Important Facts to Know

Be it today, tomorrow or six months from now, I'm prepared to offer you dedicated extraordinary service.

PS. I'll word your Offer to Purchase with your protection in mind.

Have a Beautiful Day!

                   
        

Visit our Website:  www.SouthBrowardHomesbyTony.com

Antonio Ortega, LLC Licensed Real Estate Professional with Global Luxury Realty

Click Here to Contact Us

Build Equity Buy Stop Renting in Broward

 

Have you ever burnt money?

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I know someone that went through a divorce and rented for four years then added up the cost of renting it came up to $100K and right away he decided to buy rather than throw his money away! It's like he burnt a $100,000

You may not have literally burned up bills but if you're still paying rent, it amounts to the same thing. When you buy a home, you own something solid, real, and something full of value. For many people, building equity by buying your own home is one of the most lucrative investments you can make.

Instead of dealing with your landlord's choices, you get to set the rules. Go ahead, adopt that amazingly cute puppy you've always wanted. Paint your kitchen in bold, beautiful colors. Plant your veggie garden in the sunny spot in your backyard.

It's a battle you don't have to fight anymore

In today's rental market finding an affordable place to live can be tough. And just because you find a place that doesn't break the bank this year doesn't mean your rent won't go up once your lease is up.

When you buy your own home, you can protect yourself from an out-of-control housing market and stabilize your cost of living. No more rent hikes. No more frantic searches for a decent place to live in your favorite neighborhood.

Stability and Peace of Mind

Moving from rental to rental is obviously a financial inconvenience, but it can also be a significant emotional burden. When you don’t know for sure where you’ll be living next, you also don’t know who your neighbors will be or where your kids will be going to school.

When you buy your own place, you make an investment in your home and your community. Enjoying friendships with neighbors, community involvement and stable educational opportunities for your children are just a few benefits of home ownership that you can’t put a price on.

PQ Letter or Pre-qualification Letter - Proof of Funds Letter if Paying Cash

Whether you are a first time buyer or have bought some houses before, I suggest that you get a Pre-qualification letter or Proof of Funds Letter if Paying Cash, especially after the COVID-19 outbreak.

Seller and sellers' agents prefer qualified clients, they don't want to be showing their houses to people that don't have a PQ Letter or Proof of Funds Letter.

Sellers don’t want to take their property off the market unless they know that the buyer is pre-qualified or pre-approved, so it’s very important to have one if you want your offer to be taking seriously.

If you are getting a Home Mortgage, I have an excellent Mortgage Broker / Lender on my team, that can give you a preapproval letter within hours, just let me know and I will have him contact you.

 

How Real Estate is Sold in Florida:

There is a Listing Agent and a Buyer's Agent, all offers are presented to the Listing Agent by the Buyer's Agent and the listing agent must present all offers to the Sellers.

Sometimes the listing agent is looking out for the interests of the Sellers, especially true at open houses, while I will be looking out for your interests.

Buyer Important Facts to Know

Be it today, tomorrow or six months from now, I'm prepared to offer you dedicated extraordinary service.

PS. I'll word your Offer to Purchase with your protection in mind.

Have a Beautiful Day!

                   
        

Visit our Website:  www.SouthBrowardHomesbyTony.com

Antonio Ortega LLC Licensed Real Estate Professional with Global Luxury Realty

Click Here to Contact Us

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House Flipping as Your Second Career in Broward County Florida

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Have you always wanted to have your own house-flipping business? As a retiree, this is a great time to live out that dream. Take your experience and that of licensed professionals and build a second career doing what you love and sharing it with others. Consider the following strategies.

Getting Started

Consider establishing your business as a limited liability company to legitimize yourself with clients and contractors, gain tax benefits, and shield yourself from litigation. The easiest way to register your Florida LLC is to work with a formation service.

