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Selling Your Home During the Holidays
A Festive Guide (and recipe) for Selling During the Holidays
Selling your home during the holidays might seem like a daunting task, but it can actually be a fantastic opportunity. With the right approach, you can make your home stand out and attract serious buyers who are ready to make a move. Plus, you get to enjoy the festive spirit while doing it! Here’s how to make the most of selling your home during the holiday season.
Deck the Halls (But Not Too Much)
First things first, holiday decorations can make your home feel warm and inviting, but moderation is key. You want to highlight your home’s best features, not overshadow them with an inflatable Santa. A tasteful wreath on the door, some twinkling lights, and a cozy fireplace setup can create a welcoming atmosphere without overwhelming potential buyers.
Holiday Joke #1: Why was the snowman looking through the carrots? He was picking his nose!
Highlight the Cozy Factor
Winter is the perfect time to showcase how cozy and comfortable your home can be. Make sure your home is warm and well-lit for showings. Light a fire in the fireplace, set out some plush throws, and maybe even bake some cookies for that irresistible homey scent. Buyers will appreciate the extra effort to make them feel at home.
One-Pot Recipe: Easy Holiday Green Beans
Need a quick and easy side dish to bring to a holiday gathering? Try this one-pot green bean recipe that’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the green beans. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Drain the beans and set aside.
- In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the green beans back to the pot, toss to coat with the garlic and oil.
- Stir in the almonds, season with salt and pepper, and squeeze lemon juice over the top.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Embrace the Serious Buyers
One of the perks of selling during the holidays is that buyers who are house hunting at this time are often more serious. They’re likely motivated by a job relocation, a change in family situation, or other pressing reasons. This means fewer tire-kickers and more genuine interest in your property.
Holiday Joke #2: What do you get if you cross a snowman and a dog? Frostbite!
Keep It Simple
While it’s important to keep your home show-ready, don’t stress yourself out. The holidays are busy enough without adding extra pressure. Keep your home clean and tidy, but don’t worry about achieving perfection. Buyers will understand that it’s a busy time of year.
Conclusion
Selling your home during the holidays can be a joyful and rewarding experience. By creating a warm, inviting atmosphere and taking advantage of the season’s unique opportunities, you can attract serious buyers and make a successful sale. So, put on your favorite holiday tunes, enjoy the process, and maybe even share a laugh or two along the way. Happy selling and happy holidays! 🎄🏡
Discovering Briarcliffe: A Gem in Wheaton, IL
Nestled in the charming city of Wheaton, IL, the Briarcliffe neighborhood offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. Whether you’re a prospective homebuyer or simply curious about this delightful area, here’s a closer look at what makes Briarcliffe special.
A Brief History
Briarcliffe’s development began in the 1970s, a period marked by rapid suburban growth in Wheaton. The neighborhood was designed to provide a peaceful residential environment while still being close to the city’s amenities. Over the years, Briarcliffe has maintained its appeal with well-maintained homes, lush green spaces, and a strong sense of community.
Proximity to Shopping and Attractions
One of Briarcliffe’s standout features is its convenient location. Residents enjoy easy access to a variety of shopping centers, museums, and other attractions:
- Shopping: Just a short drive away, you’ll find the Danada Square Shopping Center, which offers a range of retail stores, restaurants, and services. For a more extensive shopping experience, the Yorktown Center and Oakbrook Center are also within a 20-minute drive.
- Museums: History buffs will appreciate the proximity to the DuPage County Historical Museum, located about 10 minutes away in downtown Wheaton. This museum offers fascinating exhibits on the region’s history and heritage.
- Parks and Recreation: Briarcliffe is home to the serene Briar Patch Park, a 21.5-acre oasis perfect for walking, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors1. Additionally, the nearby Herrick Lake Forest Preserve provides ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation.
Community and Lifestyle
Briarcliffe is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The neighborhood features a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and condos, catering to a variety of lifestyles and preferences. The community is also served by highly rated schools, making it a focal area for many. This includes the College of DuPage, which is just down the road. The campus is rich with options for anyone looking to expand their horizons or simply attend concerts and art shows at the McAninch Art Center.
