Archives June 2021

What To Know When Buying a New Home

Stress and home buying often go together because purchasing a house can be a 30-year commitment. Even if this isn’t your first home, there are some factors you may want to take into consideration before signing that new contract. Here are just three of the many things you should know when buying a new home.

1. Is the House Big Enough?

No matter how big or small your current family is, you should look into the future for at least five years to see if the house is big enough to fit your needs. Is there space for roommates? Will you add children? Do you want pets? Do you need office space? Although you may be considering your immediate needs, make sure you look into the future so that you won’t outgrow the house in the next year or two.

2. Is There a Community HOA?

HOAs have become popular in many Virginia housing tracks, which is both a good and bad thing. Although the association may keep errant homeowners in check, the groups can sometimes exceed their authority. To protect yourself, make sure you locate an HOA and condo attorneys Ashburn VA team. It is essential to have an available ally if the association places unwarranted restrictions on your home.

3. Does the House Have Good Bones?

The bedroom walls may be painted bright red, or the kitchen may have the wrong type of sink, but those are only cosmetic issues. Ask your inspector or a trusted contractor about the building’s bones. Although you can easily change paint, tiles, and faucets, fixing a sinking foundation or water-damaged walls is more complicated.

Buying a home can be the largest purchase you may make during your life. That is why it is important to know if the house has good bones and what the future holds before you commit. Also, don’t forget to see if there is an HOA. You can protect your future self when you answer the three questions above.

3 Tips for Renewing Your Notary Commission

The rules for notary commission renewal vary from state to state, but no matter where you obtained your notary certification, there are a few steps you can take to ensure the renewal process goes as smoothly as possible. 

Take the time to look thoroughly through what it takes to renew your notary commission to avoid being rendered unable to notarize due to a lapse in your old and new commissions. 

1. Determine Whether Training or Testing Is Needed

Though not all states require exams or added training for renewals, many states do. Courses and testing requirements in states that do require additional assessments, such as California and Colorado, will vary from state to state. Florida notary renewal, a state without such requirements, may be a less time-consuming process. 

2. Determine When You’re Eligible

The window for your notary commission renewal opens anywhere from 6 months to 30 days prior to the expiration date. States have different rules regarding when you can and cannot begin the renewal process, with some states recommending it be taken care of months in advance and others not accepting renewal applications outside of a specified time with relation to your commission’s date of expiration. 

Even if it isn’t possible to submit your application months in advance, it’s best to be aware of the requirements and time frame you have to complete the renewal in the meantime. 

3. Proofread the Details

Notary commission renewals often carry less pressure than obtaining it in the first place, but it’s still important to make sure all of your paperwork is in order. Double-check the spelling, dates and your signature to make sure they all match your current notary bond. Make sure that you always maintain consistency and use the same name that you will sign when notarizing as is on your paperwork. Nicknames, initials or other abbreviations on renewal applications need to reflect your signature on notarized documents.