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Selling Your House? 5 Things to Never Say to an Estate Agent

October 17th, 2023 Posted in family finance, Property Investment
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There are a few things you should never say to an estate agent when trying to sell your home. Not because they are unprofessional but for the opposite reason. They have a duty to your sale, but also to your instruction. So, you always need to be pretty careful about any comments.

Selling Your House? 5 Things to Never Say to an Estate Agent - image of man holding a model house

Photo by Kindel Media:

Never Say You Won’t Settle

You should not settle on an offer you believe is unfair, but it isn’t wise to say you will never settle with your estate agent. This can instruct them to leave your home on the market with parameters that don’t work for you. And this can end up costing more time and money. After your house valuation, you need a price that fairly reflects your property, yet one that also helps a buyer decide. And in a buyer’s market, you may have to take a hit on some offers on your home.

Never Say You’re Not Interested in Low Offers

In a similar way to the point above, it isn’t wise to tell your agent you won’t accept low offers. It can take a while to sell your home, and the expectations of buyers and what they are willing to offer can vary based on supply and demand. What you consider a low offer after a while can, in fact, be a good one. Yet it can seem low compared to your home’s assessment from a few months before. It may come to the point where you have to accept an offer before it’s too low.

Never Say to an Estate Agent, “Don’t Show My Home.”

One of the most effective ways to sell your home is to allow potential buyers to see it. Of course, this means opening up your home to strangers. But estate agents are professionals at doing this and know what they are doing. Yet if you don’t allow them to show people around the home they are interested in buying, the average time to sell, between 4 and 6 months, will probably take much longer. The fact is that people like to see (and get a feel for) a home they are buying.

Never Say You Can Take Your Time

Supply and demand are mentioned above, and you need to understand the basics of this when it comes to home sales. The longer something is on sale, like a home, the bigger the chance of supply outstripping demand. When this happens, your home will become less valuable, and therefore, you have a lower chance of getting your asking price. If you tell an estate agent you have time, then they will place less priority on your home sale and reduce the possible value.

Never Disclose Personal Reasons for a Sale

Selling your home can be a game of give and take, and negotiation is part of that game. But if you inform your agent about personal reasons for selling the property, especially if time is a factor, they are legally obliged to disclose this if asked. But you aren’t. If a potential buyer knows you are in a desperate situation, they can use it against you to try to take advantage by offering a price well under what you are asking. And this can force you to accept an unfair property offer.

Summary

There are some things to never say to an estate agent, such as that you won’t settle. You should also never instruct them not to show your home because buyers are more likely to make an offer if they can see it. And never disclose personal reasons that can be taken advantage of.

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The Ultimate Relocation Checklist: Tips for Moving to a New Country

May 9th, 2023 Posted in family finance, Money Tips
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Relocating to a new country can be the adventure of a lifetime. It’s a chance to explore new cultures, cuisines, and customs. But with great adventure comes great responsibility – and in this case, it’s the responsibility of thorough planning and preparation. Moving abroad isn’t a walk in a park. There are countless details to consider and tasks to complete before you embark on this exciting journey. But, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with the ultimate relocation checklist.

The Ultimate Relocation Checklist: Tips for Moving to a New Country - plan notebook and pen image

Research Your New Area: 

Research, research, research. This is probably a word that you’ve seen countless times during your relocation process, but it’s an important first step. Before you move to a new country, you’ll want to know as much about the area as possible. Do your research on the culture, climate, crime rates and public transportation options. You’ll also want to research different neighbourhoods to find a suitable place to live. 

Obtain Necessary Documents: 

Documents are like your passport to a new country. Depending on the country you are moving to, you may need a visa, work permit, and/or resident permit in order to stay there. Start this process as soon as possible so that all your documents are in order before you move abroad.

Get Housing: 

Yes, sure, hotels or guesthouses are great for the first few days, but you’ll want to find a more permanent option once you arrive in your new area. You can look for apartments or houses on websites such as Airbnb or real estate sites. If you need a mortgage with tier 2 visa, check out various banks and lenders to find the best option for you.

Sort Out Your Belongings:

Pack according to a plan – it’ll save you a lot of stress and headaches. Start by sorting all your items into three categories: keep, sell/donate, and throw away. 

  • Keep: These are the things you simply cannot live without. Make sure to pack these items with care so that none of them get damaged during the journey.
  • Sell/Donate: If you have items that you don’t need, consider selling or donating them. This is a great way to make some extra money or help others in need.
  • Throw Away: Items that are damaged or unnecessary should be thrown away. Trust us; it’ll be much easier to pack and move if you have.

Plan Your Finances: 

It would not be very smart to move abroad without a plan for your finances. So this is where you’ll need to come up with a strong financial plan. You’ll need to sort out your budget, banking, and taxes to ensure that you have the resources to maintain yourself in a new country.

