Sunday, August 27, 2006
Maritess and the Super Friends
You may call Maritess the SuperMaid of the Hall of Justice. Click here to view her OFW story.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Flight Rules and Packing List Update
Q&A: Elevated Threat Brings New Rules for Fliers
by Christopher Elliott
If you're planning to fly in the foreseeable future, brace yourself for big changes at the airport. The Department of Homeland Security has raised alert levels for all commercial flights and tightened airport security measures after British officials disrupted a plot to blow up multiple trans-Atlantic flights bound for the United States.
Here's a look at what passengers now face. Keep in mind that policies may not be uniformly enforced at every airport.
How early should I get to the airport?
Kathryn Sudeikis, president of the American Society of Travel Agents, suggests three hours for international flights and two hours for domestic flights. Generally speaking, security screeners are being extra-vigilant, and if you end up in a slow line, you could miss your flight. There are some reports of security lines that go out the door (which is not unusual this time of year). But maybe you'll be lucky: There are still reports of travelers making it through the security checkpoint in minutes.
What can I bring on a plane?
The Transportation Security Administration's list of prohibited items, which includes knives, baseball bats and ammunition, remains in effect. All hand luggage will be physically inspected at the departure gate, according to the TSA. Additionally, on all U.S. flights, all liquids and gels must be checked in with your luggage. This includes all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, contact lens solutions, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and other items of similar consistency. The only exceptions are baby formula, liquid prescription medicines (the name on the bottle must match the name on your ticket), and essential over-the-counter liquid medications, which must be presented for inspection at the checkpoint. Pills, however, present no problems.
Can I still buy a cup of coffee after going through the security checkpoint?
Yes, but finish it before boarding. Even a beverage purchased past a security checkpoint must be consumed before you get on the plane, according to the TSA. You won't be allowed to board with it.
What if I'm on a flight from the United Kingdom to the United States?
The screening process for passengers will be "more extensive," according to officials. All hand luggage will be physically inspected at the departure gate, according to the TSA.
How do I rethink my packing strategy?
For the time being, the TSA will allow carry-on bags on domestic flights as long as you follow the liquids and gel rules, but you should have a backup plan in case things change universally or at a particular airport. According to the TSA, electronic devices such as laptops and cell phones are allowed on board. Some solid or powdered cosmetics are also permitted, though the TSA recommends checking them.
What if I'm traveling with beverages for kids? Or if I'm prone to dehydration?
The TSA allows you to carry on baby formula, breast milk or juice if a baby or small child is traveling with you. If you're an adult, you're out of luck. So drink up before leaving the airport. Once airborne, ask a flight attendant for water immediately. Airlines should be stocking their flights with extra beverages, particularly on longer trans-Atlantic flights. "I bet that if this prohibition against liquids becomes permanent, airlines will have to begin loading up more water and supplying it to passengers more quickly and more often," says Sally Watkins, vice chairwoman of the Association of Retail Travel Agents.
Will there likely be any long-term changes in security?
Yes. Travel experts believe this could not only change the way passengers are screened, but could even change the TSA itself. "The Transportation Security Administration and some members of Congress will likely use this opportunity to argue for the removal of the cap on the number of airport screeners," says Kevin Mitchell, chairman of the Business Travel Coalition, a group that represents corporate travelers and their companies. Airport screening will become more intensive, too, says Scot Phelps, a professor of disaster management at Metropolitan College in New York. "I anticipate a move towards (Israeli airline) El-Al levels of security -- 100 percent bag scanning, more aggressive interviewing of passengers, and more physical searching of carry-on baggage," he says.
If my flight is canceled, what does my airline owe me?
Technically, nothing. No free hotel, no meal vouchers, no phone card. A flight cancellation of this kind would be considered a "force majeure" event, which is beyond the control of the carrier. For example, American Airlines canceled three of its 16 scheduled Thursday flights from the United Kingdom to the United States. Under its conditions of carriage -- the legal agreement between the carrier and its passengers -- its only obligation is to issue a full refund. They don't even have to put you on the next flight. But airlines have loosened some of their rules in the wake of the foiled terrorist plot. For customers traveling within or between the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands whose tickets were issued no later than Aug. 9, American allows a change in your travel date up to Sept. 1. Or you can request a refund in the form of a travel voucher for nonrefundable tickets. United Airlines has also changed some of its policies.
