Anouk Govil and myself decided that New York would be the perfect student city and so when arranging our college applications we both decided on the Big Apple as the perfect place. As far as a location goes this was perfect, not too far from our home back in Connecticut yet far enough away that we could find our independence. Both Anouk and I had spent some time in New York over the years but living there as a student would be an altogether different experience. To give you some background on this Connecticut is a relaxed place to live where we enjoy outdoor adventures, socializing and enjoying the laid back lifestyle. You can only imagine the shock that was in store for us.

Mayhem

The day that we arrived in New York we both believed that something big had gone down and that was why there was such chaos. We both began checking on social media to see what had happened and where we should avoid going to, yet Twitter told us nothing. We quickly realized that the only things which had ‘gone down’ was that we arrived in the city in the middle of rush hour. The city always has a blistering pace about it anyway but rush hour is all out war, where nobody wins.

Tourism

In other areas of the east coast there is still a lot of tourism but most of these tourists come to enjoy a relaxing break, here in new York the tourists are something very different indeed. The most difficult thing about this is that they are also very hard to avoid because there are iconic locations and sights to see throughout the city. Tourists here travel in packs of more than 50 and they can block up a sidewalk in a matter of seconds.

Manners

Back up in Connecticut we are the sort of people who wear our hearts on our sleeves and we pride ourselves on being kind and respectful to those around us, all of us with very good manners. As you can imagine then, people like us get chewed up and spat out in a city like New York where people simply do not have the time for too many pleasantries. This is not to say that the people are rude, this is not it at all, but any kind of chivalrous conduct will not do you any favors here. If you open the door for one person then you’ll be standing there as every other person behind them comes through. If you let someone cut in line then everyone will think they can do the same and so it goes on. The key to survival in this city, and that is how you should look at spending time here, survival, is to sharpen up your elbows, be direct and take whatever you can whenever you can. Do this and maybe you’ll get out alive.

If you own your own home, you likely try to take care of as much of the maintenance as you can by yourself. Not only does doing so help you to save money, but it also helps you to learn more skills now that can help you tackle bigger projects in the future.

Despite this, there are some times when it just makes more sense to hire a trusted and reputable handyman to come and take care of these things for you. So to help you know when you should turn the task over to someone else, here are three times when you should call a handyman.

Fixing Issues After A Home Inspection

When you’re in the process of selling your home or buying a new home, you’ve got enough on your plate to handle without having to fix every little thing that the home inspection turned up. So in a situation like this, Marian White, a contributor to Moving.com, shares that it can be much more convenient to simply hire a handyman who can take care of these things for you while you focus your attention on other aspects of your move. By doing this, you’ll ensure that everything is taken care of by the time you move in or move out without you having to worry about it yourself.

You Don’t Have The Proper Tools

Sometimes, even if you have the time and theoretical capabilities to complete whatever maintenance your home needs to have done, you may not actually have the tools on-hand to do so. If this is the case, Rachel Brougham, a contributor to the Family Handyman, recommends that you just leave this task to a handyman who can provide his or her own tools to handle the job.

While you will be paying for the labor of the handyman, you won’t be out the money for buying the tools you would have needed to do the work yourself, which may prove to be a more cost effective option anyway.

A Long Project List

Because you lead a busy life, it’s not uncommon for your to-do list to slowly keep growing and growing before you’re able to find the time to knock out some of the projects you need to get done around the house. And, since you’re not a professional at home maintenance or repair, your list might take you a few days or weekends of devoted time.

On the other hand, if you were to give that list to a handyman, Patricia Dreikorn, a contributor to Angie’s List, shares that you can take advantage of their experience with a variety of home improvement issues so that the projects will get taken care of quickly and correctly.

If you’ve been wondering if hiring a handyman was the right call for your home improvement or maintenance project, consider using the information mentioned above to see if doing so might be worth it to you.

The Bentley luxury brand is famous for designing some of the finest cars in the world. Among the current Bentley’s car lineup are the Continental GT Flying Spur Sedan, Flagship Mulsanne and Continental Supersports. Throughout this article, we will give you an insight into all the things you need to know about the Bentley luxury car brands. Let us get started.

Bentley Continental GT

The Bentley Continental GT is the definition of a grand-touring car that will make you feel like a celebrity. The 2021 model comes with a sonorous V-8 engine and an 8-speed auto-shift manual w/OD transmission. The incredible and stylish car cost around $207,000 and has all sorts of modern connectivity features. If you have a used Bentley, you can sell Bentley online without any issue.

