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10 Most Expensive Cities to Buy a Home

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Where you choose to live can make a significant difference to the price you pay for a property. This is often due to the demand for properties in an area and the amenities, schools, work opportunities and leisure activities available. Other factors that can influence the price of homes are transportation links, environmental problems in an area, future development plans, and crime rates. Properties in cities are often more expensive per square meter than those in rural areas. However, there are some cities that are more expensive to live in than others. There are different ways of calculating how expensive a place is to live. While some people calculate this using a ratio of earnings compared to property price, this list is based on the price of property per square meter. Here are the top 10 most expensive places to buy a home in the world.

1. Monaco

The average price per square meter of property in Monaco is a whopping $60,114. This makes it significantly more expensive than anywhere in the world and the best place to search for a property that offers true luxury. Many of the richest people in the world have properties in Monaco, either as their primary residence or a second home.

2. London, United Kingdom

As the capital city of England, London is an extremely desirable place to live. It is home to many of the major UK tourist attractions and the headquarters of many major companies are based in this city. These are just two of the factors that attract people to the city and drive up the prices. The price per square meter for property in London is approximately $34,531. Bizarrely, even though demand for properties in London is so high, there is a large number of houses and apartments that are empty for most of the year. This is because the rich and famous like to have a base in the capital but do not use it as their full time residence.

3. Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island

The low supply and high demand, the tax friendly economy, land development and mainland developers are all factors that contribute to the high cost of property in Hong Kong. Prices for property in Hong Kong Island currently cost an estimated $25,551. An apartment of 120 square meters would rent for over $7,000 per month.

4. New York City, United States

The cost of buying property in New York means that owning their own place is something that many people living in the city can only dream about. New York is a city with a great vibe, excellent shopping areas, high rates of employment and plenty of activities for leisure time. These elements combined make it a desirable place to live. As the demand is high, properties are at a premium. This has driven prices for New York property to a high of $17, 191 per square meter. Just like London, many properties are empty for large portions of the year as rich people want to have a base in the city but prefer to live full-time elsewhere.

5. Tokyo, Japan

You can expect to pay around $16,322 per square meter if you want to buy a property in Japan’s capital city. One of the simplest explanations for the high cost of living in Tokyo is simply that they have limited land and the city is highly populated. However, there are many other factors that come into play. There is a certain ‘snob’ element of wanting to live in the capital over other areas of the country. Some reports suggest that cartels, corruption and collusion have also played a part in the soaring property market in Tokyo.

6. Moscow, Russia

Inflation in Russia has significantly impacted on house prices and saw them rise significantly although they are now on the decline. This does not mean that this has become an affordable place to live as it is still ranked in sixth position on the world’s most expensive places to live. The price per square meter for property in Moscow is around $16,021. After Moscow, St. Petersburg is the most expensive city to live in Russia.

7. Mumbai, India

While the overall real estate market in India is slowing down, this is not the case in Mumbai where property prices are soaring. One of the reasons for the property prices is the geography. It is surrounded by water on three sides. Not only does this make it appealing to prospective residents, it also means that opportunities for development are limited putting properties in high demand. In this city, you can expect to pay $15,525 per square meter for a property. Alternatively, you can rent a 120 square meter apartment for around $2,275.

8. Geneva, Switzerland

Swiss Nationals want to live in Geneva for the work opportunities, the cosmopolitan atmosphere, and the quality of living. People looking for second home are also attracted to this city. However, buying a property in Geneva comes at a cost. If you are looking for a property in Geneva you will pay $15,495 per square meter.

9. Vienna, Austria

In the last six years, property prices have risen in Vienna by around 39%. Similarly, the cost of renting properties has also risen by approximately 21%. There are not enough properties available to meet demand and this is the predominant cause of such high price rises in the city. Property in Vienna now costs $14,952 per square meter on average.

10. Paris, France

Paris is the most expensive place to live in France and is the tenth most expensive place to live in the world. Inflation in the property market is continuing in Paris with prices rising by 4.4% in just one year. A square meter of property in Paris is valued at $14,100. The central neighborhoods in the city are the most expensive places to buy a home while it is possible to purchase properties for less in the suburbs of the city.

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San Francisco vs New York City

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New York and San Francisco are two of the most popular cities in America and also rank among the most expensive. So, there is a common debate about which city is better and why.

Both places have a lot to offer residents, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. While New York has an energy and diversity that you won’t find anywhere else, San Francisco tends to be cleaner and more laid back. Here is a side-by-side comparison of New York vs. San Francisco.

Cost of Living

Both cities feature a cost of living that is much higher than the national average. However, New York is slightly more expensive. The cost of living in New York is 187% higher than the national average, whereas, in San Francisco, it’s only about 116% higher. The median price of a home in all 5 boroughs of New York City is over $740,000, and in Manhattan, it’s closer to $1.3 million. In San Francisco, the average home price is around the same at 1.3 million, but there are other cities nearby in the Bay area that are cheaper. San Francisco has a better unemployment rate at about 5.9%, compared to 8.8% in New York City.