Moving abroad isn’t a walk in the park. But following the ultimate relocation checklist can make this journey much more manageable and enjoyable. With some proper planning and preparation, you’ll be ready to experience a new culture, cuisines, and customs.

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Lost In Grief? Create Lasting Memories With These 8 Tips

April 13th, 2023 Posted in family finance, Wellbeing
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When a loved one passes away, there is a loss that cannot be easily filled. Loss can be tremendously difficult to deal with, so it’s essential to have an outlet to process your grief and work through everything you are feeling and experiencing. It is only natural to feel lost in grief at times and run the gauntlet of emotions as you try to find your way in the world without them.

“What is grief, if not love persevering”

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Lost In Grief? Create Lasting Memories With These 8 Tips - woman crying image

Just because someone you have loved has passed away, it doesn’t mean your love for them stops. You will never forget that person, and while time may be a great healer, many people find they simply adjust to the norm rather than getting over the loss. Far from it, that love needs to be channelled into something productive and to be used as a tool to help you move forward.

But having a way to remember the person you loved who is no longer with you can be a great help in dark times and give you something to focus on. This post looks at some practical ways you can remember them and celebrate their life to help give you some comfort in a time when you need it the most.

Headstones or Grave Markers

One of the most common and traditional methods of a permanent memorial for a loved one is to mark their last resting place with a headstone or grave marker. This can not only help you to identify their resting location but also share them with others who visit the area. You can choose a variety of different designs and styles for your headstone and include various parts, from pictures for headstones by Memorials.com to engravings, quotes, poems, and simple tributes. Whatever you choose, you can ensure it is fitting to the person while giving you something you can visit and take comfort from.

Create Jewellery

One option which is gaining in popularity in recent years is to have a keepsake made from something special relating to that person. This can be either having their handwriting engraved on an item, their picture transferred to a locket or broach, for example, or using a lock of their hair or their ashes to create a stunning item you can wear every day. Depending on what you feel comfortable with, there is a wealth of possibilities. But this option allows you to keep a part of them close by for you to lean on when needed.

Charity Donation

Charity donations to something they were passionate about will allow them to live on forever through the initiative regardless of what it is or how much you are able to donate. A lot of people leave lump sums in their wills to go directly to a specified charity. However, if this hasn’t been the case, you can consider a charity donation in their name. This can be via sponsoring an animal, funding research, helping to support a new building or equipment they need, or covering running costs. This is a great way to ensure they are never forgotten and are still helping something they are passionate about even though they’re not here.

Mark A Spot

Marking a spot means you have a designated place you can go to in their honour and feel close to them. It can be different depending on them as a person or what will bring you the most comfort. It can be planting a tree in their name. It can be a plaque on a park bench, a brick at their favourite place, etc. A physical location can help you feel less alone and connect with them when you need to.

An Online Memorial

A more modern version of a home-based shrine, an online memorial allows people to share videos, images, and funny anecdotes about the person in one place for others to take over. This will enable you to retain their memory and share with the world the exact kind of person they were and how you want them to be remembered. Simply upload any media or documents you wish to share, and you create a stunning virtual online memorial for them that will stand the test of time.

Set Up A Foundation

People sadly pass away for many different reasons, and there are a whole host of charities and foundations that are set up in people’s names to honour their legacy or to ensure that the way they passed doesn’t happen to others. Whatever the reason for your foundation or charity, you can ensure others are well taken care of, educated and supported to meet your agenda and give you a long-lasting legacy to ensure they didn’t die in vain. If you are feeling lost in grief, this can be an excellent channel to process your grief into something worthwhile and give you a focus and commitment to support you and others around you.

Get A Tattoo

This isn’t for everyone, but a permanent reminder of a loved one on your body can give you a final tribute to them that is with you forever. From images or quotes, using their handwriting, to symbols that had meaning to them, whatever feels appropriate to you. This way, you can have a part of them with you at all times.

Frame Something

Lastly, you can create a framed image or frame some items of them for you to hang at home. In fact, you can take it wherever you want. It can take pride of place in your home for all visitors to see. It can be part of a more discreet shelf in your home with items dedicated to their memory or can be something you keep on you in a purse. By framing these treasured items, you can protect them from harm and ensure they are kept in good condition for you to connect with when needed.

Conclusion

Losing a loved one is never easy, and this post gives some great ideas on physical and practical ways to honour their memory and provide you with something tangible to remember them by and ensure they live on in your heart and memory for the rest of your life.

