Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 261

Everything there is to know in the Mortgage Process

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Shopping for a mortgage and buying a home go together like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  It is unlikely you can enjoy the one without the other.  It is the same with buying a home; you can’t do it without shopping for a mortgage.  Shopping for a home loan is easier when you understand what you are doing.  Below are some tips to help with that process.

Know what you can afford

In order to know what you can afford you need to put together a detailed list of your income verse your expenses.  It is crucial to consider the extra costs that come with owning a home.  You are not only looking at an additional monthly mortgage payment but also an increase in utility expenses, insurance and incidentals that occur with home ownership.  Months before you start searching for a home loan it is crucial to get your credit report.  In order to get the lowest interest rate available on a mortgage a high credit score is needed.  This can be achieved by cleaning up any errors in reporting as well as making payment on time and not applying for any new debt.

Compare loan options from lenders and brokers

Shop around for a mortgage.  This is not the same as applying for them.  Shopping around takes time and energy but that is it; it is free to look into what lenders and brokers have to offer.  Not shopping around can actually end up costing you thousands of dollars.  It is essential that you understand the difference between a mortgage lender and a mortgage broker.  A broker arranges mortgage loans with lenders rather than lending money directly as a mortgage lender does.  Brokers sell you a loan from a lender.  Finding the best deal when it comes to a home loan requires work on your end.  Whether you decide in the end that the deal comes from a lender or a broker is up to you and your research.

Find trusted sources to get advice from

Mortgage loans are complicated.  When it comes to the most expensive investment you will most likely ever make it is important to gather advice from trusted sources.  This information can come from educated friends and family or from people you hire such as a real estate attorney.  Have a trusted source to help review all paperwork before you sign them.  This is important in any matters dealing with areas you are not an expert in especially ones with such large financial commitments behind them.

 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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Tips To Help Keep Your Laptop Running Efficiently

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

For some of us our computers are our life line.  We carry our computers from the café to our work place and even to catch some mid afternoon rays.  Laptops are a preferable choice for many as they are easy to transport.   Laptops are different then desktop computers and therefore have to be cared for in a particular manner.  Below you will find some tips on taking care of your laptop.

One of the leading causes of damage to desktops and laptops is lack of airflow.  When using a laptop it is crucial to have it setting on a hard surface.  Avoid using your laptop on a bed or pillow as the soft fabric can block the vents and cause the system to overheat.  It is important that you ensure the vents are clear of dirt and dust.  Use a can of compressed air to clean the vents out frequently to allow for adequate air flow.  Many computer repair shops offer a complete computer tune up for a relatively low fee.

Purchase an LCD and keyboard protector.  These inexpensive items can guard your laptop against scratches and damages.  The screen will be protected from scratches and the keyboard from crumbs and spills.

Laptops are more susceptible to damage from food and drinks.  If at all possible do not eat or drink while using your laptop.

Keep your laptop surfaces clean.  Wipe the outer part of the laptop free of dirt and dust.  The accumulation of dust will prevent your laptop from running properly.  Purchase fabrics designed to clean laptops and electronic devices.

Keeping the fan on your computer in working order is crucial whether it is a laptop or desktop.  To avoid overheating the fan must be in working order at all times.  If the laptop overheats it can cause issues with the computer’s memory and hard drive.  Look online for information on your particular laptop to see how to visually check the fan.  If you are not at all computer savvy a local computer repair shop will be able to look at your computer for you for a minor fee.

Your laptop should always be stored correctly.  Always turn your machine off and put it in a laptop bag when not in use.  Laptops should be stored away from children and pets; anything that has potential to chew on or damage your laptop should be kept away from stored laptops.

The tips above are just a few of the suggestions to help you keep your laptop running efficiently.  It is not difficult to maintain your laptop properly and keep it running in tip top shape with just a little bit of extra care.  Follow the tips above; if you notice your machine is not running properly shut it down and take it into your local computer repair shop for diagnosis.

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 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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Priorities When Buying Your First Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

As first time home buyer it is important you follow the tips below in order to prepare to find and purchase a home you can afford. The purchase of a home is the biggest financial commitment most of us will ever make. In order to make a solid decision it is crucial that you have a detailed understanding of the market. This will help you to make an educated decision as well as help you save money and avoid any unnecessary frustrations.

