One and Co

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All You Need to Know Before Buying a New Home in the United States

If you are planning on buying a new home in the United States, then understand that the U.S. real estate market is rather complicated. And, if you are a foreign-born citizen, then the process for you will be slightly different. Therefore, doing your research and being aware of the details will significantly help you in making the whole process more efficient.

Following are some essential tips that will help you successfully buy your own home in America.

1. The Basic Requirements

You don’t have to be a citizen to buy a home in America. However, you are required to have an individual taxpayer identification number. This number is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to foreign residents who file income tax returns. Additionally, you must hold a valid international passport along with current photo identification.

While property ownership is not associated with your visa or immigration status, there are rules with regards to how long you can stay in the country. So, before you think about buying a new home, look into the visa requirements.

2. It is Better to Get a Mortgage

Buying a property in the USA is an expensive affair, so if you are thinking of saving money and building equity, you might have to wait a while. However, if you have a regular flow of income, you can quickly get a mortgage on the house. Even if you have certain budget constraints, there are still many secure and affordable mortgage options that may fit within your perquisites. If you are planning to get a mortgage, make sure that you build a good credit score. The eligibility of your loan highly depends on the credit score you hold.

3. Paying for Property in All-Cash

If you do have enough money to buy a new home in all-cash, you certainly can do so. However, all cash transactions above USD 10,000 must be reported to the federal government. All the parties, including the purchaser, real estate agents, attorney, and title companies, will be involved while reporting the transaction. And the government may also ask you how you have earned the money to verify whether it was acquired legally.

4. Hire Certified Realtor

Ensure the realtor that you hire is certified international property specialist (CIPS). Hiring an experienced realtor will help you safeguard your interests. Moreover, request your agent to explain the home buying process in the USA thoroughly. Knowing how homes are bought and sold, and understanding the inspection and negotiation process will help you get good deals.

5. Plan Out Your Finances

Creating a financial plan beforehand can help you in the whole process. Consider all the expenses you will have to bear as a homeowner such as mortgage, insurance, property tax, maintenance costs, etc. By knowing all your costs associated with the house, you will be aware of how much money you have to set aside for such continuous expenses.

Buying a home in the USA is a bit complicated task. Therefore, it is essential to do your research and understand the process comprehensively to make a well-informed decision.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

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The Thrill of Tandem Skydiving in Dubai

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Dubai is like a precious jewel in the middle of the desert. This prosperous city in the UAE is one of the hottest destinations when it comes to extreme adventures like skydiving. Why? Well, aside from its amazing aerial view, Dubai offers lots of amazing packages for tourists. And like any other city, Dubai also gives several skydiving options. Here, there are many skydiving services offered. So, you can surely pick out one that will suit your budget.

If you’re planning to visit Dubai, you might as well live in here. This is because it’s such a beautiful place. There are villas for sale in Dubai and there are off plan projects in Dubai that are constantly updating as well, making it a hot spot for top Dubai real estate agencies. Not only is Dubai a great city to retire to, but its tourist attractions will surely engage you and make you so much more in love with this city.

Try Dubai’s tandem skydiving. Certainly, you’ll never forget the experience. It’s one of the most thrilling and popular adventure trends at the moment, and a lot of tourists has been waiting for their turns to experience this fall from the sky.

For those who are not convinced, below are some of the reasons why you should book a skydiving tour in Dubai right now:

  • Unforgettable Experience

Are you tired of your usual visit to the beach? Are you done scouring the internet to find where to eat out while traveling? If so, then skydiving will surely be an unforgettable experience for you. It is simply nerve-wracking, but once you’re down on the ground, you’ll love to take another dive once more.

  • Magnificent Aerial View

What makes skydiving in Dubai amazing is that this city has an amazing aerial view. As you dive, take in the view as much as you can. Watch the vastness of the desert and marvel at the scene of the magnificent buildings before you. You’ll definitely fall in love in no time.

  • Exhilarating

Lastly, all skydiving enthusiasts will always have one thing in common, and that’s their love for the thrill. If you want to have an exhilarating experience that’s out of this world, then skydiving should be included in your bucket list.