Create an eye-catching logo, name, and website, and keep your business card handy to share with contacts. Work with an experienced and dedicated real estate agent Antonio Ortega LLC from Global Luxury Realty to locate homes in a marketable area. A skilled real estate professional can also guide you in finding a mortgage, sharing what buyers in certain areas are looking for, and helping you sell your flipper for a profit.

An outdated, older home in an established and reputable neighborhood is a gem worth looking for. These homes may be sold as-is, however, so take extra precautions when viewing potential projects. Look for signs of a leaking roof or windows that have caused damage. If you know someone with HVAC knowledge, take your friend with you or have a contractor prepared to view and assess homes and provide estimates of repair costs before purchase. It is a good idea to add 20% onto that estimate in case foundation problems, asbestos, or mold are discovered later.

Getting the Work Done

Flooring, painting, and cabinetry are immediate items to think about updating if needed. You can save money by sanding and staining existing cabinetry and wood flooring. One study shows that 54% of buyers are willing to pay more for hardwood flooring when purchasing a home, so consider this when figuring out the best return for your investment if flooring needs to be replaced. You can also add value with new faucets and cabinet hardware.

Starting out, don't get into large renovations. Time is money, so stick to doing what you know you can accomplish in a short period of time. For projects you do not have experience with, hire a contractor to make sure work is done efficiently and correctly. With a kitchen remodel, moving or replacing plumbing should be left up to a licensed and insured plumber. Get referrals and read online customer reviews before hiring anyone.

Another task best left to professionals is electrical issues. Oftentimes these put you in a panic, but generally, the problem can be quickly located and remedied by a professional electrician, saving you time and frustration.

Adding Finishing Touches to Draw In Potential Buyers

Spend time on the outside. The curb appeal of your home is the first impression it makes, and to get potential buyers into a home, it needs to look fresh and welcoming. Clear out old landscaping and replace it with younger shrubbery and colorful perennials and annuals. Power wash the home, walkways, landscaping pavers, and wood fencing, and touch up or repaint anything that is looking dingy. Updating exterior light fixtures, the mailbox, and the color of the front door will make for a finished look.

With planning and good management, your new business can be a successful profit-making venture. Be smart and conscientious and work with reputable contractors to create a property that you can be proud of and enjoy sharing with others.

How to get Homes that need some upgrading and TLC

They are available from us in Broward County, Plantation, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Southwest Ranches, Cooper City, Weston, and other cities, ask me for the special Homes to Flip search list, I'll send it to you right away.

Let me know your area of interest whether Broward County wide or more localized, Price Range and whether Single Homes, Condos, or both.

Happy Home Searching!

                   
        

www.SouthBrowardHomesbyTony.com

Antonio Ortega LLC Licensed Real Estate Professional with Global Luxury Realty

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Staging Your Home Office for Virtual and In-Person Meetings

 

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Interacting with clients while running a home-based business has been complicated by the pandemic. Thankfully, a few technological advances have made adjusting to the new normal a little easier for small and big companies alike. We’ve gathered a few tips to get your office ready for communicating with your clients, both in real life and over the internet:

Preparing for In-Person Meetings

Keep safety in mind when clients are coming to your home office. If masks are recommended in your area, keep a box of disposable masks on a table or credenza by the door, along with a bottle of hand sanitizer. Keep an adequate supply of pens at your clients’ disposal, with a separate container for “used” writing implements to be sanitized–or disposed of–later. And when you decide on a layout for your office furniture, make sure that you and your clients can sit at a safe distance from each other while you’re conducting business.

Indoor air quality is important both for you and for your clients. If possible, open the windows in your office to let fresh air circulate. Check your HVAC system regularly, and if you want to really sanitize the air you breathe, invest in an HVAC UV light: its rays are powerful enough to kill viruses and bacteria and prevent mold from forming, making your work environment healthier. You can also add a few houseplants to your office décor to further purify the air. Good options are snake plants, peace lilies, and bamboo palms.

