Looking For A New Property? Make Sure You Get The Most Important Decision Of Your Life Right!

Today's guest post could not be more timely since we have been house hunting online for ... well, seems like FOREVER! We've been seriously looking for at least 3 months but nothing in our price range with what we want is coming up. It's true that this is one financial and life decision that you have to get right! Read on ...

It’s unlikely that you’ll ever spend more money on a single transaction than when you buy a house. If you’re moving, or you’re buying your first home, it’s important to choose the right property. Here are some hints to make sure you get the most important decision of your life right.

Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/106574022@N04/10489414535

Before you start looking

Before you start scanning websites for brochures or contacting agents, get your finances in order. It’s essential that you know how you much you have to put down, and how much you could borrow. Most people take out a mortgage to buy a home. The amount you can borrow will be subject to your income and the value of your deposit. There are various factors, which may affect your ability to take out a mortgage. These include a bad credit score, a poor financial track record or criminal convictions.

If you want to apply for a mortgage, do some research first. Find out what different providers and lenders can offer you. Work out which terms suit you best. Seek advice from financial experts. Arrange an appointment or call California mortgage advisors, for example. Always make sure you have a concrete offer in place before you arrange any viewings.

It’s always wise to work out your budget before you buy a house. Once you have some mortgage offers on the table, calculate what this means for your finances. Would your mortgage be more or less than the rent you currently pay? Can you afford to spend more to secure your dream home? Do you earn enough to cover your mortgage, bills, and additional living costs? Sit down with a pen and paper, or a spreadsheet, and work out exactly what’s going in and what’s coming out. When you have a solid budget in place, you can decide which offer is best and start your property search.

Image credit https://www.flickr.com/photos/68751915@N05/6757849129

Searching for properties

It’s rare just to stumble across the home of your dreams when you’re driving by. This is possible, but most people find their new home through real estate agents. Perhaps the most important factor in your search is location. Where do you want to live? How big is your search area? Is there any flexibility? Once you’ve got an area pinned down, contact local agents. Look through their brochures and keep an eye on their websites. Keep in touch, so that you hear about new properties and developments as soon as possible. As well as contacting individual agents, you can also use specialist property websites to view homes for sale in specific areas. If you like the look of a property, you simply click on the details, and you’ll find contact information to book a viewing.

When it comes to location, you may need to compromise. If you’re desperate to live in a specific village or town, you may be waiting a long time for the right home to become available. If you’re not in a hurry, this may not be a problem. But if you’re keen to move or get on the property ladder sooner rather than later, you may have to change tact. Expanding your search area can give you a much wider range of options. It’s also worth bearing in mind that prices are likely to be higher in places where properties aren’t widely available.

If you’re flexible when it comes to location, think about practical matters when you’re looking for suitable options. How close do you want to be to work? If you have kids, are there good schools in the areas you’re considering? Are you near transport links.

Other factors that may influence your search include the age and style of the property, the outdoor space, and of course, the price. When you’re using online searches, set a budget. There’s little point in wasting time looking at fantasy homes that are way out of your financial league. Focus on homes that fit your criteria. You may have a vision of your perfect home, but don’t write everything else off. You may be surprised at what you actually like when you start looking around houses. You may have always wanted an old house packed with character and charm, but you might end up falling for a modern, spacious home. Keep an open mind, especially in the early stages.

Image via https://pixabay.com/en/photos/open%20sign/

What to look for when you view homes

Viewings enable you to have a good look around and think about whether properties tick the boxes and suit your lifestyle. You can get an idea of what a house looks like from a printed guide or website. But you don’t get a feel for it, and the dimensions can be deceptive. A house may look completely different in real life to the way it looks online. For most of us, a property also has to feel right. Sometimes, within seconds, you just know whether this is the right house for you or not. It’s always a good idea to use your instincts, but there are practical matters to consider too.

When you arrange a viewing, take your time to go around the house and look properly. Don’t just fly around the main rooms and then take a look at the garden from the back door. Go into every room, check out the size and think about how it would suit your family. Is there enough space? Are you happy with the layout?