Bentley Flying Spur

Another incredible luxury car from Bentley is the Flying Spur. It has twin-turbocharged engines allowing it to attain a top speed of 207mph. The interior of the car is amazing with its opulent leather-and-wood-lined enclave of a cabin. Many buyers of this car may choose to be chauffeured, and it’s understandable because the rear seat offers a relaxing treat. Bentley Flying Spur 2020 is sold around $219,000.

Bentley Flagship Mulsanne

The Flagship Mulsanne has always been among the most iconic grand tourers from Bentley. The 2020 Mulsanne has a 505 hp twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V-8 engine that comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the luxurious car is not a huge seller, it is a rare beast and costs around $342,000. It is hugely comfortable with a combination of luxury and performance.

Bentley Bentayga

If you are looking for a luxury SUV, then the Bentley Bentagya is just the perfect choice. It is an incredibly well-polished car that is considered by many as the most expensive SUV available on the market. The Bentley Bentayga weighs around 2.4 tons, and it is a 4-wheel drive vehicle with a sensational cabin. The SUV is sold for around $165,000

Is Bentley a Good Luxury Car Brand?

Bentley was founded in 1919, and it is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. The luxury car brand has been a popular choice for many wealthy people, and they are designed with the finest materials. The brand has always found ways to make more stylish and luxury cars, and it has launched a new concept car, the Bentley EXP 100 GT.

Summary and Final Verdict

Throughout this detailed article, we have explained all the essential things you need to know about the luxury Bentley car brand. We have highlighted and described some of the best luxury cars that the brand has designed, such as the Continental GT Flying Spur Sedan, Flagship Mulsanne, Bentayga, and Continental Supersports. These expensive and mind-blowing cars come with several awesome features and functionalities.

Each of the luxury car brands that we have discussed in this article also has different models, so you can check them out to know the ones that you prefer. And with the centenary Bentley EXP 100 GT, which is a new concept car from the British car manufacturer, we can expect to see more luxury cars from Bentley in the future.

Did you know that there were around 1.8 million first-time homebuyers in 2016? If you are ready to purchase that new home of your dreams but are feeling a bit overwhelmed, we are here to help. There are a few questions that you want to make sure to ask before buying a new home.

Keep reading for the list of questions you do not want to forget to take into consideration.

1. What Is My Budget?

It makes no sense to start looking for houses when you have no idea what is the maximum amount you can spend without going in over your head. The last thing you want is to invest in a home that you simply can’t afford all the bills and you end up losing your home in the future.

Whether you are looking at meridian homes or somewhere else your budget has to take into account not only the cost of the home but also the homeowner’s insurance, the property taxes, the homeowners association dues, home maintenance, and any other renovations that you want to do.

2. Why Is the Seller Leaving?

You always want to ask the seller why they are selling the house. Is it a job relocation, major life event, or simply downsizing? The answer to this question will help you figure out how motivated they are when it comes to negotiating.

Knowing how flexible a seller might be can give you the upper hand when it comes to getting the best price possible.

3. How Old Is the Roof?

Unfortunately, roofs are not meant to last forever. This is why you want to know when the current roof was put on. If the roof is towards the end of its lifespan you might have to replace it soon after you move in which will cost you thousands of dollars.

Depending on how old the roof is, you can negotiate for a new roof before you move in or a discount on the sale price.

4. Is the Home in a Flood Zone?

If the house is located in a flood zone or in an area that has natural disasters you might have to pay more for insurance coverage. This is something that you want to take into consideration and make sure that you can afford.

You can use FEMA’s Flood Map Service to find out whether or not the property is in a high-risk flood zone.

Feeling Ready When It Comes to Buying a New Home?

We hope that with our list of questions you want to ask yourself before buying a new home, you are feeling better equipped. Finding the right home does not only mean that you have to ask the questions above you also have to do the research to weed out the duds from the diamonds.

Did this blog post help you out today? Please feel free to browse the rest of this section for some more helpful reads.

If you are considering putting your home on the market and moving to a bigger and better house, chances are, you may have to spruce up your home a bit. While the last thing you may want to do is to complete some home improvements during the moving process, a little elbow grease can go a long way to finding the right buyer for your home. Here are some easy fixes to make before you contact your real estate agent.

Invest in a new garage door.

With the real estate market being so tight lately, you’ll want to do anything you can to invest in the curb appeal of your home. You only have one chance to make a good first impression, so take a good look at the facade of your home to see what you can change and/or update. A garage door is an exceptionally important addition to both aesthetics and functionality. A home’s garage door takes up the majority of its facade, so you’ll want to work with a professional to install a new garage door and garage door opener as it will entice potential buyers even more. In order to find a professional garage door installer, Google keywords such as “Garage Doors Oregon” to find options near you.