The home buying process is one that can be enjoyable and relatively free of stress. Buying your first home is exiting and the process is thrilling. It is especially pleasant when you understand the real estate process and have an agent working with you that has a lot of experience with first time home buyers.

Before you can start looking or purchase a home you need to have an understanding of how much you can afford. The biggest mistake first time home buyers make is not taking into consideration the true cost of owning a home. The cost of owning a home doesn’t end with the mortgage payment. You need to consider the additional mortgage fees, taxes, insurance and utility fee increases to determine an actual amount of money that will be needed per month to own your new home. A new home buyer can quickly deplete their savings when not taking into consideration these extras.

Another priority for first time home buyers is to calculate the required down payment amount. Long gone are the days of no money down home loans. Mortgage lenders require ten to twenty percent of the purchase price down on a home. Without this you will end up paying a substantial fee monthly for mortgage insurance.

In order to get the best possible interest rate on your home loan you need to have a sufficient credit rating. If your credit rating is less than perfect take a year to clean it up and get your financial house in order before looking deeper into buying a home. To obtain the lowest mortgage interest rate your financial house must be in order. A high credit score, a decent down payment and an affordable home will ensure you don’t take on a payment that you can’t afford.

Most real estate agents will not show you house until you have been pre approved. Without pre approval most sellers won’t take the time to even consider your offer. A quick way to determine how much you can afford is multiply your total household income by three. For instance, if you make fifty thousand dollars a year your home should cost no more than one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. With a minimum down payment of ten percent you should consider having at least fifteen thousand dollars saved.

Being prepared as a first time home is key. With a bit of industry knowledge, help from an experienced real estate agent and a bit of luck you are only a few steps away from owning your first 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 us at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Prevent Roof Damage With Regular Maintenance

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Maintenance is an important aspect in home ownership.  From your homes roof to the homes foundation it is important that your home is kept up on.  Often time’s homeowners overlook the maintenance that needs to be done on their roofs.  There are several steps to take in order to prevent the decay of your asphalt shingle roof.  Below you will find several tips on keeping your homes roof in tip top shape.

One of the first things that you will want to do when maintain your roof is to clear any and all debris.  Anything that has built up behind heating and cooling units, pipes or other parts protruding from the roof needs to be removed to prevent moisture build up and the growth of moss.  Debris soaks up water and water saturation is the leading cause of damage in asphalt shingling.  This process should be done in the spring and fall seasons.

Often times a shingle roof will quickly manifest moss and algae growth.  This can happen even when homeowners are closely monitoring the condition of their roofs.  If you notice this has occurred it is easily remedied by applying zinc or lead control strips at the peak.  After this is done check all flashing for holes and for algae and moss growth.  This should carefully be removed.  If you notice any shingle tabs that have loosened secure them by adding roofing cement.  Any shingle that is broken or damaged should be removed and replaced with a new one.  This will help prevent damage from occurring underneath the shingle and seeping into the structure underneath.

If your home has gutters it is important that they are kept clean and downspouts are clear.  This helps to ensure proper water flow control.  Tree branches that overhang the roof should be trimmed to help prevent branches and debris from falling into the gutters.  Gutter cleaning should be done at least two times a year.  Any time you visually see debris take the time to clean the gutters as improperly draining gutters can take years off of the lifetime of your shingle roofing.

Maintaining your homes roof is often simple and just a matter of knowing how your climate affects the shingles.  Asphalt shingles are meant to thrive in the northern climates.  They are resistant to heat, humidity, cold, ice and water.  With periodic checks and minor maintenance your shingle roof should have a solid lifetime.

Maintenance is the key to prevent major issues in and outside of your home.  Small activities to maintain your home are much simpler and less expensive than the more complicated costly repairs once something does fail.

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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Save Money Doing Regular Equipment Maintenance

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Saving money is something all companies, big or small, desire to do. If you are constantly spending money on new equipment or fixing run down equipment you are hardly being financially savvy. One way to help avoid the expense of new manufacturing equipment or the down time that comes with fixing older equipment is by performing regular maintenance. Regular preventative maintenance works to fix smaller issues as they arise before they turn into large costly repairs. Here are some things to help you get started with an equipment maintenance regimen within your company.

