Livingston Reporting - page 108

What Should I Expect at My LASIK Consultation?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When you seek a consultation from a surgeon specializing in LASIK it is to determine if you are a candidate for laser vision corrections surgery.  If it is determined that you are a candidate, the surgeon will begin discussing the most appropriate surgical option to correct your unique vision issue.  During the consultation you will be educated on the benefits and risks of LASIK surgery.   It is important to remember that a consultation with a LASIK surgeon does not obligate you to have the procedure nor does it mean that you are no longer able to ask questions and gather more information.  A consultation is the starting point into the process of determining if surgery is the vision correction route best suited for you.

Candidates must meet a certain set of criteria before they are considered for LASIK which includes:

Age:

LASIK candidates must be eighteen years or older.

Health:

In order to be a candidate for LASIK, patients must be generally healthy.  They should be free of health problems such as diabetes, vascular disease, autoimmune disease, or on medication that interferes with the immune response. 

Eye Health/Problems:

Candidates should also be free of eye disease including: glaucoma, cataracts, corneal diseases, retinal and optic nerve disease, or keratoconus.  They should also not have eye conditions such as herpes zoster and simplex.  Surgeons will do an eye exam before surgery however, it is important that candidates inform them of issues such as lazy eye, eye muscle imbalance, and other eye conditions that can affect healing.  Candidates should also inform eye surgeons of other health issues such as mental health or issues with health.  Obviously, the eye should also be free of any injury or infection.  Dry eye should also not affect candidates.

Pregnancy/Nursing:

If you are pregnant or nursing you will not be eligible for LASIK.  In fact, LASIK candidates must have had at least three menstrual cycles after they are done nursing and not expecting in order to be eligible for laser surgery.  Pregnancy hormones may affect the effectiveness of your prescription which also makes them ineligible for LASIK.

Stable Vision:

LASIK vision candidates need to have had stable vision for at least one year before they are considered for laser vision surgery procedures. 

Contacts:

In order for patients to have LASIK they must stop wearing their contacts for at least two weeks prior to the surgery.  This helps to stabilize the cornea and will give surgeons an accurate valuation of your prescription prior to the procedure.

LASIK is a viable option in the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatisms.  The goal of LASIK is to reduce the dependency of glasses and contacts with the end goal of 20/20 vision, although this is not guaranteed.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

Michigan Lasik

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What You Need to Know Before You Purchase Any Water Treatment System for Your Home

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First things first, have the water in your home tested by professional water treatment specialist.  Take labeled water samples from each faucet in your home in for treatment.  Believe it or not water from the kitchen sink may not test for the same contaminants as the water in the bathroom or laundry room.  This could happen for a number of reasons but is important to ensure proper treatment of the water in your home.  Processing different points of access will also allow you to recognize issues that can be corrected with whole house water treatment systems such as water softeners or point of use water treatment solutions such as reverse osmosis and water filtration systems. 

If the water in your home tests positive for contaminants, then the installation of a treatment system could be the next necessary step in remedying the issue.   When you have to install a water treatment solution it is important that you understand these systems will require routine maintenance and care.  It is crucial that homeowners understand that containment free water requires effort on the part of the homeowner no matter water treatment solution is installed.  Water filtration systems will need new filters installed, water softeners will require the input of salt or potassium chloride, and reverse osmosis systems will require cleaning of existing filters and new filters. 

It is important for consumers to be smart when having their water tested.  Some man-made chemicals that have been found in the water supply of homes have been associated with serious health problems.  These contaminates are not always found in without special analysis.  If you suspect the results of your water tests are inaccurate then it is important to have the water tested more thoroughly by a state certified laboratory.  Most general water treatment companies can see basic water quality components such as water hardness, pH, arsenic, iron, and sulfur. 

After you are sure the results of your homes water are accurate and have been analyzed to your satisfaction the levels that have been detected will tell you what type and level of water treatment is needed. 

Once this process has been satisfactorily completed the next step is to choose a system to treat your homes water.  Depending on your water analysis you can determine if you need whole house treatment, point of use treatment, or both.  Choose products that come from companies that can offer an established reputation and can offer referrals.   Often times companies that sell water treatment systems such as reverse osmosis, iron filtration, water softeners and conditioners will also offer service plans, maintenance options, and salt and potassium chloride delivery. 

The experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning have a solution to your homes unique water quality needs including: arsenic, bacteria, chlorine, rotten egg smell, fluoride, hard water, iron, lead, acid, tannins, radon, and more.  More information on our water treatment solutions including water softeners and conditioners, water filtration and purification, reverse osmosis drinking water, and iron & odor removal can be found online at https://reynoldswater.com.



Reynolds Water

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Does It Cost Money to Have an Old Linear Accelerator System Removed?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


This is a frequently asked questions when healthcare centers are starting the process to budget for the purchase of a new or refurbished Linear Accelerator.  It is important to not be surprised when it comes to financial obligations within a medical organization.  The answer is Yes, there is a cost to have old LINAC systems removed from your facility.  There is a cost to have new equipment installed as well but that is often combined with the price you pay for the equipment itself. 

Although linear accelerators are a machine that offers a priceless treatment in the fight against cancer with lifesaving radiation beams treating thousands of patients for countless number of years, they do become worthless.  Like most machines, over time the labor and linear accelerator parts cost more to repair the LINAC machine than it is worth.  When this occurs, the machine is worth nothing and needs not only to be removed but also properly disposed of. 

 Another element to add to the mix is the introduction of new technology.  This is a reoccurring issue that is seen in medical equipment.  Older machines cannot be updated to run properly with the latest and greatest treatments and therefore simple become worthless.  Yep, even some LINAC machines with life left in them become obsolete to healthcare providers promoting the latest and greatest treatments.  Although these machines are worthless to these facilities they can often be moved and utilized by other facilities such as veterinarians, possible dermatologists, and of course in poverty-stricken locations that would otherwise go without. 

When a linear accelerator has been deemed to have little to know value, meaning no one is willing to pay you for it, your facility will face the cost of removal.  This cost includes professional and safe dismantling, removal, and disposal of the LINAC.  This process often requires the system to be loaded onto a crane as they weigh several thousand pounds.  This should be done by professionals to prevent catastrophe. After the machine has been removed from the facility it will be tested for radioactivity and disposed of once they are cleared. 

At the end of the day, when all is said and done the cost to have a large scaled piece of medical equipment such as a linear accelerator removed, dismantled, and disposed of ranges between $5,000 and $25,000.    

Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment.  Radparts provides high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. More information can be found at https://www.radparts.com/.



RadParts

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Properly Opening a Freshly Plastered Pool

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The first 30 days after a swimming pool has been plastered are the most important.  It is critical that the plaster is properly cured.  This is done by maintaining a proper balance in the pool waters chemistry and maintaining it throughout the life of the pool.  When starting up the pool the main objective will be to clean and get rid of the dust left over from the plaster while stabilizing and balancing the water that is in the pool.  This article will give you a few things to consider if you are contemplating having the plaster on your swimming pool re-done or a new plaster pool installed.

The Quality of the Water You Are Adding to the Pool

Before you begin to add water to a freshly plastered pool it is important to know the quality of the water.  Believe it or not all water is not the same.   The quality of the water in your home may not be the same as the quality of the water in the water spout outside of the home.  The local source that you have for filling the pool may not be suitable.  It is important to take a sample of the pools water to a pool retailer to have it analyzed.  Write down the water’s chemistry for reference at a later date.

Determine How Much Water Is Needed for The Pool

If you determine that your water source is appropriate for filling your swimming pool the next step is to take a meter reading to make sure the source is adequate to fill the pool without issues.  To measure the amount of water needed to fill a swimming pool use the following measurements:

Oval – Length x Width x Average Depth x 5.9

Round – Diameter x Diameter x Average Depth x 5.9

Square/Rectangle – Length x Width x Average Depth x 5.9

Irregular Shapes – Divide the pool into geometric shapes and add the gallon amounts together

Starting the Pool Filling Process

After the pool has been plastered, the water has been tested, and the amount of water needed to fill it is determined it is time to fill the swimming pool.  When filling the pool use a clean hose with a soft cloth tied to the end to diffuse the water so that it does not whip about and mar the freshly plastered surface.  It will also catch debris coming out of the hose.

