Issue Date: October 29, 2006
Help for newbie buyers
Is it time to take the home plunge?
|
Stagnant or downward-drifting home prices now give first-time buyers more room to maneuver.
FIRST, GET EDUCATED: For tutorials on home ownership and to check current mortgage rates in your area, go online to mtgprofessor.com and HSH.com, respectively.
Know THE REAL OUT-OF-POCKET: Use the calculator at HSH.com to figure out your monthly mortgage payment. Add to that estimated local real estate taxes plus the cost of utilities, insurance, a repair fund, yard maintenance (such as the cost of a lawn mower) and any homeowner fees.
APPROACH A LOAN CAREFULLY: Be particularly wary of adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) and loans with low teaser rates. Yes, they require little money down, and the initial low rates may mean the difference between affording a house or not. But as we've seen recently, ARMs do go up and teaser rates end. Are you sure you'll have the extra cash to afford a 20%, 30% or even higher increase in your payment?
Go to top
Be a smarter spectator
To be in the know, learn the key rules of your kids' sports.
|
With kids playing multiple sports and the Super Bowl a national obsession, it can be a major social faux pas not knowing the rules of popular sports. Being sports-savvy also can help you to better connect with your children when you're shuttling them to practices and games or even as you're encouraging them from the sidelines.
"It's important to know the rules to more actively engage with a child before and after a game, not to mention knowing what to cheer about during a game," says John Pelletier, president of MomsGuide.com. "To be able to relate and know the essentials and lingo engages a parent in the experience, and that can be a bonding element in the relationship." And even if you were a regular on the court or field in your heyday, you still may want to brush up on the specifics of your child's sport today.
With childhood obesity on the rise, getting our kids engaged in activities that keep them healthy and fit is essential. Moms, dads, grandparents or anyone who encourages children to play sports can get the lowdown on several games from websites such as MomsGuide.com and SportSpectator.com. Booklets that include field diagrams, plus more detailed information to help the uninitiated pick up on the essentials of various sports, can be purchased on the sites.
Contact Contributing Editor Jorge Cruise, author of "The 3-Hour Diet," at 3hourdiet.com.
Go to top
5 ways to break the ice
Ever eye someone while standing in a long line, only to watch your future love pay up and walk away? Seizing this moment is the ultimate singles challenge. Next time you spot a certain someone, here's what to do:
Flash a smile. Catch his or her eye, roll yours and say with a grin, "Can you believe this? They must be giving something away!" A smile says you are friendly and positive, and it inspires a response.
Got mints? Pull out some gum or mints and offer one. ("I have a feeling this is going to take a while. Want one?") People are disarmed -- and charmed -- by generosity.
Show interest in an item that's about to be purchased. ("I was thinking about getting that. Is it good?") Asking an opinion is flattering and really opens up the other person.
But don't overdo the compliments. Flattery can be seen as creepy.
Make the connection. If you perceive mutual interest, try to linger an extra minute and take the plunge: Ask to have coffee or lunch, or swap e-mail addresses or cell numbers.
Go to top
Fast, zingy vitamins
Here's a quick way to get a variety of antioxidants in vegetables and curry powder, which new research says boosts brain power.
Curried ChickPeas & Onions
15-ounce can chickpeas,drained, rinsed
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
8-ounce can no-salt-addedtomato sauce
1 Tb. curry powder
1 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper or to taste
In a medium bowl, combine allingredients. Microwave on high, covered, for 10 minutes or until onions are soft.
Serves 4
Per serving: 161 calories, 7g protein, 32g carbohydrates, 2g fat (0g saturated), 0mg cholesterol, 7g fiber, 327mg sodium
|
