Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 27

How to Buy a Home in Nine Steps

Homeownership can be both rewarding and daunting, especially for new buyers. If you’re in the market for a new home and aren’t sure what the procedures are, follow these nine steps to help guide you in the right direction. 

  1. Research: It’s important to start checking magazines, newspapers, and websites for real estate listings. Check with family and friends for potential listings as well. Monitor listings you are interested in by following the asking prices and the length of time on the market. Once you have an idea of what to expect, this will give you an idea of the area’s market. 
  • Budget: Next, find out how much you can afford by multiplying your annual income by three to five times, and calculate the total with a 20 percent down payment. 
  • Vetting: Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage is not the same as getting pre-approved. Both are vital aspects of homeownership. Getting pre-qualified involves supplying a mortgage company with your overall debt, income, and assets. Pre-approvals are based on the borrower’s credit, and a background check is typically involved as well. 
  • Agent: Without an insider showing you properties or notifying you of new sales, you will probably be late in the game. Real estate agents know the home buying process, can negotiate prices, inspections, and the like, and are also familiar with many communities. 
  • Offer: Once you have fallen for a specific home, you and the seller must agree on a price. Work with your real estate agent to negotiate an offer based on your budget, the neighborhood comparable, and more. Once the buyer and seller agree on a price, the house will go into escrow until the other steps are complete. 
  • Inspect: After placing an offer, it’s important to test specific aspects, such as plumbing, electrical systems, windows, doors, etc., for functionality. Ask your real estate agent for a home inspector recommendation. The home will be under contingency based on the results of the inspection, giving you time to renegotiate or withdraw your offer based on the findings. 
  • Mortgage: There are many different versions of mortgages, which are generally priced competitively based on the programs available. Whether you are trying to keep your monthly payments low or ensure they do not increase, lenders can find you exactly what you need. 
  • Appraisal: To give a fair estimate of what the home is worth, lenders will arrange for a third-party company to come in and assess the premises.
  • Closing: There’s a lot of paperwork associated with buying a home, so once the documents are in order, it’s time to close the sale. When everything is signed, funds will need to be delivered to the seller. After the seller receives the funds, the home is yours.

Are you in the market for a new mortgage? Contact the experts at EB Mortgage today to get started.

EB Mortgage is a locally owned mortgage company with experts in new home purchase, refinancing, and commercial loans. Our wholesale rates can’t be beaten. We offer more products, more options, and more solutions. Our “3C” Process is simple: complete our pre-approval request, consider options based on your requirements, and choose the offer that suits your needs best. Call us or e-mail us today!  

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

The Evolution of Printing

As we age, technology progresses. With that progression comes the inevitable retirement of countless devices we have come to use throughout our daily lives. Some obsolete examples have been phased out, including rotary phones, floppy disks, CDs, pagers, cassette tapes, typewriters, etc. While some have been repurposed or had a comeback (vinyl records, we’re looking at you), most have faded into oblivion, written in history books to come. 

Speaking of books, these printed paperback and hardcover reading materials have also dwindled in popularity. Newspapers, magazines, and other paper media all rely on the printing press, which has a history of its own. 

Johannes Gutenberg is credited for the invention of the printing press; however, records show China was printing documents roughly 150 years prior. Wang Chen developed a woodblock printing process in 1297, but it took approximately 100 years (the year 1440) for the technology to reach Europe, which was when Gutenberg’s metal version emerged. Gutenberg’s invention used his own ink, designed to adhere to metal instead of wood. He also pioneered replica casting, the process of using a metal mold to create letters with lead. 

As the printing press gained popularity throughout Europe and North America, the way in which people communicated vastly changed. Prior to this novel invention, literacy and education were only available to the elite and wealthy. 

Through the years, the printing press has evolved and changed with time. However, in the past 25 years, critics are suggesting it will soon be obsolete. With the emergence of the digital age, press and printing rooms have dwindled, shuttering at staggering rates. The Los Angeles Times, for example, will close its downtown LA printing facility in 2024. 

But what does all of this mean for the future of print publication? For some communities, newspaper companies are feeding a niche market, as they remain relevant and provide some of the only local news for small towns. Hyperlocal, pertinent news is still attracting many readers, which appeals to advertisers. 

Printing is not a dying art; rather, the industry is seeing astounding growth in advertising. The Global Commercial Printing Market is expected to produce a valuation of $484.22 billion by 2027, an increase of 12 percent from 2021. 

Pratik Mistry, author of “The Future of Print Industry in 2023 and Beyond,” said, “In America, 25,000 companies are specialists in commercial printing. It generates approximately $900 billion in revenue annually. Single-wide press with additional or all-color pages, a Jaw folder with quarter folding, and quality automation perfectly addresses the next chapter for newspapers.” 