It’s essential to look for warning signs when you’re searching for a new home. You don’t want to fall in love with a house to then find numerous issues flagged up in a survey. Look out for signs of damp, such as wet patches on the wall or an unpleasant smell. Keep an eye out for cracks in the walls or ceilings and damaged roof tiles.

Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/75491103@N00/4613680738

Arranging a second viewing

It’s impossible to take everything in the first time you visit a property. This is where second viewings come in handy. Arm yourself with a list of questions and queries. Sometimes, you’ll feel differently the second time you see a home. You may notice things you didn’t see last time, or you might find faults. If you saw the house on a lovely sunny day and you return in wind and rain, and you still love it, this is a good sign. If you don’t get that same positive feeling when you pull up outside, maybe it’s not the house for you.

There’s no limit to the number of times you can view a property before you decide whether or not to make an offer. If you feel like you need another nosey around, don’t be afraid to call the agent and ask. It’s essential that you’re certain about the decision you make. The only time you can’t afford to take your time is when the house has already attracted a lot of attention. In this case, when there are other parties interested, it may be wise to act quickly.

Image taken from https://www.flickr.com/photos/106574022@N04/11415768965

Making an offer and getting the best price

If you decide you want to make an offer, think carefully about the figure you put forward. If you can, try and negotiate a saving on the asking price. Has the property been up for sale for a long time? Are the owners keen to sell quickly? If so, you could put in a lower offer. If it gets rejected, you can then increase it. If the property is under offer already and there are other people interested, it may be best to go in high. If your offer is accepted, ask your agent to contact the seller and take the house off the open market. Maintaining a good relationship with your agent will come in handy when you make an offer. They can give you an insight into the expected sale price and give you information about other offers on the table. They will also take charge of the negotiations for you.

Be prepared to be patient when you’re buying a house. The process can take time, and there may be a lot of waiting around.

Image by https://www.flickr.com/photos/125445169@N05/14552602478

A house is probably the most expensive thing you’ll ever buy. If you’re looking to move or buy your first home, don’t rush into anything. It’s easy to get carried away and start looking at properties before you’ve even worked out a budget. Try and make sure you have your finances in order first. Work out what you have available, and how much you can afford to borrow. Try to avoid overstretching yourself. You don’t want to be struggling at the end of every month. Plan your search, and don’t rule anything out just because it’s not your dream home on paper. Go and see some houses, and then make a decision. You’ll get a much better idea about what you’re looking for once you’ve seen a few different options. If you think you’ve fallen head over heels for a home, arrange a second viewing. If you feel the same, and it’s a winner for both your head and your heart, consider making an offer. Think carefully about the price you want to pay, and try and be patient.

Image courtesy of https://www.flickr.com/photos/thespeakernews/24387071583

Choosing a Luxury Cruise is as Easy as 1, 2, 3

I have travel on my mind for sure and I have always been in love with the ocean! Today's guest post talks about luxury cruises!!!

(Photo: https://goo.gl/hrS3SL)

There are many ways for you to experience luxury travel. Some people like to take to the skies in a private jet and spend some time on a hot tropical island. Others prefer a more nautical adventure and opt for a luxury cruise.

If you fancy going on a cruise, then you have a big decision to make. You must figure out which cruise is best for you, and the most luxurious! Here are some tips to help you make this choice:

Decide How Long You Want To Go For

If you want to go on a cruise, you have to think about time. How long do you want to go away for? Understandably, some people may be unable to go away for long periods. Maybe you have work commitments that restrict you to a week or two away? Or, you’ve got enough time in the world and can go for a month? The fact is, your decision is going to affect the cruises that you’re looking at. If you can only go away for a couple of weeks, then you won’t be able to journey too far. You’ll end up restricted to cruises that go to places within that timeframe. So, some of the big luxury cruises that take you around continents are out of the question.

