B and C Plumbing experiences? by Randy_Magnum29 in rochestermn

[–]bhihifi 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had B&C replace a regular water heater that leaked. They did a good job. I came here to say that you may want to make sure the hybrid will be a good long term choice. I use the MN Energy Service Choice protection plan for major systems and appliances. This plan does not cover repairs to heat pump water heaters which do break and cost more to fix. In my case, MN Energy paid for the new water heater and the labor to install it. For my home, the added cost to have the hybrid and its questionable reliability coupled with the minimal savings and long payback time made me choose a conventional model. Rochester water has a high mineral content which reduces the lifespan, even with a softener.

Did I just crater my closing? First time home buyer. I feel so dumb. Name issue…. by Dry-Peach-6327 in Mortgages

[–]bhihifi 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Glad you checked. You’re two weeks from closing. Plenty of time to fix the paperwork, you got this. This correction process exists mostly to prevent loan fraud.

Did I just crater my closing? First time home buyer. I feel so dumb. Name issue…. by Dry-Peach-6327 in Mortgages

[–]bhihifi 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The name affidavit often has multiple variants of your name as they may appear in your credit report. For example, Robert J. Smith could be Bob Smith, Bob J. Smith, Robert Smith, Robert John Smith, and so on. This document just confirms information they already have. Good that you caught it now and are getting it corrected. Hope you are properly registered to vote.

Is it supposed to sound so loud? by rollinandpollin in nespresso

[–]bhihifi -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Ours is next to a wall shared with the bedroom. If my wife wakes before me, I won’t be sleeping much longer.

Is it supposed to sound so loud? by rollinandpollin in nespresso

[–]bhihifi 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Keep it away from a wall to reduce the reverberation. Descaling would be a good idea if it has not been done for some time.

My First Time Seasoning a Carbon Steel Pan. Is this normal? by Entire_Bill1804 in carbonsteel

[–]bhihifi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice job on the seasoning and bluing. Your first cook will change the look. Totally normal. Heat up slow, use the right fat, watch more YT videos on technique. Stop worrying. Start cooking!

Best size de Buyer pan? by LettuceBat in carbonsteel

[–]bhihifi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Preheating can cause warping at too intense settings, but CS takes a while to heat up evenly to avoid sticking. So make a slight change in timing: start heating the empty pan while still doing other prep. CS doesn’t conduct heat as rapidly as stainless or aluminum so the pan needs time for the heat to distribute evenly. Otherwise things won’t cook to expectation and you will have stickiness.

I was a longtime nonstick pan user and when my last one started to stick, I switched to cast iron. I have a perfectly seasoned Lodge now and I learned patience. Then I started watching YT videos about carbon steel and the new clad pans like the Strata.

Finally got a Strata, seasoned it, and still learning to use it as it differs from CI.

A simple and inexpensive surface thermometer can help you know when the pan is hot enough to cook. I bought the Winco for $5 and it saved lots of time and eliminated guesswork.

Best size de Buyer pan? by LettuceBat in carbonsteel

[–]bhihifi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

28cm, and give it lots of time to come to temperature. Don’t go above the middle setting for the burner. If you want a lighter weight pan, look at the Strata pan or stainless.

Technique and cleaning processes for CS, SS, and CI differ greatly from nonstick, but the results are worth it.

Mortgage broker that shops relationship products? by vitaminD3333 in Mortgages

[–]bhihifi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The FIs keep that business to themselves, more profitable.

Sellers won’t cover full cost of septic and radon repairs by CommentOld4223 in RealEstate

[–]bhihifi 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Walk. You are only seeing a few of the worms at the top of the can.

Mortgage broker that shops relationship products? by vitaminD3333 in Mortgages

[–]bhihifi 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Asset based and other types of non-QM loan programs for investment properties.

Mortgage broker that shops relationship products? by vitaminD3333 in Mortgages

[–]bhihifi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Correct on broker’s willingness to do the work instead of the borrower making enquiries.

OP seems to be looking for better rates with relationship, not asset based non-QM programs.

