5 Management Tips On How To Survive After Losing Your Job

Job loss can one of the most devastating times in an adult’s life – both emotionally and financially. Some compare it to falling of a cliff, others see it as an opportunity to start anew. However you immediately look at it, it’s important to think about the financial implications of having one of your primary sources of income cut off.

Based on the article from goldrushcam.com, “The unemployment rate declines to 4.2% and the labor force participation rate is at 63.1 percent which shows little change year over year. A sharp employment decline in food services and drinking places and below-trend growth in some other industries likely reflected the impact of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey.”

The possibility of families needing to sell their homes is slightly higher when unemployment rate is high a well. Some sell home fast in San Antonio just to cope with a difficult financial crisis. Although, there are ways to successfully manage finances and survive through this setback.

How To Survive After Losing A Job

With the huge number of unemployed labor workers, losing a job is never easy to take. But learning how to cope with the situation can be advantageous, especially when you start hunting for your next career.

Prioritize The Four Pillars Of Your Basic Needs

The four pillars of the basic needs are food, shelter, utilities, and transportation. As you map out a strategy to handle the short-term impact of losing a job, prioritize these four financial needs. “You pay for the goods and services you can’t live without,” says Sally Herigstad, author of the Help! I Can’t Pay my Bills book. One way of surviving this difficult time is to support yourself with whatever you have financially while still living with a little comfort.

Plan Out Your Expenses

Creating a budget plan to monitor your current and future expenses is never a fun job, but it has to be done. It gives you a foundation for the actions you must take to successfully manage finances without stressing over it. It can comfort you in some way knowing that you have some sort of plan that could help you make it through or until you find a new job.

Start by listing down your cash inflow, including severance and unemployment payments. Do you have savings or investments you could tap into if absolutely necessary? Include potential loans from trusted lenders or family. Then list down all expenses. Determine the fixed expenses that won’t change in the short term, like mortgage or rent or car payment. And identify the variable expenses that you have immediate control over like TV subscriptions or gym membership.

Cut Short The Recurring Fees

Job loss is a financial crisis on the earnings side only. Look at three months worth of credit or debit card bills, cut off all optional recurring fees, especially subscriptions that are there for convenience or entertainment and not for your basic needs.

Put A Hold On Your Savings

Although saving for a better and brighter future is essential if you want to retire comfortably and focus on activities you enjoy doing, you may need to pause on these savings account. Focus available resources on your needs now, and resume on saving up once you get a new job.

Deal With Desperation Like A Pro

Times can get harder as the days go by without a steady income. Other options might involve downsizing to reduce cost, or moving in with a relative temporarily. Another suggestion from Herigstad is to rent out your home for the cost of the mortgage payment and move somewhere cheaper. You can then move back into your house once you’re back on your feet.

When Selling A House Is The Only Option

Selling a house and moving into a smaller place to save on maintenance and utility expenses is a common solution for unemployed individuals. It can be a prudent thing to do to come up with the additional funds you need while looking for a new job. If this is a matter you’re considering, talk to one of our real estate consultants.

Here at Lamar Buys Houses, we offer timely and practical home selling solutions to homeowners in need of a rush sale. We buy ugly houses in San Antonio or any type of property that needs to go. Trust that you have a partner when there’s a need to sell home fast. Contact us today to learn more about our different selling options.

 

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3 Types Of Divorce You Should Know About | Lamar Buys Houses

Some marriages don’t last. Either falling out of love, growing apart, or having different interests in life; there are many reasons marriages end, and many end nasty and ugly. Sarah Jacoby, from Refinery29, wrote this in a recent post:

“According to data from the National Survey of Family Growth, the probability of a first marriage lasting at least a decade was 68% for women and 70% for men between 2006 and 2010. The probability that they would make it 20 years was 52% for women and 56% for men, so that percentage is closer to the frequently-cited “half,” but still not there.

Other estimates show that three-quarters of those married in the 1990s would make it at least 15 years (compared with just 65% of those married in the 1980s). And if that current trend continues, the vast majority (about two-thirds) of marriages will never divorce.”

