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admin — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 11:00:48 +0000

Thomas asks…

Appliance Repair Guys: How much of a labor charge would it take to replace a Microwave’s Magnetron?

I can’t seem to get an answer from anybody…they all want to charge me a service call to have their guy come out and tell me what’s wrong with the machine. I just want to know if it’s going to be an expensive labor charge, or a cheap one! The part is covered by warranty, but if it’s $250 in labor, then I’ll just buy a new one! It’s an Over-the-Range GE Profile, by the way….I installed it originally, so I could have it down and on the counter, or bring it in to the service center. Could I do the repair myself? Thanks in advance, Greg, aka tonevault

admin answers:

Dear Greg,

Are you sure it’s the Magnetron? How do you know it’s not the fuse? If it turns on and runs then you could be right. Make sure it’s not a $2 fuse. In that case I’ll send you a $100 fuse from California – shipping free lol

This link will tell you how to test it yourself.

Good luck.

Repaired my own with a fuse – twice LOL and I wanted a new one soooo bad. Darn thing lasted almost 25 years.

Not a Guy but a smart repair Girl.

Helen asks…

Can a stronger magnetron be put in a 1996 GE Profile Microwave/Convection oven?

This is an over the range model JVM1090AW001. The repair man said that the original replacement part isn’t made now. He wants to put in a stronger magnetron (1000?). I think the original is 600. The appliance looks new and matches the color of other appliances.

admin answers:

This is an area in electronics for which I have no experience. I believe that the power output by the magnetron is determined by the circuit it is used in, and by the power supply that provides power to it. It is not determined by the magnetron itself. However, if the rating of the magnetron is too small, it will overheat and fail prematurely.

Putting a “stronger” magnetron in the microwave is probably OK, in the same sense that putting a larger radiator in your car is OK, as long as it fits. It will just operate cooler because it is not being stressed as highly. Parts substitution is commonplace in both the appliance and automotive businesses. If it shows up in the catalog or parts list, it is OK to use.

Sears sells parts online for many manufacturers including GE. Their web site indicates that the replacement part number for the magnetron is WB27X10585:

http://www3.sears.com/scripts/webparts.dll?Pricing?Count=1&Parts=PartNum0%3DWB27X0706%26Div0%3D0022%26Pls0%3D364%26imageKey0%3D1428%26suffix0%3DNA%26&partsreportid=0

The price through Sears is $119.96.

Partstore.com sells it for $86.00:

http://www.partstore.com/Part/General%20Electric/General%20Electric/WB27X10585.aspx?s=sspro

There is an ebay store that has it for $68.99:
http://cgi.ebay.com/G-E-Microwave-Magnitron-WB27X10585-NEW_W0QQitemZ7599218926QQihZ017QQcategoryZ20715QQcmdZViewItem

Paul asks…

Appliance question- where to buy a new stovetop?

I have a GE oven with 4 gas burners. Its not so old, but the stovetop casing has been tested. I would love to buy just a new covering if that’s possible, but no one at Home Depot knows what to do about this and I’m not sure where to buy just that part. Why replace the whole oven/stove? And trust me I’ve tried cleaning it the best I can.

admin answers:

I would contact GE. If there was no unreasonable use of the stove, or external cause of damage, then there may be a manufacturing defect. At the very least they should be able to tell you how to effectively clean it.

Here is the link to their customer service site.

Http://www.geappliances.com/service_and_support/service/schedule_service.htm

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admin — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 11:00:43 +0000

Jenny asks…

Where can I purchase the cheapest “ceramic glass” replacement piece for a smooth top stove?

Kenmore Smooth Top Range/Oven. The glass top of my range is badly cracked. Sears charges $300 to replace the glass and $150 for installation. Is there a salvation yard, damaged appliance store, glass company where I could buy the part cheaper? Otherwise, it seems wiser to buy another stove/oven without a glass smoothtop.

admin answers:

YOU ARE PROBABLY CORRECT. YOU WON’T FIND ONE IN USED ANYWHERE. AND-THEY REALLY ARE NOT EASY TO REPLACE. I THINK THE BEST IS TO REPLACE WITH A NEW RANGE AND I WOULD NOT BUY A GLASSTOP RANGE. IF YOU HAVE A CHOICE STAY AWAY FROM DIGITAL READOUTS AND THERMOSTATS SINCE WHEN ONE GOES BAD YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF WONDERING WHETHER TO BUY A NEW RANGE.

