The 3 Rules I Always Recommend For Home Inspections

 

Do I need a home inspection?

Ever wonder what home inspectors ACTUALLY do?

How can I tell if the home inspector is good or not?

 

What is the purpose of a home inspection?  Well, there are things about the home that the regular buyer is unaware about.  When you buy a used car, do you take it to the mechanic to make sure it’s not a lemon?  If you’d spend $100 on the purchase of a $10,000 used car, why wouldn’t you spend $300 – $500 on the largest purchase a family will likely ever make?

 

There are 3 “Always” that I recommend for my clients.  

1.  Always Do a Home Inspection

There are exceptions when a home inspection isn’t typically needed.  Some exceptions include:

– If you are a builder and you’re just buying the land that the house is on in order to tear down, then you may not care if the house is falling apart or not.  

– If it’s a brand new home built by a reputable developer, then you also probably do not need a home inspection

– If you’re in a crazy hot real estate market and the only way to buy the home you want is to write subject free offers, then you also may not need a home inspection

There are others and it depends on the situation so talk with your Realtor.

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5 Calorie-Torching Strength Moves That Boost Weight Loss

When it comes to strength training, knowing what to do can be more challenging than knowing how to do it. We all understand that resistance training can play an important role in everything from weight loss and maintenance to building lean mass and overall fitness, but you may still find yourself asking, “How do I actually create a strength-training program that helps me meet my individual goals?”

If your main objective is weight loss, focusing on compound exercises is a great place to start. Resistance training is often broken down into two categories: isolation and compound exercises. While isolation exercises employ movements that involve a single joint, like a biceps curl, compound exercises require the use of multiple joints, like a squat to overhead press, done in one fluid movement.

While both isolation and compound exercises are important for overall fitness, the latter are usually favored when weight loss is the goal. Compound movements require you to utilize multiple muscle groups, thereby offering a greater total-body workout in less time. When you’re looking to shed a few pounds, the more muscles you can work, the more calories you burn. Compound strength training also offers additional benefits, like improved balance, enhanced coordination and increased joint stability.

Even better, these exercises can be done in the comfort of your own home with a simple set of dumbbells. Done 2–3 times per week in conjunction with some cardio training, research shows that you can both shed fat and gain muscle simultaneously, something that cardio workouts alone can’t do as efficiently.

Start out with one set of this routine and graduate to 2–3 sets as you get stronger. Remember that you should finish each exercise feeling somewhat tired but not so fatigued that you can’t maintain proper form. If you think your technique is suffering, reduce either the dumbbell weight or the number of reps.

Squat to Overhead Press

Works: Glutes, hamstrings, quads, core, biceps, shoulders, upper back
Complete: 8–12 reps
How: Hold a weight — either a kettlebell or dumbbell held vertically — at chest height. With your feet hip-width apart, bend your knees and lower your backside down into a squat. Keep your knees in line with your feet and your abs pulled in. As you stand back up, press the weight over your head in a smooth movement before returning it to your chest.

Bird Dog

Works: Abs, lower back, hips, glutes
Complete: 8–12 per side
How: On your hands and knees, situate your knees beneath your hips and your hands beneath your shoulders. Pull in your abs as you raise and extend your right arm out in front of your body. At the same time, raise your left leg and extend it directly behind your body. After extending, bring your right hand and left knee to meet beneath your torso and repeat. Then switch sides.

Lunge to Curl

Works: Quads, biceps
Complete: 8–12 per side
How: Standing with a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, step forward with your right leg, and lower your body down until your left knee nearly touches the ground. As you return to the starting position, curl the dumbbells up toward your chest. Bring them back down to your sides, and repeat on the other side.

Bicycle Crunch

Works: Abs, obliques, lower back, quads
Complete: 15 per side
How: Take the position you would for a normal crunch with your hands resting lightly behind your head. Be careful not to pull on your head and neck during this exercise. Take your feet off the floor and bend your knees to 45-degree angles. As you lift your head and shoulders off the ground, engage your core and draw in your right knee toward your chest, meeting it with your left elbow in a slight twisting motion. Bring that leg and arm back to the starting position, and alternate sides.

Beginner Burpee

Works: Quads, hamstrings, abs, deltoids, pecs, triceps
Complete: 8–12
How: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Squat down, put your hands down on the floor and step back into a push-up position. Do a push-up and then step your feet back to your hands one at a time. As you come back to the starting position, jump up into the air and then repeat the entire sequence in a continuous movement.

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10 Quick & Hearty Wrap Ideas Under 350 Calories

Let’s face it—pretty much everything tastes better wrapped in bread (not to mention the fact that it converts any meal into one that’s portable!). Sweet, savory, meaty and veggie-friendly, we’ve got all the wrap bases covered with these 10 simple ways to satisfy your wrap cravings, all for 350 calories or less. Dig in!