Conclusion
Briarcliffe offers the perfect balance of suburban peace and urban convenience. With its rich history, excellent location, and strong community spirit, it’s no wonder that Briarcliffe remains one of Wheaton’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Whether you’re looking to move or just exploring, Briarcliffe is definitely worth a visit.
For more information on Briarcliffe and Wheaton, check out these resources:
Happy exploring! 🏡✨
Make Buyers Fall in Love with Your House
3 Steps to Making Buyers Fall in Love with Your House (and Maybe Even Laugh)
So, you’ve decided to sell your home. Congratulations! Now, let’s make sure your house is the belle of the real estate ball. For guidance through every step of the home selling process in Chicago and suburbs, contact Cyndi Dumontelle to leverage over 20 years of home selling experience. Even these initial steps of preparing your home for sale can make all the difference in whether your home receives the attention deserving of top dollar offers.
Here are three essential tips to prepare your home for sale, with a sprinkle of humor to keep things light:
1. Declutter and Depersonalize: The Great Purge
Imagine walking into a house and seeing a wall of family photos staring back at you. It’s like being in a museum of strangers! To avoid this, channel your inner Marie Kondo and start decluttering. If it doesn’t spark joy, it’s gotta go. And those personal items? Pack them up. Buyers need to envision their own awkward family photos on those walls, not yours.
The key takeaway here is that you want people to imagine themselves living in the home rather than feeling like they’re visiting yours.
2. Enhance Curb Appeal: Love at First Sight
First impressions are everything. Think of your home as a contestant on a reality dating show. You want it to stand out and make a great first impression. Mow the lawn, plant some flowers, and maybe even give the front door a fresh coat of paint. If your house looks like it’s ready for a magazine cover, buyers will be swiping right in no time. A welcoming first impression leaves them wanting for more, and buyers can’t help but be excited at what awaits inside.
Bonus tip on making your home more appealing: when the buyers rush inside, you want to make sure there is a natural flow… Although some furniture placement might be practical in day to day use, you want to make sure that the walking flow is easy from room to room and not hindered by having to walk around things.
3. Make Necessary Repairs and Clean Thoroughly: The Spa Treatment
Nobody wants to buy a house that looks like it’s been through a frat party. Fix those leaky faucets, tighten those loose handles, and give your home a deep clean. Think of it as a spa day for your house. A sparkling clean, well-maintained home tells buyers, “I’m worth it!” Plus, it’s a lot easier to sell a house that doesn’t smell like last week’s leftovers.
In other words, a home that shines (literally) leaves buyers with confidence that the home has been lovingly cared for.
By following these tips, you’ll have buyers falling head over heels for your home. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even have a little fun in the process.
How Has Remote Work Changed Homebuying in Northern Illinois?
Are you a remote worker dreaming of more space and a quieter environment? You’re not alone! The rise of remote work has significantly impacted homebuyers in Chicago and Northern Illinois, leading to some fascinating trends and changes in the housing market. Even with many people returning to the office, the trend seems to be a hybrid approach that only requires office visits weekly or monthly.
This begs the question “if I only have to go into the city once in a while, why not enjoy my surroundings the rest of the time?” As long as you have quick access to I-90, I-94, 290, or a Metra stop, you can basically live anywhere throughout Chicagoland. Let’s dive into how this shift is reshaping the way people buy homes in this region:
Shift to Suburban and Rural Areas
With the newfound flexibility to work from anywhere, many homebuyers are moving away from urban centers like Chicago to suburban and rural areas in Northern Illinois. This shift is driven by the desire for more space, both indoors and outdoors, which tends to be more affordable and available as you move further away from the lakefront. According to a report by the Economic Innovation Group, this trend is not just a temporary blip but a significant shift in housing preferences.
Increased Demand for Larger Homes
Remote work has increased the demand for larger homes with dedicated office spaces. Homebuyers are looking for properties that can accommodate home offices, which has led to a surge in the market for single-family homes with extra rooms or finished basements. This demand is reflected in the National Association of Realtors’ findings that show a growing preference for homes with more square footage and flexible spaces. Even when only being used for a few days a week, dedicated home office spaces have become more and more prominent in buyers’ preference lists.
