Search found 232 matches
- Thu Apr 06, 2023 9:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: how to choose a general contractor
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3245
Re: how to choose a general contractor
[ Hello Wise Sandtrap, Please may ask in thread here: Does this sounds accurate - from contractor? (I'm the hapless homeowner, with extensive wall damage ) " Due to the nature of your repairs you have the right to repair your property immediately as long as permits are submitted within 24 hrs of commencement. You do not need to wait on approval from the city." Is this what is written on a "contractor" estimate or contract work/money agreement? What is the source of this quote? Homeowners insurance agent? Building department official? ??? j :D Source of quote -- contractor email, when I asked him about expected completion date. I didn't verify with building department official. I guess I need to do that! Thank you
- Thu Apr 06, 2023 3:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: how to choose a general contractor
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3245
Re: how to choose a general contractor
I am looking to hire a general contractor for a major construction project. What kinds of questions should I ask? What red flags should I be looking for? Thanks everyone. To OP: Notes and questions: 1. Is the "major construction project; new home construction, or a major remod/addition, or a commercial project, or a high rise building? 2. Is the project valuation; 500k, 1 million, millions? 3. Are you having an architect complete your plans and also (importantly) your "spec book" for your project? 4. Are you working with an architect continuously from idea to plans to ??? 5. Are you on a great working relationship with a reputable licensed architect in your area? 6. Have you completed major construction projects on your own ...
- Thu Apr 06, 2023 3:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Gaslighted by Window Guy?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 4756
Re: Gaslighted by Window Guy?
Yes, Home Depot guy came out and seemed great, very professional. He just said it was beyond the scope of my mini-disaster (wall/concrete broken, car backed into kitchen). And even if they did do it, it would be 10 weeks to get window if he called in a favor. Glad they worked out well for you though!VonZiff wrote: ↑Thu Apr 06, 2023 1:58 pm We've just had a window replaced by Home Depot and couldn't be happier with their program. Everything is documented and "by the book" They are not in business to screw around. We used the window as a test and am now going ahead with a full kitchen remodel. They use contractors that they've worked with for years. It's all great
- Thu Apr 06, 2023 12:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Gaslighted by Window Guy?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 4756
Re: Gaslighted by Window Guy?
Plot Twist: Guy down the block has a window business. There’s a window that would be compliant with HOA. Sizing is a little different, but hey, the opening is bigger now [in fact it’s a gaping hole, covered by wooden board]. Opportunity’s a-Knocking! :D Sizing is different, but the opening is bigger now? Are you planning on making the opening wider than it was before the accident? If so, you will need to have that engineered. Yes, opening is bigger, concrete is knocked out. The initial contractor I liked said he would get special engineering structural detail for wall repair and architectural floor plan. 1) There's question of whether we should try for additional engineering permit, which would make things take longer. Would you recommend ...
- Thu Apr 06, 2023 12:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Gaslighted by Window Guy?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 4756
Re: Gaslighted by Window Guy?
Thank you very much for the kind words, @Veiled.
To adapt an old saying: "Trying to help you out, but don't know the way you came in."
This is quite dumbfounding - It's not the Sistine Chapel, but a crappy home with a missing wall.
It's hard to even talk about this with irl friends/family, because no one really wants to hear about all the wrong turns and hassles, in this fiasco.
- Wed Apr 05, 2023 5:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Gaslighted by Window Guy?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 4756
Re: Gaslighted by Window Guy?
Hi, thank you for even reading any/all of this. Not sure if anything missing, I don't think anything was deleted from thread. (McQ ghost, not sure). If you would like more context, you can look up my previous post, re: initial problem.
- Wed Apr 05, 2023 4:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Gaslighted by Window Guy?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 4756
Re: Gaslighted by Window Guy?
