| How to Buy HUD Foreclosures Posted: 13 Apr 2016 05:00 PM PDT The Office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers mortgage assistance to low income and first time buyers. This assistance is called FHA mortgage insurance and ensures that a mortgage will be paid if the buyer defaults on the loan. A HUD home is a residential property that was acquired by the Office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) when an owner foreclosed on a mortgage covered by FHA mortgage insurance. Finding out how to buy HUD foreclosures can help you get a home at a lower in price than other similar homes in the area. EditLocating a HUD Home - Figure out how much you can afford and qualify for. Generally, you can get a mortgage if the monthly payment including insurance and taxes is equal to about a third of your pre-tax income. However, buyers with lower levels of debt may be able to afford a monthly payments up to about 40 percent of their income. Take into account other expenses you may have to make sure you choose an amount that is comfortable. Realtors and realty listing sites usually offer mortgage calculators to determine what the monthly payment will be. These calculations are based on the down payment and interest.[1]
- Determine what type of home you want. Narrow your home search by deciding on a general location first. Do you want to be in your city? Outside the city? In another location far from you? Then, think about whether you want a free-standing home or townhome and how large you want it to be. Consider the needs of your family if you have one. Write down any other qualities you want in a home, like an attached garage, fireplaces, or office space. These decisions will help you narrow your search and find a home that meets your needs.[2]
- Search for a foreclosed home in your area. The easiest way to locate a HUD home is to get in touch with a real estate agent who is licensed to deal with them. These realtors often advertise in local newspapers or as HUD qualified agents. Additionally, listings for HUD homes are often placed in newspapers among regular home listings. The ad should have the name and contact information of the agent included.
- If you check the paper and still don't see any HUD agents, consider calling a local real estate office and asking about HUD listings. If they don't have any, they may be able to refer you to another office that does.[3]
- Call the agent on the listing to see the home. The listing broker, or any HUD-qualified broker, will be able to show you the house. Be sure to take photos of the property and take notes about any damages you see or changes you would make. This information can be used when comparing HUD homes or when calculating how much money you will need to borrow.[4]
EditPlanning Your Purchase - Have the HUD home inspected. HUD doesn't cover inspection costs or repairs, and no warranty is offered on a foreclosed home. It's important to have the property inspected by a professional to get an accurate estimate of necessary repairs and gauge the true value of the home. FHA inspectors can be found on the HUD website.[5]
- Apply for a rehabilitation loan if necessary. For homes that need repair, HUD offers a rehabilitation loan program that covers the cost of repair. This loan, the FHA 203(k) Rehabilitation Loan, combines the costs of the home and the repairs into one, long-term mortgage loan. This is simpler than taking out separate loans for each expense.[6]
- See if you qualify for special discounts. HUD offers discounted prices to teachers, firefighters, nonprofit groups, police and law enforcement officers, emergency service providers and other groups who seek to buy a home in designated areas (called revitalization areas). See the HUD website for more information on how to buy HUD foreclosures as part of this program.[7]
- Consider getting an FHA mortgage insurance. This allows for a smaller down payment, and protects the lender by paying off the mortgage if the buyer defaults. It also combines the insurance premium into the price of the home. Buyers must meet credit requirements and be able to afford the home in question to be considered.[8]
EditBuying the Home - Make an offer on the home. HUD properties are listed for a set period of time, usually ten days, called the initial listing period. The price is set according to an evaluation of the home's fair market value. During this period, only owner-occupants (those plan to live in the home rather than "flip" or invest in it) are able to bid on the home. After five days, all bids submitted to that point will be compared and the highest big will be chosen. If no bid is selected, bids are considered each day through the tenth day.
- After this point, investors may make offers on the home. However, in some cases, investors may not be able to make offers until 30 days have passed.[9]
- Offers may be lower or higher than the fair market value, depending on market conditions in the listing area and other factors.[10]
- Get a mortgage. Mortgages are not offered by HUD, but must be obtained through a mortgage lender. Mortgage loans are also available through the FHA. In either case, the buyer must meet income and credit standards to prove that they can afford the mortgage payments. In some cases, the buyer might be able to assume the mortgage being paid by the previous owner of the home.[11]
- HUD homes can also be purchased in cash. Just make sure to ask your agent about earnest money and proof of funds letters that may be required in this case.[12]
- Prepare to close the sale. If your bid is accepted, your agent will receive further instruction from the HUD on how to proceed. You may have up to sixty days to close on the house, but some houses close in as little as thirty days. Be sure to submit any paperwork requested by the HUD. You will need to submit a pre-qualification letter with the sales contract that specifies:
- Your ability to afford the cost of the home.
