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An Introduction to Relationships
“Love makes the world go around” was true when it was first uttered many years ago and remains just as true today. Love is what everybody is after. So much time is spent discussing love, reading about it, watching movies about it and singing about...
Chasing After Child Support
Child support is often a source of contention between divorced parents of minor children. I understand this. I have been there. In an ideal situation, the parent who is responsible for paying child support does so out of love for his or her...
Human Conditioning, Stress Management and Music
HUMAN CONDITIONING, STRESS MANAGEMENT and MUSIC
The predominant role human conditioning plays in a stressful environment. Perspective, reaction and remedy.How music can help.
By Bill Reddie
Creating music for stress management can be a...
Is There Life After Love? How To Get The Spark Back In Our Love Lives And Avoid Splitsville
Whether we want to admit it or not, even for those who are adamant in their denial of watching the tabloid reports, we’re all affected by the news of celebrity break-ups.
The latest rounds to end the season in a not so bright fashion are: Nichole...
Love Makes The World Go Round
Love Makes The World Go Round!
Copyright © Lisa van den Berg
I must admit to being a whole half of one of those really soppy, wonderful marriages you see on rose tinted TV.
It never really rings true with me when people say , 'I'm one half of...
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Should You Move or Improve Your Property?
In pursuit of the American dream more Americans than ever have selected to become homeowners. Throughout the years the desire to own a home has remained constant but the way we perceive the good American dream of property ownership has changed. During the days of our parents and grandparents most homeowners bought a home where they raised their families, lived life, retired, and left the property to their heirs upon death. It was not uncommon to have a family living in a house that had been passed down for generations.
Homeownership is still a major component of the American dream but the present trend tends to suggest that the era of "generational homes" and one 15 -30 year mortgage are becoming things of the past. Today phrases such as "starter home" leads us to believe that others are to follow and the time will come when most homeowners will be faced with the dilemma as to whether to move or improve their property.
The memories made over the years serve as the glue that binds us to the property emotionally and are part of the reason that makes the decision to move or improve a difficult one. Therefore, the decision as to leave our property or improve it cannot be taken lightly, should include the entire family, and brings with it many challenges. Thus, because of the magnitude of its impact, much reflection, care, and factual information must be considered.
If you've lived in your home long enough improvements have been made. Why now? What has motivated you to think of moving from a place that has served as your home? Why not make the improvements, as you've done before? These are essential questions you must ask and be able to answer. The answer to this question will set the foundation and clear the path for the conversations to follow. Reflecting on your motivation is very important in this decision making process. Why at this point are you entertaining the notion of moving versus improving? There are various motivations that could be responsible: obsolete features, cost of repairs/renovations, change in familial/economic status, proximity, and neighborhood concerns.
Features become obsolete when the intended needs or purposes are no longer met. As time passes family needs change and the property that was once perfect no longer meets that description. For example, a property bought years ago with 1.5 baths could have been more than adequate but now it may seem someone is always in the bathroom and someone is always waiting. Adding another bathroom or two will alleviate the need but what about the value of your property? There is no guarantee improving a property will add to its value. Therefore, if your motivation to renovate includes the hope that the value of your property will increase-- proceed with caution. Improvements should be made to make the home functional not solely to increase the value. Questions to be answered: By improving my property, do I expect the value to increase? How much will it
increase? What proof do I have to support this?
Another issue to reflect upon is the cost of repairs/renovations. Improvements can be expensive. Repairs alone usually are not enough to motivate most property owners to move but coupled with other issues could prove to be more than enough. What begins as a leaky pipe could lead to the replacement of an entire plumbing system and a floor. Before you make a decision become armed with facts by contacting at least three contractors who provide free estimates. Then ask yourself a few questions: How much am I willing to spend? Is it worth it? Would it be more economically sound to move or improve? What is best for my family and me?
In today's world of companies downsizing and hiring, it's almost the norm for families to experience a change in economic status due to a decrease or increase in salary. Thus, impacting how much property can be afforded. This change as well as a change in familial status could influence the move or improve debate. Life happens and with it comes marriage, children, divorce, and death. These situations can modify our economic status and leave us with too much or too little property. Either situation can make us reconsider our living accommodations. Reflect: Has there been a change in your familial or economic status? If so, what action does the change warrant? Should you move or improve? That is the question.
Location, location, location!! Location is the word believed by some as the most important thing to consider when deciding where to buy a home. However, the best location is relative to time. Change is inevitable. Surrounding construction can change the location. People change and so do the activities they wish to engage. The decision to move or improve could be directly related to the changes that have occurred in the proximity that you live. Maybe the area has been rezoned bringing businesses that you may or may not support. Creating a situation that rules out one of the choices.