Should I consider buying travel insurance?
If there are future cancellations, chances are good that the airlines will waive penalties for ticket changes again. But if you're planning a vacation, then you also stand to lose more than an airline ticket, and the right insurance policy can be helpful. Some policies include coverage for delays and reimburse passengers for additional travel and lodging expenses until travel becomes possible. Many insurance plans include 24-hour emergency travel assistance that can be accessed worldwide for help in rebooking canceled flights, rerouting trips or making or changing hotel reservations, says Dan McGinnity, a spokesman for Travel Guard International, an insurance company.
by Christopher Elliott
If you're planning to fly in the foreseeable future, brace yourself for big changes at the airport. The Department of Homeland Security has raised alert levels for all commercial flights and tightened airport security measures after British officials disrupted a plot to blow up multiple trans-Atlantic flights bound for the United States.
Here's a look at what passengers now face. Keep in mind that policies may not be uniformly enforced at every airport.
How early should I get to the airport?
Kathryn Sudeikis, president of the American Society of Travel Agents, suggests three hours for international flights and two hours for domestic flights. Generally speaking, security screeners are being extra-vigilant, and if you end up in a slow line, you could miss your flight. There are some reports of security lines that go out the door (which is not unusual this time of year). But maybe you'll be lucky: There are still reports of travelers making it through the security checkpoint in minutes.
What can I bring on a plane?
The Transportation Security Administration's list of prohibited items, which includes knives, baseball bats and ammunition, remains in effect. All hand luggage will be physically inspected at the departure gate, according to the TSA. Additionally, on all U.S. flights, all liquids and gels must be checked in with your luggage. This includes all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, contact lens solutions, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and other items of similar consistency. The only exceptions are baby formula, liquid prescription medicines (the name on the bottle must match the name on your ticket), and essential over-the-counter liquid medications, which must be presented for inspection at the checkpoint. Pills, however, present no problems.
Can I still buy a cup of coffee after going through the security checkpoint?
Yes, but finish it before boarding. Even a beverage purchased past a security checkpoint must be consumed before you get on the plane, according to the TSA. You won't be allowed to board with it.
What if I'm on a flight from the United Kingdom to the United States?
The screening process for passengers will be "more extensive," according to officials. All hand luggage will be physically inspected at the departure gate, according to the TSA.
How do I rethink my packing strategy?
For the time being, the TSA will allow carry-on bags on domestic flights as long as you follow the liquids and gel rules, but you should have a backup plan in case things change universally or at a particular airport. According to the TSA, electronic devices such as laptops and cell phones are allowed on board. Some solid or powdered cosmetics are also permitted, though the TSA recommends checking them.
What if I'm traveling with beverages for kids? Or if I'm prone to dehydration?
The TSA allows you to carry on baby formula, breast milk or juice if a baby or small child is traveling with you. If you're an adult, you're out of luck. So drink up before leaving the airport. Once airborne, ask a flight attendant for water immediately. Airlines should be stocking their flights with extra beverages, particularly on longer trans-Atlantic flights. "I bet that if this prohibition against liquids becomes permanent, airlines will have to begin loading up more water and supplying it to passengers more quickly and more often," says Sally Watkins, vice chairwoman of the Association of Retail Travel Agents.
Will there likely be any long-term changes in security?
Yes. Travel experts believe this could not only change the way passengers are screened, but could even change the TSA itself. "The Transportation Security Administration and some members of Congress will likely use this opportunity to argue for the removal of the cap on the number of airport screeners," says Kevin Mitchell, chairman of the Business Travel Coalition, a group that represents corporate travelers and their companies. Airport screening will become more intensive, too, says Scot Phelps, a professor of disaster management at Metropolitan College in New York. "I anticipate a move towards (Israeli airline) El-Al levels of security -- 100 percent bag scanning, more aggressive interviewing of passengers, and more physical searching of carry-on baggage," he says.
If my flight is canceled, what does my airline owe me?
