Livingston Reporting - page 220

Helpful Tips For Buying A New Construction Home

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Tips for Buying a New Construction Home

  • Use an independent real estate agent: Homeowners will want to bring their own representation to the table when buying a new construction home.  The sales representatives that are on hand work in representing the builder’s best interests in a new construction community.  It is in you r best interest to have someone that is looking out only for your best interest when negotiations.  This will help to ensure there is no conflict of interest when working out details of contracts, onsite inspections, and more.
  • A drop in the cost of building is rare instead ask for builder concessions: Builders rarely offer discounts.  They have set, established pricing and tend to strictly stick to these when negotiating contracts.  Instead if you are looking to get more for your money you can seek out a deal by looking to purchase a spec home or model.  These homes have been built to attract buyers and once they have served their purchase are often offered for sale at a slight discount over other homes in the neighborhood.  The drawback is that you will be buying the new construction home as is instead of getting to detail exactly what you desire.
  • Discuss the builder’s warranty: Warranties vary between builders.  Some builders will offer an extended warranty lasting up to ten years for structural issues but put shorter stipulations on wear items such as plumbing, electrical and so on.  Before signing the contract beware of what type of warranty is being offered.
  • Prepare for the unexpected: Occasionally suppliers discontinue materials.  Be prepared to have some of the finishing touches you have chosen to change a bit along the way.  Builders work diligently to prevent major changes from occurring however the unexpected can and does occur in new construction.
  • Require an independent inspection: A home inspector that is independent of the builder should be hired to do a final inspection once the builder has finished your home.  They will go over the various aspects of the home including: plumbing, electrical, roofing, crawl spaces, attic, insulation and so on and so forth.  This will allow and independent set of eyes to inspect the house thus allowing you to get these items repaired by the builder before closing on your new construction home.
  • Reap the benefits on move in day: The excitement of buying a new home is something that all buyers feel but purchasing new construction is even more thrilling. You will be the first person to use the appliances, take a bath in the tub and enjoy a relaxing day on the deck.

Aspen Construction is an innovative building leader specializing in home additions, new construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling.  For all of your home improvement needs including electrical services contact us today at http://www.aspencoinc.com/.

Aspen Construction

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Taking The Plunge Into Homeownership

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Are you ready to take the plunge into homeownership?  The cost of renting has continued to increase while the costs of buying along with interest rates have continued plummeting.  The purchase of your first home can be quiet daunting.  The process of getting pre-approved for a mortgage, hiring a realtor, finding a home, getting it inspected, getting a mortgage and moving in is quite an undertaking.  It is important to make each of the tasks as simple as possible to help avoid delays and mistakes.  In this article we will offer suggestions for first-time buyers on qualifying for a home loan.

The first question that is most often asked is about the amount that is needed for a down payment.  Most lenders require some sort of a down payment.  It is possible to purchase a home without one however not the best option. Lenders use a combination of things to identify homeowners that qualify for a mortgage verse those that may be too risky to lend to.  These identifiers include the borrower’s credit score and down payment information.  The higher the ratio of property value to the amount the borrower needs the more qualified you become as a buyer.

It is important also for homeowner to understand truly how much they can afford to spend each month on a home before they even begin talking to a realtor.  Many homeowners think that they need to find a home at the highest point at which they qualify.  This however is not the case.  Many borrowers find that a payment at this price point is just too high for them to afford.  Don’t buy based on what you are qualified to receive instead look to purchase a home that you can comfortably afford.

It is important for borrowers to understand the difference between pre-approval and pre-qualification.  In order to be pre-qualified does not access your credit.  It allows you to compare loan details and interest rates without requiring your social security number or credit to be accessed.  Pre-approval means that a lender has run your credit and evaluated your finances.  A pre-approval is the most accurate way to shop for a home but does require a hard inquiry of your credit report.

Homeowners must also understand that their debt to income ratio is also a consideration in home loan financing.  Your total debt including car loans, credit card bills, student loans and mortgage should be no more than thirty six percent of your gross income.  This is the maximum amount that most mortgage company’s desire when lending money for a home loan.

Mortgage lenders will also look at your employment history when looking to lend you money for a home loan.  They consider this an important consideration in the ability to repay a home loan.  If you are a person that hops from job to job you are considered a higher risk than someone with a lower income that has been stably employed.