If you are bringing water in via a truck note that a cushion of two feet is needed in the bottom of the pool.  Water should be added quickly but in a manner that does not harm the plaster.  If a pool fills too slowly cracks may appear.  In order to avoid this the plaster should be added in as quickly as possible.

Tips:

  • Do not let the hose flip and flail around the pool
  • Put the fill hose in at the deep end of the pool
  • Do not allow the hose to rest on the fresh plaster
  • Do not add anything to the pool until it has finished filling including clarifiers
  • Do not stop the water until the pool is completely filled
  • Do not walk on the freshly plastered pool

Test the Water After It Has Finished Filling

The water may test substantially different once the pool has been filled.  It is important to test the water and write the current water chemistry down.  The pools water must have the correct chemistry to prevent staining or pitting.  Calcium is especially important to the pools water chemistry.  If the calcium is not maintained, it will pull calcium from the plaster which could cause issues to the plaster surface. 

In our next installment on pool plaster we will continue to discuss the steps involved in properly opening a newly plastered pool including: starting the equipment, adding in chemicals, and maintenance. 

Pound Pool Plastering offers several options when it comes to servicing your pool including plaster, caulk, tiling, cement decks, plumbing, and coping in both commercial and residential settings.  More information can be found at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.



Pound Pool Plastering

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I Just Got Engaged, Should I Hire A Wedding Planner?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


The simple answer to this question, YES!  If you want to keep your sanity when planning your wedding the first person you will want to hire is a professional wedding planner. 

Preparing for a wedding can turn into a full-time job.  If you are a working bride, like many are, this is a huge time commitment that many people can’t take on without serious assistance.  Every element of planning a wedding from interviewing and hiring vendors, choosing décor, and managing family is important and often overwhelming.  A professional wedding planner can help weed through your options and help make the whole process far more enjoyable than struggling to do it all on your own.

Advantages of Hiring A Wedding Planner

Wedding Planners Shoulder the Responsibility

Tasks related to planning a wedding take up a great deal of time.  When you are working full-time and want to still have a social life, you may find that you just don’t have the time it takes to keep up.  When you hire a wedding planner you are handing off the more time-consuming tasks of scheduling appointments, working with vendors, and the nitty-gritty details of the day itself. 

Budgeting and Scheduling

Most couples try to stick to a strict wedding budget when planning a wedding.  Often times brides that are going it alone stop considering the budget as they become overwhelmed and opt for easy over budgeting.  Wedding planners are here to make sure that doesn’t happen.  There is no need to go into extreme debt to have the day you have always envisioned without stress while making it happen.  Because of the relationships that exist between wedding consultants and vendors they are often able to reach deals that brides alone cannot.  On top of scoring big with industry connections they can also help to make sure that vendors scheduling works into your already tight schedule so that you aren’t missing work or social events in order to plan. 

Inside Knowledge and Connections

Wedding planners are in constant contact with a wide range of florists, DJs, bands, stationary experts, bridal salons, hair salons, photographers, and videographers. After listening to what you want for your day, they can match you with vendors they know jive with your vibe.  This means that you, as a bride, don’t have to spend hours searching Google, scheduling appointments, and sifting through it all.  Another benefit, the connection that wedding planners have with vendors.  This will help with negotiations, paperwork, and contracts.  Fundamentals of wedding planning that need to occur but that don’t need you stressing over them.

New Ideas

Many new brides have file folders of Pinterest pictures of their ideal wedding.  Sometimes they get stuck in a rut thinking about only these visions of the perfect event and forget to stop and consider new, original ideas that can’t be found on Pinterest.  From unique centerpieces, memorable desserts, custom vows, wedding planners are perfect at bouncing ideas back and forth with their brides.  Brainstorming with a professional is priceless.

Priceless Advice and Day of Assistance

A wedding planner is a best friend without the overly close connection.  This is a priceless investment.  Believe is or not, your best friend will not want to hear about your wedding non-stop from the minute you get engaged until your big day.  A wedding planner however, it is their job to be as obsessed about your wedding day as you are.  They can help with meddling mothers-in-law, dramatic divorced parents, bridal shower disagreements, appropriate dates, and everything in between.  When the big day comes a wedding planner literally makes sure you are stress free and that the day you have planned comes to light without a hitch.  She will be there for issues, if they happen to occur, so that you have nothing to worry about expect meeting your best friend at the end of the aisle and committing your lives to one another.

