Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 258

Creating Safe Spaces For Seniors With Age In Place Remodeling

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Ever since the commercial with the elder lady lying on the floor yelling, “I can’t get up” has more emphasis been placed on seniors choosing to age in place.  Without breaking the budget it is possible to turn your loved ones space into a senior friendly environment that keeps them safe while allowing them the independence and freedom that they crave.

The one space to completely overhaul, if any, is the bathroom.  Most accidents involving seniors occur in the bathroom.   If your budget allows for it the best option is to take the existing space and tear it down to the studs.  This will allow you to change the structural base of improvements.

Start with widening the door entrance to a width that easily accommodates a walker or wheel chair.  From door to jam the opening should be at least thirty two inches.   Change out the door and upgrade to a sliding door.  This makes entry and exit even easier for seniors with mobility issues.

The next addition in renovating the bathroom space to accommodate aging in place is to install a shower that allows the user entry without a ledge.  A zero entry, roll in shower is ideal for users dependent upon wheelchairs or walker.  The best shower head to install for aging in place is one that can be removed.  Hand held shower heads allow users to get into hard to reach places normal ones don’t reach.   Install a built in seat in the shower as well.  This will allow older people to get off their feet while showering if the extended standing is too much for them.  Shower grab bars are essential on the walls to help with balance.

As we age the muscles in our legs start to weaken.  To combat this install an elongated toilet that sits at least seventeen to nineteen inches off the ground. This will help ease the stress put on older legs when transitioning of getting on and off of the toilet.  Installing grab bars that are accessible from the toilet are also beneficial to aging adults.

Bathroom flooring is another area that causes concerns when it comes to seniors.  Tile options are often slick, carpet in a bathroom is not an ideal option and neither is wood or the use of throw rugs.  Ceramic tile offers selections with added texture.  This is an ideal flooring option to add to a bathroom remodel, especially in age in place remodeling.

Additional lighting, both natural and artificial should be added.  Eye sight tends to fade as we age and extra lighting helps combat these issues.

Keeping our parents safe is our top priority while keeping their independence is of top priority to them; unite both in age in place remodeling.

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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Benefits Of Installing A Gunite Swimming Pool This Summer

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It’s summer! Many families celebrate the arrival of the sunshine season by opening their pools.  In-ground pools are installed using a variety of different materials from fiberglass to plaster.  If you are looking to celebrate the arrival of summer by installing a new in-ground swimming pool consider a gunite, otherwise known as concrete, pool.

Gunite has many advantages over other pool materials.  Gunite is a type of reinforced concrete that is strong, durable and adaptable to most any desired size or shape.

For a gunite pool to be installed the crew will dig a hole around the desired space.  Then the pools plumbing will be put into place and a framework grid made from three eighths steel reinforced rods will be placed.  Once the grid is in place and secured with wire the crew will spray in a heavy coat of gunite in between and around the rebar that is in place.  The gunite is a mixture of cement, sand and water.  This mixture is then smoothed out by the crew and left to set for about a week or so before they apply the smooth plaster finish onto the rough concrete surface. The entire process takes between thirty to ninety days depending on your contractor and the weather.

Gunite is used in most luxury pools as it can be designed to any shape or size desired.  Custom designed pools are most easily created from gunite.  This concrete mixture gives the pool a more natural looking pool.  With the introduction of new designs families can use gunite to have a pool created to resemble a Florida beach, vanishing edges or even backyard ponds.

Advantages of a Gunite Swimming Pool

  • An in-ground swimming pool created using gunite is a permanent structure.  It becomes an extension of your home and works to increase the homes equity.  It also adds to the beauty of the landscape which works to increase the overall value of the property.
  • A gunite pool is more customizable and therefore unique and personal.  It may cost a bit more and take a few more weeks to install but are more than worth it.  You can literally customize the entire area and every little detail.
  • A gunite pool can use a variety of finishes including tile, exposed aggregate and even fiberglass.
  • Homeowners can work outside the box to seek a design created to reflect their home and personality.
  • Gunite is highly durable and can withstand climate changes when closed properly for the season.
  • A gunite pool will last a very long time.  The plaster protective layer will need replacing every ten to fifteen years which is easily completed by professionals specializing in pool plastering and repair services. 

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Pound Pool Plastering

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Installing Electronic Entry Driveway Gates

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The number of electronic entry gates installed is increasing as new subdivisions are developed and privacy within ones home environment becomes more and more sacred.  With every electronic investment there come advantages and disadvantages to weigh.  Although the advantages outweigh the disadvantages when installing an electronic driveway gate there are disadvantages that must be considered.