Weather

By most standards, San Francisco has better weather. San Francisco’s prime location in Northern California along the bay gives it a mild climate that is temperate all year round. It rarely gets too hot or too cold, and the rainfall is minimal (snow is nonexistent). On the other hand, New York experiences a full range of seasons. The spring and fall are great times to be in New York, but the summer and winter can be brutal. Plus, it rains 47% more in New York than in San Francisco. Those who like seasons may be more drawn to NYC because of the romantic quality of the fall or the energy of the spring after a long cold winter. But by most metrics, San Francisco offers a consistently more pleasant climate year-round.

Public Transportation

New York City is famous for its public transportation, which in most respects is faster and more efficient than in San Francisco. New York is the city that never sleeps, and part of that is made possible by the MTA system, which runs through the night. Any time of day, you can catch a subway train or bus in New York. Plus, New York is set up on a grid that makes it easy to get across town quickly. San Francisco’s Muni system is also decent and offers a combination of buses, trains, and cable cars. But more residents tend to drive in San Francisco because it’s an easier city to navigate in a car. Plus, the Muni doesn’t run all night.

Job Opportunities

Both cities offer a variety of job opportunities within many competitive fields. But they also attract slightly different industries that shape the job landscape. New York tends to offer a bit more job opportunities in various industries, including finance, law, real estate, medicine, and tech. San Francisco is pretty dominated by the technology sector, but there is a variety of disciplines within that space. Plus, on average, jobs in San Francisco pay 3.8% more than in New York City.

Cuisine & Lifestyle

Both cities have a lot to offer regarding culture and cuisine. If you’re looking for diversity, then New York is better. It offers some of the best restaurants in the world from nearly every ethnic group under the sun and features a distinct melting pot culture that is unlike any other city in the world. San Francisco doesn’t offer quite the same level of variety but does have some of the best Asian food in the country. In terms of nightlife, New York offers glitz and glam and unparalleled energy. But it can also get expensive and irritating to have to cram into a packed bar, which is why many prefer the lowkey vibe of San Francisco.

Crime Rates

While both are relatively safe for a major city, San Francisco has a higher rate of property crime and violent crime than New York. Based on a crime scale compiled using FBI data, San Francisco scored 79.2 for property crime and 39.6 for violent crime. New York scored 24.9 for property crime and 28.2 for violent crime. New York is often ranked as one of the safest large cities in the US. Even though it’s experienced a resurgence of crime due to the pandemic, it’s still a relatively safe city if you take the right precautions. Plus, San Francisco is notorious for its homeless population, which contributes to the higher rate of crime.

City Culture

New York is much more fast-paced and features a culture that is more centered around work and efficiency. San Francisco, in comparison, is much more laid back and offers a better work-life balance. New York has more world-famous cultural attractions and a dizzying array of recreational activities available at any time of the day. But San Francisco offers easier access to nature and beaches with a slower pace of life that is more relaxed than the hustle and bustle of New York City.

Commute Times

Commute times in New York are slightly worse than in San Francisco, although it’s pretty close. According to a research study conducted by the US Census Bureau in 2017, the average commute time in New York was 35.9 minutes, whereas in San Francisco, it was 32.1 minutes. However, commute times in New York City tend to have a greater range with more 10 minutes commutes and 40-50- minute commutes compared to San Francisco, which featured far more 20-30-minute commutes overall.

Quality of Life Index

San Francisco has a better quality of life index with a score of 156, which is considered high, compared to New York’s score of 138, which is considered moderate. This is based on an index created by Numbeo, which ranks the quality of life based on factors such as purchasing power, safety, health care, climate, pollution, traffic, and more. While New York has a lot to offer in terms of culture in opportunity, it is home to over 8 million people, which impacts things like traffic and pollution. Plus, it’s more expensive and offers a harsher climate.

Overall

Ultimately, which city is better is a matter of personal preference. Both cities have different pros and cons that are attractive to different residents. New York is the cultural and financial capital of the world and offers a wide range of opportunities that you won’t find anywhere else. But San Francisco is the crown jewel of the West Coast and offers many of the benefits of New York without the crowds and the harsh weather. So, it all comes down to whether you prefer sunshine and sandy beaches or high fashion and a melting pot culture.

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Buying a Condo in NYC: 12 Step Guide

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Buying a condo in New York City is a dream for millions of people. If you’re interested in purchasing an apartment in a condominium building and wondering how to do it, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process.

With mortgage rates at record lows, it’s a great time to buy an apartment in NYC. And if you’re a buyer who values convenience and flexibility, owning a condo in NYC is likely the best option for you. Here are the 12 steps to buying a condo in NYC.

Figure Out Your Budget and Financing

The first step in buying a condo in NYC will be setting a budget for your purchase. You’ll need to know how much you can afford or want to spend before starting your search.

If you plan on financing, you should start looking at lenders and obtain a mortgage preapproval. The earlier you have this, the better.

Hire An Agent

You’ll want someone to represent your interests when buying a condo in NYC, so you’ll want to hire an agent. While you may be able to start searching for and viewing apartments without an agent, you’ll definitely want to hire one before it’s time to make an offer.

If you’re wary of agents that charge excessive broker fees, you can always work with an agent who offers a buyer commission rebate. Rebate agents have lots of experience and will cut you a check for around 2% of the purchase price.