Rising Home Prices
The increased demand for suburban and rural homes has driven up prices in these areas. Northern Illinois has seen a significant rise in home prices as more people seek to escape the city for more spacious living environments. This trend has made it more challenging for first-time homebuyers to enter the market. For a deeper dive into how this is affecting your local market, contact Cyndi Dumontelle to request a market report with data about your desired town. You can also use the Move Meter in the menu above to compare data about two towns you might be considering.
Enhanced Home Features
Buyers are prioritizing homes with features that support remote work and comfortable living. High-speed internet, home offices, and outdoor spaces have become key selling points. Homes with these features are selling faster and often at higher prices. The Home Improvement Research Institute notes that these features are now top priorities for many buyers.
Changes in Housing Supply
The surge in demand has also affected housing supply. Builders and developers are focusing more on constructing homes that cater to the needs of remote workers. This includes homes with open floor plans, multiple office spaces, and enhanced technological infrastructure. This shift is evident in the latest construction trends reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Conclusion
The remote work trend has reshaped the housing market in Chicago and Northeastern Illinois, making suburban and rural areas more desirable and driving up home prices. Homebuyers are seeking larger, more functional homes that can accommodate their new work-from-home lifestyles. As this trend continues, it will be interesting to see how the market adapts and evolves.
So, if you’re a remote worker, or working hybrid, and are looking to make a move, now might be the perfect time to find your dream home in a more rural or suburban setting outside of Chicago proper. Just remember, while you’re enjoying your new spacious home office, don’t forget to take a break and enjoy the extra room for activities! 🏡💻
#MoveWithCyndi #CyndiDumontelle #ColdwellBankerRealty #RemoteWork #HomeBuying #NorthernIllinois #RealEstateTrends #WorkFromHomeLife
Wheaton, IL Home Sellers: Market Insights for September 2024
As a home seller in Wheaton, IL, staying informed about the latest market trends is crucial for making strategic decisions. As a Realtor focused in the Wheaton real estate market since 1996, Cyndi Dumontelle has been a go-to resource for home sellers looking to reap the benefits of the care they’ve put into their homes. If you’re considering a move of your own, contact Cyndi today for a confidential conversation about your options in the upcoming market! 630-808-3328
NOW… Let’s dive into the key statistics from September 2024 to understand the current landscape.
Sales Price/List Price Ratio
The sales price/list price ratio is a vital indicator of market health. This ratio, expressed as a percentage, compares the average sale price to the average list price of sold properties. A ratio above 100% means homes are selling for more than their list price, while a ratio below 100% indicates they are selling for less. In September 2024, Wheaton’s ratio was 99.89%, mirroring the figures from both the previous month and September 2023. This stability suggests a balanced market where homes are selling very close to their listed prices.
Median Sales Price
The median sales price in September 2024 was $424,500, reflecting a slight decrease of -1.28% from August’s $430,000. However, this figure is a significant 20.43% increase from $352,500 in September 2023. This year-over-year rise highlights a robust appreciation in home values, making it a favorable time for sellers looking to capitalize on their investments.
Average Sales Price
The average sales price in September 2024 stood at $459,176, down -7.40% from $495,857 in August. Despite this monthly dip, the average price is still 7.77% higher than the $426,053 recorded in September 2023. This indicates that while there may be short-term fluctuations, the overall trend points to a healthy increase in property values over the past year.
Conclusion
For home sellers in Wheaton, IL, the current market conditions offer a promising outlook. With stable sales price/list price ratios and significant year-over-year price increases, now is an opportune time to consider selling your property. So, let’s get the marketing wheels rolling, give your home a little curb appeal TLC, and get ready to make your neighbors green with envy. After all, who doesn’t love a good bidding war? Call Cyndi to get started today 630-808-3328 Happy selling! 🏡💰
#MoveWithCyndi #CyndiDumontelle #ColdwellBankerRealty #September2024 #marketdata #homepreparation #homeselling #happyclients
Essential Winter Preparations for Chicago Homeowners
As the vibrant colors of fall give way to the chilly winds of winter, Chicago area homeowners must brace themselves for the season’s challenges. Preparing your home for winter not only ensures comfort but also helps avoid costly repairs. Here are five crucial steps to get your home winter-ready.
