A Recipe for You: Simple Turkey, Cranberry and Pecan Salad

by Pam Boyle

Don’t settle for dry, reheated turkey. This scrumptious recipe for turkey salad mixed with cranberries and pecans will save you from the bland leftover blues.

Ingredients

2 cup cooked turkey breast, diced
¼ cup pecans, chopped
¼ cup celery, chopped
¼ cup dried cranberries
½ cup mayonnaise
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until fully combined.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Buyer Info, Tips and Tricks • Mortgage information • Uncategorized • October 16, 2023

Where Does the Money Come From for Mortgage Loans?

by Pam Boyle

In the olden days, when someone wanted a home loan they walked downtown to the neighborhood bank or savings & loan. If the bank had extra funds lying around and considered you a good credit risk, they would lend you the money from their own funds.

It doesn’t generally work like that anymore. Most of the money for home loans comes from three major institutions:

Fannie Mae (FNMA – Federal National Mortgage Association)
Freddie Mac (FHLMC – Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation)
Ginnie Mae (GNMA – Government National Mortgage Association)

This is how it works:

You talk to practically any lender and apply for a loan. They do all the processing and verifications and finally, you own the house with a home loan and regular mortgage payments. You might be making payments to the company who originated your loan, or your loan might have been transferred to another institution. The institution where you mail your payments is called the servicer, but most likely they do not own your loan. They are simply servicing your loan for the institution that does own it.

What happens behind the scenes is that your loan got packaged into a pool with a lot of other loans and sold off to one of the three institutions listed above. The servicer of your loan gets a monthly fee from the investor for servicing your loan. This fee is usually only 3/8ths of a percent or so, but the amount adds up. There are companies that service over a billion dollars of home loans and it is a tidy income.

At the same time, whichever institution packaged your loan into the pool for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae, has received additional funds with which to make more loans to other borrowers. This is the cycle that allows institutions to lend you money.

What Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae, and Fannie Mae may do after they purchase the pools is break them down into smaller increments of $1,000 or so, called mortgage-backed securities. They sell these mortgage-backed securities to individuals or institutions on Wall Street. If you have a 401K or mutual fund, you may even own some. Perhaps you have heard of Ginnie Mae bonds? Those are securities backed by the mortgages on FHA and VA loans.

These bonds are not ownership in your loan specifically, but a piece of ownership in the entire pool of loans, of which your loan is only one among many. By selling the bonds, Ginnie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae obtain new funds to buy new pools so lenders can get more money to lend to new borrowers.

And that is how the cycle works.

So when you make your payment, the servicer gets to keep their tiny part and the majority is passed on to the investor. Then the investor passes on the majority of it to the individual or institutional investor in the mortgage backed securities.

From time to time your loan may be transferred from the company where you have been making your payment to another company. They aren’t selling your loan again, just the right to service your loan.

There are exceptions.

Loans above $333,700 do not conform to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, which is why they are called non-conforming loans, or “jumbo” loans. These loans are packaged into different pools and sold to different investors, not Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. Then they are securitized and for the most part, sold as mortgage backed securities as well.

This buying and selling of mortgages and mortgage-backed securities is called mortgage banking, and it is the backbone of the mortgage business.

Entertaining, Dining and Recipes • Resources • Seller Info, Tips and Tricks • October 15, 2023

A Recipe for You: Flavor-Packed Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

by Pam Boyle

If carving a jack-o’-lantern is on your agenda this season, make sure you put those seeds to good use. From savory to sweet, these flavor combinations will make pumpkin seeds seem less like a nuisance, and more like a favorite snack!

Breadstick

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon basil
½ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon sea salt
â…› teaspoon garlic powder

Maple Spice

1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon fine salt

Dill Pickle

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon dill
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
â…› teaspoon black pepper

Cinnamon-Sugar

1 tablespoon butter
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Pinch of salt

Cup of Joe

1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1½ tablespoons espresso powder

For all of the savory flavors (breadstick, maple spice, and dill pickle), coat the seeds with olive oil, sprinkle the seasoning, and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 300°F for 20–30 minutes. For the sweet flavors (cinnamon-sugar and cup of joe), coat with melted butter instead of olive oil before baking.