Event Planning DC provides full event planning, partial event planning, month-of (day-of) event coordination, event styling/design and decorating services throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with access to local and national vendors who may provide additional services suitable for your event and budget.  We pride ourselves on providing only the highest quality event coordination, giving you and your guests the perfect day, no matter what the occasion including exclusive corporate and non-profit events, weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, community events and milestone celebrations.  More information can be found online at https://www.eventplanningdc.com.



Event Planning DC

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How to Recover After Declaring Bankruptcy?

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Some of the most responsible people find themselves in financial trouble.  At times these issues becomes so bad that there is simply no way they can get out from under them.  One solution for individuals that find themselves in such a situation is to file bankruptcy. 

Filing for bankruptcy is known to take a toll on individuals both emotionally and financially.  It takes years after filing for bankruptcy for you to rebuild your credit profile.  It is estimated that in 2017 there were upwards of 750,000 bankruptcy filings, not including businesses.  Bankruptcy is a legal action that individuals or businesses can take in order to dismiss a portion or all of an accumulated debt.  It is important to note that this is not done without meeting certain criteria and without consequence.  There are advantages and disadvantages to the bankruptcy process. It is important to understand bankruptcy, how it can impact your financial future, and just how you can survive and thrive after.

Bankruptcy is a legal process that is used to eliminate or lessen the debts that individuals and businesses are responsible for paying.  Due to the complexity of the process it is important that a bankruptcy attorney is hired.  Each bankruptcy is unique and will be evaluated as such.  Courts need to determine what the financial burden is and the ability the individual or business has to pay it. Hiring a bankruptcy lawyer is crucial because of the ramifications it has on your credit, getting new loans, and new credit. 

Bankruptcy is not always a good idea however, for many it can be the only way to achieve financial stability.  Bankruptcy can relieve you from a portion of or all of your debt.  If only a partial portion of your debt is relieved the bankruptcy court will assign a repayment budget for the remaining debt.  Once you have started the bankruptcy proceedings foreclosure on your home, repossession of your car, wage garnishments, utility shut offs, and so forth will cease.  Creditors and collection agencies will no longer be allowed to call you without a fine. 

Each bankruptcy case is unique and requires a one on one evaluation.  Some debts are commonly reduced or dismissed such as credit cards, medical bills, past utility bills, and even sometimes rent.  Others, however, are rarely dismissed through bankruptcy including child support, alimony, taxes, and student loans.  If you are no longer required to pay on your car there is a high probability that it will be repossessed. 

Once the bankruptcy process has been concluded it is time to get back on the saddle.  Let’s face it, we all need credit at one point or another.  Using credit and credit history is how many people buy homes, cars, and larger purchases. Bankruptcy will impact your credit and have a negative effect on your credit report.  You will not be able to get a loan or credit for a while after bankruptcy.  When you do start to accumulate credit again you should expect to pay higher interest rates, increased security deposits, and larger down payments.  When accumulating new credit after bankruptcy it is important to stay within your budget, pay your bills on times, and avoid accumulating debt. 

Filing for bankruptcy is not a decision that should be made without a lot of thought.  If you think you have no way out of your debt it is best to meet with a bankruptcy attorney for a free consultation to determine the pros and cons of this action in regards to your unique situation. 

Bohikian Law Group specializes in bankruptcy services including chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy.  More information can be found at https://bohikianlaw.com.



Bohikian Law

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What Should I Know About Universal Design and Remodeling My Bathroom?

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The first thing you should know is that when accessible bathroom design is done well, it will be a perfect blend between function, form, and aesthetics.  Thanks to all of the advancements in universal bathroom design, contractors are able to transform and everyday space into and accessible sanctuary that is safe for everyone to use. Contractors combine products designed for patient safety with interior design ideas in order to create a bathroom that is functional regardless of age or ability. 

Take a look at how the licensed and insured Universal Design contractors at Glen Miller the Home Doctor can create a bathroom space that keeps you safe as you age in place without compromising on aesthetics.

