The ability to purchase a home is a bittersweet reward. You spend so much time and energy planning and saving, but then the burden of the details weighs on your conscience. Before diving into the logistics, scale back the scope to the things within your control and let the rest go.
Location
It would not make sense to invest thousands of dollars into a home that did not fit your lifestyle. Considering all the changes the market experienced with the pandemic, individual lifestyles underwent makeovers to accommodate new demands.
Before you sign, seal, and deliver your offer, there are a few helpful considerations when buying a house regarding its location. There is a lot of decision-making and thought that goes into where you lay your roots down. It’s essential to factor in things like:
Commute to work – Are you grounded with remote work, or do you continue to travel to the office?
School systems – Are the schools in the area what you would prefer?
Community – Does the neighborhood have social groups that fit your interests? Is it close to the things you need?
Finances
Potentially a more crucial aspect to homebuying in 2021 is the financial aspect. Many people experienced job change or movement in 2020 due to the pandemic and now face new challenges on a day-to-day basis. If you’re looking to sell and rebuy, the good news is it is a seller’s market.
On the flip side of the coin, a first-time homebuyer will experience increased struggle with a continuously fluctuating supply and demand. No matter your current status, it is dog-eat-dog as of late. Using your finances to leverage your options is the safest way to secure the purchase with the location you prefer. Pay special attention to:
Down payment
Mortgage rates
Job security
Maintenance
After accounting for the finances and declaring specific location needs, you will need to ensure you are not “house poor” once you move in. What does that mean? All your income, disposable and non-disposable, is thrown into the house on renovations and repairs.
The condition and general age of the home you wish to purchase will determine many things for your pocketbook. On top of the mortgage, homeowners’ insurance is a monthly expense that you want to guarantee you invest into wisely. Put this near the top of your list of to-dos before buying. The last thing you want is a sewer line issue the week you move in and a complete lack of coverage or savings.
The list of helpful considerations when buying a house is potentially endless. Narrowing it down to the most important things to you and your family will help you go into the process with a broader spectrum of understanding. The real estate market is everchanging, but these factors almost always apply.
Winter storms are sweeping across the US, bringing snow emergencies in the Northeast and flooding in the Pacific Northwest. Stay safe with driving tips, shelter resources, and pet care guidance, plus direct links to emergency services.
Use official sources for live alerts and road conditions. Follow your local authorities' advice and guidance immediately by staying off roads or evacuating.
Current situation across the United States
Severe winter weather is affecting multiple regions across the country. In the Northeast, heavy snow and ice are creating hazardous travel conditions, while the Pacific Northwest is dealing with widespread flooding, evacuations, saturated ground, and powerful winds. Staying prepared, remaining aware of conditions, and knowing where to find shelter are essential for keeping both people and pets safe.
In industries where a fraction of a millimeter can mean the difference between success and failure, precision is everything. From the sleek curves of an aerospace fuselage to the intricate components of a medical device, the ability to cut metal with exacting accuracy is the backbone of modern manufacturing.
Older urban buildings carry a unique character, from ornate facades to intricate interior details. These qualities create both charm and responsibility for residents, property managers, and city planners.
As communities gather this Sunday, December 7th, to remember, we look back at a single morning that reshaped a nation, examine the causes and consequences of the attack, and reflect on how Hawai‘i and the world carried forward the work of healing and reconciliation.
A Morning That Changed the World
On a clear morning that remains etched into the pages of history, aircraft appeared over Pearl Harbor and the United States Pacific Fleet was struck in a surprise assault. In fewer than two hours, battleships burned, aircraft were destroyed on the ground, and more than 2,400 American service members and civilians lost their lives. The attack thrust the United States into the global conflict of World War II and set in motion a series of events that would transform both the Pacific and the world.
Hitting the open road brings a sense of freedom, but it also brings the challenge of packing. You likely want to bring everything you need without compromising safety or comfort inside the vehicle. However, improperly secured loads can lead to lost luggage and cause serious safety hazards for other drivers on the road.
