Month: May 2020

Autism and Down Syndrome are both complex, but very different conditions. Unfortunately, many people either confuse the two of them, or lump the ways they manifest themselves together. While they are both considered intellectual disabilities, there are some important distinctions that can be made with simple explanations.

Autism Defined

The term “autism” covers a spectrum of mental and physical characteristics that impact a person’s social and physical behaviors. Its cause is not specifically known. Its symptoms have a wide range from mild social irregularities to full non-verbal behavior. Many resources are available at a school for autistic children Toledo Oh to help young people with an autism diagnosis.

Down Syndrome Defined

Down Syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality where a person is born with an extra 21^st chromosome. While Down Syndrome also has a broad range of physical symptoms, most people with a DS diagnosis have hypotonia, (or low muscle tone) and intellectual challenges requiring special education and therapies. Some may have heart defects and lung issues. It is important to note that these are not conditions that are acquired or can be “caught.” They also cannot be “cured.”

Treatments and Therapies

Though neither of these are curable conditions, people with autism and down syndrome can live very full lives and can be helped greatly with treatments and therapies. Early intervention and diagnosis are extremely important. More severe physical conditions must be treated immediately, but less extreme symptoms can be dealt with (and sometimes corrected) in early childhood. Speech and physical therapy can help people with both autism and down syndrome with verbal, social, and physical skills. Special education programs and integrated classrooms have made great advancements in teaching as well as acceptance. Medically speaking, in the past thirty years, life expectancy for people with down syndrome has nearly doubled to 60!

Having a basic knowledge of these conditions helps to understand people who have them, families that are impacted by them, and what society can do to raise awareness and promote acceptance.

If you’re saving up for a new boat, it can be hard to figure out exactly how much you need to get into the right recreational vehicle. It’s not that the boat itself is going to surprise you, although there are expenses like engine tune-ups you’ll need to be ready for as you shake out the gremlins on any new watercraft purchase. No, for most boat owners, it’s the storage, upkeep, and peripheral expenses that are surprising. Here are three costs you might need to budget for, in addition to the actual purchase price of your new boat.

1. Docks and Lifts

Marine boat lifts are an excellent way to avoid wear and tear on a hull when your boat is not in use. They work well for boats in cold climes inland and on the seaside because they let you keep it right on the water without being frozen in when the ice and snow come. In warmer climates, they’re still a great investment for marine vessels in saltwater environments where constant exposure could lead to corrosion issues in the long-term. Even if you don’t opt for a lift, your boat will need a place to dock if you’re keeping it on the water. That means either renting a slip at an established facility or paying for the construction of your own dock on your waterfront property. Understanding these choices and the cost structure for each is very important when planning where your boat will spend its time.

2. Trailers and Dry Storage

For small vessels, another option is to get a trailer and store it in a location like a barn, garage, or warehouse storage facility. This does involve a little more labor when you want to use the boat, but for those who plan on pulling it to new bodies of water on a regular basis, it sets you up to just grab your boat and go, because you can just park the boat covered on its trailer and hitch it up when you’re ready to go on the road.

3. Boat Insurance

Last but not least, remember that your new boat needs insurance just like any other major asset. Like your car insurance, it needs to cover both the risk of damage to the boat under various operational and storage scenarios and your liability in case of an accident while it is in use. This is another annual cost you need to be prepared to pay, like a slip rental or storage facility would be. When deciding which extras to invest in, keep in mind whether each cost will be recurring, like an insurance policy, and which ones will be one-time, like the construction of a new boat lift or a dock.

Northeasterners know that winter can throw a lot of challenges your way, and there’s a lot that you need to do to make sure that your home is ready. Here are five things that you should do to prepare your home for winter weather.

1. Find an Affordable Heating Oil Supplier

When you’re looking for cheap heating oil Sussex County NJ, you should work with a reliable supplier whose business is built on selling their products affordably. Depending on your home’s needs, it may also be advisable to work with a supplier who can offer you a volume discount.

2. Get Your Garage Ready for Use

If you can’t park inside of your garage, you’ll have to contend with a lot of extra work to get your car on the road on a snowy or icy morning. Clear out your garage so that you have ample room for parking, and make sure that your garage door opener is fully operational.

3. Stock Up on Ice Melt

Before a winter storms hit, a lot of major retailers sell out of salt and ice melt. It’s advisable to purchase these vital supplies in advance so that you won’t be in a jam when you need them.

4. Clean Out Your Gutters

Clogged gutters can cause big ice dams to form along the side of your home during snowy and icy weather. Ice dams and icicles can be dangerous, and they can cause damage to your home. Cleaning out your gutters or installing screens can help prevent icicle build-up.

5. Replace Your Windows

Drafty windows can be a serious problem when temperatures drop. If your windows are very old or show signs of significant wear, you may want to consider replacing them to help conserve heat during the cold winter months.

Don’t be scared of winter weather coming your way. Be ready for it by fortifying your home and stocking up on essential winter supplies.