1. Inspect and Clean Gutters
One of the first tasks on your winter prep list should be inspecting and cleaning your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can cause significant water damage to your roof and walls. Make sure to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris. Consider installing gutter guards to keep them clear throughout the season. If you are in need of any contractors, contact Cyndi Dumontelle for vendor referrals you can trust.
2. Seal Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors can significantly increase your heating costs. Check for drafts by feeling around the edges of windows and doors. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal any gaps. This simple step can make a big difference in keeping your home warm and energy-efficient.
3. Service Your Heating System
Your heating system is your best friend during a Chicago winter. Schedule a professional inspection and servicing of your furnace or boiler to ensure it’s running efficiently. Replace filters regularly and consider having your ducts cleaned to improve air quality and system performance.
4. Insulate Pipes
Frozen pipes are a common issue in winter, leading to bursts and water damage. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages. Foam pipe insulation or heat tape can be effective solutions. Weatherproofers urge owners to keep your home’s temperature above 55°F, even when you’re away, to prevent pipes from freezing.
5. Check Your Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Inspect it for any damaged or missing shingles and have them repaired promptly. Ensure your attic is properly insulated to prevent heat loss and ice dams. Proper insulation can also help maintain a consistent temperature inside your home, reducing heating costs.
Additional Tips
- Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure they are working correctly and replace batteries if needed.
- Stock Up on Supplies: Keep a supply of salt or sand for icy walkways, and ensure you have shovels or a snow blower ready.
- Trim Trees and Shrubs: Remove any dead branches that could fall and cause damage during a storm.
Conclusion
By taking these steps, you can enjoy a warm, safe, and comfortable winter in your Chicago home. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can save you from unexpected expenses and ensure your home remains a cozy haven during the cold months. By following these tips, you can ensure your home is well-prepared to face the harsh Chicago winter. Stay warm and safe!
#MoveWithCyndi #CyndiDumontelle #ColdwellBankerRealty #WinterPrep #HomeMaintenance #ChicagoWinter #EnergyEfficiency #HomeSafety
Taking the Plunge: A First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide to Finding Your Cozy Nest
Hey there, future homeowners and enthusiastic nest seekers! If you’ve been daydreaming about bidding farewell to your landlord and embracing the exciting world of homeownership, you’re in for a treat.
This post is your guide to making that big leap from renting to owning, and I’m here to hold your hand every step of the way. Welcome to the exhilarating adventure of finding your very own cozy nest! My name is Cyndi DuMontelle, and I’ve been helping First-Time Homebuyers step into the Real Estate Market for almost 30 years. You’re in good hands! If you have any questions, please contact me for the next steps you can take toward home ownership.
Unraveling the Mystery: Insights for First-Time Homebuyers
Let’s kick things off by saying that you’re not alone in this journey. The prospect of buying your first home can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking, but fear not! I’ve got your back with a treasure trove of insights that will ease your worries and empower you to take confident strides toward homeownership.
- The Budget Breakdown: Before you dive into the sea of listings, it’s essential to know your budget. You’ll hear the term “pre-approval” out there, and I can tell you that it’s not a step to skip or put out of order. I’ve had clients who were too excited to get things moving (pun intended), and they ended up breaking their own hearts–let me explain: I believe in setting you up for financial success right from the start. If you don’t have a budget or pre-approval in hand, it’s easy to lose sight of what is practical for you, inevitably you’ll fall in love with a home outside your reach, and you’ll likely give up because no home will ever look as good as the one you couldn’t afford. Let’s start you out looking at what you can afford so your budget stays reasonable and comfortable.
