Before bringing your pet into the new space of your new home, take several steps to ensure your safe haven is indeed safe enough. Pets will naturally investigate the world they find themselves in. Of course, this cannot and should not be discouraged. But consider the hazards your pets may encounter in your new home. Take the following measures to minimize any potential danger encountered in your pet's daily travels about the new house.
- Barriers should be put up to keep pets out of areas where they are not welcome.
- Children in your family should also understand the importance of locking or closing these gates and barriers.
-Keep in mind that most intentional destruction by pets stems from a lack of exercise or mental stimulation. Have a plethora of play/chew toys available for dogs and consider a scratching post for the energetic cats.
-Establish routine with consistency in your new home. You may be busy setting up, but there will be long term payoff for consistent walks with the dog.
- Chemical Substances should be kept in a safe location .This includes all chemical substances. Although some are lethal, most can cause serious upset or intestinal complications.
- Know what plants are poisonous to pets and ensure they are out of reach.
- Put away pill bottles and pill organizers. A dog can easily chew open these containers- childproof or not!
- Check fences and hedges to see if your pet might be able to escape. Never underestimate a dogs ability to dig and a cat's capacity to slide through anything.
- Dogs like to be able to look out and see what is going on. Try to keep items, especially fragile ones, away from windows.
- Tame cord clutter by hiding cords under baseboards and carpet seams whenever possible. A pet can suffer burns or electrocution from chewing on live cords. You can also use cords covers to mitigate possible danger.
-All things "stringy", including string, yarn, dental floss and rubber bands can cause intestinal blockages or strangulation. Keep these items out of reach. Do a vacuum or floor scan of your new home before welcoming your pet/s.
A rule of thumb to follow: treat pet proofing much the same as you would approach baby proofing your home. No detail is too small to be overlooked. Take all the care in the world setting up pet safety in your new home, and you will have safe, happy and healthy pets as a result.
First, it is important to understand the difference between a variable or adjustable interest rate mortgage and a fixed rate mortgage. With a fixed rate mortgage you gain the advantage of monthly mortgage payments that do not change; however, your interest rate may be slightly higher than what is offered with an ARM. With an adjustable rate mortgage while you will typically have a lower introductory interest rate, that rate may fluctuate over the duration of your loan. This can mean your monthly mortgage payments may become higher or lower, depending on whether interest rates are raised or lowered.
Beyond adjustable rate mortgages and fixed rate mortgages you also have other options in terms of how long you finance your home. The most common terms are 15, 25, 30, 40 and now even 50 year mortgages in some areas. Keep in mind the longer you finance your mortgage the less your payments will be per month but the more you will pay in interest over the duration of the loan.
There are also special types of loans offered which may offer certain advantages. These types of mortgages include FHA and VA home loans. A FHA home loan is often attractive to first time home buyers because it allows the purchase of a home with a lower down payment, in some cases as low as 3%. There are certain qualification regulations in order to be approved for a FHA home loan; however. You must have good credit history and enough income to cover the loan and your other financial obligations. Typically, all of your housing costs each month, including house note, property taxes and insurance cannot exceed 29% of your gross monthly income. In addition, your housing costs plus your other monthly long-term debt should not exceed 41% of your gross monthly income.
VA loans are made available to veterans of the U.S. armed services for the purchase of homes. With this type of loan you can purchase a single family home, condo, new construction or even a manufactured home. You should be aware that you'll usually need to pay a 2% fee when the loan is closed. One of the best advantages to this type of loan is that 100% financing is available. In addition, you don't have to worry about private mortgage insurance, which is required in certain cases when you are financing more than 80% of the home's value. You may also be able to take advantage of a competitive interest rate.
Other options include balloon mortgages and hybrid mortgages. With a balloon mortgage you may be able to lower your monthly payments by agreeing to pay a portion of the mortgage in a lump sum at the end of the mortgage. The disadvantage to this is that you will have to come up with the money or try to extend the loan; which may or may not be available.
With a hybrid loan you can sometimes take advantage of a lower interest rate in the beginning of your mortgage, perhaps for three to five years, when you may be struggling more to make the payments. After this time period has passed, the interest rate will rise and you will be responsible for a higher monthly mortgage.
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