Sandra asks…

Kitchen appliance trend: What should I do?

I am remodeling my kitchen. The cabinets will not be changed but the counter top, the floor and the walls are being redone. I will be using either granite or quartz for the counter. Tile floor and back splash. Painted walls.

My dilemma: my appliances are fairly new….but bisque in color. EVERY new kitchen I see in magazines, etc has stainless appliances, which I was not originally crazy about but I’ve grown to like (somewhat) perhaps because I’m now used to seeing them. I’ll be spending around $20 thousand (maybe more) for the redo, which is more than I originally wanted to spend. I am agonizing over the appliances. Will I regret not replacing the appliances if I keep the bisque? I don’t know. Will a remodel without replacing the appliances look cheap? (There is nothing wrong with what I have). Or is it money wasted if I buy new?

I realize I can keep them and buy new later if I change my mind. However, the color choices I make NOW are, in part, influenced by the appliances. My other fear is that I could buy the stainless now only for the trend to change AGAIN. I’ve noticed an increasing amount of black out there, too.

If you were me…what would YOU do? (I’m not rich…but I have some money to play with—but there are ALWAYS other places that money could go—other projects or better yet….in my savings account).

Advice?

admin answers:

I cant see bisque appliances being a color delema. Its pretty neutral and should go with almost everything.If their in good shape i cant see replacing them just for the sake of the remodel. I agree with you on the stainless and its very hard to keep clean as far as fingerprints go. I have black and like it but you have the fingerprint issue with black too. White is always in, and goes with everything. If I were you put the money in savings for now and see how you feel after the rest of the work is done. As you said you can always get them later. As a contractor I always warn people about getting colors that are “in” style. Remember Avocado and Wheat? Talk about ugly lol. Good luck with the remodel and do yourself a favor, hold back a bit of money till your satisfied with the job. Pay it all too soon and you may be sorry.
****** I agree with the first person who answered this but remember that tile countertops have grout lines that should be sealed every so often to keep them from getting stained

Linda asks…

Replace or repair garage door openers.?

Both garage door openers need repairs (they run but don’t engage the chain). The service call is not cheap, and parts and labour have me wondering if I should just have new ones installed.

Are there sites that give the life expenctancy of appliances to help determine whether to repair or replace? Thanks.

admin answers:

If the motor is running but the chain doesn’t move, the drive gear inside is stripped. [I don't know where you live, but I'm in the Chicago area.] If they are Sears,Chamberlain,or Liftmaster, I usually charge around $45.00 per part, plus $75.00 service charge (I don’t charge double labor, nor should any reputable company.) More importantly is the cause of the problem. Make sure the garage doors are working properly. You should be able to open and close them manually, without excessive force. In the up position, they should stay up; in the down position they should stay on the ground. If not, the openers are woking far too hard and you should get professional service. If the machines are more than 10 years old, however, it’s not a bad idea to replace them both, since they will have all the safety features that older machines often didn’t have. New machines, depending on brand, should run you between $310.00 to $400.00 installed. I would recommend Liftmaster, Sears, or Chamberlain. Hope this helps.

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admin — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:00:48 +0000

Linda asks…

Should I ask my employer if I have disability coverage?

