This sample work requires two paragraphs of at least 5 sentences each and a chart or table listing expenses.

For this sample work, you are going to imagine you are moving into your first home. Work through the steps below as you put together your sample work product.

Decide whether you are going to rent or buy…. Research the associated cost of which you chose and write a paragraph explaining why you chose to rent or buy. Research and write about all the move-in expenses, cost of rent or mortgage, fees to move in, cost to turn on utilities, etc.
The second thing you’ll do is fill your home with everything you need to live. You will write a second paragraph where you’ll talk about everything you need to fill your home. This should include everything from furniture to kitchen utensils.
The final thing you’ll do is create a table or chart listing all your expenses from first month's rent, fees, turning on utilities, and everything you buy such as furniture, towels, etc. Include an item description and cost!

After researching the costs and considering my current financial situation, I have decided to rent my first home. The primary reason for this decision is the flexibility that renting offers. As a first-time homeowner, I am unsure of how my preferences and needs may change in the future. By renting, I can easily move to a different location or upgrade to a larger space if necessary. Additionally, renting allows me to avoid the significant upfront costs associated with buying a home, such as down payments, closing costs, and property taxes. The monthly rent I will be paying is $1,500, which includes water and trash services. In addition to the rent, I will need to pay a security deposit of $1,500 and a non-refundable administrative fee of $200. To turn on utilities, I will need to pay a deposit of $200 for electricity and $100 for internet and cable services.

To furnish my new home, I will need to consider a variety of items. In the living room, I will need a sofa, coffee table, and a TV stand. The bedroom will require a bed frame, a mattress, and a dresser. I will also need to invest in a dining table with chairs for the kitchen and a desk and chair for a home office setup. Other essential items include window blinds, curtains, lamps, and storage solutions. In the kitchen, I will need appliances such as a refrigerator, stove, and microwave, as well as utensils, cookware, and dinnerware. In the bathroom, I will need towels, shower curtains, and basic toiletries. Additionally, I will need cleaning supplies and a vacuum cleaner for maintenance purposes.

Expenses Table:

Item Description Cost
First Month's Rent $1,500
Security Deposit $1,500
Administrative Fee $200
Electricity Deposit $200
Internet/Cable Deposit $100
Living Room Furniture $1,000
Bedroom Furniture $800
Dining Table and Chairs $500
Desk and Chair $200
Window Blinds $300
Curtains $150
Lamps $200
Storage Solutions $400
Kitchen Appliances $1,500
Cookware $200
Dinnerware $150
Towels $100
Shower Curtains $50
Toiletries $100
Cleaning Supplies $100
Vacuum Cleaner $150

Total Expenses: $9,800

Step 1: Deciding to Rent or Buy

If I were to move into my first home, I would choose to rent rather than buy. Renting offers a level of flexibility, especially for someone like me who is just starting out and may not have a stable financial situation. Renting allows me to have a place to live without the long-term commitment and financial responsibilities associated with homeownership.

Renting also provides the advantage of having maintenance and repair costs handled by the landlord or property management company. As a first-time homeowner, I may not have the knowledge or resources to handle unexpected repairs or maintenance tasks. Renting eliminates these concerns and ensures a hassle-free living experience.

Furthermore, in terms of cost, renting might be more affordable in the short term. While homeownership may build equity over time, there are additional expenses such as property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and mortgage interest that can significantly increase the overall cost of buying a home. Renting allows me to have predictable monthly expenses without the added financial burden.

Step 2: Filling the Home with Everything Needed

To fully furnish and equip my new home, I would need a variety of items. Starting with furniture, I would require a comfortable bed, couch, dining table and chairs, coffee table, and storage units like dressers and shelves. Basic kitchen utensils such as pots, pans, cutlery, plates, and glasses would be necessary. Other essential items include appliances like a refrigerator, microwave, and stove, as well as cleaning supplies, bathroom essentials, and linens for the bedroom and bathroom. Additionally, I would need electronics like a television, Wi-Fi router, and possibly a computer desk and chair for a home office setup.

Step 3: Expenses Table or Chart

Expense | Cost
-------------------------------------------------------
First Month's Rent | $1,000
Security Deposit | $1,500
Application Fee | $50
Utility Activation Fees | $200
Furniture (bed, couch, etc.) | $2,500
Kitchen Utensils | $300
Appliances (refrigerator, etc.) | $1,200
Cleaning Supplies | $100
Bathroom Essentials | $150
Linens (bedroom, bathroom) | $250
Electronics | $1,500
-------------------------------------------------------
Total | $8,750

Note: The expenses listed above are just examples and may vary based on individual preferences and location.

To gather information for your sample work, you can start by conducting some research on renting and buying a home. Look for reputable sources such as real estate websites, financial websites, or government housing agencies. These sources will provide you with valuable information on the associated costs, pros, and cons of renting and buying a home.

Once you have gathered enough information, you can begin crafting your first paragraph explaining why you chose to rent or buy. Begin by introducing your decision and providing a brief overview of the costs involved in renting or buying. Then, support your decision with your research findings.

For example, if you chose to rent, you might explain that you decided to rent because you prefer the flexibility it offers. You can mention the lower upfront costs associated with renting, such as the security deposit and first month's rent. Additionally, highlight the advantages of not being responsible for major repairs and maintenance, as these expenses are typically covered by the landlord.

In the second paragraph, you will discuss everything you need to fill your home. Start by categorizing the essential items you need, such as furniture, kitchen utensils, bedding, bathroom essentials, electronics, and so on. You can further break down each category and mention specific items within it. For instance, under furniture, you might include a couch, coffee table, dining table, chairs, and a bed frame. Just make sure to include a comprehensive list of items needed to make your house a comfortable living space.

Finally, for the table or chart listing your expenses, you can create a simple spreadsheet using a software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. In the first column, list the item descriptions, such as "First Month's Rent," "Security Deposit," "Electricity Connection Fee," "Sofa," "Dining Table," and so on. In the second column, list the cost for each item or expense. If some expenses are recurring (e.g., monthly rent or utility bills), you can mention the monthly cost separately or include it in a separate column.

By following these steps, you should be able to create a well-structured sample work that includes two paragraphs discussing your choice to rent or buy and everything needed to fill your home, along with a table or chart listing all the associated expenses.