Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 252

The Many Benefits In Hiring A Realtor

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is true that it is possible to buy and sell homes without using a real estate professional.  Although possible, it is not recommended.  Many who have tried to sell or buy a home without using a professional agent have said that in the end the costs and emotional stress were more than what it would have been if they had hired a professional from the start.  Below you will find just a few reasons why homeowners should not automatically rule out the idea of hiring a real estate agent to help with the purchase or sale of their home.

Improved Access and Convenience

When you do something over and over again you are able to simplify the process; you achieve an exact science in completing the task at hand.  This is what realtors offer to buyers and sellers.  The agent will link the two parties together which offers better exposure for both of them.  An agent works to close offers efficiently and quicker.  Homeowners choosing to buy or sell a home without the help of an agent actually end up missing a great number of interested parties because they lack the same resources that an agent has.

Negotiating is Harder Then It Seems

It is a myth that homeowners save themselves a ton of money by negotiating the sale or purchase of a home on their own.  Negotiating is hard when emotions are involved; both parties believe that their offer has more benefits than the others.  An agent has experience connecting the buyer and the seller.  This allows the messages that they both have to be conveyed in a less emotional manner helping the other to perceive it in a better manner.  Real estate agents have proven negotiating skills and have experience in convincing people to come to an agreement.

Real Estate Contract Are Complicated

Anytime a contract is involved it is important to be sure that what is stated is what you had agreed upon when speaking.  Even if you agreed that the appliances were to stay if it is not stated in the contract there is nothing legally binding to ensure that occurs. An agent knows exactly what needs to be included or omitted in a real estate offer and an end contract.   This alone can save buyers and sellers the amount they are paying for the professional real estate services an agent provides.

Buying and selling homes is an intricate process.  The steps are compounded with the stress that homeowners naturally feel when big decisions loom overhead.  With all of the paperwork that needs to be done, questions to be answered and deals to be negotiated it is impossible for homeowners to flow through the process without complications. That is why real estate agents are an absolute necessity when buying or selling a home.

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area. Find out more at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Comparing Surety Bonds and Insurance Part Two

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In our last installment we began comparing surety bonds and insurance.  Many people are under the misconception that because of the similarities between surety bonds and the fact that often insurance companies offer them that they too are a form of insurance.  This however is not true.  As we previously discussed surety bonds are an agreement between three parties as well as that with a surety bond a loss is not expected instead a guarantee in case an obligation is not met.  Insurance on the other hand is an agreement between two parties where a loss is expected.  At some point you expect an insurance policy will pay out whereas with a surety bond you don’t expect to ever have to receive a payout.

A company offering surety bonds expect to recover any losses occurred.  If the principal defaults on the contract and the surety bond have to pay the obligee the surety expects to get repaid from the principal.  The surety has loaned assets to the principal and therefore will seek reimbursement.  Insurance claims are never expected to be repaid.  In fact with an insurance policy a claim is expected.  The whole purpose of insurance is to cover any losses the insured has experienced.

When the premium is paid on a surety bond it is acting as a service charge for the bond by the principal.  In fact surety companies get to be incredibly selective when choosing companies that they agree to bond.  This is because bonds serve as a non-collateral loan unlike a car or mortgage payment.  A surety company asks for a fee anywhere from half a percent to three percent of the contract amount.  The fee will be dependent upon the financial strength of the principal.  The premium is usually paid on an annual basis.

This is different than insurance premiums in that the premium that is paid is to cover the expenses and losses that are expected to occur. An insurance policy is something that nearly everyone can be issued.  The premium that is paid will depend upon the risk of the person or people being insured.  The greater risk to the insurance company the higher the premium.

As previously stated, surety companies are incredibly careful when choosing companies that they bond.  Years of running a successful business, financial stability and a record of completing projects on time and within the projected budget allotted within the original contract.  Agents handing out surety bonds are trained to ensure they don’t make loans that will default.

Insurance agents however are a lot more flexible when it comes to writing insurance policies.  Insurance companies offer up a higher volume of business in order to make a profit as well as cover any losses experienced.  This allows agents to be flexible with whom they offer insurance policies to.  Although as an example, if a car owner is seeking insurance and they have been in multiple accidents they will pay a higher premium then a client who has not been involved in an accident or had a previous ticket.

