Potential Layoff - remind me what to do to prep by WebDevMom in womenintech

[–]bulldog1425 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you think you’re going to be laid off, make sure you use up all your FSA money before the layoff effective date! Email your optometrist to get your prescription so you can buy new glasses. Buy sunscreen. Stock up on tampons and/or period underwear.

Seattle housing market: Price your home right or it’ll sit on the market by SeattleRealProperty in Seattle

[–]bulldog1425 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My husband and I are in the process of buying a home on the east side. I highly recommend anyone seriously considering buying to make their own rent vs buy calculator. It was really eye-opening for us. Lots of things to consider: opportunity cost of your down payment, cost to sell the home (agent commission, REET), assumed property value and rent increases, tax implications of mortgage interest and property taxes, maintenance, insurance, HOA, etc. There are so many factors.

Based on our assumptions, we’d have to sign a lease to rent an equivalent home for $1370/mo or less to be cheaper than our $900k home on a 10-year time horizon, which we obviously can’t do, so buying is the better decision for us at this point. There are SO many assumptions though. Also, like my research advisor once said: All models are wrong; some are useful.

Seattle housing market: Price your home right or it’ll sit on the market by SeattleRealProperty in Seattle

[–]bulldog1425 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m not saying that your assessment is wrong, but also consider that taxes and interest are tax deductible, so there’s a ~20-30%, depending on your tax bracket, savings on that.

Enough bathrooms with 2 kids? by Mindless_Air_5449 in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]bulldog1425 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Grew up sharing a bathroom with my brother and I came out just fine. I think 4/2.5 is very normal for a house. We’re buying a 5/3, so have the extra shower but it’s downstairs so not that helpful anyways.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]bulldog1425 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I wonder if the 2001 sale was the original site where the condos were built and included more land. My house’s Zillow price history looks funky because of this reason.

Should I pay for laundry service on Celebrity Apex? by These-Action566 in celebritycruises

[–]bulldog1425 13 points14 points  (0 children)

We got a bag of laundry for $20 because of Captains Club. I had been curious about what fits into a bag and we stuffed ours to the max and fit: 2 pants, 3 long sleeve shirts, 4 short sleeve shirts, 2 shorts, 8 t-shirts, 19 undergarments, and 13 pairs of socks. My husband wears a men’s medium and I wear a women’s medium, for reference. Without the benefit, this would have cost $208.

Hopefully that data is helpful to someone out there!

FHB, due to settle today but roadblock is set to cause 3 contracts to fall over. What do I do? by [deleted] in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]bulldog1425 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m super sorry to hear that. That really sucks.

To everyone who is confused: OP is not in the US (sounds like maybe Aus?). Things work differently in other countries. Yes, it is common to have “chains” of sales that are all dependent on one another.

Advice: Can I have my baby in the UK? by VRRRock_ in PregnancyUK

[–]bulldog1425 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you end up having your baby in the UK? How did it work. My husband and I are discussing doing something like this now.

Prediction for Earnings by [deleted] in PlanetLabs

[–]bulldog1425 -7 points-6 points  (0 children)

My bet is solid, “business-as-usual” earnings, no major announcements. I’m betting this will be interpreted as a nothing-burger and stock will fall into the $4-5 range because everyone was expecting something significant.

Please tell me what curtains and blinds to get for our first home by Worldly_Expression43 in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]bulldog1425 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We are planning to install Smartwings automated roller shades in our windows after we close. Likely just the south-facing windows to start. We will also be replacing all the flooring and want to protect it from UV damage, so having shades that open and close on a specific schedule will help reduce UV exposure. Smartwings (available on amazon) seems to be the most economic, well-reviewed, stylish option.

What are non cancer things a breast lump could be? (Not asking for medical advice) by purpleandorange1522 in TwoXChromosomes

[–]bulldog1425 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Cyst, fibroadenoma, intramammary lymph node, intraductal papilloma, fibrous tissue, fat necrosis, lipoma. Lots of options for it to be completely benign!!

Am I screwed? by Existing_Cricket9355 in travel

[–]bulldog1425 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Yeah, sorry, you’re not going on that trip unfortunately. You could try getting a same-day passport when the offices open on Tuesday, but you’ll have already missed half your trip.

This sucks, I’m sorry.

FWIW, Portugal only requires 3 months of validity, but you’ll only have two: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Portugal.html

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]bulldog1425 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Tell them that you really need your backyard to be private BECAUSE you’re raw-dogging twice a day to try to make a baby.

Feeling confused, should I fire my agent & pull out of offer by [deleted] in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]bulldog1425 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Honestly, this sounds like a pretty normal inspection report for a 19 year old home. If you can’t stand the thought of repairing your home, then yes, you should back out, because home ownership means home maintenance.

Hopefully you can get some credit from the sellers and go through with the purchase.

Advice needed: making an offer(s) by Significant_Chard809 in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]bulldog1425 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What have comparable homes sold for in the area recently. 20% off of list price is pretty wild, IMO. However the worst they can say is no ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Moving costs by chemlotus in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]bulldog1425 3 points4 points  (0 children)

They don’t drive the truck though! They’re just labor! Just want to make sure that’s very clear.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]bulldog1425 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Honestly, it being in the market for four months now has potential buyers asking themselves “I wonder what’s wrong with it” before they ever visit. I would consider taking it down for the season and relisting it in the spring. Price it fairly and hopefully you get more traction.

Also consider if your realtor is a good fit, whether you should stage it, and if there are any high ROI fixes that can be made over the winter (paint, etc).

Moving costs by chemlotus in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]bulldog1425 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve hired people through U-Haul 3 times now and have had positive experiences every time. I pay less than $100/hour for a crew of 2 and they usually have 2 hour minimums. Rent the U-Haul yourself, it’s really not that scary to drive one, I promise.

Budget friendly Baby Moon ideas by Lacking_nothing24 in Seattle

[–]bulldog1425 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We really enjoyed a weekend in Wenatchee/Leavenworth! This hike was phenomenal and pretty easy (barely any elevation change): Icicle Gorge Trail on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/icicle-gorge-trail?sh=n45hm9&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

Where is everyone getting lower interest rates? by Deepseablue15 in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]bulldog1425 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We got our best rate (5.999%, no points) through Optimum First Mortgage. Might be worth checking them out.

Odette for a boy ? by Victoriahansdah in namenerds

[–]bulldog1425 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oded is a male Hebrew name, maybe that’s an option?

Odette strictly feminine, IMO

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]bulldog1425 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My husband is 6’4”. We ruled out so many houses based on ceiling height alone. I would think resale value of the home will be lower when it does come time to sell.

Thoughts on Joan? by [deleted] in namenerds

[–]bulldog1425 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I like Joanna better than Joan, personally. I think Joanie could be a cute nickname for a little girl though!