Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

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  • Should We Buy a House Before or After the Wedding?

    Many of today’s couples want to experience what it’s like to live together before they tie the knot. As commitment looms, it only makes sense to stop renting and buy a house – or does it? There are a variety of factors couples should consider before buying a house together.

    Decide on One or the Other

    Buying a house and getting married can drain finances. It is crucial for you and your partner to decide which is more important right now. If buying a house before getting married is your goal, there are still many things to consider.

    Both of Your Credit Scores Could Matter

    If you buy a house before marriage, you will likely be assessed individually. In the best-case scenario, you and your partner both have excellent credit and can secure a loan. If one of you has poor credit, it may be better to buy a house after marriage to increase the likelihood of obtaining a loan. Once you’re married, the individual with better credit has the option of applying for the loan on his or her own.

    Student Loan Debt Will Be a Factor

    One of the biggest hurdles for young couples looking to purchase their first home is outstanding student loan debt. The amount you owe affects your credit score which, in turn, will affect the loan amount you get approved for and the interest rates that follow. Depending on your situation, it may be in your best interest to focus on paying off student loan debts – and your wedding – prior to purchasing a home.

    Marriage Status Doesn’t Change the Mortgage Rates

    Mortgage rates are a huge factor when determining the best time to buy a home. You want to get the best rate possible. However, your marriage status doesn’t affect mortgage rates in any way. Whether you buy a home before or after marriage makes no difference in the loan amount and interest rate you’ll qualify for unless your credit score changes.
    Start the Excitement of Marriage Sooner

    Inarguably, one of the best things about buying a home before the wedding is being able to start life together before you exchange vows. This allows you to enjoy the joy and excitement of married life well before the big day. Living together is also a great way to bond with one another on a new level.

    Consider State Laws

    If owning a home together is a high priority in your relationship, you’ll want to research state laws. Some states do not allow couples to share legal ownership of a home if not legally wed.

     

    Deciding whether to buy a house before marriage depends on a variety of factors. Aside from love and commitment, there are legal and financial issues that should be considered to ensure that you make the best choice.

     

  • How to Meet New People in Your New Neighborhood

    Once you’re settled into your new home, it’s time to make it feel like yours. Try to meet your new neighbors in the first couple of days to build a sense of community. Meeting new people can be tough. Although technology plays a huge part in the way the world operates today, there are some tricks to bringing back traditional means of communication.

    Provide a positive first impression

    Make it a habit to greet your neighbors. Even if you’re eager to unload and unpack, ignoring your new neighbors will send the wrong message. Since it only takes a second for others to form a first impression of you, give your neighbors a smile and wave.

    Introduce yourself and strike up a conversation within the first couple days

    Spare a couple of minutes to meet your neighbors. You don’t have to go around the entire neighborhood, but you should certainly take the time to introduce yourself to your immediate neighbors. Do this right away to avoid making it an awkward introduction later.

    Host a housewarming party

    If you’re hosting a housewarming party, add a couple more invites for your new neighbors. Make sure to invite as many people as you can from the neighborhood – you want to be inclusive, especially when you are new.

    Join a local Facebook group

    Social media is a powerhouse for connecting individuals, including those who are complete strangers to one another. While you certainly don’t want to ‘friend’ your new neighbors without ever talking to them, you can use the platform to connect with others in the community who have similar interests. Conduct a Facebook search for local groups and community events. You never know who’s in your community until you make an effort.

    Frequent local businesses

    Instead of making the trip across the city to your favorite coffee shop, considering frequenting the one in your new neighborhood. This can be an excellent way to meet people from all over the community. Become a regular at local establishments to meet new neighbors who have similar interests. You may even find a new favorite coffee shop, reading nook or dog park.

     

    The community in which you make an investment is what turns your house into a home.

     

     

     

  • The Best Apps to Use When Looking for Local Things to Do

    Whether you’re bored at home on the weekend, traveling to a new city for the first time or looking for something new to do in your area, smartphone technology is here to save the day. With just a swipe of your thumb, you can discover local entertainment in a matter of seconds.  Here are some great apps to bring excitement into your life.