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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Helpful Mortgage Advice For 2017

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Homeowners looking to refinance or hoping to buy a new home in 2017 all have one thing in common, they will all need to get the money to make it happen.  Below you will find helpful advice that applies to mortgages in 2017.

  • Homeowners can make a small down payment or none at all: Mortgage brokers are constantly dispelling the myth that a twenty percent down payment is required.  Some mortgages require no down payment at all or as little as three percent.  Zero down mortgage options are available as part of programs through the VA, Rural Development and Navy Federal Credit Union for purchase of a primary residence.  
  • Homeowners no longer need perfect credit: FHA loans are a popular option in lending when a homeowner has less than perfect credit.  The average homeowner has a credit score of around six hundred eighty six.  In order to qualify for an FHA mortgage homeowners must have a credit score of five hundred and eighty or higher with at least three point fiver percent interest down.  If your score is lower than five hundred eighty, in order to get an FHA mortgage homeowners will need to have at least ten percent down and a mortgage lender that would give you the loan. 
  • Homeowners should keep money in their saving: Most mortgage lenders do not like to see homeowners deplete their savings in order to buy a home. Houses come with unexpected expenses that will need to take care of and lenders expect that this can be done without having to miss making a home loan payment. 
  • Homeowners can save a great deal by refinancing a fifteen year mortgage: Mortgage rates have been at all time lows for a while now so one can only assume that 2017 will bring a rise in interest rates.  Refinancing is still an option many people turn to even after interest rates have risen for many reasons including: divorce, finally recovering from a low credit score, to get rid of their existing PMI, to cash out equity in the home or to save money in financing to a shorter mortgage period.  
  • Homeowners should only borrow what they can afford to repay: It is important that homeowners don’t over stretch their payments.  Do not get into a mortgage for more than you can afford no matter how appealing the home is.  A good rule of thumb to live by is to never spend more than thirty six percent of your income before taxes on your mortgage and other financial obligations.

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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Planning For Your Future Through Estate Planning Installment 2

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In the last installment we established that there were three main documents needed to delegate control as the end of life became inevitable: a durable power of attorney, a release of information and advance directives.  Each document serves a purpose in establishing care while you are still living if and when you become unable to do so yourself.

A power of attorney is drawn up in the presence of an attorney and witnesses to formally determine who you wish to leave in charge of your finances and legal affairs when you are no longer fit to do so.

A release of information is a form that is given to hospital personnel to give them the permission needed to discuss your medical history and take future actions regarding your medical health. This designated representative will receive valuable information regarding your medical records.

Advance directives are drawn up to allow people to make decisions on your behalf.  A durable power of attorney for health care allows you to name a representative that is in charge of making medical decisions on your behalf should you be unable to do so.  A living will is in place to help guide your durable power of attorney for health care in that it specifically lays out the medical treatment you are allowing in your treatment and that of which you do not wish to receive at the end of your life.

An estate planning attorney will draw up the necessary papers to help your family avoid probate.  During the probate process, without the proper paperwork in place, the court will decide all matters having to do with your estate.

This process can range from paying a few hundred dollars in court costs, filling out some forms and having the court settle your debt and distribute your property all the way to a complicated month’s long ordeal that ties up your estate and ends up costing your family thousands of dollars.  No matter which route your family is not in control.  This can all be avoided by meeting with an estate planning attorney and getting the proper paperwork in place.

In estate planning an attorney will help you to set up trusts.  A trust basically allows possessions to go to the names trustees upon your death.  While you are living you remain a trustee and therefore control remains with you.  With a trust in place you avoid probate, fees and public scrutiny of your private affairs.

Another benefit of estate planning is the ability to divvy up your personal belongings as you wish.  This helps to avoid conflicts that arise during the emotional period after your passing.  One way that this can be set up if you aren’t interested in going through each and every item you own is to create a specific strategy for dividing your property. A creative way to do this is to allow your executor control to set up an online auction between members of your family.  Each member is allotted a certain number of tokens or credits to bid on items that they wish to own.  Another option is to start gifting items as you see fit while you are still alive which allows you to see your loved ones enjoying them.

Estate planning also allows for you to create an individualized memorial and funeral.  If you are interested in a celebration of life over a mournful gathering create a personalized plan of action to be followed upon your passing.  This allows you to be in control to decide if you will choose to be cremated or buried, if you will have a religious burial or other specific details that may be important to you it is crucial that you prepare in writing these desires.