Buyer Info, Tips and Tricks • Homeowner Tips • Investors and Landlords • Resources • Seller Info, Tips and Tricks • October 9, 2023

Lead Poisoning

by Pam Boyle

Lead poisoning is a serious problem that can lead to adverse health problems. In children, high levels of lead can cause damage to the brain and nervous system, behavioral and learning problems, slow growth, and hearing problems. In adults, lead poisoning can cause reproductive problems, high blood pressure, digestive problems, nerve disorder, memory and concentration problems, and muscle and joint pain.

Lead poisoning is especially a problem in cities with older buildings. Typically, lead is present in the paint from older buildings, in the water supply, and in the environment from cars and buses. Preventing lead poisoning in large cities, where there is such widespread possibility for exposure is both difficult and expensive. Federal programs have attempted to address this problem.

Lead poisoning is also an issue that buyers and sellers need to consider. Houses that were built before 1978 probably have paint that contains lead. Federal law requires that sellers disclose known information on lead-based paint hazards before selling a house. Sales contracts must include a federal form about lead-based paint in the building. Buyers will have up to 10 days to check for lead hazards and are likely to stipulate corrections.

Resources • Seller Info, Tips and Tricks • October 1, 2023

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

by Pam Boyle

Spring and fall are usually the times of the year when household projects come to the forefront of our to-do lists and home maintenance projects kick into full gear. However, there are several items in the home that may need your attention throughout the year, with winter being no exception. Use this checklist to help keep tabs on what to monitor these next few months.

Basement floor and walls

Inspect the inside perimeter and secluded areas of your basement for any water seepage. If you have cracks in the floor or walls, clogged downspouts and gutters, or a nonfunctioning or inefficient sump pump, melting snow or heavy rain can enter the basement, potentially causing wood rot or mold growth.

Chimneys

For safety, it’s recommended that you clean your chimney at least once a year to remove blockages and accumulated soot, especially if your fireplace is heavily used. Even if your chimney is rarely used, you’ll still want to inspect it yearly to make sure there aren’t any issues and that animals like birds, squirrels, or raccoons haven’t built nests in it.

Safety devices

Confirm that all essential life-saving systems are still in working order, including your smoke alarms and carbon dioxide detectors. Check that your fire extinguishers are operational and haven’t expired—and if you don’t have any, be sure to buy some for your home.

Door locks

Depending on your location, cold weather can make it difficult to lock and unlock your doors. It’s a good idea to periodically spray a lubricant like WD-40 into the keyholes during winter to keep them from getting stuck.

Filters

Replace your HVAC air filter every thirty days during the coldest months of the year to help properly maintain the integrity of your home’s air quality. With proper care, you can maximize the life of your HVAC system while consuming less energy and saving money on your utility bills. Midwinter is also a great time to check the furnace filter and clean it as needed; a clean filter will better regulate your home’s temperature.

Garage doors

Test your garage door’s auto-reverse feature to check that the sensors are working since debris can affect the door’s ability to operate properly. Make sure the wheels are well-greased and that the handle can easily open and close the door if the electrical mechanism fails due to snow, ice, or power outages. Also, verify that the garage and driveway have proper water drainage so melted snow or ice does not puddle.

Roof and gutters

Throughout winter, take the time to inspect your gutters and roof for any damage due to ice dams, fallen tree branches, or overflowing debris in the gutters. Clogged gutters do not allow for proper water drainage, which can cause damage to the roof shingles, including cracks, leaks, or a sagging roof. Finally, if you’ve noticed icicles hanging from the roof or gutters, it could indicate poor insulation, which will need to be fixed to avoid further damage.

Home generator

If you have a home generator, occasionally start it to make sure it’s still working. If your area is prone to a lot of snow, ice, wind, or rainstorms, be sure that there is enough safely stored gasoline so that the generator is ready if a power outage occurs.

Kitchen appliances

Clean your stove, oven, and stove hood to prevent grease buildup, which could cause grease fires. Be sure to also vacuum and brush your refrigerator’s condenser coils to remove dust, grime, and even pet hair; your refrigerator cannot cool and maintain the proper temperature if it accumulates such things.

