Spring/Summer home buying season are here or just around the corner for many of us. What are some First, Second, Third, etc. Time Home buying tips and lessons you've learned and can share?

One I learned the hard way, the rate your Lender quotes when you get pre-approved is not the rate you'll lock at when you get your offer accepted. That's why it's a good idea to shop Lenders.

Anyone else care to contribute?

I’m looking at investment a portion of my portfolio into alternative investments. Maybe around $30k to start. Anyone have recommendations or experience with Alt investment vehicles? (e.g., crowdfunded startups/real estate, PE, VC ETFs)??

I have 10k extra to invest. How should I grow it? Any growth stocks to recommend?

Seeking some advice for home buying. Went under contract on a new construction back in March, was originally supposed to be ready in August but has been delayed until November. I’ve began getting quotes for mortgage rates through lenders and the best I’ve seen so far is 5.75% (excellent credit, dp at 10%) at a 60 day lock. Debating if I should test my luck with the market to see if rates will drop or if I should go ahead and lock my rate in before Rates increase even more

Fishes honest opinion needed. Me and My so presently live in Arkansas, living in our first home with a child 4 year, both of us recently changed our jobs and have HHI ~ 420K, current mortgage 1600/month. We are looking to move to Dallas and thinking of buying a house ~996K with a 15% down. Questions -
1. Should we go for house of that budget? We can afford, but asking based on market.
2. Should we down 15% or just 5% ? Or go for 20% ?
*Getting a rate lock 4.25% 🤞🏼

Looking to move out of California, and considering buying a townhome in Atlanta for ~$650k. Any thoughts on the Atlanta real estate market?

I was paid a retention bonus last year which I have to return - couple of questions: Will I get a corrected W2 ? If yes, how much time does it generally to generate a corrected W2? Should I wait for corrected W2 to file the return ? (with the current comp - I owe taxes however with the W2C - I will probably not..) thoughts??

Today I lost out on a house because my offer of $90k over the list price was beat out by another bid. Everyone else having an equally crappy Monday?

Do we still receive points for the stay if I book through AmexTravel?

How much do professional, high-earning (300k+) people put down as down payment for their first home / condo in Manhattan? 20% seems pretty high given the median prices, but looks like thats standard

Folks from EY, what are the implications of investing in India, be it Mutual Funds or direct stock? I’m worries about the independence restrictions in India, holding off due to that

I am trying to justify house buying in HCOL city. The house cost is minimum 1.4m .monthly mortgage would be at least 7k(with just around 2k principal) rest goes to either int,tax. Not to mention regular house maintenance. How is it better than 3.5k rental. I understand appreciation and own house independence. But I am just trying to make numbers work.

Is it possible to get money out of ibonds before the 1 year period? We put out house down payment in ibonds thinking we won’t buy until Jan 2023 but we really like a house and wish to buy. Also, if I bought the ibond on 2nd Jan 2022 would it mature on 2nd or 30th Jan. TIA.

I paid for my kid’s college fee this year and last year thinking I will use 529 in future for second kid but now I am having second thoughts as I need little more money to buy an investment prop cntd

Hi Fishes,
Had a very serious query. In my current organization I was not under taxable bracket by any means so I didn't submit any investment declarations or anything. But I'll start a new job in 2 weeks where I'll be under taxable bracket. So will I get a chance to submit my investment declarations in the new company for tds calculations in the middle of the year ? I'm new to everything so would appreciate your help. TIA :)

If you leave J2 and get another (new) J2, does the first J2 show up on new J2 background check? Assuming these are w2 roles. If so, how do you explain that? 🧐

Does LTA and phone allowance are processed each month as a taxable income if we do not produce the bills ?

We bought a condo in February 2022 then as you know prices are going down while rates are flying up 😭 We're quite worried about the value of our home and can't really enjoy it. What's your thoughts about this? PS. First time home buyers 🤫

Fishes! what are the best grounds to dispute my property tax valuation? What support should I have?

Hi all, I was told that my business unit is Finance Risk and Control in JPMC. My profile is Java Fullstack developer. Can anyone help me about this unit ?

What's a good agency to go through to do travel nursing in California?

Acne anyone refer me for purchasing / procurement roles in Netherlands? Looking for FMCG, manufacturing, pharmaceutical companies. YoE 7 years.

BBDO laying off 30+ staff this year, but also buying their remaining staff Christmas gifts got me like 🤮🤡

I know notice period at thoughtworks is 2 months .
Given there are a lot of people on the bench , is there any chance that the notice period can be reduced down ? I'm not on the bench . Recently I joined a new project .
Developer+ senior consultant

What is the salary range of Manager in SAT division?

Take home salary for a fixed 23lpa CTC.
After pf deduction and tax ,what myt be the take home.

Hi guys 👋🏻
As we are about to start a much deserving weekend, heres a query that interests us all.