- The Neighborhood Quest: Finding the perfect neighborhood is like discovering the missing piece of a puzzle. My website allows you to research different areas, evaluate local amenities, and decide what suits your lifestyle. Because your home is more than just four walls—it’s the community you become a part of. An old real estate saying goes like this: “location, location, location…” Enjoy your home AND love where you live.
“I really didn’t want to look at the house that Cyndi wanted me to see. She assured me that the photos online didn’t do the home justice. I’m so glad I listened to her guidance…she was spot on! My new home was exactly what I was looking for in Wheaton, and I almost missed it because the photos weren’t impressing me online.” ~ Paul from Wheaton, IL
Debunking Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction
Ah, myths—the stuff that often clouds our judgment and decision-making. Let’s bust a few myths that might be holding you back from taking the plunge.
- Myth #1: You Need a Perfect Credit Score: It’s time to toss this myth out the window. While a good credit score is essential, it doesn’t have to be perfect. I have colleagues to guide you on improving your credit and securing a mortgage that fits your situation.
- Myth #2: Down Payments Are Insurmountable: No, you don’t need to drain your savings for a down payment. My mortgage partners will discuss different down payment options and special programs that meet your needs, including some creative strategies to make this step more manageable.
Guiding You Through the Exciting Adventure
From browsing listings to making an offer, I’m with you every step of the way. I don’t have a fancy assistant that you meet with instead of me. I typically limit my clients to just 3-4 at a time, and three out of four times, I can expect to work with someone else they know because my business is largely based on the referrals of happy clients. You’ll work with me and my “dream team” of professional inspectors, mortgage partners and real estate attorneys toward helping you feel comfortable in your decision to find your way to “home”. Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter—the adventure of finding your cozy nest.
- The House Hunt: Searching for your dream home is like embarking on a treasure hunt. It can get you excited, imagining the day when it’s yours. It can also call for patience when the “treasure” wasn’t where you thought it’d be. I will share tips along the way to narrow down your preferences and help you recognize those hidden gems that align with your vision.
- Sealing the Deal: Making an offer can feel like confessing your feelings to a crush. But don’t worry, together we’ll demystify the process, guide you through negotiations, and help you understand and fill out the paperwork involved.
Are you excited yet? Well, I’m excited for you! The journey from renting to owning is one filled with anticipation, dreams, and perhaps a touch of uncertainty. But remember, you’re not alone. I’m here to provide expert advice, friendly guidance, and a dose of encouragement as you step into this new chapter.
So, dear reader, if you’re still reading, I think it’s time to join me on this new venture. Together, we’ll navigate the world of first-time homebuying, unravel the mysteries, and celebrate your journey toward finding your very own cozy nest. Get ready to open the door to new beginnings!
Resources to Further Fuel Your Journey:
- The Ultimate Guide to First-Time Homebuying: This comprehensive guide covers everything from financial readiness to the final closing steps, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your exciting journey.
- 10 Common Myths About Homebuying: Debunking myths is our thing! Check out this article to clear up misconceptions and gain a clearer perspective on what it takes to become a homeowner.
Remember, your cozy nest is just around the corner. Let’s explore, learn, and make your homeownership dreams a reality. Happy reading and happy house hunting! 🏡🔑
Cyndi DuMontelle is a licensed real estate broker in Illinois with Coldwell Banker Realty. Cyndi has over 25 years in real estate experience as a licensee, property investor, former flipper, and guide to many. Cyndi has guided renters through the building process to first time home ownership, a move up to a second home, third home, and eventually to downsizing into a forever home or other living arrangements for the elderly. As a certified Senior Real Estate Specialist, Cyndi DuMontelle has a special place in her heart for people working through the emotions of moving away from a long time home and the memories held there. No matter where you are in your real estate journey…remember to “Buy and Sell with DuMontelle”.
Buyer Programs for 2023
Doing your income tax and realizing how much you pay Uncle Sam! What are the breaks when you own property? Why should you make that step in your life.
