There are two sides to any transaction involving the ownership of a home – the seller and buyer. Each party has a set of personal goals they are attempting to achieve within the dealings related to the house at hand. Both parties are looking for the best respective deal with as little hassle as possible. However, transferring the deed of a home between two parties is much easier said than done. There are numerous hoops to jump through from start to finish. The home inspection is a prime example of one of the larger necessities. Here, a discovery about the physical status of a home could make or break a deal. Seeing as both parties are interested in completing the deal as evidenced by their drive to have the home inspected, neither of them want this pivotal moment to go south. Home inspector Thomas Byrne spoke to the importance of being diligent with home inspections, “Like doctors with specialties, professional appraisers and home inspectors can see things that their customer typically cannot. It’s vital that both professionals be involved in the process.”

How do both buyers and sellers prepare for a home inspection? We connected with a few people with experience to understand their perspective on the matter.

Buyers: Make it official

Alex Czarnecki is the founder and CEO of Cottage, a brand offering custom built accessory dwelling units. He suggests covering all bases by having the inspection as part of the official purchase contract.

“Anyone who has thought about or investigated buying their own home is familiar with the idea of a home inspection. But did you know that if it’s not part of the legal agreement between all involved people, it really holds no weight on the deal? What I’m saying here is that you need to ensure that your realtor dedicates a clause in your agreement to the possibilities if issues are discovered during the home inspection. You don’t want to be stuck with a home that has overwhelming issues just because you didn’t do your diligence.”

In the process of preparing for a home inspection, both sellers and buyers should consider including indoor air quality testing to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the home’s environment and address potential concerns related to the well-being of its occupants

Buyers: Don’t be afraid to say no

Home shopping can cause unnatural reactions due to the stress that goes into it. LifeGoal Investments is a business providing investment options for everyone. Their founder, Brett Sohns, advises others to be aware of the agency they have in the home buying process.

“It’s easy to feel like you have to sign the paperwork and buy the home once you’ve invested a fair amount of time into it and gone to the lengths of having it inspected. But, that inspection takes place before the final signature for some very good reasons. If an unpleasant surprise appears during the inspection, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to be afraid to say no to a house. It’s your money and when you sign your name, those problems become your problems. There’s more than one house out there so walking away from problems is wise.”

Buyers: Choose the right inspector

Embroker specializes in business insurance. Their founder and CEO, Matt Miller, considers it critical to identify a high-qualified inspector.

“Like with accountants or salesmen, there are inspectors out there who are simply better than others. Whether they’re more detailed, personable, honest, or careful, there are a number of qualities that will make your home inspection process far more transparent. You can easily find reviews of home inspectors as well as review their previous work to get an understanding of what you’ll be receiving once they’ve inspected your prospective home. You definitely want to investigate to see if an inspector has missed something in the past. Just like with those accountants or salesmen, the best inspector can make a world of difference.”

Buyers: Meet the neighbors

Meredith Kokos is the Head of Marketing at Guaranteed Rate, an insurance brokerage committed to serving its customers like no other company. She cautions people not to avoid the opinions of those living in the area of the home being inspected.

“For you, seeing a home that you may buy in a neighborhood you’re unfamiliar with may be a bit daunting. There’s not only the financial aspect to consider but the physical one as well. You likely don’t have any experience with the area or have information about the home that wasn’t fed you by a website or realtor. This is where your neighbors can be helpful. At the very minimum these people have more experience with the area than you. But, they often knew the people who lived in the home before you began seeing it and can provide helpful information you wouldn’t come across otherwise.”

Sellers: Curb Appeal

Similar to human relationships, an inspector’s relationship with a home begins with a first impression. Steadily is a business providing landlord insurance. Their co-founder and vice-president, Datha Santomieri, proposes being prepared for this.

“When your inspector pulls into your driveway to comb over the entirety of your home, their opinion about the home will begin to form from that moment. The curb appeal of your home sets a precedent for what’s on the inside. If the exterior of your home is disheveled then the inspector will assume the same about the interior. This is the worst way to start a home inspection. It generally leads to more issues being presented and leaves a sour taste in the seller’s mouth once the inspector has left. Both your home inspector and viewing audience will appreciate a visually appealing home so be sure to make it one of your focuses.”