Reading your experience hurts my head. Does the HOA have some input that's making things difficult? Why is this insurance? Did the HOA president throw a baseball through your window or something? A friend actually reversed her car into my kitchen, taking down wall/window. HOA would need to approve work/new window. I asked the HOA coordinator right away when it happened, for her contractor recommendations. She gave me the name of someone less than stellar. And didn't even give me the name of the local contractor who works with Window Guy, who's done several buildings here. I called her again today, to try to suss things out. The name of window contractor guy came up. She said he was good, and that he did her house. I asked why she didn't of...
- Wed Apr 05, 2023 4:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Gaslighted by Window Guy?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 4756
Re: Gaslighted by Window Guy?
What does gaslighted mean? gaslight, verb gaslighted or gaslit; gaslighting; gaslights transitive verb 1: to psychologically manipulate (a person) usually over an extended period of time so that the victim questions the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and experiences confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, and doubts concerning their own emotional or mental stability : to subject (someone) to gaslighting https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gaslight 2: What can happen when in home repair job, when you are trying to self-source major materials due to supply issues, and have not yet signed a contract (Example: Windows contractor in touch with Contractor-Can-Do, in spirit of unified approach. Di...
- Wed Apr 05, 2023 3:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Gaslighted by Window Guy?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 4756
Re: Gaslighted by Window Guy?
I was thinking I could still use the window people (the contractor/his people) but still keep larger job (drywall/concrete/stucco/permits etc) in the hands of Contractor Can-Do. This might not be the most efficient, but do you think it would be protective against downside problems?illumination wrote: ↑Wed Apr 05, 2023 3:34 pm
My advice is work with the window company and use "their" install guys because otherwise everyone is going to be pointing fingers and blaming someone else. I made sure of this whenever I bought them of where the buck stops. If you buy from one place and have an independent party install, if a job goes sideways it can be bad for the consumer as no one will want to accept responsibility.
- Wed Apr 05, 2023 2:56 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Gaslighted by Window Guy?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 4756
Gaslighted by Window Guy?
Update from Hapless Homeowner: I thought I had lined up a contractor (not with a lot of reviews, but with one good recommendation, and BBB accredited). This guy (“Contractor Can-Do”) doesn’t use exact insurance codes, but it seemed like he would do a good job and very likely finish sooner than other places. Spoiler alert: Supply chain issues are persisting. Windows anywhere from 8-20 weeks. Home Depot said 10 weeks if they call in a favor (and we use their service, which wouldn’t work with the missing wall situation). Plot Twist: Guy down the block has a window business. There’s a window that would be compliant with HOA. Sizing is a little different, but hey, the opening is bigger now [in fact it’s a gaping hole, covered by wooden board]. O...
- Wed Mar 29, 2023 4:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: how to choose a general contractor
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3245
Re: how to choose a general contractor
I am looking to hire a general contractor for a major construction project. What kinds of questions should I ask? What red flags should I be looking for? Thanks everyone. To OP: Notes and questions: 1. Is the "major construction project; new home construction, or a major remod/addition, or a commercial project, or a high rise building? 2. Is the project valuation; 500k, 1 million, millions? 3. Are you having an architect complete your plans and also (importantly) your "spec book" for your project? 4. Are you working with an architect continuously from idea to plans to ??? 5. Are you on a great working relationship with a reputable licensed architect in your area? 6. Have you completed major construction projects on your own ...
- Wed Mar 29, 2023 3:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: how to choose a general contractor
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3245
Re: how to choose a general contractor
I am looking to hire a general contractor for a major construction project. What kinds of questions should I ask? What red flags should I be looking for? Thanks everyone. To OP: Notes and questions: 1. Is the "major construction project; new home construction, or a major remod/addition, or a commercial project, or a high rise building? 2. Is the project valuation; 500k, 1 million, millions? 3. Are you having an architect complete your plans and also (importantly) your "spec book" for your project? 4. Are you working with an architect continuously from idea to plans to ??? 5. Are you on a great working relationship with a reputable licensed architect in your area? 6. Have you completed major construction projects on your own ...