- The type of financing you will be using (if any).
- Any assets that have been verified for closing.[13]
- Take care of closing costs. In some cases, the HUD will help homebuyers with closing and escrow costs. They may pay up to 3 percent of the closing cost of the home, but this needs to be negotiated in the offer on the home. They will also sometimes pay the escrow fee, which can be between $300 and $900. This depends on the buyer's situation and their ability to afford these fees.[14]
- The HUD may also pay your broker's commission.[15]
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| How to Pack for Florida Posted: 13 Apr 2016 09:00 AM PDT Packing for the Sunshine State can be a bit tricky if you're not used to the weather there. Think carefully about what you'll be doing on your trip to Florida. From there, it's a simple matter of considering the weather and the amount of space you have! Last but not least, you'll pack the essentials -- the stuff you would need no matter where you were going. EditPacking for the Sunshine State - Make a list of the activities you'll be doing. Are you going to Disney World? Spending a lot of time on the beach? Visiting relatives who will want to take you out to fancy restaurants? Adjust your packing needs accordingly. Pack more or less of all of the essentials depending on where you're headed. [1]
- Are you going to the beach for several days? Double check that you have all your swimming essentials.
- Are you headed to Disney World? Be ready for lots of walking with comfortable shoes and breathable clothing.
- Are you seeing a show in the evenings? You may need something fancy.
- Are you spending a lot of time in business meetings? Be prepared with business wear and a jacket or sweater if you'll be sitting in the A/C.
- Check the weather. Even though it's the "Sunshine State," the weather in Florida fluctuates a bit with the seasons. Your packing needs will vary greatly from month to month. [2] As a general guide:
- The average high in Florida in February is in the high 60s, and the average low is in the low 40s.
- The average high in Florida in July is in the low 90s, and the average low is in the low 70s.
- Don't forget to make note of the precipitation forecast as well.
- Figure out if there will be a washer and dryer available. If you're staying with friends or in a rental house, you may have access to a washer and dryer. If that's the case, and if you are willing to repeat outfits, you may be able to dramatically cut down on the amount of clothes you're bringing.
- Prepare for the heat. Include tank tops, short sleeve shirts, shorts, and dresses. Particularly if you're going to be spending a lot time outside, choose fabrics that breathe well, such as cotton or linen. Avoid polyester and rayon in the summer.[3] Sunglasses and hats are a must, and you'll want lots of sunscreen. [4]
- If you were only able to pack a 3.4 oz container of sunscreen, be prepared to buy more when you get there. You may also want to consider some aloe or lotion in case you get burned.
- Pack your swimming essentials. Summer in Florida is hot! Odds are good your hotel will have a pool, and if it doesn't, Florida is a peninsula, so there are beaches everywhere. If you're planning to spend any time in the water at all, pack all your swimming gear. [5]
- You'll probably want several swimsuits. Even if you're only staying a few days, it's a good idea to pack at least 2 swimsuits so that they have time to dry in between wearing. (Florida is quite humid in the summer, so it could take a while.)
- Remember your flip flops and sandals. If you're going to be in and out of the pool or at the beach, flip flops or sandals will be very helpful. (If you're going to be walking around a lot in addition to swimming, be sure to bring a pair that give you plenty of support, such as the kind designed for hiking and other outdoor activities.) You may want to consider sandals with sturdy straps if you're going to be doing any water activities like canoeing or kayaking. [6]
- Pack a beach towel. If you're going to a hotel, you won't need other linens, but a large beach towel is a must, because they won't supply those. If you're going to be spending time at the pool instead of the beach, check to see if your hotel supplies poolside towels.
