We’re pretty sure that you’ve heard it all before – spring is for renewal and a fresh start. However, this phrase will probably never get old because spring and our wish to change things up a bit is such a huge part of being a human (well, eating might be first on the list, but all that spring renewal stuff is also pretty high up), that this phrase always rings true. Now, about that ‘changing things up a bit’ part – we all do it differently, but why not apply this rule to all new and fresh home decoration ideas? After all, it’s the easiest (and usually almost free) way to give your surroundings a new look and make a fresh start for yourself. And if you’re looking for some home decoration ideas to inspire you, you’ve clicked on the right link, for this is our list dedicated exactly to that!
So here’s what you’re about to see: basically everything from bathroom decoration ideas to wall decor ideas! Yup, it’s a pretty extensive list covering all the bases of your home, so whether you’re looking for something specific – like fireplace decoration ideas (because we all know you’re not lighting that thing like ever) – or just browsing around without any particular ideas of your own, you’re bound to find some pretty cool home decor inspo right on this list. And that’s a promise!
Right, ready to dive deep into the world of home decoration? Sure you are! Scroll down below until you reach the submissions, vote for the ideas that you liked the most, and may you create the most unique home decor with the help of this list!
By Peter Anderson7 Comments – The content of this website often contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you buy through those links (at no cost to you!). Learn more about how we make money. Last edited June 16, 2009.
Hi, I’m Pete And I Love Gadgets..
As someone who loves gadgets, and who can never get their fill of the newest and latest technology, having self control and not buying all the latest toys isn’t an easy thing to do.
If there is a new Ipod, I would love to find a deal and get my hands on one. New DSLR camera? Put me on the waiting list! For some reason I’ve never been one to wait a year or two until the gadget can be had for a fraction of the price. I have to have it when it’s new, it’s cool and it’s in demand.
Electronic gadgets seem to be one of my main spending downfalls.
Reining In The Spending
Once my wife and I started watching what we were spending a little closer, I realized that I wouldn’t be able to continue with always having the newest and the greatest. Once in a while? Maybe. But not every time that I really wanted to.
Part of the problem that I kept running into when I was trying to stop spending was that the things I wanted were always in front of me, a constant source of temptation.
When I would check my email, I would get email alerts for deals on all the newest electronics. I would open my web browser and it would always go to my homepage – a hot deals website always trumpeting the best deals on the hottest electronics. I would check my RSS reader, and I had an entire section devoted to hot deals, electronics and coupon sites. When talking with friends they would always talk about the newest gadget that they had as well.
After realizing just how much temptation was bombarding me every day, I realized something. I needed to remove the temptations to buy wherever I could. Part of the reason I was having a hard time stopping the spending was because things were constantly being offered to me, when I could in fact remove those temptations.
Removing The Temptation To Buy
Here’s what I did to remove several sources of temptation
I changed my browser’s homepage from a electronics deals site, to my gmail page. No more temptation every time I logged on!
I unsubscribed from email lists for major electronics retailers that I had purchased from before.
I removed many of the electronics and deals sites from my daily reads section in my RSS reader so I wasn’t bombarded with new deals on the hottest items every day.
I counted my blessings, and started enjoying the things I already had! Often the need to pursue the next best thing, and the need to just “have things” becomes more important than the items themselves. It’s then that we know that it’s time to take a step back.
When the temptation isn’t in front of you, it isn’t top of mind. When it isn’t top of mind, it’s a lot easier to realize that you don’t really need it.
I think it’s important to remember that we need to be careful not to become owned by our possessions. If we consistently want more, bigger, better things, they can begin to take over our lives. I believe we need to take the advice given in the bible in order to live better more rounded lives:
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” – Luke 12:15
Have you ever noticed that you are surrounded by temptations, and everyone is offering you ways to spend your money? Have you found that removing the temptation makes it easier to not spend? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
Through all phases of life you are likely to see something or someone that you feel looks better than you or has something you want.
Let me paint a picture for you; You show up to a party and your girlfriend has on a beautiful dress with the purse, shoes and accessories to match and there you are with a dress that is 5 years old and flip-flops.
Meanwhile, your husband is downstairs checking out the finished basement, with a high definition TV and movie style seating. Now what?
