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<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><![CDATA[<br />
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>mgwsfln.info</title> <atom:link href="http://mgwsfln.info/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://mgwsfln.info</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Sun, 18 Feb 2024 17:57:12 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en</language> <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency> <generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3</generator> <item> <title>Sticky Wilds In 2023: A Guide To This Exciting Feature</title> <link>https://mgwsfln.info/sticky-wilds-in-2023-a-guide-to-this-exciting-feature</link> <comments>https://mgwsfln.info/sticky-wilds-in-2023-a-guide-to-this-exciting-feature#comments</comments> <pubDate>Tue, 19 Dec 2023 18:32:57 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://mgwsfln.info/?p=88</guid> <description><![CDATA[Introduction Sticky wilds have become one of the most popular features in online slot games. They add an extra level of excitement and can significantly increase your chances of winning big. In this article, we will delve into the world of sticky wilds and explore how they work, their benefits, and some popular slot games [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><![CDATA[<br /><article><figure><img alt="Sticky Wilds Test, Avis et Bonus 500 € Casino 2022" src="https://i2.wp.com/tableau-blackjack.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Capturesticky211.jpg" _mce_src="https://i2.wp.com/tableau-blackjack.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Capturesticky211.jpg" width="100%" style="margin-right: 8px;margin-bottom: 8px;" _mce_style="margin-right: 8px; margin-bottom: 8px;" /></figure><p><head><meta charset="UTF-8"><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"></head><body></p><h2>Introduction</h2><p>Sticky wilds have become one of the most popular features in online slot games. They add an extra level of excitement and can significantly increase your chances of winning big. In this article, we will delve into the world of sticky wilds and explore how they work, their benefits, and some popular slot games that feature this exciting feature. So, let’s get started!</p><h2>What are Sticky Wilds?</h2><p>Sticky wilds are special symbols that appear on the reels of a slot game and remain in place for a certain number of spins or until a specific condition is met. Unlike regular wild symbols, which only substitute for other symbols, sticky wilds stick to the reels and provide additional opportunities for winning combinations.</p><h2>How Do Sticky Wilds Work?</h2><p>When a sticky wild symbol appears on the reels, it will remain in its position for a predetermined number of spins. This means that with each spin, the sticky wild will stay in place, increasing your chances of landing a winning combination. Some slot games may also have variations of sticky wilds, such as expanding sticky wilds that cover entire reels or walking sticky wilds that move across the reels with each spin.</p><h2>Benefits of Sticky Wilds</h2><p>Sticky wilds offer several benefits to players. Firstly, they increase the chances of forming winning combinations by staying in place for multiple spins. This can lead to more frequent payouts and bigger wins. Additionally, sticky wilds often come with multipliers, which multiply the wins they contribute to, further boosting your earnings. Lastly, the excitement and anticipation of seeing sticky wilds on the reels can enhance the overall gaming experience.</p><h2>Popular Slot Games with Sticky Wilds</h2><h3>1. Starburst</h3><p>Starburst, developed by NetEnt, is one of the most popular slot games that features sticky wilds. In this game, the wild symbol appears on the second, third, and fourth reels and expands to cover the entire reel. When a sticky wild appears, it triggers a re-spin, and if another wild lands during the re-spin, an additional re-spin is awarded.</p><h3>2. Gonzo’s Quest</h3><p>Gonzo’s Quest, created by NetEnt, is another top-rated slot game with sticky wilds. In this game, the wild symbol is represented by a question mark. When a wild appears, it stays in place for the duration of the free fall feature. The free fall feature is triggered when three or more scatter symbols appear on the reels, and it awards players with free spins.</p><h3>3. Immortal Romance</h3><p>Immortal Romance, developed by Microgaming, is a vampire-themed slot game that also offers sticky wilds. The wild symbol in this game is the game’s logo. When a wild symbol appears, it triggers the Wild Desire feature, where up to five reels turn wild. This feature can result in massive wins and add a thrilling element to the gameplay.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Sticky wilds have become a popular feature in online slot games due to the excitement and winning potential they bring. They offer players more chances of forming winning combinations and can lead to significant payouts. The inclusion of sticky wilds in popular slot games like Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and Immortal Romance has further cemented their popularity. So, the next time you play a slot game, keep an eye out for those sticky wilds and enjoy the thrilling ride!</p><div class="mads-block"></div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mgwsfln.info/sticky-wilds-in-2023-a-guide-to-this-exciting-feature/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Win Both Ways – A Guide To Double Your Success</title> <link>https://mgwsfln.info/win-both-ways-a-guide-to-double-your-success</link> <comments>https://mgwsfln.info/win-both-ways-a-guide-to-double-your-success#comments</comments> <pubDate>Tue, 19 Dec 2023 18:29:44 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://mgwsfln.info/?p=86</guid> <description><![CDATA[Introduction In the world of gaming and gambling, the concept of “win both ways” has become increasingly popular. Whether you are a seasoned player or a beginner, understanding how to win both ways can significantly enhance your chances of success. In this article, we will delve into the details of this strategy, providing you with [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><![CDATA[<br /><article><figure><img alt="Monument Traders Alliance" src="https://i2.wp.com/s3.amazonaws.com/assets.monumenttradersalliance.com/promos/325WINVID-Launch/transcript/img/56-chart-win-both-ways.jpg" _mce_src="https://i2.wp.com/s3.amazonaws.com/assets.monumenttradersalliance.com/promos/325WINVID-Launch/transcript/img/56-chart-win-both-ways.jpg" width="100%" style="margin-right: 8px;margin-bottom: 8px;" _mce_style="margin-right: 8px; margin-bottom: 8px;" /></figure><p><head></head><body></p><h2>Introduction</h2><p>In the world of gaming and gambling, the concept of “win both ways” has become increasingly popular. Whether you are a seasoned player or a beginner, understanding how to win both ways can significantly enhance your chances of success. In this article, we will delve into the details of this strategy, providing you with valuable insights and tips to maximize your wins.</p><h2>What does “Win Both Ways” mean?</h2><p>“Win both ways” refers to a gaming or gambling feature that allows players to win not only from left to right but also from right to left. It essentially doubles your opportunities to form winning combinations and increases the excitement of gameplay. This feature is commonly found in slot games, where symbols can create winning combinations starting from either side of the reels.</p><h2>Advantages of “Win Both Ways”</h2><p>1. Increased Winning Potential: The main advantage of “win both ways” is the potential to win more frequently. With this feature, winning combinations can be formed in both directions, providing players with double the opportunities to hit a winning spin.</p><p>2. Enhanced Gameplay: The inclusion of “win both ways” adds an extra layer of excitement and engagement to the gameplay. It keeps players on the edge of their seats, as they eagerly anticipate wins from both directions.</p><p>3. Higher Return to Player (RTP) Percentage: Games with “win both ways” often come with a higher RTP percentage, which means that players have a better chance of receiving payouts over the long run. This makes it an attractive feature for those looking to maximize their winnings.</p><h2>How to Utilize “Win Both Ways” Effectively</h2><h3>1. Choose the Right Game:</h3><p>Not all slot or casino games offer the “win both ways” feature. Therefore, it’s essential to choose games that specifically mention this feature to ensure you can take advantage of it.</p><h3>2. Understand Paylines:</h3><p>Paylines determine the winning combinations in a game. In “win both ways” games, paylines can run from left to right and right to left. Familiarize yourself with the payline structure to identify potential winning combinations.</p><h3>3. Manage Your Bankroll:</h3><p>As with any gambling strategy, it’s crucial to manage your bankroll effectively. Set a budget and stick to it. “Win both ways” may increase your winning potential, but it’s important to play responsibly and within your limits.