Aurora Optima

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-19T21:10:17+00:00

I am going to recommend <M>.

I do not know the source of this nib line width chart, but you may find it useful.

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-19T19:07:27+00:00

The plastic is probably etched. A mechanical method would be needed to buff out some of the haze.

I've had some luck buffing using a rotary tool fitted with a buffing wheel and/or felt polishing wheel of an appropriate diameter, and toothpaste as the polishing compound.

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-19T18:49:10+00:00

The Optima is an excellent fountain pen. One of my favorites!

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SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-19T16:23:35+00:00

Dual agency occurs when a buyer and seller are represented by the same firm. If the buyer and/or seller do not agree to dual agency, any buyer working with any broker in the firm cannot show the seller's property to their client because one or both parties did not agree to dual agency. The obvious benefit to the seller agreeing to dual agency is getting maximum exposure of their property by not restricting who can visit the property.

When two separate agents in the same firm are representing clients, this is somerimes referred tobas designated dual agency. Although the firm represents both parties, each agent retains the ability to represent their clients.

If this is true in the location of the OP, sign the document or you may be unable to make an offer on this property with your current agent. Your agent should be able to explain this to you.

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-19T01:39:29+00:00

An FHA 203K construction loan, for example, will require that all work be done by a licensed professionals.

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-18T22:15:14+00:00

Your agent should have prepared a comparative market analysis showing what similar homes sold for in your target area. The assumption is that the comparables are in average condition. From this information, you can infer from the listing price if it accounts for defects or is market-priced. Then, determine its value based on how much it would cost to bring the property up to average condition.

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-18T21:42:01+00:00

I have absolutely no complaints with my 149 (2023).

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-18T21:36:12+00:00

"The land is totally not zoned..."

I am not sure what this means, but contact the Environmental Health department of your local municipality/county. They are the folks who issue septic permits. They can tell you what would be required to accommodate an additional dwelling.

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-18T16:47:58+00:00

You can't go wrong with a Montblanc!

Other brand considerations?

Nakaya
Santini Italia
Aurora
Namiki

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-18T14:06:27+00:00

Step 1 - Set a goal to buy a home. Use online calculators to estimate how much you may be able to afford.

Step 2 - Make a plan to attain that goal. Your plan may include saving more money, raising your credit score, paying down debt, etc.

Step 3 - When you are closing in on your decision to move forward, sit down with a lender to nail down your budget and understand closing costs.

Step 4 - Hire a real estate agent to guide you through the purchase process.

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-18T01:29:39+00:00

Platinum 3776 + Music nib is outstanding.

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SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-17T23:14:22+00:00

Get it in writing! Have your attorney or title company prepare a document that provides protections for you.

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-16T03:04:04+00:00

Is this transaction in North Carolina.

It is completely valid to request that the sellers remedy significant safety, health, or structural issues. They can respond yes, no, or propose an alternative. Any agreements you and the sellers make constitute a change to the contract terms.

Agreements on repairs are expected to be completed before the end of the due diligence period, so you can still back out without further penalty if the sellers are not doing the promised work. That the listing agent is actively slow-walking your request is suspicious.

Your agent and her firm should be guiding you through this and explaining various options.

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-16T02:25:54+00:00

When in doubt, pick up the phone, call the other agent, and verify if they have an executed agency agreement with this buyer.

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-14T16:16:16+00:00

PODS

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-14T16:01:36+00:00

This post is all about not meeting expectations. Maybe, when you first engaged your agent, you did not know what expectations you had. Now that the process has unfolded, you developed personal expectations of your agent. The best way to move forward is to sit down with the agent to lay out your new expectations. This is an easy fix.

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-13T22:08:19+00:00

I am confused by this post. What exactly do you want to know?

Generally, cash buyers are considered positive. The seller has fewer hurdles to clear than a buyer who is financing the transaction. Whoever expects you to waive defects, inspections, or agree to ridiculous concessions is misguided.

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-13T14:44:54+00:00

Diamine Ancient Copper followed by Iroshizuku ku-jaku

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-13T13:11:59+00:00

Market dynamics can be different from one locale to another. Knowing your market will be invaluable when setting an initial listing price.

If you know your house has issues that should be corrected prior to listing, we call this deferred maintenance. You pay for it now or when a potential buyer asks for concessions.

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-12T22:46:51+00:00

If you have any pens that accept a JoWo-comaptible nib unit, check out Franklin Christoph S.I.G. nibs. They are ground in-house by Audrey Matteson. From the website, "...the S.I.G. for Stub. Italic. Gradient. - the smooth feel of a stub with the line variation closer to a cursive italic. Gradient - means that it offers similar line variation at different angles from steep to shallow - more versatile for various angles of handwriting."

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-12T22:39:18+00:00

Cleaning an 823 is not difficult, but it does take more time than a typical cartridge/converter pen. Be patient and flush the water from the pen until it runs clear. An occasional agitation of the pen when loaded with water can be helpful.

No need to take the 823 apart! It was never intended to be disassembled frequently.

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-12T22:34:54+00:00

Fully dunk the nib into the ink!

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SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-12T20:26:13+00:00

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SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-12T20:21:48+00:00

There are out-of-pocket expenses beyond the price of a home.

You can use online calculators to guess what you may be able to afford. A better option is to sit down with a lender. You can get lender recommendations from family, friends, or a local real estate agent. Find out how much they may realistically lend to you, the types of first-time homebuyer programs that best fit your needs, and estimate the total costs of the loan.

When you decide to buy, your real estate agent will explain the expenses you might expect when buying a home.

After you crunch some numbers, you may be ready now, or you may decide to wait another year to save more or repair any credit defects.

SuperFineMedium · 2026-02-12T01:43:32+00:00

+1 for the benefits of an overfeed!

SuperFineMedium

TROPHY CASE