9 Things need to Know When Moving to a New Neighborhood

Published on: 15 December 2017 Last Updated on: 24 February 2020

Moving to a new neighborhood can be daunting. Just because a neighborhood looks inviting does not necessarily mean peace of mind. Ever gone phone shopping without knowing the specifications and how it will meet your needs? Shopping blind means you may go home with something less than ideal for your needs.

The same goes for looking for a new neighborhood to move in. You can’t call your agent after moving in a couple of days to say you do not like the place. Before you sign a lease or mortgage do your homework first.

Thanks to the internet, you don’t have to worry about how to find a job based on your geolocation. I mean, online Ghanaian job postings for employers have facilitated the search for jobs.

Nevertheless, searching for the neighborhood of your dreams means you have to consider a lot of other things. For instance, you might want to consider safety, amenities, architectural style, just to name a few.

These are some questions to ask yourself before moving to a new neighborhood. These questions will help you to streamline your search in finding the perfect neighborhood with your specifications.

Question 1

Does the neighborhood have sidewalks?

Reason

A lot of people do not think of sidewalks when searching for a new neighborhood. Sidewalks actually say a lot about the neighborhood. Sidewalks suggest an active presence of your neighbors. It means amenities are easily accessible either by walking or jogging.

Sidewalks also mean the neighborhood is safer. This is because you are less likely to get hit by a car when taking a stroll. The safety of sidewalks makes it extremely desirable especially if you have children and pets.

Question 2

Do you have to take care of taxes and other expenses?

Reason

Most often than not, we focus on buying a home but forget additional expenses. These costs should be an important factor in your decision to move to a new neighborhood. For instance, you may be responsible for your pricey home owner’s association fees when moving to a condo or country club. Some of these fees come with rules so you need to understand these before making a decision. If the association forbids parking of motorcycles in driveways and you happen to own one, it is time to consider.

Property taxes are another important cost people overlook particularly if you escrow and pay as part of your mortgage payment. Property taxes are taxed based on the value of your home. Therefore, they can increase if you escrow which changes your monthly payment. Prepare yourself to make sure your budget can handle such increment.

On the other hand, if you decide to move to a declining housing market, your taxes may decrease. It has its own perks as well. Moving to such a neighborhood means less access to good public services.

Question 3

Does the neighborhood have amenities for you and/or your family to indulge in activities?

Reason

This is a pretty obvious question. Whether you’re single, have a family with children or is retired with your spouse pretty much sums up what you should look out for in a neighborhood. You will want a new neighborhood that has everything to suit your lifestyle.

For families with children, they might be interested in communities with parks, a swimming pool, libraries, and others. A young single person with a dog might want a neighborhood with a dog park or bike trails. If you enjoy a good movie at the cinema and you have to drive a long distance to access one from the new neighborhood you might want to reconsider.

On the other hand, a new neighborhood may not have some amenities. You will have to compromise in some situations. Make sure the necessary basic amenities are within your reach.

Question 4

Does the neighborhood provide you with convenience?

Reason

Convenience is walking to a shopping center nearby and accomplishing several errands within a very short period. Convenience is getting easy access to stores you frequently visit. The biggest convenience is the ease to commute to work daily.

In other words, the more convenient your neighborhood is, the more it affects your happiness. Moving to a neighborhood that has your favorite stores within reach is a plus. Not only do you save money on gas, but you also get to patronize these services at your own time.

Ask yourself this, do I have to double my commute trip to work or to school if I move to this neighborhood? Is it really worth that trouble?

Question 5

What are your plans for the future?

Reason

The neighborhood may look great in the present but may be liable to change in the future. In a neighborhood you move into, living in the here and now may be a good outlook on life. However, it does not necessarily mean a good neighbourhood.

Check with your local planning office about future developments in your area. It is because you may not want to purchase a new home only to find out it’s in the middle of a new community college. Visiting the planning office and inform you of any future construction project that will affect the neighborhood.