Do you completely blow your monthly budget, head to the department store and duplicate her outfit?
Does your husband want to empty out your savings account or charge your credit card so he can have a movie theater in the basement?
OR are you happy that you both have friends to visit, dress and shoes to wear and that fit, a means of transportation to the party, and a house to live in?
I hope you choose the latter, but chances are you will be pulling out the credit card!! It’s natural to feel envious and jealous, but these are also 2 of the 7 deadly sins.
If we are constantly being jealous of others, how are we being thankful for what we have? God wants us to be like Paul and Job, who were content when they had everything and when they had nothing.
Comparing Our Worst To Someone Else’s Best
A celebrity once said that we need to stop comparing our worst to someone else’s best. That struck a nerve because it completely exposed what I have been doing for years.
I am a mother of four children. I lost all my pregnancy weight, but still have the mommy tummy and I am constantly looking at mothers with flat stomachs! I was sick of looking 4 months pregnant and my husband and I visited the plastic surgeon’s office for our free consultation about me getting a tummy tuck. I found out it would cost $5,000 for the procedure. I was ready to schedule my appointment. Two days later, I was laid off.
The only thing I can do now is change my mindset and be thankful that my body did what it needed to birth my healthy children.
Not being content with the blessings God has given us has cost many people hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
Trying to keep up the Jones almost cost me $5,000. How much has it cost you?
Money Can’t Buy Happiness
Now, let me tell you something about the Jones, they are in debt up to their eyeballs.
My husband was a mortgage consultant for over 5 years before he went into banking and worked in a very upscale neighborhood.
Many customers, who made well over $200K, were looking to either refinance their home, get a HELOC, or cash out just to pay off their $100,000 credit card bill.
To make matter worse, during the application process, many husbands learned about their wives spending habits and would end up divorced.
The Jones might have every material possession imaginable, but are they happy? NO, because money does not buy happiness; if it did celebrities would not divorce as often as they do…think about it.
To be clear, there is nothing wrong with having money, the problem is when money has you.
Do you really need the 5,000 square foot house, a $40K wedding, a new Coach bag, the 65″ TV, the newest Apple device, or the trophy Starbuck’s cup?
I can go on and on, but I think you get the point. All these unnecessary materialistic possessions will cost a small fortune.
Saving Money Is Like Going On A Diet
Saving money can be compared to dieting. It is a slow process and you will begin to see changes immediately if done right. BUT, if you are not mentally prepared and committed to eat right AND exercise then all your efforts will be in vain.
The same applies to money. In order to reach financial security you have to save more AND spend less. You might be able to save the money, but will you go off and spend what you have saved as soon as your friend buys a TV bigger than yours or your girlfriends flaunt a new pair of Jimmy Choo sandals.
The act of being content is a challenge that one cannot face alone.
Prayer is one of the most powerful tools God has given us, so use it. When you are feeling envious or jealous, pray for God to remove those thoughts and allow you to be more thankful and content for what you have.
Instead of thinking about everything you don’t have, think about everything you DO have. Be happy that you are alive, have a family, can see, hear, walk, talk, drive a car, have a car to drive, clothes in your closet, food in your refrigerator, water in your faucet, a computer to read this article, the money to pay for the internet, a bed to sleep in, sheets on the bed, and most important a God in Heaven to call Father.
When you see someone with something nice, be happy for them. Tell yourself that they work hard and God has blessed them and will bless you!
Last Updated on February 24, 2022 by Mark Ferguson
Getting a loan on one or two rentals is not difficult if you have good credit and a decent job. However, many banks will tell you it is impossible to get more than four loans. The fact is there are many ways to get loans on multiple rentals, but the big banks don’t like to do it. There are ways to get loans on 10, 20, or even 100 properties. There are traditional banks that will finance more than four properties and portfolio lenders that will lend on multiple properties if you know where to look. There are even national lenders that specialize in rental property loans who prefer to lend on huge packages of rentals. When you hear a bank tell you it is impossible to get a loan on more than four properties, they are only talking about their bank. Don’t give up hope!
What is a portfolio lender?