- Plan for walking. If you're headed for touristy destinations like Disney World, you will probably be on your feet a lot. Pack tennis shoes and thick socks to prevent blisters. (You could also think about a pair of athletic sandals if you're afraid tennis shoes and socks will be too hot, but be sure to wear something you've already broken in so you they don't rub.)[7]
- Pack one light jacket or sweater. Even though you are unlikely to need this outside in the Florida summer, almost every place you go will be air conditioned indoors. Pack something light to keep the chills away inside.
- Include a nice outfit. If you anticipate going out to dinner, you may want to bring something a bit dressier. In most tourist destinations, you don't need an evening gown or tux - just a nice dress or a button-down shirt should be fine.[8]
- You may want to double check that none of your destinations have a dress code. If so, you may need a jacket and tie or a nicer dress.
- If you're traveling for business, you may also need business or business casual attire, so adjust accordingly.
EditPlanning for Possible Rain and Cool Temperatures in Florida - Bring warm layers. Assess the activities you're planning for your trip very carefully. Winter clothing will take up quite a bit more room than summer clothing, of course, so you'll need to strategize based on what you'll be doing.
- Don't forget a medium-weight jacket. Even though Florida has a generally warm climate, the lows in the winter average in the 40s, so you'll need a jacket in the evenings and early mornings.
- Throw in a scarf and a hat if you're particularly cold-natured. You probably won't need gloves, but they can't hurt.
- Pack layers that you can wear more than once if possible. For example, a neutral colored sweater that matches several outfits will help a lot.
- Pack long pants and long sleeves. With an average low in the 40s in midwinter, Florida can get quite chilly. You probably don't need your bulkiest sweaters, but you can't go amiss with a pair of jeans and a few long sleeve t-shirts.
- Include some short sleeve shirts. Particularly if you're going to be doing any activities that involve a lot of walking, you may get a bit warm in long sleeves, even in the winter. You probably won't need any shorts unless you're going to be very far South, since the average winter high is 60 degrees, but if you're a hot-natured person, you could consider bringing a pair.[9]
- Pack for rain. Depending on where you're going in Florida, odds are pretty good that you'll encounter at least one downpour. Most cities there get between 90 and 140 days of rain per year. You will probably want an umbrella or light raincoat. Take a close look at the forecast to decide if galoshes will be worth the space they take up.[10]
EditPacking and Preparing Your Luggage - Figure out how much luggage you can bring. If you're flying, decide whether you are checking bags or just bringing carry-ons. If you're driving, you'll likely have a bit more space to pack extra items, depending on how many people you're sharing your car with.[11]
- Check the regulations from the airline you're flying with regarding size and weight requirements for both checked baggage and carry-ons.
- Most airlines will let you bring a small carry-on suitcase or overnight bag plus a personal item such as a purse, backpack, or laptop case. (A backpack is usually a good option if you're going to be doing many touristy activities.)
- Pack ID. You'll need a picture ID with your birthday on it in order to fly, rent a car, or buy alcohol. It's also a good idea to leave a copy of your photo ID with a friend or family member in case you lose yours while you are travelling. [12]
- Bring several forms of payment. If you have an ATM card and a credit card, it's a good idea to bring both. You should also bring some cash for tipping, vending machines, and parking. Pack different forms of payment in different places (one in your purse or backpack, another in your suitcase, another on your person) in case you lose your luggage. [13]
- Pack your membership and insurance cards. If you have AAA or belong to some sort of frequent flyer club, don't forget to bring the proof. You should also bring up-to-date insurance cards for yourself and anyone else in your family in case of emergency. If you're driving your own car or renting, bring auto insurance information as well.[14]
- You may want to bring phone numbers for your travel and insurance agents as well.
