Answers to common questions presented by area professionals and business people
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TABLE OF CONTENT 05.
GULF COAST FLOORS & HOME DECOR
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EXCEPTIONAL WELLNESS
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MARCUS L. MYERS, ATTORNEY
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MERRILL LYNCH WEALTH MANAGEMENT
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FYZICAL THERAPY AND BALANCE
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SOUTHERN TECHNOLOGIES
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LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT
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5 reasons it’s important to work with experts By Davis Tucker
Everyone likes to think they are an expert in something, but the truth is there are very few people who know a lot about specific areas. As an entrepreneur, you might think you know it all about starting a business, but in reality, you may still be some way behind those with valid knowledge. Some business owners will try to wing it. They will ignore the chance to work with experts because they believe they know better. However, experts have a place in all walks of life, and for entrepreneurship, they could be the difference between a successful campaign and one that is extinguished. Here are five reasons that will change your mind and improve your business prospects for the coming year and beyond.
Experts Are More Efficient 1 9.
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to all of the businesses that participated in making this special section possible.
If there is one thing that separates experts from the layperson, it’s that they are efficient. They know what they do, and they know how to do it. This will accelerate the time it takes to complete a vast number of tasks. Sure, you could try to do it all yourself, but if you’ve never tried before, you’re unlikely to hit the bullseye the first, second, or even the 100th time. You might see this a lot in web design. It is cheaper to design your website yourself, but an expert will be able to create a stunning and streamlined platform that customers will love.
Experts Can Provide Unique Perspectives Experts are people who have seen it all, and if they haven’t seen it all, they have at least seen most of it. This means they have a wealth of experience to offer unique perspectives on how to do things and anticipate coming trends in the industry before others even recognize change is afoot. By working with experts, you can get the information you need to adapt
your company to benefit you. It will ensure you can ride out potential disruptions and come out the other side still sailing along.
Expertise Takes Time Becoming an expert in anything takes time. Nobody wakes up with a comprehensive knowledge of the industry. It can take months and years to understand the nuances of how and why things are the way they are. As an entrepreneur, you won’t have the time to dedicate yourself to this expertise, so it will always be more beneficial and time-efficient for you to reach out for assistance when you need it.
Experts Have The Knowledge Likewise, experts have a specified knowledge of their industry, even if they do not know about everything within the industry. They may be specialized in specific fields, and this is why they are so valuable. Suppose you are planning on entering the health industry. In that case, you will want to work with a qualified medical professional, either a doctor or someone who has completed an Online LPN program. The time they have put into their careers is something that will reflect directly in the knowledge they can share with you, and this type of information is valuable in any scenario.
Experts Can Generate Ideas Experts know what works and what doesn’t work, which means they can help you generate better ideas. If you are honest with yourself, how many terrible ideas have you had in your life? It’s safe to say that there have been more than a few. There is nothing to be ashamed of with this; it happens to everyone. Still, by working with an expert, they can stop you in your tracks and help you filter out the good ideas from the bad while also working with you to develop the good ideas into something extraordinary.
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A rundown of the 3 most popular flooring materials Metro Creative Services
Even though it’s underfoot, flooring can set the tone for how a room or even an entire home is viewed. Perhaps that’s one reason why flooring generates such strong opinions when homeowners look to refurbish or replace their floors. Homeowners now have more choices than ever when considering new flooring for their homes. The following rundown of three most popular flooring options can help homeowners as they try to decide which material best suits their homes.
Hardwood floors Hardwood floors might once have been a relatively straightforward option, but homeowners may now choose between solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring. Engineered wood flooring provides the look of solid wood flooring without the high maintenance of such floors. Engineered wood is manmade and created with the use of wood strands, particles, fibers or veneers of wood that are forged together with adhesives. Each engineered wood flooring plank is composed of several layers of plywood or fiberboard with a solid wood veneer on top, which is how it can provide the look of solid wood flooring. Solid wood flooring planks are made from a single piece of hardwood. Each type of flooring has its pros and cons, and homeowners who prefer hardwood floors are urged to speak with a flooring professional about the features that make these options unique from one another.