Local lenders who offer portfolio financing are another option (my favorite) for investors. It can take some research, time and networking to find a portfolio lender, but they have much looser lending guidelines. Portfolio lending means the bank is using their own money to fund deals, and they don’t have to use Fannie Mae guidelines. My portfolio lender has no limits on how many loans they will give to investors as long as they have the cash reserves and income to support the mortgages. They allow 20% down on those properties and don’t require your life’s history to give you the loan.
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There are some drawbacks with a portfolio lender. My local bank does not offer a 30 year fixed mortgage. They offer a 15 year fixed, a 5/30, or a 7/30 ARM (adjustable-rate mortgage). I prefer to use ARMs with a 30-year mortgage instead of 15-year mortgages because the payments are much lower, which gives me much more cash flow. I can save that cash flow and keep buying more and more rentals that make much more money than the 4% or 5% interest rates on the loans. It does not hurt me to get an ARM and it is so much easier working with a local bank than it is working with the big banks.
Every local bank will have different terms and rates when they lend money. Some will not offer 30-year loans, some will have balloon payments, and some will not want to lend on rentals at all. It can take some time and work to find great investor-friendly banks.
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Why don’t big banks like to lend on rentals?
I think long-term rental properties are one of the best investments. Part of my retirement strategy is buying as many long-term rental properties as I can. The problem with buying many properties is most lenders don’t like lending to an investor who already has four mortgages. Most big banks will tell you it is impossible for them to give the fifth mortgage to anyone. The big banks have strict policies about loaning to investors because their primary business is lending to owner-occupied buyers. There is no law that says they cannot give investors more loans, it is simply the bank’s policies.
Most big banks will sell their loans off to other banks or as mortgage-backed securities. Because they sell their loans and do not keep them in-house as a portfolio lender does, the big banks have much stricter guidelines.
When are big banks a good option?
I used a conventional loan to finance my first rental that was from Bank of America. The loan was not easy to get, but I got it. I am a real estate agent and it is tougher for self-employed people to get loans, especially right after the housing crash (2010)! It was a 30 year fixed rate loan with an interest rate of right around 4 percent and I had to put 20 percent down. It was a great loan and I wish I could have continued to get loans like that, but Bank of America would not lend to me after I had four loans in my name. When starting out with less than 4 mortgages a big bank may be a good option.
How to get started investing in rentals.
Can you get a conventional loan on more than four properties?
It is possible to finance more than four properties with a traditional bank. Technically Fannie Mae guidelines say investors should be able to get a loan for up to 10 properties. Even with these guidelines in place, many lenders still won’t finance more than four properties because it is too risky for their investors. If you are diligent and make enough calls you should be able to find a lender who will loan up to ten properties. If you want to try an easier route, call a mortgage broker who can help you find a lender who can get it done. These are the requirements for most lenders that will finance from four to ten properties.
Own between 5-10 residential properties with financing attached
Make a 25 percent down payment on the property; 30 percent for 2-4 unit
Minimum credit score of 720
No mortgage late payments within the last 12 months on any mortgage
No bankruptcies or foreclosures in the last 7 years
2 years of tax returns showing rental income from all rental properties
6 months of PITI reserves on each of the financed properties
These guidelines are much stricter than when you are getting a loan and have fewer than four mortgages.
Refinancing rentals
If you want to refinance any of your properties and you already have four mortgages, most banks will only allow a 70% loan to value ratio and probably won’t allow you to take any cash out. One of the keys to my rental strategy is being able to take cash out when refinancing my rentals. I then take that cash out money and invest in more rental properties. Lenders will say it is too risky to do a cash-out refinance for investors with more than four mortgages. In my opinion, if an investor has the cash to put 20% down and has the cash reserves needed, they are less risky than the first-time home buyer putting 3.5% or less down.
Just because the big banks will not do it, does not mean it is impossible to do! I have been able to complete many cash-out refinances with a 75% loan to value ratio with local banks. I have done this on residential and commercial rental properties.
How to find a great lender
In order to find a portfolio lender, it takes some work. The first step is to ask everyone you know in the real estate industry. Ask Realtors, lenders, title companies, property managers, and other investors. Local real estate investor clubs may be able to provide information on portfolio lenders as well. If you can’t find a portfolio lender through word of mouth, try calling local banks. Ask banks if they loan their own money, what their policies are for investors, and if they don’t offer the right terms ask them who might.