Owning a home brings a lot of satisfaction. It can also cause headaches when things break down. Letting a small plumbing problem turn into a big one can lead to expensive repairs and structural damage. That is why it is so important to be on the lookout for early signs that you might have a plumbing problem in your home.

1. A Bright Green Patch in the Lawn

A lush, green lawn may be what you are hoping for, but an unusually thick patch over your septic tank or outgoing pipes can be a sign of serious trouble. If you notice this, call in a plumber to diagnose the problem right away. A quick septic tank repair Springtown TX is always preferable to sewage backing up into the house.

2. Mold Under Your Sink

As an enclosed space located close to water, the cabinets under your kitchen and bathroom sinks can give you an early warning about small leaks. Look for mold growing on surfaces or a musty smell when you open the doors. Small leaks can often be fixed quickly and inexpensively. If left untreated, however, you may end up needing a major renovation.

3. Poor Water Pressure

There are a number of reasons for poor water pressure. It could be as simple as too many appliances running at the same time or a clogged faucet screen. It could also be something more serious like a leaking supply pipe or a broken pressure regulator. If you’ve noticed that the water pressure in your house has dropped off recently, you want to take steps to diagnose and fix the issue.

4. Clogged or Slow Drains

Slow drains are a sign of clogged, corroded or broken pipes leading from your home. Try a few basic techniques to clear them, but if that doesn’t work, get help before the problem escalates.

Be alert to changes in your lawn, water pressure and draining to stop problems before they get bigger. Addressing a plumbing issue right away can help you avoid additional damage and a whole lot of aggravation.

You want your pets to be healthy and happy, and part of that means monitoring their health throughout their life. Your dog’s health might deteriorate due to age or illness, so it’s important to keep an eye on your canine friend’s medical needs.

You may take your dog regularly to the vet for checkups, but there are some situations that warrant a trip to an emergency veterinarian Palm Harbor FL. Make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice any of the signs listed below.

1. Excessive Thirst

If your dog has started drinking much more water than usual and you feel like you refill the water bowl constantly, it could be a sign of diabetes or kidney disease. Address this concern with your veterinarian right away, especially if your dog starts exhibiting other concerning symptoms.

2. Overly Tired

Lethargy is one common sign that something could be wrong with your dog. If your pet seems uninterested in going for walks, playing, or interacting with you, reach out to your veterinarian, especially if this behavior lasts for more than a few days. Note that increased lethargy can sometimes occur because of high temperatures or sore muscles, so use your judgment if you think your dog could use a trip to the veterinarian.

3. Vomiting

Vomiting is not unusual for dogs if it only happens occasionally, as dogs will typically vomit after eating something they shouldn’t have. However, if your dog vomits several times in a row, starts vomiting blood, or runs a fever in conjunction with consistent vomiting, you need to get your furry friend to the veterinarian as soon as you can.

4. Sudden Weight Loss

In most dogs, losing weight unexpectedly and quickly with no alterations to exercise and diet indicates a concerning health problem. Bring this issue up to your vet if your pet’s body weight drops by more than 10 percent.

The coronavirus has impacted Americans’ lives in every way. Those who used to work in an office setting probably work from home now. Those who have planned to travel prior to the pandemic, have probably moved it to a later date and now, they must’ve saved more funds for that plan.

But, if you have lingered on the thought of selling or buying a house—well, it has been unclear what should be done under the current health crisis.

The response of the housing market has drastically changed the processes of selling and buying a house. Open houses were canceled and people are left scratching their heads. Whether you have bought many times now or it’s your first time, you must have unlikely faced a situation like this in the past.

You may have already decided to put your plans of buying on hold or have pulled out your house from the market, but if you are in dire need to move, here are the 5 things you should keep in mind:

1. Mortgage rates are currently unstable.

Mortgage interest rates are constantly changing these days. The Federal Reserve has already lowered the rate two times this year. This in turn decreased interest rates in credit cards and savings accounts. Inevitably, mortgage rates should be lower too, right?

Long-term loans like 15-year and 30-year mortgages may not be directly influenced by the Fed’s changes in rates, but it still responds accordingly. While short-term loans are directly affected by the actions Fed takes.

Mortgage rates directly affect the demand in the market. When mortgages are low, the demand tends to go high, like in March when refinancing applications went very high because of the sudden drop in mortgage rates.

Low mortgage rates generally indicate that the economy is struggling. But during this unprecedented situation, mortgage rates are constantly changing caused by high market volatility. It is recommended that consumers remain flexible as the rates change.

2. Start the process as quickly as you can.

Home buying process takes time. It is best that you talk to your lender and get started immediately with the process. The surge in refinancing applications is not the only reason why the process is slow. Many employees are now working from home which contributes to slower response.

It’s not just the lending that is slowing down, appraisals too, since the process involves the appraiser to physically visit the property and quarantine is preventing them from going out and viewing homes.

If you are aiming to buy a house and move on a later date, you might want to get started contacting your real estate broker and lender now.

3. Utilize technology—video and virtual tours.

With the cancellation of open houses and home viewings, many companies are resorting to technology for help to ease the process.