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>“Win both ways” is an exciting feature that can significantly enhance your gaming experience and increase your chances of winning. Understanding how to effectively utilize this feature and choosing the right games are key aspects to maximize your success. Remember to play responsibly and enjoy the thrill of “winning both ways” in your gaming adventures!</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mgwsfln.info/win-both-ways-a-guide-to-double-your-success/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Ways-To-Win Slots: A Guide To Boost Your Winnings</title> <link>https://mgwsfln.info/ways-to-win-slots-a-guide-to-boost-your-winnings</link> <comments>https://mgwsfln.info/ways-to-win-slots-a-guide-to-boost-your-winnings#comments</comments> <pubDate>Tue, 19 Dec 2023 18:26:36 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://mgwsfln.info/?p=84</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Basics of Ways-to-Win Slots Ways-to-win slots have become increasingly popular in the world of online casinos. Unlike traditional slot machines that feature a fixed number of paylines, ways-to-win slots offer multiple ways to win with every spin. In these slots, winning combinations are formed by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels, regardless of their [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><![CDATA[<br /><article><figure><img alt="Best Ways To Win On Slot Machines persiannew" src="https://i2.wp.com/persiannew278.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/5/2/125233399/680613442.jpg" _mce_src="https://i2.wp.com/persiannew278.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/5/2/125233399/680613442.jpg" width="100%" style="margin-right: 8px;margin-bottom: 8px;" _mce_style="margin-right: 8px; margin-bottom: 8px;" /></figure><h2>The Basics of Ways-to-Win Slots</h2><p>Ways-to-win slots have become increasingly popular in the world of online casinos. Unlike traditional slot machines that feature a fixed number of paylines, ways-to-win slots offer multiple ways to win with every spin. In these slots, winning combinations are formed by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels, regardless of their position on the reel.</p><p>For example, a 243 ways-to-win slot means there are 243 possible winning combinations. This provides players with more chances to hit a winning combination compared to traditional slots. Some ways-to-win slots even offer a staggering 1,024 or more ways to win, further increasing the excitement and potential payouts.</p><h2>Tips to Maximize Your Winnings</h2><h3>1. Bet on All Paylines</h3><p>To fully take advantage of the ways-to-win feature, it is essential to bet on all available paylines. By doing so, you ensure that you have the best chance of hitting winning combinations, regardless of their position on the reels. Betting on all paylines might require a slightly higher wager, but it significantly improves your odds of winning.</p><h3>2. Understand the Paytable</h3><p>Before diving into any slot game, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the paytable. The paytable provides information about the value of each symbol, special features, and potential bonus rounds. Understanding the paytable helps you make informed decisions about your bets and increases your chances of hitting lucrative combinations.</p><h3>3. Take Advantage of Bonus Features</h3><p>Ways-to-win slots often come with exciting bonus features, such as free spins, multipliers, and wild symbols. These features can significantly boost your winnings if activated. Make sure to keep an eye out for scatters, as they usually trigger these bonus rounds. Utilizing these bonus features effectively can lead to substantial payouts.</p><h3>4. Practice with Demo Versions</h3><p>If you are new to ways-to-win slots or want to try out a new game, take advantage of demo versions. Many online casinos offer free play options that allow you to familiarize yourself with the game mechanics and bonus features without risking real money. This practice can help you develop strategies and increase your chances of winning when playing with real money.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Ways-to-win slots offer an exciting and innovative way to play slot games. By understanding the basics of these slots and implementing the provided tips, you can maximize your winnings and enhance your overall gaming experience. Remember to always gamble responsibly and set a budget before playing. Good luck and enjoy the thrill of ways-to-win slots!</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mgwsfln.info/ways-to-win-slots-a-guide-to-boost-your-winnings/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Buying Bulgarian Property – Law and Procedures</title> <link>https://mgwsfln.info/buying-bulgarian-property-law-and-procedures</link> <comments>https://mgwsfln.info/buying-bulgarian-property-law-and-procedures#comments</comments> <pubDate>Fri, 07 Apr 2023 00:01:57 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Law]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Law and Issues]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://mgwsfln.info/?p=79</guid> <description><![CDATA[When buying property in Bulgaria, the first law you will encounter as a foreigner is that you cannot. That is scheduled to change in 2013 after EU accession, but investors looking to get a piece of the lucrative land boom in that country, popular as it is with tourists from Britain and elsewhere, need to [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> When buying property in Bulgaria, the first law you will encounter as a foreigner is that you cannot. That is scheduled to change in 2013 after EU accession, but investors looking to get a piece of the lucrative land boom in that country, popular as it is with tourists from Britain and elsewhere, need to go in with their eyes open to the growing pains of the Balkan legal system that surrounds land or property purchases.The law stipulates that foreigners may not purchase land or any property that comes with land. The popular way around this is for foreign nationals to register a company in Bulgaria when purchasing the equivalent to an ‘English freehold.’ A foreigner may own a company in Bulgaria and that company owns the property. This is a straightforward procedure, but shop around for a reliable lawyer to knit it all together. I have heard reports of people paying as high as EUR5000 for such a service. At least Dick Turpin wore a mask.For those seeking a cleaner transaction, buying an apartment, especially new construction in the capital city of Sofia, is not only less complicated, but more likely a sounder investment. The law against foreign ownership is irrelevant when buying an apartment with no land belonging to it outright. In addition to this it is usually correct to use property values in the capital city as the fair marker of where the market really stands. Whilst many sun seekers may be transfixed by the idea of a coastal apartment on the Black Sea Coast or a rural cottage, prudent investors tend to invest in the capital, looking for a steadier and long term market growth. As you can lunchtime ski from Sofia, this is not so stupid.Another issue buyers must keep their eye on is the difficulty of establishing title. The previous rule of the communists has left many question marks hanging over ownership. Property has been reclaimed after 45 years, families have changed since the communist government interrupted ownership and rights of succession remain unclear, especially when the long lost love child appears on the horizon.Recently I was winding up research on a property for a client in the Rodopi Mountains, was about to buy, only to discover the land on which it was built was actually still state owned. Such information is not on a national database and must be researched the old fashioned way. This is not a cause for abstinence, assuming you have the right agent and legal help acting prudently on your behalf.When purchasing a property, standard procedure is to make a preliminary contract with the seller. This should include a number of factors including an initial down payment and a final payment date. There must be a clause stating that, to the knowledge of the seller, there are no debts on the property and should any be found after the transfer of the property these should remain the duty of the seller to deal with. Any penalties for failure to realize the preliminary contract should be reasonable, fair and equal to both parties. For this reason I always recommend having your own lawyer, experienced in Bulgarian property law and fluent in both Bulgarian and English. Without this safeguard a contract can be so one-sided as to verge on being criminal.There are hurdles to jump but they should not be a serious impediment to purchasers. Buyers need to be aware that the bountiful opportunities for bargains that exist in Bulgaria come with a parallel lack of maturity in the market. There are opportunities to pick up cheap properties as the estate business is so underdeveloped with no information sharing, obtaining the right assistance will be the key to success. Jump in, but with both eyes open and with the right help by your side. </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mgwsfln.info/buying-bulgarian-property-law-and-procedures/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Should You Use Life Insurance As an Investment?