- Tue Mar 14, 2023 10:27 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: My Bad Experience With Angie's List
- Replies: 46
- Views: 8554
Re: My Bad Experience With Angie's List
Angie's List, Yelp, Diamond Certified, BBB --- these are all "pay to play" type of sites. A business can be listed free on BBB. I used to find Angie's List useful when it was a service paid for by the consumer. Since it became a free service to the consumer, I don't find it useful. I have had good luck hiring plumbers, locksmiths, etc. using BBB. It's fine to hire companies that are listed free (i.e., that are not BBB accredited). https://www.eversparkinteractive.com/how-to-get-listed-with-the-better-business-bureau/ "There’s a common myth that you have to pay to be listed on the BBB. That’s not exactly true—a paid account comes with serious benefits, but you can get listed for free if you prefer. Here are the differences: -...
- Wed Mar 08, 2023 8:21 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Car hit my house- my homeowners insurance or driver’s auto insurance?
- Replies: 45
- Views: 6940
Re: Car hit my house- my homeowners insurance or driver’s auto insurance?
Welp, apparently there is going to be a another claim on house - this one liability (injury on attic stairs, from guy moving boxes). Would you know please, if this goes right on the same CLUE report -- (a) for house and (b) for me as individual ? Would Citizens (last resort insurer) drop me for too many claims? (ie three claims in 3 years is what I was told by an insurance agent - or 2 flood/water claims in 3 years. No one at Citizens would confirm this.). This should be a medical payments claim (Coverage F). It should not be a liability claim unless you expect the injured party to demand damages. Either way, it would still be a separate claim on your CLUE report. Most homeowners insurers drop customers after two claims in 3 years. However...
- Sun Feb 12, 2023 6:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Car hit my house- my homeowners insurance or driver’s auto insurance?
- Replies: 45
- Views: 6940
Re: Car hit my house- my homeowners insurance or driver’s auto insurance?
Do you know, would claim [even if $0] still count against me in the CLUE thing, if there was a another claim in the next 2-5 years? CLUE is just a database. It shows every claim that has been reported. $0 claims show up on your CLUE report just like $1 million claims. However, you're insured by Citizens. You're already at the insurer of last resort in a homeowners insurance market that is collapsing. It is relatively unlikely that you will be able to find private insurance in the next 3-5 years, so your CLUE report is not as important as it would be for someone else. The only thing that matters is whether Citizens will increase your premium, and a $0 claim will not increase your premium. Welp, apparently there is going to be a another clai...
- Wed Feb 08, 2023 2:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Car hit my house- my homeowners insurance or driver’s auto insurance?
- Replies: 45
- Views: 6940
Re: Car hit my house- my homeowners insurance or driver’s auto insurance?
Thank you, I guess this answers my question. Claim of $0 still = ClaimSimonJester wrote: ↑Mon Feb 06, 2023 12:14 pm You cant un-ring the bell... You have submitted a claim against your home owners policy... This will go on your CLUE report and the house. You insurance may or may not hold it against you and increase you rates (probably not). However if you should have another claim in a short period this is where you can get into problems...
As to which would have been better its hard to say... Might have been better to only open against the auto policy. And depending on your insurance carrier notifying them of an accident and formally opening a claim can be two different things...
- Wed Feb 08, 2023 2:07 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Car hit my house- my homeowners insurance or driver’s auto insurance?
- Replies: 45
- Views: 6940
Re: Car hit my house- my homeowners insurance or driver’s auto insurance?
Thanks for pointing this out @talzara, re: homeowners insurance. Yes I live in a flood/hurricane prone state where people fear being dropped by their homeowners insurance; and talk about it all the time. We were already was dropped by earlier home insurance carrier, and now have (rhymes with) Denizens. They are the "insurer of last resort" for the state - and they were inundated with claims last year after Hurricane Ian. The Denizens adjuster on the phone was extremely kind, and said they wouldn't drop me, but verbal reassurances for the future, I don't know if you can take to the bank. Leave the homeowners claim open, but don't use it if you don't have to. If the damage is repaired under the auto policy, you can close the homeow...