I work on call in a department store as a salesman. The company isn’t required to provide health insurance for me. However, I signed a statement saying that I had health insurance in order to apply for this job. Originally I was doing sales only.
During the recession, the store cut back on carry out staff that are expensive to keep working. They get union wages, more health coverage and disability.
During special discount sales on the weekends, the carry out work is understaffed. When a carry out person works an early shift or goes home early, or calls out sick, I have been asked to cover carryout work. Carrying items from the stock room to the customer’s car. We sell small appliances and mattresses as part of our department store so some items are heavy.
I have been working with a financial planner as I work several part time jobs and trying to start up my own business. The financial planner told me to ask the store what type of disability insurance I had, if any.
Several sales persons and managers have been fired at the store recently. Some full time sales persons, who are unionized, have refused to do carry out work, claiming that they do not have the coverage if they fell outside the store carrying items to a customer’s car or truck.
I am an on call associate. The company doesn’t even offer me basic health insurance. I am not in a union so I don’t have a stewart to file a grievance with.
The policy is that carry out work is to be done by the carry out staff. When they are not available, it is the manager’s responsibility. When the manager is not available, then the sales person who sold the items to the customer should carry out their customer’s items.
If the department manager in my department is a man, he will do it himself. If the manager is a woman, she will ask me to do it.
If I am working with other men, each man will carry out his own customer’s items. If I work with women, they will ask me. I have seen some of these ladies at Planet Fitness lifting 150 pound weights. But if they are asked to carry so much as a coffee cup to a customer’s car, they whine about their backs.
As an on call person, I don’t really have a job description. I am basically a “gofer.”
Should I ask my employer if I have disability coverage?
I am an American, not a Canadian. This department store that I work for on call does not provide even basic health insurance for me. I was expected to provide proof of my own health insurance before they hired me.
The permanent sales people are union and many of them have refused to do the carry out work claiming that they do not have the same level of coverage that the carry out staff do.

admin answers:

You can ask. But realistically, it is extremely rare, for any employer to have disability insurance for you, unless you are paying all, or part of the monthly premiums. So unless you specifically signed up for AFLAC or another disability supplement insurance, it would be doubtful.

Just check your payroll check statement. If you do have any disability insurance, it would show up as a deduction in your paycheck.

Charles asks…

who can offer me homework help?

For a business that makes advance provision for uncollectible receivables

(a)
Journalize the entries to record the following:

(1)
Record the adjusting entry at December 31, the end of the fiscal year, to provide for doubtful accounts. The accounts receivable account has a balance of $800,000, and the contra asset account before adjustment has a debit balance of $600. Analysis of the receivables indicates doubtful accounts of $20,000.

(2)
In March of the following fiscal year, the $550 owed by Flake Co. on account is written off as uncollectible.

(3)
Eight months later, $200 of the Flake Co. account is reinstated and payment of that amount is received.

(4)
In October, $400 is received on the $600 owed by Doe Co. and the remainder is written off as uncollectible.
(b)
Based on the data in (a) (1) above, what is the net realizable value of the accounts receivable as reported on the balance sheet as of December 31?
(c)
Assuming that the business had been following the direct write-off procedure in accounting for uncollectible receivables, journalize the entries to record the following:

(1)
Recorded the write-off of account of Flake Co. [(a) (2) above].

(2)
Reinstated account of Flake Co. for $200 and recorded payment of that amount received [(a) (3) above].

(3)
Recorded the receipt of $400 from Doe Co. in (a) (4) above and wrote off the remainder owed as uncollectible.

39. Equipment was acquired at the beginning of the year at a cost of $75,000. The equipment was
depreciated using the straight-line method based upon an estimated useful life of 6 years and an estimated
residual value of $7,500.

(a)
What was the depreciation for the first year?
(b)
Assuming the equipment was sold at the end of the second year for $57,000, determine the gain or loss on sale of the equipment.
(c)
Journalize the entry to record the sale.

40. Journalize the following entries on the books of Campbell Co. and Costello Co. for November 1, December 1, December 31, and March 1. Label the entries accordingly.

Nov. 1
Campbell Co. purchased merchandise for $60,000 on account from Costello Co., terms n/30.
Dec. 1
Campbell Co. issued a 90-day, 9% note for $60,000 on account.
31
Accrued interest on the note.
Mar. 1
Campbell Co. paid the amount due.

41. Mega Sales has Gross sales of $1,525,000.00. Of these sales, $1,175,000.00 were on accounts receivable. During the year of 2007 there were sales returns and allowances and sales discounts on sales made on account of $55,000.00. Mega Sales calculates that 6 1/2% of the period sales less sales returns and allowances and sales discounts will be uncollectible.

Calculate the net realizable value of sales and write the journal entry to recognize the period expense of uncollectible accounts.