The Most Common Types Of Divorce

An estimated 95% of all divorces in the country are uncontested divorce because both parties are able to come to terms on issues like alimony, child custody, and the division of marital assets without interference of the court. All divorces are governed by no-fault divorce laws and the outcome will be determined on how willing both parties are to work together during the process. Here are the most common types of divorce:

No-Fault Divorce

This type is just as it’s called, no one is at fault for the failure of the marriage. Even if there was some misconduct by a spouse, in some states, it doesn’t matter because something as simple as incompatibility or irreconcilable differences can be used as reason for a legal separation. And no further explanation or proof that the marriage should continue is deemed necessary.

The idea behind no-fault separation was prevent further conflict during the process by ridding litigants of the need to show a cause for the need to separate.

Uncontested Divorce

This type takes place when both spouses reach a mutual agreement to end the marriage. They are able to come to an agreement regarding any financial issues, children and other contentious issues, and division of property. Can you sell a house as is even if the process is ongoing, one spouse may ask. Of course it is completely possible with the latest alternative method in house selling.

And because this type is simple and quick, it can sometimes cause people to give up rights they did not know they had, such as alimony, income from real estate and other sources of income, and a division of retirement benefits.

Simplified Divorce

Simplified means uncontested, no–fault divorces where there is no conflict between the spouses at all. This usually is the case in marriages of short duration where there are no children and very few marital assets to bicker over. Though state law differs on this kind of separation process, some states allow it, which is good news for both parties since it’s less costly and less stressful way to go. And it’s usually granted quickly, normally within 30 days of filing.

Finding Assistance In Difficult Times | We Buy Ugly Houses in San Antonio

Lamar Buys Houses, one of the leading home buying companies in San Antonio, offers alternative solutions to households in need of an immediate and speedy home sale. Whether it’s to relocate to a different state or as part of a retirement plan, we buy houses fast in exchange for fair cash offer.

In difficult times, know that you have a reputable company to lean to. Talk to us today to learn how you can get a fair cash offer in as little as 5 days! Or visit lamarbuyshouses.com

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Ways To Cope With Sudden Illness Or Disability

“Illness and disability might come in many forms. Some illnesses and disabilities have to be faced from birth; others are developed during people’s lifetime. They can come on suddenly or gradually develop over many years without the person knowing about it. People are usually genetically predisposed but illnesses can also be the result of the polluted environment or the lifestyle we adopt. Coming to terms with any illness is not easy and might take a long time especially when your illness surprises you all of a sudden,” an excerpt about disability taken from the https://www.disabled-world.com/.

For many people, a chronic illness or a disability is not a short-term inconvenience, but rather a long-term (sometimes permanent) way of living. The early stage of the adaptation is tolerable at a certain level, in the hopes that the diagnosis is wrong or the magic pill is being brewed in the lab of a big pharmaceutical company. As the situation prolongs, eventually the denial stage will be replaced with anger and depression. This stage can be the most difficult phase both for the patient and the family, and the caregivers as well.

How Caregivers Can Care For The Disabled

A disabled individual often has to change where he or she lives or works, or how he or she travels or spends free time, and change isn’t the easiest thing to deal with in these circumstances. Moving to a new home or facility which is more adaptive to the disability may greatly help the disabled and the family. A buy my house for cash or any means to speed up the selling process of the property is a welcomed help.

And caregivers play an important role in the acceptance process. In general, there are some steps to take that can make a loved one’s life a bit tolerable.

• With any type of disability, it’s helpful to make a list of any special needs so that these can be addressed.
• It may take longer for the loved one to complete certain activities. Handling only important activities at first may be the first steps, before slowly including other activities as he or she feels able to do so.
• Assistive devices may help complete certain tasks. Many of these devices are relatively affordable and insurance plans may help pay the cost.
• Brushes with suction cups, cutting boards for one hand use, one-handed can openers, scoop dishes, scoop dishes, wheeled laundry baskets, “clapper” light switches and many more can make daily living much easier.

Moreover, communication in between the caregiver and the loved one with a disability is much the same as any regular communication, but the more open they are to talk about the condition, the better it would be for the disabled person. Here are some communication tips to keep in mind:

• Always address your loved one first before the disability. Their individualism is important to their self-esteem.
• Be extra patient if it takes more time for them to say something.
• Offer to help instead of insisting on helping them.
• Learn more about the disability for better understanding.
• Speaking at an eye to eye level is especially important, especially for individuals suffering from hearing loss and those in wheelchairs.
• Always have a positive approach and encouraging mindset.

Cope Up With Better Living Conditions

If it’s time to move for a better living condition, either for a fresher, less polluted air, quieter surroundings, or more space to move around; finding a new home is crucial for the recovery of the individual with a disability.