Laminate floors Laminate flooring is another engineered flooring product. But unlike engineered wood flooring, laminate flooring does not utilize real wood and many people can recognize that the moment they step on a laminate floor. Flooring is such a vital and heavily trafficked component of a home that it’s typically best to leave installation to a qualified professional. However, homeowners who prefer the DIY route should know that laminate flooring is viewed as among the easiest types of flooring for DIYers to install.
Vinyl flooring The experts at Good Housekeeping report that vinyl flooring is the fastest-growing category of flooring. Vinyl flooring is made from plastic and usually consists of acrylic, PVC and similar polymers. Luxury vinyl tile is thick and durable, and it’s often noted for its likeness to solid wood. Vinyl tile also is considered a versatile flooring option and can be purchased in planks, sheets or tiles. Homeowners are urged to consider the thickness range when mulling their vinyl flooring options. Thickness ranges between four and 40 millimeters, and a thicker layer is more resistant to water, scratches and stains. Homeowners will be confronted with a variety of options when considering a flooring project for their homes. The right option for a given home may come down to a host of factors, including cost, look and durability.
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Flooring is such a vital and heavily trafficked component of a home that it’s typically best to leave installation to a qualified professional.
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The importance of having a prevention provider Paving the way to exceptional wellness By Spring Lane, MSN, FNP-C
In our pursuit of improved healthcare, we often turn to primary care providers for immediate medical attention when we’re unwell or for annual check-ups to detect diseases in their early stages. However, the health care landscape is evolving, and what many of us genuinely seek is a dedicated partner in our journey towards optimal health and wellness — a prevention provider. Let’s delve into why having a prevention provider is vital in today’s health care paradigm. Traditionally, health was simply defined as the absence of disease. Yet today, the concept of health and wellness has undergone a profound transformation. Beyond the mere absence of ailments, we yearn for vitality, mental clarity, and a life unburdened by medications and constant
clock-watching. We aspire to wake up each day feeling alive and at peace, allowing us to fully engage with loved ones, pursue our passions, and relish vacations without the shadow of health concerns. Many individuals believe that the health care system caters to these desires. Regrettably, this kind of holistic care is often absent in our current health care landscape. While routine check-ups may assure us that we are “fine” today, this term “fine” can carry varying interpretations. For some, it implies they can maintain their current lifestyle without immediate health issues. However, lurking in the background may still be the looming threat of disease, and without changes, their future health may not be as “fine” as they hope. The reality can be far from our expectations. If you were to inquire about your health outlook a decade from now, your health care provider might offer grim predictions of chronic conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, high cholesterol, hormone imbalances, and, in severe cases, dementia, liver failure, or cancer. This prognosis is a far cry from what most envision as “fine.” It is not acceptable to be on a path
toward such debilitating conditions without the necessary tools to counteract them. It’s far from ideal when health care providers mention elevated blood sugar and cholesterol levels but are unable to connect patients with guidance and support on dietary changes until these numbers improve. Moreover, it’s certainly not acceptable to expect 1 in 5 individuals to consume 5 to 8 pills daily as a solution (National Center for Health Statistics, 2019). This is where a prevention provider steps in. Our mission is to assist individuals in defining their health goals and steering them away from a future marked by increased disease and medications. We acknowledge most adults sit on the bell curve with one chronic condition and one daily pill, but we firmly believe that people should aim to traverse to the other side of that curve — towards exceptional wellness. Exceptional wellness is attainable, and it all begins with actionable data. Prevention providers are a new and growing breed of clinicians, their services lines vary, but when looking for one consider someone who can offer comprehensive testing that provides insights into your current health status. Subsequently, one who
will collaborate with you to develop a personalized prevention plan tailored to your specific needs and objectives. Contrary to the common belief that it’s too late once chronic disease sets in, your body possesses the innate ability to heal itself, and lifestyle changes often outperform medications in terms of effectiveness. Remarkable results can be achieved without resorting to drastic measures. Importantly, this is not a dig on primary care providers. They often work within time and budget constraints that can limit their ability to provide the extensive support patients require for achieving exceptional wellness. Primary care providers play a crucial role in our health care system, and the services they offer are invaluable. In conclusion, having a prevention provider is imperative in today’s ever-evolving health care landscape. It’s time to shift our perspective from merely being “fine” to striving for exceptional wellness. With the right guidance and actionable steps, we can all work towards leading healthier lives, free from the burden of chronic diseases and excessive medications, allowing us to wholeheartedly savor the joys that life has to offer.