Find Your Dream Home

For most buyers, finding their dream home starts with searching NYC condos for sale online, but a real estate agent can also help you through the process by sending you listings that meet your search criteria. If you’re unfamiliar with the city or unsure of which neighborhood you want to live in, having a buyer’s agent helping from the get-go will be invaluable.

The search process will typically involve a lot of in-person tours and open houses. Even in a Covid-19 world, it’s best to set foot inside a home to make sure it’s the right fit. After all, a virtual tour won’t always give you insight into if the condo feels right or if the upstairs neighbor is noisy.

Prepare and Make an Offer

The next step in buying an apartment in NYC is preparing your offer. Before deciding how much to offer on the condo, ask your agent to perform a comparable market analysis. The CMA will compare the condo you’re interested in purchasing to similar apartments in the neighborhood.

Your offer should include any contingencies. In some cases, you may also need to submit a REBNY financial statement.

Perform Due Diligence

After the negotiating is completed and you and the seller come to terms, you’ll get an accepted offer, and a deal sheet will be drawn up. At this point, you should have found a real estate attorney who will represent you.

Once your attorney receives the deal sheet, it will be time to perform due diligence on both the apartment itself and the condo building. This includes looking at the building’s finances or any pending litigation involving the property.

Sign the Contract

Assuming no issues arise during the due diligence process, and that your attorney is happy that the contract and its terms are in your best interest, it’s time to sign the contract and put down your earnest money deposit. This deposit is typically 10% of the purchase price and is held in escrow. The seller’s attorney will confirm receipt of the earnest money deposit, and the seller will countersign the contract and send back a fully executed copy.

Close on Your Mortgage

Assuming you’re financing the apartment, the next step to buying a condo in NYC is closing on your mortgage. If you haven’t already locked in a rate, you’ll do that, and then start working with your lender to obtain a commitment letter. A commitment letter essentially states that your loan will be funded, although it may have contingencies attached. Usually, these are related to the apartment’s appraisal (which will likely take place after you receive the commitment letter) or to you keeping your job.

This can take some time, so it’s best to get the process started early, ideally right after your contract is fully executed.

Title Search and Title Insurance

Once you’ve received a commitment letter, it’ll be time to work on getting a title report. Completing the title search typically takes 1 to 3 business days. When you buy a condo in NYC, title insurance is also required, and it will protect you against any unforeseen issues that may arise related to the apartment’s title.

Prepare and Submit Your Condo Board Application

Unless you’re buying a sponsor unit, you’ll likely have to submit a condo board application, which will mostly consist of financial statements and documents. The board package for a condo will be a lot less intense than what you’d need to submit if you were buying a co-op, and you don’t have to worry about the board denying you. While they technically have a right of first refusal, condo boards essentially never exercise it as it would mean they’d have to buy the apartment for the same price you agreed to pay. Getting approved by the condo board is just a formality.

Clear to Close

The next step is getting a clear to close letter from your mortgage lender, which will typically be sent to your attorney from the bank’s attorney. Once you receive this letter, you can schedule the closing. Choosing the closing date can take a bit of coordinating, as quite a few people will need to attend.

Prepare for Closing

A few days before closing, you’ll receive a closing disclosure statement, which you must receive at least 3 days before closing. This is a standard form that details your loan terms and the closing costs you’ll be paying.

You’ll also receive instructions related to the checks you’ll need to cut, all of which are required to be certified or cashiers checks. If you don’t want to deal with getting the checks yourself, you can also wire the money for the closing to your attorney.

Final Walk-Through

Before going to the closing table, you’ll want to perform a final walk-through of the condo. This typically happens the same day you close, but if your schedule doesn’t allow it, you can also perform it a day or two early. The final walk-through is when you’ll want to make sure everything in the apartment is in working order and that any required repairs have been made.

Close

The actual closing will typically take about two hours to complete and is attended by all the parties. This means the seller, buyer, attorneys, real estate agents, and lender will all be there.

Make sure you bring the checks and your ID and be prepared to sign a lot of paperwork.

How Long Does It Take to Buy A Condo In NYC?

It usually takes between 30 and 60 days to close on a condo in New York City. You should also factor in the time it will take you to find a suitable home. Most buyers will spend at least another month or two searching NYC condos for sale online and going to open houses and private showings. That means it typically takes anywhere from two to six months to buy a condo in NYC.

Is Buying A Condo in NYC a Good Idea?

Buying a condo is a great idea if you want the flexibility that comes with owning a condo or if you’re a foreign buyer. There are many benefits to buying a condo, including their flexible sublet policies, friendliness towards foreign buyers and investors, and their tendency to appreciate in price. Another perk is that NYC condos tend to have lower monthly common charges and maintenance fees than co-ops.

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Apartment Renovation in NYC Guide

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If you live in New York City, you know that few things are cheap or easy. An overriding characteristic of the city is that even mundane tasks can be difficult, and everyday things expensive. When it comes to remodeling and renovation work in New York City – neither of which is routine – it’s a complicated and time-consuming undertaking made more so when it’s being done in Manhattan.

The key to a successful renovation in New York City is planning, money, and lots of both. Because of the city’s aging and, in some cases, historic housing stock, what is a relatively straightforward process elsewhere, is here akin to planning the D-Day invasion, and not an undertaking for the weak of heart or those with little patience.