Guys how many bluepoints will be credited into our Global Recognition centre account in January 2023(if India doesnt win the Global Recognition Championship)?

Just signed my offer! Is there an internal bowl I can join?

Anyone have any worst interview stories? 100% bombed one yesterday, essentially just because I wasn't well prepared enough and I was super nervous. Knew what I wanted to say and said none of it, pretty sure I blacked out for at least some of it. Tell me I'm not the only one, (!!) or tips for self confidence are also welcome.

Any thoughts in the Ogilvy office? Which are account are worth being in?

Anyone know if we can expense coffee pods during this WFH thing? I’m already on my 2nd cup.

Can someone tell me when to expect
offer letter from PWC after they
request for the documents? Also for US
tax profile they are providing permanent
wfh, do they provide a document for
that?

Looking for referrals to get into a fully remote HR role in fintech after working in government for 12 years. Over 10 years as an HRBP/Sr and 2 years in a leadership role. Have my PHR and CCP. Love comp but my experience is limited to a smaller organization (500).

This time last year, I was making 70k without bonus potential. Tomorrow, I am putting in my notice and I will be making 110k with potential bonuses. Remember to take care of you.

We are renovating a condo and the previous owner had two Crane toilets (not sure how old, but functioning although seals are old according to our contractor). Back outlet flour mount ones are the only options for the building, and one toilet can cost $300-$500.

We are redoing all the bathroom tiles and walls and debating what we should do with the two toilets. Would resealing the toilets extend the use life? Or should we just replace the toilets? Any other recommendations? TIA!!

Anyone ever had the trim on your house painted? 2000 square feet, was quoted $3500. This included the trim, garage door, and front door. Seems reasonable, no?

What rates are people getting for condos? I’m thinking about selling my condo (I had 3.25%) but my realtor said that the rates are so high now that if I were to buy a similarly priced place, the monthly payment would be like $800 more. I’m bad at math, so I wanted to ask here to confirm this is accurate. Mortgage is around $700k

What price per sq foot to investors start buying in the north ATX home? My home is on the market and not moving. Trying to understand at what price point does it become attractive to investors

Thinking about investing in a 3-4 unit building in Chicago (Jefferson Park, Avondale, Bridgeport, etc.). Is the upcoming winter a good time to do so?

Do you thank your tenants for paying the rent? A quick thank you text?

Bi-annual plug to say I’m a realtor in Charlotte, NC if anyone needs help buying a home or investment property. DM me!

Hi - any good books recommendations for getting started on real estate investing?

I have a rental property and my tenant is asking me to change the fridge light burb. I live out of state and don’t have property manager locally. Is it bad if I ask them to change the fridge light burb themselves?

I’m pretty responsive for things they need help with like laundry machine got broken or pantry doors fell off. So I had sent people to fix those maintenance and repair issues.

But light burbs? Srlsy? They are grown up people (fresh out of college girls)

How can I invest in real estate ? Looking for an additional passive income source

Closing on my first home. Advice for anyone with student loans in administrative forbearance per the Cares act: once your offer is accepted have you student loan servicer put your account back in repayment status.

Accounts in forbearance, even administrative forbearance, are calculated at a higher monthly payment by the underwriter.

My fictitious debt to income ratio was too high for them to approve me, and it took seven days for my loan to be officially back in repayment. So just a heads up.

Has anyone here used New Western to buy real estate deals?

I saw this townhouse in a prime location in my city for $350k (cheap for the area). The floors are all messed up though but the buyer said they’ll either lower the house price or give a credit for closing cost. There’s also a lot of nicks here and there (some locks missing from door, dents, scratches, stains, and some things are loose). But overall, the house’s architecture and design is so beautiful. Would it be worth it to get it and fix it up? Or find a newer house with less maintenance?

Looked at a house (new build) and MIL said the vinyl windows imply the whole house is probably made with cheap, shoddy materials. She thinks everything has to be wood Marvin windows or bust. Is she right? From my research vinyl has its pros too... as long as we aren’t paying like they are wood marvins. Any reactions?

Are commercial properties getting inflated like residential? Thinking of getting into commercial to extra income.

What are some of the things that were a MUST when buying your first home and what were some things that you were more flexible with and why? I’m having a discussion with my partner about what we absolutely need and what can be worked on later.

Looking for experiences/opinions on A/C options for old houses. E.g., high velocity ducts vs ductless mini splits. Seems like mini splits are way easier and possibly more effective...but seems like an eye sore. Or... is it just what a contractor thinks will work given your house? Curious what everyone thinks!

From a financial standpoint in this market, which would be a better approach in Austin -

1. Buy a ~8-850k house that meets most of our ideal criteria (size, schools, interiors etc) to stay long term

2. Buy a ~5-550k house that’s not ideal with the plan of moving into an ideal home in 4-5 years when kid is ready for school.

How easy is it to get a mortgage for the second home?

Household income - 300k

Happy to add more details as needed

Thanks