Lamar Buys Houses is a home buying company that offers simple home selling solutions for families in need of a speedy sale. Can you sell a house as-is? Of course! Whatever is the reason behind the move, whether to relocation, live in a better neighborhood, less traffic, or due to a medical condition – we buy houses fast. With our fair cash offer, we aim to complete every transaction in as little as 5 days.

If this service is what you are looking for or if you know someone who can benefit from our speedy process, talk to us!

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3 Steps To Take When Preparing To Liquidate Your Assets

What To Prepare When Liquidating Your Assets

There comes a time in our lives when we have to sell something we own of value because we need the money. The reasons for doing so may vary. Some are about to retire, there is an inevitable recession in the company you work for, a medical condition that requires some time off work, or there simply is a need to move for familial reasons. If there’s little money to fund the transfer, liquidating assets may be one of the few options left to address the matter.

Liquidation of assets may be a stressful process. But it’s important to take a methodical approach to ensure a less-bumpy ride.

How To Organize A Well-Planned Asset Liquidation

1. Prepare A List Of Inventory

Making a list of every single item, from the smallest to the greatest in value, can you give a general idea of how you much will want to get out of the things you have to sell; or if there is any value at all in selling them in the first place. It can help you narrow down which items have sufficient value to justify the energy and time spent on selling them.

2. Secure Appraisals Of All Property Assets

If you’re not sure of your properties’ values, have them appraised by a professional. Secure a written appraisal from an appraiser to support your claim on the value of these assets. This can help you get the most you can out of them when you are negotiating. Also consider the costs of the selling process and see if it has monetary benefit for you. Having a written appraisal supports your claim on the value of your assets.

3. Figure Out The Logistics Of Your Sale

How to sell your items will mostly depend on the the nature of the items involved. You may need the help of a liquidation professional to determine the best way to coordinate the sale process. There are several sales method available, such as:

• Handing over the assets to a dealer to sell in consignment
• Directing negotiating with buyers
• Through auction
• Or consider staging a garage sale

When and where the sale would take place plays a vital part in the success of your plans, but will likely be dependent on the items you are going to sell. Make sure that the time and location are convenient for both your potential buyers and the nature of the items to be sold off.

Learn more about  asset liquidation.

There Is Another Means | Buy My House For Cash

The process of a selling a property can be draining at some point.  It would be more convenient for you and everyone else in the family if the house or several properties (such as rental apartments) can be sold in a speedy but secure transaction. Buy my house for cash is a new method property owners have found to address this growing need.

Lamar Buys Houses has been in the real estate market for more than 10 years, offering services to families who are tired of waiting around for an interested buyer, or getting discouraged over buyer backing out at the last minute. This would only lead to stress and uncertainty, and discomfort if money is badly needed.

We buy homes fast in San Antonio by using alternative means to handle every transaction with ease and hassle-free. If you are looking to sell my house fast as part of your asset liquidation, or if you want to learn more about lamarbuyshouses.com/, we are ready to provide assistance. Talk to us today!

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Hurricane Harvey | Why It Devastated Texas

 

When the category 4 Hurricane Harvey landed in Houston, Texas on August 25th catastrophic inland flooding displaced thousands of families from their homes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) director Brock Long considered Harvey the worst disaster in Texas history.

It started as a tropical wave to the east of the Lesser Antilles and became a tropical storm on the 17th of August. It began to weaken due to moderate wind shear and degenerated into a tropical wave north of Colombia 2 days later. As it continued to moved west-northwestward, it redeveloped and rapidly intensified on the 24th, which then lead to the devastation that hit the Greater Houston.

Now, why did it become so destructive?

Approximately 24.5 trillion gallons of rain has poured down. Meteorologist Ryan Maue of WeatherBell (a private forecasting firm) said, “At least 19 trillion gallons of water has fallen on Texas since the storm began.” In Harris County alone rainwater was at 1.2 trillion gallons. Its neighbor, Louisiana, had about 5.5 trillion gallons of rain, for a total of 24.5 trillion gallons in those two states.

In addition, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that Cedar Bayou, Texas has received a shocking 51.88 inches of rain. This marks a new record for the most rainfall of any tropical storm or hurricane in the lower 48 states. The National Weather Service said the flooding will likely be the largest economic crisis natural disaster in the US.