Automate your invoicing process for contact-free delivery. By using invoicing software, you’ll be able to manage and process payments electronically and generate reports to easily track your finances. You’ll also be able to automatically send payment reminders to your clients while simplifying your accounting. So create a unique, eye-catching label for your business using an online label maker, design professional-looking invoices using an invoice template specifically tailored to your business, and add your logo to the invoice to make your brand stand out.

Staging Your Virtual Meetings

Even if your clients don’t come to your office for in-person meetings, make sure to stage your work area to make it look professional. If your desk is set up in a corner of your living room or bedroom, invest in tall bookshelves or attractive room dividers to create a real office-like atmosphere. Incidentally, designing a space in your home solely with working and conducting business in mind will help you avoid distractions and boost your productivity.

Make use of video conferencing software to help you look your best: turn on your computer camera or webcam and see for yourself what your clients will see during business calls. Start by adjusting the lighting in your office, avoiding bright lights (or windows) behind you. Center yourself on the screen, and use a virtual background if the backdrop in your home or office is too busy, messy, or cluttered, which can be visually distracting for your clients on the other side of that video conference call.

Reduce noise pollution in your workspace to make audio and video conferencing calls more pleasant and professional. If you live on a busy street or if you have children at home during your office hours, soundproof your office by sealing the windows (or replacing them with double-pane options) and by hanging curtains that will further reduce noise. Position furniture to block off sounds from a nearby room, and lay down area rugs to dampen sound.

Taking a few precautions in your home-based business will allow you to receive clients safely during and after the pandemic. Take advantage of newer technologies like video conferencing and invoicing software that allows for contactless communication and transactions: your clients will be grateful for your thoughtfulness and appreciate your professionalism.

Have a Wonderful Day!

                   
        

Visit our Website:  www.SouthBrowardHomesbyTony.com

Antonio Ortega LLC Licensed Real Estate Professional with Global Luxury Realty

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Tips for Florida Home Sellers Who Can’t Wait

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If the need suddenly arises to sell your largest investment, you might be feeling pressured and overwhelmed. This is particularly true for seniors and older adults who have made the decision to downsize. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to give your home a competitive edge, so you land a quick offer. Whether you’re experiencing a lifestyle change or are simply ready to move on, consider the following tips and resources from real estate pro Antonio Ortega LLC that can lead you to success.

 

Cover the Conventional

There is a reason that certain home selling steps are conventional: they work. Cover your basics before you do anything else.

●     Tackle any repairs and maintenance concerns.

●     Pare down your belongings with a good decluttering.

●     Do a stem-to-stern cleaning, hitting every room and storage area.

 

Eye-Catching Improvements

Thinking about projects that will add value to your home? The improvements that you can make are virtually limitless, so narrow the field to choices that really catch buyers’ eyes.

 

●     First, get a feel for how an appraisal works.

●     Since quality and condition affect an appraisal, upgrades can be critical.

●     When it comes to renos for ROI, kitchens and bathrooms pack the most punch.

●     Painting is a simple and inexpensive upgrade that pays off.

●     Make necessary repairs; for example, if you have broken windows, contact local pros for window repair or replacement.

●     Keep all your paperwork and receipts together on your computer to help speed up the selling process. You can easily scan the documents and then combine PDFs into one file.

 

Presentation With a Punch

A little extra polishing goes a long way when it comes to what buyers see when they walk through the door or stream a tour.

 

●     Shed your personal style and stage the house with the buyer in mind.

●     Hone in on curb appeal tactics.

●     Lighting can make a big difference in your home’s atmosphere.

 

If you’re a seller with a timeline, don’t fret. These tips and resources will give your home the competitive edge necessary for a quick sale, and soon you’ll be making your transition.

Want to sell your home quickly and maximize its value? Work with dedicated real estate professional Antonio Ortega LLC of Global Luxury Realty. Call or text the office today at (954) 648-6095.

                   
        

Visit our Website:  www.SouthBrowardHomesbyTony.com

Antonio Ortega LLC Licensed Real Estate Professional with Global Luxury Realty

Click Here to Contact Us

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