Despite D-Day’s meticulously laid out plan, unexpected hurdles, unseen adversaries and bad weather threw it way off course. The same fate awaits many who undertake a major NYC renovation.

That said, the process can be successfully managed, and it doesn’t have to drain your bank account or turn you into a raving lunatic.

NYC Home Renovation Tips

Allocate Enough Money To Do It Right

At the outset, homeowners need to take a serious look at their budget. They need to sharpen their pencil and figure out what they are willing to spend, and then increase it by at least 10%. New York City is perhaps the most expensive place in the U.S. to do renovations. This is not the time to be penny wise and pound foolish. After all, you’re going to be living with this stuff for years and it will trash your bank account if you try and retrofit a “fix” after the renovation is complete. Do it right from the outset by allocating adequate funds.

Find an Experienced Contractor, Architect and Engineer

Picking the right person or firm to do the work is critical. Find a contractor, architect, and/or engineer who has experience – and references – in doing renovation jobs in New York City. Don’t choose someone who only does suburban tract homes to do the work in your 1960’s NYC co-op apartment. There are plenty of people who have that NYC experience. Check out their references, and don’t be shy about calling them personally.

Importantly, try to find a contractor who has all trade workers in-house, instead of relying on an array of casual sub-contractors. An electrician who shows up late can halt all work until he arrives. Nothing hurts more than to see workers lounging around and still being paid.

Develop a Plan and Sketch Out a Timetable

With your contractor, lay out a detailed plan and timetable. This gives everyone a roadmap and milestones to adhere to. It also manages expectations.

This plan will be one of a number of items that will be given to the building’s Board of Directors so that they can approve it, or as many tell it, pick it apart.

Secure Approvals From the Building’s Board of Directors

This is where things sometimes get gummed up. The building’s Board has to approve the plan before work commences. They may have an outside engineer-consultant review the proposal and advise the Board.

The Board’s primary responsibility is the well-being of all tenants. Construction work is disruptive. The Board will strive to make it less so. Almost every building in NYC has rules about when work can commence, which elevators can be used, and when work must stop. Builders and homeowners who violate those rules are in for trouble. Complaining neighbors can drive the Board to investigate the problem and delay work from resuming.

Securing City Building Permits

Once the Board has approved the renovation plan; City permits must be obtained. Not every renovation requires a permit, however. For example, refinishing floors, painting, retiling, and replacing lighting fixtures don’t need City building permits. Pretty much everything else does. Things like taking down walls, remodeling a kitchen or bathroom and installing new windows all, requires a building permit. New York City’s Department of Buildings is the office that issues these permits. It sometimes takes several weeks, or longer for permits to be issued. Once building permits have been secured, and work is underway, building inspectors will occasionally stop by and check the work.

Sometimes nasty little surprises occur. Rotting wires, sagging beams, and leaky pipes can all throw a wrench into a homeowner’s budget and timetable. Anything uncovered that is sub-standard, in need of repair or replacement, must be addressed immediately. Be sure to be prepared for this, particularly if the building is old or hasn’t been adequately maintained.

Recheck Your Insurance

Your current homeowners and liability insurance may not cover unforeseen problems relating to a renovation. It’s not uncommon for mistakes to be made and for workers to get hurt on the job. In this age of out of control litigation, homeowners must be prepared for the worst, and hope for the best.

Don’t Make Major Changes In the Middle Of a Renovation

If you ever saw the 1990’s Academy Award-winning film “Bugsy” about the famed gangster who founded Las Vegas, you might recall that making major changes in the middle of construction has its downsides. Bugsy’s demise – or rather assassination – came about because he kept making changes to his hotel and casino in the middle of construction. Delays and cost overruns drove his backers – the New York Mob – to whack him. Too bad because when the hotel was finally completed and became an overwhelming success and put Las Vegas on the map. However, it cost several times its original budget and put poor Bugsy in his grave.

While changing things in the middle of a New York City renovation may not kill you, it will greatly delay its completion and add thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars, to the project. Changing things after they have been planned for and approved, is a real nightmare that should be avoided under almost all circumstances.

Keep Your Fingers Crossed

If you have a good luck charm or a rabbit’s foot, this is a good time to pull them out. While a little luck can go a long way when it comes to New York City renovations, proper planning, and adequate funds are better predictors of a positive outcome.

When the dust has cleared, the new kitchen installed and the bedrooms completed, all of the hassles that accompany a NYC renovation will be quickly forgotten. All the hassle and mess, in the long run, is well worth it.

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10 Best U.S. Cities to Buy Real Estate

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Looking to buy in a market where your house is likely to appreciate? Here are the best cities in the U.S. to buy real estate based on value per resident.

Even when things look bleak, people continue buying real estate. Being a homeowner is part American Dream and part investment. Not a traditional investment, where you put money into something and make more money coming out, but rather the kind of investment that protects your cash, so it’s available for your next large purchase. Plus, we all have to live somewhere.

Many people buy a home hoping it will increase in value, and that the land the home is on will be worth more when they’re ready to sell. This builds equity and provides them a larger down payment for their next home. Homeownership can also be an investment for retirement.