Are you looking for high-quality printed products at an affordable price? Check out our extensive selection of options, or contact us today to learn more about our services. 

At Econo Print, we strive to deliver the highest-quality printed products possible. We produce top-rated goods in a timely fashion at a competitive price. Listening to our clients and helping them achieve their business goals is our top priority. We are proud of the strong roots we’ve built in the community and pride ourselves on using cutting-edge technology. Our products, commitment to service, and level of expertise exceed our clients’ expectations. Contact us today to learn how we can help launch your business to the next level.Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Explaining Wrist Pain

Wrist pain is a common condition that can have many causes. This article discusses how to minimize symptoms and explore treatment options for this widespread issue. 

Since the wrist joint plays a crucial role in countless fundamental movements, the slightest twinge of pain can interfere with daily activities and negatively impact the quality of life. 

The wrist contains numerous tiny joints connecting the hand and forearm bones. Pain can stem from tension, injury, and more. 

More specific causes of wrist pain include: 

  • Osteoarthritis: inflammation of the joints causing the cartilage to diminish
  • De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: swollen tendons and sheaths in the wrist/thumb/hand
  • Tendonitis: small tears in the tendons result in inflammation, irritation, pain
  • Bursitis: teeny fluid-filled sacs become enlarged, causing pain
  • Cysts: soft in nature, developing at the base of the back of the hand
  • Sprains: overstretching can cause a plethora of symptoms ranging from achy to sharp pain
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome: marked by numbness, tingling, weakness, clicking sound, or low grip

If your wrist pain interferes with everyday activities or symptoms worsen over time or become complicated, it’s important to visit a doctor as soon as possible. Physical exams and symptom reviews will provide the doctor with enough information to provide a treatment which might include immobilization, splints, exercises/stretches, corticosteroid injections, or surgery. 

To avoid wrist interference in the future, try to practice the following: 

  • Use proper posture at work, keeping wrists relaxed 
  • Invest in a wrist keyboard or rest 
  • Avoid stress on the hands and wrists when using hand tools 
  • Regularly take breaks while typing 
  • Apply wrist guards while participating in sports to prevent injuries

Elude wrist impairment by avoiding overuse, overextension, injuries, etc. Depending on the severity and location, treatment will vary. While damage is not always preventable, managing underlying health conditions is an effective way to minimize pain. 

Do you suffer from hand or wrist pain? Stop in and see the MI Hand & Wrist specialists to receive treatment. 

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Call us at 248-596-0412 for further questions. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Valuing Medical Equipment

Establishing the Fair Market Value (FMV) of heavy medical equipment is a multi-layered process. Linear accelerators accrue many costs when adding up the various parts. To better understand how to form a proper valuation, keep reading to become familiar with commonly used appraisal terms. 

Fair Market Value (FMV)
Also known as “retail” value, FMV is the price a buyer should anticipate paying to have the device relocated and installed at their location. Software relicensing, commissioning, and accessories required to operate the equipment are all extra fees. 

Orderly Liquidation Value (OLV)
Sometimes referred to as “wholesale” value, OLV is the price a buyer can expect when selling an “as-is, where-is” product. 

In Place Value (IPV)
Another name for IPV is “turn-key” or patient-ready value. It takes into account the values associated with the machine, including the cost of installation, commissioning, software licensing, regulation, accessories, and residual warranty coverage. 

Some factors that impact the medical equipment’s valuation include: 

  • Age 
  • Configuration
  • Physical condition
  • Useful life left
  • Software version
  • Functionality
  • Removal path
  • Resale market demand
  • Wear and tear
  • Geography

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RadParts, a TTG Imaging Solutions Company, is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts. We specialize in low-cost parts for repairing linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Our mission is to provide high-quality, user-friendly, low-cost components and support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Contact RadParts at  877-704-3838 to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Exploring Home Remodel ROI

According to a new study published by “Today’s Homeowner,” most home improvement projects do not necessarily pay for themselves. To calculate a homeowner’s Return on Investment (ROI), researchers estimated the total value of certain improvements added to a home based on its sale price. Then, they divided the extra value by the project’s average cost. 

Only one out of 34 different remodeling projects in 70,000 homes broke even: replacing a garage door. Some other improvements did come close to breaking even, however. Wood windows came in with an estimated 96 percent of the cost, and a screened-in porch was 93 percent. Replacing wooden decks with composite was another higher ROI, at 87 percent.

For all projects, the average was 69 percent ROI. Finishing a basement had the smallest ROI, at a mere 23 percent. For the right buyer, though, finished basements make all the difference. 

Home improvements and repairs are expected to jump to $485 billion in 2023, with kitchen and bathroom renovations returning up to 75 percent of costs. 