Cupboards Hung On the Wall

Wall hung cabinets are best as they can be hung at any height needed while minimizing obstruction of objects on the floor.  Cabinets made from natural and easy to maintain materials are perfect for use in age in place bathroom remodeling. Wall hung cabinets give a contemporary feel with a minimalist approach that is perfect for use in Universal Design.

Walk-In Tubs and Showers

Two very unique concepts but both providing function, safety, and beauty: walk-in tubs and threshold free showers are popular options in bathroom remodeling.  Age in place showers have come a long way since the days of installing grab bars around an old ceramic tub.  Accessible showers are now created using slip-resistant tiles, built in seating, built in grab bars, and removable shower heads.  Thus, creating a luxury spa like shower that can be enjoyed without the worry of falls while getting clean.  Accessible tubs make bathing possible without the dangers associated with limited mobility.

Toilet Accessibility

Another important element in Universal Bathroom design is the accessibility to the toilet without the need for assistance. To accommodate aging bodies or ones with disabilities it is crucial to have a toilet that is easy to access.  This means the height of the toilet is adjusted to be higher and grab bar support to help ease the up and down are in place. This also means installing toilet paper roles at a height and location that is accessible without any real reaching.  Don’t skimp and install a raised toilet chair if you are redesigning a bathroom for Universal Design.  Spend the little bit extra to install a secure, higher height toilet.  It is usable for individuals of all abilities with very little noticeable difference to standard toilets.

The whole concept of Universal Design is to create a space that blends functionality with home design; creating a space that is safe to use for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Glen Miller the Home Doctor is a licensed general contractor servicing Livingston County and the surrounding areas.  Glen offers a wide range of services including home maintenance plans, age in place remodeling, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, finished basements, and hardwood floor refinishing.  More information can be found online at https://www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/.



Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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Does New Siding Increase the Resale Value of Your Home?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


Replacing old, worn out siding can have a significant affect on the overall curb appeal of your home, but does it add value?  Is new siding a solid investment when it comes to the return on your investment?  The answer to both is YES!  Updating the siding on your home does more than add to the curb appeal of your home, it adds resale value as well as offering a solid return on investment.  It has been noted by more than one professional real estate association that when it comes to improving the value of your home nothing brings in higher ROI’s than exterior home improvement projects such as new siding and replacement windows. 

There are a variety of siding options from vinyl, fiber cement, and foam-backed vinyl.   Homeowners that make the decision to re-side their homes have steadily increased the resale value of their homes.  Not only does new siding add to your homes curb appeal, it also adds to the energy efficiency of the home which controls energy costs as well.

Updating with Midlevel Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is an affordable, lightweight, almost virtually maintenance-free way of increasing thermal protection to your home’s exterior.  It has been reported that choosing midrange vinyl siding in updating your exterior siding increases the value of your home by upwards of 78% of the cost of the overall project including the cost of the materials and labor.  On average midgrade vinyl siding material and replacement will run homeowners around $11,000 to $12,000.  Adding approximately $8,580 to $9,360 in resale value to the home.

Updating with Fiber Cement Siding

If you are looking to reside your home with a material that is resistant to moisture, fire, termites, and rot, look no further than fiber-cement siding.  Another benefit to fiber cement siding is that it doesn’t flex.  Industry experts report that on average a 1,250 square foot home costs between $13,000 to $14,000 to reside with factory primed and painted fiber cement siding.  This cost includes replacing fiber-cement boards or cellular PVC and trim. The installation of fiber cement siding can increase the overall value of your home upwards of 87% which works out to be an increase in overall value to the home of between $11,310 to $12,180.

Updating with Foam-Backed Vinyl Siding

Another solid choice in siding is the use of foam-backed vinyl siding, otherwise known as foam-core vinyl siding.  This choice helps to create a dense foam barrier between the siding and the home which makes the home less vulnerable to impact from objects and weather.   Foam-backed vinyl siding is considered an upscale material choice.  The average cost for a 1,250 square foot house is between $14,000 – $15,000.  The increase in home value with re-siding a home with foam-backed vinyl is around 78% thus the overall value increase between $10,920 – $11,700.

Overall the trend on an increase in home value when siding has been replaced has stayed steady.  Curb appeal from new siding, updated windows, replacement roofing, and other such exterior home improvements remain winners when investing in your home. 