If you’re looking to make a sound real estate investment, the first thing you’ll want to do is select a good location in a healthy housing market. Ideal cities for buying property offer good economic opportunity, housing affordability, and a high amount of existing real estate value.

With that in mind, we parsed tax and census data to identify 10 cities with reasonable home prices and the nation’s highest real estate values per resident. These cities provide buyers and investors an opportunity to affordably own property in the country’s most high value areas. Is your city on the list?

10. Minneapolis, Minnesota

With a median home value of $294,000, and a real estate value per resident at almost $900,000, Minneapolis has a low cost barrier to enter a wealthy real estate market. As of right now, it’s more affordable to own a home in the Twin Cities than it is to rent. The area’s affordability is helping draw in new residents. It’s also making Minneapolis an attractive place for flipping and rehabbing properties.

Even as Minneapolis works to recover from damage to over 1,500 businesses, another attractive quality of the city is job opportunity. With one of the highest concentrations of Fortune 500 Companies in the U.S., Minneapolis and its twin, St. Paul, are home to 17 corporate heavyweights, including Target and General Mills. Buying a home here means owning a share of a nearly $400 billion real estate market.

9. Boston, Massachusetts

Living in Boston means you get the urban feel of New York without the crowding. Buildings aren’t as tall and streets aren’t as packed. Livable neighborhood pockets are easier to find, and the town has a lot of character.

Boston is the most expensive city to live in on our list. With brownstones, apartments, and single-family homes, the median home value is a relatively pricey $498,000. But the real estate value per resident is about $1.17 million. So it’s a good market to own even a small piece of property.

History, sports, and college students are three features of Boston that quickly come to mind. The city’s role in America’s founding is hard to ignore. The Freedom Trail will show you the highlights. As you wander, you’ll pass Fenway Park and The Green Monster. Between Boston proper and it’s across-the-river neighbor, you’ll see more colleges and universities than you can count, including Harvard, MIT, Boston University, and Boston College.

If nothing else, buying real estate here is a safe investment due to the maturity of the market. Boston boasts the oldest median age of house in the country. It’s a bustling town with a rich heritage that’s fun to call home.

8. Bridgeport, Connecticut

Another New England town on our list, Bridgeport has a median home value of $410,000. Neighborhoods include hip, downtown locations close to restaurants, live music, and places to shop, as well as those with a historic feel. Two historic districts are on the National Register of Historic places and attract young professionals, artists, and academics. The real estate value per resident is $1.10 million.

It’s hard to beat Bridgeport’s location. Just 20 miles away is New Haven, one of New England’s more underrated cities. It’s full of history as one of America’s oldest cities, and is home to Yale University. From Bridgeport, you can get to New York in 90 minutes by taking a ferry across Long Island Sound. The city’s location makes it a great jumping off point to all the major cities in the northeast corridor.

7. Providence, Rhode Island

Providence is that rare New England city with affordable housing and a wide variety of cultural attractions. A median home value of $300,000 means there are plenty of hidden gems available to buyers in all price ranges. With a $180 billion real estate market, this little city in the smallest U.S. state is a good place to own property.

Providence offers many of the qualities of Boston and New York for a lot less coin. Thanks to great public transportation, the town provides easy access to Rhode Island’s 400 miles of coastline and the rest of New England. It’s a city with ample history, culture, and renowned seafood.

From an investment standpoint, low unemployment rate and expanding job opportunities are a draw. Providence is a great college town, packing some well-known colleges into its small space. The city produces a constant flow of young talent from Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, and Johnson & Wales University.

6. Washington, D.C.

In the past decade, Washington, D.C. has seen explosive growth. Home prices increased substantially as more residents and businesses moved inside the Beltway. Surprisingly, it’s not too late to get a piece of the action. D.C. is still in demand.

The nation’s capital is a thriving metropolis with an incredible diversity of culture for residents to enjoy. Walk by the President’s house on your way to The National Mall where you can see the Lincoln Memorial, U.S. Capitol, and Smithsonian all in one day. The median home value in D.C. is a not-so-cheap $455,000. But D.C. is one of the 10 largest real estate markets in the U.S. by total property value.

Blending a small-town feel with a more cosmopolitan center, this city is a buzz of activity. A huge collection of international communities offers a variety of restaurants and shops to keep residents busy. As a political hub, government plays a big part in everyday life here. But with companies like Amazon setting up offices close by, there is no scarcity of job opportunities.

5. Atlanta, Georgia

A large international city with vibrant commerce and culture, Atlanta is not your typical Southern town. It offers neighborhoods for every lifestyle, whether you’re looking for a fast-paced, urban community, or something green and quiet in the suburbs. One of the nation’s fastest-growing metro areas, Atlanta has plenty to see and experience.

The median home value in Atlanta is $227,000, which is almost identical to the national median. But property here is as diverse as the people. Atlanta is a town where revitalization is constant. Neighborhoods previously on the decline are seeing rehabbing in a major way, making housing more available throughout the city. This gives people efficient access to homes close to big employers downtown like Coke, CNN, and Turner. A half trillion dollar real estate market means Atlanta’s property value per capita totals over $1.04 million.