Estate planning is as much for the living as it is the deceased.  Contact a local estate planning attorney for more information on providing your family with the peace of mind they desire in the event of your untimely passing.

The Law Office of Sean J. Nichols is dedicated to assisting clients throughout legal issues that come with aging including: elder law, estate planning, probate law and more.  Check out the Law Office of Sean J. Nichols at http://www.seanjnichols.com to contact an estate attorney today.

Sean J. Nichols

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Planning For Your Future Through Estate Planning Installment 1

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are so many excuses that people can come up with to avoid planning for their future.  None of us ever feel that we are going to die anytime soon so we put off planning for it. We pretend we are too busy to avoid thinking about a future that doesn’t include us in it.  However, the truth of our death is inevitable.  We will all eventually pass away. The last thing that any of us want to do is leave a mess for our families in the wake of our untimely passing.  This holiday season the number one gift you can give to your family is to create an estate plan to ensure that all of the business matters surrounding your death are taken care of and your family can focus on what really matters, mourning your death.

Know you aren’t alone in your procrastination.  As many as two thirds of Americans don’t have any type of will in place and fewer than one half of us with a will have an estate planning documents in place.  Planning for your final days is not something anyone wants to do let alone put in writing long before we hope that time is upon us however it will allow the transition to be that much easier on your family.

First and most importantly, meet with an attorney that specializes in estate planning.  This is an important piece of the puzzle.  They will help you begin the process of getting your affairs in order by helping to create a will.  Having a will in place allows you to decide how you split up your estate, who will raise your children and so forth.  Without a will in place the state is left in charge of deciding upon these very important and personal affairs.

Most often estate attorneys will recommend getting some type of life insurance coverage to assist in providing financial support for your family when you are no longer able to.  To be safe it is important that the coverage you purchase should be enough to pay off outstanding debts and fund future foreseeable goals.

The next item on your plate is to delegate control.  Three main documents are needed to do this: a durable power of attorney, a release of information and an advance directive.  In our next installment detailing estate planning we will go into depth regarding each of these documents and the headaches having them in place will save your family from.

The Law Office of Sean J. Nichols is dedicated to assisting clients throughout legal issues that come with aging including: elder law, estate planning, probate law and more.  Check out the Law Office of Sean J. Nichols at http://www.seanjnichols.com to contact an estate attorney today.

Sean J. Nichols

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The Numerous Advantages Of Aluminum Fencing

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Aluminum fencing can give homeowners the same look as wrought iron and steel at a fraction of the cost and less maintenance.  If you want to keep your space from feeling enclosed while increasing the homes security installing an aluminum fence and gate is a perfect option.  Here are a few tips for homeowners looking for an affordable, maintenance free, easy to install fence for the perimeter of their home or pool.

If you are looking for an ideal option to enclose your backyard to keep pets inside a safe barrier, look no further than aluminum fencing.  With aluminum fencing you not only have choices about the decorative features that will make up your fence but also options within the fence itself.  Puppy pickets for example are when smaller pickets are added in between the regular pickets to prevent smaller animals from fitting between or underneath the fence.  The narrow design for the bottom half of the fence is perfect for keeping animals safe while keeping the traditional look of aluminum fencing at the top.

When choosing the pickets for your aluminum fencing there are two basic options that give you two very different looks to your fencing: covered and exposed.  First, it is important to understand that the pickets are what create your metal fence. Exposed finials on fencing leave a sharp point sticking out of the top of your fence panel.  Whereas covered finials have a straight horizontal bar covering them.  Aluminum fence designs with pointed finials are a more dangerous option and may be good for homeowners looking to add a bit of security against intruders looking to enter the home by climbing the fence.  Be extra careful if choosing an open finials design for your aluminum fence if small children or pets are apt to climb the fence.  Opt for covered finials if you think that the open pickets will pose a hazard within your yard.

Consider adding accessories to your aluminum fence to increase the aesthetic value it offers to your landscape. Some homeowners choose more ornamental fencing such as designs that include butterfly or circular scrolls to enhance the appeal of their fence while others choose to add a gate or decorative arched entryway.  Aluminum gates come in numerous styles to match or compliment any style of aluminum fencing that homeowners choose. Even the smallest of details can transform the aluminum fence that you choose.  With aluminum fencing not only are you getting the most attractive option in fencing you are choosing a fence with minimal maintenance requirements that is durable and built to withstand a variety of climate conditions.