One of the main advantages with an electronic driveway gate is the added security to your family home and property.  Anyone that enters the area must provide a secure connection to open the gate.  Gate entry comes in several different forms from remote controls to key pads depending on what the owner desires.  This reduces the number of unwanted visitors to the property as they are unable to enter the area due to a driveway that is blocked by a secure gate.  To allow visitors into the property the owner will need to open the gate.  This allows the resident to verify visitors before entry.

Another benefit that comes along with having an electronic driveway gate or entrance gate is the increase in value to your home.  It gives your property or subdivision an upper class status as electronic entries have become a symbol of wealth.  Buyers have noted choosing one home over another when looking to buy because of the addition of an entry gate.

Electronic gates have a convenience that older gates don’t; the ability to open and close them without leaving the comfort of their vehicles. When the weather is less than perfect or you get home later than normal there is no need to exit the vehicle to open and close the gate.   With remote controlled entry and gate operators the gate opens and closes from the convenience of your vehicle.

Gate operators are available in two different styles to choose from including swinging and sliding options.   Sliding gate operators are perfect for spaces with limited access as they conveniently slide into themselves when opening.  Swing gates are perfect when your space is unlimited and flat.

The main disadvantage that comes with purchasing and installing an electric gate is the expense.  It is a large financial commitment; though this home improvement cost is usually recouped with the increase in equity to the home.  Another disadvantage can come when choosing the material in which to use for your new fence.   If you choose a wooden gate you will need to provide yearly maintenance to keep it in working order unlike aluminum which is basically maintenance free.

Another disadvantage can come during a power failure or malfunctioning system.  This is true of all electrical components.  A battery backup can be installed to protect against power failures but nothing can fully prevent the inconvenience of a system that malfunctions.

As you can see the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages that come along with installing an electronic entrance gate. If you have the financial resources an aluminum entry gate is the ideal addition to any home driveway.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic entry gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from.  You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.

SAC Fence

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The Unpredictability In Marriage

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

No one person fully understands why some marriages last while others don’t.  There are however some common elements that we see to why couples seek a divorce.  Some marriages fall apart because of a number of elements while others just seem to disintegrate for no reason at all.  The list below includes common elements divorce attorneys see in cases of divorce.  Knowing what causes a major to fail may help individuals avoid these failings when seeking a long term relationship in the future.

The most common reason men and women give that are looking to dissolve their marriage is unfaithfulness.  Infidelity causes approximately sixty five percent of all marriages to end.  The hurt that comes along with one spouse cheating on another is almost always a hurt that cannot be mended.  Marriages where infidelity occurs must take massive steps towards repair in order to survive.

Another common reason for divorce is financial disagreements.  Often one partner is a spender and one is a saver.  Instead of working together to determine an appropriate budget to meet both their needs the situation is often ignored.  This leads both partners to feel major resentment towards the other.  This cycle has many pitfalls that eventually lead to divorce.

Addiction is another main reason given as reason that individuals are seeking a divorce.  Addiction to sports, gambling, liquor, drugs or any other substance that causes one spouse to neglect another leaves one spouse feeling neglected and unloved.  In marriage neither partner wants to take a backseat in the others life.  When addiction occurs the person can no longer see the needs of his or her partner and therefore the downward spiral occurs. If you notice addictive tendencies in a person before you marry don’t think that just because they get married they will change. This simply does not occur.  It doesn’t matter what promises are made beforehand.

Physical attraction is most often the first thing that draws us into an attraction and therefore is one of the top reasons the attraction dissolves.  This sounds crazy to many of us however is a very legitimate reason involved in seeking a divorce.  One spouse may feel resentment towards the other if they have gained weight or their appearance has changed drastically.  This decrease in attraction can cause a lack of sexual interest both which result in a failed marriage.

Violence and physical abuse are also listed as top reasons marriages end in divorce.  If one spouse is verbally or physically abusive the marriage is doomed.  This behavior will become more and more violent especially if the abuser doesn’t recognize the issue at hand.  If one partner is unwilling to change a divorce is inevitable.

Immaturity is another common occurrence in marriage that leads one spouse to file for divorce.  Marriage is intended for two committed adults.  When one of these individuals fails to advance to the next level of maturity it can become too cumbersome a job for the other to take on.  Raising children on top of dealing with an immature spouse can become overwhelming.