So you like the quiet private nature of the neighborhood with mature trees lined up along each side. Probably in the future, these trees will be cut down to build another subdivision. So even if your lot is not directly affected, it may impact the serene environment you’ve come to love. All this may affect your decision of moving to the neighborhood.

Question 6

Is the neighborhood situated in a noisy place or has a bad smell?

Reason

Your well being and health is one important factor when choosing a neighborhood to move into. Visiting the neighborhood several times during the day is extremely important. On paper, the place might be a perfect fit for you, but visiting the place will reveal its secrets.

The perfectly lined trees behind the house may be hiding a major road. Train tracks, restaurants, clubs and all that create noise that may be a menace. These bothersome noises will never go away. So while you may get used to them is a gamble.

In addition, in the eventuality that you want to move from the place, it is usually harder to sell a place with so much noise. While you are listening, you may want to get a good whiff of the air in the neighborhood. A stagnant lake, sewage problems, and even a corner BBQ joint can create some odors that do not go away.

Question 7

What is the crime rate in the neighborhood?

Reason

This is for your own sake and safety. You do not want your new home to feel like you are trapped in a war zone. It is also easier to know the crime rate of the neighborhood as they are many websites available for that.

This makes it especially easier for you to decide if you are stuck between two neighborhood choices. If you find a neighborhood you love and to your dismay, you find it has a questionable crime rat, you should speak to your local police office for more details. It could be just a small area away from your new home acting as a crime magnet.

Question 8

Are they good schools?

Reason

This is a very important question to ask if you have children. The presence of public and private schools from kindergarten to high schools affect the value of a home. If you do not have children, it is very important to understand that the quality of the school system in that area will affect the resale of your home.

Also, good schools may add unnecessary costs to your rent if you do not have children. If you do have children, research about the school by seeking advice from fellow parents in the neighborliness. Most schools give tours as well, so might want to take advantage of this. Also, inquire about school activities and extra-curricular activities the school permits.

Question 9

What is the neighborhood culture?

Reason

So you’ve found a neighborhood that fits your budget, has low crime rates, great reviews and all that, what of the culture? Your dream neighbourhood isn’t about statistics and information, is about how the place makes you feel.

If you are used to a hip urban neighborhood, you may not be happy in a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood. Doing so means you have to compromise on some things if that’s your wish. The bottom line is, you won’t be happy moving to a neighborhood that does not fit your lifestyle.

Make sure the neighborhood you choose has the right culture, then other pieces may fall into place.

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Top 10 Best Sewing Machines for Beginners