     

    Find Popular Events with Eventbrite

    As your schedule clears, it’s time to log onto the Eventbrite app to book some tickets. This application is one of the best for discovering popular events happening in your area. It provides recommendations based on your interests and also lets you know which of your friends are attending each event.

    HeyLets for Everyday Activities

    For the days when you’re bumming around, use the HeyLets app. This community-driven platform is a self-proclaimed social city and travel guide, which makes it easy to find everything from unique places to dine, to nightclubs, to thrilling activities and outdoor experiences. You’ll get recommendations based on your interests and you can follow people who inspire you to discover the local adventures awaiting you.

    Now for When You Need Excitement Right Now

    As the name suggests, Now is an app that puts events happening in real-time at your fingertips. It scans Facebook, Instagram and other popular social media platforms to find events . Click on a photo or video and get the location and details of the event so you can head to it right now.

    LocalMind for Finding Events that are Worthy of Your Time

    The only thing worse than having nothing to do is getting up to something for no reason. LocalMind provides a unique experience. Instead of simply listing your options, the app allows you to ask questions to those that have checked into the location to find out if that event downtown is worth it, or if you’ll be able to find parking in the middle of the city to check out the new escape room venue. Just log into LocalMind and ask.

    Use DoStuff for Big City Events

    Although it currently caters to only 20 of the largest cities in North America, DoStuff deserves some recognition. Since it focuses on a small handful of locations, DoStuff never forgets an event. Use the built-in calendar to track the dates and times of the local events and prepare for some excitement.

    Gravy for Events Based on Your Mood

    When you’re in the mood for adventure, sign into Gravy. This app suggests things to do in your area based on your current mood. For the days when you’re not sure what you want to do, let Gravy take care of the hard part, showing you things to do within walking distance, or in a larger radius if you want.

    Combine All the Apps with Field Trip

    An app from Google is an app you can trust. Field Trip provides an innovative experience that you just can’t find anywhere else. This app pulls information from popular event-finding applications such as Thrillist, the Food Network, Cool Hunting and more to help you find the unique, hidden things happening around you. Turn on notifications to have Field Trip buzz you when you’re in close proximity to something that may interest you. It’s modern technology at its finest.

     

    With these seven smartphone apps, you’ll never be left wondering what to do. Discover all the events, activities, venues and excitement happening around you at any given time with a simple flick of your finger. Technology is great!

     

  • Why Now Is The Time To Sell That House – Really

    “We would love to sell our home, but there is nothing to buy in this market.”

    As a Broker in the greater Portland, Oregon area, I hear this all the time from empty nesters. Real Estate values are increasing at a historic pace, yet people are afraid to sell their homes for fear they will never find another one. The stories of bidding wars and houses selling within a day have created a fear of being a buyer.
    Yes, it’s a sellers’ market, but things aren’t that bad if you are willing to employ the right strategy.

    Here’s what I tell my clients. Throw away the old method of listing your home while simultaneously finding your next one. You are at a disadvantage when buying a house is contingent on selling. It puts you in a weakened position for negotiation and makes you a less desirable buyer when you’re trying to win the ‘bidding war’. And the limited number of listings available at any given moment puts even more pressure on you. It’s no wonder you’re procrastinating. Here’s the way to breathe easy, have some fun, and get the best deal on both the sale of your current
    property and the purchase of your new dream home. Follow a three‐step process; Sell > Rent > Buy.

    • SELL
      Take the time to get your home in prime condition to get maximum value. Don’t even look at listings. Focus only on your current property. Enjoy the time and negotiating power you have
      for completing a sale.
    • RENT
      After you have a Sale Agreement, find yourself a place to rent. A 12‐month lease is typically required. You may pick a place near where you hope to find your next home to see how the
      area feels to you. Or maybe you are thinking about moving into a townhome or condo for the first time. It would be smart to try that style of living before buying one. I know several empty nesters who thought this sounded great, and hated it after they bought one. You could even consider renting for a fun new experience like a downtown condo, a farm, or a floating home.
    • BUY
      Once you have secured your temporary residence, it’s time to start researching the market for your new place. Build a list of criteria for the home of your dreams. You now have the luxury of taking several months to get the best possible property for the next stage of your life. Instead of the limited number that might be on the market when you sold your old home, you’ll have many listings to consider. Think of it this way; when you sell, and buy at the same time, there might be 30 homes available that match your preferences. The average listing is on the market for 30‐45 days. If you can wait, there could be roughly the same number of new properties to consider every month that goes by. Instead of a one‐time choice of 30 houses, you could have 300 to choose from while comfortably renting. I like to say you have a tenfold better chance to find your perfect place when you use the Sell > Rent > Buy Strategy.