1. Tuna Salad Pita Wrap | Pickled Plum
There’s nothing quite like a tuna salad sandwich! In this tasty version, homemade tuna salad is wrapped in a whole grain pita with fresh tomato and creamy avocado. A dash of turmeric gives this some superfood flair. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1/2 pita with 1/4 of the tuna salad, 1 tomato slice, and 1/4 of an avocado each.

Nutrition (per serving):  Calories: 347; Total Fat: 18g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Monounsaturated Fat: 13g; Cholesterol: 41mg; Sodium: 741mg; Carbohydrate: 29g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 19g

 

 

2. Curried Chickpea Salad Lettuce Wraps | Naturally Ella
This chickpea salad calls for Greek yogurt rather than mayonnaise for tang and creaminess without the extra fat and calories. For added crunch and flavor, add finely chopped celery and a handful of golden raisins. Swap the yogurt for vegan mayo to make this dairy-free. Serve in romaine leaves or in a whole grain pita. Recipe makes 2 servings.

Nutrition (per serving):  Calories: 344; Total Fat: 9g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 1mg; Sodium: 947mg; Carbohydrate: 51g; Dietary Fiber: 18g; Sugar: 21g; Protein: 3g

 

3. Southwestern Steak, Corn, and Black Bean Wraps | Cooking Light
Make lunch a fiesta with these delicious Mexican-inspired wraps complete with homemade corn salsa, and pepper jack cheese. Change it up by heating them in the oven for a hot lunch! Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or even better, Greek yogurt. Recipe makes 6 servings at 1 wrap each.

Nutrition (per serving):  Calories: 327; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 37mg; Sodium: 796mg; Carbohydrate: 40g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 21g

 

4. Waldorf Chicken Wrap | Love & Zest
Peppery arugula pairs beautifully with crisp Gala apple, sweet dried plums, and creamy Greek yogurt in these delectable chicken wraps. The best thing about them is that you likely have everything you need to make them right in your pantry. Score! Recipe makes 4 servings at 1 wrap each.

Nutrition (per serving):  Calories: 333; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 84mg; Sodium: 976mg; Carbohydrate: 30g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 25g

5. Greek Style Chicken Wraps | Cooking Light
Store-bought rotisserie chicken, tomatoes, hummus, olives, and fresh lemon juice make these delightful wraps a lunchtime favorite. Load up on the baby spinach to make this quick meal even more nutritious. Recipe makes 6 servings at 1 wrap each.

Nutrition (per serving):  Calories: 237; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 27mg; Sodium: 559mg; Carbohydrate: 27g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 0g; Protein: 12g

6. Clean Eating Banana Wraps | The Gracious Pantry
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these customizable breakfast-friendly wraps. Almond butter and ripe banana make a mighty fine wrap, but feel free to add cinnamon, flaked coconut, or fruit-sweetened jam to spice things up. The kids will adore these—guaranteed!

Nutrition (per serving):  Calories: 286; Total Fat: 16g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 7g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 138mg; Carbohydrate: 30g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 9g; Protein: 10g

7. Egg and Hummus Breakfast Wrap | Eating Bird Food
Make the classic egg breakfast portable by stuffing the goods in a hearty whole grain tortilla. Hummus adds creaminess while feta adds just the right amount of tang. Including fresh spinach and button mushrooms means you’re guaranteed to get a serving of veggies early in the a.m.! Recipe makes 1 serving.

Nutrition (per serving):  Calories: 300; Total Fat 13g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 193mg; Sodium: 574mg; Carbohydrate: 27g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 21g

8. Roasted Red Pepper Wraps | Maebells
This veggie-packed wrap makes for a simple, fresh, and super tasty lunch or dinner option. Creamy goat cheese and tangy feta make them extra crave-able. Serve in whole grain wraps with roasted garlic hummus for dipping. Recipe makes 1 serving.

Nutrition (per serving):  Calories: 236; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 48mg; Sodium: 769mg; Carbohydrate: 27g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 9g

9. Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps | MyFitnessPal’s Original Recipes
Who says wraps have to involve bread? This tasty lower-carb alternative highlights lean ground turkey and sautéed veggies served in tender butter lettuce leaves. Make the filling ahead of time so you can have it on hand in the freezer for quick wraps any day of the week! To serve, sprinkle with sharp shredded cheddar and chopped chives. Recipe makes 4 servings at 6 lettuce wraps with 1/4 cup turkey mixture each + 6 tablespoons sour cream.