Marriage is not to be entered into lightly and neither is divorce.  Divorce attorneys advise couples experiencing any type of conflict first meet with a counselor to seek out resolution before committing to a divorce.  After this process there will be clarity on whether a reconciliation can be worked towards or not.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Women/Mom’s in divorce throughout Trenton and the surrounding Michigan areas. Find us at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerforwomen.com.

Longton Law

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Divorce Attorney Specializing In Men’s Well Being During and After Divorce

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Did you know that women file for divorce twice as often as men?  Any man that has gone through a divorce will tell you that the experience and effects it has on them is devastating.  It is important to make good choices before getting married.  Take into account the following information to help decrease the chances of experiencing any of these devastating outcomes.

Forty percent of marriages end in divorce.  This is an unfortunate statistic.  It becomes expected that people marry and therefore often occurs in haste.  Getting married is all too simple.  Perhaps if this process was more difficult fewer marriages would end in divorce.  Take time to really get to know an individual before you choose to get married.  Perhaps take marriage classes to better prepare you for spending your lifetime learning to compromise.  Marriage is a journey of two people learning to combine their lives into one.  If either person is not committed to this there will eventually be discourse.

With divorce as common as it is blended families are the new norm.  Sixty eight percent of children between the ages of fourteen and eighteen live in a blended family.  This may be the number one reasons that teen delinquency is on the rise.  Children in blended families often feel the effects of their parents’ divorce and suffer from ever feeling whole again.  They often feel that when their parents remarry they become less important.  New love takes over a parent’s attention which can cause children to feel neglected.

When men divorce the hardest adjustment for them to make is the one with their children.  It is an adjustment when they no longer see their children on a daily basis.  For divorced dads it is important for them to focus on their children and becoming involved in their lives.  It is crucial that they seek a parenting arrangement that allows equal parenting time.  This will help secure the bond he has with his children.  The worst thing a divorced dad can do is to think that visiting his children every other weekend is acceptable.  Children will come to resent a father that sends a check each week but only chooses to be a part of his children’s lives on the weekend.

Another difficultly in divorce is splitting friends.  Couples are often made to choose sides when their friends divorce.  Many times women end up coming out on top with the friends they made as a couple.  This leaves newly divorced men seeking new connections or lonely.  If the man is fortunate he will have remained in touch with his guys friends pre-marriage and they will become more important as he reenters life as a single man.

The list of undesirable outcomes goes on and on for men devastated by divorce.  Divorce is never the end we look at when entering into marriage however as statics show it is become increasingly common.  Before you look into marriage it is crucial that you are aware of the devastation that can occur for a man if a divorce becomes inevitable.  Divorce attorneys are often quoted saying that more devastation occurs for a man when going through a divorce.  Women often seek out support where as men do not thus leaving them alone to navigate newly charted water.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Men/Dad’s in divorce.  For experienced representation throughout the divorce process in Trenton, Michigan and the surrounding area you can find more information at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerfordad.com.

Longton Law

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Creating A Presence For Your Business Online With Search Engine Optimization

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The aim for business owners when developing a website and online presence is to show up at the top of internet search engines.  The goal is to standout above the competition whether you are online or in person.  To do this your business must include search engine optimization in their website design and marketing plan.  Search engine optimization, otherwise known as SEO, is the process of promoting your website to search engines in order to achieve higher rankings.  Different companies offer their own distinct methods to do this for customers.  Below are some powerful SEO strategies to consider and others to avoid when looking to increase your search engine rankings.

Your site must be optimized properly to engage your target market.  Bringing visitors to your site that are not your intended market is of no use to you as a business owner.  Your SEO must optimize your site to create traffic from your desired target.  Your content is what will help bring the traffic to your site if properly optimized; the graphic design and layout will keep them there.

Not only does the sites content need to be optimized the site itself should be built and coded in a manner that search engines can clearly identify what your business offers.  It is crucial that your site is optimized for several keywords and their variations.  Search engines analyze your site metatags in order to determine what your site offers.

When creating your sites backend metatags don’t keyword stuff or over optimize key phrases.  This is seen as a black hat technique and many search engines will black list your website until they see vast improvements.  Natural use of keywords within your site metatags is the best option to appease search engines.  Consider using several variations of your keyword throughout the backend of the site.  Analysis of your website should be conducted to ensure that your keywords and variations don’t comprise more than twenty percent of the sites content for optimum results.

When choosing a url be aware that this is also an integral part in SEO.  Your site url and page names should not only be relevant to the site content but also memorable.  When choosing a url for your site avoid the use of special characters as these make it more difficult for users to remember.   Add keywords and their variations to the sites many different pages. For instance a contact us page can turn into contact our search engine optimization experts.  Your base url needs to be simple and easy to remember.  Side page urls need to be site descriptive and optimized to bring the best search engine results.