There are key distinctions between surety bonds and insurance policies.  Although they function differently they both meet a need that protect someone from experiencing a loss.

Construction Bonding Specialists, LLC are dedicated Surety Bond Professionals that are aligned with several Treasury Listed and AMBest Rated Surety markets which allows them to assist with virtually all Bid, Performance and Payment, Financial Guarantee and Supply bond needs.  Find out more information at http://www.bondingspecialist.com.

Construction Bonding Specialists

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Comparing Surety Bonds and Insurance Part One

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Most people assume that because surety bonds are offered through an insurance company that a surety bond is a type of insurance policy.  This however is untrue.  Even though surety bonds and insurance policies have a few insignificant likenesses they are not the same thing at all.  In this installment we will discuss the differences between surety bonds and insurance.

The first difference between surety bonds and insurance is the number of individuals involved in the agreement.  With a surety bond there is a three-party agreement that connects the bond issuer, who is known as the surety, with the second party, who is the principal, into a financial guarantee to the third party, who is known as the obligee.  The agreement states that principal fulfills the obligations set forth in the contract.  The principal relies on the monetary power of the surety in order to acquire a contract with the obligee.

The difference with insurance is that the agreement between two parties; the two parties being the insurance company and the insured.  This arrangement is in place to guarantee that if the insured has a loss or is damaged the insurance company agrees to pay an amount set forth in the original policy.

Another distinction between surety bonds and insurance is that losses are not to be expected under a surety bond.  The contracting company to which the bond is issued needs to be financially stout and secure to be eligible for bonding.  The surety company carries out a thorough background check into the contractor’s character, their credit worthiness, the talent and capability to finish a project as contracted.

It is also important that they meet the specific check points in place within the contract.  A surety bond is sought out because the contractor is asked to provide one because the project owner mandates it.   The surety bond amount decreases as certain check points, which are stated in the contract, are met.  Less surety is needed as the job gets closer to the agreed upon end.  As each stage is completed the contractor is required to carry less surety to meet their obligation to the project owner.

An insurance policy is purchased because a loss is eventually expected.  The insurance policy rates are always changing and need to be adjusted based on the law of averages, expenses and losses.  A perfect example is when purchasing car insurance.  The rates are high at first because the expense is greater to cover the amount owed on the car loan.  If the car is in an accident a large amount of money is needed to cover the expense of repair or to cover the payoff on the loan.  As time passes the amount owed becomes less and less, the expense to repair the car decreases and because of all of these factors the insurance policy costs decrease.

In our next installment we will look at more comparisons between surety bonds and insurance companies.  These two very different industries and products have qualities that are similar but they are indeed two very different things when side by side comparisons are completed.

Construction Bonding Specialists, LLC are dedicated Surety Bond Professionals that are aligned with several Treasury Listed and AMBest Rated Surety markets which allows them to assist with virtually all Bid, Performance and Payment, Financial Guarantee and Supply bond needs.  Find out more information at http://www.bondingspecialist.com.

Construction Bonding Specialists

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Understanding Common Mortgage Terms

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is impossible to become a mortgage expert for most of us.  We don’t really need to be proficient in mortgage lingo if it is not something we handle daily.  Many of us will only deal with applying for a mortgage a few times in our lives.  Some will have experience in refinancing and even fewer in reverse mortgages.  It is important however, to have at least the most basic understanding of the terms used within mortgage contracts.   Even the most technical mortgage terms can be broken down to allow even the most novice mortgage seeker to understand exactly what they are paying for at the end of the day.

On a mortgage application or contract the term administration fee is often used.  This is the fee that is charged by the provider of the mortgage to cover the costs to evaluate and procure the documentation needed for a valid mortgage contract.  This fee is nonrefundable in the event you decide to terminate your mortgage contract.  It is a variable fee that is dependent upon the rate charge by your mortgage provider.

There are two main parts within your actual monthly mortgage payment: the principle and interest.  This means that when you make that one payment monthly you are actually dually paying on your mortgage.  One portion of the amount paid goes directly towards the interest payment on the original loan amount while the other goes to pay down the overall principle loan amount.  Depending on the contract the amount you pay is split up differently in how money is applied.  Some individuals looking to decrease the amount of interest paid overall will opt for a larger down payment or one large lump sum payment on the mortgage principle.