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Questions to ask when looking for an attorney By Metro Creative Services
Various situations call for working with a lawyer or an attorney. Having a skilled, experienced legal advocate in your corner in such situations can be advantageous and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome. When searching for legal representation, individuals may realize that there’s no shortage of legal firms. That can make it more challenging to find the right lawyer or attorney. The vetting process is an important part of finding legal representation, and the following are some questions individuals can ask as they look for a lawyer or attorney.
Are you a lawyer or an attorney? The terms “lawyer” and “attorney” are not interchangeable. The employment search engine Indeed notes that attorneys can represent clients in court and other legal proceedings while lawyers cannot. That’s a subtle yet significant distinction that individuals must take into account when looking for legal representation.
What level of experience do you have in cases like mine? Though each legal situation is unique, many are not one-of-a-kind instances. So individuals should ask about an attorney’s experience with cases like their own and take note of the breadth of that experience.
What are the potential outcomes of my case? Even the most experienced and skilled attorney cannot say with absolute certainty what the outcome of a case will ultimately be. However, that does not mean they cannot study the details and provide an assessment to give prospective clients an idea of how the case will unfold. When vetting attorneys, individuals
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Expenses and attorney fees can be significant, so individuals should not hesitate to ask how much legal representation will cost them. should prepare and be ready to discuss details that can help each professional provide the most accurate assessment of their case.
How will we communicate during the case? It’s understandable that individuals want to be kept abreast of the details of any legal matter they’re involved in. Ask how that will unfold if you hire the attorney you’re vetting. Will an intermediary be calling with periodic updates or can clients contact
the attorney directly via an email, phone call or text message? The right representation can make all the difference in a legal situation. Asking the right questions can help individuals find an attorney they’re confident can deliver the best outcome.
What will your representation cost me? Expenses and attorney fees can be significant, so individuals should not hesitate to ask how much legal representation will cost them.
Attorneys represent clients on a contingency basis in certain situations, such as when an individual is suing for damages. In those situations, individuals should confirm what percentage of damages the attorney will receive and if there are any costs they may be responsible for. In other situations, confirm if an attorney is charging a fixed amount for their services or an hourly fee. It’s also necessary to inquire about expenses and request that an attorney provide a reasonable estimate of what their fees will be while they’re representing you.
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Age-based financial goals to promote long-term security 56 percent of Americans feel they are not on track to retire comfortably
Each individual is different, and those who aspire to retire early will need to save more at a younger age than those who plan to retire at age 70 or later.
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The importance of saving for retirement is emphasized from the moment young adults enter the professional arena. Whether it’s parents urging their grown children to save or financial firms advertising their retirementplanning services or employers sponsoring retirement investment vehicles, professionals need not look far to be reminded of the significance of saving for the day when they call it a career. Despite the ubiquity of the message emphasizing the importance of saving for retirement, millions of people are behind in their retirement savings. A 2023 survey by the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan found that 44 percent of the 2,000 Canadian employees surveyed have not set aside any money for retirement in the past year, while 32 percent acknowledged they had not set aside any money for retirement. The situation is similar in the United States, where a 2023 CNBC Your Money survey found that 56 percent of Americans feel they are not on track to retire comfortably. Such figures can serve as a lesson for all professionals, but especially young adults who recently entered or are about to enter the professional arena. Each individual is different, and those who aspire to retire early will need to save more at a younger age than those who plan to retire at age 70 or later. In an effort to help individuals ensure they save enough to enjoy their
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Despite the ubiquity of the message emphasizing the importance of saving for retirement, millions of people are behind in their retirement savings. golden years, financial experts have designed an age-based system that can serve as a guideline for professionals
who want to stay on track as they save for retirement. These figures are based on retiring
at age 67 and are intended to ensure such individuals can maintain their preretirement lifestyles. Individuals who want to retire before or after that age are urged to work with a financial advisor to meet their goals. • Age 30: It is recommended individuals have at least 1x their salary saved by age 30. • Age 35: This approach calls for individuals to have 2x their salary saved by age 35. • Age 40: If retiring at 67 is the goal, having 3x your salary saved by age 40 can help make that a reality. • Age 45: 4x your salary should be saved by age 45 to retire comfortably at age 67. • Age 50: It is recommended individuals have 6x their salary saved by age 50. • Age 55: 7x your salary is the suggested savings benchmark to reach by age 55. • Age 60: Individuals who aspire to retire at 67 are urged to save 8x their salary by the time they reach age 60. • Age 67: When the day comes to retire at 67, it is recommended individuals have 10x their salary saved. These figures are just a benchmark and are not intended to take the place of professional financial advice. Though these goals can serve as motivation to save, individuals should know that savings goals can exceed these recommendations, as well.