Keep Daily Logs of Use: This is particularly important when working in a large industrial setting where many people are working on the same machine. A daily log of the machines use and who has been using the equipment will help to pin point when and where any inadequacies are. Many software programs have been created to help with this process.

Schedule Regular Planned Maintenance: Regular maintenance is critical when working with different electrical components within industrial machines. Many components are actual wear items that are meant to have a certain life span when it comes to their usage. Items such as bus plugs, switchboards, disconnects and fuses to name a few should all be regularly checked and changed out to avoid failure. Regularly scheduling these repairs will help to avoid the down time that comes with an unexpected electrical component failure. Wear items should be changed out regularly.

Clean and Lubricate Often: To increase the lifespan of equipment and electrical components within your machinery it is important that it is properly cared for. This is as simple as taking the time to properly clean the equipment daily and applying lubrication on a regular basis to areas in need.

Perform Regular Inspections: This is an incredibly important step when it comes to maintaining equipment. Regular inspections of belts, pulleys, gears and sprockets can prevent major issues down the road. Catching a belt before it breaks is a huge feat when working with industrial equipment. Once an item such as a belt breaks the risk for greater harm to the equipment occurs. If a machine is allowed to continue to run with broken components it will cause irreversible damage.

Protect Equipment While Not In Use: When equipment is not being used for long periods of time or is put into storage, as is the case with seasonal industries, it is crucial that it is stored properly. All pieces not in use should be kept under a tight cover to prevent dust and dirt from settling into the gears. Pieces should be stored in a climate controlled environment so as to prevent humidity and moisture from settling. Before you store equipment it is ideal that the machine be properly lubricated and cleaned as well. Taking these extra precautions during the storage procedure will make use after storage more efficient.

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 athttps://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

J & P Electrical Company

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Preferred Option In Perimeter Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When you plan to install a fence around the perimeter of your yard or swimming pool there are a variety of options to consider.   Out of the vast array of options the most popular material in fencing continues to be aluminum.  When you look at all of the options on the market and compare the benefits of aluminum over other materials you will see why it continues to be the number one selling material in fencing.

Aluminum fencing is a preferred option in fencing for the many benefits it offers to homeowners.  Below you will find a list of the advantageous that aluminum offers over wood, vinyl, chain link, wrought iron and other fence materials.

Minimal Cleaning and Maintenance:  The prime advantage that aluminum has over other materials in fencing is the lack of time and money you will spend on the upkeep.  Aluminum fence does not require special cleaning or maintenance.  In order to keep your fence in the same shape as the day that it was installed all that is required is a light power washing every once in a while when dirt, algae or moss starts to grow.

Huge Selection of Styles:  Ornamental aluminum fencing comes in so many variations.  Whether you are looking for something simple or something decorative there is a style that will compliment the exterior of your home.  Decorative finials add a historical look while circles appear modern; depending on what you desire there are features you can add to create the perfect combination for your yard or pool area.

Resistant To Corrosion:  Aluminum fencing is resistant to corrosion.  Once the fence is installed the metal is prepared in such a way that it preserves the natural shine for a long period of time.  Often times the aluminum is powder-coated which offers a smooth finish to the surface of the fence.  You can purchase aluminum fencing in a variety of colors therefore it never will need to be painted.

Easy Installation:  The installation of aluminum fence panels is just another reason this material is chosen often for perimeter fencing.  Being that you can install aluminum fence on your own in a weekend, it is that easy, it saves homeowners a great deal of money in installation.  If you are not a do it yourselfer finding a fence installer will be simple.

Aluminum fencing is also easy to repair, durable, light-weight and competitive in price as well.  The benefits of choosing aluminum are abundant therefore making it a continued favorite for homeowners.

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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The Benefits Found With Stand Up Pouches and Flexible Packaging

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

An abundance of food and beverage products have begun to saturate the marketplace.  With so many products available the challenge for many manufactures is how they are to make their products stand out from the rest.  How do manufacturers differentiate their products from the sea of similar products?  In an effort to improve upon their existing marketing plan which consists heavily of research and advertising, manufacturers are looking into creative ways to package their products including new and innovative options like flexible packaging.