Sellers: Remove the pets

VITAL specializes in a credit card with a unique rewards system. Their CEO, Chris Bridges, believes pets are a benefit to their owners, and a problem for inspectors.

“Any good home inspection will take more than a couple hours and will involve the inspector visiting every nook and cranny of your home. Not only do they need ample time to accomplish this, they also need a distraction free environment so they don’t miss anything crucial. If your pet is following them around or even bothering them, their work becomes that much harder. Your pet may not enjoy being cooped up for a few hours but a missed item on an inspection is far more damaging than a grumpy animal. You also don’t want to put the inspector in a bad mood as that’s the last thing to help the interaction.”

Sellers: Get information first

Matt Woods is the co-founder and CEO of SOLD.com, a brand offering services for buying and selling homes. He advises anyone seeking to list their home to get an independent inspection before going public with a listing.

“Between the amount of money involved and the numerous obscure laws that exist within the world of real estate, it’s crucial to make sure you don’t get taken advantage of as a seller. One of the classic plays people run on home sellers is to bring in a home inspector that identifies a fake issue which reduces the value of the home. You can avoid this runaround by bringing in your own home inspection to get all the information about your home first. That way, if there is anything out of sorts when a buyers inspector comes through, you have evidence to back up your claims.”

Sellers: Functionality

Outside of safety concerns, an inspector is trying to ascertain whether everything in the home works. Berry Law is a business providing legal representation for veterans. Their CEO and managing partner, John Berry, considers it valuable to take a look at some of these items before the inspector arrives.

“It doesn’t take a qualified home inspector to determine if a shower head is working right or not. The same can be said about a lightswitch or a garage door opener. All of these items and more will be under scrutiny from any home inspector. If you don’t want surprises or a long list of problems, it will behoove you to test the functionality of your home. Fixing them before they get added to an official list will keep that headache at bay.”

For many buyers, a home will be the largest financial transaction they will make in their lifetime and they need reassurance that this is a well-thought out decision. For many sellers, a home inspection is usually necessary to move forward with any agreement. Realtor Joan Ostrom summed up the idea behind a home inspection, “ A full home inspection is extremely important for anything over a few years old. The buyer can look at the report, which has 40 or so categories. You can be more confident the home you’re buying is in good shape when you buy it.”

Though enjoyable, elegant, and entertaining, the piano is a complex instrument. Playing it well gives many rewards and relieves stress, but the proficiency required in playing the piano takes time, practice, and effort.

Pianists must read multiple notes simultaneously and use numerous fingers while reading two clefs.

It is even possible for a pianist to read up to ten notes all at once if the treble and bass clefs each have five notes.

If you are still learning how to play the piano or have been playing it for years, fret not – there are ways to improve your practice and even feel like a professional.

For starters, check out Ted’s List for some ideas.

Why Practice Is a Must for Pianists

Given some of the details mentioned above about the challenges of playing piano, it is no wonder that even the most skilled musicians always devote time to their craft.

The ones who dedicate the most time and effort receive the fruits of their labor.

Practice will always be critical, especially for those who want to succeed in playing the piano. One of the hurdles, especially for beginners, is the vast range of notes they need to memorize, given a piano’s 88 keys.

The detail above about reading two clefs also takes time if one seeks proficiency. Technically, one does double sight-reading, requiring constant, deliberate practice.

Hand coordination of pianists is something that improves over time, too. Fast songs, in particular, require serious hand coordination.

Pianists who take time to practice many scales and do various piano exercises learn this quickly.

Note that pianists have to use their feet to sustain an echo sound (done by pushing down the sustain pedal and controlling it until they are satisfied with the sound they seek to achieve).

Tips for Practicing Piano Like a Professional

Now that we have established the importance of practicing piano, we give out some tips for practicing like a pro.

Note that these are suggestions, but you can always try out other approaches that you deem most helpful.

1. Always, always make time for practice.

The amount of dedication, effort, and hard work poured into making music sets the professionals from beginners and amateurs.

If you want to succeed in playing the piano, devote a minimum of twenty minutes each day.

Making time for practice entails knowing the necessary steps for warm-up because one needs warm-up for the fluid playing of keys.