Technically, nothing. No free hotel, no meal vouchers, no phone card. A flight cancellation of this kind would be considered a "force majeure" event, which is beyond the control of the carrier. For example, American Airlines canceled three of its 16 scheduled Thursday flights from the United Kingdom to the United States. Under its conditions of carriage -- the legal agreement between the carrier and its passengers -- its only obligation is to issue a full refund. They don't even have to put you on the next flight. But airlines have loosened some of their rules in the wake of the foiled terrorist plot. For customers traveling within or between the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands whose tickets were issued no later than Aug. 9, American allows a change in your travel date up to Sept. 1. Or you can request a refund in the form of a travel voucher for nonrefundable tickets. United Airlines has also changed some of its policies.
Should I consider buying travel insurance?
If there are future cancellations, chances are good that the airlines will waive penalties for ticket changes again. But if you're planning a vacation, then you also stand to lose more than an airline ticket, and the right insurance policy can be helpful. Some policies include coverage for delays and reimburse passengers for additional travel and lodging expenses until travel becomes possible. Many insurance plans include 24-hour emergency travel assistance that can be accessed worldwide for help in rebooking canceled flights, rerouting trips or making or changing hotel reservations, says Dan McGinnity, a spokesman for Travel Guard International, an insurance company.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Children and Racism
Question: How should I react when my child hears someone make a racist remark?
Answer: As painful as it is to observe such incidents, parents can use them as "teachable moments." You can make it clear to your child that you find such language unacceptable by saying, as soon as the incident occurs, "That was a hurtful thing that person said. We don't say things like that in our family."
Depending on his daily exposure to such events or to different types of people, a kindergartener may or may not grasp the significance of the incident. Read your child's cues. If he reacts with a wide-eyed, shocked look, you can ask, "How did it make you feel to hear that?" Or simply reflect how you think he feels by saying, for example, "You look sad." This gives him words to identify his own feelings and opens the way for him to take the discussion further with you. He may have more questions than comments of his own. If he shows no reaction, remember that by expressing your own viewpoint, and not simply letting the incident pass, you're teaching him an important lesson that you can reinforce as he grows older and starts to better understand such situations.
If your child doesn't seem ready to discuss the situation right away, you may want to bring up the subject again later on. Some kindergartners are more open to discussion after they've had several hours, or even days, to think about an important incident. If your child has a difficult time discussing emotional matters, he might benefit from reading stories or watching videos with you that address multiculturalism.
If the person who made the remark is a stranger, I would not recommend confronting him about it. But do talk to your child about the incident. You can state simply, "We believe all people should be respected, and we don't make comments like that." If you can continue the conversation with your child right at that moment, do so; if not, you've at least laid the groundwork for revisiting the topic later.
If, on the other hand, your child overhears a friend or relative making racist comments, you have several possible ways to handle the situation. Saying something to the speaker right away is the clearest way to teach your child what you think of such statements. (Of course, you are the best judge of your friends and relatives, and of whether starting such a discussion could lead to a more intense conversation than you want your young child to hear.) It's important for your child to see you stand up for what's right. A brief and non-confrontational response can send the right cue. For example, if the speaker has denigrated a person you know who is of a different race or ethnicity, you might respond simply, "Jessica is a good friend of ours, and we really enjoy her company." If she's made a racist comment about a group of people, you can say, "We're raising our children to value and respect all people. I would appreciate it if you would be careful about making unkind remarks in front of him."
Later on you might want to hold a private discussion with the speaker. You could explain that you feel uncomfortable having your child overhear such remarks and politely ask the speaker to try to respect your viewpoint while in your child's presence. You can also bring up the topic in private with your child, telling him that you had a talk about it with the speaker and finding out whether he has any questions or is uncomfortable after having heard a beloved friend or relative say something hurtful.
It's difficult to change the way other adults view the world, of course; your primary responsibility is to help your child process the experience and learn the right lessons from it. The way you treat people of other races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, or economic classes has by far the strongest and most meaningful effect on your children. By being respectful toward others in your everyday interactions, you're teaching your child volumes about how to treat others and how to respond to stereotyping and racism.