Tandem skydiving is a popular activity that you and your family can do. Book a trip to Dubai and visit the nearest skydiving agency now to have a blast.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

 

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4 Reasons Why Pasay Is a Great Place for City Staycations

When it comes to Metro Manila staycations, some of the first cities that come to mind are Quezon City, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, and Manila. These locations are jam-packed with hotels, malls, food parks, and other establishments to give you a pleasant break from the daily grind.

However, there’s another great location for city staycations, one that doesn’t get enough attention: Pasay City. Located in the central part of Metro Manila, Pasay has a lot to offer if you’re looking for an enjoyable, hassle-free holiday. Here are a few reasons why you should definitely have your next staycation in the “Travel City.”

Plenty of Hotels in All Price Ranges

One of the keys to a great staycation is a great hotel. Thankfully, there are plenty of hotels in Pasay that you can choose from. You can find 5-star hotels like Conrad Manila and Maxim’s, 3-star chains like Microtel Inn and Holiday Inn Express, as well as a wide range of budget apartments and hostels. What’s more, you’ll find that most of these accommodations are strategically located. Either they’re right smack in the middle of a CBD or very near transport routes and terminals, making it easier for you to reach them.

Variety of Activities

Unlike some locations where the most you can do is swim in the hotel pool, shop, and eat, Pasay has easy access to a variety of other activities. Do you want to go to a theme park? Star City is just a few minutes away, as is SM by the Bay, the mini theme park behind SM Mall of Asia that’s perfect for the kids. Do you want to watch a theatrical production? There’s CCP, Solaire, and Resorts World Manila. Do you want to try your luck in a casino? You can go to City of Dreams, Okada Manila, or Casino Filipino in Heritage Hotel.

There are also a lot of museums in Pasay, like the Philippine Air Force Museum and the GSIS Museum, if you’re looking for a more mentally enriching vacation. Of course, it’s also easy to get to Manila from Pasay to visit the Planetarium, the National Museum of Natural History, and more. You can also shop ‘til you drop, if you want. MOA has a great selection of boutiques and retail stores, while Newport Mall has some luxury brands. Finally, there are restaurants aplenty in Pasay City. Again, you can visit the malls and upscale hotels for a wide range of restaurant and buffet options. There’s also Seaside Dampa along Macapagal Boulevard, and individual establishments like Crisostomo, Song Do Won, and more.

Near the Airport

If you’re spending a couple of days in Metro Manila before flying to another destination, it’s a good idea to have a quick city staycation in Pasay. NAIA Terminals 2, 3, and 4 are located in the city, which means you don’t have to deal with too much traffic to make it to your flight on time. If your trip is for business, then you’ll be well-rested and ready for a barrage of meetings. If your trip is for pleasure, then you simply extended your vacation—which of course is always a good thing.

Vibrant Nightlife Scene

For those who love to party, Pasay is certainly no slouch when it comes to nightlife. There’s Centerstage KTV Bar in Seaside Boulevard, Padi’s Point in Savers Center, Salem International Complex along EDSA, and so many more. There’s also the Hard Rock Cafe in S Maison, House Manila and Bar 360 in Resorts World, C Lounge in Conrad Manila, Centerplay at City of Dreams, and Cove Manila in Okada. For those who prefer something more laidback, you can take a late-night stroll along the Baywalk or have a nightcap at Sunset Bar in Sofitel. Mind you, these are just a few of the restaurants, bars, and clubs that you can go to. There are so many other places you can visit—Google is your friend to find the best one for you.

There’s certainly more to Pasay than meets the eye. So the next time you have some days off, why not plan a staycation in this vibrant city. You’re sure to be pleasantly surprised!

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

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Festivals on a Hill in Altea

Altea is a picturesque town located close to Benidorm in Spain, although it has almost the opposite atmosphere. Rather than being a hot spot for nightlife, Altea is a thoughtful and relaxing location. You’ll still find bars to visit and culinary excellence, but this town situation running down a cliff to the coast is a better place for seeing the culture Spain and the relaxing way of life.