</title> <link>https://mgwsfln.info/should-you-use-life-insurance-as-an-investment</link> <comments>https://mgwsfln.info/should-you-use-life-insurance-as-an-investment#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 06 Apr 2023 21:43:47 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[insurance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[life insurance]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://mgwsfln.info/?p=77</guid> <description><![CDATA[There are two common forms of life insurance in the industry – term insurance, and unit linked plans, or ULIPs. There is another kind of insurance – which is popularly known as investment based insurance – endowment plan. One of the questions that rise in the minds of the prospective insurer is: “Should you use [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> There are two common forms of life insurance in the industry – term insurance, and unit linked plans, or ULIPs. There is another kind of insurance – which is popularly known as investment based insurance – endowment plan. One of the questions that rise in the minds of the prospective insurer is: “Should you use life insurance as an investment?” In other words, when there is a considerable outlay that is planned towards insurance policy, why should we not get returns out of the investment, along with the insurance cover? That, precisely, is the idea behind an endowment policy, where you could buy life policy and also stand to gain from the benefit perspective.What is Endowment Policy?One of the popular attractions associated with investment in insurance is that you would be eligible for regular and accumulated bonuses and would also benefit from survival benefits, at the end of the term of the insurance policy. When you buy life insurance, you would also be eligible for returns at predetermined rates. As far as bonuses are concerned, they tend to get accumulated and get paid to the insured upon maturity of the insurance policy, or to the nominee upon death of the insured. And even if you survive the duration of the life policy, you would get a maturity amount on survival.The Catch:It all seems attractive, but for a few aspects that deserve your attention and consideration.High Annual Premium: When you are eligible for a maturity amount on survival at the end of the duration of your insurance cover, you should naturally expect high annual premiums to be paid.Unpredictable Bonuses: Even if you could expect regular bonuses that tend to accumulate, there is no way you could know how much bonuses you would get from the insurance policy.Low Returns: Despite your eligibility for maturity amount on survival, you would find that the returns are below par, when you compare a life policy with a pure investment option.Scope for Improvement:Better Interest Rates: You would get the insurance cover and maturity amount along with bonuses. But bonuses do not get paid as and when they are declared. Rather, they get accumulated without accruing any interest on the accumulated amounts. With this insurance policy, you lose out on interest rates.Higher Returns: This life insurance policy typically invests the investment portion of your outlay in Government bonds. You may have security, but not the high returns that you could otherwise earn.Smarter Investments: If you are looking at a smarter option, you should instead be parting only with the insurance part of the equation, and invest the other part on an investment option that gives you higher returns. When you compare life policy with other investments, regular investment options would typically give you better returns.What can you save on?You could save on premiums. When the investment part of the equation is out, your life insurance policy would give you just that – insurance cover. You could buy life insurance as a standalone entity, as term insurance or as ULIPs, and could invest the other part of your outlay on instruments that give you higher rates of returns. You may not have a maturity amount with such an insurance policy, but you could very well save on premiums that you would have paid otherwise.So, should you use life insurance as an investment?It is clear from the discussions that life insurance policy should give you insurance cover, since the benefits that you get in terms of maturity amount with an endowment plan would be compromised on account of the higher premiums paid otherwise. When you compare life insurance with the returns that you get from investment instruments, you would naturally choose to buy life insurance purely for the sake of what it is supposed to provide – insurance cover, and not to serve as an investment option. </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mgwsfln.info/should-you-use-life-insurance-as-an-investment/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Government Grants for Small Business: Finding Them and Getting Them</title> <link>https://mgwsfln.info/government-grants-for-small-business-finding-them-and-getting-them</link> <comments>https://mgwsfln.info/government-grants-for-small-business-finding-them-and-getting-them#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 06 Apr 2023 19:17:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Advertising]]></category> <category><![CDATA[branding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Business Travel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Careers Employment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Consulting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Furnishings and Supplies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Industrial Mechanical]]></category> <category><![CDATA[International Business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Interviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Management]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Networking]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sales Management]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sales Training]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Security]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://mgwsfln.info/?p=75</guid> <description><![CDATA[Starting or expanding any kind of small business is difficult, but it can be especially difficult if you don’t have enough capital. Raising capital for start-up or expansion is often your biggest challenge. If a loan is not possible for you right now, and if you haven’t been able to line up any investors, don’t [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> Starting or expanding any kind of small business is difficult, but it can be especially difficult if you don’t have enough capital. Raising capital for start-up or expansion is often your biggest challenge. If a loan is not possible for you right now, and if you haven’t been able to line up any investors, don’t give up hope. There may be a chance that you qualify for government grants for small business from the U.S. federal government.Small businesses have historically played a significant role in the U.S. economy. That’s why the government has an interest in facilitating the growth of small business with government grants for small business. Even though small business is central to our economic health, the bureaucrats in Washington are not necessarily just waiting to give out government grants for small business. The government normally uses grant money to encourage business development in certain fields or specific locations, or to level the playing field for everyone. But there are quite a few bona fide government grants for small business and they can be substantial.Government grants for small business are available to new business start-ups and existing businesses. As you might suspect, you’re probably not the only small businessman looking for help in the form of government grants for small business. Be prepared for competition if you qualify and apply for a small business grant. Attention to detail in the application process can often make the difference between winning and losing government grants for small business.Depending on the amount of money involved, application procedures and forms for government grants for small business can be long and complex. The trick is to break the application into manageable pieces. If you don’t already have an existing team of business partners to help you, consider outsourcing some of the application work to a consultant or freelance writer. When it comes to government grants for small business, application deadlines are firm and turning your application in late is not an option.You can do some basic research on the availability of government grants for small business at the Small Business Administration’s website. The SBA is mandated with helping small businesses succeed, but they normally don’t give grants directly. Government grants for small business are usually provided by other agencies, depending on what the grant is meant to accomplish.If you’re interested in starting a small business or expanding your existing business, then you should start finding out all you can about government grants for small business. You may want to opt for an online directory service to help you figure out which government grants for small business you might qualify for. The structure of government can be mystifying sometimes, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on a grant you’re qualified for just because you couldn’t find it. You’ll soon learn that the secret