Vents and fans

Clean all the vents in your home, including those in your clothes dryer, air return, attic, and soffit. And don’t forget your exhaust vent, which helps the warm air flow out from the roof. Inspect your kitchen stove, attic, bathroom, and whole-house fans for debris buildup, which will help to keep them functioning properly and reduce the chances of a fire. Also, be sure to adjust your ceiling fans to rotate in a clockwise direction at a low speed to force warm air down from the ceiling.

Water heater

You definitely don’t want your water heater to break down during winter. Be sure to maintain it regularly by monitoring the water temperature and pressure-relief valve, removing any sediment buildup, and thoroughly cleaning and flushing out the unit to ensure that the water runs over the water flow valve. If you have a gas water heater, be sure to check and clean it every year.

Windows

Inspect your home for drafts. If your home feels chillier than usual, it may indicate that your windows are not airtight. Consider installing weather stripping to seal any gaps, and try to keep interior doors open between rooms to help support airflow and increase heat circulation.

Winter can be a demanding time for your home, so consider creating a maintenance checklist to reduce the likelihood of having to do major repairs and to help ensure your home remains in good condition and retains its market value.

Buyer Info, Tips and Tricks • Mortgage information • Seller Info, Tips and Tricks • September 20, 2023

The Biweekly Mortgage – Who Needs It?

by Pam Boyle

Have you received an advertisement offering to save you thousands of dollars on your thirty-year mortgage and cut years off your payments? With email spam becoming more pervasive as everyone tries to get rich quick on the Internet, these ads are popping up with troublesome regularity.

The ads promote a Biweekly Mortgage and for the most part, do not come from a mortgage lender. Exclamation points punctuate practically every claim:

No closing costs!
No refinancing!
No points!
No credit check!
No appraisal!
Save thousands!
Cut years off your mortgage!

To achieve these wonderful savings all you have to do is allow half of your mortgage payment to be deducted from your checking account every two weeks. It’s easy. Of course, there is a small set-up fee and usually a transaction fee with every automatic deduction.

Essentially, the ads are truthful in almost every respect.

They just want to charge you money for something you can do on your own for free.

The Basics:

Normally, you make twelve mortgage payments a year. Since there are fifty-two weeks in a year, a biweekly mortgage equals 26 half-payments a year. The equivalent would be making thirteen mortgage payments a year instead of twelve. By applying that extra payment directly to the loan balance as a principal reduction, your loan amortizes more quickly, requiring fewer payments.

You save money. The ads are true.

How it Actually Works:

You cannot simply mail in half a payment every two weeks to your mortgage lender. Since they do not accept partial payments for legal and accounting reasons, the mortgage company would just mail your half-payment back to you.

Instead, the biweekly mortgage company is an intermediary between you and your mortgage lender. They automatically debit your checking account every two weeks for half of your mortgage payment then place your funds into a trust account. Basically, this is just a holding account for your money. In another two weeks, there is another automatic deduction from your checking account, and so on. When your mortgage payment is due, your funds are withdrawn from the trust account and forwarded to your mortgage lender.

Since you are placing funds into the trust account faster than your mortgage payments are due, you eventually accumulate enough money to make an extra payment. The way the cycle works, this occurs once a year. he extra payment is applied directly to your principal balance, which causes your loan to amortize faster, pay off more quickly and save you thousands of dollars.

Potential Problems with the Trust Account

Because your funds are held in the trust account until your mortgage payment is due, there are potential dangers. Not only are your funds held in this account, but so are the funds of everyone else enrolled in the biweekly program. That is a lot of money.

Most likely, there will be no problems.

However, if there are accounting errors, mismanagement, or even fraud, your mortgage payment might not get made. The first hint of a problem will probably be a phone call or letter from your mortgage lender, but not until after your payment is already late. Since responsibility for making the payment rests with you and not the biweekly payment company, you may find yourself digging into your personal savings to make the payment directly — even though the biweekly payment company has already collected your funds.

Later you can work out the trust account problem with your biweekly payment company.

The Cost of the Biweekly Mortgage

There is usually a set-up fee that runs between $195 and $350, depending on how much sales commission is paid to the individual or company setting up the account for you. You also pay a transaction fee each time there is an automatic deduction from your checking account and sometimes also when the payment is made to your mortgage lender. There may also be a periodic maintenance fee.

Meanwhile, whoever controls the trust account is earning interest on your money.