Another term that is often used is owner’s equity.  This refers to the difference between what is owed on the home loan verse what the home would sell for.  Without taking into consideration any increase in the value of the property it comes down to the difference you paid originally minus principle payments made on the home loan.

It is important to note that once the mortgage contract is issued it cannot be altered or changed in any way.  The only process in which to decrease the interest rate on the loan or the terms of the mortgage is to refinance.  Refinancing will cost the homeowner additional in administrative fees and such because it is essentially entering into a new mortgage in which you will proceed through each step once again.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

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Common Mortgage Options Explored

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When you don’t work in the mortgage industry the jargon used is not familiar and a bit overwhelming.  Mortgages are complicated; buying a home is complex.  The entire process is intricate and involves a basic understanding of what you should be looking for.  Below you will find a few essential descriptions to better help you throughout the processes of procuring a new home loan.

Interest Only Mortgage Options

A mortgage that is an interest only mortgage is meant to decrease the monthly payment over the first few years of the loan.  This option allows homeowners to pay only on the interest of the mortgage without making any payments to the principle.  This option can be a bit risky.  You are not paying anything on the principle of the loan which leads to a lower payment because you are only making payments on the interest that is accruing.

Eventually though homeowners will be required to begin making payments on both the principle of the loan and the interest.  This option will lead to a higher monthly payment at a specific date set forth in the terms of your mortgage.  It is important to be sure that when it is required that you are able to afford both the interest payment and the principle payment.  An interest only loan option is often used when homeowners have purchased a home that is need of some work.  Homeowners can use the money that would normally be going towards the monthly principle payment on renovations to the home.

Reverse Mortgage Funding

A reverse mortgage is an option that exists to aid homeowners needing extra funds when their homes are fully paid for.  When you take advantage of a reverse mortgage you receive a monthly stipend from the equity within the home.  This option is usually left for elderly homeowners whom have had time to pay off their mortgages and see an increase in equity within their homes.  This option gives homeowners extra money as they age in place in their own homes.  This is an option many older homeowners choose to leave liquid funds available upon their passing.  A reverse mortgage can be set up to pay closing costs and realtor fees upon the sale of the home.  When the homeowner passes the house will be placed for sale thus alleviating the burden that selling the home can cause to heirs.

To find out more about mortgage options that best meet your unique situation contact a local mortgage broker.  Meeting and discussing your unique situation with a mortgage advisor is a sure way to find a mortgage option that meets your need.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

 

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

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Four Of The Most Common Answers In LTL Shipping

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In shipping there are many more questions than answers.  Freight carriers involved in less than truckload shipping are a unique entity in the shipping equation.  Below you will find the answers to the top five questions asked about LTL shipping.

What is less than truckload (LTL) shipping exactly?

When shipping a load that consists of freight that takes up less than a full truckload it will be less expensive for freight to be sent LTL.  In shipping there are there are three main shipping modes, less than truckload, parcel carriers and full truckload carriers.  Parcel carriers usually handle smaller packages and freight that is broken down into units that are less than one hundred fifty pounds.  Full truckload carriers move freight that consists of a load fitting into a semi-trailer.  Semi-trailers are between twenty six and fifty three feet.  They require a large amount of freight to make it cost effective for shippers to choose this option in freight shipping.

How exactly do LTL shippers operate?

An LTL shipper usually carries a load of freight between one hundred and fifty one pounds and twenty thousand pounds.  Most LTL carriers work through a hub and spoke system.  This allows smaller shipments to be sent through a variety of channels and paired with other shipments headed to the same place to create a full truckload.  This keeps the costs down and allows for many smaller shipments to get where they need to be without the expense of a full truckload shipment. Many small picks ups can occur, creating smaller shipments, centered in one local hub shipped out through a variety of spokes to other LTL carriers at a lower cost to shippers.

What is the advantage of using a carrier that ships LTL?

The major advantage of using an LTL carrier is that you can decrease the costs associated with transportation on your freight shipments.  Also, additional services are offered through LTL carriers such as lift gate services at pickup and delivery, residential services, indoor deliveries, notification of pickups and deliveries, freeze protection and more.  If you need a more hands on approach to your shipment it is ideal for you to look at LTL carriers for transporting your goods.

What is the main difference between the operations of LTL shippers and parcel carriers?