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Hip pain can be under diagnosed and under treated Second only to the shoulder, the hip is the most mobile “ball and socket joint” in the body, and like so, one of the toughest to properly diagnose and treat. Besides specific trauma or injury to the hip itself, patients often complain of hip or groin pain, usually with standing or walking. Today, evidence-based practices utilize physical therapy first, which is why a lot of insurance companies will not approve an MRI unless there has been a series of physical therapy treatment. Proper assessment: A thorough physical evaluation following proper history of the patient’s hip issue can determine if the pain is actually from the hip itself, or is an overuse problem because the lumbar spine, pelvis, knee, or ankle is not mechanically moving and functioning properly. The chicken or the egg? If the lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremity are cleared mechanically, then a closer look is taken at the actual hip joint. As with any musculoskeletal condition, there is almost always a combination of a joint issue AND a muscular issue. These rarely are a lone culprit — and have some type of combination dysfunction. Tissue-healing treatment: Physical therapists utilize a multitude of modalities to decrease pain and inflammation in the hip, including heat or ice, electrical stimulation, as well as more recent popularity and effectiveness of ShockWave therapy and dry needling, which allows specific targeting of deep muscles and structures that can’t be addressed by any other means. Manual therapy: What sets physical therapy apart from other professions is their knowledge and skills of restoring the mechanical deficits and correcting the soft tissue imbalances to restore the proper mobility and function of the hip. Specific exercise programs: The final piece of the puzzle is strengthening and stabilizing the weak and hypermobile muscles and structures as the tight or shortened and hypomobile
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What sets physical therapy apart from other professions is their knowledge and skills of restoring the mechanical deficits and correcting the soft tissue imbalances to restore the proper mobility and function of the hip. structures are corrected.
Signs of a Great Physical Therapist When searching for the best physical therapist to fit your needs, it is recommended that you look for the following qualities: Good communication: They have excellent communication skills, answer any and all of your questions and cater to your learning needs (auditory, visual, etc). Trustworthy: A good physical therapist is always willing to try a new treatment and is open to adjusting course and acknowledging when something isn’t working. In a healthy physical therapist-patient relation-
ship, there’s enough trust to try new things and figure out what works best for an individual patient. Be wary of physical therapists who use the same “cookie cutter” treatment for everyone. Hands-on tactics: A good physical therapist employs a range of diagnostic and treatment techniques, as well as assigns exercises for the patient to complete at home. Realistic expectations: Your physical therapist is able to explain treatment plans and expectations for prognosis and healing time clearly. They also consistently check in on how the body is healing, and how things are feeling, and any changing goals. Honesty: A good PT gives you honest answers along with their clinical
reasoning — even when the answers might not be the easiest to offer. An excellent physical therapist waits until they know you and your body well enough to provide objective answers, and they consider how to deliver the information in the kindest way possible. Resourceful: The therapist is willing to ask for help. If they ask for another therapist’s opinion in the clinic, that’s a sign that they’re using all of their available resources to best treat you. Research savvy: Your therapist is up to date with research and can cite evidence as to why they’re choosing a specific treatment method, exercise or modality based on current scientific information.