42. On September 1, Miners Inc. signed a $150,000, 90-day discounted note at the bank. The discount rate was 10%, and the note was paid on November 30.

(a)
Journalize the entries for September 1 and November 30.
(b)
Assume that Miners Inc. signed a 10% note. Journalize the entries for September 1 and November 30.
(c)
Which of the two options is more favorable to the bank and why? Is the answer the same for Miners?

43. Electronics Company sold $150,000 of kitchen appliances during September under a 6 month warranty. The
cost to repair defects under the warranty is estimated at 6% of the sales price. On October 15 a customer
required a $200 part replacement, plus $85 labor under the warranty.

Provide the journal entry for (a.) the estimated expense on September 30 and (b.) the October 15 warranty
work.

44. Equipment purchased at the beginning of the fiscal year for $300,000 is expected to have a useful life of 5 years, or 15,000 operating hours, and a residual value of $30,000. Compute the depreciation for the first and second years of use by each of the following methods:

(a)
straight-line
(b)
units-of-production (5,500 hours first year; 3,250 hours second year)
(c)
declining-balance

(Round the answer to the nearest dollar.)

45. Determine the amount to be added to Allowance for Doubtful Accounts in each of the following
cases. Indicate the ending balance in each case.

(a)
Credit balance of $400 in the allowance account just prior to adjustment. Analysis of accounts receivable indicates doubtful accounts of $8,500.
(b)
Credit balance of $400 in the allowance account just prior to adjustment. Uncollectible accounts are estimated at 2% of sales, which totaled $1,000,000 for the year.

29 minutes ago – 3 days left to answer.

admin answers:

You really can’t expect somebody to do all of that for you.

George asks…

FHA 203k Loan Closing Costs – Am I being ripped?

The story of my home buying process in today’s marketplace has all the elements of a best selling story! But, I will cut to the immediate dilemma I am facing.

On a home which has a leaking roof, no appliances and some maintenance issues, conventional mortgage is ruled out (or so I am told). The only options are buy with cash or buy with a 203k kind of a loan. Since I dont have that much cash, i decided to go for a 203k loan.

I approached a broker and a well known Retail bank for such a loan. I got GFE from both and decided to go with the broker since there costs were significantly lower than the Large Retail Bank. The difference was primarily a large chunk of loan discount points.

I received my HUD-1 couple of days back (after a long delayed funding processs, where I had to seek 3 extensions on the closing date from the seller who is a Bank), which is another story altogether. I was surprised to see about $ 40k in all closing costs on a loan of 465k (I live in San Diego). Biggest surprise was a MANDATORY 2.5 points in Loan discount and about 2k in various processing and admin charges. [Of course, the Hazard Insurance is another 3.5k because of wooden, leaking roof, but that can be taken care of fairly quickly]. There is one point in Origination, but that was disclosed upfront.

Now, my broker tells me that this is the best they can do inspite of the incorrect GFE, since they say this is absolutely the best deal I can dream of having on a 203k loan, which evidently no lender wants to do (shows!).

I have 2 choices – I can walk away from the broker/ lender and find a new one (ask for another extension from seller) or suck it up pay everything as I am being asked for (and maybe go legal after i buy the home for predatory lending practices).

My question to the experienced folks out there – Are 203k loans really this expensive? I am paying $ 18k in origination points and fees and a 1.75% (changed from 1.5% till dec 2008) in PMI to FHA apart for the other normal / prepaid costs.

Secondly, does anyone know of any alternatives where I can get to buy the house and maybe get a second line of credit for making repairs on the house or should i just try and approach a more reasonable lender who does 203k?

Any help will be greatly appreciated. I have been trying to solve this since late October and a part of me is desperate for a decision – good or bad.

Thank you.

admin answers:

That’s high and it sounds as if you are getting screwed. The broker is betting on the fact that at this late date, you are not going to walk away.