Answer: As painful as it is to observe such incidents, parents can use them as "teachable moments." You can make it clear to your child that you find such language unacceptable by saying, as soon as the incident occurs, "That was a hurtful thing that person said. We don't say things like that in our family."
Depending on his daily exposure to such events or to different types of people, a kindergartener may or may not grasp the significance of the incident. Read your child's cues. If he reacts with a wide-eyed, shocked look, you can ask, "How did it make you feel to hear that?" Or simply reflect how you think he feels by saying, for example, "You look sad." This gives him words to identify his own feelings and opens the way for him to take the discussion further with you. He may have more questions than comments of his own. If he shows no reaction, remember that by expressing your own viewpoint, and not simply letting the incident pass, you're teaching him an important lesson that you can reinforce as he grows older and starts to better understand such situations.
If your child doesn't seem ready to discuss the situation right away, you may want to bring up the subject again later on. Some kindergartners are more open to discussion after they've had several hours, or even days, to think about an important incident. If your child has a difficult time discussing emotional matters, he might benefit from reading stories or watching videos with you that address multiculturalism.
If the person who made the remark is a stranger, I would not recommend confronting him about it. But do talk to your child about the incident. You can state simply, "We believe all people should be respected, and we don't make comments like that." If you can continue the conversation with your child right at that moment, do so; if not, you've at least laid the groundwork for revisiting the topic later.
If, on the other hand, your child overhears a friend or relative making racist comments, you have several possible ways to handle the situation. Saying something to the speaker right away is the clearest way to teach your child what you think of such statements. (Of course, you are the best judge of your friends and relatives, and of whether starting such a discussion could lead to a more intense conversation than you want your young child to hear.) It's important for your child to see you stand up for what's right. A brief and non-confrontational response can send the right cue. For example, if the speaker has denigrated a person you know who is of a different race or ethnicity, you might respond simply, "Jessica is a good friend of ours, and we really enjoy her company." If she's made a racist comment about a group of people, you can say, "We're raising our children to value and respect all people. I would appreciate it if you would be careful about making unkind remarks in front of him."
Later on you might want to hold a private discussion with the speaker. You could explain that you feel uncomfortable having your child overhear such remarks and politely ask the speaker to try to respect your viewpoint while in your child's presence. You can also bring up the topic in private with your child, telling him that you had a talk about it with the speaker and finding out whether he has any questions or is uncomfortable after having heard a beloved friend or relative say something hurtful.
It's difficult to change the way other adults view the world, of course; your primary responsibility is to help your child process the experience and learn the right lessons from it. The way you treat people of other races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, or economic classes has by far the strongest and most meaningful effect on your children. By being respectful toward others in your everyday interactions, you're teaching your child volumes about how to treat others and how to respond to stereotyping and racism.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Choosing Mobile Phones
I can't help it. Mobile phones are part of life--to call family, SMS friends, and do everything else. Selecting a good phone is a bit distracting nowadays. You must know what comes with the price tag. Or else, you're paying for extra features that you don't use. Also, choose a phone that conforms to your country's service providers.
Phones have come a long way nowadays, and hybrids are up in the market. PDAs, cameras, mp3 players, radio (to name a few) are bundled up to make one snazzy gadget.
GsmArena is the best portal to read reviews from mobile phone users. It is better to compare and do the research.
Phones have come a long way nowadays, and hybrids are up in the market. PDAs, cameras, mp3 players, radio (to name a few) are bundled up to make one snazzy gadget.
GsmArena is the best portal to read reviews from mobile phone users. It is better to compare and do the research.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Who's Cooking Now?
Pinoy husband comes home hungry; pinay wife frazzled by "cooking" stress. Pinoy family tired of fastfood American takeouts and fried/microwaveable dishes.
Solution? Try having year-round filipino cuisine right at your kitchen. Recipes from these sites will guide you to your menu calendar:
Pinoycook
Unofficial Cook
Ferna
Whether main dishes, kakanins or desserts, testdrive those in the lists and make it part of your kitchen routine.
Do you have any other great food sites? Add your comments.