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Why it pays to back up your computer By Metro Creative Services
Computers are such an integral part of everyday life that it’s hard to recall how uncommon they were as recently as 30 years ago. Data about computer use has been collected by the U.S. Census Bureau periodically since 1984, and that information provides an interesting glimpse at just how much reliance on computers has grown in a relatively small amount of time. In 1989, the USCB’s Current Population Survey estimated that just under 20 percent of American households had a computer. Within a decade, that figure had more than double. By 2015, the task of collecting computer use data had fallen under the purview of the American Community Survey, which found that nearly 87 percent of households in the United States had a computer, and that’s just the statistics regarding traditional desktops or laptops. The ACS found that roughly 75 percent of households had handheld computers, such as smartphones or other wireless devices, in 2015. Many computer users recognize they aren’t just using their computers more often, but also storing more personal information on them than they might have in the past. Protecting that information is important, and backing up computers is a great way to keep data safe. • Backing up computers anticipates and protects you against the worst. All sorts of things can compromise computers, and many of these things are unpredictable. Storms such as hurricanes or tornadoes can render computers useless. In such instances, data that is not backed up could be lost forever. Such data may include family photos and tax records and other potentially vital information. Even an otherwise normal power outage can compromise the coding of a hard drive, potentially compromising all of the data it contains as a result. Backing up a computer is a preemptive step that most computer users cannot afford to skip.
Cybersecurity Special to the American Press Cybersecurity is like having strong locks and security measures for your digital life. Imagine your computer, smartphone, and all the online accounts you use are like your house. Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting these digital “houses” from theft, damage, or any unauthorized access. Just like you would lock your doors and windows at home, in the digital world, you use things like passwords, PINs, and security settings to make sure only the right people can access your information. Cybersecurity also involves using antivirus software and keeping your devices up to date, which is like having a security system in your house to detect and stop any potential threats. Think of the internet as a neighborhood, and cybersecurity is the set of rules and tools you use to stay safe in that neighborhood. It’s about being aware of potential dangers, being cautious about the information you share, and taking steps to prevent any digital “break-ins” or harm to your online presence. Just like you wouldn’t leave your front door wide open, you want to make sure your digital doors are securely closed, too!
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The cost of data recovery services varies, but it’s always less expensive to back up computer data than it is to try to recover that data after it’s unexpectedly lost. • Backing up is cheaper than the alternative. The cost of data recovery services varies, but it’s always less expensive to back up computer data than it is to try to recover that data after it’s unexpectedly lost. Data recovery also takes time, which can affect the ability of businesses and professionals
to meet deadlines. Data that has been backed up is accessible immediately and that security comes at a fraction of the cost of data recovery services. • Backing up data helps busy professionals. Many a working professional has learned about the importance of backing up data the hard
way. Lost files can negate a lot of hard work, but only if the files haven’t been backed up. By backing up their files at the end of each workday, professionals can ensure a day’s work won’t be lost to a natural disaster or some other unforeseen event. • Backing up data protects against theft. Smartphones, tablets and laptops are easily stolen because they’re so small. Backing up the data on these devices ensures files aren’t lost should they be stolen. Backing up computers is a step any modern computer user needs to take.
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CYBERSECURITY Cybersecurity is like having security measures in place at your small business on a busy street... to protect from potential threats and break-ins.
Digital Locks & Keys (Passwords): Having strong and unique passwords is just like having secure locks on your doors. Two-factor authentication is a must!! Security Guards (Antivirus Software): Having antivirus software is like having digital security guards that scan and protect against harmful software and viruses. Surveillance Cameras (Monitoring Systems): Monitoring systems will help you watch for any unusual activites on your network or devices just like surveillance cameras do for your storefront.
Regular Inspections (Software Updates): Regularly updating your software is like making sure your store’s infrastructure is in good shape and up-to-date. Employee Training (Awareness Programs): Training your employees on cybersecurity best practices will ensure that your front line of defense can identify potential risks and know how to handle the situation. Secure Transactions (Encryption): Encryption is like making sure your clients information and transactions are safe and coded that only the intended recipient can understand it.
Just as you would invest in the physical security of your business, cybersecurity is a crucial aspect to keeping your business and clients safe.
Don’t wait! Defend your business against attacks. Call today!
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Transform your home with a landscape renovation A well-designed and maintained landscape can last for years, but even if you love your landscape design, time can take a toll. According to Richie Everage, design consultant with Landscape Management, landscapes can fail for a variety of reasons. Insects, disease and environmental extremes such as floods, droughts, heat or freezes can destroy a landscape. Factors such as sunlight, drainage and soil fertility can change over time and negatively impact plants.