Learning how to sew is one of the most amazing moments in life. Maybe you want to return some of the skills you lost early in life or you are learning the art of sewing for the first time in life. One challenge you could be having is how to choose the Best Sewing Machines for Beginners. The truth of the matter is that the market as a long list of machines that beginners can use. This can cause more confusion but an ideal machine will depend on what you wish to make. Maybe you want to whip up quilts or cushions. This article gives you the best recommendations from leading home sewers all over the world. These machines match the needs or beginners in the sewing industry. 10 Best Sewing Machines for Beginners: 1. Bernina B215 : This is among the most affordable sewing machines from the Bernina brand. In fact, it is among the easiest computerized machines that you can find in the market. You simply have to press that is adjacent to your desired stitch and you are good to go. It has almost all the features of the machines that we are going to review in this article. However, this brand does not come with the start and stop button. You can also personalize it with vinyl ‘skins’ and you can do this on your own. With the LCD screen, you can view the snap-on presser foot you need to use. The additional accessories and machine feet can be quite expensive but it is worth the investment for any determined sewer. 2. Brother JK4000 : This machine is normally marketed to individuals who possess intermediate sewing skills but I know of people who started by buying this fully computerized sewing model. In fact, it is one of the best sewing machines for beginners you can think about. The good thing with this sewing machine is that you will be able to grow with it. Therefore, you will not have to buy another sewing machine as your skills advance. It has a long list of features including the start and stops button and automatic foot release. This model really gives you the value for your money. You can easily use the LCD screen and dial to select stitches. 3. Brother Innovis NV15 Electronic : This model can really change your mind whenever you are prompted to think about computerized devices. You may think that its features are confusing to beginners but you will discover that it has an intuitive interface upon trial. It has sixteen stitching options that include stretch stitches and you have a simple jog dial for selecting. The device has all the essential electronics like the start and stops button, needle threader, speed limiter, and the needle up and down control. Threading on this machine is east and it will even pull the bobbin thread up on your behalf. 4. Brother cs6000i : This is a sixty-stitch sewing machine that is fully computerized. The model has the ability to satisfy both veterans and beginners alike. It is more valuable to buy this machine because it has more features in comparison to what other beginner devices that are in the same price range offer. Apart from the impressive 60-stitches, you will also find nine presser feet, LCD screen, quilting foot, and walking foot that is mostly found on more expensive devices. Its convenience and ease of use make it fall among the best sewing machines for beginners. 5. Janome DC3050 : This is another computerized machine that is easy to understand. The good thing with this model is that you will not outgrow it quickly. It has a total of 47 pre-programmed stitches and 3 one-step buttonhole styles to select from. The machine is a genuine workhorse with its capacity to handle a broad range of fabrics with a lot of ease. It can even accommodate the slippery silks and thick coating that most basic machines can’t accommodate. Therefore, it is among the best sewing machines for quilting. The machine does not have several features like other sewing machines in this price range but it will give you real value for your money. 6. Singer 7258 : This 100-stitch computerized sewing machine is ideal for beginners who have some experience and are looking for a machine that they can grow with. The easy to use features and advanced options in this machine blend quite well. This also includes the six one-step buttonholes and ten presser feet. It is appropriate for any sewer who is gaining confidence and wishes to experiment with a more advanced machine. 7. Janome 7025 : This sewing machine is quite similar to the Janome 525 that is used on The Great British Sewing Bee. However, this model is more affordable and ticks all the boxes. It has three dials for selecting the width, length, and type of the stitch. It has an automatic one-step buttonhole with an easy loading bobbin that has a clear cover. Janome 7025 sewing machine has more metallic parts in comparison to other brands and this makes it feel weightier for the price range. Any person who has done some form or sewing will find its set up to be quite easy. 8. Singer 4424 : This is an extra-high-speed heavy duty sewing machine. The machine is tougher and speedier in comparison to the other sewing machines in the market. It can make 1100 stitches each minute due to its motor that is stronger than usual. The machine has 23 inbuilt stitches with a one-step buttonhole and four presser feet. Some of the features you will find on the Singer 4424 include dial controls, top-loading bobbin, needle threader, adjustable thread length, and a clear case for travel or storage. It’s the best option if you wish to work on thick or rugged fabrics like upholstery. 9. Singer 4411 Heavy Duty : This sewing machine is specially designed to handle those heavy upholstery fabrics, vinyl, leather, and denim like a dream. It has smooth stitches and you can still use it for lightweight and delicate fabrics. One thing that may put off beginners is that this machine sews at some speed. Beginners may find it quite challenging to sink their teeth in some intricate projects. The ease of use and stitch quality will surely exceed your expectations. You can operate this machine for several days with no struggles at all. 10. John Lewis JL110 : Are you on a budget and in the process of dipping the toe in the home sewing waters? This brand will offer the best service to you. It has 14 stitching options that can allow you to work on most of the projects. The machine also has a classic setup that allows you to saw at a fairly fast speed by just reading the manual. However, any person who wished to use stretch fabrics for sewing may lose control of the stitch width. The bobbin is also concealed behind a front door and you can really find it tricky to access it once you get a tangle. The beauty of it is that this machine is sturdy and you can find it in a broad range of colors. It is one of the best sewing machines for home use. Summary : With all this knowledge, you now have all it takes to pick the best sewing machines for beginners. The most important thing is to pick a gadget that can handle the kind of work you wish to undertake. Read Also : How Can Conveyancing Services Help You? Top 5 Types Of Startup Business Loans