- Tue Feb 07, 2023 10:22 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Car hit my house- my homeowners insurance or driver’s auto insurance?
- Replies: 45
- Views: 6940
Re: Car hit my house- my homeowners insurance or driver’s auto insurance?
'Tall State' Auto's' job is to fix things as cheaply as possible, and close this claim. Your HO insurance will be more likely to fix things correctly; as they will get fully reimbursed from Tall State, they are less inclined to scrimp on repairs. Moreover, Tall State is not your vendor. You do not pay them for service. Why would you want do deal directly with them? Btw: take this opportunity to make sure any repairs are done to current code. Thanks for reminder to make sure about current code. To answer question, about why I'd want to deal with the other party's auto insurance -- not my first choice, but it would allay some fears about claims on homeowners policy [[especially if another claim in next few years]]. I guess, as someone eloque...
- Tue Feb 07, 2023 10:00 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Car hit my house- my homeowners insurance or driver’s auto insurance?
- Replies: 45
- Views: 6940
Re: Car hit my house- my homeowners insurance or driver’s auto insurance?
Given the damage you report, it is likely better to let your homeowner's carrier handle the claim and subrogate against the responsible party. 1. Your carrier may be more likely to have the appropriate expertise in handling claims involving damage to a residence than the at-fault driver's auto carrier. That is particularly true of the driver's carrier primarily writes auto policies. 2. Depending upon the damage to your residence, the cost to repair may well exceed the property damage limits of the at-fault driver's policy. If that is the case and you failed to report the matter to your own carrier, your carrier could deny any coverage for failure to timely report (if such is required by your policy). In that case, you'd bear one hundred (1...
- Tue Feb 07, 2023 9:39 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Car hit my house- my homeowners insurance or driver’s auto insurance?
- Replies: 45
- Views: 6940
Re: Car hit my house- my homeowners insurance or driver’s auto insurance?
You cant un-ring the bell... You have submitted a claim against your home owners policy... This will go on your CLUE report and the house. You insurance may or may not hold it against you and increase you rates (probably not). However if you should have another claim in a short period this is where you can get into problems... Someone literally took out the walls of your house with a vehicle and folks are worried about a CLUE report. :oops: Homeowners insurance claims are much more serious than auto insurance claims. Homeowners insurance usually increases your rates after one claim, and it drops you after two claim within 3-5 years. Most insurers will turn you down with two claims, so you won't even be able to switch to another standard ca...
- Mon Feb 06, 2023 9:33 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Car hit my house- my homeowners insurance or driver’s auto insurance?
- Replies: 45
- Views: 6940
Car hit my house- my homeowners insurance or driver’s auto insurance?
Someone backed into my house while parking [‘accelerator problem’]. :oops: She is actually a friend, and no one injured. But kitchen wall, including windows, was basically taken out - with a few concrete blocks exposed and remaining. Question is insurance process, who to go through.. Her auto insurance opened claim and accepted liability, but I also started a claim with my home insurance. Home insurance said they would send their adjuster, and then subrogate with auto insurance for home deductible ($2500) back. I only spent a few minutes on phone with someone from auto insurance, and they said they don’t even generally have adjuster come out for evaluations on home damage. Now I’m being told by friend and an insurance agent, I made a big mi...
- Thu Jan 26, 2023 1:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Mediocre performance review - what next
- Replies: 69
- Views: 5625
Re: Mediocre performance review - what next
OP, if your performance meeting this morning is over consider providing an update if you are looking for additional specific feedback. Quick update post perf-meeting: *edit: Annual review, pardon lack of clarity As @LawEgr1 aptly stated, it was the "above and beyond" part (those exact words were used, a few times). There were no dramatic new accomplishments and my proposed project was tabled. I was told "Consistent' was good (perhaps even 'great'😂). Manager said they'd work with me on getting to next level, and we'd both try to step up our two-way feedback in 1:1 meetings throughout year (so no unexpected surprises). Most importantly (to me)- manager made me feel like they still wanted me on their team. Not after the biggest...