It is also possible for your house is still the perfect home but the neighborhood is not the same. If the change in the neighborhood is positive then the "improve" option would look promising but if the change is not favorable moving would appear very attractive. The fact is houses can be chosen, neighbors can't-- for they come and go. The attitude of the neighborhood can serve to influence your decision.
Finally, the decision to either move from or improve your property can be exciting and requires much care, reflecting on and understanding the motivation and the gathering of facts. Remember: The decision is yours.
About the Author
Chris Cates is a nationwide real estate investor, who co-founded WeBuyTheUSA along with Todd Dotson. In addition, Mr. Cates is a national real estate mentor for Tactical Real Estate, where he has trained real estate investors across the country. For more information, please visit his website at www.WeBuyTheUSA.com.
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divorce.co.uk - advice on mediation, counselling and legal aspects ... |
An overview of divorce in the UK, including the law, mediation options and emotional support, from Mills & Reeve. |
www.divorce.co.uk |
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Divorce Magazine, information about separation and divorce |
Divorce Magazine is a compassionate self-help resource for people in need of information about separation and divorce. |
www.divorcemag.com |
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Divorce - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
Divorce or dissolution of marriage is the ending of a marriage before the ... A decree of divorce is initially granted 'nisi', i.e. (unless cause is later ... |
en.wikipedia.org |
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DivorceNet - Divorce Net: Family Law Information, Solutions, News ... |
DivorceNet® is the Internet's largest divorce resource, offering state-specific articles, an online community and a nationwide directory of divorce lawyers, ... |
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The Divorce Support Page: Divorce, Child Custody, Alimony, Support ... |
a support site for people experiencing, divorce, dissolution, separation, custody, alimony, visitation, etc. Divorce professionals to help you in your area. |
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Divorce Source: a legal resource for divorce, custody, alimony ... |
A state specific divorce web site providing information and referrals for people facing and experiencing issues revolving around divorce, separation, ... |
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DivorceInfo Surviving Divorce Managing Lawyers Alimony Child Support |
Divorceinfo -Survive your divorce with some money in your pocket and your dignity intact. |
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Divorce - Wex |
An overview of divorce law with links to key primary and secondary sources, from Cornell University's Legal Information Institute. |
www.law.cornell.edu |
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MedlinePlus: Divorce |
Children; Children and Divorce (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry) ... Select services and providers for Divorce in your area. ... |
www.nlm.nih.gov |
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Divorce Aid :: Online Guide to UK Divorce Law, Information and Advice |
The largest free online interactive divorce resource in the UK for divorce law, advice, emotional support, counselling, mediation, and website for ... |
www.divorceaid.co.uk |
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Divorce-Online :The UK's leading low cost divorce service |
The largest free online divorce and separation resource in the UK with information, forums, chat, experts and articles. |
www.divorce-online.co.uk |
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How to Divorce As Friends - Featured on Oprah - Bill Ferguson |
Advice, recommended books, and telephone counseling to help couples resolve difficult issues connected with divorce or even save their marriage. |
www.divorceasfriends.com |
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Welcome To Divorce Online ~ www.divorceonline.com |
An electronic journal providing information and referrals for people facing divorce. |
www.divorceonline.com |
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Federal Magistrates Court - On-line Application for Divorce |
In the short-term, please use the Application for Divorce form which can be found at ... Our E-mail address for family law enquiries (including divorce) is ... |
www.divorce.gov.au |
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DivorceCare: Divorce Recovery Support Groups |
DivorceCare is a divorce recovery support group where you can find help and healing for the hurt of separation and divorce. |
www.divorcecare.com |
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Divorce Central Home Page |
Links to divorce-related resources, organized by state, with an archive of articles and interviews. |
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Divorce Helpline — tools to keep you out of court |
Providing information about divorce, and referrals to family law attorneys. |
www.divorcehelp.com |
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Divorce and relationship breakdown : Directgov - Parents |
Advice on counselling, mediation and the divorce process, including where to find a solicitor. |
www.direct.gov.uk |
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Americans for Divorce Reform, Inc. |
John Crouch speaks about divorce law reform and presents a paper by John Crouch and Richard ... To find out how to work on divorce reform in your state ... |
www.divorcereform.org |
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Divorce Busting® - Solve Marriage Problems, Save My Marriage, Save ... |
Divorce is not the answer to marriage problems. Stop your divorce and save your marriage with advice from Michele Weiner-Davis. |
www.divorcebusting.com |
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