How to Salvage Your Furniture after a Flood

There are many reasons why flooding occurs, and it also comes in different shape, form and amount. It might be due to severe weather conditions or a leak in the plumbing. What you need to think about following a flood is how to salvage anything that wasn’t damaged beyond repair, primarily your furniture. As water damage can wreak severe havoc on your home, you are likely going to have to call in a restoration contractor like KIC Restoration to take care of your home’s infrastructure. But salvaging your furniture can be a less complicated process you can deal with on your own. If flooding is a consequence of a storm or hurricane you would probably get a notification in advance to prepare and avoid as much destruction as possible. Get all the furniture to a safe space in your home like the upper floors or cover them to protect them from the water as much as possible. After the flood is finally over, the first thing you need to do is check is if it is safe to return. While you’re at it, make sure to wear proper clothing. Another useful piece of advice is to bring a camera with you and take pictures of all the furniture because you will need to do a report for your insurance company. When you’ve made sure that it is safe to enter and you’ve put on protective gear, you can start inspecting the furniture and roughly separate them into salvageable and unsalvageable. Next, you can focus on the salvageable pieces of furniture and inspect if repairs would cost more than just replacing the items. Sentimental value also comes into play as you would want to save all the pieces that have been in your family for long, no matter the extent of the damage. But this is up to you. Upholstered Furniture Some types of furniture like upholstered furniture might be difficult to save especially if it has been in the water for too long. Chances are these items have already developed bacteria, fungi, mold, mildew, etc. This might have severe consequences to your health later on. You should move the furniture to someplace to dry. If it’s too heavy to move you can place aluminum foil or a similar material underneath it, just to keep it away from wet floors. As mentioned above, upholstered furniture might cause problems because it is a great absorbent. It is particularly dangerous if it has been sitting for too long in contaminated water. If the flood wasn’t too big, you might still have a good chance of salvaging it. You should then remove the upholstery fabrics from the wood or any other colored parts to prevent color bleed. Then you need to dry it to the fullest to prevent mildew and mold from developing, which is likely to happen if the piece of furniture is more than 20% wet. It is worth noting that this kind of furniture is very hard to salvage and the best and easiest thing to do is just to throw it all away unless of course it is antique or has a high value. Then it is best to hire a professional to do the job, as it would probably be necessary to completely strip it down and replace some parts. Mattresses Mattresses are also very difficult to handle. If the flooding wasn’t too severe, if the mattress hasn’t been soaked in water for too long, and if the water was clean it is possible to salvage it. The best thing to do is take it out and let the sun dry it naturally. You can use blocks to keep it above ground and a fan to speed up drying. If you sense a musty odor then mattress probably has mildew growing inside, in which case you’ll need the help of a professional to restore it. If your mattress has been underwater for too long mold has likely already spread, and it is probably contaminated beyond salvation. The only thing you can do here is to replace it. Wooden Furniture Wooden furniture might have the best chance to get salvaged especially if it wasn’t in the water for too long. It is possible to restore if the damage was not too big. It is crucial to clean it and dry it as much as possible to prevent mold and fungi development. Wiping and blotting can do the trick here, but only for furniture that was not in the water too long or was lightly damaged. You can clean white mildew spots by using turpentine or a mix of water and ammonia. The sooner you start drying the furniture, the higher the chance of salvaging it. Heavily Damaged Furniture Heavily damaged furniture which was in the water for too long is a different story. The best plan is to separate all easily removable parts like drawers and doors. Avoid forcing them if they are stuck. Just let them dry out and you will be able to pull them out later on when bloating is reduced. You can clean mud and dirt with a hose and then dry it in a room or other area with good ventilation. You should definitely avoid exposing it directly to the sun as it might cause it to deform. The process of drying takes several weeks or months. Only after it is completely dry can you start restoring the furniture. Contact KIC Restoration Inc of San Diego at 12170 Tech Center Dr, Poway, CA 92064, USA; 858-859-1998 or visit kicrestoration to learn more. Read More: 3 Tips On How To Plan The Best Cheap And Fabulous DIY Bedroom Makeover Top Expert Tips For A Stunning Condo Interior! 5 Innovative Ideas To Lend Your Bedroom With More Space Home Decor Is An Art Itself – Things To Know