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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Pros and Cons of Different Fencing Materials

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are a variety of materials available when choosing a fence.  Each type of fence comes with its own set of pros and cons associated with it.  In this article we will look at a few of the most popular options in residential fencing, aluminum and wood, along with the benefits and drawbacks each offers to homeowners.

Aluminum Fencing

Aluminum fencing is one of the most reasonably priced, adaptable and long lasting materials available. It offers all of these benefits while being one of the most easily maintained materials available in fencing.  This material is also easy to install on your own but can also affordably be installed by a team of professional fence installers.  Aluminum is a highly adaptable material in which the panels are easily designed for a variety of landscapes including ones with a high degree of sloping.  Aluminum fencing comes in a variety of ornamental styles and numerous colors to choose from.  The options in aluminum fencing consist of a variety of additions such as scrolls, butterflies, decorative finials and puppy pickets.

The only real downfall of aluminum fencing is that it costs more upfront than most other materials do. In the long run however it will end up costing homeowners less because aluminum fencing does not require near the amount of maintenance as seen in other fencing materials.  Aluminum is highly durable and has been compared to steel fencing for many years.  It will not work as privacy fencing so if this is your goal another material is going to be better for you.

Wood Fencing

Wooden fence has been a popular choice amongst homeowners for many years.  Not only is it an attractive option in fencing it is also fairly inexpensive and versatile.  There are many options in designs and style choices.  Wood fences are a great option for homeowners looking for privacy and can be painted and stained to compliment any home’s exterior.

The major drawback to wood fencing comes with the degree of maintenance it takes to keep it looking new.  Not only is it labor intensive it is expensive as well.  Harsh weather changes have a way of wearing wooden fencing away.  Harsh climates give way for rot and warping.  Extra moisture in the wood can lead to a high degree of damage.  Another disadvantage of wood fencing is how much it is enjoyed by small pests such as ants and termites.  One infestation can lead to mass amounts of destruction for your homes wooden fence.

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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Choosing Between Chain Link and Aluminum Fencing

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There are many options in fencing.  Two of the most popular options homeowners choose between are aluminum fencing and chain link fencing.  Let’s face the facts here though; one option is clearly more aesthetic then the other.  Chain link fencing is clearly not the more attractive of the two options although it is the most cost effective however both options are practically maintenance free.  Between the two there are a few other differences between chain link fencing and aluminum fencing to consider.

One consideration between the two, chain link and aluminum fencing, is the value that they bring to the property.  Any type of fencing is an investment in your home.   Choosing a style of fencing that best meets your needs along with the style of your home can work to increase the value of your home and therefore offer an increase in equity upon the sale of the home.  This is something homeowners must consider when choosing between fencing materials.

Chain link fencing offers the most cost effective solution for the short term but offers a low aesthetic appeal.  While aluminum fencing is attractive and offers a high visual appeal but tends to be a bit more costly then chain link.  In the long term chain link fencing may end up costing homeowners more with the low visual appeal, maintenance and ability to rust. All of which can end up lowering your overall property value.  Also, many homeowner associations and neighborhoods have restrictions against chain link fences.  Aluminum on the other hand offers numerous decorative styles and colors to choose from.  It is also incredibly sturdy and resistant to changes in climate. Aluminum fencing is an investment in your home that is meant for long haul.

One more reason aluminum fencing outweighs chain link for the best option in fencing is the limitless options in ornamental design and color.  There are also a lot of extra options to help homeowners customize aluminum fences where as chain link options are limited.  If you are looking for an option in fencing that stands out, aluminum is where it is at.  Choose from decorative finials, ornamental scrolls, or add accessorial caps to nearly all aluminum fences none of which is available in chain link fencing.

Fence maintenance is another consideration when considering between aluminum fencing and chain link.  Chain link can and will rust over time unless it is coated in a vinyl protective coat.  Aluminum fencing on the other hand is basically virtually maintenance free and durable.  It comes with a powder-coated finish that makes the fence panels do not require repainting or extra protection against changing climates.

Learn more about aluminum fencing online from numerous online wholesalers of aluminum fencing panels.

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 Importance of Labeling In The Consumer Decision Making Process

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Product labeling can be the difference in a consumer’s decision making process.  This is what makes it so important that the manufacturer choose the right style and material for your products label along with a spot on design to represent it.  The ideas below will give you some insight into a successful label design.