One popular design in flexible packaging is the stand up pouch bag.  These pouches are comprised of plastic, aluminum and other materials thus making this packaging strong enough to protect food and beverage products from both environmental and physical hazards that are often encountered while being transported and stored.  Another major benefit of using stand up pouches, as with other flexible packaging products other than the attractive design is the added features such as zip locks and spouts that allow the package to be reused and more convenient.

Advantages Of Flexible Packaging

Highly Customizable:  Flexible pouches are highly customizable.  Manufacturers can tailor the package to fit any size or shape needed to fit your product.  This gives manufacturers an edge over competitors using more traditional methods of packaging and label design.

Made From High-Grade Durable Materials:  Flexible pouches are created from highly durable materials.  Stand up pouches or bags are created from materials that are approved by the FDA for use with food and beverage products.  If manufacturers desire they can enhance the safety of package by adding additional ultraviolet protection.

Creative Display Options:  Creativity is a key consideration when it comes to choosing flexible packaging.  The manners in which you can display flexible pouches are fairly limitless considering you can hang in a peg display or stand on a shelf.

Reusable:  The reusable nature of flexible pouches makes them incredibly popular as well.  With additional features such as zip locks, spouts and the ability to re-seal themselves flexible packages are convenient making them just what manufactures desire to help drive sales upward.

Upgraded Design:  Rotogravure printing is a new printing technique that flexible packaging manufacturers are using to create a very vivid and clear logo.  Both techniques are fairly new to the product packaging industry and incredibly popular at creating a package that stands out amongst competitors.

Gusseted Bottom:  The design of a flexible package allows more of the product to fit without compromising space the package takes up overall.  A gusseted bottom design, one which expands, is found in flexible packaging and allows for this.

Environmentally Friendly:  The fact that the package is environmentally friendly as well.  It does not take a tremendous amount of resources to produce.  Adding this feature costs manufacturers not a penny more so that helps too!

These reasons make flexible packaging, in particular stand up pouches and supreme choice amongst other types of package and label options.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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Choosing The Perfect Deck Railing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is almost impossible to picture a deck without railings.  Railings are in place not only to create an aesthetically pleasing architectural addition but also to provide support for unsteady people as well as to add an extra barrier of protection for children and pets.  As you begin shopping for railings for your deck you will find the market is flooded with a variety of styles and materials to choose from.  It is easy to be confused when it comes to different railing systems available within today’s market.  Following the tips below you will better be prepared to make a decision on what railings and hand rails are best for your home and situation.

Determine a Reasonable Budget: Coming up with a reasonable budget is where every home improvement project should begin.  Take into account what you can afford and how much you are willing to devote to your project.  As you determine a budget consider the durability and maintenance of the product you choose and wok those figures into the extended budget.   The cost of aluminum railings upfront may be a bit more but overtime when you consider the time and costs associated with maintaining wood it may be that aluminum rails and hand rails are the better value.

Consider the Variety of Materials Available On the Market:  Railing for your decking comes in a variety of materials; varieties include aluminum, vinyl, wood, iron and glass.  For a durable, attractive, versatile and practically maintenance free material we suggest you look into aluminum railing systems over other materials on the market.  Wood is prone to decay and requires yearly upkeep which can be a financial drain year after year.  Glass is a trendy option that is difficult to keep looking fresh and clean.  Iron is incredibly durable but is heavy and more difficult to install.  Vinyl is a good choice but again is not nearly as durable or maintenance free as aluminum.

Consider Local Regulations:  It is necessary to check with local ordinances on rules and regulations of deck railings in your area.  Depending on the height of your deck the railing will need to be a specific height.  Not only should you consider the height of the railing system but also the width of the space between each rail.  All of these are important measurements to obtain before ordering your aluminum railing to ensure you are ordering railing that meets the residential code criteria.

Choose a Color and Style:  Choosing a color and style of railing can often be one of the more difficult choices.  Many homeowners need to visually see what the combination will look like with the style of their home before committing.  Many online companies offer design studios that allow you to import a picture of your home and design the space with a variety of aluminum railings. This allows you to visualize different colors and styles before you commit.  These tools are terrific to compare between several styles you are considering.

