[timtoomey]

haha!! I love the blunt replies. Thanks spdrun. I have been to a couple of dealerships and they try to pressure me into loving the car and don’t think I will walk out, but I do. I think Craigslist is going to be my source.

[timtoomey]

haha!! I love the blunt replies. Thanks spdrun. I have been to a couple of dealerships and they try to pressure me into loving the car and don’t think I will walk out, but I do. I think Craigslist is going to be my source.

[timtoomey]

ZZZ:

Thanks for the information. For the contracting, we would like to do a kitchen remodel and are contemplating a room addition for my mother-in-law so she can move in with us and have a downstairs bedroom.

I appreciate your advice about getting everything written down and how you have to be on the contractor’s tail on inspecting the work at every step. I am somewhat pretty handy around the home thanks to a wood shop class I took in 8th grade and Youtube. Great advice on purchasing the material and being able to only pay for the labor.

For the room addition, I assume I will need permits and inspections for that? I live in San Diego and have never done this. If anyone does or has applied for permits, your input is appreciated.

Thanks again and if you can think of anything else, much appreciated!

[timtoomey]

Hi:

I thought I would put in some helpful advice on this issue even though the thread is old. This info is as of March 2013.

I know someone who used to sell appliances for Sears and is now selling for Lowe’s.

I purchased a Samsung refrigerator French Door back in 2010 and have not had any issues with it. To be fair, I do not use the ice maker in the freezer nor do I have a water dispenser. Samsung’s line of appliances have won top reviews such as JD Power and stuff. According to reports of sales from around the country, Samsung appliances have sold the most and have had the least amount of issues. Another brand I was recommended was Whirlpool. Avoid KitchenAid because although they make great counter top appliances, their refrigerators are just Whirlpool with extra buttons and things.

The company I was told to not purchase was GE. I am not sure whether that meant the Profile line but the fact is many people are returning the refrigerators because of poor performance.

Another thing in purchasing from Lowe’s over Sears is that the warranty coverage is much less $$ and at least with Lowe’s, if the price on your item drops within 30 days, you can go into the store and get your difference.

My contact told me the other hassle right now are the new water-efficient washers. People are complaining that their clothes are not rinsed well, there is a funny smell etc. The issue is that you can no longer regulate how much water you use. The machine weighs the load and determines how much water. The settings are complicated esp. when you want to wash a comforter that is big on size but light on weight. Some of he fancier front load washers have to be ventilated correctly or else you start to develop mold. I still have a 2003 Kenmore washer with agitator and love it because I took it apart, cleaned the tub and there are plenty of videos on how to fix them.

One more piece of info…Aztec appliance. I had a co-worker purchase some Kitchen Aid appliances from them and he liked their service. He mentioned that when you purchase the extended warranty from them, you have to option that if it expires and you never used the policy, you can go to Aztec with the original paperwork and they will refund you the cost of the policy.

[timtoomey]

It would be great to establish an LLC for the sake of privacy and to shelter assets. I appreciate the comments and questions raised especially how an LLC can affect insurance and future loans. I am interested in estate planning and would appreciate any sources I should consult. NOLO is where I am planning to start. Thanks!

[timtoomey]

Well put. Are prices for The Crosby going up soon so you can take the house and sell it when the price increase?

In the contest rules http://www.sdraffle.com/Rules.aspx it states that the $1.6 million is an annuity over 20 years. Cash value is $1.1 million. At the 39.6% tax rate =$664K

[timtoomey]

Great info and commentary. I agree that if you have young kids the schools are great and it would be an investment in their future.

When you prepay the CFD, can you use that to sell for a higher price or is it just to save $$ if you plan to live in the house at length?

[timtoomey]

This is the house I am comparing the estimated MR and HOA fees

http://www.northcountyluxuryhomes.com/idx/residential/130005303/details.html

Is this a reasonable comparison? Also, how long does the MR go on for in that neck of the woods?

[Author]

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