4. Riverside, California

Popular with millennials and those escaping skyrocketing costs of living in Los Angeles, one of Riverside’s draws is affordable housing. In fact, 21,000 people relocated to Riverside between 2010 and 2017. Besides affordability, Riverside’s growing economy and near-ideal weather are an attractive combo for homebuyers. You’re also relatively close to both the beach and the mountains when you need a change of scenery.

The median home value in Riverside is $365,000, which is positively cheap compared with nearby L.A.’s $668,000 and San Diego’s $594,000 medians. This gives homebuyers more access to starter homes which can help make buying a larger, family home easier down the road. Buying in Riverside means being part of a market with $1.46 million in real estate value per resident.

3. Miami, Florida

Miami’s reputation precedes it. There’s no end of what to do and see. It’s one of dozens of beach towns along the Florida coast that draws in young people for professional opportunities and excuses to party. Thankfully, the median home value of$297,000 makes Miami a surprisingly affordable city. At that price, the only way to go is up, and there’s definitely room to grow. The Miami real estate market is worth $774 billion.

As an international business hub, Miami offers a lot of opportunity in banking, tourism, and trade careers. That, combined with its colorful and spirited nightlife makes Miami an ideal spot to buy real estate. After all, they’re not making any more coastal property.

2. North Port, Florida

Nestled between Fort Myers and Sarasota, North Port is a great place to live in Florida because of its laid back, suburban feel. Attractive to retirees, the median home value in North Port is $244,000 while the real estate value per resident is $1.89 million. In addition to having affordable home prices, the city also has excellent schools and a low crime rate.

For an in-town experience, make a trip to the Warm Mineral Springs. It will take years off your appearance and refresh you for your work week. With opportunities for skilled workers and professionals, the city’s quality of life helps make career options in North Port even more appealing.

1. Naples, Florida

Topping our list is another beachside town in Florida. With an adorable and historic downtown and amazing ocean views, Naples is one of the wealthiest cities in the country. The city’s enormous $104 billion real estate market equals out to a staggering $4.7 million on a per resident basis. While stunning luxury homes show how high property values can go here, the median house price is only $329,000. Living in Naples is not out of reach even if you don’t have millions.

A melting pot of residents, Naples attracts singles, young couples, families, and seniors. It also has a lot of residents who only live there part-time, opting to settle in during the winter months to avoid the cold elsewhere. With continued job growth, thanks to growing tourism and retail sectors, Naples offers affordable housing and career opportunities in a city with a lot of long-term potential.

Going from starter home to family home

Many cities attract potential home buyers for a number of reasons. When you’re thinking about purchasing your first home though, affordability ranks high on the list. Our list of best cities to buy real estate combines affordable housing with much higher real estate values per resident. This provides buyers a golden opportunity to trade up when it’s time to sell a home. It also helps build equity in a large and growing housing market.

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Can Mobile App IDX Platforms Replace Real Estate Websites?

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It is no secret that the real estate business is trending toward mobile.

Following years of steady growth, NAR reported for the first time this year that buyers used mobile devices as often as computers when searching for homes.

Considering that mobile usage is even more common in the younger generations that will soon dominate home buying markets, two questions arise:

1) Can mobile IDX apps replace traditional real estate websites?

2) How soon will it happen?

The answers are an unequivocal yes and probably sooner than you think.

Opportunity for Agents

In the technological change cycle, it is pretty clear we are in the diffusion stage for IDX app platforms. More and more real estate clients are turning to mobile, and soon mobile most likely will lead home searches.

This presents an opportunity for agents to be on the leading technological edge and capture new business. As more clients look to mobile, the agents with the tools and applications they seek will have an advantage.

But if anything, it seems most agents and brokers are lagging behind. In the same NAR report reporting mobile growth, just 47 percent of Realtors said they expect to use local MLS apps and similar technology over the next year.

Do you have an IDX app to capture mobile home searches?

Advantages of Apps Versus Websites

In some ways, the growth of mobile in real estate simply reflects the changing nature of property search. With the ubiquity of listings, property search has essentially become a 18-hour-a-day affair with home buyers checking market updates continually throughout the day.

But mobile IDX apps also offer several advantages over traditional real estate websites for clients and brokerages.

Accessibility

Mobile devices are exactly that—mobile. They live in the pocket of their owners and go wherever they go. This provides unmatched access between real estate agents and their customers. If a client downloads your app, that app will live on their home screen and be visible whenever they engage with their phone, be it for a phone call, to send an email, to tune up a podcast, or any other reason.

Notifications

Mobile app IDX platforms for phones and tablets also provide an additional avenue to provide updates to customers. Accuracy and timeliness are essential in the real estate business. If you can push a notification and reach clients faster via an app, you have an edge.

Branding

Agents with an IDX app also have more branding opportunities than those that rely exclusively on traditional websites. Yes, most sites are now mobile optimized, allowing users to browse on desktop or a mobile phone. But only a custom branded real estate IDX app, allows agents to extend their logo and marketing directly to a device home screen, putting their business on par with all the other functions of daily mobile phone use.

