Libraries--The Heart of Communities

Since this is National Library Week, I'm going to make a completely biased post about why libraries are so great beyond the books. So, if you don't mind me showing some library love, then by all means read on.

Libraries today are among the few places where people of all ages can gather for reading, studying, enjoying programs, socializing, or whatever...without paying anything! Sure, you can do the same things in a coffee shop or restaurant, but you have to buy something and you're expected to leave after a reasonable time. In libraries, you can be there the entire day without anyone pushing you out.

You also have real people in libraries to help you--yes, indeed! Actual living, breathing people who are friendly and genuinely want to help you, whether it's finding information or teaching you how to do something on a computer. Where was last place you went that had kind people assisting you? I don't know about you, but I find it so irritating to deal with automated phone trees or touch screens, especially when only an actual person can help me with something.

Ultimately, libraries really are the heart of communities. People of all ethnicities, races, and backgrounds are welcome. And libraries are very community-conscious, thinking about ways to better serve their patrons. English conversational groups for non-native speakers, homework help for young students, and guest speakers discussing retirement issues with older members, are just a few of the many community-centered library offerings. With patrons being the heart of libraries, it's no wonder that libraries are the heart of communities.

Yours truly, cheering on libraries from the perch.

Home Buying, Sweet Home Buying

Buying a house is a stressful experience, something I was reminded of recently while helping my parents (who currently reside in New York) house hunt and navigate buying a house locally. I bought a house with my husband about 10 years ago, and I think everyone who's been through the process will say it's nerve-wracking and confusing, not just because this will likely be the most costly investment you'll ever make, but also because it's difficult maneuvering all the steps and legalese involved.

That's where having a good realtor comes in. The pros of hiring a realtor is having someone guide you through the process and all the legal documents. Another advantage is having someone help with your house hunt and take you on a tour of houses in which you're interested. Sometimes, a realtor will even have the inside scoop on houses that are just about to go on the market, giving you first dibs on what may be your dream house (this is what happened to me and my husband). The big con of having a realtor, however, is paying a commission of up to 3% of the home's sale price.

Whether or not you decide to enlist the services of a realtor in searching for and buying a house, here are some notable resources for helping you start your journey to home ownership:

Books

• Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home by Ilona Bray (643.12 BRA) Various real estate professionals--from brokers and mortgage specialists to home inspectors and others--educate on how to go about buying your first home.
• Buying a Home: The Missing Manual by Nancy Conner (643.12 CON) A real estate expert comprehensively simplifies the basics of buying a home.
• Making the Most of Your Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Benefits by David E. Nelson, Jr. (643.12 NEL) An American veteran/realtor explains how to use your VA home loan benefits to purchase your home.
• Mortgages 101 by David Reed (332.7 REE) Find answers to a number of important questions you may have on taking a home loan.

Online Resources

• "How to Buy a House in 2023" by Rachel Cruze Gives steps on how to finance a home as well as the home-buying process, from house hunting to closing, through the website of personal finance expert Dave Ramsey.
• "Buying a Home" by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Provides a step-by-step guide in buying a home.
• "How to Find a Real Estate Agent: Where to Look and What to Ask" by Natalie Way Offers tips on finding a realtor and key questions to ask.

Of course, once you find that perfect place, the next big thing is moving all your furniture, household goods, and classic paperback book collection into it. Discussing adventures in moving, though, is something best left for a future post.

Wishing you happy times at home from the perch.