- Pack toiletries and bathroom items. No matter what season you're traveling to Florida, the toiletries you need are likely to be pretty similar. Put liquids in 3.4 oz (100 ml) containers and put the containers in a 1 quart bag. If you're flying and not planning to check your baggage, you will have to put all of your liquids in small containers in order to get them through security. You can usually pick up travel-sized bottles of toiletries in the drug store. [15]Depending on your personal needs, don't forget
- shampoo
- conditioner
- razor
- shaving cream
- aftershave
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- lotion or moisturizer
- tampons and/or pads
- makeup
- sunscreen
- soap
- prescription medicines
- over-the-counter medicines you take often (such as pain relievers, vitamins, or antacids)
- Remember enough undergarments. As a general rule, pack enough underwear for every day of your visit plus 1-2 extra pairs. If you wear bras, don't forget those and, if you'll be active, remember sports bras. If you wear undershirts or camis, you will probably want a fresh one every day if it's warm, but you can likely get away with wearing an undershirt twice in the winter. [16]
- Don't forget your pjs. You can probably get away with about 1-2 sets of pjs per week if you're not a particularly sweaty sleeper. If you tend to lounge around in your pjs in the evenings or mornings, you may want to bring an extra set or include some sweats or gym shorts and t-shirts.
- Pick a color scheme. Particularly if you have limited packing space, it's a good idea to pack a variety of clothes that you can mix and match. In particular, this will help limit the number of shoes you have to bring to match your outfits, which will free up quite a bit of space. [17]
- For example, many people find that it works well to bring a lot of black clothing and just a few pops of color.
- If you're packing for summer in Florida, consider using beige or light brown as your color scheme. Pack a few brightly colored tank tops, headbands, or other small items to brighten up your vacation wardrobe.
- Remember your electronics and chargers. If you're bringing a laptop, cellphone, or tablet, pack all of the accompanying chargers. If you're driving, you may want to consider chargers that plug into your vehicle.
- You may want to consider a charger that works on multiple devices if possible. Many of them come with multiple prongs so that you can charge more than one device at a time.
- Load your electronics with movies and games for entertainment if you're travelling with little ones. (Or maybe even if you're not!)
- If you're planning to take lots of pictures, be sure to bring a cord to transfer them to your computer in case you run out of space on your phone or camera. Alternatively, make arrangements to upload them to the internet to free up space. Double check that there will be decent wifi at your destination, or you'll have trouble doing this. [18]
- Leave room for souvenirs. Whether you're headed to Florida on vacation or for a business trip, chances are good you'll want to return with more than you came with. Try to leave a little extra room in your suitcase for small souvenirs.
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| How to Stretch Posted: 13 Apr 2016 01:00 AM PDT Stretching correctly will increase your flexibility and reduce the risk of injuries caused by lesions of the connective tissues (such as the periosteum) and other nasty things. This guide shows a variety of techniques with the goal of revamping or establishing your stretching routine. Use the tips that suit your needs for the activities you do. If you are injured, do not stretch without the help of a physical therapist. Doing so may result in further injury. EditStretching Exercises - Stretch your shoulders.
- Place the back of one hand in the small of your back.
- With your opposite hand, grab your elbow, gently pull forward, and hold.
- Repeat with opposite side.
- Stretch your triceps.
- Reach up with one arm.
- Bend your elbow and put your forearm down behind your head and between your shoulder blades.
- With your opposite arm, reach up and grab your raised elbow.
- Pull your elbow toward your head.
- Repeat with other arm.
- Stretch your biceps.
- Put your arms straight out to your sides with your thumbs facing up.
- Rotate your arms so that your thumbs face straight back, then rotate them forward until your thumbs are facing straight down.
- Stretch your wrists.
- Hold one arm out in front of you with your elbow bent (and close to your body) and palm facing up.
- With your opposite hand, grab your fingertips and slowly pull them all the way down until that hand is now facing the floor.
- Continue to pull on your fingertips, now in an upward direction since your palm is facing down.
- Repeat with other hand.
- Stretch your quadriceps.
- Stand up and pull one leg behind you (flamingo position).
- Once holding onto your foot, continue to apply upward pressure.
- Repeat with other leg.
- Stretch your calves.
- Place one leg in front of the other (split stance) with your hands on your hips.
- Lean slightly forward as you begin to straighten your back leg, ideally bringing your back foot all the way flat against the floor.
- Repeat with other leg.
- Stretch your hamstrings.
- Sit on the floor with both feet out in front of you.
- Reach out with both arms, ideally grabbing onto your toes and holding.
- Stretch your hips.
- Lie flat on the ground with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Get into a figure four position by placing one ankle on your opposite knee.
- Reach through and around your knee, clasp, pull it toward you, and hold.