User Experience

In many cases, the user experience is improved on apps compared to websites. First of all, apps minimize typing and point-and-click in favor of taps and swipes. This makes for a faster, more intuitive home search experience. But mobile IDX app platforms also provide features such as animated transitions and splash screens that make home search more pleasant.

Communication

Finally, mobile app IDX platforms integrate really well with other communication methods in ways that traditional real estate websites don’t. In one click, users can call you directly. IDX apps also provide streamlined links to Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and other platforms  because most social media use occurs on mobile.

There’s a lot of debate about how technology will affect real estate agents and their work in the future. But at least this case seems pretty clear. Mobile app IDX platforms likely will replace real estate websites as the dominant tool for property search in the short to medium term. Those who embrace the transition will be better placed.

For more information and useful IDX app tips, check out the following blogs:

Dominate the Competition with a Mobile App

The Psychology of Font and How to Use It In Your Real Estate Logo

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What Does IDX Mean in Real Estate?

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As digitization takes over the real estate industry, there are certain concepts that real estate agents, brokers, and other real estate professionals struggle with. IDX integration is one of these concepts. In this article, we will discuss IDX in detail, and after reading it, you will have expert knowledge of IDX and an understanding of how IDX integration relates to today’s real estate market.

Are you wondering how to become the most reliable source of real estate listings online in your local market?

You might think this is possible primarily because real estate professionals are now used to customers doing their home search on huge listing syndications. How can you possibly get an advantage over these huge companies? The first step is IDX. But you need to understand the term.

Not only can you display your listings through your website and IDX integration, but you can also tap into the power of the whole MLS database to generate leads and expand your company. How? Continue reading to learn!!

What Is IDX Real Estate?

IDX is an abbreviation of the words Internet Data Exchange. It is a concept used on websites that cover guidelines, policies, and software relevant to the display of a real estate listing website.

IDX is a regulation of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) framework. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has explained that agents who engage in local listings may share details of their listings online. 

Although IDX is a NAR regulation, most Realtors and marketers use the word IDX to refer to the instruments and software that:

  • show MLS listings on agent websites, 
  • provide a means for customers to check for active listings, and 
  • facilitate client contact/budget details by encouraging clients to select which real estate professional to share their information with.

This reality implies that through their platforms, Realtors will provide customers with access to all MLS info. IDX keeps them on the platform instead of referring prospective clients to a third-party listing provider or even the nearest MLS. 

IDX is not a static portal that forces a one-size-fits-all framework to be utilized by the customer. Instead, it is more of an MLS listings database that can be viewed in numerous ways. That is why IDX’s correct implementation means a lot in the real estate world.

How Does IDX Work?

IDX can be applied across four key technologies: IDX Framing, RETS, RESO Web API, and FTP. Each of these IDX technologies functions differently. 

IDX creates a data link between the MLS and your website, imports listings, and shows them on your website. The listings are changed regularly, so your audience already has access to the most up-to-date listings and can email you for updates on the properties accessible.

RETS

RETS is an acronym for the Real Estate Transaction Standard. It is an Internet Data Exchange mechanism based on XML that was created to replace the older FTP-based data exchange process in the real estate industry. RETS enables MLS servers and local real estate websites across the county to speak the same language for successful transmission and mixing of property listing info.

RESO Web API

RESO Web API offers a structured MLS database interface that enables IDX applications and websites to query and return listings live for search results via the application programming interface. With Web API, there is a streamlined access point to MLS data and Realtors can make direct calls to MLS servers.

IDX Framing

IDX Framing, also known as iFrame, is a popular application that shows MLS listings on Realtors’ individual websites. An iFrame is an HTML feature that is used by copying and pasting code to insert HTML documents, such as MLS search windows, into an organization’s website. IFrames are cost-effective and easy to use, but provide little to no SEO value.

FTP

FTP is an abbreviation for File Transfer Protocol. It is a way of sharing data between computers that were once used by default to transfer real estate listings to local real estate websites from MLS. Other quicker, more interactive technologies for the sharing of internet data have come into use since FTP is burdensome and slow.

What Are the Advantages of IDX for Real Estate Websites?

  • Improved user-experience

Integrating MLS listings on your real estate website will effectively boost user engagement by permitting them to have a smoother home-buying experience, eventually contributing to further leads and more closed deals.

  • Website search engine visibility

The second benefit of introducing IDX to your real estate website is website search engine visibility. IDX feed incorporation on a website will theoretically draw more search engine visitors, which is every Realtor’s dream.

However, it is not correct that by merely applying the IDX feed, it is possible to achieve SEO benefits for a website. One must understand that some requirements must be fulfilled here, such as;

1. Properly implemented content architecture

2. Added unique content

3. Promoting content constantly.

In a Nutshell

In recent times, most clients expect real estate websites to have listings. Reports from the National Association of Realtors indicate that virtually all buyers’ first step in their journey to get a new property is on an online search engine. So, when you compare agents who display listings with agents who do not, the latter end up at a disadvantage.

Do you want to attract more buyers to your brokerage? Read RealtyFeed and RESO: How the New Real Estate Social Network Is Built On Cutting Edge Technology Standards and How to Earn Additional Income as a Real Estate Agent.