    When you find that dream home, you are a strong buyer, having no contingency on sale and flexible closing timelines that could be of value to a seller. You might say, “oh, but the hassle of moving twice”…. Or, “what if we find our dream home after only a couple of months and we are in a twelve‐month lease?” To this I say, your home is the focal point of your life and you are making a huge long term decision.Wouldn’t having a better chance of getting just the right place be worth the inconvenience of moving twice? And for a bonus, moving twice creates more opportunities to get rid of all the junk you don’t need!

    The concern about breaking a lease early is not relevant in the big picture. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you are on the hook for the whole term. Most leases have a one or two‐month penalty for early termination. A small price to pay for a dream home. Another bonus is having time to move. Once you take possession of your new home, you don’t have to move in the same day. You have extra time to clean, paint, or even remodel while you still have your rental.

    Finally, another source of procrastination is the belief that the hot market will go away before long. Everyone remembers the real estate crash of 2008 and many speculate that it may happen again, leading to lower home prices and more inventory. So, that’s when they think they will look for a new home. Wait a minute, could we be forgetting that the value of your house will go down and be even harder to sell if that happens.

    2008 was an aberration brought on by a unique set of circumstances in the mortgage market. A lot was learned and it is unlikely that will ever happen that way again. Multiple reports put the long‐term home value appreciation in the range of 4.5%‐5.5% annually. The waiting argument doesn’t seem to work! Look at these trends provided by the Oregon RMLS as a great example. The average home price in 1992 was $100,000. By 2016 the average hit nearly $400,000. Similar ratios happened nationwide.

    *Source: Oregon MLS/RMLS.com

    This graph demonstrates how relaxed mortgage rules led to overpricing in 2005‐2008 which caused a market adjustment from 2009‐2012. However, the trend line shows how growth was steady at historic rates when you look at the years in total.

    The likelihood of less stress, better financial results, and landing the home of your dreams is truly a possibility! The Sell > Rent > Buy strategy can work for you if you are willing to put in a little more effort and patience.

    Tom Newton grew up and lives in Lake Oswego, Oregon. He’s made real estate part of his “Retirement Career”

    Tom Newton

    BHG Realty Partners

    Oregon Licensed Real Estate Broker

    P: 503.708.1218

    E: tomnewton@BHGpartners.com

    W: www.tomnewton.com

  • Ask A Pro Q&A: Clear the Clutter

    Interior designer expert Jennifer Adams knows how to make the most out of any space. While it is easy to buy what is not needed and accumulate too much stuff in a short amount of time, we now have a wealth of solutions for you to clear the clutter. Let’s get started!

    Q: How can I increase space inside my home and best utilize what little space I have?

    –Angela S.

    A: They say “less is more” and that sentiment is especially true when you live in a small space. Here are some no-nonsense ways to make your space feel more spacious.

    Carefully Edit Everything
    In smaller spaces, there’s no room for throwaway pieces. And let’s face it, less stuff means more space. Avoid bringing anything you don’t really need or want into your home in the first place. Need more room in your closets? Clean out and de-clutter what’s already in there. Take a hard look at anything you haven’t worn or used in this last year and toss or donate anything that doesn’t fit, needs repairs or isn’t comfortable.

    Keep Things Tucked Away (No Nonsense Organization)
    Out of sight is out of mind but not necessarily, out of reach! Add stackable baskets to bookcases and cabinets to neatly store messy items such as extension cords, chargers, extra matches, coasters and whatever is cluttering up your countertop or drop zone. Keep similar objects grouped together for no nonsense organization. For instance, put all your cords together in one basket, with another basket for batteries, paperwork, light bulbs – you get the idea.