Moreover, it is considered a 1-in-1,000 year rain event which means at any given year, there is a 0.1 percent chance of it happening again. Hurricane Harvey brought about a year’s worth of rainfall or more, in a time span of just 5 days.

As of today, about 3,500 people have been rescued as Harvey’s rains flood Houston and the surrounding areas. San Antonio is taking in a large number of evacuees.

Donations

At a time like this, affected families need help more than ever. If you are wondering how you may be able to help out, please check out these charity institutions.

Catholic Charities of USA – CCUSA is the official domestic relief agency of the U.S. Catholic Church. Visit their official website or text 71777 to make a donation.

Salvation Army – The Salvation Army stays in communities impacted by Harvey, supporting long-term disaster recovery efforts and providing ongoing assistance to those in need. To make a financial donation call 1.800.SAL ARMY, or text STORM to 51555.

Or if you are already in contact with your favorite charity, don’t waste time and send in your donations. Surrounding cities like San Antonio welcome refugees in need of assistance. Help restore Texas!

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Concrete Spalling | Will It Need Extensive, Expensive Repair?

 

Structural problems occur when the property ages, when exposed to extreme weather conditions, and when there is poor or lack of proper care. For homeowners, this can become one of the most expensive structural repairs they would have to deal with as part of the property maintenance. The older the house becomes, the more prone it is to show signs of structure issue that often require immediate action.

The spalling of concrete causes ugly appearance on houses as chunks of concrete fall off the wall, beams, ceilings, or floors. “The word Spall in engineering, describes the chips or fragments of a material that is broken off a bigger object. The process of spalling also known as spallation is the surface failure that occurs when a material such as concrete, brick, or limestone is subjected to excess moisture, corrosion, weathering, and much more. Concrete spalling commonly known as (concrete cancer) is an eyesore and has the potential to be an extreme hazard,” a definition taken from civildigital.com.

If left untreated and exposed to both natural and chemical elements may cause extensive structural damage. At a low level, simple reapplication job can fix the problem, however, when the damage reaches the reinforcing bars within the concrete, fragments could fall off which results to serious consequences.

What Causes Concrete Cancer?

There are a number of reasons that causes spalling, but let’s mention the common few. These are:

• Inadequate preparation of the reinforcing steel during construction.
• The reinforcement steel are too close to the concrete surface. Rain water may seep through and cause the steel to oxidize.
• Incompatible materials placed together, causing a reaction that allows water in.
• Stressed fractures from heavy weight or wear and tear allows water to seep through and damage the steel.

Serious damage occurs when the reinforcing steel begins to rust and crumble. At Lamar Buys Houses we have informative blogs related to house structure issues and financial concerns, which also provides helpful insight on the best way to sell your house quickly, if there is need to. In addition, the article posted in remedial.com says:

As the steel rusts it expands, displacing the concrete around it, causing it to become brittle and crack thus accelerating the process. Signs of concrete cancer include:

• Crazing and cracking concrete (concrete spalling)
• Rust stains which seem to leak out from within the concrete
• Bubbling (also called Plating) of concrete render
• Leaks which appear in overhead concrete surfaces

Fixing Low-Level Concrete Spalling

The remedy to concrete cancer is dependent on how extensive the structural damage is. It may require hiring structural engineer and construction professional to fix the spalling on your house. There are simple ways to remedy the issue if the damage isn’t too severe. The list below is from the article post by Juan Rodriguez:

• When the concrete is damaged shallower that 1/3 of is thickness, then it shall be repaired but when it is deeper than 1/3, steel bars might be installed and a full depth restoration might be needed.
• When the rebars are exposed and are corroded, be sure to clean them before starting the restoration process. Using a wire brush clean the steel bars thoroughly and apply a protective coating to prevent this from happening.
• When the problem is over a driveway or horizontal surfaces such as plazas and/or sidewalks, a cementitious overlay might need to be applied. After the overlay has set completely, a waterproofing membrane should be applied to prevent the spalling from happening.
• For an effective repair process, be sure to remove concrete to a depth of at least 1.5 inches. Clean and remove all debris before starting.
• Patching might be done extending at least 4 inches beyond the concrete spalling area.

These issues can be prevented if the building contractor will follow the proper construction techniques, follow every measurement accurately, and use materials that aren’t substandard. Lamar Buys Houses has worked with homeowners who are fed up with too many structural damage. It is an understandable situation since the work needed for this type of damage is somehow costly.