‘Regardless of the cause, once a landscape has deteriorated to a point where it no longer provides the full benefit of enhancing your property, landscape renovation is an option.’ Richie Everage Landscape Management design consultant “Regardless of the cause, once a landscape has deteriorated to a point where it no longer provides the full benefit of enhancing your property, landscape renovation is an option,” says Everage. He explains that landscape renovation is a relatively new term in the landscape field. “It’s the process of improving and/or modernizing an established landscape, versus starting with a completely blank slate.” For example, there may be elements of your existing landscape that you want to keep. You may like the shape of your beds but want to refresh with new plants and features. Or you may want to enlarge your landscaped space.
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One of the main benefits of landscape renovation is that it can give your outdoor space a fresh, new look. One of the main benefits of landscape renovation is that it can give your outdoor space a fresh, new look. Styles and trends change over time, and just as you update different aspects of your home, updates to the landscape can keep your property looking the way you want it to. This is particularly true if you’ve recently completed a renovation or purchased a new property. A renovation can breathe new life into an outdated or overgrown landscape and really enhance the curb appeal. You can choose to update individual features or overhaul the entire space. You can liven up the space by adding
new plants, trees or flowers. You might also want to consider changing the layout of your landscape or adding features like a water fountain or pond. Another benefit of a landscape renovation is to create a low-maintenance landscape by removing some of the landscaping features that require regular upkeep and installing hardscape and softscape elements that are low or no-maintenance. As homeowners increasingly seek to maximize the potential of their outdoor living spaces, landscape renovation offers a great way to incorporate desired landscape elements in this
space for relaxing and entertaining. By combining aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, a landscape renovation can turn your outdoor area into a beautiful, functional extension of your home. The landscape renovation process is designed to make the process a simple one for homeowners. Virtual renderings are created so it’s easy to visualize the improvements and know exactly what to expect. The goal, according to Everage, is to create a plan that makes the most of what you like, removes what is not working, and adds beautiful new elements to enhance your landscape.
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First steps for first-time homebuyers in SW La. Home ownership has long been held up as the cornerstone of the American Dream. But how do you know if you are ready to make the dream a reality? Do your homework — literally. “When you think you are ready to get serious about buying a home, there are a number of things you need to consider to determine if you are actually ready, and to make sure the mortgage process is as hurdle-free as possible,” says Aaron Scott, mortgage lender with Lakeside Bank. He details the steps he recommends: The first and most important step on the road to home ownership is to get your financial house in order, including organizing your income and tax records, and checking your credit report. Some lenders may require more information, but this is typically the minimum. The American Bankers Association recommends that potential homebuyers obtain their credit score at least six months before a mortgage application. This gives you enough time to dispute any errors or resolve any outstanding debts that could affect your loan application. Next, you should choose your mortgage lender before you even start looking at homes and take the time to get pre-approved for a loan. This decision is just as important as choosing your real estate agent. You’ll be spending a lot of time with your lender and counting on them to be with you through this entire process. You want someone who understands you and your situation, and with whom you communicate well. The pre-approval process can save you time and disappointment during
your home search. For most people, a lot of time is invested before an offer is ever made on a home. Imagine how frustrating it would be to spend weeks searching for a home, only to learn that you don’t qualify for the loan to buy it. It’s helpful to know, up front and with certainty, how much you can borrow for your home in order to know what you can afford. Once you get your pre-approved loan amount, the single most important thing recommended for potential homebuyers is to shop in the middle of the range you were given. If you shop at the top of the range, you may find a home you can buy, but odds are you’ll be stretching your budget to the limit. Remember, a new home comes with other new expenses besides a mortgage. You have to include insurance, taxes and all the things you are going to want and need to buy for your home in your calculations. You don’t want to get into a situation where you’re overextending yourself just as your mortgage payments are beginning. When it comes to loans, it’s also vital that you scout your options. That’s another reason working with a trusted mortgage lender who knows the local market is so important. There are some really affordable loan options available for first-time homebuyers, and a good local lender can work to customize a loan to put the least amount of stress on the homebuyer and set them up for long-term financial success. Once you’ve completed all this homework, it’s finally time for the fun part: Get out there and find a house you love and become a homeowner!
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Remember, a new home comes with other new expenses besides a mortgage — including insurance, taxes and furnishings.
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