National lenders
There are some new programs available from national rental property lenders that are built for investors to get loans on their rental properties. The lenders base their loans on the properties, not the investors. They have slightly higher rates than conventional lenders but are a great option for those who cannot find other financing. They often are much easier to work with if you have a high debt to income ratio, bad credit, or other issues. They usually do not have any limit on the number of loans you can obtain.
If I ever run into a problem finding a local bank to finance my rentals, I would look into using some of the national companies to finance me.
You can see a list of some of the lenders here.
Conclusion
There are ways to finance more than four properties even though many people will tell you it is impossible. Try talking to a mortgage broker who can get you in touch with banks that will finance more than four properties. If you have a big goal like myself like buying 100 properties in the next ten years, then you will need a portfolio lender who will finance more than four, more than 10, and more than 20 properties.
By Peter Anderson6 Comments – The content of this website often contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you buy through those links (at no cost to you!). Learn more about how we make money. Last edited March 15, 2012.
Weekend Away
This past weekend my wife and I got away to the woods of Northern Wisconsin for a few days of fun and relaxation on the lake (see a picture of the lake below). My wife’s family used to own a beautiful cabin on a gorgeous lake near the town that we visited, and going there for vacation really got all the old memories flooding back of fun times at the cabin, and of being on the lake in her parent’s boat.
We walked through the town, and visited the cute little shops up and down main street. We ate lunch at an awesome outdoor cafe. We played mini-golf and rode the go-karts. We had a really good time. Then while we were sitting at dinner, we started dreaming about owning our own piece of lakeshore in this great little town.
Cabins, Boats And Other Things We Don’t Need
We talked about how we had always had such good times when we were at the cabin, and how some of our fondest memories of our young relationship had been out on the lake, and sitting on the dock at the lake house. We dreamed of buying our own piece of real estate on a lake in the area, and talked about how we could then get a boat, and store it there at the lake. We started thinking of all the ways we could make this piece of Wisconsin our own, and turn the summers at the cabin into a reality.
We even started looking around at places while we were driving around, thinking about how the market was down right now, and we could probably get a great deal on a cabin or townhouse on the lake right now. Prices are probably cheaper on lake real estate than they have been in years!
The cabin fever started creeping in, we really wanted to make the move!
In reading a post this morning on another blog, it looks like we’re not the only ones who were thinking about moving forward on a large goal, although I’m not sure I agree with how this person went about it (doing it without first talking to his wife).
Not Now, Maybe Later
After talking about it all weekend, we started to come to our senses and realize that we aren’t in any position to be buying a lake home right now. We still have a nice hefty mortgage on our principal residence, and adding another mortgage on a vacation home would just be silly. We realize that it just isn’t the right time for us to be buying a cabin.
On the other hand, I think it’s ok for us to dream, and set a future goal of one day owning a cabin on a lake. It is something that we enjoy, and that we could share with others. Is it something we can do right now? No. But it is something that can motivate us, and push us towards achieving in our professional lives? I think so. I wrote about using goals to motivate you a while back. Goals can have an extremely strong motivating power – and the funny thing is, a lot of the time once you are able to attain the goal, it doesn’t seem as important anymore.
So for us, I think that moving forward on a vacation home or a boat just aren’t good ideas right now. They will however be good motivating goals for us to work towards. Who knows, our views of living at the lake may change by the time we’re ready to go down that road ( I doubt it, I mean, look at that picture of the lake above? Doesn’t it just feel relaxing?). In the meantime having that goal will have a strong motivating pull for us, and will help us to reach our goals, whether it ends up being a cabin, or something else.
Do you have a big goal that you’re working towards attaining? Have you ever moved ahead on one of your large goals before you were ready, and were sorry later on because of it? Tell us about your big life goals, and how they have worked out for you.
Investing in real estate with commercial or residential properties can be a great way to grow your money. Commercial and residential real estate investments are very different and it takes time to learn the ins and outs of each. Commercial real estate may be a great investment for some, but I think residential real estate is an easier investment to understand. But if an investor is well versed in commercial and willing to work hard, you can make a lot of money with commercial real estate. I invest in residential properties and commercial properties.