But, if you can go away for a long time, then your options are wide open. You can choose a cruise that’s as short or long as you like. Personally, if you have the time to go away for a month, you may as well make the most of it. One of the best things about cruises is that they let you see so many cool places on the journey. I’d pick one that takes you around as many countries as possible, so you get more bang for your buck. Plus, the longer cruises tend to be on the most luxury cruise ships out there. So, you’ll have an extra element of class to your trip as well.

Check What Others Think

Before you spend lots of money on a luxury cruise, it pays to see what others think about it. To do this, you have a couple of options. Firstly, search for the cruise online and look at any reviews. If a cruise is good or bad, people generally let the world know. In fact, if it’s really bad, then everyone will be made aware of it. Remember, we’re talking about luxury cruises here, the best of the best. So, you imagine that all of them should be good, right? This means that if a cruise you’re looking at gets anything less than five-star reviews, you should shy away from it.

The second option you have is to look at some forums online. There are plenty of sites out there, like Bolsover Cruise Forum where people come together to share their views. Look for any posts about the cruises you’re considering, and see what people say. Typically, a forum is where you get the most detailed analysis. Plus, you can ask people what they think about a cruise and what they recommend you do while on it. All of this can help you make the right decision, and go on the best luxury cruise ever.

Find Out The Special Features Of The Cruise

Every cruise will have a few special features that set it apart from the rest. It’s your task to find out what features are on different cruises. Then, you can work out which one is best for you, and will provide the most entertainment. This depends a lot on personal preference. For example, someone that enjoys fine dining will want a cruise with loads of top-class restaurants. That’s the main feature they’ll be looking for above anyone else. People that want to be entertained and like going out at night will want a cruise with plenty of late-night entertainment. You can already see that certain cruises might suit certain people more than others.

Also, some cruises have special events on at different nights. Pay close attention and see if your cruise has any special parties or events during your trip. This could be what pushes one luxury cruise above the others. Of course, you have to look at other features too, like accommodation. Find out what the rooms are like on each cruise ship, and choose the best one. After all, you want to be comfortable during your stay. When you’re paying a lot of money for a luxury cruise, you want the basic and special features to be as good as possible.

By following this advice, you’ll soon find the best luxury cruise for your tastes!

Don't Limit Yourself: Accessing Websites When You're Traveling

Today's guest post hit home because (a) we are a family who loves to travel and (b) if I couldn't get on Facebook to share pictures from our cool travel, there would be wailing and gnashing of teeth in my hotel room and (c) if my husband and son couldn't get onto our streaming movie site to watch Daredevil ... see wailing and gnashing of teeth above (just kidding, babe!).

Image credit: pixabay

Life is busy, filled with work and activities you enjoy and family and friends you love. Everything you do, you try to do to the best of your ability; you work hard, and you take your downtime just as seriously. Even when you're simply watching your favorite television shows, listening to music, or enjoying social media sites, you want to relax with the specific activities you enjoy.

You can Find Anything on the Internet

You can find just about anything imaginable on the Internet. Having Internet coverage that continually gives you access to favorite websites is a major part of your entertainment plan every month. Some people bowl but, for you, having a good connection to the places on the web helps you relax.

This shouldn't change when you travel. Whether you are in the next town, across the country, or around the world, you want to be sure you are not limiting yourself in what websites you can access when traveling.

What if What You Want to Watch is Blocked?

Unfortunately, specific websites are blocked in some places. You may find yourself—at the end of a long day that you're ready to forget—unable to access the entertainment you were hoping to include in your evening plans.

Some websites that you may find yourself blocked from include:

• NFL Rewind: Sports fanatics who enjoy watching the NFL can watch games they might otherwise miss if they can pull up the site without any problems.
• Netflix: With a wide range of movies and TV shows, Netflix is a great source of entertainment and definitely one you want unblocked.
• Facebook: Let's face it, Facebook is a predominant force of social media and a way in which many people unwind and stay connected with people all over the world. Being unable to access this site could be a source of frustration rather than one of relaxation.
• iHeart Radio: Streaming music can be a great way to simply ease away the stresses of any day. iHeart Radio is a fine source for music you love, so not being able to access it because it is blocked would be irritating.