    Make the Most of Your Cabinets with Simple Expansion
    If you have shelving, you can quickly add more storage by using every little nook and cranny. In the kitchen, add space to your existing shelves with expandable wire shelves or risers. In your medicine cabinet, take one of the shelves and go to a local glass shop and ask them to create additional shelves. They’ll also have little plastic brackets, too!

    Closets – The One Place with Never Enough Space
    If you don’t already have a closet organizing system, get one. Custom closet shops can do this for you, or look for DIY solutions at a home improvement store or shop that specializes in storage systems. Using cascading hangers for skirts, scarves, pants and even blouses and shirts instantly expand your closet space. I like to use them by putting an entire outfit on them for easy access – and less searching on hectic mornings.

    Go Up, Up, Up
    Hooks are a life-saver in a small place, for more than just coats and jackets. Use hooks for pet leashes, umbrellas, bike helmets, towels, and a variety of other items anywhere. Not to mention, decorative hooks instantly add style. Try over-the-door hooks and racks on your doors and cabinets for your shoes, jewelry, spices, dish towels and other handy small items.

    Seating Options
    Nothing is more inviting than having a plethora of seating options for your guests. And why not turn that seating into storage with storage furniture in your living room and bedroom. It’s the perfect solution for hiding – and storing – out of season or things you don’t use all the time. Benches and ottomans with drawers make it easy to access the storage without moving whatever is on top. Dressers make great accents in living rooms, entries and dining rooms, and choose only nightstands with drawer space.

    –Jennifer Adams

  • Tips and Tricks for Hosting the Best New Year’s Eve Party

    From catching up to planning resolutions, spending time with loved ones enhances the season. December 31 is the perfect time to craft a new you for the upcoming year by hitting the reset button. Whether you’re trying to move on from the past or are simply eager to head into 2018, host the best New Year’s Eve party with these tips.

     

    Host your New Year’s Eve party at home

    Hosting your fete at home is budget-friendly. While renting a venue for the night may seem like a great idea, it can mean starting 2018 with debt. Take advantage of you space you already have at home.

     

    Make it BYOB

    It’s tempting to supply festive beverages for your guests. However, doing so limits your entertaining options while also spiking your New Year’s Eve budget. To keep your party costs low and ensure your guests have their favorite drink for the evening, make it a ‘bring your own beverage’ event. You can supply champagne for the midnight ball drop if it is important to you. Otherwise, stock up on ice, cooler space and cups.

     

    Hook up the speakers

    Head into the New Year with the best tunes of the past 12 months. Hook up your smartphone to loud speakers or sync up with a Bluetooth speaker. Be sure to include a mixture of different genres to ensure every musical preference is represented.

     

    Keep the NYC ball drop in the background

    With the music blaring, the last thing you want is to keep on the television. However, a lot of people look forward to seeing the December 31st festivities happening in New York. Simply press mute and hide the remote. When midnight is right around the corner, trade in the tunes for some television and watch the ball drop with your loved ones.

     

    Give out party favors

    Consider putting together a little gift bag for all your guests to enjoy in 2018. Party favors are an excellent way to thank everyone for coming while also gifting them with something that’ll make their night even more memorable. Something as simple as chocolate kisses for midnight or fortune cookies are delightful options for New Year’s Eve party favors.

    End the old and begin anew with tips to make your loved ones feel celebrated.

  • Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Road Trips with Your Pet

    by Kim Salerno, TripsWithPets.com

     

    There are many things that can be stressful about hitting the road for the holidays. However, traveling with pets doesn’t have to be one of them. If you’re like me, you hate leaving your furry kids behind, and (provided that your pet is a good traveler) you really don’t have to. I’ve traveled extensively with my pets, and I’ve learned that with the right preparations, taking them along is not only easy, but way more fun than going it alone!

    Here are my tried-and-true road trip tips for traveling with pets for the holidays.

    Should Your Pet Travel?

    This is the first thing to consider, as your pet’s safety and comfort are always paramount. If your pet is sick or injured, has a nervous temperament, or has any condition that will make travel uncomfortable for him, it’s best to leave him at home with a trusted caretaker this holiday season.