Savings of the Biweekly Mortgage

By making principal reductions using the biweekly mortgage program, your mortgage will amortize more quickly, saving you money. How quickly your loan pays off depends on your interest rate and when you begin making the biweekly payments.

On a $100,000 loan at an interest rate of eight percent, your first principal reduction would probably be a year from now. Assuming the principal reduction is equal to one monthly payment ($733.76), you would save $43,852 over the life of the loan and pay it off almost seven years early.

However, you have to deduct from those savings any amounts you paid in set-up, transaction, and maintenance fees.

No-Cost Alternatives to the Biweekly Mortgage

Instead of hiring a company to manage your biweekly payment, you could accomplish essentially the same thing on your own for free. Just take your monthly payment, divide it by twelve, and add that amount to your monthly mortgage payment. Be sure to earmark it as a principal reduction.

The first way you save is that you do not have to pay any fees to anyone. It’s free.

In addition to not paying fees — using the same example as above — your total savings on the mortgage would be $45,904. Plus the loan would be paid off three months quicker than with the biweekly mortgage. The reason you save more is because you are making a principal reduction each month, instead of waiting for funds to accumulate so that you can make one principal reduction a year.

Self-Discipline?

The biweekly mortgage companies claim that homeowners are not disciplined enough to follow through with principal reduction plans on their own. They suggest the reason for setting up the biweekly mortgage enforces discipline upon you, and by doing so, they save you money.

However, in this technologically advanced age, banking online and automatic deductions are readily available. You can set up your own automatic deductions including the additional principal reduction and have it go directly to your mortgage lender. Since the deduction occurs automatically, just like with the biweekly mortgages, self-discipline is not a problem. Once again, you don’t have to pay anyone to do it for you and you save even more money.

Conclusion

The biweekly mortgage plans do not really do anything except move your money around and charge you for it. Plus, even though the danger is negligible, you must trust someone else to hold your money for you. If you can do the very same thing for free, plus save yourself even more money by doing it on your own, why pay someone else?

The biweekly mortgage plan – who needs it?

If your goal is principal reduction and saving money, then it is a good plan. If you do it on your own instead of paying someone else to do it for you, then it is a great plan.

Buyer Info, Tips and Tricks • Resources • Seller Info, Tips and Tricks • September 13, 2023

The Moving Day Survival Kit

by Pam Boyle

Getting ready to move into your new home can be a hectic experience. From getting items out of storage to transferring items from your old home into your new space, it’s easy to lose track of things. That’s why it is important to keep track of essential items during the move.

While you’ll pack most of your belongings into a variety of boxes, you should plan to keep some items separated or clearly marked as a survival kit to make the first day or two in your home much easier. If you can, keep these items in your car with you during the move, and make sure to follow this checklist of must-have items on moving day.

Items to keep separate

These are some of the most important items for you to have, practically, emotionally, and financially.

Keys

This is the most important item to have handy while moving to avoid the headache of not being able to get into your new home.

Chargers

Keep your chargers somewhere easily accessible so you can ensure your devices are powered up throughout your busy day. Make sure to keep chargers for your phone, tablet, and laptop within arm’s reach. If your household has a few devices that need to be charged, you may want to pack a power strip.

A change of clothes

You’ll want to have an extra set of clothes and pajamas to easily change into and out of without tearing through all your packed boxes. A good way to pack this change of clothes is in an overnight you typically use for a long weekend trip.

Valuables

You may have some possessions that are valuable, are fragile, or have strong sentimental value. These can range from diamond jewelry to a gift a grandparent gave you. If there are any items that you would be very upset if they got damaged or lost, err on the side of caution and keep them with you.

Important documents

Instead of risking some of these items getting damaged or lost, keep them with you during your move. These important documents can include:

Moving contract
Ownership documents for your new home
Health insurance cards
Medical records
Birth certificates
Passports and visas
Pet vaccination records

Tools

You’ll need several tools to help make moving easier and to help set up your new home. Remember, you’ll need to open numerous boxes, as well as put together some furniture and other items. Also, make sure to practice safety in your new home by bringing new batteries along to put in your smoke detectors, as well as a fire extinguisher if the home doesn’t already have one.