What kind of rentals did I start investing in?
I have 20 long-term rental properties, and they have been great investments with great cash flow. Not only do my rental properties provide over $100,000 a year in cash flow, but they also have increased my net worth by $600,000 in the last 3.5 years. My first 16 rentals were residential properties, but I switched to commercial for my last purchases.
One reason I like residential rental properties is I am a real estate agent who specializes in residential properties. Because I deal with residential properties all day long, I know residential rentals better than I know commercial rentals. I know how to buy residential properties below market value and I know my rental market very well. I also invest in residential properties because in my area residential rental properties tend to give better returns than commercial rental properties.
Here is a video I put together on commercial versus residential rentals
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Is commercial or residential easier to invest in?
Buying a residential rental property is pretty simple once you learn your sales and rental markets. You need to know how much the house costs, what it will cost to repair, what it will be worth and what it will rent for. Even though residential rental properties can be simple, it still takes time to learn how to invest in them and make money.
Commercial properties, on the other hand, are much more complicated than residential rental properties. With commercial rental properties you need to know the same things as you do with residential rental properties, but figuring out those numbers is much more difficult. Factors that affect rent and value are the type of tenant that best suits your building, how long a lease is, how solid your tenant is and the future desirability of your building. All of this is important with residential, but much more so with commercial. The reason these factors are more important with commercial is they have a huge impact on the value of the property where a single-family residential property is valued off the demand of owner-occupied buyers.
How are commercial properties valued differently than residential?
Valuing a residential property is done by determining what other similar properties are selling for. Many more residential properties sell than commercial properties, and it is usually pretty easy to find sold residential properties that are similar to a house you own or are looking to buy. Valuing residential properties based on the sales of other residential properties is called the sales comparison approach.
Commercial properties are rarely valued using the comparison approach because there are much fewer commercial properties and it is hard to find similar properties that have sold recently. Most commercial properties are valued using the income approach, which is much more complicated than the sales comparison approach.
What is the income approach when valuing commercial properties?
The income approach uses the income a property generates to value a property. Most commercial properties are valued this way as well as some multifamily residential properties.
The income approach takes the profit a property makes per year and multiplies it by a cap rate to come up with the property’s value. I wrote a much more detailed article on cap rates here. The cap rate is not a set figure but varies in different parts of the country and for different types of properties. When you are buying commercial properties, it is very important to know the market cap rates.
I have a brand new book that is all about commercial real estate. Build a Commercial Rental Property Empire. The good, the bad, and the ugly. I go over all the details of investing in the commercial business and include 10 case studies on my own properties. You can get the book on Amazon.
What is a CAP rate?
If you have a 20,000 square foot warehouse leased for 10 years to a tenant with almost no risk of default, that cap rate will be different from an office building that is half vacant with mediocre tenants in the other half.
The cap rate will be lower for the property with the stable tenant because that tenant has a better chance of paying rent through his lease term and the lease is longer. The office building will have a higher cap rate because there is much more risk involved and it will take work to rent the vacant spaces. Cap rates will vary based on the type of tenant, the length of the lease, the credit rating of the tenant, the condition of the property and market conditions.
Why are commercial properties hard to value?
As you can see, valuing commercial rental properties can be very difficult. You must know the market cap rates for a building, a tenant, and your market. These cap rates are not always easy to figure if you are not very experienced in the commercial real estate market. If you overpay for a commercial building, it could be very hard to ever sell or refinance if needed. Properties that look like an awesome deal may be priced low due to a bad tenant or an uncertain future.
The other problem with valuing properties off the income approach is you are using information from the current owners for expenses and income. If the owner fudges his numbers or forgets a few expenses, the property will look much more valuable than it really is.
What is the most stable investment?
Everybody needs a place to live, but not everyone needs a store or wants to own a commercial investment property. Another reason residential properties are safer than commercial properties is there will always be a larger buyer pool for residential properties. Even when the market is bad people will buy houses or rent houses because they need a place to live.