to your small business success is to concentrate on doing what you do best, and outsource the rest. </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mgwsfln.info/government-grants-for-small-business-finding-them-and-getting-them/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Pre-Departure Travel Planning</title> <link>https://mgwsfln.info/pre-departure-travel-planning</link> <comments>https://mgwsfln.info/pre-departure-travel-planning#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 06 Apr 2023 17:24:53 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Adventure Travel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Airline Travel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Aviation Airplanes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Budget Travel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Camping]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Car Rentals]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Charter Jets]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Outdoors]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sailing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Travel and Leisure]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Travel Planning]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vacation Homes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vacation Rentals]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://mgwsfln.info/?p=73</guid> <description><![CDATA[Make sure you’re healthy before you start traveling. If you’re embarking on a long trip, make sure your teeth are OK. If you wear glasses or contact lenses take a spare pair and your prescription. If you require a particular medication take an adequate supply, as it may not be available locally. Take the prescription [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> Make sure you’re healthy before you start traveling. If you’re embarking on a long trip, make sure your teeth are OK. If you wear glasses or contact lenses take a spare pair and your prescription. If you require a particular medication take an adequate supply, as it may not be available locally. Take the prescription or, better still, part of the packaging showing the generic rather than the brand name (which may not be locally available), as it will make getting replacements easier. It’s wise to have a legible prescription or a letter from your doctor with you to prove that you legally use the medication to avoid any problems.Health Insurance:A travel-insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is a wise idea. There is a wide variety of policies available and your travel agent will be able to make recommendations. The international student-travel policies handled by Harvey World Travel and other travel organizations are usually good value. Some policies offer lower and higher medical-expense options but the higher ones are chiefly for countries like the USA which have extremely high medical costs. Check the small print. Some policies specifically exclude ‘dangerous activities’, including scuba diving, motorcycling and even trekking. If such activities are on your agenda then you don’t want that sort of policy. A locally acquired motorcycle license may not be valid under your policy.You may prefer a policy which pays doctors or hospitals direct rather than you having to pay on the spot and claim later. If you have to claim later make sure you keep all documentation. Some policies ask you to call back (reverse charges) to a centre in your home country where an immediate assessment of your problem is made.Check if the policy covers ambulances or an emergency flight home.Medical Kit:It is sensible to carry a small, straightforward medical kit. A kit should include:Aspirin or paracetamol (acetaminophen in the US) – for pain or fever.Antihistamine (such as Benadryl) – useful as a decongestant for colds and allergies, to ease the itch from insect bites or stings and to help prevent motion sickness. There are several antihistamines on the market, all with different pros and cons (eg a tendency to cause drowsiness), so it’s worth discussing your requirements with a pharmacist or doctor. Antihistamines may cause sedation and interact with alcohol so care should be taken when using them.Antibiotics – useful if you’re traveling well off the beaten track, but they must be prescribed and you should carry the prescription with you.Loperamide (eg Imodium) or Lomotil for diarrhoea; prochlorperazine (eg Stemetil) or metaclopramide (eg Maxalon) for nausea and vomiting.Rehydration mixture – for treatment of severe diarrhoea; this is particularly important if traveling with children.Antiseptic such as povidone – iodine (eg Betadine) for cuts and grazes.Multivitamins – especially for long trips when dietary vitamin intake may be inadequate.Calamine lotion or aluminum sulphate spray (eg Stingose spray) to ease irritation from bites and stings.Bandages and Band-aids – for minor injuries.Scissors, tweezers and a thermometer (note that mercury thermometers are prohibited by airlines).Insect repellent, sunscreen, chap stick and water purification tablets.Cold and flu tablets and throat lozenges. Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (Sudafed) may be useful if flying with a cold to avoid ear damage.A couple of syringes and needles, in case you need injections in a country with medical hygiene problems. Ask your doctor for a note explaining why they have been prescribed.Immunizations:For some countries no immunizations are necessary, but the further off the beaten track you go the more necessary it is to take precautions. Be aware that there is often a greater risk of disease with children and in pregnancy. Leave plenty of time to get your vaccinations before you set off: some of them require an initial shot followed by a booster, and some vaccinations should not be given together. It is recommended you seek medical advice at least six weeks prior to travel.Record all vaccinations on a International Health Certificate, which is available from your physician or government health department. </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mgwsfln.info/pre-departure-travel-planning/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Of Course Advertising Works</title> <link>https://mgwsfln.info/of-course-advertising-works</link> <comments>https://mgwsfln.info/of-course-advertising-works#comments</comments> <pubDate>Sun, 02 Apr 2023 03:43:23 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Advertising]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://mgwsfln.info/?p=71</guid> <description><![CDATA[It works:Because the Advertising Agencies tell you it works without producing one iota of evidence to substantiate their claims as to the exclusive increase in sales that one advertising campaign has produced!It works because we live in an over informed society, and the agencies are working very hard to increase the quantity (but not quality) [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> It works:Because the Advertising Agencies tell you it works without producing one iota of evidence to substantiate their claims as to the exclusive increase in sales that one advertising campaign has produced!It works because we live in an over informed society, and the agencies are working very hard to increase the quantity (but not quality) of clutterIt works because the customer has become immune to advertising, so Advertising Agencies are attempting to cut through the clutter with brilliant creative work.Advertising works – especially now that it is moving onto the Internet!Advertising works because advertising agencies pay scant attention (if any) to the actual process of communication, and concentrate heavily on creativity and media buying.Advertising works because the days are numbered for TV ads dominance…but they don’t know what to replace it with!Advertising works because the correct model of communication is totally ignored by the advertising industry whilst they cling onto the reach frequency model beloved by the advertising industry but which has no relevance to the actual process of communication.Advertising works to waste your money. Study the annual expenditure of advertising in America, Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Japan and Australia.<br />Apply the statement “50% of my advertising expenditure is wasted but I don’t know which fifty percent” the costly ineffectiveness of advertising is huge, to say the least. Now factor in the fact that there has never been any true accountability.Then consider that this wastefulness has been going on since the end of the Second World War, now that’s wastefulness!Advertising is clinging to a world that existed ten years ago as if it were trying not to notice it’s vanished. Advertising has to modernise and change.