- Thu Jan 26, 2023 9:06 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Mediocre performance review - what next
- Replies: 69
- Views: 5625
Re: Mediocre performance review - what next
"Calibrations" were done prior to review.
Would it be fair to ask boss about stack ratings, distribution of scores, and (possible) new company directives? I would rather her offer the information, of course - but if not, Perhaps some gentle probing (?)
Would it be fair to ask boss about stack ratings, distribution of scores, and (possible) new company directives? I would rather her offer the information, of course - but if not, Perhaps some gentle probing (?)
- Thu Jan 26, 2023 8:37 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Mediocre performance review - what next
- Replies: 69
- Views: 5625
Re: Mediocre performance review - what next
Be open and receptive to criticism - fight any tendency to be defensive (if that exists in you). Ask whether there was a change in the number of people who could be assigned to each category. Assuming the staffing was consistent from the previous year, I'd think this is likely the case. Ask for specific examples of where you could have done better. Ask if your boss viewed an overall change in your performance the past year, relative to the previous year, or whether there were only a few specific examples of where you could have done better - perhaps taken on more responsibility or more of a leadership role? It's disheartening, of course, but try to view this in a larger perspective as an opportunity for growth in the coming years. A specif...
- Thu Jan 26, 2023 8:27 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Mediocre performance review - what next
- Replies: 69
- Views: 5625
Re: Mediocre performance review - what next
carolinaman wrote: ↑Thu Jan 26, 2023 8:12 am Try to get objective feedback from your boss on how you can improve. Let him/her know that you want to be a top performer.
Some bosses do not put a lot of stock in performance reviews. This meeting is likely more telling than the review itself.
Thanks. Good call out. Pay attention to content of meeting rather than just score. Truthfully though, I don't even want to use the specific word *Improvement* because that's redolent of Performance Improvement Plans. Which is not a great place to be
- Thu Jan 26, 2023 8:24 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Mediocre performance review - what next
- Replies: 69
- Views: 5625
Re: Mediocre performance review - what next
First, so thankful for all these wise and prompt responses. I'm doing this from phone, so if I may, I will just respond to a one or two at a time.
This is the kicker! I 'loved' my boss for the last two years and I thought the feeling was mutualColtrane75 wrote: ↑Thu Jan 26, 2023 8:13 am Make sure your relationship with your boss and other managers is improved and good in the coming year. Also keep an eye out for the overall health of the company.
- Thu Jan 26, 2023 7:48 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Mediocre performance review - what next
- Replies: 69
- Views: 5625
Mediocre performance review - what next
Yesterday late afternoon I got yearly performance review from work. --> "Consistent Performance", down from last year. Today in - yikes- 2 hours I have perf meeting with my boss :shock: For context, last year was "Strong Performance" and options are At Risk - Inconsistent - Consistent - Strong- Exceptional Please please any wisdom, especially for upcoming meeting around this? I know I need to receive feedback openly and listen carefully. Plan ways to improve. Perhaps drill down. But I really feel blindsided by this. :oops: I truly don't feel like my performance was any worse than last year, and in the back of my head, I thought there was some chance for promotion. One or two thoughts: - (Don't laugh) Boss doesn't 'like' ...
- Fri Jul 08, 2022 7:54 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Pros and Cons: Credit Cards for Awards Travel
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2188
Re: Pros and Cons: Credit Cards for Awards Travel
Hi all, chiming in here, somewhat related question -- trying to decide whether to use travel reward points, or book directly through airline. You need to clarify how you are using the points. If you are transferring travel points to an airline say AA, Delta, BA, or whomever to book an award flight then to state the obvious you are booking with the airline. If you are using the points say Chase UR, CapOne, etc., to purchase an airline ticket through the bank's travel portal then yes you are introducing an online travel agency into the mix and that can complicate certain things because you are adding another party to the mix. Thank you -- yes it's through bank travel portal. (I just edited my post to clarify). I guess it's a question of risk...