     

    Before Your Trip

     

    Choose the right pet vehicle safety device wisely, and familiarize your pet with it

    You take great care to secure your human family members in the car; you should do the same for your pets. A simple pet safety device , such as a vehicle pet barrier, a pet seat belt, pet car seat, or a travel crate can keep you both safe, and give you peace of mind. You should choose a device that’s right for your car, your trip, and the size and temperament of your pet.

    It’s essential to ensure that your pet is comfortable with the safety device. The best way to do this is to acclimate him to it slowly over time.

    Get a temporary ID

    In addition to your pet’s regular ID tag (and microchip), I strongly recommend getting a temporary tag for your pet before you travel. Include relevant contact information like your cell phone number and the address where you will be staying. A current photo of your pet is also helpful to have on hand.

    Plan for potty breaks and exercise

    Give yourself a time cushion for frequent pit stops, both for potty breaks, and for letting your pet stretch his legs.

     

    On the Road

     

    Heads inside windows, please!
    It’s true that pets love to stick their heads out of car windows. But this is a dangerous practice. Your pet could easily become injured, or worse.

    Limit Food Intake

    I recommend limiting how much you feed your pet on the road. Also, avoid sharing your fast food lunch with him, no matter how much he begs. Travel can upset a pet’s stomach, and excess food can make things worse.

    Never leave your pet alone in the car

    Leaving your pet alone in the car can subject him to dangerous temperature fluctuations. You also run the risk of him running off (if your window is down), or even being stolen.

    Stay calm

    Your pet can sense your energy. Staying calm and rolling with the punches – traffic jams and all – will help your dog stay calm, and ensure that you both have a relaxed road trip.

    In the end, with a little savvy, a lot of preparation, and some good old-fashioned common sense, your trip can go smoothly, and be a great memory shared with your four-legged loved one instead of a source of holiday stress. Safe travels and happy holidays from TripsWithPets.com!

     

    About TripsWithPets.com

    TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet friendly travel guide — providing online reservations at over 30,000 pet friendly hotels, B&Bs, vacation rentals, cabins, and resorts across the U.S. and Canada.  When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets.com for detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities.  TripsWithPets.com also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet friendly activities, a user-friendly search-hotels-by-route option, as well as pet travel gear. For more information, please visit http://www.tripswithpets.com

     

    About the Author:

    Kim Salerno is the President and Founder of TripsWithPets.com, a pet travel guide that provides online reservations at more than 30,000 pet friendly accommodations across the U.S. and Canada. Kim spends her free time traveling with her four-legged kids, Tucker, Charlie, and Brownie.

  • The Cost of a Wedding

    The cost of a wedding has reached an all-time high. According to The Knot’s annual study, the national average for weddings in 2016 was a whopping $35,329, not including the honeymoon. That’s an increase of eight percent since 2015’s study, and if this year follows suit, the average cost of a marriage will increase to $38,000. To put it into perspective, that’s enough to feed 350 children every weekend for an entire school year (Washington Post). Here’s how people are exceeding the five-digit realm for their wedding budget.

    Location plays a huge role, with a national average of $16,107 spent on venues

    Wedding venues are at the top of the list in terms of priority when it comes to weddings. With 48 percent of couples requiring a scenic backdrop for their wedding, as reported by The Knot. Couples are also now choosing to have more weddings away from home, with 49 percent of weddings more than 200 miles from the bride and groom’s hometown.

    Despite the overall number of destination weddings being down, a significant number of couples are still choosing to take their vows overseas. The top locations for destination weddings in 2016 were:

    • Hawaii (35 percent)
    • The Caribbean (27 percent)
    • California (14 percent)
    • Florida (12 percent)
    • Mexico (10 percent).

    As for the most expensive locations for a wedding in the United States, Manhattan is at the top of the list with an average of $78,464 for the whole wedding and Long Island weddings follow with a cost of $67,831. Weddings in New Jersey were the third most expensive, with an average of $62,606. As for the least expensive,  take a look at Arkansas ($19,522), Utah ($20,337) and Montana ($20,794).