Ten Tips to Make Most Out Of Your Outdoor Space

Bored of seeing the old patio and cringe every time your friends come home for a barbecue backyard? Not anymore! Give your boring living space a beautiful makeover. Whether you have small outdoor or a big yard, you don’t need to juggle a lot to make a big statement to your outdoors. Just some tips and bang on! From the most beautiful designs to the personalized touch, get the most out of your outdoors with these ten practical tips: Seating: A perfect seating as per the ambiance is the one everybody wants to relax on. While the right seating can enhance the look, inappropriate arrangements can ruin the whole look. For big spaces, add farmhouse table or a custom-built bench, or perhaps an artistic sofa. However, for small spaces, try bold colors or make use of wicker chairs. Lighting: One of the essential elements in outdoors is the lighting. Perfect lighting can uplift the mood as well as can change the ambiance of the place to dress up your place, use chandeliers or small lamps. String lights can also work for small patios to make a significant impact. Read More: Create A Stunning Outdoor Space With These Residential Landscape Lighting Tips Bar/ Kitchen: A bar at the outdoors is a must! Turn your patio into an outdoor kitchen space or a customized bar with all the liquor to make your weekend party a bang! Rug area: Dress-up your outdoors with the beautiful rugs of different patterns and shapes. Try primary colors, or a plane stencil pattern would work in that green lushes. Storage seats: Storage is another essential thing for outdoors. Use a multifunctional box or perhaps a functional couch to place drinks, cushions or eatables in it. Adorn the storage box by painting on it or make them look like extra seating for your guest or friends. DIY planters: Plants at outdoor are no exception, but plants in quirky things can be. Don’t settle for pots or hanging pots, instead make use of every other waste thing lying around to bring greenery to your outdoors. Grab a tin or maybe an old bottle or perhaps tire, spray paint on it and done! Flower boxes: Flower boxes are also a beautiful way to enhance the look of outdoors. Use shutters or wall hangings of a different color to get the most out of your living space. Give it a curb appeal by planting colorful flowers in it. Fire Pits: If your outdoors has a fireplace, you know it’s the place to cuddle on beautiful nights. The source of fire at outdoor draw people, so if you have one makes the seating around it and get set party! But if you don’t have any fireplace, DIY one by making small pits. Fire pit cover: Put your fire pit to double duty by popping a lid on it making it a unique tabletop. For daylight gathering or day parties, coving a fire pit will add more space to the outdoor to place things. Add a sporty look: Fashion and sport can go hand-in-hand. And with greenery, it looks the best. Use some of your favorite outdoor games to decorate the space. Make use of walls, install shelves on the railings or look for the places where you can hang on things. So those were some of the most favorite home builder tips that you can use to remodel your outdoors. Want to go a step ahead? Build a swimming pool in the space and enjoy outdoor bathing or how about a pool party! Insert these ideas and make outdoor living beautiful. Read More: 3 Amazing Flower Street Garden – How To Design Does Organic Gardening Improve Soil Quality? How To Choose The Right Containers For Your Container Garden Grow These Flowering Plants In Your Home Garden To Remove Vastu Related Problems

9 Things need to Know When Moving to a New Neighborhood

Question 1

Does the neighborhood have sidewalks?

Reason

Question 2

Do you have to take care of taxes and other expenses?

Reason

Question 3

Does the neighborhood have amenities for you and/or your family to indulge in activities?

Reason

Question 4

Does the neighborhood provide you with convenience?

Reason

Question 5

What are your plans for the future?

Reason

Question 6

Is the neighborhood situated in a noisy place or has a bad smell?

Reason

Question 7

What is the crime rate in the neighborhood?

Reason

Question 8

Are they good schools?

Reason

Question 9

What is the neighborhood culture?

Reason

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