Buying our first home

In March, my boyfriend Allon and I purchased our first home. We bought a cooperative unit also known as a Co-op in Queens. The concept behind a co-op is very similar to that of a condominium (condo). There are blocks of different buildings with two floors that house residents. Co-ops, unlike most apartments however, are purchased not rented. Although Allon had moved numerous times throughout his life, this was my first move. It was both very exciting and stressful at the same time. I love our home, the neighborhood we live in and our new neighbors. On the other hand, working a full time job, going to graduate school and maintaining a home is a lot of work. This lifestyle change has certainly caused to me reevaluate my life objectives and priorities. We don’t go out as much, we cook more, grocery shop more, spend a lot of time home and try to save as much money as possible. I’ve learned that saving is very important, especially with unforeseen expenses around our home and with our puppy. It’s definitely been challenging but worth all the while.

Vocabulary:

Cooperative unit (co-op): noun. An apartment, unit or home where people own a number of shares of real estate.

Concept: noun. A general idea.

Condominium (condo): noun. An apartment, unit or home where people own the property.

Maintain: verb. To keep in a good condition.

Reevaluate: verb. To re-think about something.

Objective: noun. Something that one works to gain.

Priority: noun.  Something that comes first because it is important.

Unforeseen: adjective. When you don’t know if something will happen.

Expense: noun. A cost.

Vocabulary Exercise:

Fill in the blanks with the corresponding vocabulary word:

1. Having a dog is a costly _____________.

2.  If your dog suddenly becomes sick and you have to take him to the Vet this is a _____________ expense.

3. Cleaning helps to _______________ your home.  

4. One’s family is usually most important and a top _________________ in their life.

5. My ____________ is to graduate and become an ESL teacher.

6.  A general idea is also known as a ______________.

7. I purchased a _____________ also known as a number of shares in real estate.

8. When you purchase a _____________ you own the property.

9. When trying to save money, you should ________________ your purchases carefully.

Grammar Point:

A noun is a person, place, thing or idea. Many of the vocabulary words are nouns. Based on their definitions see if you can think of similar words (nouns) for them. Make a list of as many as possible.

Links:

Saving money is very important. Regardless of whether you have to take care of your pet or want to buy a new X-Box game you can read some tips below to get you started:

http://www.kidzworld.com/article/3966-how-to-save-for-something-big

http://www.moneyinstructor.com/kids.asp