Nutrition (per serving):  Calories: 337; Total Fat: 19g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 98mg; Sodium: 470mg; Carbohydrate: 15g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 27g

10. Egg and Bean Breakfast Burrito | MyFitnessPal’s Original Recipes
Tasty and convenient, these fuss-free wraps make a tasty lunch or quick dinner that’s budget-friendly, too! If you don’t have salsa on hand, feel free to add tomatoes and your favorite herbs and spices. Recipe makes 2 servings at 1/2 burrito each.

Nutrition (per serving):  Calories: 263; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 423mg; Sodium: 408mg; Carbohydrate: 23g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 18g

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The Content Marketer’s Sure-Fire Strategy for Success [Ebook]

Content marketing is all the buzz right now and everyone seems to be jumping into it, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. And yet, it’s essential for any organization that wants to stay competitive.

Sales pitches don’t work anymore; consumers find them irritating if they even notice them at all. What they will pay attention to is information that’s educational, entertaining, personal, or relevant. This makes good content essential.

Content can be effective in many different formats, from blog posts and infographics to videos and podcasts. Written content—such as white papers, case studies, and ebooks—isn’t just one of the most common types of content in use, it’s also the most important for marketers.

“In a nutshell, content marketing is a savvy way to soft sell. Get it right and you’re rewarded with increased sales, better leads, higher customer engagement, and stronger brand loyalty.”
— From The Content Marketer’s Sure-Fire Strategy for Success

According to the Content Marketing Institute, 88 percent of B2B marketers said they used content marketing—but just 30 percent felt they were doing it effectively. Coming up with a content plan that works can be intimidating and elusive.

That’s why Upwork and HubSpot teamed up to create “The Content Marketer’s Sure-Fire Strategy for Success,” a free ebook that offers a two-step plan to help any organization reach their content marketing goals. You’ll learn how to create:

1. A solid content strategy
2. A winning writing strategy

A content strategy is a plan that helps you determine what topics you should tackle and how you’ll organize the content you create. You’ll learn how to:

• Assess which topics will have the greatest value for you
• Differentiate the good content ideas from the great
• Score keyword volume and value
• Organize your content and create a structure for it.

For an introduction to creating content, “How to Choose Topics That Deliver Serious ROI” highlights how to choose the best topics—and how to avoid the one mistake most marketers make.

From there, you’ll see how a writing strategy will help bring your plan to life. You’ll learn how to:

• Blend local and virtual talent to form your ideal content team
• Find professionals with the right skills
• Keep your team on deadline
• Structure your content marketing process.

Content marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways to attract new leads, encourage loyalty, and build your reputation—when it’s done right. Get your copy of “The Content Marketer’s Sure-Fire Strategy for Success” to ensure your strategy hits the mark.

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5 Must-Do Moves for Better Posture

Don’t let working in an office all day sabotage your fitness goals. In addition to getting up from your desk and moving as often as possible throughout the day, there are a few specific exercises you can include in your regular workout routine to help strengthen and stretch the muscles you use for good posture.

Try up to three sets of my five favorite posture-building moves (recommended reps are below):

Split Stance Y-T-I

Targets: Upper back, shoulders and spine-stabilizing muscles

To do it: Begin in a split stance, with one foot forward and weight in your front leg, knees bent and back heel lifted. Keeping abs tight and spine neutral, hinge forward from hips until chest is almost parallel to floor. Raise both arms overhead into a Y shape, with hands in a thumbs-up position.

Without moving torso, open both arms out to sides of shoulders (thumbs still facing up) into a T shape, pressing shoulders down toward hips.

Lower arms down by sides, squeezing shoulder blades back and together, until hands are by hips (thumbs still facing up), making the letter I with your body. That’s one rep. Do 10 reps, switch legs and repeat.

Opposite Arm and Leg Reach

Targets: Abs, glutes, back and spine-stabilizing muscles

To do it: Begin in an all-fours position on the floor, with hands under shoulders and knees under hips. Brace abs into your spine, and, keeping spine neutral and hips square to the floor, lift right hand and left knee off the floor, drawing elbow and knee toward each other (without rounding back or shifting weight to the side).

Extend right arm up by ear and left leg behind hip, making a straight line from hand to heel. Hold for one count, then bring elbow and knee back in toward each other. Do 10 reps, switch sides and repeat.

Pilates Swimming

Targets: Back, glutes, shoulders and spine-stabilizing muscles

To do it: Lying face down on the floor, reach arms and legs out into an X shape. Extend spine, and lift arms and legs off the floor, hovering limbs just above the ground. Keep looking down to avoid neck strain. Raise left arm up outside the ear while lifting right leg slightly higher than hip.

Quickly switch sides, keeping torso as steady as possible. Repeat at a rapid pace for 30 seconds.

Plank Press-Up

Targets: Abs, back, shoulders and chest; stretches hamstrings and calves

To do it: Begin in a full plank position with feet slightly wider than hip-width apart, abs braced in tight to spine.