In the commercial market, people may close their shops, work at home or get another job if the market turns bad. Commercial real estate investors may have trouble getting a commercial loan and will not buy in a down market. This means that it may be incredibly difficult to sell a commercial property in a down market; especially if it is vacant. In a down market, you may have to rent or sell a residential property for less money, but you may not be able to sell or rent a commercial property at all.
How are the leases different?
Longer leases can be a good thing for investors, but there is a reason commercial leases are longer. Commercial properties typically take longer to rent and are harder to rent than residential properties. Landlords want a longer lease in place on commercial properties, because of the difficulty in leasing commercial. When a commercial property goes vacant, it can stay vacant for months or even years. This is also why the cap rate varies so much with commercial. An investor has to consider how long the current lease is and how stable the current tenant is. A ten-year lease is great, but even ten-year tenants can go bankrupt and you are left with a vacant building. Since commercial buildings are usually very specific to the tenant, it could take a long time to lease or a lot of work to retrofit a building for a new tenant.
A commercial lease is not a straight one year lease with the tenant paying utilities and no pets. A commercial tenant has many lease options; a gross lease, triple net, double net, modified gross, etc. The explanations for the different types of leases can be found here. The cap rates will change again based on the types of lease and what costs the tenant is paying.
How is financing different?
It can be difficult financing residential properties, but there are many lenders who will loan on them. Typically you can get 15-year or 30-year loan on residential rental properties. With commercial properties, the loan amortization is going to be lower than 30 years and most commercial loans will have a balloon payment. A balloon payment means the entire balance of the loan will come due after a certain amount of time like 5 or 10 years. The investor must pay off the loan when the balloon payment comes due, which is not always easy. Many commercial investors count on being able to refinance their loans when a balloon payment is coming due, but that is not always possible. If the lending market becomes tighter, an investor’s financials change or the commercial market changes, it may not be possible to refinance.
How are commercial rentals a good investment?
Even though commercial real estate can be a very tricky business to be in, there is an opportunity to make a lot of money. There is no black and white valuations of commercial properties because there are so many factors to consider with cap rates. That means the people who really know what they are doing can spot good deals or a way to increase the cap rates on properties. If you have a property that is worth $200,000 based on a 10% cap rate, that means it is generating $20,000 a year in income. If you can create a more stable lease or rent to more attractive tenants that could lower the cap rate, that makes the property more valuable. If the property was generating $20,000 a year income and had an 8 percent cap rate it would be worth $250,000.
An investor could also find a better use for a commercial building, which may increase the income or lower the cap rate. A warehouse may not have a good cap rate in a certain market, because there are vacant warehouses all over. That warehouse could be turned into self-storage, which is in short supply increasing the income and lowering the cap rate. Increasing the value of a commercial property could be as simple as taking a vacant building and finding a good tenant on a long-term lease.
You can see a video of one of my commercial rentals here:
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Conclusion
For most investors, residential properties are much simpler and easier to understand than commercial properties. It takes a lot of time and experience to understand the commercial world and how it works in the market you want to buy in. I currently stay away from commercial properties, but I won’t rule out investing in them in the future. The most attractive part of commercial investing to me would be increasing the value of properties and quickly turning them like my residential fix and flips. There are so many unknowns with long-term commercial properties because lending can change, financing terms are different and the vacancies can last a long time.
When I wrote this article I had not bought any commercial properties. I have bought multiple properties in the last year. Commercial real estate is very complicated, but I have learned a ton over the last couple of years.
Moving is stressful on everyone, whether they’re children, middle-aged adults, or seniors. But uprooting a family is especially hard on children who heavily depend on familiarity. Leaving behind the neighborhood, friends, activities, and schools is upsetting and traumatic. You can make the process of moving less painful for your children by considering the timing of the move, breaking the news appropriately, and helping your kids adjust to their new school and neighborhood.
Timing the Move
When you’re moving with kids, it brings up an important question: should you move over the summer or during the school year? While it’s not always possible to choose the timing of your move, if you have a say-so, think about what would be best for you and your children, as there are pros and cons to both options.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
Moving during the summer gives children the opportunity to finish their current grade without interruption, say goodbye to friends, and start the new school year fresh. Some kids find it easier to make new friends and adjust to new surroundings when peers are doing the same thing. However, enrolling in summer activities can be hard because tryouts/signups have ended. Also, many families in the new neighborhoods may be gone because they’re traveling or involved in summer programs.