Fix your carpets, walls, and moldings.

It is the little details in your home that will convince a seller to buy, so you’ll want to fix and update any problems you may have with your carpets, walls, and moldings. While yes, the carpets can easily be changed by the new owner, it’s important for potential buyers to envision themselves in the home when they see it, so you’ll want to have the home as move-in ready as you can. This also goes for your crown moldings and the paint on your walls, so if anything is chipped, scuffed, or dented, use this time to make a complete repair. And once you remove the furniture from your home, consider giving the walls a fresh coat of paint. A neutral color can help to brighten up tired walls and will save the new owner any hassle when they move in.

Winterize your home.

Not only will a potential buyer be interested in the beauty of the home, but they will also want to ensure the home is secure and structurally sound. In the process of winterizing your home, you’ll look at the pipes, the insulation, make sure your furnace is clean and in working order, and check your foundation for any cracks. Additionally, you’ll want to check if your water heater is leaking, if your dehumidifier is in good shape, and if applicable, your air conditioner unit is in tip-top shape.

One important part of the home buying process is to have a professional come in and complete a home inspection. A home inspection details the condition of the house and lets potential buyers know if there are any problems that need to be fixed in order to be safe. A home inspection typically will make or break a potential buyer’s offer, so if you fix all the problems in your home before it’s inspected, you’re more likely to have a smoother buying process.

Make electrical fixes and upgrades.

Everything is easier to get to when the rooms are empty, so take this time to make electrical fixes and upgrades to outlets, lighting fixtures, and ceiling fans. Consider also creating more outlets, and even a programmable thermostat to make your home stand out just a little bit more during the open house.

Make sure to finish these four easy updates before you put your home on the market, and it will be scooped up before you know it!

In the aftermath of a car accident, victims have a few key options as to how they can recover the funds incurred as a result of the damages and injuries they received in the crash. The primary options are to file an insurance and legal claim, which may progress to a lawsuit, depending on your specific circumstances. These processes can take a substantial amount of time, so it is essential that you have a lawyer’s assistance, as they will help ensure it does not drag on for too long. To get an idea of how long it may take to resolve your case and reach a settlement for your car accident, see the details below.

Attaining a Settlement with Negotiations

Most people are intimidated by the thought of taking legal action after these incidents, due to the assumption that it will not only be costly, but far too lengthy and tedious. Although the latter may be true in certain cases, it is possible to settle without experiencing the trouble of a long litigation process.

For example, in many cases, your car accident lawyer may be able to negotiate a reasonable settlement without ever progressing to a lawsuit. This is most likely to occur when you have substantial evidence demonstrating the defendant’s liability, giving them no room to deny their negligent behavior, and thus, their fault in the crash.

In these cases, the defendant’s insurer is likely to offer a fair settlement within just a few days. For some, this may require a few rounds of negotiations, yet the case is resolved quickly nonetheless. However, if a fair settlement is unattainable during this stage, the case may progress to a lawsuit.

How a Car Accident Lawsuit May Unfold

If your case must progress to a lawsuit, know that there is no exact science to estimate your litigation process’s timeline. Each car accident is unique regarding the damages inflicted, the defendant’s and their insurer’s cooperation, and other such compounding factors. Still, most car accident settlements follow a general timeline that you can use to predict your case’s progress.

To initiate the lawsuit, you must file a formal complaint (also referred to as a “petition”). Once the document is served to the defendant, they will be given a specified period in which they can respond to your complaint with a written answer. After both documents are filed, you will enter the “discovery phase,” in which both yours and the defendant’s lawyer will present the evidence they intend to use during the trial. This is a common point at which a settlement can be reached, as liability is typically made abundantly clear here.

Still, it is not guaranteed that you will reach a settlement here. If not, you will progress to the trial phase, where a jury of your peers will help determine liability based on the presented evidence. The court will then award you compensation according to their decision, but the defendant retains the right to agree to the total. If they disagree, they can file an appeal, which can extend the timeline even further.

To alleviate the stress of a lengthy legal process, hire an experienced car accident lawyer to represent you. Although they cannot control the defendant’s participation, they will do everything in their power to streamline litigation and secure your due compensation as swiftly as possible. Contact a car accident lawyer today to get started.

Owning a vehicle can be a dream. The freedom to go wherever you want, the thrill of a major purchase and the fun of searching for the perfect car. Exploring dealerships, surfing the web, and checking out a good auto auction is thrilling in itself.