<br />Its effectiveness will regenerate itself because the information content of advertising is a fundamental necessity for the efficient conduct of a complex and free market place.Instead of asking, “When are the good times coming back?” we should be applying ourselves to doing advertising in ways that are right for the time we live in.Of course advertising works, it works very efficiently to kill off any good idea that was not invented within their own agency. It is amazing when you consider the many excellent marketing ideas that have been available, however the promoters of such ideas eventually gave up selling to advertising agencies because all advertising agencies wanted was to get their clients onto television.That it might not be the ideal medium was totally ignored!Of course advertising works, consider this: Despite all the evidence to the contrary, here’s what a current luminary of the advertising industry said recently”The conventional stuff won’t ever go away,” said Kate Bruges, the Marketing Director of J Walter Thompson.”An awful lot of this unconventional stuff is the icing on the cake, that extra bit of media mileage. But it’s never going to give you the cost-efficient mileage or get the message across consistently enough to a large enough number of people.”Another example of the usual Advertising Agency bull. They will not accept that there are better ways of communicating with consumers than ‘conventional stuff’.It is also fascinating that she talks about cost-efficiency when she has no idea just how cost ‘ineffective’ her cost-efficient mileage really is! Just where is the evidence to support this cost-efficient mileage? What factual piece of research has been done to measure the cost effectiveness of the ‘conventional stuff’? And without such why are people like Kate allowed to get away with making such audacious claims? </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mgwsfln.info/of-course-advertising-works/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Bank Secrecy and How it Affects Your Offshore Bank Account</title> <link>https://mgwsfln.info/bank-secrecy-and-how-it-affects-your-offshore-bank-account</link> <comments>https://mgwsfln.info/bank-secrecy-and-how-it-affects-your-offshore-bank-account#comments</comments> <pubDate>Sat, 01 Apr 2023 23:53:32 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Banking]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://mgwsfln.info/?p=69</guid> <description><![CDATA[It may sound great to have an offshore bank account guarded by razor-sharp banking secrecy, but is it all that it seems? Here we explore what bank secrecy really is, and whether countries will actually enforce it to protect your privacy.Bank Secrecy, also referred to as banking or financial secrecy refers to a legal principle [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> It may sound great to have an offshore bank account guarded by razor-sharp banking secrecy, but is it all that it seems? Here we explore what bank secrecy really is, and whether countries will actually enforce it to protect your privacy.Bank Secrecy, also referred to as banking or financial secrecy refers to a legal principle which allows banks to keep their client information confidential. This is extremely important to protect against fiscal fraud and identity theft, but while in some countries like Switzerland or Panama breaking bank secrecy could land you in jail, in other countries it is routinely broken without penalty.Why is this? There is great potential for fraud and/or money laundering if bank information is kept entirely confidential. Governments would be powerless to stop criminal elements porting ill-gotten money around at will. The US government was one of the first to introduce legislation to combat fraud with its 1970 bank secrecy act. This required banks to report suspicious transactions over 10,000USD.After the 9/11 attacks it introduced further legislation within the Patriot Act that required even greater reporting requirements. The US government can now track every US dollar transaction in the world, since it must pass through a US correspondent bank.The trouble is, governments worldwide have started to treat bank secrecy itself like a crime. Using the ‘terror-tactics’ of hype and exaggeration they have campaigned against bank secrecy as if its only purpose were to protect terrorists, drug lords and dictators. They really want it extinguished to find out about (and therefore tax) every cent of your income, whether derived domestically or abroad.Bank secrecy is being slowly eroded, even the Swiss who can claim to have created banking secrecy with the 1934 Swiss Banking Act have agreed to certain concessions. The OECD, a Paris based think tank with no official authority has drawn up a model for international financial transparency and information sharing on tax issues. Many former tax havens have ‘repented’ and made concessions on their bank secrecy in order to avoid being put on an OECD blacklist of uncooperative tax havens. These include Liechtenstein, Andorra, Switzerland and Luxembourg. Monaco, Honk Kong and Singapore have said they will think about signing up.While many tax havens will claim to have strong bank secrecy, not all will walk the walk. At the very least all countries will provide exceptions for matters relating to terrorism, money-laundering or other serious criminal offences.Here’s an overview of the more popular tax havens and the effectiveness of their bank secrecy laws:Switzerland – Although it recently pledged to sign up to the OECD model it still has some of the strongest bank secrecy legislation in the world. It has agreed to share information in cases where there is concrete evidence of tax evasion, otherwise the law remains unchanged. Unless somebody knows you have an account at a particular bank and has strong evidence of wrongdoing, you are well protected.Panama – Has very strong bank secrecy, breaking it could result in up to 2 years in jail. Panama does not respond to foreign requests for information involving tax evasion, which it does not view as a crime.Honk Kong – Still has very strong bank secrecy because it has no tax information exchange agreements with other countries (this means that it has no legal requirement to respond to a request for tax related information from another country), except with China. It is thinking about joining the OECD model.Cayman Islands – Although it has very strong bank secrecy laws on paper, these have been waived under US government requests for information. They are unlikely to stand up against foreign pressure if it is an individual’s account at stake.Although bank secrecy is important when thinking about your private offshore bank account, another important thing to keep in mind is visibility. If you park your money in Switzerland during a worldwide campaign against tax havens, it’s clear that you funds will be in the spotlight. A better solution may be to keep your money in a smaller country not regarded as a tax haven, where your home government is less likely to go looking. </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mgwsfln.info/bank-secrecy-and-how-it-affects-your-offshore-bank-account/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Cheap Homes and Tips For Buying a House in Sale</title> <link>https://mgwsfln.info/cheap-homes-and-tips-for-buying-a-house-in-sale</link> <comments>https://mgwsfln.info/cheap-homes-and-tips-for-buying-a-house-in-sale#comments</comments> <pubDate>Sat, 01 Apr 2023 13:17:56 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>admin</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Home and Family]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://mgwsfln.info/?p=67</guid> <description><![CDATA[A home is a financial asset and more: it’s a place to live and raise children; it’s a plan for the future; it’s an investment in your community. That’s why all Americans should have an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of owning a home. And here are some tips for first-time home buyers.Knowledge is said [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> A home is a financial asset and more: it’s a place to live and raise children; it’s a plan for the future; it’s an investment in your community. That’s why all Americans should have an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of owning a home. And here are some tips for first-time home buyers.Knowledge is said to open doors. This is literally true when it comes to buying a home. To become a first-time home buyer, you need to know where and how to begin the home buying process. The following questions and answers have been carefully selected to give you a foundation of basic knowledge of home purchasing. In addition to helping you begin, these steps will give you the tools necessary to navigate the entire home buying process – from deciding whether you’re ready to buy house, all the way to that final proud step of owning a home, getting the keys to your new home.1. HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M READY TO BUY A HOME?You can find out by asking yourself some questions:Do I have a steady source of income (usually a job)? Have I been employed on a regular basis for the last 2-3 years? Is my current income reliable?<br />Do I have a good record of paying my bills?<br />Do I have few outstanding long-term debts, like car payments?<br />Do I have money saved for a down payment?