Once you buy the property, you will become responsible for any environmental hazards it contains. You need to find out about these hazards before purchasing. You have to determine whether the gas tanks are leaking or have leaked anything into the soil that you may have to clean up. Check the telephone book or Internet to find agencies in your area that perform environmental testing. Before engaging anyone, explain the purpose of the testing and your desire to purchase the property. The seller may not volunteer information about the quality of the storage tanks unless you inquire. You should ask the owner for copies of any purchase receipts or technical specifications of the tanks. Make sure that the tanks meet the current minimum requirements for your state.  In California, for example, gas station tanks must be made of double-walled fiberglass (DWFG) with leak detection sensors. To find the requirements in your state, you may need to hire an attorney. Alternatively, try calling the office of the Secretary of State. Each state will have its own office that sets the regulations. You need to know what you are buying. Purchasing a business may be separate from purchasing the property that the business rests on. You need to ask to see the title for the property. If you find out that the sale is only for the business and not the property included, you will need to adjust the purchase price accordingly. Don’t pay as much for the business as you would for the business and the land. A real estate attorney can help you review the paperwork to tell you what your purchase includes. Do not assume that the streets and businesses in the area of your prospective gas station will stay the same. You should check the city zoning department and office of public works to find out if any major changes are coming. A new road could divert traffic away from your site, seriously devaluing the business. If the city has plans to change zoning, you should find out before getting committed to the location.
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One-sentence summary -- Test the soil under and around the property. Investigate the individual tanks. Verify ownership. Check with city hall.


Some big-box grocery stores like Walmart and Target have apps available that allow you to order your groceries online. At your assigned time, pull into the designated area at the grocery store, and someone will come out and load up your groceries for you. That way, you won't have to go into the store at all. Because of the increased demand for curbside-pickup services, it may be difficult to schedule your order. Keep checking back, and eventually, a window should open. Depending on where you live, you may be able to have your groceries delivered through either a third-party delivery app or a grocery store's individual delivery service. Just ask the person delivering your items to leave them on your doorstep. Wait for them to move at least 6 ft (1.8 m) away, then go out and bring your groceries in.  Check with services like Shipt, Instacart, or Walmart Grocery Delivery to see if delivery is available where you live. Keep in mind that during the coronavirus outbreak, delivery times tend to get booked up quickly. Check back frequently until you find an open delivery window that works for you. Check social media or talk to your family and friends to find out whether there are any wholesalers or restaurant suppliers in your area who are selling their products to the public. You may even find that there are restaurants near you who are offering their stock at cost to help make a little extra money during the outbreak. That can be a way to find bulk items at an affordable price, and many are offering curbside pickup.  For instance, you might be able to order supplies like ground beef, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, and cheese from a wholesaler. There's no guarantee that this will be cheaper than buying your goods from a grocery store. However, it can be a good alternative if you're having trouble finding items you need, and it can keep you from having to go inside a store.
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One-sentence summary -- Try curbside pickup if it's available. Use a grocery delivery service to have your groceries brought to you. Order from local wholesalers to stock up on basics.


A classic car will cost a lot more than its original price. Plan to spend up to seven times more for insurance than you would with an average car. Storing the car can also cost a lot if you don’t have your own garage. Storage in an auto facility or motor club can cost $500+/month. Classic cars generally require a lot of upkeep, and unexpected repairs can cost $1000+. Make sure to factor all costs into its price so that you have enough money to maintain your car. Be prepared to pay more for parts. If you buy something rare, be prepared to pay more not only for the car, but also for its parts. In many cases you'll have to get parts custom-made, which can be very expensive. You may also be able to buy used parts from someone who is "chopping" up a similar model. You can check online auctions for general availability of such parts. It is not uncommon for new classic car buyers to overspend. A fair price needs to be calculated based on the car's age, the condition it's in, how rare it is, and what features it has. Find the market value of your car at the National Automobile Dealers Association at nada.org. If you need to finance the car, you will likely have trouble finding a bank or lending institution that is willing to help because they don’t understand the value of an object that is several decades old. But there are some companies that will help, such as J.J. Best Banc & Company and Woodside Credit. You will need to make a down payment of 10-30% and will pay interest ranging from 5-10%. The loan is often for 10-12 years and you can often build in the cost of warranty. The insurance and car title will need to be in the owner’s name. You can transfer the car title at the DMV.  Of course, if you have the money to pay for it, you can simply buy it with your own money. It is always preferable to avoid going into debt. Save up for it and then pay by check. Another option is to lease a classic car if you can’t afford to own it. This is advantageous because if the market changes and the car’s value decreases, it won’t affect you.
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One-sentence summary --
Prepare for hidden costs. Pay an appropriate price. Buy the car.