Moving during the school year means your children are immediately introduced to other children. They quickly establish a routine, making the transition much easier. School exposes children to many opportunities like clubs and sports, as well as familiarization with their new neighborhood, so being able to jump right in is helpful.
Breaking the News
How you tell your children about the upcoming move will depend on their ages. No matter the age of your children, be direct and positive about the move. Be upfront about what’s going to happen, how hard it’ll be, and what it means for them. Younger children may not understand what it means to move. Use the simplest terms when explaining what it means to relocate. Try drawing pictures, acting it out, or finding a book on the topic.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
Older children and teenagers may know what it means to move, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be understanding. They have established social lives, and will be understandably upset. Prepare yourself for complaints, accusations, or guilt trips. While you shouldn’t dismiss their emotions, show empathy with firmness. Acknowledge feelings while treating the move in a very matter-of-fact manner.
New Schools and New Friends
As a parent, finding a new school for your kids is one of the hardest parts of moving. Look online for resources that compare schools in the area to which you’re moving. For example, GreatSchools offers school ratings and reviews from parents. Help your children with the transition to a new school by visiting before classes start and giving them a chance to socialize with teachers and faculty.
Some children may need help fitting in and making connections. Hosting a get-together at your house introduces you to new neighbors and gives you the opportunity to find out about the same-aged children in the neighborhood. “Kids’ relationships can form quickly and are very portable, often moving from the living room into the classroom,” says GreatSchools.
Before, During, and After
During all points of the moving process, be sensitive to emotional changes in your children. Kids can fall into depression when dealing with major life changes. Watch for symptoms of irritability, low energy, social withdrawal, change in eating and/or sleeping patterns, and poor concentration. If you notice any signs, spend more time with your kids and talk to them about their feelings. You may need to seek advice from a child psychologist.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
When you talk about moving, and even after the move has occurred, focus on the good and keep a positive outlook. A parent’s attitude can have a great affect on the attitudes of the children. Expressing fear and disappointment are okay, but show your children how to deal with those emotions while also staying positive.
Relocating your family to a new home all the way across the country seems like a daunting task. Helping your children come to terms with the move and making the transition as smooth as possible is important. By trying to choose the best timing for your family, aptly discussing the move, and helping your kids adjust to their new school and neighborhood, you’re alleviating much of the stress for your children during your family’s big move.
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Live your best luxurious life with these apartments that will help you chill out better than if you went to a spa.
Getting downtime is so crucial, especially in a city like Boston. Everyone who lives here knows things move at a fast pace. Finding a place where you can unwind is ideal, so why not look for a Boston apartment that offers plenty of quiet and comfy spots?
No matter what neighborhood in Boston appeals to you, there are places with great amenities that include somewhere to grab a tranquil moment.
Which one of these places spells out serenity to you? We’ll prove that the best spas in Boston can be found right in your new home.
Source: Rent. / West Square
Finding the perfect little bit of green space in Boston, away from the foot traffic in the public parks isn’t easy, but West Square has an oasis that works. A lovely square of green at the center of the community sits among bushes and flowers, creating a meditative spot.
This green community, located on the south side of D Street – West Broadway, is not only close to the water but includes off-street parking, an entertainment lounge with fireplace and pet spa.
Source: Rent. / AVA Theater District
Take a breather in the funky lounge in AVA Theater District. This cool, colorful community offers up a nice space to chill in, with plenty of seating and a paneled accent wall for a little bit of zen. Bright colors follow the decor throughout this community where you’ll find neon coffee tables in the Sky Pavilion’s chill lounge and bright orange seating in the game room.
In an ideal Boston location, AVA Theater District, in the Central neighborhood, is close to Boston Common as well as the MBTA. The community also provides garage parking and is pet friendly.
Source: Rent. / Piano Craft Guild
A large green space attached to an apartment building is an amazing find, and this terraced, grassy area is a great addition to Piano Craft Guild. There’s nothing more soothing than soaking up the sun on warm days in this city. Mature trees offer some shade in this enclosed courtyard and the space is large enough to even entertain friends.