Parcel carriers usually ship pieces that weigh less than one hundred and fifty pounds.  LTL carriers and parcel carriers still compete for shippers as larger shipments can be broke down into smaller packages.  An LTL carrier prefers to ship loads that don’t need a great deal of handling.  An LTL carrier prefers to ship pallets.  LTL shipper ship one pallet which may contain many boxes wrapped together to form one shipment where as a parcel carrier will break it down into smaller loads.   The typical per pound rate of LTL carriers is less than the per pound rate of parcel carriers overall.

Jefferson Diversified Group, LLC is a Global Logistics expert offering LTL shipping and more. Check out available rates today at http://www.detroitltl.com.

Detroit LTL

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The Most Important Renovation For Aging In Place

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is incredibly difficult to grasp that our parents are not as young as they once were although they remain as stubborn.  For the most part aging individuals will want to stay in their homes.  If they can fix their own meals, bathe on their own and continue to dress themselves and don’t need personal one on one care you can ensure that they will want to age in place.  With this in mind it is important that as many hazards as exist within the home are alleviated to avoid accidents that can occur.

The number one concern in age in place renovations is to prevent falls.  Do an assessment on the home and begin to look for areas that look like they present further risks of falling.  This means that all throw rugs and clutter need to be removed from the home.  Areas within the home that should be double and triple checked include stairways, showers and kitchens.  As well as making sure there are no throw rugs or clutter present be sure to increase the lighting in these main areas.  A well lit area goes a long way in preventing falls throughout the home.

The bathroom is the most dangerous area with the home for all of us not just the elderly.  The bathroom is the location in which most slip and falls occur.  If you are going to completely gut and renovate any one room in your parents home while they choose to age in place it should be the bathroom.  A bathroom overhaul should include the addition of a barrier free shower with a zero entry.  Grab bars and seats should be installed within the shower.  Grab bars should also be placed near the toilet.  Another highly recommended addition is a toilet that is elevated higher than a normal household toilet.  A bathroom that is ideal for seniors aging in place should also include slip resistant flooring and levered handles on all cabinet drawers and doors.

The cost of a new bathroom can be upwards of six thousand dollars or more depending on the exact renovations that are done as well as the labor fee that is charged by the age in place renovation specialist you choose to hire.  It is advisable to look into hiring a contractor that specializes in age in place renovations or ADA remodeling.  General contractors don’t necessarily know or understand the needs of clients with limited mobility or balance concerns.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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Metal Verses Asphalt Roofing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Homeowners are always interested in the latest and greatest trends when it comes to upgrading their homes. One item that has become a subject of debate is metal roofing.  In comparison most homeowners will agree that metal roofing is an appealing option over asphalt shingles.  The debate between the two materials often centers on their cost verse longevity.  Does it make sense to pay almost double the amount of money for the materials and installation involved in metal roofing?  What other benefits does metal offer over asphalt to your home to warrant the expense?

What is lighter metal or asphalt roofing?

It is a common myth that metal roofing is heavy.  This could be nothing further than the truth.  In fact metal roofing weighs about one point four pound per square foot where as asphalt shingles weigh anywhere between two to five pounds for each installed square foot.  The major advantage of this is that metal roofing materials are easier to install over any existing roof without compromising the existing roof structure.

What is the lifespan of metal and asphalt roofing?

Most people are not surprised to learn that metal outlast asphalt when it comes to the longevity of your homes roof.  The worry surrounding metal comes from the myth that metal easily rusts.  This again is untrue; in fact metal outlast asphalt more than four to one.  Metal roofing sheets are not easily compromised by the sun and heat unlike asphalt.  The metal will continue to perform for decades over shingles.  Shingle roofing is preferred amongst roofing contractors only because they are easy to install and the roofing contractor does not need any specialized training to be installed.

What is the difference between the warranty between metal and asphalt roofing?

One thing many homeowners are shocked to find out is that the warranty of asphalt composition is that the warranty on the shingle doesn’t necessarily correspond with the lifespan of the actual shingle materials.  If the warranty on the shingle is stated at forty years most homeowners are lucky to get fourteen to nineteen years out of them.  This is hardly comparable to the one hundred year warranty period on metal roofing.

What is the aesthetic value between metal and asphalt shingling?