When you play, you do not want stiff, clunky fingers as hurdles and as mistake machines.

Lastly, part of taking time to practice is planning ahead of time what you can take on during a session. Note that you need not master a piano arrangement during the first play.

When practicing, a good way to approach new scores is by breaking them down into chunks most manageable for you.

You must be able to identify your skill level and determine what is a realistic goal for you every time you practice – and then be consistent!

2. When learning a piece, try starting in the middle.

Beginners tend to keep on practicing a piece right from the beginning.

That is not always ideal because one tends to focus too much on it without barely scratching the surface.

Try tackling the difficult sections when practicing to work towards being a pro. When you do, take your time through the piece, too – even if you make mistakes.

3. Master the tune of the song you are studying to play.

Your fingers can move along so well against the piano if you know the tune well. Part of learning a song is not just playing it but also listening to it.

As you listen to the song when you’re not on the piano, you can imagine it in your head and get inspiration as you interpret it your way.

4. Learn when to slow down your pace.

Mastering the piano or learning a particular piece takes time, so know that it is okay to slow down.

What helps is the deliberately playing of each note as you finger it, and then vary your tempos until you reach mastery.

Not all who play too quickly play well; some play carelessly. Do not rush through sections you are learning, and just practice until you sound like a pro!

Also, logically, won’t several run-throughs help you towards your goal, anyway? After all, you can only play something quickly if you have gone through it step by step – you can even use a metronome if you want.

The Right Notes

We hope that these steps struck the right chord and have given you the right notes you need for practicing like a professional.

On top of all these suggestions, a growth mindset will surely help you, too. When piano playing gets difficult, remember that the best virtuosos were once beginners. Good luck!

Taking care of a loved one during their end-of-life journey can be daunting and challenging, but it can also be a time filled with joy. It is an innate need for a person to search for moments in life that bring happiness. When a loved one is sick, it can be challenging to find these moments. In this situation, introducing new hobbies may help provide some relief and comfort.

However, there can be moments when the caregiver struggles to find activities for their loved one that will take their mind off of their illness and provide some enjoyment. When that happens, it may be helpful to consider the following options:

Indoor Hobbies

When a loved one falls ill, it can be challenging to know how to provide support best. However, hospice care at home doesn’t necessarily have to be about medical appointments and tests.

One way caregivers can provide comfort and enjoyment for a sick loved one is by indulging in some indoor hobbies. It could be anything from reading favorite books and playing soothing music to watching classic movies or working on puzzles.

Indoor hobbies provide a much-needed break from the stress of illness and can help to create cherished memories during a difficult time. They’re also a great way to bond with a loved one and show them that you care. So next time you’re feeling lost or helpless, think about how you can use your hobbies to bring some joy into your sick loved one’s life.

Moments Out in the Sun

There’s nothing more comforting than the sun’s warmth on your skin. Just a few minutes of exposure can help to increase your body temperature and make you feel more comfortable. And for caregivers, this simple act can be an essential part of providing care.

When a patient feels under the weather, spending a few minutes of sun exposure provides countless benefits. It’s an excellent alternative for patients with respiratory concerns, especially those taking Nyquil but having difficulty tolerating Nyquil side effects. It can help ease congestion, relieve muscle aches, and improve mood.

So next time your loved one is feeling sick, perhaps it’s time to step outside and soak up some sunshine. You may find that a bit of sun is all they need to feel better.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a rapidly growing technology that changes how a person interacts with the world. By immersing users in a computer-generated environment, VR has the potential to redefine communication and entertainment. It can also change how to provide care for sick loved ones.

Virtual reality can provide a much-needed sense of comfort for a sick loved one. By giving access to a virtual world, VR can help take their minds off their illness and serve as a welcome distraction. Additionally, VR can allow sick loved ones to visit distant family and friends, providing essential social interaction and support.

What’s more, VR can also help provide educational and therapeutic content that can help them better understand and cope with their illness. With VR, the possibilities for providing comfort and support are endless. So if you have a sick loved one in your life, don’t hesitate to look into how VR can help. It could make all the difference.

Mindfulness Practice

One way to provide comfort for a sick loved one is to engage in mindfulness activities with them. Mindfulness is the state of being present and aware of one’s thoughts, emotions, and surroundings.

