NLIC.org

Misty Said:

What is the average cost of living in France?

We Answered:

I am sorry to have to disappoint you but , if you are not an EU citizen, it is practically impossible to move to France or any EU country.
The rules of immigration to France and the other signatory nations to the Schengen Treaty state that only foreigners who have particular skills or qualifications which cannot be found within the EU can move and work there. The first requisite for France is that they should be fluent in French, the second is that you must be sponsored by an organisation or a firm that is already established on French soil, and they must prove that the candidate they choose has these special skills or knowledge.
Unemployment is extremely high and so are taxes. Many highly qualified people have been made redundant and have to take menial jobs to feed themselves. France is going through a recesssion and prices have rocketed. Life is cheaper by far in the USA. As a foreigner that has not paid anything into the system you are not eligible for free or almost free health care.
I am French and one of my daughters married in America. She lives in New England. Her house is a palace compared to the average French accomodation. Household things, clothes, shoes, toys, fuel, cars and many foods there are amazingly cheap compared to France. Each time I go to see her, I stock up on shoes and clothes. Even luxury goods are cheaper and I am so disappointed that I cannot bring back some of the things I see there. So do not be too disappointed as you are enjoying many advantages where you are.
If it is any consolation, it is just as difficult for us to move to the USA which have also stringent immigration rules for non Americans.

Alan Said:

Is a House a Liability or Asset?

We Answered:

This day and age? It's a liability as I still think we are headed for a crash.

But even in the good ol days when houses were appreciating in value, it still might not have been that great. You would see someone buy a house for 100k and sell it 10 years later for more than what they paid. And they are thinking "Hey! I just made money on my house". But you have to do the math...not even including all the maintenance. Just the percentage at which it appreciated versus the interest percentage you paid to the mortgage. If you had a 6% loan but the house only appreciated 5%, then you were in the hole. Generally speaking, you will pay 3-4 times the price of the house if you paid it off in 30 years. That's a lotta money.

Carol Said:

Trying to pick the right house , found two , now which one ?!?

We Answered:

I don't think you are paying enough attention to location. Both of these that is your big complaint- and that will determine your resale years from now more than anything else.

From listening to what you said- I think you really only want the big old one. Look at the bad part of the neighborhood- do you think ten years from now it will be better or worse?
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Let's assume this will be your forever home...Do you know why location is by far the most important element in determining value of a piece of real estate? Because it is the one thing you really can't change. Pay a lot more attention to the location!

Tracy Said:

Only answer if you live in a 2 person house in Fl & Wi?

We Answered:

I live in FL. I have 2 adults and a small child living in my house.

1. Your water bill, paid montly in most counties, will depend on consumption. If you have a pool, water your lawn, take long showers...etc. There is a penalty in place for consuming more then a certain amount of water in a month's time, but I've never hit it. I water my lawn only about 1 time every 2 weeks. My average water bill? About 12/ month.

2. My waste company charges about $21/3 months.

3. This year, my taxes were about 1800, as was my HO insurance. Rates generally increase some each year. The property taxes will depend on the size/value of your house.

4. I don't pay a separate Sewage charge.

5. Again, electric varies upon usage. In Florida, expect it to be much higher in the summer then the winter. I pay about $100/month during the winter, and $150-$175 during the summer months.

6. There are apartments that include these things. Try apartmenthunters.com for searches on them.

Micheal Said:

I am so frustrated with this liberal conservative bull crap about health insurance?

We Answered:

You will be responsible for the deductible each calendar year. It applies to all things that are covered. However, if something is not covered and it costs you $500 out of pocket, then $500 is not added to deductible.

Irma Said:

I'm looking for the cost of rebuilding a 3600 sq. foot house?

We Answered:

Check what new houses in your area are selling for. Deduct the cost of the lot. That should put you in the ball park.

Call a couple of builders and just ask. You may be surprised how willing they are to share "ball park" costs with you. I did that before we set the budget for our new house and it was very helpful.

Our insurance company (State Farm) keeps track of that info and the agent is usually willing to share such info.