Asphalt has been seen as the most affordable option in roofing for awhile now.  This does necessarily make the most eye appealing choice.  With metal roofing you have a variety of choices in styles, colors and shapes.  Metal roofing actually offers more in terms of appearance than any other material in roofing.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Aluminum Fencing That Meets Homeowners Needs and Local HOA Regulations

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Making an informed buying decision is important especially when it comes to improvements around your home.  There are a several choices to decide between when picking out a fence that is ideal for your home.  The fence needs to compliment the style of your home while meeting the need in which it is being installed for.   Homeowners must also look at the cost, maintenance, neighborhood restrictions and installation before choosing the style of fencing to purchase.

Picking a fence that meets the homeowners need is the most important aspect of choosing a fence.  If the goal of installing a fence is privacy then an open picket aluminum fence will not be the best option.  For privacy homeowners will want to look for a fence that is tall as well as something solid that you cannot see through.  Determine your need before any other decision is made.

Ask yourself why you are putting a fence in.  What need does the fence fulfill?  Prioritize the needs over the wants instead of the other way around.  Aluminum fencing is a great choice for pet and kid containment, enclosing an in-ground pool and for adding a decorative touch to the existing landscape.

The next option is to consider how much maintenance is required to keep the fence as aesthetically pleasing as the day it was first installed.  Wooden fences require the most maintenance.  Wood needs to be power washed, painted and stained every few years.  Aluminum fencing is practically maintenance free.  To keep wholesale aluminum fence looking as good as the day it was first installed all that needs to be done is a quick power washing.

Check into local regulations along with your HOA’s guidelines on fencing.  It is better to find out before the fence is shipped and sitting in driveway if the material you want to install is allowed or if the height of the fence is regulated.  Some HOA rules and regulations are incredibly strict and will only allow the same fencing to be installed throughout the neighborhood or if a variety of materials are acceptable.

Once you have an understanding of the HOA regulations, the need that will be met by installing a fence and the maintenance level of caring for the fence it is time to design and order the new fence.  Online wholesale aluminum fence suppliers have an abundance of tools at their disposal to help in the planning, designing and ordering of fencing.  Working with a wholesale aluminum fence customer service representative via email and over the phone is a sure way to get the fence that was envisioned.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Wholesale Aluminum Fencing Meets The Needs Of Homeowners

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are so many reasons that homeowners consider adding a fence to the perimeter of their homes or even just their backyards.  When it comes to installing a fence the very first matter you must take into account is exactly that; why are you adding a fence to your yard?  This one question can help determine so many things from what height the fence should be to what material to use.

If your goal in fencing in your yard is privacy then you will want to consider only fencing that blocks the site lines.  For this you will need solid fencing, which means that the vertical pickets prevent people from seeing out or seeing in.  Privacy fence is also at least six feet tall to prevent neighbors from seeing over your fence.  Privacy fencing comes in a variety of materials.  Wood is the most common material in privacy fencing but also tends to be the material that requires the most maintenance.

When installing a fence for security the main goal is a fence of substantial height.  A fence of six feet or taller will work to keep outsiders from jumping over the fence into the yard.  The addition of pickets or other spiky tops also help to deter climbing.  Fences with smooth outer faces and rails create a fence that is almost impossible to climb. Security fencing also comes in a variety of materials with the most common being aluminum.  Wholesale aluminum fencing is popular when looking for security fencing because it is practically maintenance free.  It is also popular because although it cost a bit more initially it tends to add the most value to your home without additional maintenance costs.

If you are only looking to establish property lines, boost curb appeal, or add appeal to your landscape, decorative fencing is what you are looking to install.  Decorative aluminum fencing is a great option for long lasting fencing with little to know maintenance required to keep it looking as good as the day it was first installed.  Wholesale aluminum fencing comes in a variety of ornamental styles to choose from.  There are at least a dozen colors to choose from and a myriad of decorative touches that can be added to your aluminum fencing.  Decorative fencing ranges in a variety of heights depending on what is complementary to your home and landscape.

If you are looking for safety fencing you also have a variety of choices in materials to choose from.  The main concern is that the pool fencing you choose meets the regulations set forth by B.O.C.A. as well as local regulations.  Aluminum fencing is a popular option when installing a fence for pool safety.

Aluminum is a popular choice no matter what the reason you are looking to install a fence.  Purchasing wholesale aluminum fencing online is a great way to get a superior deal on a practically maintenance free fence for your landscape.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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