The final decision is yours.  It will come down to your personal taste and desires.  Some homeowners choose a complementary style that matches the home while others desire a stark contrast between the two.  While one person likes simplistic designs others may enjoy the ornamental aluminum styles.  Take time while choosing your aluminum railing as it is an investment that will be last for decades to come.

iFenceUSA offers a 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 value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying aluminum fences shipped factory-direct from http://www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Finding The Right Label For Your Product

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Packaging labels in general are seen in the most simplistic manner as a way to distinguish between the vast array of product available in the marketplace.  In the most basic manner this is one of the roles the label plays however as a marketer the purpose of the products label goes much deeper.

Custom product labels are a significant tool used in marketing to help create brand awareness and loyalty amongst consumers.   A connection is created between the company’s product and the customer largely because of the visual presence of the products label.   Marketers use the label as a tool to help consumers gravitate towards visually familiar products and brands throughout the store.  The label itself is important as is the design and material used to create the label.  When it comes to selecting a label there are a wide variety of options to choose from.  Some of the most common choices available in packaging labels include:

Heat Shrink Sleeves:  Shrink sleeves also known as shrink wrap labels are made from a unique polymer plastic film that shrinks as heat is applied to it.  This particular label type is designed to take the shape of the container as it shrinks which makes it fit perfectly.  Another benefit to shrink sleeves is that it gives marketers a three hundred and sixty degree space to design.   With the extra space there is room to add important information and graphics.  Shrink sleeves are used a lot in beverages.

Pressure Sensitive Labels:   Pressure sensitive labels attach to the outside of a container once a slight pressure is applied.  The label is attached using a strong adhesive that allows it to stay securely in place as it travels from the manufacturer to the shelf.  One major benefit of pressure sensitive labels is that they are able to be cut into a variety of different shapes and sizes to ensure that it meets the constraints placed by the container.

When it comes to choosing a label for your product is important to understand what your marketing plan is.  Not every marketing plan or concept will match every label type.  It is essential that you consider all of your options when choosing a label type.  In order to best build brand awareness and loyalty for your product look at all of your options, consider all of the pros and cons of each type of label.  Choose the label material that is a best fit with your products marketing concept.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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4 LTL Shipping Tips To Improve Freight Carrier Relationships

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Following the rules of less than truckload freight shipping is the most important thing you can do to make sure you maintain a positive relationship between shipper and carrier.  The tips below will help to ensure you continue to improve your relationship with your LTL carriers while helping yourself reduce costs and improve the shipping efficiency of your company.

Don’t Falsify Freight Weight: When it comes to creating a relationship with an LTL carrier one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to falsify the weight of your shipments.  It is important to accurately report all of the cargo’s correct weight.  This information is critical to less than truck load freight carriers as incorrect reporting of weight increases the expenses on their end.  Note that LTL shippers re-weigh eighty percent of their freight as this is the key element to keeping down their expenses and improving their efficiency.

Accurate Bill of Lading:  Decrease the errors in your transportation mananagment system by automating the intergration of your address and commodities books.  Accurate bill of ladings are important for carriers.  LTL carriers are becoming increasing aware of inaccuracies and are working to prevent them.  You can imporve your reputation with your frieght carrier by providign an accurate bill of lading each and everytime you ship a less than truckload shipment.

Lessen or Avoid Accessorial Charges:  Accessorial charges are the fees charged for extras such as residential services, lift gates, set appointment deliveries and more.  In parcel shipping there is a great deal of accessorial charges whereas in LTL shipping there are around fifteen.  When the load capacity is tight many shippers will choose the shipments with less accessorial charges as these are the things that slow the pickup and delivery of shipments.

Properly Packing Your LTL Shipments:  It is important that your shipments are packaged correctly to travel via the mode of transportation chosen by you and the LTL carrier.  If a shipment is not packaged correctly the shipper will have to repack it to prevent damage.  This takes away from the carrier’s efficiency.  If a shipment is packed improperly it can drop off the forklifts when being transferred damaging the contents thus creating more work for both you and the carrier.  This can all be avoided with proper packaging.

By abiding by these simple tips when shipping freight with a LTL carrier you can greatly improve the relationship between you and the carrier.  Following these basic tips will allow you both to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

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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