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services.  More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.



Kearns Brothers

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Hiring A Professional Home Remodeler Saves Time, Money, and More

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The most limiting factor in renovating your home is the cost.  Many homeowners believe they can save thousands of dollars by renovating their own kitchens or bathrooms.  Then face the overwhelming fact, months down the road that they are in over their heads.  Everyone wants to save money when renovating without compromising quality.  The team at JFC Remodeling understands that which is why we specialize in high quality kitchen and bathroom design and remodeling that work within our client’s budget.

Hiring a professional will not only save you time, money, and aggravation, it will also bring you the results you desire.  Below are just a few of the many reasons you should hire professional kitchen and bathroom designers and contractors like JFC Remodeling for all of your home improvement needs.

Benefits of Hiring Professional Kitchen and Bath Designers/Contractors

Choosing a design, construction materials, and technology for remodeling projects takes a lot of time.  This is time that doesn’t include execution. DIY homeowners often forget to take this into consideration when contemplating a large scaled renovation such as updating their kitchens.  This can lead to major delays in completing renovations. Hiring a professional contractor will prevent delays. 

Licensed and insured contractors renovate homes in a manner that is efficient.  Professional contractors are knowledgeable about all of the latest and greatest technologies, construction methods, and best materials to use.  They are also versed in current building codes and standards that are required to pass building inspections on the first attempt. 

The goal of remodeling is to have a room that looks more appealing and functional then it previously had been.  With the professional expertise of a designer/contractor you get this.  The experts at JFC Remodeling work with homeowners to examine their current space, talk about their wants and needs, and create a design that perfectly reflects the overall vision.  Once a kitchen design and the desired materials have been chosen the project can begin.

Accuracy is a key element in remodeling.  Inexperience can often lead to costly mistakes.  One of the most expensive mistakes DIY homeowners make is when it comes to measuring.  Materials used in kitchen and bathroom remodeling can be quite expensive.  From granite counter tops and exotic wood cabinets, materials add up quite fast. Professional contractors are used to being accurate and therefore measuring mistakes are not something that happens often. 

Another major benefit that comes with hiring a professional contractor comes at the end when homeowners are presented with a finished project.  Nothing is better than seeing your dream come to life from start to finish.  You are making a huge investment in your home and it is important you get exactly what you want and pay for.  The professionals at JFC Remodeling can make sure your kitchen and bathroom remodeling dreams come true.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodeling services.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.



Jason Foldenauer Construction

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I am Ready to Buy My First Home. Where Do I Start?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


The industry is saturated with information for first time home buyers.  It is often a bit overwhelming when you are trying to gather initial information on where to start, who to turn to, and what to expect.  In order to be fully prepared to find, finance, and move into a new home it is crucial to be prepared.  Planning for a major event such as buying your first home is one of the best ways to remove the stress and anxiety that usually comes with it.

The first step to buying your first home is the one you are taking right this very moment, research.  As soon as you get the inkling that you want to start looking into buying a home start reading as much reliable information as you can get your hands on.  Websites, newspapers, industry magazines, and real estate books can all provide good information.  It is also appropriate to start perusing listings to note the time that homes you are interested in are staying on the market.  For research purposes take note of changes in asking price as well, all the information gathered at this point gives you a better sense of current housing trends. 

The next step that we recommend you take is to speak with a mortgage broker to determine how much of a house you can afford.  This can be a little tricky.  It is not always wise to spend as much on a new home as you qualify for.  Most home buyers want to still be able to live comfortably while owning a home.  Trust your instincts when you are determining a housing budget. 

More often than not lenders will approve buyers for between three to five times the amount of their annual income for a threshold.  Most buyers will have a twenty percent down payment and will carry other debt.  This amount usually holds this in account.  Ex.  If you are currently making $25,000 a year and your spouse is making $55,000 a year this puts you at a total income of around $80,000 a year.  This means that lenders may feel comfortable lending you between $240,000 and $400,000 to purchase a home.  This doesn’t take into consideration your down payment however does give you some figures to start with. 