Solution? Try having year-round filipino cuisine right at your kitchen. Recipes from these sites will guide you to your menu calendar:
Pinoycook
Unofficial Cook
Ferna
Whether main dishes, kakanins or desserts, testdrive those in the lists and make it part of your kitchen routine.
Do you have any other great food sites? Add your comments.
Listening to Home
Music is a comforting feeling. And, it is always like a warm blanket to listen to music that we love. Wonder what people are listening back home? What OPMs are hitting the charts? A site called eradioportal lets you in a list of our favorite stations found all over the Philippines. Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao stations available.
On a wider coverage, listen to eclectic music from all over the globe. Find your niche in radio-locator.
On a wider coverage, listen to eclectic music from all over the globe. Find your niche in radio-locator.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Guide for First-Time Home Buyers
Tips for First-Time Home Buyers
By Salvatore Caputo
Bankrate.com
Buying a home for the first time can be scary, but as with anything else in life, the right preparation brings about good results. Remember, the right home for you is one you want and can afford.
Step 1: Ask yourself if you're ready.
You need to decide whether you're financially ready to buy a home, says Connie Barbosa, vice president and branch manager of Slade's Ferry Bank in Somerset, Mass. She suggests first-time buyers ask themselves some simple questions:
Do you have a steady job and income?
Do you plan on remaining in the same area for a few years?
Do you have enough money set aside for your down payment and closing costs?
Do you have an emergency fund?
Do you live within your means, avoiding credit card debt?
Another consideration is whether you're mentally prepared for the responsibility, says Charles Glass, a real estate agent who sells in the Washington, D.C.-Maryland market.
"A first-time home buyer is probably used to renting," Glass says. "They've got to get used to budgeting a little differently in terms of having a reserve when things go wrong. And whether it's a new home or an old one, things will go wrong. Experienced homeowners know this. First-time buyers don't."
Step 2: Find out what you can afford.
When you're sure you have the right mind set to be a homeowner, it's time to determine how much house you can afford. Probably the best way to do that is to get pre-qualified for a loan. In fact, some real estate agents won't work with someone who is not pre-qualified.
There are three options for pre-qualifying: go to a lender with whom you have already established rapport, find a real estate agent you trust and follow the agent's recommendations for a lender, or research lenders online.
Glass says the first option is the best because "if you've built a relationship with a lender, they will go to extra lengths to make sure they qualify you for the loan."
Your total monthly mortgage payment -- principal, interest, taxes and insurance (or PITI) -- should not exceed 32 percent of your monthly gross income, Barbosa says. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) suggests that figure should be 29 percent. So this is not an exact science. You can calculate a ballpark figure from this information, but then talk to your lender to get a better feel for how much flexibility you might have with different lending arrangements.
According to Bank of America's Consumer Real Estate Group, you should find a lender that offers "first-time buyer options and financing ideas that take into consideration your personal situation. For example, many first-time buyer mortgage programs require only a low down payment or even no money down. If a down payment is required, you may be allowed to use 'gift' money from family members and other sources. Some first-time home buyer programs feature no closing costs. There may also be down-payment assistance programs available in your community."
Remember, the bigger the down payment, the less you're borrowing, and the less expensive your mortgage will be in the long run.
HUD offers programs to help first-time buyers, too.
Step 3: Find out what's available
Now it's time to decide where you want to live and research what types of housing are available -- one-story single family, condos, town homes, etc. You can get an idea by looking at ads and driving around the community before you ever call a real estate agent, Glass says. In fact, he prefers clients who have done some research.
In searching for an agent, find one who makes you feel comfortable and, more importantly, one who listens to you, Glass says.
HUD points out that it's traditional for the real estate agent to represent the seller's interests, although most state licensing laws require them to treat the buyer fairly. Laws regarding the relationships between real estate agents and clients vary from state to state and buyers should be aware who your agent is working for.
Step 4: Choose a neighborhood.
Once you know the housing stock, you can look at specific neighborhoods. Cruise by at night time to see whether you get a "vibe" that it's a safe neighborhood. If you have children, you'll want to check out the quality of the schools. You may want to check out what types of large-scale facilities (airports, highways, chemical plants, etc.) are nearby, and whether you're convenient to shopping, work and schools. You can do much of this independently, but you can also ask your agent to help you find sources of information about such things.