Looking at Altea from the cost, it is easy to see why it is such a special town. The church is located on top of the large cliff; from which you’ll enjoy some breath-taking views. As the rest of the historic settlement surrounds this building, you get the sense of how the building was the centre of the community in the town’s past.

The culmination of this way of life is the frequent festivals held in the city.

The L’Abert

The L’Abert is a unique tradition to Altea. It is one of the few places you’ll find which has residents that still uphold these unique local rituals.

In accordance with their old ways, residents meet during the fiestas of San Juan. An ancient tree is carried from the base of the town up to the clifftop by the Church. It is planted here, with the assistance of some topes from the church building itself. This makes the churchyard a permanent reminder of the event you experienced. It is a magical process that you’ll want to return to watch every time.

Other festivals

While the L’Abert is something really unique, Altea takes the same interesting approach to more widely celebrated festivals too. If you manage to time your visit right, you can join in with their celebrations of the Moors and Christians, Holy Week, the Castell de l’Olla, and the night of San Juan.

While proceedings vary depending on the festival, each is a village-wide celebration. You may not get the scale of celebrations that you’ll find in a big city. However, spending these special times in Altea lets you see how an authentic Spanish village celebrates the big occasions in Spanish cultural life.

Living in Altea

Altea might offer special events at certain times of the year, but the town itself is worth visiting year-round. The medieval buildings are fantastic to walk around; the entire town can give you the type of idyllic experience that you’ll struggle to find at the more tourist-focused destinations.

If you are looking for a beautiful property for sale in Altea it will allow you to visit these festivals every year if you want to. Although most of the town is built on the hill, the amount of property for sale in Altea will give you lots of choice of whereabouts you’d want to set up shop or buy a holiday home. While the L’Abret and fiestas De Moros y Cristianos are major draws, the celebrations for the Holy Week in Altea aren’t to be missed either.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

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Say Hello to Lady Liberty During Your Next Trip to NYC

 

Traveling to New York City to visit the Big Apple’s many landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, is a rite of passage for many Americans. This monument, in particular, represents freedom and the hope of a better life. In addition to the actual Statue, the site also features a 26,000 square foot museum with three gallery spaces designed to educate and inspire visitors as they learn more about its representation and meaning.

Guests to Liberty Island can also visit nearby Ellis Island to immerse themselves in the life of the early immigrant to the United States. Together, these two historical sites deliver an informative and moving experience. Here is everything that you need to know about planning your trip to this special monument.

GETTING THERE

In order to reach the Statue of Liberty, you must purchase a ticket through Statue Cruises. This transport is the only provider that is authorized by the National Parks Services to visit both the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island.

You can also visit the statue as part of the authorized New York CityPass. Ferries to the island can be caught from either Battery Park in Lower Manhattan or from Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

CHOOSING YOUR TICKETS

There are a variety of ways that you can experience the Statue of Liberty. Tickets to the crown are the most coveted passes. These must be purchased well in advance of your visit. You can also purchase a ticket to the pedestal, allowing you to climb the stairs to the balcony.

For those less adventurous travelers, you can decide to visit the museum and stroll the grounds of Liberty Island, taking in the majesty of the statue and the breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline.

WHERE TO STAY

There is no shortage of hotels close to the Statue of Liberty. If you want to make a trip to New York City part of your adventure, choosing a hotel in Lower Manhattan will provide the easiest access to the statue. The Residence Inn by Marriott New York Downtown Manhattan/World Trade Center Area is just a few short blocks from the ferry access in Battery Park. This hotel provides spacious suites, a complimentary hot breakfast, and easy access to all of the sites of New York City.

Or choose the Hyatt House Jersey City, with its modern suites and stunning views of the Big Apple just across the Hudson River. Conveniently located just next to the Exchange Place District, this hotel provides easy access to a myriad of restaurants and shopping opportunities to make your stay more comfortable. It is close to the ferry that can bring you right over to the Statue of Liberty.