The 1 point origination on an FHA loan is standard and allowed by FHA. I have never seen $2000 in processing and admin. Fees, but as a disclaimer I am not in California. The MIP…again that it is standard and the rates are based by FHA. As for the “mandatory” discount points…who made them mandatory? If the broker is trying to say that he does and it was not on the initial signed GFE then that is illegal and he has to honor the signed one. If it is something for the lender (maybe to buy your rate down) it still should have been on the initial GFE, but if you told them not to lock in your rate, there may not be anything you can do about that.

Personally, I would find another broker. FHA K’s do take a long time, so you’re probably going to extend the process about a month, but I would prefer that to knowing I got screwed.

And as far as going after him later…Why? It will take forever and it will cost more money then you would even get back. However, I would report him to the state, federal and FHA departments that he is licensed with.

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admin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:00:40 +0000

Ken asks…

please fix my grammar , thank you!?

I am a international student, and this is the second draft for my final essay in English class.It’s a compare/contrast essay, please fix my grammar errors, word choice, verb tense and enhance the conclusion paragraph. Thank you!

—

Green Roofs or Solar Roofs ?

You want to contribute to our earth but have no idea? Everyone knows Global warming and unban heat island effect are making inroads into the places where you and your family live. We all know that is a serious issue, and also have positive attitude toward it.
Suppose that you are not a boss of an enterprise, therefore, you are powerless to decide how to emission air pollution or recycle resources. Don’t be discouraged! You still have a way that is to develop the idea of green design to protect our earth. Green design is an international
theme that has been discussing for many years, and was promoted in “Leaders Summit Meeting” in Brazil in 1992. It is called Ecological Building in Japan and Sustainable Building in Europe. How to put the idea in use? Home Green Design is an affordable way for everyone. I am going to introduce two ways to save energy. They are green roof and a roof covered by solar panels. This essay will show their advantages and disadvantages of the following: 1. Expense; 2. Working
requirement; 3.Function. Despite the fact that everyone knows the benefit of solar panels, I will argue that green roof is worth than solar panels.

First, you do really care about the expense that green roof and solar panels might cost. For a100 sq foot, you need about $25,000 to install solar panels on your rooftop. The system works at least 25 years. On the other hand, it will cost you $1,000 per year. Is that worth? It
depends on your personal utility rate of electricity. You would save a small amount of money if you are living with a big family. But a fact that you have to consider is one dollar tomorrow probably won’t have same value as today. Otherwise, you still need to pay the upkeep of the system every year and the charge of basic power for keeping it working. It is priced $1,500 for the same area as 100 sq foot, and the maintenance will not be the problem. Basically then, all you need is a waterproof rooftop, a layer of soil and a bag of seeds. The idea of Green Roof is much cheaper obviously and has lower maintenance than solar panels by comparison.

Next is the working conditions that for each one. Before you choose one of them, you might need to consider that the area you live is sunnier or cloudier. Solar panels that as the name hints, is a system that has to be solarized under sunshine. In addition to sunshine, the
Green Roof also needs adequate raining to support them growing. If we simply consider that the best environments for them, solar panels need less conditions than green roof. Actually, solar panels will still work on a cloudy day. Of course, no one expects that the system can maintain same efficiency as it used to be on a sunny day. However, that is probably enough for keeping a lamp plus a computer working for one day. Unfortunately, solar panels do not fit in a winded area, because the panels might be damaged by blown stuff. In this stage, they are almost in a tie. Taking that green roof is working 24 hours a day into account, I guess that green roof is a little bit better than solar panels.

Lastly I will compare the most important part which is the function of them. In theory, solar panels can basically reduce your energy consumption. What would be powered with solar electricity are the things such as the refrigerator, the computers, the TVs and the air
conditioning, etc. Sounds great! But something you do not know is solar panels efficiency averages only 20% to 40%. Solar panels catch sunlight and convert to another type of power that we usually use for home electronic appliances. The system loses much energy during the
conversion process. You can’t make appliances working unless you get enough energy from sunlight. So how about green roof and its benefits? It not only filters rains and air pollutants, but also keeps the house warmer in winter and emissions heat in summer. Sometimes it can
even provide a habitat for birds and some small animals.