    The cost of hiring professionals for the big day accounts for an average $13,249  

    Although the wedding location accounts for approximately half of the budget, hiring professional services makes up a majority of the other half. On average, couples are spending $4,156 for a band and $1,245 for a DJ, $2,783 to have professional photos taken of their big day and $1,995 for a videographer. Add in the cost of a wedding planner ($2,037), ceremony musicians ($755) and officiant ($278), and you have a total cost of $13,249 just in extra staff.

    Wedding decorations, invitations, flowers, favors, cake, and transportation equals $4,705 on average

    The details of the wedding add to the cost of a marriage, totaling $4,705 on average. Couples are spending an average of $2,534 on florists and décor, $582 for a wedding cake, $462 for invitations, and $268 for wedding favors. If you add in transportation, a cost of approximately $859, the total cost of wedding details is $4,705.

    The wedding necessities account for an average $9,007

    There are some things no wedding is complete without; they’re also some of the costliest features of a wedding when combined. On average, couples are spending $6,163 on the engagement ring, $1,564 on a wedding dress and $280 for the groom’s attire. Wedding bands are another wedding necessity. Depending where you go, a plain 14-karat gold ring or a simple platinum band may cost around $1,000 (The Knot). Keep in mind that this is for the simplest of wedding bands, for something more extravagant, the cost will increase depending what you plan on doing to personalize the rings.

     

    With all expenses considered, a marriage in 2016 cost, on average, $35,329. Fortunately, there are various ways you can cut costs, such as hosting a backyard wedding instead of a destination wedding, sending virtual wedding invitations instead of the traditional kind, and opting to hire either a band or a DJ instead of both. Consider creating your own favors, decorations and centerpieces to save money.

    Keep in mind that money isn’t necessary to have a beautiful wedding.With a little ingenuity and creativity, you can create memories on your own dime within your budget.

     

  • To Fly or Not to Fly?

    Is Air Travel the Right Choice When Moving with Your Pet?

    If you are traveling a long distance when moving to your new home, you may consider flying.  When it comes to taking your pets along, you may be wondering if flying is the best option.  Flying is definitely a quick and seemingly simple way to get you and your pets to your new home.  Instead of spending hours driving, you and your furry friend will spend a lot less actual travel time when you are on a plane.  However, like all travel methods, flying does pose some potential obstacles and risks to take into consideration.

    If you are not sure whether to fly to reach your new home destination, here are some important questions you should ask before you book that flight.

    1. Is your pet in good health?

    If your pet is ill or hurt, or he has other limiting factors that will make the flight an uncomfortable experience for him (and you), it is best to find another option for getting your pet to your new home.  Driving to your destination may take more time than flying, but if it is the best option for your pet, it will ultimately be the best and easiest option for your entire family.

    2. Is your pet considered brachycephalic?

    Pets who are snub-nosed and have short muzzles are called brachycephalic, and they are more prone to breathing and respiratory problems.  Some breeds with this characteristic include Persian cats, pugs and bulldogs.  When flying, they may have a more difficult time adjusting to the air and pressure changes in the cabin, and conditions below-cabin are even more risky for these pets.  If you choose decide to fly with your brachycephalic pet, check with the airline before you purchase your tickets.  Some airlines have actually banned these types of pets from their commercial flights.

    3. Is your pet’s temperament acceptable for flying?

    You know your pet best.  If he is often shy, does not like crowds, acts aggressively, and can become agitated in new surroundings and situations, then flying may not be the best option.  Again, driving may take a lot more time, but it will be the best option for you and your pet in the long run if the flight will be too overwhelming for him.

    4. Is your pet meeting the USDA regulations?

    The USDA guidelines state that your pet must be at least 8-weeks old and fully weaned for at least 5 days for you to be able to take him on a flight.

    5. Will your pet fly in the cabin?

    Each airline has its own regulations on pets and flying.  In general, pets who are under 20 pounds, including their travel crate, and whose crate can fit safely and securely underneath the seat, can fly in the cabin with their parents as a carry-on.  If your pet meets the airline’s guidelines for traveling in the cabin, this is probably the best option for him.  You should consider whether your pet often cries or barks when he is in a restricted space, as he may bother other passengers.