WHERE TO EAT

Regardless of where your travels take you, it is easy to find a bite to eat before or after your visit to Lady Liberty. If traveling from New Jersey, the Exchange Place District delivers a cornucopia of mouth-watering options such as the Piggyback Bar and its Asian-inspired cuisine and waterfront views. The Porto Leggero offers premium Italian eats with an upscale vibe.

In Manhattan, you will find a bevy of options near the ferry terminal in Battery Park. Blue Smoke Battery Park City will satisfy your thirst for barbeque and bourbon or choose the Inatteso Pizzabar Casano with its Neopolitan-style pizzas.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

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Chicago is a Top Destination for Business Travelers

Chicago is one of the best cities for business travelers. Most of the restaurants and hotels near the downtown area and waterfront are attuned to the needs of business travelers. With the number of businesses and large companies headquartered here, it’s already got a great infrastructure and culture oriented around working hard and playing hard.

For those who are headed to Chicago for business this year, we’ve put together some reasons why we love this city and how to make the most of your next trip to the Windy City.

Pick a Techy, Business Traveler Hotel

If you want to stay near the water, there will be plenty of fancy, boutique hotels that want to sweep you off your feet. But what if you could have an upscale luxury boutique feel with the consistency of a national chain you’re familiar? The Hyatt Regency Chicago has the “Hyatt Has It” program that ensures you have access to all the amenities you’re used to as well as access to gadgets and free WiFi. If you need a boardroom or a place to meet with clients, there are plenty of professional spaces to choose from as well. You can also get limo service or quick taxis to anywhere in the city. It’s one of the most popular business travel hotels in the city for good reason. Visit their website to see more and even book your room today.

Know Where to Go and Explore

For those who have time to check out the city or just want to learn about where they’re traveling to, here are some of the terms and areas around the Windy City. The downtown central business district is known as the Loop. This is where the river borders the city to the north and west, and you’ll find Roosevelt Road down to the south.

If you want to understand traveling around Chicago, just remember that they take the “El” train. This express train goes quickly from O’Hare to downtown areas and any other stops around the downtown city without having to wait for an Uber. It’s just as fast, more reliable, and less expensive than New York City’s vaunted subway system!

In addition, most of downtown Chicago changed after the Great Fire in 1871. When rebuilding the city, planners made sure that the city was laid out for quick travel. If you remember that Lake Michigan is always to the east, you’ll never get lost. The grid system also makes it a lot easier to know where everything is. Just remember a few basics such as the center of the city located at State and Madison in the middle of the Loop.

In addition, as address numbers get higher, you get farther from the center of the city.

What’s the Weather Like?

A sunny day in Chicago can change quickly into a downpour. There are also long periods of cold weather from November to April. If you’re not already used to checking your weather app every day, you should get into the habit of seeing what kind of temperatures and precipitation are in store when you head up to the Windy City. It’s not uncommon to experience sudden temperature drops and afternoon showers out of nowhere. Umbrellas, rain jackets, and a good hat will help you stay warm and dry. However, it’s not called the Windy City for nothing, so be sure to hang onto your hat when you head into the central areas of downtown where the skyscrapers funnel the wind through the streets.

Research Restaurants by Neighborhood

Need some help looking all of the different areas of Chicago? This handy, cool neighborhood guide to Chicago will make it easy to pick out the neighborhoods you should explore on your extra day off if you have some time to spare!

 

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5 Unique Group Outings on an Atlanta Charter Bus Tour

Atlanta, Georgia is home to some of the most historically-significant landmarks in the United States. This city was a key player in the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement of the 60’s. Needless to say, you could easily spend your time visiting history-making attractions during your time in Atlanta.

But what if that’s not your thing? You are probably wondering if Atlanta is even worth your time if you’re not overly enthusiastic about American history. Another thing you need to consider is the size of the group you’re travelling with. Many of these historical sites and landmarks aren’t always fit for catering to large groups.

For those travelling in Atlanta with a large group, your best bet is to hire an Atlanta charter bus service. Group members not interested in seeing historical sites? Here are a few ideas on unique group outings in Atlanta, Georgia.