To choose solar panels or green roof is a fascinating question. It is a tough choice for either, I will personally choose green roof anyway. Solar panels are still an immature technology somehow, especially in converting energies. In addition, price is also a point to be considered. I believe that to protect living environments is important for individuals, but it is unacceptable if
no one can solve the problems that I mentioned before.

admin answers:

Green Roofs or Solar Roofs ?

Do you want to contribute to our earth but don’t know how? Global warming and the urban heat island effect are making inroads into our homes. This is a serious issue, and we must also have a positive attitude toward mediating this situation.
Suppose that you are not a boss of an enterprise; therefore, you are powerless to decide how to reduce air pollution nor recycle resources. Don’t be discouraged! You can still influence others and help preserve the earth by supporting the idea of green design. Green design is an international
idea that has been discussed for many years, and was promoted in the 1992 Leaders Summit Meeting in Brazil. It is called “ecological building” in Japan and “sustainable building” in Europe. Home green design is an affordable way to save energy. Two methods of saving energy are the green roof and a roof covered by solar panels. Though each of these two methods have their own advantages and drawbacks regarding expense, working conditions, and function, green roofs are a more effective way to save energy.

Expense is a very important thing taken into consideration when deciding between green roofs and solar panels. For a 100 sq foot roof, you need about $25,000 to install solar panels on your rooftop. The system works at least 25 years. However, maintenance of the solar panels will cost $1,000 per year, putting its worthiness into question. Its worthiness depends on your personal electricity usage. You would save a small amount of money if you are living with a big family, but a fact that should be taken into consideration is that the value of money between now and the future fluctuates. Otherwise, you still need to pay the upkeep of the system every year and the charge of basic power to keep it working. Green roofs are priced $1,500 for the same area without the need for maintenance. Then, all you need is a waterproof rooftop, a layer of soil, and a bag of seeds. The idea of Green Roof is much cheaper obviously and has lower maintenance costs than solar panels.

An additional factor to consider are the working conditions of each method. Before you choose one of them, you need to consider the weather in your area. Solar panels, as the name hints, is a system that needs sunlight to function. Green roofs need adequate rain to support growth as well as sunlight. Comparing the two systems’ working requirements, solar panels need less than green roofs. Though solar panels still work on cloudy days, they will not maintain the same efficiency as they would on sunny days, though the amount of energy provided may be enough depending on your needs. Unfortunately, solar panels are not ideal for windy areas because they might be damaged by flying debris. Though the solar panels and green roofs are nearly equal in regards to working conditions, green roofs are slightly advantageous in that they are working 24 hours a day.

Lastly, solar panels and green roofs have slightly differing functions. In theory, solar panels basically reduce your energy consumption. What would be powered with solar electricity are the things such as the refrigerator, the computers, the TVs and the air
conditioning, etc. Sounds great, but solar panels efficiency averages only 20% to 40%. Solar panels absorb sunlight and convert its energy to a type of power we can use for electronics. The system loses much energy during the
conversion process, and will not be able to power appliances unless sufficient amounts of sunlight is absorbed. On the other hand, green roofs filter rain and air pollutants in addition to keeping the house warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Sometimes it can
even provide a habitat for birds and some small animals.

Choosing between solar panels and green roofs is a fascinating question. Though each system has its own benefits, green roofs are more advantageous to the average person. Solar panels are presently an underdeveloped technology especially concerning energy conversion and are more costly than green roofs. Protecting the environment is an important thing and we must work to solve the problems threatening it.

I was going to add a few notes here and there, but the answer was too long. Try to make an original title, and not say “I am going to…” because it’s obvious. Also, if I changed the meanings of some parts (some parts were ambiguous), feel free to ignore the change.

Hope I helped.

Joseph asks…

Trying to pick the right house , found two , now which one ?!?

Ok , I need to weight some of my pros and cons here !! I thought some anonymous opinions might be cool . This is the deal , I was looking for a house to buy for my family and we found two we love . When does that ever happen ? Two houses that are perfect for us ! We even went out looking another day in hopes that we could find a tie breaker , we didn’t ! There are some major differences in these two houses and my kids are too little to give their suggestions .

