I mailed mine in January. Online says that it still hasn’t been received, but when I called them directly they told me that they had my application and that it hadn’t yet been processed.

Full tear off. I suppose I don’t have the biggest roof, which might have been a factor.

Well first, if it takes you 20-30 years to break even, you’re getting ripped off, or your loan’s interest rate is terrible and you’re making minimum payments. Solar panels have warranties that basically match the life of a roof these days, so ideally, you’ll replace that roof at the same time as putting up new panels. Solar panel tech has come a long way in 25 years, the optimist in me says 25 years from now they’ll be cheaper, more efficient, and more reliable than they are today.

Just FYI the tax credit actually went UP to 30% this past summer.

$7400 for a 3br in North Jersey. I think it’s a decent price, but I only got 2 quotes (I picked the roofers the solar company recommended).

In winter months only south facing panels do well. We have a few north facing panels that were basically in the shade all winter. Now that the sun is getting higher in the sky, those panels are actually collecting some light.

You’re going to be quoted a annual kWH production number when looking to install. Just know that you’re going to produce far below average in the winter, and far above average in the summer.

Because if you put solar panels on an old roof you’re gonna need to pay extra to disassemble and reassemble the panel array when replacing the roof. Makes way more sense just to replace the roof when you put the panels on. We replaced a roof that had a few years left in the tank when we put our panels up.

They’re the gold standard for sure.

I was choosing the laziest methods I could think of, in comparison to getting Starbucks delivered.

If it’s iced, the ice will be melted. If it’s hot, it will be lukewarm. There is no good reason to get Starbucks delivery. Order K cups, a jug of cold coffee, or instant coffee from the supermarket and get that delivered. Makes way more sense.

Credit unions are owned by the members (customers) of the credit union, and are not-for-profit. I’m a member of a credit union. I pay no fees for my bank accounts, and get (somewhat) not-insignificant dividends for both my checking and savings. Also, my mortgage is through the credit union, and was a MUCH better deal than any other banks in the area could provide (mortgage brokers regularly refer people to the credit union I use for refi’s). Also, they have pretty competitive CD promotions from time to time.

I will never go back to BoA.

Honestly, you’re better off looking at certain sections of Paterson over East Orange and Irvington.

Also seems like you should be looking for a roommate to save money.

Wayne will be expensive. Haledon and Totowa should be where you are looking, though definitely drive around neighborhoods before signing anything. There are decent parts of Haledon and Totowa, and there are BAD parts of each.

I lived in Hackensack for 4 years until 2018. I still have friends who live in the area, and things are changing pretty quickly these days.

First, I’ve driven by Royal Towers a billion times (Juicy Platters is great, btw). It looks a bit run down and is in a lousy location if you don’t have a car. But that Stop and Shop is pretty good, and I used the dry cleaners in that plaza as well.

I lived on Prospect Ave. I would recommend living on Prospect. Extremely safe, nice to walk in the evenings, excellent bus service for NYC commutes. You’ll still probably need a car though. You’ll be close to all the Paramus malls, especially the Whole Foods, which was my favorite supermarket in the area. Chit Chat Diner is one of the best diners in the state. It’s a take out/delivery paradise. Walking to the train (Essex St) is doable but you’ll have to cross dicier areas of town.

It’s definitely a city on the rise. Tons of development, especially downtown. Great for your 20’s if you work in NJ/can’t afford Jersey City/Hoboken/NYC.

Osteria Crescendo in Westwood for a more modern Italian restaurant.

Finn’s Harborside in East Greenwich is probably the best option close to 95. There are other great restaurants in East Greenwich worth checking out.

Well you’re right about that. I think the flood maps are about to be updated soon. I believe they’re updated every 10 years.

Well you can’t get a mortgage without flood insurance if you’re in a flood zone. And the standard-form realtors contract contains a mortgage contingency provision (which no attorney would ever agree to remove). There are multiple barriers in the way of buying a home in a flood zone, unless you’re paying cash, which is not common.