Press chest back toward thighs, bending knees as much as needed to lift hips up (heels can also lift off the floor) until body resembles an upside down letter V. Hold for one count, and return to start. Work up to 10 reps in a row.

Back Extensions

Targets: Back and glutes; stretches chest and front of shoulders

To do it: Begin lying face down on the floor with legs extended slightly wider than hips, toes pointed. Extend arms down by sides with palms pressed into the ground just outside hips.

Extend spine and lift chest as high off the floor as possible, squeezing shoulder blades back and together and turning thumbs up toward ceiling. Hold for one count and return to start. Do 15 reps.

For more posture-building exercises, be sure to check out my “Walk On: 21 Day Weight Loss Plan!” This complete and balanced walking-based DVD workout program includes everything you need to safely and effectively build a strong and fit body.

Photos by Vanessa Rogers photography.

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Escape the Office: Other Places Freelancers Get Work Done

There is an almost endless list of locations from which to check off your daily to-do’s when you aren’t tethered to an office. And since leaving your desk can spark creativity and pull you out of a rut, why not take advantage of your mobility?

Where do you like to work when you aren’t in your typical workspace? We asked our Facebook Community for their favorite locations, and the response was outstanding! This list is just the tip of the iceberg and can serve as great inspiration for your next outing.

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“My best friend’s house, so we can work and eat together.”
— Andy Cruz

“Because I only need Wi-fi to do my job, I love sitting in hotels. I drink way too much coffee but get to see wedding parties and all sorts of really happy celebrations. It cheers me up to no end!”
— Portia Montgomery

“At the playground where my daughter can play and I can work. Or at a coffee shop. I find the aroma of coffee can bring creativity to me.”
— Sarisa Sandy Khettbanpote

“For me, when I am in need of an idea, I like wandering around my house, going outside or to a peaceful coffee shop, or taking a ride without the laptop, just a notebook for writing and drafting. It can take many days to collect the ideas for a mockup sketch. When the time comes for coding, I like sitting and working in my room with my favorite songs–but I never forget the weekend parties!”
— Saurabh Sharma

“Sometimes when I feel restless at home, I go over to my favorite cafe which is just around the corner. I order a very strong coffee, and something to munch on, and in a matter of hours, I can finish writing 4K/5K words in the bustling little coffee shop, among other busy coffee-drinkers who are meeting friends and loved ones.”
— Ajanta Rezwana

“I prefer my garden, where I can work without distractions.”
— Yug Piriya

“Our public library is often quiet and less distracting than working from home”
— Rachel Thebus Horon

“I am a university student, so I don’t get so much space for work. I like to work on the topmost roof of our university. Everyday I go there and do my creative works. Love you Upwork!”
— Badhan

Editor’s note: Responses edited for grammar and spelling. The statements above are those of their authors and do not constitute the views or opinions of Upwork.

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Where is your favorite place to work? Tell us in the comments!

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Home-schooler To Graduate With Triple Major in Pre-Med, Maths, Computer Science at 17

In the Unites States black males are twice as likely to be held back in elementary school as white males, three times as likely to be suspended from school, and only half as likely to graduate from college. Good thing Stephen R. Stafford II didn’t listen to all of those negative statistics.

Stafford, who is from Lithonia, Georgia, started his education playing school with his older sister when he was only 2 years old. Now 17, he is set to graduate college with a triple major and could complete medical school by the time he turns 22.

Many of the horror stories we hear about the African American achievement gap, particularly for black males, is related to public schools. Stafford’s mother was not about to take that chance and homeschooled him. By the time he was 11, his mother found that he was too smart for her to teach, even though she was quite intelligent. She had him audit Algebra II at Morehouse College in Atlanta. The next year he aced precalculus and Morehouse College allowed him to officially enroll.

Though he will graduate this year with a triple major in pre-med, mathematics and computer science, he doesn’t see it as anything special. In 2010, he was quoted as saying, “I didn’t know what the big deal was about…I just knew it was the next step in my education–and I’m gonna do what my mother tells me to do.” Now those are words of wisdom worthy of a young man who has just been named one of the “World’s 50 Smartest Teenagers.”

After graduation, Stafford will attend Morehouse’s School of Medicine and one day specialize in obstetrics and fertility. The classically trained pianist says, ““I’m just like any other kid. I just learn very, very quickly.”

While not every child can turn out like Stafford, we have to wonder just how many more great achievers there would be if they were given the same educational opportunities. Granted, not every parent has the ability to home-school their children but it is amazing what can happen when they do. 

Continue reading: http://www.theblackhomeschool.com/2015/10/01/home-schooler-to-graduate-with-triple-major-in-pre-med-maths-computer-science-at-17/

 Related article: Connections: Learning Science, Games, and Apprenticeships