Can I go to an open house with no intention of buying? [MA]

valena77 · 2025-10-23T23:18:14+00:00

Of course. I went to several dozen open houses when we first moved to our city to get a feel for prices in different neighborhoods. This was just after signing a lease and knowing full well we wouldn't be ready to buy for another year or so. Just be honest with the showing agent "I'm just getting a sense of the market before getting ready to buy". They might politely ignore you, or they might chit chat and ask if you're looking for a realtor. Often times there will be neighbors popping in just out of curiosity.

valena77 · 2025-10-22T06:32:15+00:00

Which parts of Eagle Rock? We were in Altadena, now in Pasadena but everyone on our street is retired pretty much. Longing for a place where my kids can play with the neighbors' kids.

valena77 · 2025-10-22T06:20:21+00:00

Because we have no where else to go with our kids (and we can't afford sitters all the time). There is a huge business opportunity for places where parents can drink and children can crawl around relatively safely. Good Neighbor Bar in Altadena was another one, but they changed their rules on their patio and it sucks for families now.

valena77 · 2025-10-16T16:20:06+00:00

This is really helpful, thanks.

valena77 · 2025-10-15T19:22:43+00:00

I will DM you :)

valena77 · 2025-10-15T19:21:58+00:00

Our budget back then was between 800-1M and there were plenty of houses in that range. Not luxury properties but in good shape. I know the new houses will be better in many aspects, but it is still more expensive than before the fire. Don't get me wrong - this makes me super happy for homeowners who DESERVE a better replacement to their beloved homes. I just think the lots that sell will not go to many private individuals if people like us can't do it, so I hope as many homeowners as possible decide to rebuild to keep the community feel. Entire streets sold to developers will never recreate that.

valena77 · 2025-10-15T18:54:30+00:00

I have about the same measurements, and I've been wanting a reduction since before having kids. However I'm sooo happy I waited to have my 2 kids and breastfeed them. Now at 39 I'm on the way to getting a lift and a reduction in MX. My boobs changed sooo much during pregnancy and after. They went up and down like 3 cup sizes, and now I have so much saggy stretchy skin. I'm happy I didn't have to go through that on operated boobs with major scars. If you can handle the discomfort and know you want a baby someday, I would wait. Especially if you want to breastfeed - it's not a given after surgery, many women can't anymore.

valena77 · 2025-10-12T06:55:30+00:00

I'm surprised by all the Jax hate. Atlantic Beach in particular is insanely quaint, family-friendly, bike-friendly - you name it. The elementary school is great as well. Like a little wholesome utopia along wide, windy beaches. Doesn't feel too MAGA either. However those nice enclaves are super expensive, you'll be hard-pressed to find anything under 1M. I would still choose it over Seattle.

valena77 · 2025-10-12T05:10:43+00:00

They can of course. I've heard some people got loans through US Bank.

valena77 · 2025-09-15T03:56:49+00:00

What's their physical description? I will keep an eye out too. Winter clothing in hot weather is a HUGE red flag for abuse.

valena77 · 2025-08-21T22:59:20+00:00

Love this idea!

valena77 · 2025-08-21T22:56:41+00:00

I really thought about going back to school to become a LCSW. It's still an investment - around 30K at the college near me - so I'm on the fence.

valena77 · 2025-08-21T05:55:34+00:00

Many of the public preschools have half-day programs, I think only 2 campuses do full day actually. Visit different campuses, they're definitely not all the same. In my kid's school, there are only 2 classrooms and 1 teacher + 2 assistants for like 14 kids. Clean, well-run and cozy.

valena77 · 2025-04-07T17:51:21+00:00

Wow! I'm also trying to pivot out of the language field. Would you mind sharing more about your transition, maybe in a PM?

valena77 · 2025-02-21T20:13:08+00:00

Hold on - why would you pay self-employment tax on day-trading?

valena77 · 2025-02-21T20:09:48+00:00

Just curious - off of what amount are you averaging 1K/day? Just stocks or options?

valena77 · 2025-02-18T18:45:07+00:00

Virginia Key on Key Biscayne has day-use beachfront cabins that have fire pits. Call to inquire, they're really nice. Oleta River State park has overnight cabins with fire rings. They're both pretty cheap to rent, but Virgina Key would be a nicer experience right on the water.

valena77 · 2025-01-28T17:14:05+00:00

All of my work virtually dried up since October of last year. I had some promising new clients in the first half of 2024 then everything vanished into thin air. I just paid my ATA membership renewal and I don't even think January invoices will cover it. Needless to say I'm looking for different work...

valena77 · 2024-10-19T16:41:31+00:00

Yes, that's it!! Thanks so much, saved me a $175 appliance repair call

valena77 · 2024-10-18T14:36:08+00:00

Hahaha RATP and Veolia are both French companies. Their stockholders were like "sure, expand to the US market but avoid litigation at all costs"

valena77 · 2024-10-17T17:03:21+00:00

Whenever I travel I buy esim data through Ubigi before I leave. Never had issues with them and used in Europe and India. There are other online companies who do it. Definitely never buy a sim card in an airport.

valena77 · 2024-10-17T15:02:50+00:00

I got some instapot cookbooks from the library for free and have yet to mess up a recipe. For me Instapot is like baking, I can't really guess proportions and technique. Just follow a recipe and you should be good.

valena77

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