ASW Distillery

This might not be the ideal outing for everyone, but those interested in alcohol will love a trip to ASW Distillery. During a trip here you’ll get to enjoy some aged whiskey and bourbon that Georgia natives have come to love. There is no need to make a reservation, but you should definitely consider booking a tour if you have a group of ten or more.

While at ASW Distillery, be sure to try Duality Double Malt. It is the world’s first whisky to mash, ferment, and distill rye and barley in the same batch. Not exactly sure what this means? You’ll learn all about during a tour of the distillery.

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

Whether you are a local or just visiting at the end of May, be sure to add the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival to your group’s itinerary. This year the festival will take place from May 30th to June 2nd in Midtown. It will feature some of the most well-known and under-the-radar food vendors from around the city.

Bad Axe Throwing

If you’re looking for something different to keep your group busy, Bad Axe Throwing is as unique as it gets. The team at BAT can make any bachelor party, corporate event, or special occasion a fun experience. Not only can axe throwing be exhilarating, it is a fun form of exercise and can even be turned into a team-building activity.

The Painted Pin

The Painted Pin is not your average bowling alley. Not only can you bowl here, but you can also order fancy cocktails at the upscale bar. Even if you don’t consider yourself an avid bowler, you’ll enjoy a night out at the Painted Pin. Their food menu includes everything from small bites to shareable pizzas.

Adult Big Wheel Club

Both Atlanta-based companies and out-of-town businesses love holding corporate events at the Adult Big Wheel Club. ABWC offers tons of team-building exercises that are not only fun, but also productive. Your team will have to work together using positive communication and teamwork to accomplish a common goal. Companies with a large number of employees can benefit big time from a trip to the Adult Big Wheel Club.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

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Tips To Remember When Traveling With Pets

Every single pet owner out there will tell you that travel plans become more complicated with a furry companion to think about. You need to choose whether or not the pet comes with you and if not, you need to arrange taking care of him while you are gone. If you decide to bring the pet with you, it is time to look for opportunities that allow you to stay with the loved one. You have to read Capital Resorts Group reviews and be as informed as possible since you also have to think about the well-being of the animal. Besides all this, you need to also consider the following.

Pet Identification

A pet cannot tell you who he is. It does not matter how you choose to travel. The identification tag should be in place and it should include complete owner contact details. In the event the pat gets lost, this is the best chance you have for someone to be able to return the animal to you. Also, it makes it easy to prevent confusion when there are pets that have a really similar appearance.

Speaking about identification, permanent options do have to be considered. The microchip is definitely the best option available. There are some modern models that even include GPS tracking.

Make Sure Pets Are Trained

When you travel with a pet, you need to be sure he will pay attention to you and listen to your commands. Pets need to be trained when they are young or it is going to be increasingly difficult to have a well-behaved companion as you travel. Make sure that you start training the pets as soon as possible, preferably with the use of a reward system. When you have more than one pet, be sure that you train them individually.

Proper Pet Safety When Traveling

Most people actually think that it is completely safe to allow pets to wander freely around the car during driving. This is quite dangerous. The pets can easily get injured when there is a sudden vehicle movement and if an accident happens, it can be fatal for the little one. Be sure that you use a crate when traveling so that the pet is safe. Choose one that is appropriate based on travel method. For instance, fabric carriers are quite easy to carry but plastic pet carriers offer increased safety.

Consider Pet Sedation

There are pets that end up being anxious when they travel, mainly because they are put in a setting that is not familiar. This is similar to what happens with many humans. It is, at times, a good idea to sedate the pet in order to reduce anxiety. This helps avoid accidents that could be caused by fear. However, you should only sedate the pet in the event that the doctor tells you this is ok.

First Aid Pet Kit

The last important suggestion to remember is to take a first aid pet kit with you. This is because you never actually know when an accident happens. Just as with humans, it is better to be safe.

For more tips on travel from One and Co, click here!