In these cases (and others), you should have a plan that will allow you to unblock blocked websites and give you the freedom to be entertained, as you deserve.  

What do You Look for in a Service that Unblocks?

When considering the best way to ensure access to blocked websites, things you should always look for in the service provider include:

• Connectivity to Unlimited Speed and Bandwidth
• Global reach
• Live Customer Support 24 Hours per day
• A Proven Track Record
• A Wide Range of Websites
• Accessibility from Multiple Devices

Keep these standards of excellence in mind as you prepare for your next round of travel, taking your favorite Internet sites with you wherever you go.

Freeing Up Time And Increasing Energy Levels To Allow You To Enjoy Life More

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Picture the scene. You wake up one morning and have one of the best days of your life. It begins early, ends late, and consists of loads of fun things that make you happy. This might be taking the kids to a theme park, or going to a spa with your girlfriends, for example. It would consist of all of your favorite food and drinks, and your favorite music would be playing the whole time too. When you looked back in the future, you’d say to yourself, ‘That was the best day of my life!’

Now ask yourself this. If that exact day happened tomorrow, what would be the things that would hold you back from enjoying yourself 100%?

There is a very large chance that you might answer with any of the following points, or even all of them.

“I’d be too tired doing all of that. The exhaustion would start to set in around 2 pm, and I’d be too wiped out to enjoy the evening!”

“To be honest, I’d spend the entire day thinking about all the housework and chores I wasn’t doing at home.”

Maybe you would even take it one step further, and can’t help considering the likelihood of it happening in the first place.

“It sounds fun, but it would never happen! I don’t have the money for those activities, and I wouldn’t get the time off work.”

Do any of these quotes sound like they could belong to you? If so, you’re not alone. Many busy moms (and dads) get so consumed by their current lives, anything different can seem too alien.

However, not all is lost. There are dozens of ways that you can both free up time and increase your own energy levels. Doing so means that you can enjoy your life more, as you should be doing.

Some of these methods will cost you money, while others will be free. But can you really put a price on time and having the energy to enjoy it fully? No!

The first thing you need to do is tackle the main time drains in your life. If this is cleaning the house, consider hiring the help of a company like DeluxeMaid. If this is providing healthy meals for your kids, looking into subscription services delivered to your door. If this is dropping your children at skill, set up a car-share scheme with locals whose kids go to the same school. You can see just from these three examples how there are solutions to pretty much all time drains. However, some of the things that are taking your time may be things you feel you cannot pass onto someone else. You may feel like you should shoulder the whole responsibility yourself. A prime example of this is caring for elderly loved ones or your parents. While you can still visit them weekly yourself, take some of the pressure and responsibility off yourself. You can do this by hiring professional home help.

As you can see, finding ways to pass on some of the responsibilities of life can be really effective. Getting back just a couple of hours each week means an extra two hours to chill and relax. Once you get this time back, however, make sure you use it for what it is supposed to be for. Using that free time to do an extra load of ironing is not the answer. Getting into bed with a favorite book, or watching a new movie on the sofa, is!

So, that’s some tackling of lack of free time dealt with. Let’s take a look at how you can increase your energy levels in general.

There are lots of obvious points we could make here. Eating less junk food means you can replace this with healthy items. These healthy things can act like batteries, that fuel you up and allow you to run properly. This is totally different to the effect that unhealthy foods can have. The chemicals, additives and excessive sugar and salt inside these things act like a poison. Getting more sleep is another obvious suggestion. And, as much as you may hate to admit it, exercise can be 100% responsible for an increase in energy also.  

But we all know about these suggestions. However, there are so many things that can get in the way of doing your best in each of these areas every day. For starters, you may be too busy one day to make yourself a delicious salad. A fast food drive through may be the thing you need to grab for your lunch. A big deadline at work, a colicky baby or a poorly teenager might give you a sleepless night. And once again, a lack of time may mean that a 2-hour jog or gym session simply isn’t viable.