Many people aren’t aware that they can deduct property taxes and interest on their mortgage up to $10,000 (need to check faqs), EVERY YEAR! Car insurance rates are lower for homeowners. Homeowners can take out an equity line for purchases of a car as well as home improvements as they get equity. You pay your mortgage you pay yourself in equity, you pay your landlord and FLUSH the money away! And if you change your mind you can move anytime, you don’t need to worry about breaking a lease.
If you want to understand your personal opportunities then talk to an experienced lender that is recommended by a Realtor or a close family or friend that has experienced that lender and loan officer’s services. Not all lenders offer all programs. Internet lenders and banks tend to not have the experience of long term loan officers. If someone has been a loan officer for a long time they are good at what they do or they wouldn’t be around since it is a commission based job.
There are so many programs you may not know that are available and an experienced lender will ask a lot of questions and fit you into the program that is custom fit for you. They are also great at getting you ready for qualification of a loan if you need to improve credit, pay off bills etc. They don’t charge for their consultations so why not call one today at plan your future.
Here are some wonderful (and knowledgeable) choices:
Kim Murphy, Draper & Kramer Mortgage
630-235-3917 or kim.murphy@dkmortgage.com
630-546-3958 or CJ.Paloucek@grarate.com
Rent Versus Buy
Over the weekend I ran across a friend of my son’s who had recently been able to settle on some of his student loans and so he was thinking about finally buying a property. Until now he had been renting since college, at first very affordably but now was entered into the new rental price range of $2000+. Our discussion led to the extremely high cost to rent these days, as well as, the housing costs and the increase in interest rates in the high 6% to low 7% range. He felt discouraged as to how to get ahead and be able to buy a townhouse or small single family home. “It was like being on an endless treadmill of high rent and not being able to get ahead of it and save to buy a house” he said. How could he pay $2000 for a 2 bedroom apartment and save for a 20% down payment on a home?
My “Realtor hat” went on at that point and I explained to him that he didn’t need to save 20% for a down payment. 3 to 5% and decent credit could get him into his own place. I thought some of this information might be helpful to share. When you rent your entire rent goes to support the bank account of your landlord. Why support your landlord when you can support yourself? When you make a mortgage payment part of that payment pays down your principal and you gain equity in your home. Eventually that will pay off your home, but along the way it allows you to reduce your income taxes each year. If the need arises, you can even take a loan against your equity to improve your home or maybe make another large purchase. You can’t do that with rent!
The simple scenario* might be:
- Rent of $2188 for 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment 991 sq ft, no garage and no pets allowed.
- Purchase a townhouse with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and a garage a mile away for $200,000 with a homeowner’s association fee of $259 and taxes of $3172 a year for housing payment of just $1585 (with $6000 down).
- Comparison: A monthly savings of $600 if you were to pay the same as the rental you could have 3 bedroom, 1.1 bath townhouse with a basement and attached garage. Or a comparable single family home with 3 bedrooms 2 baths and a one car garage $1862 a month.
Today there are first time buyer programs that help with down payment and closing costs. The key thing to work on while you are renting is to pay your debts on time and to pay down all the credit cards possible. A credit score in the high 700s or 800s will get you the best rate, and that is the key factor in having a lower payment.
There are many resources available to help with planning. PowerPay.org has a wonderful array of tools that can assist your journey. Their service requires you sign up so you can refer back to your plan, yet it is free and very educational.
Waiting for “another year” to get a better price on a home, better rate on a home or to save more money is not the best choice if you have good credit. In the course of one year you will potentially pay your landlord $24,000. Money is gone forever and the cycle continues.
With minimal savings and a good lender and maybe a little help from the family you can buy a first place and break the cycle of lining your landlord’s pockets instead of your own. Whether you’re ready to make your move now or are getting started on your journey, don’t forget to align yourself with an experienced and patient Realtor.
Cyndi DuMontelle is a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Realty who is known for her educating, patient, and knowledgeable approach to all her clients’ real estate needs. Cyndi works with first time home buyers, first time sellers, long term owners, executives relocating, and is also certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist for those long term owners who are ready to downsize or right-size for the next chapter in their lives.
* Scenario is strictly for illustrative purposes. Contact your financial advisor or lending institution for rates and payments that apply to your personal situation.