When people are mindful of their illness, they can better cope with the symptoms and side effects. Additionally, mindfulness can help to ease stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and boost mood.

You can do many mindfulness activities, such as yoga, meditation, journaling, or simply spending time outdoors in nature. Each of these activities can help ease stress and anxiety and promote feelings of peace and calm. In addition, mindfulness activities can also help to boost the immune system and promote healing. Therefore, engaging in mindfulness activities with a sick loved one is a great way to provide comfort and support.

There are many benefits to finding new hobbies for a sick loved one. It can provide them with a sense of purpose and something to look forward to. It can also help take their mind off of their illness and provide some distraction from their pain. In addition, it can be a way for the caregiver and the loved one to bond and create new memories together. Whichever hobby you choose, involve your loved ones in the activity to get the most enjoyment out of it.

There’s always room for improvement when it comes to our lifestyles. Whether we’re trying to get in better shape, eat healthier, or get more organized, there are always ways we can make things better. And that’s a good thing – because it means that we’re constantly working to make ourselves the best versions of ourselves that we can be.

People should never stop striving to improve their lifestyles. However, they might need a guide to help them identify which areas require consistent attention. Fortunately, you can benefit from this list of lifestyle activities you can improve as if it is a part of your daily routine.

Education

Whether you’re seeking to get a higher degree or learn something new, it’s essential to continue educating yourself. Most people believe they will stop learning after getting their diplomas. However, learning isn’t purely academic. You will find many things to know about life, career, health, and other essential aspects of life.

Everything you learn will contribute to the improvement of your lifestyle. So make sure to commit yourself to lifelong learning, whether you’re taking classes or simply consuming educational content online.

Physical Health

Physical health is a crucial part of overall well-being. After all, if your body isn’t functioning correctly, it will be difficult for you to live a healthy lifestyle. And while some aspects of physical health are out of your control – such as genetics and age – there are many things that you can do to help improve them.

It includes exercise, nutrition, sleep quality, and other essential areas. By making these habits a top priority in your life, you will be able to maintain your wellness over the long term better.

Exercise needs to happen daily, even for at least 15 minutes. Nutrition might feel like a more relaxed duty to your body, but it is essential to stay on a healthy diet and eliminate unhealthy habits. The average adult needs about seven hours of daily rest for sleep, so try to hit that target.

Physical health can contribute to mental and emotional health, which might require you to do a few things to maintain. However, focusing on the first aspect will significantly affect how the other health aspects grow.

Relationships

Relationships can be challenging to maintain, but they are essential to our well-being. Whether we’re talking about romantic relationships or spiritual connections, maintaining your closest ties and building new ones is always important.

To improve these relationships, you will need to commit your time and energy. It would help if you made personal connections with people so that you have the motivation to put in effort for them when needed. It means setting aside a few hours each week for social activities so that you can connect with others.

It would help if you listened more than talk, gave thoughtful gifts, and remembered the names and events of those around you. These things can contribute significantly toward a happier lifestyle as long as you regularly prioritize your most important relationships.

Staying healthy and maintaining your relationships will require you to take charge of your lifestyle. By making these areas a priority in your life, you can ensure that every aspect of your well-being remains strong.

Home Improvement

Your home is your sanctuary, so it’s essential to keep it clean and organized. But it would help if you also took care of any repairs that require finishing. It might include fixing a leaky roof or getting new windows installed.

You should also declutter your living space regularly to live more comfortably. It will make your home look nicer, but it will also help you stay organized and reduce stress levels.

Improving your home can also be an excellent way to enhance your lifestyle. You can transform the environment into precisely what you want it. You can build a wooden deck with sun loungers if you want an outdoor area that caters to your relaxation. However, you might need to add a retractable patio awning to ensure it is safe from harsh weather.

Making your home into a place you love can be a challenge, but it’s worth the effort. You’re creating a haven for yourself and your family by taking care of your home.

Personal Finance

Personal finance is another crucial aspect of lifestyle improvement. After all, if you can’t manage your money, you won’t be able to live the lifestyle that you want. It includes creating and sticking to a budget, saving for retirement, and investing your money wisely.