Spend Money To Make Money

It is crucial that manufacturers invest in their brands.  A quality label designer is worth their weight in gold.  The product label is the first thing consumers see.  It is what differentiates your product from the competition when sitting side by side on the shelf.    An investment in a solid label design has long lasting affects to your marketing plan.  A brands image begins with its label.

Plan In Conjunction With the Designer

Designers that specialize in creating custom labels often work on an hourly basis therefore manufacturers can save time and money by being prepared.  Create a spreadsheet with categories laid out on what is necessary for the label to contain, what would be nice but isn’t totally necessary and the items that are not important at all.  Make sure to include the following:

  • Brand and product name
  • The weight
  • The ABV (alcohol by volume)
  • Government warnings
  • Logo
  • Nutrition information
  • UPC code

Consider The Overall Label Idea

Think about what you want out of your label.  What style should your label be?  Should you use intense, bright colors in your label?  Should the design be contemporary or traditional?  Will the graphics be minimal or elaborate and full of detail?  Keep the lines of communication open with your label designer; speak with them regarding the overall concept you desire out of your label.  Create an idea board to present to the designer of your product label.  Make sure it includes colors, graphics, font styles and more that relate to the vision that is in mind for your product label.

Choose A Label Style and Material

Think about the options that you have in labeling.   Shrink sleeves to flexible packaging the option you choose will represent your product.  What does the label need to accomplish.  If you are looking for a combination of packaging and labeling in one a flexible pouch is your best options.  If you are looking for a label option that also provides tamper resistance go for shrink sleeve labeling.  If your product is simple and you want your label to reflect that try a cut and stack label.

Take time to review all rough drafts given to you be the designer.  Use these to critic and offer direction to the designer until the desired result is achieved.  Once this is accomplished take the sample design and have it printed on the material you have chosen.  Apply this to the product packaging and physically see what the end result will be.  If you are fully satisfied give the go ahead to the label printing company.  If changes are desired it is crucial to make adjustments now before giving the go-ahead.  This will ensure you are completely satisfied with the results of your dedication to the design of your product label.

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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Labeling Plays an Important Role in Marketing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Your products label and package design plays a number of rolls in product marketing.  Together the elements create a product story and will get consumers to take notice.  The industry has taken the idea of labeling and packaging and combined the two elements thus creating flexible packaging.   Customized flexible packaging helps increase company growth by increasing brand exposure and product sales.

Flexible packaging consists of a pouch or packet style container that is made from a variety of materials to create and all inclusive, resilient package and label in one.  Depending on the manufacturers goals flexible packets can be beneficial to both sales and marketing tactics.  Flexible pouches are frequently used to replace bottles, create a single use variation or even in sample distribution.

Flexible packets are one of the newest additions available to the packaging and labeling community.  They are one of the most technical products that packaging and labeling companies offer to manufacturers.  The label graphics and text are printed directly onto the pouch material.  Flexible packaging materials vary from paper to thick film.  Flexible paper packaging is ideal for solids and powders whereas film packets are better for liquids, gels, and lotions.  Both paper and film will create a reliable seal that protects the packaging contents, reduces spoilage and protects against product tampering.

Flexible packaging is popular within several different product markets including health and beauty, beverages, condiments and more.  One of the main reasons why manufacturers choose flexible packets over other options in packaging and labeling is ease of use and consumer convenience.  Not only can flexible packets are used to package large quantities they are ideal for packaging single-servings for on the go consumers.

Flexible pouches can be used for a number of products in a wide range of industries.  The benefits of this style of packaging and labeling go well beyond the design and function.  They are ideal for the sales and marketing of the products they hold.  Some of the valuable ways in which flexible packaging can be used to benefit brand and product awareness include:

  • Flexible packets can be fastened directly onto other products within the companies brand for sampling. This type of marketing is often used in magazine advertisements, brochures and direct mailings.
  • Flexible packaging is also a perfect way for marketers to distribute samples within store locations, promotional events and trade shows.
  • They are a great option for the distribution of travel sized products.
  • Another genius way marketers use flexible product packaging is to acquire consumer information. Consumers that request a free sample often fill out a consumer card that gives their information to manufactures.

No matter how you incorporate flexible packages in your lineup there are a number of ways it can be done to benefit your business.

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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