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Everything You Need to Know About Real Estate Signage

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Real estate signage is one of the most effective ways to market your real estate business and listings. Having the correct signage will help you better attract new potential clients. However,  think it through and come up with a very clever idea so that yours will stand out from your competitors, hence attracting more clients.

Real estate businesses are very competitive,  and a Realtor needs to get the attention of your potential clients. That is why the signs are vital. Because not only does it market the property, it also shares information about the agent.

Different Types of Real Estate Signages

Before the internet, people used to have signs with different colors outside their houses for sales. Having the writing on the sign was the key, so realtors needed to be very creative with what they had to write to sell the house. Now, everything we do for our real estate business is connected to the internet. Digitalizing the signs has made it easier and effortless for us to be creative in making various real estate signs.

There are two types of signs in general: traditional signs and digital signs.

Different Types of Traditional Real Estate Signs

Traditional signs are the ones you see in every house’s yard. They come in different colors and shapes, but they all have one thing in common, they are made to catch the attention of new leads.

Traditional signs can be swing signs, banner signs, magnetic signs, wooden signs, etc.

Different Types of Real Estate Digital Signs

When it comes to digital signs, we have a handful of ideas. Without the fear of being repetitive,  real estate digital signage allows users to easily visit your website, see the various services you offer, see other clients’ reviews, and eventually request your services.,  In other words, digital signages advertise information about an agent and their listings. Digital signs differ in Theme, slides, pictures, listings, and content. By digitizing the signages, it is easier for realtors to save time, be more creative in their quest to grab the attention of more clients. The most common type of digital signage is the ScreenCloud App Store, where businesses can access a variety of digital signages for marketing their products and services. 

Benefits of Real Estate Digital Signages:

Having Signs, especially the digital ones will help improve your real estate business.

Here are some of the reasons why digital signs are very beneficial for real estate agents. They are;

  • Affordable 
  • Very noticeable
  • Multi-functional 
  • User-friendly
  • Time-saving 
  • Attract more leads

 

How to Create Real Estate Digital Signs?

Creating digital real estate signs requires a few steps. With the help of a couple of designers, real estate agents can easily create a very convenient real estate digital sign.

First of all, an agent needs to decide which kinds of housing you are providing for your clients. The second part is to decide a theme for your sign and then provide the required information related to your listings. There are a lot of templates ready for your real estate signs that you can use.

Where Should We Put the Signage?

The placement of signs is one of the most important aspects of marketing through real estate signages. If you are using traditional real estate signs, make sure it is visible from different angles, such as parking spots, bus stations, telephone booths, etc. If you want it next to your house, you can use it on both sides of the street so that it catches potential clients’ eyes on both sides. Or, as usual, you can put your real estate signs on the sidewalk. On the other hand, if your real estate sign is digital, you have to search for places with the highest traffic to upload your signage. Your real estate signage should be placed near related topics or products.

What Colors Should You Use on Your Real Estate Signage?

What is the first thing that catches your eyes when crossing the street or rolling down pages on social media? Colors! They are the first thing that makes your real estate sign stand out or catch the clients’ eyes. Colors have meaning and influence on people. Thus, using the appropriate color for your real estate sign is a visual move to attract the attention of potential clients. There are a few colors that have a lot of influence on your potential clients. Such as:

  • Red is the color that Calls For Action.
  • Blue is the color of Trust and Security.
  • Orange is the color of motivation, etc

Final Word

Your real estate signage says a lot about your real estate business. So, make sure you take every step carefully and create outstanding real estate signs that work as a  magnet for potential clients. In addition, know that having real estate signs is a must. Therefore, make sure to create the best of the bests and improve your real estate business.

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RESO Web API Cloud: What Is It and How Does It Work?

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Have you ever wondered how IDX applications and websites query listings in real-time while providing seamless results to the end-user? In this article, we will discuss RESO Web API Cloud and how it works. Read on!

What Is RESO Web API Cloud?

RESO Web API is the standard for the transfer of listing data. RESO Web API Cloud provides an ideal way to consume MLS data with your application, which offers better data and a consistent user experience. With its open technology standards, any company can easily distribute or receive data quickly.

Since the US real estate industry is decentralized, there are over 600 MLSs nationwide instead of a single MLS, making the need for a system such as RESO inevitable to provide a fluid interaction with the data. 

Using RESO Web API, real estate agents and brokers can benefit from lower hosting costs, flawless data transfer processes, increased security for MLS data, seamless integration with third-party applications, and more.

How Does RESO API Cloud Work?

RESO Web API is the real estate industry’s most advanced approach to data transfer as it makes data transfer faster and more efficient. Thanks to RESO Web API, access to the MLS database is now easier. As a result of RESO Web API’s improved technology benefits, companies are switching from older systems such as RETS to RESO Web API.

RETS required developers to make their own copies of the MLS database and update them one by one, while RESO Web API makes it easier for developers to get access to the MLS database in one place. In addition, it separates the MLS database from websites and other applications while maintaining the ability for users to query the data in real-time. 

As a result, technology companies see more consistent, faster, and easy adoption of new systems after switching.

Final Words

Because it relies on open standards and commercially available tools, many businesses can use RESO. Also, using RESO Web API, the industry advances toward RESTful technology, which is extensively accepted by most industries today.

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