Step 5: Define your house and find it.
Now, you can narrow down the features you want in a house. Do you want an energy-efficient model? Do you want two stories, a basement, a bathroom downstairs or a large back yard? You may not find a unit with every feature that you want, but this will help you to define what's most important for you, Glass says.
When you've found a house that has your most important features, is in the right neighborhood and is affordable, you're ready to buy.
Step 6: Do a home inspection.
HUD recommends that an offer should be contingent on a home inspection. As the buyer, you cover the cost of the inspection. If you're unsatisfied with the results, you may ask the seller to pay for certain repairs or to lower the price, or you may decide to walk away from the deal.
Reggie Marston, a home inspector who can be seen regularly on HGTV's "House Detective" program, says home buyers should have an inspection done regardless of the age of the home and should interview several inspectors before hiring one.
"A home inspection should uncover defects that could become very costly to repair after (buyers) assume ownership," he says. "It will also uncover safety issues, water infiltration issues, roof problems, structural issues, etc.
"A first-time home buyer should start interviewing home inspectors before or at the same time they're interviewing real estate agents and mortgage lenders. Normally, real estate contracts only allow three to 10 days for a home inspection after acceptance of the contract and that doesn't allow the purchaser adequate time to find a qualified home inspector."
Step 7: Shop around for homeowners insurance.
Your lender will require you to carry homeowners insurance. Such insurance comes in many flavors, so it's a good idea to search for a policy that meets your needs for protection while being easy on your pocketbook. Access insurance information that is appropriate for your state. Many states provide data on typical rates charged by insurers, as well as information on the frequency of consumer complaints against a company.
Step 8: Negotiate.
Once you've found the house you want, you should make an offer that's lower than the seller's asking price. The seller expects this and will likely make a counter-offer. You have to decide before you start negotiating what your make or break point is, and stick to it. Just be reasonable. Don't expect the seller to give you a 50 percent discount on a good property.
Step 9: Closing.
In a number of states, it is customary for each party to have an attorney review the closing papers and to be present at closing. Whether that's the custom in your state or not, it's a good idea to hire your own attorney to review the documents to be sure that your best interests are represented in the paperwork. You'll foot the bill for your own attorney.
Step 10: Move in.
You've done all the homework and bought a great home. Enjoy it.
By Salvatore Caputo
Bankrate.com
Buying a home for the first time can be scary, but as with anything else in life, the right preparation brings about good results. Remember, the right home for you is one you want and can afford.
Step 1: Ask yourself if you're ready.
You need to decide whether you're financially ready to buy a home, says Connie Barbosa, vice president and branch manager of Slade's Ferry Bank in Somerset, Mass. She suggests first-time buyers ask themselves some simple questions:
Do you have a steady job and income?
Do you plan on remaining in the same area for a few years?
Do you have enough money set aside for your down payment and closing costs?
Do you have an emergency fund?
Do you live within your means, avoiding credit card debt?
Another consideration is whether you're mentally prepared for the responsibility, says Charles Glass, a real estate agent who sells in the Washington, D.C.-Maryland market.
"A first-time home buyer is probably used to renting," Glass says. "They've got to get used to budgeting a little differently in terms of having a reserve when things go wrong. And whether it's a new home or an old one, things will go wrong. Experienced homeowners know this. First-time buyers don't."
Step 2: Find out what you can afford.
When you're sure you have the right mind set to be a homeowner, it's time to determine how much house you can afford. Probably the best way to do that is to get pre-qualified for a loan. In fact, some real estate agents won't work with someone who is not pre-qualified.
There are three options for pre-qualifying: go to a lender with whom you have already established rapport, find a real estate agent you trust and follow the agent's recommendations for a lender, or research lenders online.
Glass says the first option is the best because "if you've built a relationship with a lender, they will go to extra lengths to make sure they qualify you for the loan."
Your total monthly mortgage payment -- principal, interest, taxes and insurance (or PITI) -- should not exceed 32 percent of your monthly gross income, Barbosa says. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) suggests that figure should be 29 percent. So this is not an exact science. You can calculate a ballpark figure from this information, but then talk to your lender to get a better feel for how much flexibility you might have with different lending arrangements.