When you meet with a mortgage broker than can start the process of getting you prequalified and preapproved for a mortgage.  This will give you a definite answer to how much you are approved for and can actually spend on your new home.  In order to start this process, you will need to provide your mortgage broker with financial paperwork such as documents on income, savings, investments, and debt.  Through this process brokers will reach out to a variety of lenders to verify your financial status, credit, and figures on borrowing from them.  Each lender will have different requirements, rates, and so forth.  A mortgage broker works as a middle man between you and the lenders to find you the best rates and terms. 

Next you will want to find a local real estate agent to work with like C21, Lady of the Lakes out of Pinckney, MI.  A realtor is an important piece of the home buying (and selling) process and will be your biggest advocator throughout the process.  Agents are not only full of useful information on homes, neighborhoods, schools, and such, they are also important to you during negotiations.  Also, it is nice to note that realtors are not compensated by the buyer and instead are paid a commission from the seller of the house.  This means you pay nothing for their professional advice.

Real estate agents are important partners when you’re buying or selling a home. Real estate agents can provide you with helpful information on homes and neighborhoods that isn’t easily accessible to the public. Their knowledge of the home buying process, negotiating skills, and familiarity with the area you want to live in can be extremely valuable. And best of all, it doesn’t cost you anything to use an agent – they’re compensated from the commission paid by the seller of the house.

After you have hired an agent comes the task of finding the perfect home to call home and make an offer.  When you are touring homes it is important to bring along a camera and create a checklist.  This will help in keeping the different houses straight.  After seeing as many houses as you will see during this process it will be hard to remember the pros and cons of each.  Document as much as possible along the way. 

When you find a home, you think you could be interested in do a more thorough examination of the space.  Test the plumbing by running all the faucets at one time to get a feel for the water pressure you can expect.  This will also give you a good assessment of the hot water in the home. Next test the electrical outlets.  It is amazing how many times we go into homes where not all of the electrical switches or plugs are working properly.  This could be an electrical issue inside the home, so it will save you money to discover it before paying for a professional home inspection.  Another element to look at is the windows, doors, and attic/roof.  Check to make sure doors and windows properly shut and seal and that attics are without mold or water issues. 

If you haven’t already, take a look at the neighborhood.  Check to see how well other houses are maintained.  Evaluate the amount of traffic through the neighborhood, parking, and accessibility to shopping, schools, and more. 

Relators will help throughout this process by supplying you with data on how much comparable homes nearby have sold for.  This will help you to negotiate a fair asking price when you have decided on a home to put an offer on.  When you have reached an agreement with the seller on a fair price, the home will go into what is known as escrow.  At this point you will have a number of days to get an inspection, make changes to the offer, and complete the home purchase process.

Most banks will not lend to first time home buyers, or any home buyer for that matter, without first having their investment properly inspected.  All offers are written in a manner known as contingency.  This means that the offer is contingent on the inspection.  If the inspection goes poorly or items are found that need to be repaired, you will have time to renegotiate or withdraw your offer without penalty.

Once the inspection has been finalized and the home repairs (if needed) have occurred it is time to get your financing in order.  Your mortgage broker already has in place the preapprovals that you were given earlier in the process.  This makes the process of selecting a home loan quicker.  Lenders will give you a good faith estimate at this juncture that states what you can expect the monthly payment to be, taxes included, the time you are borrowing the money for, along with the rate at which you are borrowing funds.  It is important as well to understand the type of mortgage you are getting. There are a few options including: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Adjustable, and so on.  Mortgage lenders will often send in a home appraiser to ensure that they are making a solid investment in loaning you the amount of money they are for the home. This ensures you are paying a fair price. 

At this point a lot of paperwork is shuffled between real estate agents for the buyers and sellers along with the lender, closing, and title company.  This is all necessary to make sure ownership of the home transfers properly.  Once all parties have reached an agreement a closing date will be set. 

At closing you will complete a final walk through of the property, sign closing documents, and exchange the keys.  Some sellers negotiate a time between closing and when they have to vacate.  If this is the case with the home you are purchasing, the seller will rent the home from you until the agreed upon move out date and then you will receive the keys to the home on that final date.

C21 Lady of the Lakes is a full-service realtor serving Livingston County and the surrounding areas with all their real estate needs.  More information can be found at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com/.



C21 Lady of the Lakes

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