Within the close-knit, highly walkable South End, Piano Craft Guild is only a few blocks from the city center and comes complete with an infinity pool, Zen garden, study and fitness space.
Source: Rent. / The West End Apartments
Snuggle into the plush perfection of a soft green chair and lose yourself in your favorite movie at The West End Apartments. The theater room will immediately take you out of your day’s stresses. With plenty of chairs, you can even invite some friends to decompress with you.
Close to shopping, restaurants and pubs, with amazing views of Boston Harbor and the Charles River, this West End gem has plenty of other amenities to explore.
Source: Rent. / Mbh Apartments
Really good windows. Not just a few small rectangles here and there, but double-decker stacks of glass that take up almost an entire wall. It’s not every day this amazing feature shows up in an apartment, but when you have them, the views are spectacular and the increased levels of natural light can transform any room into a serene getaway. At Mbh Apartments, these huge windows, framed in black, have a cool and modern look, giving you excellent city views both day and night.
Situated in the Fenway neighborhood, this is one of the most perfect locations in Boston. You’re close to everything, including the iconic Green Monster in Fenway Park.
Source: Rent. / Garrison Square
The many brick buildings in Boston help give the city its particular look, so finding a nice apartment courtyard that combines greenery with bricked pathways creates a special space. At Garrison Square, the center courtyard has plenty of bushes and potted plants among some hardscaping and brickwork. A comfy couch and some patio chairs in a few seating areas provide ample space to just relax.
Nestled beside the Charles River, in Back Bay, the best part of living here is the location. You’re close to Copley Square and Newbury Street, giving you plenty of options when it comes to restaurants, bars and shops.
Source: Rent. / Avalon North Station
Take a breather with amazing city views in the plush lounge at Avalon North Station. This Central neighborhood community offers up a nice, open space that’s full of light, and plenty of seating. A small TV area allows you to decompress with friends over your favorite show, movie or sporting event as well.
This LEED Silver-certified building has plenty of amenities, including the Sky Pavilion Lounge. You’ll also find garage parking, a WAG pet spa, and fitness studio with on-demand programming all within steps of both the orange line and green line of the T.
Source: Rent. / The Alyx at EchelonSeaport
When you think of an apartment being better than a spa, how often do you consider the bathroom? You’ll be in it every day, so finding one with a spa-like feel is a huge win. At The Alyx at EchelonSeaport, bathrooms feel serene in clean white, soft hues of gray and weathered browns. If just a shower, frameless glass adds depth, and the tubs are a perfect size. Soft vertical lighting around the vanity mirror also adds a little something extra to this calm space.
As another apartment in D-Street – West Broadway, you’ll also find a dog run and play area, resident lounge, pool, courtyard and fitness center.
Source: Rent. / The Greenhouse Apartments
Living up to its name, you’ll feel instant zen once you walk into The Greenhouse Apartments. The bright lobby has, at its center, the perfect array of plants and flowers, setting the tone for relaxation. Once you go outside, there’s a large outdoor dining area surrounded by tall bushes and manicured grass.
For anyone wanting to live in Back Bay, this idyllic spot also features a rooftop deck with heated pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center and valet garage parking. Living here puts you close to the T and gives you some great city views.
Source: Rent. / 62 On the Park
It’s not every day that you find an apartment with an in-unit fireplace. The ability to end your day in front of a warm fire, finding true relaxation, is a huge perk in a city that gets as cold as Boston. 62 On the Park has you covered though with a stylish fireplace tucked into the corner of the large living room.
There’s plenty of historical charm to this Central community that’s close to the green, orange and red MBTA lines. You’re also right beside Boston Common. It’s a fantastic Boston location to call home.
Find the best spas in Boston right at home
Thinking about it long and hard, what Boston apartment amenities are most important to you? Is it somewhere you can relax, the perfect fitness center or a huge, sparkling pool? Maybe it’s all three.
No matter what tops your list, always be on the lookout for extra space that shouts comfort. You’ll appreciate having a home to go to that’s more than just the actual apartment you live in.
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