<br />Do I have the ability to pay a mortgage every month, plus additional costs?If you can answer “yes” to these questions, you are probably ready to buy your own home.2. HOW DO I BEGIN THE PROCESS OF BUYING A HOME?Start by thinking about your situation. Are you ready to buy a home? How much can you afford in a monthly mortgage payment? How much space do you need? What areas of town do you like? After you answer these questions, make a “To Do” list and start doing casual research about property. Talk to friends and family, drive through neighborhoods, and look in the “Homes” section of the newspaper, Foreclosure Listings, and internet search.3. HOW DOES PURCHASING A HOME COMPARE WITH RENTING?The two don’t really compare at all. The one advantage of renting is being generally free of most maintenance responsibilities. But by renting, you lose the chance to build equity, take advantage of tax benefits, and protect yourself against rent increases. Also, you may not be free to decorate without permission and may be at the mercy of the landlord for housing.Owning a home has many benefits. When you make a mortgage payment, you are building equity. And that’s an investment. Owning a home also qualifies you for tax breaks that assist you in dealing with your new financial responsibilities- like insurance, real estate taxes, and upkeep- which can be substantial. But given the freedom, stability, and security of owning your own home, they are worth it.4. HOW DOES THE LENDER DECIDE THE MAXIMUM LOAN AMOUNT THAT CAN AFFORD?The lender considers your debt-to-income ratio, which is a comparison of your gross (pre-tax) income to housing and non-housing expenses. Non-housing expenses include such long-term debts as car or student loan payments, alimony, or child support. Monthly mortgage payments should be no more than 29% of gross income, while the mortgage payment, combined with non-housing expenses, 4 should total no more than 41% of income. The lender also considers cash available for down payment and closing costs, credit history, etc. when determining your maximum loan amount.5. HOW DO I SELECT THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE AGENT?Start by asking family and friends if they can recommend an agent. Compile a list of several agents and talk to each before choosing one. Look for an agent who listens well and understands your needs, and whose judgment you trust. The ideal agent knows the local area well and has resources and contacts to help you in your search. Overall, you want to choose an agent that makes you feel comfortable and can provide all the knowledge and real estate services you need.<br />But make sure you check the prices for homes in the area on internet before you visit any real estate agent.6. HOW CAN I DETERMINE MY HOUSING NEEDS BEFORE I BEGIN THE SEARCH?Your home should fit way you live, with spaces and features that appeal to the whole family. Before you begin looking at homes, make a list of your priorities – things like location and size. Should the house be close to certain schools? your job? to public transportation? How large should the house be? What type of lot do you prefer? What kinds of amenities are you looking for? Establish a set of minimum requirements and a ‘wish list.” Minimum requirements are things that a house must have for you to consider it, while a “wish list” covers things that you’d like to have but aren’t essential.7. WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN DECIDING ON A COMMUNITY?Select a community that will allow you to best live your daily life. Many people choose communities based on schools. Do you want access to shopping and public transportation? Is access to local facilities like libraries and museums important to you? Or do you prefer the peace and quiet of a rural community? When you find places that you like, talk to people that live there. They know the most about the area and will be your future neighbors. More than anything, you want a neighborhood where you feel comfortable in.8. HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT LOCAL SCHOOLS?You can get information about school systems by contacting the city or county school board or the local schools. Your real estate agent may also be knowledgeable about schools in the area.9. HOW CAN I FIND OUT HOW MUCH HOMES ARE SELLING FOR IN CERTAIN COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS?Your real estate agent can give you a ballpark figure by showing you comparable listings. If you are working with a real estate professional, they may have access to comparable sales.10. HOW CAN I FIND INFORMATION ON THE PROPERTY TAX LIABILITY?The total amount of the previous year’s property taxes is usually included in the listing information. If it’s not, ask the seller for a tax receipt or contact the local assessor’s off ice. Tax rates can change from year to year, so these figures may be approximate.11. WHAT OTHER TAX ISSUES SHOULD I TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION?Keep in mind that your mortgage interest and real estate taxes will be deductible. A qualified real estate professional can give you more details on other tax benefits and liabilities,12. IS AN OLDER HOME A BETTER VALUE THAN A NEW ONE?There isn’t a definitive answer to this question. You should look at each home for its individual characteristics. Generally, older homes may be in more established neighborhoods, offer more ambiance, and have lower property tax rates. People who buy older homes, however, shouldn’t mind maintaining their home and making some repairs. Newer homes tend to use more modern architecture and systems, are usually easier to maintain, and may be more energy-efficient. People who buy new homes often don’t want to worry initially about upkeep and repairs.13. WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN WALKING THROUGH A HOME?</p><p>In addition to comparing the home to your minimum requirement and wish lists, use the Home Scorecard and consider the following:Is there enough room for both the present and the future?<br />Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms?<br />Is the house structurally sound?<br />Do the mechanical systems and appliances work?<br />Is the yard big enough?<br />Do you like the floor plan?<br />Will your furniture fit in the space? Is there enough storage space? (Bring a tape measure to better answer these questions.)<br />Does anything need to repaired or replaced? Will the seller repair or replace the items?Imagine the house in good weather and bad, and in each season. Will you be happy with it year-round?Take your time and think carefully about each house you see. Ask your real estate agent to point out the pros and cons of each home from a professional standpoint.14. WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK WHEN LOOKING AT HOMES?Many of your questions should focus on potential problems and maintenance issues. Does anything need to be replaced? What things require ongoing maintenance (e.g., paint, roof, HVAC, appliances, carpet)? Also ask about the house and neighborhood, focusing on quality of life issues. Be sure the seller’s or real estate agent’s answers are clear and complete. Ask questions until you understand all of the information they’ve given. Making a list of questions ahead of time will help you organize your thoughts and arrange all of the information you receive. Prepare your own Home question list before you visit property. Find out about monthly utility bills for entire home.15. HOW CAN I KEEP TRACK OF ALL THE HOMES I SEE?If possible, take photographs of each house: the outside, the major rooms, the yard, and extra features that you like or ones you see as potential problems. And don’t hesitate to return for a second look. Organize your photos and notes for each house.16. HOW MANY HOMES SHOULD I CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING ONE?There isn’t a set number of houses you should see before you decide. Visit as many as it takes to find the one you want. On average, home buyers see 15 houses before choosing one. Just be sure to communicate often with your real estate agent about everything you’re looking for. It will help avoid wasting your time.YOU’VE FOUND THE DREAM HOME17. WHAT DOES A HOME INSPECTOR DO, AND HOW DOES AN INSPECTION FIGURE IN THE PURCHASE OF A HOME?An inspector checks the safety of your potential new home. Home Inspectors focus especially on the structure, construction, and mechanical systems of the house and will make you aware of only repairs,that are needed.The Inspector does not evaluate whether or not you’re getting good value for your money. Generally, an inspector checks (and gives prices for repairs on): the electrical system, plumbing and waste disposal, the water heater, insulation and Ventilation, the HVAC system, water source and quality, the potential presence of pests, the foundation, doors, windows, ceilings, walls, floors, and roof. Be sure to hire a home inspector that is qualified and experienced.It’s a good idea to have an inspection before you sign a written offer since, once the deal is closed, you’ve bought the house as is.” Or, you may want to include an inspection clause in the offer when negotiating for a home. An inspection t clause gives you an ‘out” on buying the house if serious problems are found,or gives you the ability to renegotiate the purchase price if repairs are needed. An inspection clause can also specify that the seller must fix the problem(s) before you purchase the house.18. DO I NEED TO BE THERE FOR THE INSPECTION?It’s not required, but it’s a good idea. Following the inspection, the home inspector will be able to answer questions about the report and any problem areas. This is also an opportunity to hear an objective opinion on the home you’d I like to purchase and it is a good time to ask general, maintenance questions.19. ARE OTHER TYPES OF INSPECTIONS REQUIRED?If your home inspector discovers a serious problem a