According to Bank of America's Consumer Real Estate Group, you should find a lender that offers "first-time buyer options and financing ideas that take into consideration your personal situation. For example, many first-time buyer mortgage programs require only a low down payment or even no money down. If a down payment is required, you may be allowed to use 'gift' money from family members and other sources. Some first-time home buyer programs feature no closing costs. There may also be down-payment assistance programs available in your community."
Remember, the bigger the down payment, the less you're borrowing, and the less expensive your mortgage will be in the long run.
HUD offers programs to help first-time buyers, too.
Step 3: Find out what's available
Now it's time to decide where you want to live and research what types of housing are available -- one-story single family, condos, town homes, etc. You can get an idea by looking at ads and driving around the community before you ever call a real estate agent, Glass says. In fact, he prefers clients who have done some research.
In searching for an agent, find one who makes you feel comfortable and, more importantly, one who listens to you, Glass says.
HUD points out that it's traditional for the real estate agent to represent the seller's interests, although most state licensing laws require them to treat the buyer fairly. Laws regarding the relationships between real estate agents and clients vary from state to state and buyers should be aware who your agent is working for.
Step 4: Choose a neighborhood.
Once you know the housing stock, you can look at specific neighborhoods. Cruise by at night time to see whether you get a "vibe" that it's a safe neighborhood. If you have children, you'll want to check out the quality of the schools. You may want to check out what types of large-scale facilities (airports, highways, chemical plants, etc.) are nearby, and whether you're convenient to shopping, work and schools. You can do much of this independently, but you can also ask your agent to help you find sources of information about such things.
Step 5: Define your house and find it.
Now, you can narrow down the features you want in a house. Do you want an energy-efficient model? Do you want two stories, a basement, a bathroom downstairs or a large back yard? You may not find a unit with every feature that you want, but this will help you to define what's most important for you, Glass says.
When you've found a house that has your most important features, is in the right neighborhood and is affordable, you're ready to buy.
Step 6: Do a home inspection.
HUD recommends that an offer should be contingent on a home inspection. As the buyer, you cover the cost of the inspection. If you're unsatisfied with the results, you may ask the seller to pay for certain repairs or to lower the price, or you may decide to walk away from the deal.
Reggie Marston, a home inspector who can be seen regularly on HGTV's "House Detective" program, says home buyers should have an inspection done regardless of the age of the home and should interview several inspectors before hiring one.
"A home inspection should uncover defects that could become very costly to repair after (buyers) assume ownership," he says. "It will also uncover safety issues, water infiltration issues, roof problems, structural issues, etc.
"A first-time home buyer should start interviewing home inspectors before or at the same time they're interviewing real estate agents and mortgage lenders. Normally, real estate contracts only allow three to 10 days for a home inspection after acceptance of the contract and that doesn't allow the purchaser adequate time to find a qualified home inspector."
Step 7: Shop around for homeowners insurance.
Your lender will require you to carry homeowners insurance. Such insurance comes in many flavors, so it's a good idea to search for a policy that meets your needs for protection while being easy on your pocketbook. Access insurance information that is appropriate for your state. Many states provide data on typical rates charged by insurers, as well as information on the frequency of consumer complaints against a company.
Step 8: Negotiate.
Once you've found the house you want, you should make an offer that's lower than the seller's asking price. The seller expects this and will likely make a counter-offer. You have to decide before you start negotiating what your make or break point is, and stick to it. Just be reasonable. Don't expect the seller to give you a 50 percent discount on a good property.
Step 9: Closing.
In a number of states, it is customary for each party to have an attorney review the closing papers and to be present at closing. Whether that's the custom in your state or not, it's a good idea to hire your own attorney to review the documents to be sure that your best interests are represented in the paperwork. You'll foot the bill for your own attorney.
Step 10: Move in.
You've done all the homework and bought a great home. Enjoy it.
Best Places to Live 2006
While we're at exploring our home options, check out CNN Money's list of best cities to live for year 2006. You never know, your second home might be one of the top 10 cities. Enjoy!
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