- Repeat with opposite side.
- Stretch your groin.
- Sit on the floor.
- Press the soles of your feet together (butterfly position).
- Pull your feet as close to your body as possible.
- Put your hands on your ankles to where your elbows are lined up with your knees.
- Push against your elbows trying to close your legs. (This contracts your groin muscles to help you get a deeper stretch.)
- Push your knees down.
- Stretch your upper back.
- Reach both hands behind you and then up over your head (as if to perform a butterfly stroke in swimming).
- Continue to swing your arms over your head and out in front of you.
- Try to keep both arms parallel to the floor as you are holding the stretch.
- To maintain balance, sit back slightly with your knees partially bent.
- Stretch your neck.
- Incline your head forward, but do not roll your head from side to side-this is dangerous. Instead, stretch your neck to the left, right, forward and back, but always return to center first!
- Tilt your head with ear toward shoulder, incline your head backward and roll your head from left to right, then right to left in a 30 degree motion.
- Be sure that while your head is tilted back, you keep your jaw relaxed and even let your mouth fall open just a bit.
- Stretch your jaw.
- Incline your head back, rest your chin on your palm, and pull your jaw open.
- Say "Ah!" (you can mime it).
- Grab your chin with your thumb, index and middle fingers.
- Stretch it left to right. This exercise will help if you have been hit to the jaw (e.g., knocked-out in boxing).
EditWhen To Stretch - Never stretch before you warm up. The only reason it feels good to stretch even when you're cold is because your body sends out natural painkillers. To protect your tissues, you need to raise your cardiac pulse in order to fill them with blood. The only way to do this is by working out.
- Swimming is the safest way to raise your cardiac pulse. Water reduces shocks to the body because it reduces the felt effect of gravity on your body.
- Jumping rope can also be effective, but it may damage your tibia's periosteums, which is the membrane enveloping your bones (except at junctions) that allows the blood to flow from your heart to your muscles connected by the tendon.
- Swimming pools are sometimes inaccessible, so an efficient and safe way to raise cardiac pulse would be by cycling (except if you have knee problems).
- Stretching before your workout will put your Central Nervous System (CNS) to sleep to increase your range of motion. It will result with less gain than improvement on the muscle part. The CNS naturally provides resistance by stimulating antagonists muscles when you flex a muscle to prevent it from being too stretched and tear your conjunctive tissues. Never stretch prior to workout, and always do it after.
- Always stretch after you work out. Stretching will ensure you have an optimal circulation of body fluids throughout your system and an adequate flexibility which will prevent your connective tissues to pop when you contract your muscle.
- Stretch every day in order to become flexible more quickly.
- Do not bounce or bob when you stretch - this is not effective and may lead to injury.
- All stretches should be held, without movement, for 15-20 seconds. This surpasses the myotatic reflex which prevents any muscle from stretching for the first 10-12 seconds.
- Perform the exercises slowly to prevent injuries.
- Create a daily stretching routine.
- You should stretch as far as you are comfortable when inhaling, and when exhaling, go a little farther than comfortable. This increases flexibility when used as a daily routine.
- Wear stretchy clothes.
- If some stretches are difficult at beginner level, you might want to use a wall for support, or the assistance of a friend.
- Breathe in a natural rhythm, and stay calm. Don't stretch if you are injured.
- Stretching should not hurt, just inflict a small and negligible instantaneous pain.
- Try not to stretch too hard if you are a beginner you need to get used to stretching so you can be flexible, if you start out by stretching too much that will cause injury.
- Ease into a stretch slowly if it hurts.
- Exercise Carefully to avoid injury
- Learn to love the 'pain' of stretching.
- Don't exercise to much. it will cause injury.
- Eat healthy. This will help when you are stretching.
- Stretch as much as you can before a sport! Remember, you can never be too loose.
- Stretch so you can feel it, but stretch comfortably, never force a stretch or you will injure yourself.
- Each individual possesses his/her own physical limitations when exercising. Be sure that you acknowledge your physical restrictions while stretching, ensuring that you do not induce injury in your efforts to exercise. Remember, your well-being is at the center of each exercise activity.
- Never stretch when you are injured.
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