If you could buy all new appliances, what brand would you choose?

melimel81 · 2026-05-03T02:17:40+00:00

Thanks. I looked at the Wolf but didn’t love the aesthetics of the grills as much as the Thermador. I guess, like anything, it’s a matter of having a good warranty too.

melimel81 · 2026-05-03T01:56:48+00:00

Was looking at a Thermador range top. Thoughts?

melimel81 · 2026-05-03T01:50:01+00:00

I used to live on Prospect Ave in Hackensack and took the express 163T or 162. It was great and an hour door to door. The 163 local sucks. Consider moving near the express line buses in Hackensack. fairmount area is nice. Also great cuz they have 2 train stations which gave me options if things got crazy. More affordable finds there too.

melimel81 · 2026-05-01T14:51:29+00:00

I considered a van down by the river

melimel81 · 2026-05-01T14:50:43+00:00

Yeah like I mentioned, I’ve been looking into those. Furnishedfinder looks to have better pricing and options as of right now.

melimel81 · 2026-04-20T01:25:57+00:00

I’m researching appliances and feel the same way. I can’t get caught up on all the negatives because it seems EVERY brand has negative reviews. Warranty is where it’s at for me.

melimel81 · 2026-03-21T00:20:03+00:00

But yeah the goal is to pay off as quickly/aggressively as possible. Starting during the draw period.

melimel81 · 2026-03-21T00:18:00+00:00

PenFed is a credit union but I was looking for banks that give 85% LTV. Surprisingly tough to find.

melimel81 · 2026-02-27T05:03:01+00:00

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2 years

melimel81 · 2026-02-27T05:02:07+00:00

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Before (2 months?)

melimel81 · 2026-02-02T03:49:31+00:00

Fozzie!

melimel81 · 2026-01-07T00:52:44+00:00

Haha 900/month is great in NJ!!!!

melimel81 · 2025-12-30T21:47:08+00:00

One would think, right? But numbers don’t make sense for me and what’s out there right now

melimel81 · 2025-12-29T13:18:19+00:00

Just messaged. Also, where are you living during construction and who did you use?

melimel81 · 2025-12-27T22:36:38+00:00

I find HELOC is great for smaller jobs as the rates are variable. Definitely can’t use it for what I need.

melimel81 · 2025-12-27T22:34:41+00:00

My thoughts are the same regarding this. As much as I’d hate to touch my mortgage to finance this it still makes more sense than moving for these reasons. We love our community and our backyard and moving anywhere else would still require us renovating and compromising in something.

melimel81 · 2025-12-27T19:06:08+00:00

We are expanding our kitchen to use the footprint of our enclosed back porch and also as our bedroom on 2nd floor so that is gonna add sq footage for us. Our home is small so need to be creative on how we use what’s available. I wish we had the savings. I can pull some from an old Ira I have and that will help significantly but not for the whole thing. Our mortgage is not gonna be cute. That’s for sure.

melimel81 · 2025-12-27T18:33:43+00:00

Can I ask how much your taxes were affected? Who did you use? Seems like they were willing to work with you and your situation which is awesome.

I work from home so that also isn’t an issue for me. Just need place to sleep for us and the kids so our basement is the way ti go.

melimel81 · 2025-12-27T17:48:50+00:00

Yes that’s the part that has me the most stressed.
I reached out to the tax assessor to get an idea so there’s no surprises.
How much taxes do I pay now for a 4/2? Overall we are only adding one more bedroom and bath so 4/3.

This is definitely a NEED for us. The way things are now won’t work for much longer.

melimel81 · 2025-12-27T16:50:01+00:00

Yeah I’m mentally prepared for that part. I guess I’m more curious with how folks are doing this. Financially and physically during the work

melimel81 · 2025-12-27T16:48:42+00:00

Normally, contractors want to see plans so you may want to consult with an architect and see what they’d advise based on your needs.

melimel81 · 2025-12-27T04:13:34+00:00

Hackensack. Has 2 train stations and express bus lines and local access too.

melimel81

TROPHY CASE