You should also have an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. It will help reduce stress levels and give you peace of mind if something unexpected comes up.

Finally, personal finance also includes insurance. You should have the proper coverage in case of an accident or illness. It will protect you financially and ensure that you can continue living your life without worry.

Conclusion

Lifestyle improvement is a lifelong journey. It requires dedication and effort, but the rewards are worth it. By focusing on your physical health, relationships, home, and personal finance, you can live a happy and fulfilling life.

There are many damaging habits that people have. These habits can be difficult to break, but they are worth breaking if they are causing harm in people’s lives. This blog post will discuss these damaging habits and how to overcome them.

Drinking too much alcohol

One of the worst habits that people can have is drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol abuse can lead to many health problems, including liver disease and cancer. It can also cause financial problems and ruin relationships. The time it will take to repair from alcoholaddiction and bounce back to change this habit will depend on how severe the problem is. If you are drinking too much alcohol, it is important to seek help from a doctor or rehabilitation center. Also, if someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, there are many resources available to help. For example, Alcoholics Anonymous is a great resource for people struggling with alcoholism.

Smoking cigarettes

Smoking cigarettes is another damaging habit that can cause health problems, including lung cancer and heart disease. It can also make it difficult to breathe, and it is expensive. If you are a smoker, there are many resources available to help you quit. You can also try alternatives to smoking, such as electronic cigarettes or nicotine patches. You can also talk to your doctor about quitting, and there are many programs and products available that can help you kick the habit. Just make sure that you are ready to make the change before you start.

Overeating

Overeating is a damaging habit that can lead to obesity and health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. More often than not, people who overeat do so because they are emotional eaters. They use food to cope with their emotions, and this can be a difficult habit to break. If you are an emotional eater, there are many resources available to help you overcome this damaging habit. You can talk to your doctor or a therapist, and there are also many books and articles available on the subject.

Spending too much time on gadgets

In these modern times, people are spending too much time on gadgets. This is a damaging habit because it can lead to social isolation and health problems, such as neck pain and eye strain. If you are spending too much time on gadgets, try to set limits on your use. You can also try to find other activities that you enjoy, such as spending time with friends and family or pursuing a hobby.

For instance, one of the hobbies you can take up is gardening. This is a good way to socialize and get some exercise while spending time outdoors. You don’t need much to get started, but rather some basic tools, seeds, and soil. Gardening can be a very rewarding experience, both physically and mentally. Keep in mind that when you invest in a hobby, it should be something you’re passionate about so you’ll stick with it.

Sedentary lifestyle

It can be quite easy to develop a sedentary lifestyle, especially if you have a desk job. This is a damaging habit because it can lead to health problems, such as obesity and heart disease. If you are leading a sedentary lifestyle, try to find ways to be more active. You can take a brisk walk during your lunch break, or you can join a gym or fitness class. You can also try to find activities that you enjoy, such as hiking or biking. Rest assured that there are many ways to overcome a sedentary lifestyle.

Gambling

Finally, gambling is a damaging habit that can lead to financial problems. In the beginning, it can be fun and exciting, but it can quickly become addictive. Unfortunately, technology has made gambling more accessible than ever before. If you are struggling with gambling, there are many resources available to help you change your habits. For instance, you can set a limit on how much money you spend, or you can find a support group to help you stay on track. You can also take part in therapy to help you overcome your gambling addiction.

These are just a few of the many damaging habits that people have. If you are struggling with a habit that is causing harm in your life, there are many resources available to help you change it. Talk to your doctor or a counselor, and look for programs and products that can help you break the habit. Remember, changing a damaging habit can be difficult, but it is worth it if it means improving your health and well-being.

There’s no denying that being a stay-at-home mom is one of the most challenging jobs in the world. Not only do you have to take care of your kids, but you also have to manage the household and oftentimes take on additional work to bring in some extra income. And on top of that, you often have to deal with pressures from friends and family to go back to work so you can get some “me time.”