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4 Ways You Can Improve Your RV For Your Next Big Road Trip

No RV is truly perfect. No matter how much time you spend looking at RVs or researching them online using resources such as Outdoorsy, there’s always going to be a particular feature or a luxury that’s lacking.

Fortunately, this doesn’t at all mean that there aren’t steps you can take to make your RV even better. So long as you’re buying an RV so you actually own it, you can easily modify it to make it a better vehicle for you before you embark on your next road trip.

Here are four ways you can improve your RV for your next big road trip:

1 – Build An Office

If there’s one important thing that far too many motorhomes are lacking these days, it’s an office or dedicated workspace. Sure, they come with bedrooms and kitchens and living rooms, but rarely do they come with an office.

If you’re going to be working from your RV as you travel, having a place dedicated to getting work done will be a major plus. You can install your own desk, complete with an office chair, a monitor, a computer, a printer, and a Wi-Fi router.

2 – Replace Your Storage Locks

The locks on the vast majority of RVs and motorhomes are exactly the same. This means that anyone else with a CH751 key will be able to open them and access the items inside. Not exactly very secure, is it?

Thankfully, you can easily replace your storage locks entirely so that a more unique key is required to open them and access the items inside. It’s an expense that will be well worth it if you have any items of value inside.

3 – Install LED Lighting

The RV lifestyle is already more cost efficient than many people think, but you can make it even more cost efficient by saving on power.

One of the best ways to save on power will be to use LED bulbs. Not only are they far cheaper than the lights that come installed in most RVs, they are also brighter and can greatly improve visibility as well. They also last much longer than other types of bulbs as well.

4 – Add Solar Panels

One of the downsides to RV living is that you constantly need to make sure that you stop by an RV park or campground that has an electrical and water hookup. However, this is only true if you aren’t able to generate your own power.

Generating your own power for an RV is also simple: you just need to install solar panels to the top of your RV and then make sure that you remain parked for a sufficient amount of time outside under the sun. It’s an initial investment that will quickly pay off when you save cash over the long run.

Improving Your RV

These are just four examples of ways that you can improve your RV to make it better for you.

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How To Make The Most Of Your Move With These Top Tips

Moving is always an exciting adventure because with each move comes the chance for new beginnings. If you move to a nicer home or a nicer neighborhood, then that’s even better. Moving with children, however, can make things a bit more difficult. Children thrive on routine, after all, and moving is one of the most disruptive events that can occur. They will be leaving their friends, their home, and their safe place. That is why when you move with your family, you need to use these top tips to help you make the most of it:

De-Clutter Before You Move

Your material possessions can easily become an extra house guest if you aren’t careful. Closet space can fill up, every drawer filled to the brim, and things bursting from every nook and cranny. It is for this reason that when you are packing up to move, you should let go of everything that you don’t use or care about anymore. It might turn into a few fights with your kids, who don’t want to let go of the toys they don’t play with anymore, but the move and your new house will thank you once you are done.

Work On Making Your New House a Home Together

When you are moved in, work on making your new place a home together. Letting your kids sulk off in the corner won’t help them. Instead, unpack and decorate together as a family. Work with your kids so that they can have a say in their new home, rather than feel like everything is beyond their control.

Enroll Them in A Great School

Moving to England is a great choice for families, but to ensure your kids make friends and gain a stellar education you will need to know your options in terms of schooling. Cumnor House School offers a great curriculum, after-school programmes, and more importantly, small classrooms. This means that your child can thrive as an individual and make friends in their new home.

Spend Time Together as a Family

A house will never be a home until you and your family start to make memories there together. Get everyone on board for a DIY project, teach your kids how to bake a cake, make a fort out of the cardboard boxes you used for moving, and so on. By really emphasizing family time right after a move, you can help your children feel safe and at home. You might even improve your relationship with them.

Explore Together

Your new home isn’t just the four walls of your property, either. Get out there with your family and find new local haunts. Where you would like to go out to dinner together, where you like to get a morning coffee, where the nearest park is, and so on. The more you and your family know your new community, the better you will enjoy your new lives.

Moving your family means lots of changes, but if you follow these tips, those changes will be for the better.