Changing Schools-Being the New Kid is a Very Big Deal

Your new home is waiting for you. There’s excitement in the air, moving boxes all over the floor and last minute details to wrap up. But, someone in your family just might not be too excited about this move. Children can be very stressed when they leave old friends and familiar settings, whether moving across the country or across town.School can be a second home for your child and the nucleus of their social lives. It’s hard to start all over again, especially since peer groups have become so important. Easing this transition for the younger members of the family will also ease your transition and make for a much happier experience.Here are some tips to help your child adjust quickly.Talk about the move even before it happens. Discuss everything you know about your new community, be enthusiastic and positive. Children can sense any reluctance on your part.Never discount your child’s feelings about the move and new school. His fears and hesitation are real.Most likely, you’ve already visited the new school since one of the reasons you chose your new home is because of the academic reputation. If your child didn’t go with you, take him to the school and look around, even if it’s during the summer and the school may be closed.Encourage get-togethers with neighborhood children who attend the school. Seeing a familiar face is usually a comfort when dropped into an unfamiliar setting.Pay attention to the kind of clothes the students wear. Even if it makes you feel like a slave to fashion, one of the worse things that could happen for your child is to show up on the first day of school and not be dressed like everyone else.Go to school with your child on the first day. This is no time to drop her off and pick her up after school. Walk her to her classroom and introduce yourselves to the teacher. As your child continues her transition during the school year, you want the teacher to know who you are and that you are involved.Expect some bad behavior. Children will feel unsettled and worried, even if they won’t or can’t express those feelings. Acting out may be their way of showing their frustration.Above all, talk to your children and indicate you have an open line of communication and will help.To help you even further, check out the Beating Back-to-School Bedlam class presented by Progress West HealthCare Center. Productivity advisor Mary Kutheis will help you discover solutions to be more organized, manage a schedule and generally guarantee a smooth transition. The program is at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21 at the Middendorf-Kredell Library.

9 Tips for Homebuyers

As demand for homes is expected to increase this Spring, Bankrate.com offers 9 tips for homebuyers.

Buyers have access to the lowest mortgage rates in years and an $8000 first time home buyer tax credit that does not have to be repaid if the homeowner lives in the home for at least three years. This should improved demand side for the housing market and with these nine tips, buyers should be moving in to their new home soon.

1. Cash is king. With down payment increases from FHA and Fannie Mae, cash has more buying power than before.
2. Negotiate everything. Home sellers will be offering more incentives to sell their home quickly. Consider asking for seller paid closing costs, property taxes, and home association fees.
3. Save for a down payment. Set up a budget and include savings. The ideal goal is for 20% down on your new home.
4. Determine how much home you can afford. Understand what you would like your monthly payment to be before finding out what amount you qualify for.
5. Improve your credit score. Check your credit report for reporting errors, pay your bills on time, and do not cancel or close any open accounts.
6. Research the local housing market. As you work with your local Realtor, search online to find out how long homes have been on the market and what they have sold for. The more you know, the better off you are in negotiating your purchase.
7. Watch for certain neighborhoods. A Realtor will be able to help you avoid traffic issues, zoning changes, and higher crime areas.
8. Consider foreclosed homes. With the number of foreclosed homes on the markets banks should be eager to sell.
9. Look ahead. If you don’t qualify for a mortgage today continue to watch the market and keep up your savings.

For assistance on qualifying for your home purchase or for a Realtor referral contact us directly at JaneNicoletti@schneidersells.com or 636.946.5553 ext. 216.

Source: Bankrate.com
9 Tips for Homebuyers and Sellers in 2009
February 24, 2009

Around St. Charles County

• February 1- February 28: The Big Read “National Endowment for the Arts” - Foundry Art Centre, 520 N. Main Street, St. Charles, MO 63301
• February 4-8: Cirque du Soleil Saltinbanco - St. Charles Family Arena
• February 7-8: Great Train Expo - Saint Charles Convention Center; $7.00 (adults & over 12 yrs.) / under 12 yrs. Free
• Februrary 11: 200 Years of Candy – First Missouri State Capitol Historic Site; 4:00 – 7:30 p.m. FREE
• February 10-21: Wizard of Oz - Lindenwood Center for Fine and Performing Arts Events, 7:30
• February 13-15: Working Women’s Survival Show - Join us February 13-15, 2009 - Friday 11am-8pm, Saturday 9am-7pm & Sunday 12-6pm; $6.50 – $9.50.
• February 14: Mardi Gras Parade – Family Friendly, Historic Frenchtown on North Second Street, 3:00 pm
• February 21-22: Playhouse Disney Live - St. Charles Family Arena