Now, you can do a video call with an agent as he shows you around the house remotely—you can check the parts of the house, the kitchen, bedrooms, toilets, and others.

Other companies also offer 3-D models that you can tour as if you are in a game.

These technologies have been around for quite a few years now, but with the social-distancing, utilization of these virtual helps is becoming a trend. It provides convenience to people checking out homes in the market while still in the comforts of their homes.

4. Go for a real estate broker who takes this current health crisis seriously.

During this COVID-19 global pandemic when things and practices have drastically changed for the time being, it’s better to work with a broker who understands the situation, takes it seriously, and goes beyond his duties to serve you in these unique times that require such.

While many parts of the process require personal interaction, it is best to find a real estate broker who makes things easier for you, like maybe closing a home remotely if it’s possible.

5. Choose a direct investor.

On the other hand, if you have been planning to sell your home and were itching to move and need fast cash, the best thing you can do is sell your property to a direct investor. They are likewise called the iBuyers. What they do is they offer free consultation and provide you a no-obligation offer in just minutes!

Should you arrive in agreement with their fair written offer, they can close as fast as 7 days or you can choose your close date and they can work around your schedule. Contact one now at Candid Property Solutions – a reputable “we buy houses Los Angeles” company. They helped many people all throughout the years. Who knows, they can help you, too.

The coronavirus has impacted every aspect of people’s lives all over the world—including the real estate industry.

With the government’s effort to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 infection, social distancing and stay-at-home orders were imposed resulting in limited movement. Can you buy a house during this difficult time? Of course, yes!

How Government’s Safety Measures Affect the Process

Social distancing is intended to put at least 6 feet distance between yourself and the others to lessen, if not completely eliminate, the spread of the virus. Now you don’t go around walking with a measuring tool to make sure you are at a safe 6ft. distance from another person that is why stay-at-home order was also implemented. Following that are the closing of businesses offering non-essential services resulting in a lot of non-critical workers being laid off from their jobs? Events were also canceled and home schooling was encouraged.

Since buying and selling a house involves much face-to-face interactions and physical viewings, the current situation has proved to be a challenge to the process. Open houses were cancelled and meetings are being done virtually. Companies are also finding alternatives to perform appraisals and closings safely.

More than all of that, the buyers and sellers perceptions toward the situation is what matters most. They are scared to go out, deal with other people, and possibly contract the disease, then bring it to their homes, and infect their other family members.

The Positive and Negative Sides of This Trying Time in the Housing Market

• Advantages

It is likely that there is less competition in the market both for buyers and sellers. If you are selling, you are probably going to have more attention to your house than what you expect. If you are buying, you get less competition for your offer and get a better deal in negotiating the price and the closing date.

Also, the low mortgage rate right now is something that buyers would want to take advantage of. The unforeseeable time frame of businesses shut down signals that the record low mortgage rates are going to stay for a while.

• Disadvantages

Selling a house could become a painful process during this time. The buying interest has fallen and sellers tend to pull out their house from the market and wait until the situation is back to normal.

On the other hand, buyers who were laid off from their jobs may find it difficult to qualify for their loan. Also, even if buyers have steady jobs still, they are not likely to jump on a purchase without physically seeing the property.

Here are some critical questions you may have in mind:

• Can you get a mortgage in the midst of this health crisis?

Yes. It may actually be the best time to get a mortgage while the rates are record low. Fortunately, most of the processes getting one can be done online. But of course, you should also consider your current and future financial capabilities before deciding to get a mortgage because it is not a game you can quit anytime—it’s going to tie you up to years of debt responsibility.

• Can you get an appraisal and inspection in the midst of this health crisis?

This could be challenging because getting an appraisal and inspection requires physical visits to the property. But that is not totally impossible—some loans allow “dive-by,” or exterior appraisals and other loans are waiving inspections.

However, if it is possible for you to get your house inspected, do so. Because an inspector can easily spot red flags which will affect the value of your property. Waiving inspection before going through the process would be a risky move.

• Can you close a house in the midst of this health crisis?

Difficult but very possible. Electronic signature and online notarization of documents are a trend now. Other states also impose alternatives to have the documents signed—like meeting in person still while following the social distancing and sanitizing hands often during the process.

The Huge Role of Technology

Much of the processes now are being done with the help of technology—from virtual house viewings, 3D tours, house tours with robots, video calls, to utilization of e-signatures and online notarization of required documents. That is why, it is important for you to understand how they work and adapt as quickly as you can.

Things You Need To Remember…

Buying or selling a house largely depends on your confidence toward the current situation. There certainly are advantages of buying or selling a house, but you also have to bear in mind the challenges along the way. If you feel like those challenges are something you can work around with and resolve, then go ahead and take advantage of this situation to get a head start. Just make sure that you are dealing with a home buying company that is fair and honest. We recommend Mrs. Property Solutions. They offer cash for houses Los Angeles for quite some time now. You can trust them especially if you need to sell your house fast Los Angeles.