So, how can you increase your energy levels in other ways? One fantastic method for the darker, winter months is to invest in a SAD light. This mimics the same effect of natural sunlight, which we all lack when the sun doesn’t come out to play. Another minimal effort suggestion is to replace your unhealthy snack drawer with a healthy one. Throw out those potato chips and candy bars. Replace with boxes of nuts, dried fruit, and canned fruit. If you’re hungry and don’t have unhealthy items to hand, you’ll reach for the healthier ones instead. Going back to exercise for a minute, you can make really small changes to your daily routine. So don’t try and join a gym and go five times a week. Just walk to work one day per week. Take the stairs when you get there and be the one to offer to make a round of tea and coffee. Even just a touch more activity in your average day will build up over the week and start to make a difference.

As you can now see, there are ways you can free up your time and increase your energy levels. Why? Because that ‘best day of your life’ we talked about could be just around the corner. It could be next week or tomorrow! Be sure you’re as ready and raring for it as you can be!

What Are the Effects of a Bad Credit Score?

Today's guest post is about a topic dear to my heart: money. I am proud to say my hot financially smart husband and I have always paid our bills on time and so we both have amazing credit scores. I am teaching my daughters to make sure they marry a guy with a high credit score because, ladies, SECURITY IS SEXY! (and no, I was not always smart with money and there was a time in my young years when I was bouncing checks all over Kansas City, but that's a story for another day and I definitely learned from that!)

Anyway, a good credit score is what got me my dream vehicle. And a good credit score is what got us pre-approved to get our house in the country ... when it finally goes on the market and I'm hoping it's this one again and that it's a flipping STEAL!

Do whatever it takes to pay your bills on time, don't max out your credit cards and then pay them off a tiny bit at a time, don't buy more crap than you can pay for. And if you do, get yourself a second and third job and knock it out. Rant over.

Pic via Flickr

We are always being told how important it is to have a healthy credit score. But many of us don’t really understand why it is so important. If you didn’t know, your credit reports and score provide information on your financial history. This includes late repayments, applications for credit, and debts you may have. If there are too many negative factors, it can lower your score and prevent loan approvals. This can stop you from becoming a homeowner or keep you from being able to pay off your debts.

A bad credit score will affect not only your financial situation but could put areas in your personal life at risk too. If you’re not convinced that a credit score is something you should worry about, here are some negative effects you should read through.

Strain on your relationship

If you or your partner has a poor credit score, it can put a huge strain on your relationship. You might not be able to get approval for a mortgage which could mean you have to put your plans for children on hold. Or you might unintentionally lower their score by falling behind on payments on a joint loan or credit card. Your credit score might even prevent you from getting a phone contract which can stop you from communicating regularly. If you don’t attempt to boost your credit score, it’s likely your relationship will breakdown as a result. Talk to your partner openly about your score and work together to start improving it.

Pic via Pixabay

Difficulties renting a property

A bad credit score can prevent you from getting a mortgage to buy a home. But it can also stop you from renting a property too. It’s not uncommon for landlords to check the credit scores of new tenants. Those will poor scores will be considered a risk and less likely to pay their rent and bills on time. Understandably some landlords can be put off by this, and you may be limited to where you can live. If your current lease is coming to an end soon, you may need to contact fast credit repair services to see if they can assist you. Otherwise, you may find that your family has nowhere to go.

Higher interest rates

There are companies out there who pride themselves on offering loans to people with bad credit scores. While this may seem like an ideal solution, it doesn’t always work in your favor. Often these companies will offer loans with sky-high interest rates, meaning you have to pay a lot more than you initially borrowed. Many of them will have restrictions on how the money is spent and the timeline for repayment too. This is often why financial advisors will recommend against applying for a loan through these companies. If you aren’t able to abide by their terms or pay off the interest, your home and belongings could be at risk.

If you want to avoid these bad credit effects, check your score online and start improving your score if need be. Even though you may not need a loan now, you may in the future.

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