While the outlook might look grim, resale price is only one way to measure value. If a home renovation increases energy efficiency or reduces insurance premiums, it’s an ROI, but differently.  

When it comes to kitchens and bathrooms, the best value for ROI is countertops and appliances, according to the study. Smaller kitchens tend to have a higher ROI than larger ones. 

Are you thinking about remodeling your home or office? For premier, top-quality work, contact JFC Remodeling for a free estimate. 

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call or email us to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Jackson to Share Water with Napoleon Township Thanks to $5M Grant 

The city of Jackson will now share its water with over 6,800 Napoleon Township residents thanks to a $5 million federal grant from the Consolidated Appropriations Act. 

Due to limitations and environmental concerns about its own water system, the township inquired into this partnership, according to Jackson Spokesman Aaron Dimick. The new 16-inch water main will be constructed over roughly nine-and-a-half miles along M-50 to Napoleon Township. 

United States Representative Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, proposed the Napoleon/M-50 Water Main Transmission Project as part of his 2022 member-designated projects. 

Walberg said, “Having had many conversations with local officials and constituents throughout Jackson County, it is clear that Napoleon Township is in significant need of water system improvements as they are outgrowing their existing system.” 

There is no specific timeline for the project, but Napoleon Township will secure capital to cover the cost of using Jackson water. City officials said the partnership would not cause Jackson water customers to accrue any extra fees. 

Napoleon Township Supervisor Dan Glalagher said, “This grant for a new, consistent source of clean water will greatly help Napoleon’s future business development, enhance growth of the area, and provide a backbone for the community’s long range goals.” 

Jackson’s Director of Public Works, Mike Osborn, said, “Our water treatment plant has the capacity to produce 24 million gallons of treated water a day and we’re currently only producing five million a day, so our facility definitely has the ability to be a regional water source.” 

A total of 16 groundwater wells are tapped into for Jackson’s water, which goes into the Earth about 400 feet below the surface of an underground aquifer. Then, the water is transferred by pump to a water treatment plant, where it is cleaned and tested. 

Reynolds Water Conditioning was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the quality you deserve, contact us today at 800-572-9575.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Refining IPB Design

Isolated-Phase Bus (IPB) systems are vital in transferring bulk electricity through the grid. For decades, IPBs have been centered around the original designs from General Electric (GE) and Westinghouse, which led the industry. Now, improvements to insulators, mountings, and housings have elevated the model, making them even more reliable. 

IPBs transfer a power plant’s heavy amperage (between 6,000 to 45,000) among the generator’s output bushings and the main step-up (GSU) transformer. Because of their invaluable role, it is crucial that IPBs provide an extreme amount of consistency to ensure power plants function without outages, downtime, or equipment damage.

Now, enhancements made to IPBs aimed to improve the original design include refinements to IPB insulators, insulator mountings, the continuous housing assembly, and more. New IPBs have great -strength and hold high-creep porcelain insulators that can provide better resistance against tracking to the ground. 

While most IPBs require costly space heaters and specialized pressurization systems to control condensation, the new versions have specific dew point ratings, which help to reduce impending failures associated with wet weather.

Other IPB designs require opening the mounting or cover plate before they can be inspected or cleaned. This tedious step increases the risk of damage or incorrect re-installation. The newer IPBs have fewer required insulators per linear span and have a built-in “window” that offers an easy way to visually inspect the interior. 

New IPB models also eliminate the need for a separate ground bus, as the enclosure acts as its own ground plane. Without voltage potential, IPBs can fail due to inter-sectional arcing. Plant engineers and maintenance managers have a duty to safeguard personnel or equipment faults. 

IPBs have never been more reliable thanks to the new-and-improved design. 

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance.  

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Low Blood Sugar Exacerbates Eye Disease in Diabetics

A common symptom of diabetes is low blood sugar, which is now suspected of exacerbating diabetic eye disease. Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have connected low blood sugar levels with a molecular pathway that is ignited in oxygen-starved eye cells. 

The new research was published in the January issue of Cell Reports and was conducted with both human and mouse eye cells grown in a low-sugar laboratory environment. 

Akrit Sodhi, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Ophthalmology at the Branna and Irving Sisenwein Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Medicine, said, “Temporary episodes of low glucose happen once or twice a day in people with insulin-dependent diabetes and often among people newly diagnosed with the condition. Our results show that these periodic low glucose levels cause an increase in certain retinal cell proteins, resulting in an overgrowth of blood vessels and worsening diabetic eye disease.” 

The researchers discovered low glucose levels in human and mouse retinal cells resulted in a variety of molecular alterations that manifest as blood vessel overgrowth. Low glucose decreases retinal cells’ ability to break down glucose for energy. 