more specific Inspection may be recommended. It’s a good idea to consider having your home inspected for the presence of a variety of health-related risks like radon gas asbestos, or possible problems with the water or waste disposal system.20. HOW CAN I PROTECT MY FAMILY FROM LEAD IN THE HOME?If the house you’re considering was built before 1978 and you have children under the age of seven, you will want to have an inspection for lead-based point. It’s important to know that lead flakes from paint can be present in both the home and in the soil surrounding the house. The problem can be fixed by repairing damaged paint surfaces or planting grass over effected soil. Hiring a lead abatement contractor to remove paint chips.21. DO I NEED A LAWYER TO BUY A HOME?Laws vary by state. Some states require a lawyer to assist in several aspects of the home buying process while other states do not, as long as a qualified real estate professional is involved. Even if your state doesn’t require one, you may want to hire a lawyer to help with the complex paperwork and legal contracts. A lawyer can review contracts, make you aware of special considerations, and assist you with the closing process. Your real estate agent may be able to recommend a lawyer. If not, shop around. Find out what services are provided for what fee, and whether the attorney is experienced at representing home buyers.22. DO I REALLY NEED HOME OWNER’S INSURANCE?Yes. A paid home owner’s insurance policy (or a paid receipt for one) is required at closing, so arrangements will have to be made prior to that day. Plus, involving the insurance agent early in the home buying process can save you money. Insurance agents are a great resource for information on home safety and they can give tips on how to keep insurance premiums low.23. WHAT STEPS COULD I TAKE TO LOWER MY HOME OWNER’S INSURANCE COSTS?Be sure to shop around among several insurance companies. Also, consider the cost of insurance when you look at homes. Newer homes and homes constructed with materials like brick tend to have lower premiums. Think about avoiding areas prone to natural disasters, like flooding. Choose a home with a fire hydrant or a fire department nearby.24. IS THE HOME LOCATED IN A FLOOD PLAIN?Your real estate agent or lender can help you answer this question. If you live in a flood plain, the lender will require that you have flood insurance before lending any money to you. But if you live near a flood plain, you may choose whether or not to get flood insurance coverage for your home. Work with an insurance agent to construct a policy that fits your needs.25. WHAT OTHER ISSUES SHOULD I CONSIDER BEFORE I BUY MY HOME?Always check to see if the house is in a low-lying area, in a high-risk area for natural disasters (like earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.), or in a hazardous materials area. Be sure the house meets building codes. Also consider local zoning laws, which could affect remodeling or making an addition in the future. Your real estate agent should be able to help you with these questions.26. HOW DO I MAKE AN OFFER?Your real estate agent will assist you in making an offer, which will include the following information:Complete legal description of the property<br />Amount of earnest money<br />own payment and financing details<br />Proposed move-in date<br />Price you are offering<br />Proposed closing date<br />Length of time the offer is valid<br />Details of the dealRemember that a sale commitment depends on negotiating a satisfactory contract with the seller, not just Making an offer.Other ways to lower ins-insurance costs include insuring your home and car(s) with the same company, increasing home security, and seeking group coverage through alumni or business associations. Insurance costs are always lowered by raising your deductibles, but this exposes you to a higher out-of-pocket cost if you have to file a claim.27. HOW DO I DETERMINE THE INITIAL OFFER?Unless you have a buyer’s agent, remember that the agent works for the seller. Make a point of asking him or her to keep your discussions and information confidential. Listen to your real estate agent’s advice, but follow your own instincts on deciding a fair price. Calculating your offer should involve several factors: what homes sell for in the area, the home’s condition, how long it’s been on the market, financing terms, and the seller’s situation. By the time you’re ready to make an offer, you should have a good idea of what the home is worth and what you can afford. And, be prepared for give-and-take negotiation, which is very common when buying a home. The buyer and seller may often go back and forth until they can agree on a price. Check Home price in that area on websites.28. WHAT IS EARNEST MONEY? HOW MUCH SHOULD I SET ASIDE?Earnest money is money put down to demonstrate your seriousness about buying a home. It must be substantial enough to demonstrate good faith and is usually between 1-5% of the purchase price (though the amount can vary with local customs and conditions). If your offer is accepted, the earnest money becomes part of your down payment or closing costs. If the offer is rejected, your money is returned to you. If you back out of a deal, you may forfeit the entire amount.29. WHAT ARE “HOME WARRANTIES”, AND SHOULD I CONSIDER THEM?Home warranties offer you protection for a specific period of time (e.g., one year) against potentially costly problems, like unexpected repairs on appliances or home systems, which are not covered by home owner’s insurance. Warranties are becoming more popular because they offer protection during the time immediately following the purchase of a home, a time when many people find themselves cash-strapped.GENERAL FINANCING QUESTIONS:THE BASICS30. WHAT IS A MORTGAGE?Generally speaking, a mortgage is a loan obtained to purchase real estate. The “mortgage” itself is a lien (a legal claim) on the home or property that secures the promise to pay the debt. All mortgages have two features in common: principal and interest.31. WHAT IS A LOAN TO VALUE (LTV) HOW DOES IT DETERMINE THE SIZE OF MY LOAN?The loan to value ratio is the amount of money you borrow compared with the price or appraised value of the home you are purchasing. Each loan has a specific LTV limit. For example: With a 95% LTV loan on a home priced at $50,000, you could borrow up to $47,500 (95% of $50,000), and would have to pay,$2,500 as a down payment.The LTV ratio reflects the amount of equity borrowers have in their homes. The higher the LTV the less cash home buyers are required to pay out of their own funds. So, to protect lenders against potential loss in case of default, higher LTV loans (80% or more) usually require mortgage insurance policy.32. WHAT TYPES OF LOANS ARE AVAILABLE AND WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF EACH?Fixed Rate Mortgages: Payments remain the same for the the life of the loanTypes15-year<br />30-yearAdvantagesPredictable<br />Housing cost remains unaffected by interest rate changes and inflation.Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMS): Payments increase or decrease on a regular schedule with changes in interest rates; increases subject to limitsTypesBalloon Mortgage- Offers very low rates for an Initial period of time (usually 5, 7, or 10 years); when time has elapsed, the balance is clue or refinanced (though not automatically)<br />Two-Step Mortgage- Interest rate adjusts only once and remains the same for the life of the loan<br />ARMS linked to a specific index or marginAdvantagesGenerally offer lower initial interest rates<br />Monthly payments can be lower<br />May allow borrower to qualify for a larger loan amount33. WHEN DO ARMS MAKE SENSE?An ARM may make sense If you are confident that your income will increase steadily over the years or if you anticipate a move in the near future and aren’t concerned about potential increases in interest rates.34. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF 15- AND 30-YEAR LOAN TERMS?30-Year:In the first 23 years of the loan, more interest is paid off than principal, meaning larger tax deductions.<br />As inflation and costs of living increase, mortgage payments become a smaller part of overall expenses.15-year:Loan is usually made at a lower interest rate.<br />Equity is built faster because early payments pay more principal.35. CAN I PAY OFF MY LOAN AHEAD OF SCHEDULE?Yes. By sending in extra money each month or making an extra payment at the end of the year, you can accelerate the process of paying off the loan. When you send extra money, be sure to indicate that the excess payment is to be applied to the principal. Most lenders allow loan prepayment, though you may have to pay a prepayment penalty to do so. Ask your lender for details.36. ARE THERE SPECIAL MORTGAGES FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS?Yes. Lenders now offer several affordable mortgage options which can help first-time home buyers overcome obstacles that made purchasing a home difficult in the past. Lenders may now be able to help borrowers who don’t have a lot of money saved for the down payment and closing costs, have no or a poor credit history, have quite a bit of long-term debt, or have experienced income irregularities.37. HOW LARGE OF A DOWN PAYMENT DO I NEED?There are mortgage options now available that only require a down payment of 5% or less of the purchase price. But the larger the down payment, the less you have to borrow, and the more equity you’ll have. Mortgages with less than a 20% down payment generally require a mortgage insurance policy to secure the loan. When considering the size of your down payment, consider that you’ll also need money for closing costs, moving expenses, and – possibly -repairs and decorating.38. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENT?The monthly mortgage payment mainly pays off principal and interest. But most lenders also include local real estate taxes, home owner’s insurance, and mortgage insurance (if applicable).39. WHAT FACTORS AFFECT MORTGAGE PAYMENTS?The amount of the down payment, the size of the mortgage loan, the interest rate, the length of the repayment term and payment schedule will all affect the size of your mortgage payment.40. HOW DOES THE INTEREST RATE FACTOR IN SECURING A MORTGAGE LOAN?A lower interest rate allows you to borrow more money than a high rate with the some monthly payment. Interest rates can fluctuate as you shop for a loan, so ask-lenders if they offer a rate “lock-in”which guarantees a specific interest rate for a certain period of time. Remember that a lender must disclose the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of a loan to you. The APR shows the cost of a mortgage loan by expressing it in terms of a yearly interest rate. It is generally higher than the interest rate because it also includes the cost of points, mortgage insurance, and other fees included in the loan.41. WHAT HAPPENS IF INTEREST RATES DECREASE AND I HAVE A FIXED RATE LOAN?If interest rates drop significantly, you may want to investigate refinancing. Most experts agree that if you plan to be in your house for at least 18 months and you can get a rate 2% less than your current one, refinancing is smart. Refinancing may, however, involve paying many of the same fees paid at the original closing, plus origination and application fees.42. WHAT ARE DISCOUNT POINTS?Discount points allow you to lower your interest rate. They are essentially prepaid interest, With each point equaling 1% of the total loan amount. Generally, for each point paid on a 30-year mortgage, the interest rate is reduced by 1/8 (or.125) of a percentage point. When shopping for loans, ask lenders for an interest rate with 0 points and then see how much the rate decreases With each point paid. Discount points are smart if you plan to stay in a home for some time since they can lower the monthly loan payment. Points are tax deductible when you purchase a home and you may be able to negotiate for the seller to pay for some of them.43. WHAT IS AN ESCROW ACCOUNT? DO I NEED ONE?Established by your lender, an escrow account is a place to set aside a portion of your monthly mortgage payment to cover annual charges for home owner’s insurance, mortgage insurance (if applicable), and property taxes. Escrow accounts are a good idea because they assure money will always be available for these payments. If you use an escrow account to pay property tax or home owner’s insurance, make sure you are not penalized for late payments since it is the lender’s responsibility to make those payments.44. WHAT STEPS NEED TO BE TAKEN TO SECURE A LOAN?The first step in securing a loan is to complete a loan application. To do so, you’ll need the following information.Pay stubs for the past 2-3 months<br />W-2 forms for the past 2 years<br />Information on long-term debts<br />Recent bank statements<br />tax returns for the past 2 years<br />Proof of any other income<br />Address and description of the property you wish to buy<br />Sales contractDuring the application process, the lender will order a report on your credit history and a professional appraisal of the property you want to purchase. The application process typically takes between 1-6 weeks.45. HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT LENDER FOR ME?Choose your lender carefully. Look for financial stability and a reputation for customer satisfaction. Be sure to choose a company that gives helpful advice and that makes you feel comfortable. A lender that has the authority to approve and process your loan locally is preferable, since it will be easier for you to monitor the status of your application and ask questions. Plus, it’s beneficial when the lender knows home values and conditions in the local area. Do research and ask family, friends, and your real estate agent for recommendations. Once again internet research can help you in home financing too.46. HOW ARE PRE-QUALIFYING AND PRE-APPROVAL DIFFERENT?Pre-qualification is an informal way to see how much you maybe able to borrow. You can be ‘pre-qualified’ over the phone with no paperwork by telling a lender your income, your long-term debts, and how large a down payment you can afford. Without any obligation, this helps you arrive at a ballpark figure of the amount you may have available to spend on a house.Pre-approval is a lender’s actual commitment to lend to you. It involves assembling the financial records mentioned in Question 47 (Without the property description and sales contract) and going through a preliminary approval process. Pre-approval gives you a definite idea of what you can afford and shows sellers that you are serious about buying.47. WHAT IS A CREDIT BUREAU SCORE AND HOW DO LENDERS USE THEM?A credit bureau score is a number, based upon your credit history, that represents the possibility that you will be unable to repay a loan. Lenders use it to determine your ability to qualify for a mortgage loan. The better the score, the better your chances are of getting a loan. Ask your lender for details.CLOSING48. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I’VE APPLIED FOR MY LOAN?It usually takes a lender between 1-6 weeks to complete the evaluation of your application. Its not unusual for the lender to ask for more information once the application has been submitted. The sooner you can provide the information, the faster your application will be processed. Once all the information has been verified the lender will call you to let you know the outcome of your application. If the loan is approved, a closing date is set up and the lender will review the closing with you. And after closing, you’ll be able to move into your new home.49. WHAT SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR DURING THE FINAL WALK-THROUGH?This will likely be the first opportunity to examine the house without furniture, giving you a clear view of everything. Check the walls and ceilings carefully, as well as any work the seller agreed to do in response to the inspection. Any problems discovered previously that you find uncorrected should be brought up prior to closing. It is the seller’s responsibility to fix them.50. WHAT MAKES UP CLOSING COST OF HOME?There may be closing cost customary or unique to a certain locality, but closing cost are usually made up of the following:Attorney’s or escrow fees (Yours and your lender’s if applicable)<br />Property taxes (to cover tax period to date)<br />Interest (paid from date of closing to 30 days before first monthly payment)<br />Loan Origination fee (covers lenders administrative cost)<br />Recording fees<br />Survey fee<br />First premium of mortgage Insurance (if applicable)<br />Title Insurance (yours and lender’s)<br />Loan discount points<br />First payment to escrow account for future real estate taxes and insurance<br />Paid receipt for home owner’s insurance policy (and fire and flood insurance if applicable).<br />Any documentation preparation fees51. WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO HAPPEN ON CLOSING DAY?You’ll present your paid home owner’s insurance policy or a binder and receipt showing that the premium has been paid. The closing agent will then list the money you owe the seller (remainder of down payment, prepaid taxes, etc.) and then the money the seller owes you (unpaid taxes and prepaid rent, if applicable). The seller will provide proofs of any inspection, warranties, etc.Once you’re sure you understand all the documentation, you’ll sign the mortgage, agreeing that if you don’t make payments the lender is entitled to sell your property and apply the sale price against the amount you owe plus expenses. You’ll also sign a mortgage note, promising to repay the loan. The seller will give you the title to the house in the form of a signed deed.You’ll pay the lender’s agent all closing costs and, in turn,he or she will provide you with a settlement statement of all the items for which you have paid. The deed and mortgage will then be recorded in the state Registry of Deeds, and you will be a homeowner.52. WHAT DO I GET AT CLOSING?Settlement Statement (itemizes services provided and the fees charged; it is filled out by the closing agent and must be given to you at or before closing)Truth-in-Lending StatementMortgage NoteMortgage or Deed of TrustBinding Sales Contract (prepared by the seller; your lawyer should review it)Keys to your new homeWHERE CAN I FIND CHEAP HOMES FOR SALE?Visit the link below and Find Cheap Homes for Sale near you. </p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://mgwsfln.info/cheap-homes-and-tips-for-buying-a-house-in-sale/feed</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel></rss> If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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