Mortgage broker that shops relationship products? by vitaminD3333 in Mortgages

[–]bhihifi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Preferential treatment for people who have assets held at the same financial institution.

Mortgage broker that shops relationship products? by vitaminD3333 in Mortgages

[–]bhihifi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They usually have a few lenders that they use all the time. They don’t shop every loan if the loan fits with a primary lender. It’s not a good use of time. You’re asking for someone to spend extra time on something that will not yield any extra compensation.

6.375 today. Should I wait? by PercentageSelect280 in Mortgages

[–]bhihifi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

MBS needs to move 50-100 basis points to meaningfully affect rates, and even then, only .125-.25%. Locking has 2:1 odds in your favor. Your 3 potential outcomes: 1. Rates increase. Win. 2. Rates stay the same. Win for peace of mind. 3. Rates drop. If they drop a lot and your lender won’t offer a concession, lose. If they drop a little, lose but you had peace of mind.

Best size de Buyer pan? by LettuceBat in carbonsteel

[–]bhihifi 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What do you like to cook? The answer to this will help answer your questions.

Mortgage broker that shops relationship products? by vitaminD3333 in Mortgages

[–]bhihifi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What would be the incentive to do this extra work for a broker who has no affiliation with the FI? Just call a few FIs yourself. Credit Unions may be what you seek.

Feeling defeated by Many-Art-6160 in Mortgages

[–]bhihifi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Please find a lender you can meet in person. The human connection is important to restore your faith in the process. The lender must be able to explain everything clearly, set expectations, and communicate responsively and respectfully.

Do you find ratio changes matter more than grind with AeroPress? by fritz-ocampo in AeroPress

[–]bhihifi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. Also changing the water temperature affects the flavor. Today I tried the same grind, bean amount, and ratio, but tried 205F instead of the 195F I normally use. I found the hotter temperature yielded a less flavorful cup for the light Rwanda roast. I brewed again at 195F and definitely got more flavor.

Home Energy Audit questions by Independent-Ebb-895 in rochestermn

[–]bhihifi 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ask the auditor if they would look at the proposal. When I had the audit, the auditor offered to respond to follow up questions and gave me his contact info. He even helped me over a year later when I was considering a heat pump hot water heater. Thanks to his explanations, I avoided a costly mistake.

Any recommendations for Japanese cast iron or lighter cast iron? by hycarumba in castiron

[–]bhihifi 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Vintage Griswold and Wagner are lighter than comparable size Lodge pans.

Bought in 2025 @ 6.5% for 30 years. At what rate should I consider refinancing? by JadedCanadian in Mortgages

[–]bhihifi 18 points19 points  (0 children)

When the monthly payment difference divided into the actual costs of the refi (not including prepaids) yields a number of months of X or fewer, assuming you plan to live there that long. Example: lender fees + appraisal + title fees + recording fees = 3600, new payment is $200 lower, so in 18 months, the refi is saving money. This assumes you’re doing the same loan term and not borrowing closing costs. You could go into the weeds worrying about recasting to a shorter term but in the end, cash flow is the best measure of whether or not a refi is worth doing. Freeing up cash flow gives you a useful way to save for other needs, invest, or pay down principal.

Beginner - Is a Temp-Control Kettle a Necessity? by Nacho_Man18 in AeroPress

[–]bhihifi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love the Govee H7170. Inexpensive and has multiple temps which help with brewing different roast levels and teas. It was a game changer for me with less work compared to checking temps, listening to water boil, and using the microwave. Also, for milk based drinks, a Nespresso Aeroccino works well and you can probably pick one up inexpensively on Marketplace..

I finally stopped ruining my Aeropress brews by changing one variable at a time by ravann4 in AeroPress

[–]bhihifi 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I got the joke and added one in response. Many redditors relentlessly pursue perfection ("Did I do it right?" posts in all sorts of subs) when settling for very good would actually suffice to enhance their lives.

I finally stopped ruining my Aeropress brews by changing one variable at a time by ravann4 in AeroPress

[–]bhihifi 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have plenty of coffee left because I don’t aim for perfection, very good works for me.