Box cutter
Scissors
Hammer
Flashlight
Screwdriver
Pliers
Drill
Tape measure
Batteries
Fire extinguisher

Health items

Keep any medication prescribed to you somewhere you can access it. Also, make sure to keep a first-aid kit stocked with bandages and antiseptic in case of an emergency. Finally, a long day of moving may leave you a little sore, so have pain relivers and heating pads ready to ease any aches and pains.

Prescribed medication
Pain relievers
Heating pads or wraps
Ankle wraps
First-aid kit
Vitamins

Bedding

After a day full of moving items into your new home, you’ll be ready to hit the hay that night. When that time comes, make sure you have easy access to these items so you can quickly make your bed and get some sleep.

Pillows
Sheets
Blankets
Sleeping mask
Alarm clock

Toiletries

A shower will be an enjoyable end to your day, especially if you’re moving during the warmer times of the year. Keep any items you need to feel refreshed somewhere easily accessible, including a shower curtain so you don’t get water all over the bathroom. Also, avoid a trip to the grocery store by bringing along a couple rolls of toilet paper—your household will be thankful that you did.

Toilet paper
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Shower curtain
Soap
Hand sanitizer

Cleaning supplies

Even if the previous owners cleaned the home before leaving, you may still want to clean the house as you unpack. You’ll want a plethora of cleaning supplies at your disposal. The floors are bound to get a little dirty and a few surprise messes are sure to pop up.

Trash bags
Multipurpose cleaner
Rubber gloves
Paper towels
Toilet brush
Plunger
Vacuum
Broom and dustpan
Mop

Cooking essentials

You’ll likely work up an appetite organizing your new home, so be ready with everything you need for a few simple meals. Even if you order out, you’ll likely want some disposable plates and utensils to eat without digging out your glassware, silverware, and dishes. Don’t forget snacks and drinks to help keep you nourished throughout the day!

Pot
Disposable dishes
Can opener
Bottle opener
Snacks
Drinks
Kettle

Pet items

Don’t forget about your cat or dog during the move. If you haven’t boarded your pet, make sure they have everything to get comfortable in their new home. Remember that moving can be stressful for animals, so follow these tips to help make the transition as easy as possible.

Pet Food
Dishes
Leashes
Medications
Bed
Litter box

Moving into a new house is a lengthy process to get through. However, going in organized and prepared will have you settled in your new home in no time.

Mortgage information • Resources • Seller Info, Tips and Tricks • September 11, 2023

Title Insurance When Refinancing Your Loan

by Pam Boyle

Lower interest rates have motivated you to refinance your home loan. The lower rate may save you a tremendous amount of money over the life of the loan, but you should also expect to pay the lender the typical closing costs associated with any new loan, including service fees, points, title insurance protection and other expenses.

Why do I need to purchase a new title insurance policy on a refinanced loan?

To the lender, a refinance loan is no different than any other home loan. So, your lender will want to insure that their new loan is protected by title insurance, just as the original lender required. Therefore, when you refinance you are buying a title policy to protect your lender.

Why does a Lender need title insurance?

Most lenders generate loans and then immediately sell those loans to secondary market investors, such as FannieMae.

FannieMae, in order to protect its security interest in the loan, requires title insurance coverage. Even those lenders who keep original loans in their portfolio are wise to get a lenders policy to protect their investment against title related defects.

When I purchased my home, didn’t I also buy a lender’s policy?

Perhaps. Who pays for the lender’s policy on a purchase loan varies regionally and by the terms of individual contracts.

However, even if you did buy a lender’s policy when you purchased your home, the lender’s policy remains in force only during the life of the loan that was insured. If you refinance, the old loan is paid off (the “life” of the loan expires) and a new loan is issued for which the lender will require a new title insurance policy.

What about my original title insurance policy?

When you bought your home, you purchased a Homeowners title policy. The Homeowners’ policy stays in force as long as you or your heirs own the home. When you refinance, your lender will often require that you purchase a new lender’s policy to protect their new security interest in the property. Thus, you are buying a policy to protect your lender, not a new Homeowner’s policy.

What could possibly have happened since I purchased my home which warrants a new lender’s policy?