It’s amazing what a little cosmetic surgery can do for the casa, right? Renovating your house can make it feel like a brand new home. Making those fixes can be costly but when you’re satisfied with the results, that’s a priceless feeling.

One of the best parts about doing renovations is getting to glory in the drastic difference between the before and after versions of your house. For tips on how to renovate like the pros on HGTV and help your home get its groove back, keep reading.

Come up with a budget and a gameplan.

While exciting, renovating your home can also cause stress on your budget and your sanity. There are so many bases to cover, materials to buy, and contractors to pay that it will make your head spin.

 

The best thing you can do to alleviate any stress that may come during the renovating process is to come up with a budget and a gameplan beforehand. If you don’t have an idea of what you’d like to spend or how you’d like your house to look when you’re done, then you’re flying blind.

The first thing you need to do is come up with a vision for how you would like your home to look. It’s not enough to know that you want to change some things in your home—you need to know what changes you want to make. Once you’ve decided what areas of your house you want to renovate and how you want to make them over, the next thing on your agenda is to decide on a spending limit and abide by it.

Take care of the essentials first.

When you start doing renovations, it’s important to start with the essentials first. Before you start handling the cosmetic aspects of the renovations, you need to turn your attention toward structural repairs.

Your roof is one of the most critical parts of your home’s structure and should be high atop your list of priorities. Leaks in your roof can lead to caving ceilings, mold on the walls and ceiling, and can even cause your walls and ceilings to be disjointed.

 

Rather than trying to DIY your roof repairs, rely on professional contractors like Metro City Roofing Services. They’ve got years of experience in residential roofing Denver homes, and they can fix your roof system as well. Roof repairs are too important to leave them to chance, so turn to experienced professionals and get the job done right the first time.

 

 

 

Take pictures of your house during all phases of the renovating process.

Sometimes when you’re in the midst of a large project, it’s easy to get frustrated and lose sight of your vision and the progress you’ve made since starting on your project. Sometimes you need a reminder of just how far along you’ve come in the process, and that’s what pictures are for.

Before you begin going to work on your home, you should take photos of every room and area inside and outside of the house you plan on renovating. Once you’ve finished the project, get some after shots of your work as well. If you don’t want photos of your home’s glow-up operation clogging up your phone, consider uploading them to an online photo storage device. With an ibi photo manager, you can upload photos from your phone and store them safely in its terabyte of memory.

 

Don’t forget the yard.

When you’re renovating, be sure to save some of your budget and creativity for the yard. Your house may look pristine, but your front and backyards need to match the swag of your home—in other words, give your yard a little TLC as well.

 

With a little imagination, you could transform your backyard into the perfect summertime hangout spot. Consider putting up a gazebo and decking it with nice, comfortable lawn furniture. You can even put an outdoor bar in the backyard and run decorative lights from the bar to the gazebo to give it a cabana vibe.

 

 

In today’s world, it’s very uncommon for someone to stay in the same town for their entire life. Whether it’s due to going to school, getting a new job, or just wanting a change of scenery, many people wind up moving a few times before they eventually settle down in one place. So if you find that you’re ready to make a move soon, here are three things you should do once you’ve relocated to a new area.

Take Care Of The Legal Paperwork

Aside from the headache of finding a new place to live, packing up your entire life and hauling it to a completely different location, you also will have to take care of some legal paperwork once you’ve arrived at your final destination.

Although a lot of this legal paperwork can be done online or virtually, there are some things that you’ll have to take care of in-person. According to Mikey Rox, a contributor to WiseBread.com, this includes visiting the DMV in your new area. Here, you’ll need to register your car, get new license plates, and get a new driver’s license. In some areas, you can save time by using a third-party office rather than going to the actual DMV, so look into this before you plan to spend an entire day sitting and waiting to take care of these administrative tasks.

Learn From The Locals

One of the hardest things about moving to a new area is learning all these is to know about what the area has to offer.

To help you in doing this, Whitson Gordon, a contributor to LifeHacker.com, suggests that you start talking to the locals and other people who already live in that area in order to get some advice or suggestions from them. If you’re looking for a good place to eat or something fun to do, strike up a conversation with someone by letting them know that you’re new to town and asking for their recommendations for the area. You can learn a lot about an area very quickly by doing this.

Build Your Network

When you relocate to a new town, you have to start from scratch with building up the network of people that you work with or that provide a service for you. From a doctor and dentist to a hairdresser and more, Diane Schmidt, a contributor to The Spruce, shares that you’ll be glad that you did all the research to find these people as soon as you get to town when the time comes that you actually need to call on them to help.

If you’re going to be picking up your life and moving it to a new area soon, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you get started off on the right foot once you arrive.