SEO is an ever changing process.  Work with professionals in the search engine marketing process that understand they must adjust the techniques they employ as time progresses.  Using SEO techniques that worked last year is not a guarantee for success this year.  You must work with an expert that understands the ever changing ways search engines are looking for when ranking websites.

Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services and SEO serivces to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.

Creative Programs and Systems

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Scheduled Electrical Equipment Maintenance Benefits Industrial Manufacturers

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In manufacturing each and every department holds significant value to the company as a whole.  Some may say two in particular hold more: human resource and machinery.  In manufacturing machines are used to meet your supply and demand.  In order to ensure maximum productivity these machines must be taken care of and maintained.

Machine maintenance helps to ensure that each unit is kept in working condition.  It creates a system where machines are regularly cared for, inspected and documented.  The documentation on the machinery is then analyzed and adjustments to the machines maintenance plans can be made to ensure maximum machine efficiency.

If a company finds that after thirty operating hours a certain fuse on the machine regularly they will adjust the maintenance plan to account for this. The plan will be adjusted to change the fuse out after twenty nine operating hours to prevent the downtime that occurs when a fuse unexpectedly fails.

Machine maintenance also includes preventative maintenance which helps to keep the machines running efficiently.  This allows manufacturing plants to keep machines functioning properly at all times rather than attending to issues when they arise.  Waiting until a unit fails to perform normal upkeep leads to a lack of productivity and increased costs.  Emergency repairs as well as employee downtime are two major causes of going over projected company budgets.

Manufacturing Plant Maintenance Schedule Benefits

  • Regular maintenance to machines increases efficiency, speed and performance of the productivity of both the machine as well as the machines operator.
  • Routine care increases the life expectancy of the equipment.
  •  Standard upkeep allows machines to perform without the hassle and expense of repairing units that comes with unexpected breakdowns.
  • Decrease costs come with regular replacement of wear items.  This allows wear items to be replaced before their failure causes damage to other parts within the machine.
  • Electrical components updated regularly allow machinery to work at the best possible rate allowing work to get done economically.
  • Regular machine maintenance programs are less expensive per day then repairing or replacing manufacturing equipment.
  • Regular upkeep helps to increase employee safety as well.  A defective machine can lead to major workplace accidents.
  • Computer software offers analysis of collected data and makes recommendations on improvements to the maintenance plan.  Service can be performed in advance of known component failures.

In order to achieve maximum results from your manufacturing maintenance plan it is crucial to appoint   an industrial maintenance professional.   Their expertise in the area of maintenance is invaluable to your organization.  Investing in personnel to maintain machines is smart business as it keeps machines running properly thus leading to cost savings.  An in house machine expert works to prevent downtime as well as emergency repair expenses.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company.  At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

 

 

J & P Electrical Company

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Benefits of Preventative Maintenance In Consumer, Manufacturing and Business Organizations

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Consumers, manufactures and business organizations all look for ways in which they can save both time and money without taking away from the derived value.  One way these groups accomplish this is by putting in place a variety of preventative maintenance programs.  There are several methods used to put these programs in place.

A prime example of a preventative maintenance method consumers use is the replacement and testing of household fire alarms twice a year when the time changes.  This example is a very basic use of where preventative maintenance is employed with the consumer group.  Manufactures use preventative maintenance to maintain large industrial equipment.  When a break down occurs it costs the company money and time for repairs.

Maintenance helps prevent these occurrences.  Electrical equipment wear items include bus plugs, fuses, disconnects, starters and a variety of additional components.  In a business organization preventative maintenance occurs in a variety of ways as well such as computer maintenance, routinely replacing ink in printers as well as such basic tasks as regular light bulb replacements.  Depending on your organization your routine list will vary but the main goal will remain the same; to safeguard against future equipment damage resulting in downtime as well as costly repairs that occur with improper care.

Lasting Benefits of Preventative Maintenance

1)      Most preventative maintenance programs run at constituent time intervals.  This lessens the costs associated with downtime.  A sudden breakdown of equipment during peak production times is incredibly costly to manufactures and organizations alike.  This turns into higher consumer costs or loss of profit; both are undesirable and can be prevented with routine maintenance procedures in place.

2)      Efficiency increases in both equipment and personnel with preventative maintenance programs running which in turn increase profitability.