Since the time that the original loan was made, you may have taken out a second trust deed on the house or had mechanic’s liens, child support liens or legal judgments recorded against you – events that could result in serious financial losses to an unprotected lender. Regardless if it has been only 6 months or less since you purchased or refinanced your home, a myriad of title defects could have occurred. While you may not have any title defects, many Homeowners do. The only way for a lender to adequately protect itself is to get a new lender’s policy each time you purchase or refinance your home.

Are there any discounts available for title insurance on a refinance transaction?

Yes. Title companies offer a refinance transaction discount or a short-term rate. Discounts may also be available if you use the same lender for your refinance loan and your original loan. Be sure to ask your title company how they can save you money.

Buyer Info, Tips and Tricks • Home Exteriors and Maintenance • Homeowner Tips • Resources • Seller Info, Tips and Tricks • September 4, 2023

Underground Heating Oil Tanks

by Pam Boyle

Underground heating oil tanks can pose many potential problems to both home buyers and sellers. They have been the source of many environmental problems such as contamination of surrounding soil and ground water.

Leaks are generally caused by the rust inside underground tanks or by an electrical condition sparked by electric utility lines.

Buyers should always have the tank inspected to make sure that it is structurally sound. Buyers who do not want an underground fuel tank can arrange for an above ground tank to be installed in the basement and the underground tank to be shut off. Cleanup of any leaks will also have to be taken care of.

For buyers, the underground heating oil tank should be written in the sales contract. For sellers, your lawyer should make sure that the description and condition of the underground heating oil tank is accurate and up-to-date.

Buyer Info, Tips and Tricks • Entertaining, Dining and Recipes • Seller Info, Tips and Tricks • September 2, 2023

How to Host a Winning Tailgate Party

by Pam Boyle

Football and other fall sports are in full swing, which means tailgating season is back. Picnicking and grilling in the parking lot with other fans before and after the game is a beloved tradition, so you’ll want to get it right. Follow these tips for hosting a winning tailgating party.

Bring a feast

A tailgate party isn’t complete without delicious foods and drinks, so it’s best to plan your menu before the game and prep any dishes you can before game day. Hamburgers and hot dogs are traditional tailgating fare, but if you would like to impress the crowd, you could surprise them by making an unexpected yet just as satisfying dish like grilled pizza, Mexican street corn salad, or grilled cedar-plank salmon. For dessert, you could make a s’more no-bake pie, loaded bacon bark, or game-day cookies decorated in team colors. And, while your guests may appreciate soda and other satisfying beverages, you should also have plenty of water on hand to help keep everyone hydrated.

Get your gear

You’ll need a cooler to transport your beverages, cheeses, and perishable items (and it may be helpful to have a separate one for your meats), and don’t forget can and bottle openers. Also, consider bringing a few folding tables so you have a place to set out your food. If you intend on grilling, you could bring a lightweight portable grill, along with a lighter, fuel, and grilling utensils. You can limit the amount of waste you create while tailgating by utilizing reusable plates, cups, utensils, napkins, and take-home containers and by having garbage bags for your trash.

Keep in mind that your party might last a few hours. So bring a charger for your cell phone, and protect your guests from the elements by providing a pop-up canopy to shield them from the sun, wind, and rain, and, depending on the temperature, a portable fan or heated folding chairs.

Make it fun

During your tailgating party, you could bring game-day items such as a football, team pennants, pom-poms, and face paint. For extra fun, set up games like ladder toss, cornhole, or a football toss game, and bring along a Bluetooth speaker so you can share some tunes. And don’t forget to take photos of all the excitement!

Finalize your preparations

Some stadiums and venues have regulations for where you can park and what items are permitted in their parking lots, so check the rules before heading to the game. Make a list of what you plan to bring as well—you don’t want to regret leaving anything behind. In addition to the items mentioned above, it’s a good idea to pack a first aid kit, hand sanitizer or wipes, bug spray, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, rain jackets, and a fire extinguisher.

If possible, fuel up and pack any nonperishable items you are bringing the day before—this will also give you an early idea of how much will fit in your vehicle. Try to get to the parking lot at least four hours before kickoff to secure a good tailgating spot, and find a parking spot near a grassy area, if possible, to have more room to set up your gear. Plan to serve your food at least two hours before the game starts so you’ll have time to clean up before heading to the field or stadium. Finally, remember to be courteous to other tailgaters near you so that everyone can have a good time and enjoy the game.

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