The first house we saw we looked just to see it , we didn’t think it would be in good condition because of the size compared to the price . Took us completely off guard ! This house is stunning , big old white house set far off the street , mature landscaping , brand new winding walkway leads up to a front porch and then inside it is completely move in ready . Even the yard is ready to go which is nice because with two little kids unpacking is more then enough ! Its priced right but it is almost water front which in Florida means $$$ flood insurance . This house has two living areas though which is nice for a family with kids , we can have a playroom and still have a nice formal living area for holidays etc . I love this house . The two kids bedrooms are very small though , I didn’t measure but once they are teenagers I am sure I would get some flack about it . I do feel like I would live in this house FOREVER and never regret it .The neighborhood is 50/50 though , it is this gorgeous water front area in a Historic district which I love because I am a huge history buff . Some of the houses must be multi millions and have amazing history . Then the other half of the area is duplexes and run down , almost looks like a gypsy camp . Personally I like a little variety and culture BUT I have kids so safety and quality schooling are a concern .

Now for the second house , at first sight I almost didn’t even get out of the car ! I love my realtor though so just to be respectful of her time I got out . The house is bam , right on top of a very busy street , large too . Then you walk in and it has a small living area and it has this darkish feeling . However the bathroom is wide and nice , the bedrooms are very cute and spacious , one even has tons of shelving built into the wall with a low clothes hanging section perfect for my little one . The master has a 5×5 walk in closet which I love . Then instead of a garage ( which we dont use in Florida anyways) there is an apartment , 2 rooms , full bath and mini kitchen . Just perfect for my mom . The kitchen is nice , newer and open and there is a “mud room” for laundry and storage . The best part is the huge backyard . Some negatives are that there are NO appliances in the house and the house needs some cleaning , like grout ( which I have a shark so its not really a big deal ) and the carpets in the bedrooms smell like wet dog and need to be ripped up . I expected it to need work considering the price but being able to move right into the other house is a plus .

When we first started looking the 2nd house with the apartment attached is exactly what we were looking for and then we get there and they have lowered the price another 10,000 dollars which is huge . However we are spell bound and in love with the bigger move in ready house , it is a little over 30,000 more in price but still in the budget . So are being ungrateful and greedy ? Should we take the cheaper house that is almost just what we wanted OR do with go with the amazing historic find that seems to have been waiting for us but is more money and not exactly the floor plan we desired ? Two kitchens is a nice idea ! I am sure there are so many more perplexing details but that is the general idea . I have no idea !!! My heart wants the big white house but my mind and gratefulness tell me to consider the smaller and cheaper house . I am just afraid that if we go for the smaller house that I will want to move on someday and I am really ready for my forever home . Ugh , any help ?!!
Yes Judy we can insure it !

Glenn ,I dont want to resale , I said I am looking for my forever home ! Its more then I wanted because I never dreamed I could find something like this in my price range .

admin answers:

I don’t think you are paying enough attention to location. Both of these that is your big complaint- and that will determine your resale years from now more than anything else.

From listening to what you said- I think you really only want the big old one. Look at the bad part of the neighborhood- do you think ten years from now it will be better or worse?
*********
Let’s assume this will be your forever home…Do you know why location is by far the most important element in determining value of a piece of real estate? Because it is the one thing you really can’t change. Pay a lot more attention to the location!

Lisa asks…

Where should I live: with parents or my own apartment?

I am a 23 year old grad school student. Right now I live in an apartment on my school’s campus. I am having a dilemma. I don’t know whether or not to keep my apartment that I completely love or move back home with my parents for a much cheaper price?

Here’s a little about my current lap of luxury: I live with a roommate. We really get along and don’t have too many problems there, she’s one of the few roommates I’ve had that I can actually say I like. Our apartment is 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom with a washer and dryer, dishwasher, garbage disposal, all the necessary appliances, internet and cable, all utility bills are included in the rent. The size is pretty nice too. The price comes out to about $800 per month.

One of the reasons I was staying here for so long is because my boyfriend lived right upstairs and my best friend was in the building next to mine. Now my b/f and I broke up and my best friend is moving like 30 or 40 minutes away. Most of my friends have left the area I’m at now. I have about 1-2 friends in the area and an aunt and some cousins nearby. So I am not completely alone. But, over the summer I will be staying alone while my roommate goes back home. My recent ex-boyfriend (of 3 years) still lives right upstairs from me, awkward and uncomfortable!