A home crafting business is not just a creative outlet, but can also be a lucrative venture for stay-at-home moms. This business model offers great flexibility, allowing moms to work around their family’s schedule, and provides a platform to monetize unique skills and talents. The beauty of a home crafting business lies in its versatility, offering a vast marketplace – from handmade jewelry to custom home decor. A laser cutter or engraver, while being a significant asset, is just one of many tools that can be used to enhance the quality and intricacy of the products, thereby increasing their market value. Furthermore, the digital era offers an unparalleled opportunity to reach a global audience, significantly boosting business potential. In essence, a home crafting business, enriched by tools such as a laser cutter or engraver, provides stay-at-home moms with a fulfilling, flexible, and profitable business option that blends their creative passions with income generation. Among all the options on the market, xTool Laser is the best option for a beginner in home crafting and laser engraving. It provides plenty of machine options for various needs.

While it may seem like there are very few opportunities for stay-at-home moms, in reality, there are many creative and profitable business ideas that they can take on. Whether you want to start your own business or just find a way to earn some extra money on the side, these business ideas will help you get started:

Selling Handmade Goods

If you enjoy crafting and making things by hand, then selling your creations on sites like Etsy or Dawanda could be a great way to make money from home. Handmade goods are always in high demand for unique gifts, so whether you make jewelry, clothes, or home decor, there’s sure to be a market for your products.

However, you will need to invest in some basic equipment like sewing machines, knitting needles, and a cutting table to get started. And if you decide to work with vinyl or similar materials, make sure to look for The Best Vinyl Cutters reviews and guides so you can find the perfect machine for your needs. There are endless possibilities when it comes to selling handmade goods, so be sure to choose something you’re passionate about so you can enjoy the process as well as the profits.

Open an Online Store

One great business idea for stay-at-home moms is to open an online store. With the rise of e-commerce, starting your online store is now easier than ever and can be a great way to earn some additional income. You can start by selling products that you already have, like clothing or accessories, or you can search for popular items on sites like eBay or Etsy and resell them at a higher price. Alternatively, if you have a hobby or skill that could be sold online, like knitting or photography, then this could also be a good option for you to consider. All you have to do is set up a website and start promoting your products or services, and you can start earning money right away.

Tutor Online

If you have a skill or knowledge that others could benefit from, then you may also start making money by tutoring online. All you need is a computer and an internet connection, and you can start offering your services to students from all over the world. Many different websites offer very user-friendly platforms for tutors and students to connect, so you can surely find one that suits your needs. And the best part is, that you can set your hours and rates and make a personalized schedule that works for you and your family, which makes this an ideal business idea for stay-at-home moms who want to earn some extra money while still having the flexibility to care for their children.

Freelance Writing

With so many businesses and individuals in need of content, freelance writing is becoming one of the most popular ways to make money online. You can offer your services to write articles, blog posts, or even create eBooks or whitepapers if you have the necessary skills. And since there is a constant demand for new content, you can be sure that there will always be work available for you as a freelance writer. The best part is that you can work from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. And you can even choose the niche you want to write about, you can be sure that you’re writing about topics that interest you. This may even be a business that you can grow into a full-time career if you’re passionate about writing and want to pursue it further.

Freelance Photography

Another skill that you can use to make money from home is freelance photography. Whether you want to offer wedding and event photography, landscapes, or family portraits, having your own photography business is a great way to generate some extra income as a stay-at-home mom. All you need to do is invest in some of the necessary equipment like cameras, lenses, and lighting kits, and then market yourself on sites like Fiverr or Upwork so that potential clients can find you easily. And since there are always businesses looking for high-quality photos for their websites or marketing materials, you’re sure to find plenty of work as a freelance photographer.

Social Media Consultant

Another business idea that stay-at-home moms can take advantage of is becoming social media consultants. In today’s digital age, almost every business needs to have a presence on social media, and many of them are willing to pay someone to help them manage their accounts effectively. As a social media consultant, you can offer your services to help businesses create and post content, as well as engage with their followers and build a strong online community. And since social media is always changing, you can be sure that there will always be a demand for your services so you can keep earning money even after you’ve returned to full-time employment.

Whether you want to earn a little extra money or build a full-time business, there are plenty of opportunities to make money as a stay-at-home mom. So if you’re looking for some inspiration, be sure to check out these six creative and profitable business ideas. And with a little creativity and effort, you can be sure to find the perfect business idea to suit your needs.