3)      Workers keep detailed records and documentation on equipment, replaced components, corrosion and areas of concern.  This allows accurate estimations of when an incident will occur so that it can be resolved before a complete failure is eminent.

4)      There is an increase in productivity and profitability with a decrease in expenses occurred with downtime, system shut down and emergency service repairs.

5)      Preventative maintenance program software is created to be monitored allowing assurance that machines are being taken care of properly and at the correct time.  Errors in maintenance are caught and resolved immediately.

There is a myth that preventive maintenance is expensive to employ and monitor.  This is far from reality.  Using logical calculations we are able to prove that these maintenance techniques are not only beneficial long term but more cost effective then maintenance preformed during equipment failure.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company.  At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

J & P Electrical Company

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Steps To Simplify The Home Buying Process Part 2

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In this continuation we continue to define the steps buyers can take to simplify the home buying process.

Look for a new home: This is where you’re your realtor comes into play.  Your realtor will help you narrow down the homes for sale that meet the criteria you set.  They will only have you look at homes within your budget that fit your needs.  If you are looking for a three bedroom home there is no use looking at homes with anything less than that.  These are the types of criteria that you will share with your real estate agent that will allow them to find you a selection of homes to look at.

Make an offer: Once you find your dream home your real estate agent will help you draw up a contract and submit an offer to the homes seller.  They will look at your offer and determine whether they will accept the offer or counter offer.  This process continues until an offer is agreed upon and a contract is drawn up.

Get an inspection:  Every contract should be written with a stipulation that states a final sale is pending the results of a home inspection.  Hire a reputable home inspection company to come in and evaluate the state the home is in.  They will create a checklist and booklet that states clearly what issues the home has.  They will divide the list into categories about repairs that must occur now, that can wait or are optional upgrades that would allow the home to function smoother.  The inspector will give you a better understanding of how old the utilities and appliances are.  This information allows you as a home owner to get a solid understanding of money that will need to be spent on home repairs and a likelihood of when it will be needed.  If the inspector will basically let you know if the home is a solid investment or if it has issues that need to be fixed before the home should be purchased.  If the contract is contingent on the inspection it is then up to you to decide to move forward, the contract needs to be reworked or if the deal is a no go.

Apply for a mortgage/Close on your new home:  The final step of buying a home is applying for a mortgage and closing on your new home.  To find out more information on applying for a mortgage talk with a local mortgage broker or lender.  These professionals will offer guidance in finding the best mortgage rate and home loan option for your exact situation.  After this is done a closing date will be set and you will close on your new home.

The process of buying a home is one that can be quite simple with a bit of knowledge on how the process works and the wisdom to hire experts when needed.  Real estate agents, home inspectors and mortgage brokers all help to simplify your home ownership quest.

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.  More information can be found at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Steps To Simplify The Home Buying Process Part 1

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The idea of buying your first home can be overwhelming for some.  Working with a professional realtor can help alleviate many of the stressors that can make buying a home a process that is intimidating.  To simplify the process even further follow the checklist below.

Complete a credit check: You need to have solid credit to apply for and receive a mortgage.  This is why the first step in the process of home ownership is completing a credit check.  This will allow you to correct any errors that exist with your credit report.  A low credit score means a higher interest rate on your mortgage.  If your score is incredibly low and you have several late or missing payments take time to correct these issues before looking into purchasing a home.

Set a budget with mortgage preapproval: Setting a budget is simple especially when you look into getting pre-approved.  A pre-approval will give you an idea of exactly how much the mortgage lenders feel comfortable in lending to you.  This is the amount they feel you will be able to pay back to them in monthly payments including interest.  A rule of thumb in general is that your home that cost between two and a half to three times your yearly salaries.  Most lenders will not allow you to spend more than thirty six percent of your gross monthly income.

Gather cash savings: It is preferable to have a down payment of twenty percent when buying a home.  This will account for your closing costs as well as your down payment.  Twenty percent allows you to avoid paying private mortgage insurance.  Different loan options have different regulations.  It is crucial to have as much cash on hand as possible when buying a home to have a substantial down payment as well as money for closing costs and fees as well as additional expenses that occur with moving into a new home.

Find a local real estate agent: This is perhaps one of the most critical requirements to finding and purchasing a home.  A local real estate agent that specializes in finding homes for clients with specialized circumstances is most favorable.  If you are a new home buyer find a realtor that specializes in new home purchases.  If you are looking for a home on a lake or golf course find a realtor that finding homes to fit a recreational lifestyle.

There is more to come in our next installment on simplifying the homeownership process.

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.  More information can be found at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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