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Remote work lets you earn a high-cost-area salary while living in a low-cost area. For example, keeping a $100K San Francisco tech salary while moving to Austin saves $20K+ annually on housing alon...
Read moreMinor renovations typically have the best returns: garage door replacement (85-100% ROI), entry door replacement (90-100% ROI), and minor kitchen remodels (85-96% ROI). These projects cost less and...
Read moreFocus on high-ROI projects if selling within 1-3 years: fresh paint, minor kitchen/bathroom updates, curb appeal improvements, and necessary repairs (roof, HVAC). Skip major luxury renovationsâyou ...
Read moreResearch comparable home sales in your neighborhood. If most homes sell for $300-400K, don't add $150K in renovations expecting a $550K sale priceâbuyers at that level shop in different neighborhoo...
Read moreRenovate for resale if selling within 5 yearsâfocus on high-ROI projects (80%+ returns). Renovate for enjoyment if staying 10+ yearsâthe daily quality-of-life value outweighs resale concerns. A $10...
Read moreNo, renovation ROI varies by region. For example, the Northeast sees better returns on exterior projects, while the South benefits from HVAC upgrades, and the West excels with outdoor spaces. Alway...
Read moreTypical markets see 3%â5% increases. Rentâcontrolled areas may cap increases near 2%â4%, while hot markets can hit 5%â7%+ in some years.
Read moreYour rent adjusts by the inflation rate (CPI). For example, if CPI is 3.2% and your rent is $2,000, next year becomes ~$2,064. Some leases add a base (e.g., 2% + CPI) or include caps.
Read moreCommonly 30â60 days in the U.S., with longer notice for increases over 10% in some states (e.g., California requires 90 days over 10%). Always check local laws.
Read moreCompare moving costs ($3,000â$8,000 typical) vs. the annual increase. A $100/month increase equals $1,200/year; youâd need 2â5+ years of savings at the new place to break even.
Read moreShow comparable rents, highlight your onâtime history, offer a longer lease, and ask for a cap (e.g., 3%â4%). Timing mattersâstart 60â90 days before renewal.
Read moreYou typically need to stay 5-7 years to break even on buying costs, but it can be as short as 3-4 years in high-appreciation areas or 7-10 years in flat markets. Use our calculator to find your spe...
Read moreBeyond mortgage, budget for: property taxes (1-2% of home value annually), insurance ($1,500-3,000/year), maintenance (1-2% of home value or $2,000-8,000/year), HOA fees ($200-500/month in many are...
Read moreRenting is often better when: you plan to move within 3-5 years, you're in a high-cost housing market with expensive homes, you lack a 20% down payment (avoiding PMI), you value flexibility and wan...
Read moreAppreciation dramatically favors buying. At 3% annual appreciation on a $400K home, you gain $12K/year in equity. However, appreciation isn't guaranteed and varies by market. In flat or declining m...
Read moreBuying with uncertainty is risky. Transaction costs (6-10% of home value including closing costs, realtor fees, and moving costs) mean you need appreciation or years of equity building to break eve...
Read moreA score of 80+ typically indicates strong readiness based on savings trajectory, income sources, and Monte Carlo success rates. Scores 60â79 suggest moderate gaps to close via higher savings, later...
Read moreUse the Savings Gap tab: increasing contributions by 2â5% of salary can close sixâfigure gaps over 15â20 years. Employer match dollars are especially powerfulâalways capture the full match before o...
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