The most preventable cause of blindness in the United States is eye disease among people with diabetes. One-third of people with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy, marked by the overgrowth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina. Patients with diabetic retinopathy might be especially vulnerable to phases of low glucose, so keeping glucose levels steady is an imperative aspect of glucose control. 

The researchers continue to examine whether low glucose levels in diabetics might impact similar molecular pathways in other organs, such as the kidneys and brain. 

Thanks to this novel research, scientists are one step closer to developing new treatments for diabetic eye disease. 

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Zen Eye Institute, formally Rohr Eye & Laser Center, has served the greater Grand Blanc area for over twenty years. Now operating under Dr. Charles Zenzen, we offer comprehensive medical and surgical eye care treating various conditions and diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, dry eyes, and more. For exceptional eye care at our state-of-the-art practice, call (810) 579-0202 to make an appointment today! 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com

Minimizing Frozen Pool Damage

Pools are not meant to freeze; if they do, substantial damage can result. As water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on various pool components such as pipes, filters, tubes, and pumps. These delicate aspects of a pool are not made to withstand heavy pressure, so they will inevitably crack or break. Repairing broken pool parts can be costly, depending on the damage. 

When a pool freezes, the pipes that transfer water to and from the pump and filter system are especially vulnerable since they can crack or burst under pressure due to ice. Another issue when frost or a heavy freeze hits a pool is that the filter system can become clogged and damaged. 

Moreover, the pool pump can get ruined in freezing temperatures. The pump is what circulates water throughout the pool. If the pump gets damaged, the pool will not adequately circulate, causing blockages. 

Lastly, freezing temperatures can be responsible for ripping, cracking, or rupturing the pool liner. This is a particularly expensive aspect of the pool, as it is a crucial component that holds the water in place. 

Power outages can also be detrimental to a pool during a freeze. If pool owners are unable to utilize electricity to keep their pools running/warm, severe freeze damage can result. 

To reduce the risk of freeze damage to pool equipment, take notice of the following: 

Run the Pump
Ensure all pumps are running while temperatures drop below freezing. If a controller is equipped, it should automatically take over, turn on the pumps, and rotate between pool/spa mode. If there is no controller on your pool, you will need to shift through this process on your own manually.  

No Power
If you lose power to the pool and temperatures are below freezing: 

  • Turn off all pool equipment breakers 
  • Open the filter air relief, removing the drain plug
  • Open and drain the inline chlorinator
  • Turn off auto-fill, making sure the feed line is wrapped 
  • Open the salt cell and remove water inside the pipe
  • Remove check valve lids
  • Unplug and remove salt chlorine generator cells

Always call your local pool professional for assistance if needed. To avoid damaging the equipment or pool itself, it is imperative to meticulously handle a pool freeze situation.

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Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or e-mail us for a free estimate. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Six Essential Survival Skills

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that the “unthinkable” can definitely happen. From pandemics, natural disasters, unidentified flying objects looming in the sky, and more, we need to be always ready. 

Though survival skills are especially useful in dire circumstances, they are also useful in simple, unexpected situations, such as getting lost on a bike ride or losing power for an extended period. Keep reading to discover some essential survival skills for basically any situation. 

First Aid
Keep your first aid kit in your grab bag so you can deal with whatever emergencies pop up. Make sure your bag has gloves, blister treatment, gauze, bandages, medications, etc. 

Shelter
Building a shelter helps you stay warm and dry no matter the circumstances. In urban areas, cardboard boxes, awnings, and other materials can be used. In more remote areas, look for caves or hollow spaces that can block the wind. Tarps easily anchor to one side, stretch down to the ground, and secure with stones. Better yet, include a small tent in your grab bag. 

Firestarter’s
Another essential tool for your grab bag is a firestarter. Use small pieces of wood, pine needles, or cardboard to act as kindling. Once the fire is going, use larger pieces to keep it blazing. Ensure your fire is built downwind from your shelter, away from surrounding vegetation. 

Water
Since water is heavy to carry, it can be challenging to bring in a grab bag. However, sterilizing/filter kits are an effortless way to ensure your water is purified and free of bacteria, parasites, and viruses. If you don’t have a kit or filter, boiling water is the easiest way to remove harmful components. 

Foraging
Food is essential and can be difficult to find in dire situations. Find a field guide to edible plants in your region. Never eat mushrooms or berries that look suspicious, and never put any unknown plant in or near your mouth, as even a tiny amount could kill you. Fishing and trapping is an option if you have the time and patience. Add some energy bars, emergency food, trail mix, etc., to your grab bag as well. 

Map
Learn how to use a compass and a map before disaster strikes. Your phone’s GPS might not work in an emergency, and your battery could die, you might not have reception, etc. Do not rely on your electronic devices; rather, learn your area and make sure your map is covered in a waterproof film. 

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Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/