I really like cooking, cleaning, paying my own bills. I have not had a problem with this so far. And staying where I’m at does not jeopardize my school, it actually helps! I’m so close to my classes, the library, student resources, and other students who are focused on doing the same thing as me. My only concern is that since I’ve graduated from undergrad and now I’m 23 I feel I am getting sick of the whole “college life” of a bunch of 20 year olds running around drinking and partying. I think I’m more mature and beyond that now. So that part is kinda annoying but I can live with it.

Even if this is where I want to be. Does that justify paying $200 more per month?? I just don’t wanna set myself up for financial failure. But then again, money isn’t everything…

Living with my parents: My parents recently asked if I wanted their available studio apartment, which is connected to their house. Trying to figure out if saving $200 a month is worth it?

I will be in very close proximity to them which I haven’t done for 4 years now. Their place is about 30 minutes from my school, but I only have class a couple nights a week so it’s doable.

Not sure if I’m ready to give up my freedom and independence that I thrive with. They aren’t bad people I just really do not like living with them and I can see myself being miserable. I know it would probably bring a lot of drama that I could do without. The town they live in is not as nice as where I am staying now.

If I go home I’ll be removed from this positive environment and a whole bunch of other distractions will come. Living with my parents would just mean saving like $3,000-$4,000 (plus the high interest rates added on to that) over a year and a half… Plus my mom really wants me to move home and misses me.

Both places: Also, regardless of where I live I am going to be paying for housing with student loans so all my bills will be paid and I can really afford either option.

Any advice? What would you do???

Sorry this is so long, just many factors to consider THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!
Kirirajan S – If you read anything of what I was saying…I actually LIKE staying on my own MUCH better!

Susan H – If you read the 1st sentence of my question you’d see I AM IN GRADUATE SCHOOL RIGHT NOW!
Kirirajan S – If you read anything of what I was saying…I actually LIKE staying on my own MUCH better!

Susan H – If you read the 1st sentence of my question you’d see I AM IN GRADUATE SCHOOL RIGHT NOW!
Ihaveasexyhusband – Because it is complicated. They are very nosey and will always be in my business and try and enforce their rules, since technically I’ll be staying under their roof. I hate that. All they do is gossip and they love drama. They are always fighting and they drink a lot and do other things I do not approve of. That’s why i couldnt wait to go away for college and be on my own. I am a better parent to myself than they could ever be. It’s not healthy at all. We just do not want the same things out of life. I want to challenge myself and become a better person and be successful and do the right thing. They make poor decisions and are not happy individuals.
Ihaveasexyhusband – Also, they do not respect my privacy or personal boundaries. They are the type to go into my apartment when I’m not there and snoop around, even if they find nothing! Don’t even get me started on if I wanted to bring home a date.
One more thing… about the price of my current place. $800 a month is what I pay, my roommate pays the same. But living with my parents, they are asking for $600 a month, including utilities, laundry and everything. Plus there is no dishwasher and I have to share washer and dryer with them and the tenant downstairs.

As for getting away from my b/f. That would be ideal, because it is very hard to get over him when I run into him on almost a daily basis. And I really don’t want him always knowing what I’m doing, etc. But at this point the only option I have for getting away from him is to move back home. Thus, the dilemma! Because if my roommate and I were to move somewhere else, it would be to another apartment on campus and they are all fairly close. For the same 2bed/2bath setup we have I’d either be moving to another floor, or the building right next door. Either way, I’m either gonna be 1-2 floors below him or in the building right next door. I think with us still sharing a parki

admin answers:

It doesn’t seem like living with your parents is a good option. From everything you say, this move will help financially a little, but is to great of a negative on your general state of mind and well being.

The apartment seems great and is reasonable, the only negative seems like the ex. Is it possible to talk your roommate into moving to another similar place nearby to get away from your ex.

Living on your own seems to make you happy and since you can afford it, seems like a no brainer. The ex seems like the only negative. If you think you can deal with that uncomfortableness than stay, if not, talk your roomie into moving!