- Fri Jul 08, 2022 7:39 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Pros and Cons: Credit Cards for Awards Travel
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2188
Re: Pros and Cons: Credit Cards for Awards Travel
Hi all, chiming in here, somewhat related question -- trying to decide whether to use bank travel reward points (third party), or book directly through airline.
This is in the context of recent travel woes (cancellations, delays). I heard you have better recourse for rebooking/better treatment if you book through airline. Either way, I will be getting flexible option [albeit at lowest available tier].
Some side info is that I'm not affluent, working full time, and planning 2 week vacation from states to Europe in early October. Thanks in advance...
This is in the context of recent travel woes (cancellations, delays). I heard you have better recourse for rebooking/better treatment if you book through airline. Either way, I will be getting flexible option [albeit at lowest available tier].
Some side info is that I'm not affluent, working full time, and planning 2 week vacation from states to Europe in early October. Thanks in advance...
- Wed May 18, 2022 2:52 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What Do You Consider a "Really Bad Day"?
- Replies: 88
- Views: 12577
Re: What Do You Consider a "Really Bad Day"?
Thank you very much for such a clear and well-detailed answer!retiringwhen wrote: ↑Wed May 18, 2022 1:55 pmFor S&P500 (VOO/VFIAX) and Total Stock Market (VTSAX/VTI) -> yesblackcat allie wrote: ↑Wed May 18, 2022 1:38 pm ... would today's numbers for major indexes qualify as an RBD / time to look at re-balancing bands?
For Total International (VTIAX/VXUS) and just about any bond fund -> no.
- Wed May 18, 2022 1:38 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What Do You Consider a "Really Bad Day"?
- Replies: 88
- Views: 12577
Re: What Do You Consider a "Really Bad Day"?
First, let me admit perspective & honor cancer survivors and other people with severe, life changing days. (Buffalo for instance, would be one example).
Anyway, to more quotidian/ financial matters, would today's numbers for major indexes qualify as an RBD / time to look at re-balancing bands?
Anyway, to more quotidian/ financial matters, would today's numbers for major indexes qualify as an RBD / time to look at re-balancing bands?
- Mon May 09, 2022 1:49 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What Do You Consider a "Really Bad Day"?
- Replies: 88
- Views: 12577
Re: What Do You Consider a "Really Bad Day"?
Thanks livesoft for answer!! I'm assuming an RBD for VTI also (?)livesoft wrote: ↑Mon May 09, 2022 1:44 pmYes, today is an RBD for many different ticker symbols.blackcat allie wrote: ↑Mon May 09, 2022 1:37 pmHello - for those of us not chart/formula inclined - please may I ask, is today an RBD?
Today is good day to tax-loss harvest and to check one's rebalancing bands.
- Mon May 09, 2022 1:37 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What Do You Consider a "Really Bad Day"?
- Replies: 88
- Views: 12577
Re: What Do You Consider a "Really Bad Day"?
Hello - for those of us not chart/formula inclined - please may I ask, is today an RBD?livesoft wrote: ↑Wed Jan 27, 2021 8:58 amWell, what do ya know!climber2020 wrote: ↑Wed Jan 27, 2021 8:56 am Here's a useful tool to identify RBDs:
https://www.gebele.com/charts-and-graphs/rbd-alerts
- Fri Feb 11, 2022 4:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Place to see manatees, north/central Florida ?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1976
Place to see manatees, north/central Florida ?
Hoping please for recommendations, for short visit to see manatees in central or north Florida. I understand Crystal River and Manatee Springs State Park are options. Crystal River seems to be the most popular place, with both Homosassa Springs Park and Three Sisters Springs. However most popular with people might equate to overcrowded. Also I know it was a sad year for the manatees, with many recent deaths, so there may be less of them.
Any suggestions or experiences? Thanks in advance.
Any suggestions or experiences? Thanks in advance.