    6. Will your pet have to fly below-cabin?

    If you are required to check your pet to travel below-cabin, the situation will be more involved than taking him on the plane with you.  There are also some extra risks to your pet, as he could become lost or injured.  However, millions of pets fly each year, and most of them arrive safely to their destinations.  If you are concerned about how your airline measures up when it comes to pets flying, the Department of Transportation publishes a monthly Animal Incident Report that you can review beforehand.  All airlines are required to document any issues that pets have on their flights, so the report is comprehensive.

    Since each plane is unique, there are varying below-cabin conditions and load capabilities.  However, it is reassuring to know that all below-cabin areas are climate controlled and self-pressurized.  For safety during flight, most baggage handlers will strap and secure the pet kennels in the climate-controlled area below-cabin.  This is usually located directly underneath the passenger cabin area.  Additionally, some airlines will wrap the travel kennel with breathable, air cushioned rolls for extra protection.

    7. Does your pet have an updated health certificate?

    The airlines require their passengers to show a valid health certificate for pets who are being checked-in to fly below-cabin. This must be completed by a licensed veterinarian, and while some airlines allow the certificates to be completed within 30 days of the flight, others require completion within a 10-day timeframe.

    If your pet will be able to fly with you in the cabin, he may not need a health certificate.  You can check with your airline for their specific requirements.  However, most states require that pets coming across state lines have proof of current rabies vaccinations and valid, recent health certificates.  To be safe, you should get an updated health certificate for your pet, even if your airline does not require one for travel.

    8. Are there going to be extreme temperatures?

    The below-cabin area is climate-controlled when the plane is in flight, but not when the plane is parked on the tarmac and the engines are not running.  Many airlines’ policy for pets ensures that they are the first ones to board and the first ones to leave, so pets spend less time being exposed to the weather.

    Because there is no true way to keep your pet from being exposed to extreme heat or cold, most airlines do not allow pets to fly below-cabin if the forecasted temperatures are below 45 degrees or above 85 degrees.  If you are moving during a time when there are periods of extreme cold or heat, then driving may be the best option.

    9. When will you be flying?

    Flying late in the afternoon and early in the evening are considered peak travel times.  There are also peak travel seasons, like during the summer months or spring break, when people are more likely to fly.  During these times, there will be more stress, as well as less room and less comfort during your trip.  It is best to fly during non-peak times to avoid the extra stress and to ensure your pet is most comfortable.  Also, try to avoid flying on or around holidays if possible.

    10. Is a direct flight available?

    If you don’t have a direct flight and will encounter a layover, there is an increased chance that something unexpected can come up that affects your pet.  If you take a direct flight, this will lower the chances of any unforeseen complications, and ultimately ease the stress for your pet.  Therefore, if a direct flight is available, you should take advantage of that option.

    You know your pet and what he needs during your travels, so you should take everything about your pet into consideration when deciding to fly with them.  Whether you choose to fly, or choose to drive, always follow the established pet safety guidelines to make sure he gets to your new home in a happy, healthy, and safe way.

     

    TripsWithPets.com is the premier online pet friendly travel guide — providing online reservations at over 30,000 pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada.  When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets.com for detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities.  TripsWithPets.com also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet friendly activities, a user-friendly search-by-route option, as well as pet travel gear. For more information, please visit http://www.tripswithpets.com

  • Have a Spectacular Wedding on a Budget!

    On any given day in America, a small child is dreaming of their wedding day. They might imagine ice sculptures or a multi-tier wedding cake. As fantasies meet reality, especially with many couples paying for the big day themselves, some aspects must change to meet the budget. Read on to discover ways to save on your big day:

    Consider reception halls

    Venues are the largest expense of a wedding. The location, the reception venue, the ceremony site, and transportation to and from the ceremony can account for $19,163 (The Knot) of the total cost or 54 percent of a wedding in America. If the backyard isn’t your style, consider reception halls. Many of them will offer price discounts on certain days and some even allow you to bring in your own catering.