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How to Handle the Financial End of Your Divorce

April 11th, 2022 Posted in family finance, Money Tips
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When a couple decides to get a divorce, the last thing on their mind is probably money. However, the financial end of a divorce can be just as complicated as the emotional end. This blog post will discuss some tips for handling the financial end of a divorce and will cover topics such as dividing assets, alimony and child support payments and managing debt. If you are going through a divorce, it is crucial to understand these concepts so that you can make informed decisions about your future.

How to Handle the Financial End of Your Divorce - separating couple image
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

1) Dividing assets

One of the first things you will need to do when getting a divorce is to divide your assets. This can be a complicated process, especially if you have a lot of assets. You and your spouse will need to decide who gets what. If you have children, you will also need to consider how they will be taken care of financially.

Some couples are able to divide their assets amicably, but others may need to go through mediation or arbitration and use professionals who specialize in International asset tracing in divorce. It is important to remember that each state has different laws about asset division, so it is important to consult with a lawyer before making any decisions.

2) Alimony and child support payments

Another financial consideration of divorce is alimony and child support payments. Alimony is money that one spouse pays to the other after a divorce. Child support is money that one parent pays to the other for the care of their children. Both of these payments are typically ordered by a court.

The amount of alimony and child support you will pay or receive will depend on many factors, such as your income, the needs of your ex-spouse or children, and the laws in your state. Therefore, it is important to consult with a lawyer to understand how these payments work in your state.

3) Managing debt

Another financial issue to consider after a divorce is how to manage your debts. You and your spouse will need to decide who is responsible for paying off any joint debts, such as a mortgage or credit card debt. If you have a lot of debt, you may need to negotiate with your creditors about payment plans or consolidation loans.

4) Taxes

One final financial consideration of divorce is taxes. When you are married, you and your spouse can file your taxes jointly. However, after a divorce, you will need to file your taxes separately. This means that you will need to know how to prepare your own taxes. You may also be eligible for certain tax deductions, such as the Head of Household deduction.

If you are getting a divorce, it is essential to consult with a tax professional to understand how this will affect your taxes.

Divorce can be a difficult time financially, but by understanding the basics of asset division, alimony and child support payments, and debt management, you can make informed decisions about your future. With careful planning and these tips in mind, you can make the financial side of divorce a little bit easier.

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Loss and Grief: How Can You Care for Your Mental Health When Grieving a Loved One?

October 21st, 2021 Posted in family finance, Parent Advice
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Funerals are some of the unfortunate things that happen in people’s lives. Losing a loved one is a challenging situation to handle, and you may forget to take care of yourself during this period.

Loss and Grief: How Can You Care for Your Mental Health When Grieving a Loved One? - comforting another image
Photo by Ksenia Chernaya from Pexels

It can be heartbreaking not to have someone around you anymore. Accepting this condition could take some time, but eventually, you learn that some situations are uncontrollable. Here are some tips to help you take care of your mental health when dealing with a loved one’s funeral:

Outsourcing a Funeral Service

It can be difficult for you to focus and get things done when you lose a loved one. You don’t have to handle all the funeral services by yourself. Get people specializing in cremations or planning funerals to do that for you as you go through the grief.

It will be easier for you to process your loss and grief when you get time every day to stay by yourself. Handling every funeral plan would work against that since you will be running around finding the perfect flowers or organizing how every day will happen during the burial.

This process can take a toll on your mental health if you carry the burden alone. You can also use other family members or friends to handle different tasks as you rest.

Accept the Deceased’s Wishes

The Will is usually one of the causes of confrontation among family members. Whether you get fewer assets than what the deceased allocated you in the Will, accepting the person’s wishes will help you handle the grief better.

No one should have to go through the whole process of hiring lawyers and sitting through the lengthy court processes immediately after burying a loved one. Once you choose to contest the Will, you will be going against the deceased’s wishes. It can significantly affect your inner peace and conscience.

The wishes may also include what to do with the body. The first thing you need to consider is whether the person wished for burial or not. If yes, where should the ashes get spread?

It would be easier for you to handle the grief if you respected what the person wanted.

Find Alternative Ways to Raise Money

Funding a funeral is one of the most expensive things people handle. Coming up with the perfect fundraising ideas can help you get all the costs covered.

Social media platforms like Facebook offer an excellent opportunity for you to raise any amount of money you need to cater for a loved one’s funeral. Paying hospital bills and burial expenses can be too costly for the family.

Express Your Emotions

Most people think that crying brings out the weakness in you. However, it is good for you to express your emotions during a loved one’s funeral to avoid holding in anger or sadness.

Plugin your earphones and listen to sad songs as you cry out your anger. This way, you get to relieve yourself of the emotional burden and cope with the situation effectively.

You can also let your family and friends support you during this process. Talk to whoever you can about how you feel.

Conclusion

Loss and grief can take control of your emotions. Everyone grieving a loved one should understand that it always gets better, and you might not have the person back, but you can always learn to cope with the situation.

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