- Wed Sep 08, 2021 1:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
- Replies: 2907
- Views: 515651
Re: Tales from this insane real estate market
Friends bought a house 12 hours away - they worked closely with their Real Estate Agent. When a house that very closely matched what they wanted they quickly made travel plans to go and see it. As in they heard about the house on a Friday and Flew to go see it the next day. The Real Estate agent emailed all the info about the house, did a video walk thru on Friday while on the phone with my friends, and took notes/questions to be answered ASAP. Friends arrived Saturday - did a walk thru and put in a bid that day. They did get the house. I've bought a house and a townhouse without every setting foot in it (as in it was a month or two after closing before I got to the property). I worked with a relative in the location and the real estate ag...
- Wed Sep 08, 2021 12:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
- Replies: 2907
- Views: 515651
Re: Tales from this insane real estate market
Hi, how crazy would it be to make an offer on a house, without seeing in person? I'm working with real estate agent who I pretty much trust. House is an 11 hour drive away, and was just listed. (please pardon if I'm repeating earlier content or thread, or off topic. Really value the input of you wise people.) Why are you looking at houses 11 hours away if you aren’t willing to see them in person? When do you plan to actually see this house in person? The day you get the keys with a moving truck in tow? Welp, I just got back from area a few weeks ago (Asheville NC) and have plans to return next month. This MLS listing looks special, but I'm reluctant to fly with new Delta variation and my driving option for this week isn't great either.
- Tue Sep 07, 2021 10:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
- Replies: 2907
- Views: 515651
Re: Tales from this insane real estate market
Hi, how crazy would it be to make an offer on a house, without seeing in person?
I'm working with real estate agent who I pretty much trust. House is an 11 hour drive away, and was just listed.
(please pardon if I'm repeating earlier content or thread, or off topic. Really value the input of you wise people.)
I'm working with real estate agent who I pretty much trust. House is an 11 hour drive away, and was just listed.
(please pardon if I'm repeating earlier content or thread, or off topic. Really value the input of you wise people.)
- Wed Aug 25, 2021 8:50 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Rocket mortgage - any cons?
- Replies: 32
- Views: 5463
Re: Rocket mortgage - any cons?
Hi, trying to bump up this thread because I have same questions re: Rocket Mortgage.
Wondering if there are other good ones, that wouldn't require traditional "visit to bank"
thanks in advance
Wondering if there are other good ones, that wouldn't require traditional "visit to bank"
thanks in advance
- Sun Aug 15, 2021 11:18 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anyone considering travel abroad, 2021 ?
- Replies: 55
- Views: 4724
Anyone considering travel abroad, 2021 ?
Hi, I'm writing as someone who's wanted to go to two countries in Europe for quite some time now & have delayed since 2020. It seems logistically possible (at present time), though if the return pre-flight COVID test was positive, I imagine my vacation would be - um - "extended." Sidenote is I'm vaxxed and would wear masks etc, but I'm aware there are no guarantees, and if PCR test was positive, I imagine I'd have to stay for about 10 more days before being allowed to fly back home. Does anyone have wisdom or experience, thoughts or feelings here, re: international discretionary trip? I realize the sensible thing is probably to delay travel, but how do we know there won't be many more Covid variants to come. It seems like a ri...
- Tue Jul 13, 2021 3:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How did you arrive at your probable age of death?
- Replies: 224
- Views: 18888
Re: How did you arrive at your probable age of death?
Maybe 2-4 weeks after my inherited Roth goes to "0" .
Perhaps long enough to see the statement, and realize I didn't beat death with my asset allocation.
Perhaps long enough to see the statement, and realize I didn't beat death with my asset allocation.
- Mon May 10, 2021 6:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
- Replies: 7638
- Views: 1713120
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Klara and the Sun - Kazuo Ishiguro was unexpectedly wonderful.
Leaving Isn't the Hardest Thing - Lauren Hough painted/tweeted herself in a corner with the Goodreads folks, but her essays are quite unique and immersive.