At lamarbuyshouses.com we respect a family’s decision to move away to get rid of a property causing financial stress. We buy houses in San Antonio in exchange for a fair cash offer and we often complete transactions in as little as 5 days. If you are in need of money right away, then lamarbuyshouse.com/ can help you. Visit us today for more information.

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How To Keep A New House With Good Market Value

Buying a houses in itself is a personal achievement an individual enthusiastically prepares for while looking at his long-term goals. This is especially true for parents who juggle between securing enough income for the entire family’s needs and raising their kids the best way possible. A huge portion of the family’s total income would go to the property mortgage, and even if this can become overwhelming at some point, this is a responsibility they are willing to take on to live in comfort and security.

This is why maintaining a good home value is an added plus, and a form of reward the parents could pamper themselves with. However, the valuation can drop without warning or room for extension. A low home value could negatively affect the family, and could lead to them losing their home.

The Factors You Can Control

Although no one has a control over the ups and downs of the real estate market, or the ever changing numbers in the stock exchange and the economy; every homeowner has ways to keep the value of their property from dropping, or worse plummeting deep in the mud. It makes a difference if you know how to play your cards well so you can cherish and keep the house for as long as you wish to.

Don’t Wait Around

Waiting around could mean serious issues for you and your property. When there is a need for some work, regardless if it is a small-time repair or quite an expensive renovation, secure the funds needed to get the work done asap. There are two main reasons structural issues should be addressed right away.

Firstly, if the damage is left alone, it could lead to a more serious damage. A good example is a leaking drainage pipe. If the leakage is manageable it’s easy to push the job work at a later time. However, the leakage could damage the floors and walls of the house, and if left alone, the pipe might completely collapse resulting to dirty water flooding your home. And secondly, damaged properties, regardless if it’s minute and harmless, can have a huge effect on its value.

Thorough Overall Cleaning

Cleanliness is next to godliness. This saying didn’t become a household quote if it didn’t hold some truth. Our homes can be considered our temple, our own sanctuary. By keeping it clean, we keep the entire household free of dust and other irritants that are a threat to the family’s health. Through regular, thorough cleaning the house is kept tidy and free of pollutants. In addition, regular cleaning also helps in maintaining the property in a good condition for a long time.

Invest In Marketable Upgrades

If you have some cash, why not hire an appraiser to find out the current value of the house? Not only this helps you find out the current valuation of your house, it is also a great basis for future home improvements. Upgrading the key areas inside the house and improving the features that make it stand out will aid in maintaining or improving its value.

Other factors that could help prevent the drop in the property’s valuation include: landscaping and gardening, regular maintenance, and planting trees. It doesn’t have to be expensive or excessive, what matters is the house is well taken cared of. Check this online home valuator right now.

Each house or property is important and valuable to its owner, and utmost care is often given to it. However, as the property ages and starts to deteriorate, in certain instances selling the property to relocate to a newer home is more practical. When this happens, Lamar Buys Houses can become your partner and property consultant. We buy houses to offer convenient, stress-free transaction. We have a team of real estate consultants willing to assist homeowners in need of professional advice or financial assistance anytime, anywhere.

We buy houses in San Antonio TX in exchange for a fast cash offer that is always fair. Imagine getting the money in as little as 5 days without having to pay for a closing or transaction fee. Contact Lamar today!

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We Buy Houses San Antonio

We Buy Houses San Antonio

Lamar Buys Houses is a team of real estate consultants striving to provide free service to San Antonio residents who are in need of a speedy house sale. We buy houses anywhere in San Antonio and its neighboring communities with our practical and honest home buying methods. Unlike the traditional method of selling a property, when we buy houses, the home seller need not spend several hundreds or thousands of dollars to groom the house the to give it a like-brand-new look to attract buyers. We skip this expensive and time consuming process and move straight to making a cash offer.

You no longer need to wait for an interested buyer to come and visit the property, we take this step out of the picture to effectively cut down the wait time. You do not have to wait at all! With Lamar Buys Houses, we can complete the transaction in as little as 5 days all for a fair cash offer paid in full. By working with our real estate consultants, you can: 1. Avoid expensive real estate agent fees. 2. Avoid unsure and insincere buyers. 3. Witness a speedy process with a satisfying outcome. 4. Experience just how fast you can sell a house that is hassle-free. 5. And experience a Win-Win transaction when you work with the Lamar Buys Houses team.

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