Leaving Isn't the Hardest Thing - Lauren Hough painted/tweeted herself in a corner with the Goodreads folks, but her essays are quite unique and immersive.
- Mon Feb 01, 2021 7:07 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Best Stock Exchange/Broker To Invest For Beginner?
- Replies: 37
- Views: 5421
Re: Best Stock Exchange/Broker To Invest For Beginner?
Anyone heard of Sofi ?
My friend just started with them & I'm wary. He said they're well rated; and seem to have very low account minimums. (Edit I'm not considering them, just literally asking for a friend)
My friend just started with them & I'm wary. He said they're well rated; and seem to have very low account minimums. (Edit I'm not considering them, just literally asking for a friend)
- Fri Jan 01, 2021 9:21 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best < $100 purchase?
- Replies: 299
- Views: 55816
Re: Best < $100 purchase?
Ceramic travel mug with happy bright design, for taking tea and coffee to work (no metallic taste). Also $15 bluetooth micro speaker for listening to music in shared workspace.
- Fri Dec 25, 2020 7:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
- Replies: 7638
- Views: 1713120
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Anyone tried "Shuggie Bain?" I'd be eager for impressions.
I finished first chapter but e-book returned itself to library.
Debating - gasp - paying for book. (It doesn't need my money, National Book Award 2020 winner and new film deal.) General consensus is very well written, with disturbing and sad content.
I finished first chapter but e-book returned itself to library.
Debating - gasp - paying for book. (It doesn't need my money, National Book Award 2020 winner and new film deal.) General consensus is very well written, with disturbing and sad content.
- Tue Dec 08, 2020 11:24 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Dentist/Dental hygienist? (in times of COVID)
- Replies: 48
- Views: 4967
Re: Dentist/Dental hygienist? (in times of COVID)
Hi again, posting to see if any other experiences or insights?
(I went last week after crown fell out, now debating hygienist)
Thanks
(I went last week after crown fell out, now debating hygienist)
Thanks
- Mon Nov 23, 2020 12:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do they still make simple washing machines without any computer chips?
- Replies: 108
- Views: 63908
Re: Do they still make simple washing machines without any computer chips?
Jumping on here with side question, please.
How legit is the recommendation for special "high efficiency HE detergent" with these newer machines? Are detergent pods reasonable option? Thanks in advance
How legit is the recommendation for special "high efficiency HE detergent" with these newer machines? Are detergent pods reasonable option? Thanks in advance
- Mon Nov 23, 2020 12:43 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Taylor Sends His Best to Fellow Bogleheads
- Replies: 334
- Views: 34170
Re: Taylor Sends His Best to Fellow Bogleheads
Taylor, so glad you're Staying the Course of Recovery
As always, Thankful for your wisdom & leadership...
As always, Thankful for your wisdom & leadership...
- Sun Nov 15, 2020 1:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
- Replies: 5973
- Views: 690265
Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Re-watching The Sopranos, which I think is one of the greatest artistic achievements of the 20th/21th centuries.
(Rest in power, James Gandolfini, who died too young)
(Rest in power, James Gandolfini, who died too young)
- Sun Oct 25, 2020 9:26 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Tips on how to get the most of my yearly performance review?
- Replies: 40
- Views: 5837
Re: Tips on how to get the most of my yearly performance review?
Anyone familiar with waived "Perf" ratings -- ie "N/A" instead of one/two word overall rating. I'm new at my company, and this year they're trying out "N/A" option -- to diminish stress in year of COVID. Very tempted to do this, but not sure about implications down the line. There will still be feedback, and potential for incentives and raises. This was probably put more in place for office workers who had to switch to work-from-home, but this actually doesn't apply to me. I asked my boss for her opinion, she's not supposed to give, but I feel like it would be slightly easier for her if I opted out of rating. Thanks in advance. Tacking on here to earlier thread, because I think there are some other great ideas ...
- Wed Aug 05, 2020 11:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
- Replies: 7638
- Views: 1713120
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Wonderful book- terrifying and bleak, yet hopeful and elegant.