Livingston Reporting - page 239

Start Planning For Your New In-Ground Pool and Aluminum Fence

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Spring is right around the corner and with this time of year comes an increase in in-ground swimming pool installations.  Having a pool installed in your backyard is quite exciting.  Memories will be made in your backyard oasis for many summers to come.  To ensure that these memories are all positive ones it is important to plan for certain safety measures to be in place; aluminum perimeter fencing enclosing the swimming pool area may just be one of the most important.  The fence should never be a last minute add on to the addition of an in-ground swimming pool.  Consider all safety measures as you begin to plan and budget for an in-ground swimming pool.

The placement of your new pool within the backyard space available is crucial.  A pool should be installed to enhance the ambiance of the backyard as a whole.  As you are considering where the pool should be installed it is important to also stake out the placement of the aluminum gate and fencing as well.  The great benefit when installing aluminum pool fencing is that it offers an unobstructed view of the pool area while meeting B.O.C.A. standards required in pool fencing.  This means that you can still enjoy the three hundred sixty degree views of your landscape while enjoying the pool and keeping an eye on the little occupants enjoying the water.

When the landscape surrounding an in-ground pool is hilly or even slightly inclined many homeowners worry that the fencing that is installed will have a gap that will allow young children and small animals to access the pool without proper supervision.  This is not a concern when ordering aluminum fencing.  Aluminum fencing can be ordered in sections of various sizes and offer rackable fencing panels.  This allows the fence to adjust to the slope of the land surrounding the pool instead of having to be stair stepped.  Another feature that can be added to aluminum fence used around pool is puppy pickets.  This feature adds additional pickets at the bottom of the aluminum fencing to prevent any possibility of maneuvering underneath the fencing.

With aluminum pool fencing a secure aluminum gate is a given.  Aluminum gates are self-closing and self latching both which are required.  The fence will need to be installed so that it opens out and away from the pool with an opening mechanism that is at least fifty four inches above the ground.  Not only are there regulations that must be met for the gate but also for the aluminum fencing itself.  The aluminum fence that is installed must be at least forty eight inches in height with a mid rail of at least forty five inches above the bottom rail while pickets should be spaces no further apart then four inches and the space between the bottom rail and ground has to be less than four inches.

When purchasing aluminum fencing from www.iFenceUSA.com you can rest assured that your new aluminum fence will meet all of the regulations set forth by the B.O.C.A. and provide you with a strong, maintenance free, versatile fence system that is easily customized and guaranteed not to crack, chip or peel.

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 Difference Between Paid and Organic Online Marketing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Online marketing remains one of life’s little mysteries for business owners looking to expand upon their online presence.  Confusion basically stems from two general differences: paid advertising and organic search rankings.

Let’s start out by talking about paid advertising.  Paid search engine marketing refers to advertising in which a business pays for ad placement based upon a targeted search.

Google Adwords is the term most business owners are familiar with when discussing paid advertising.  However it is important to note that Google is the most widely used search engine other options are available when it comes to paid ads.  Both Bing and Yahoo offer paid ad services.  Google is the most used search engine and therefore paid ads places within the search and display networks associated with Google will cost more than those places within Yahoo or Bing.  You are paying more because more advertisers are using the service and more traffic is essentially viewing your ads.

Many companies with smaller advertising budgets choose to place their paid advertising dollars on smaller search engines such as Bing largely because the costs per person reached are much lower than with Google.  The main disadvantage is the decrease in users associated with the less known search engines.

When you company is looking into paid ads it is important to be realistic.  If your paid operating budget for a month is five hundred dollars and you are in a highly competitive market, for instance home improvement, law, pest management etc… then it may be best for you to use your paid advertising on search engines with lower ad costs such as Bing, Yahoo, Microsoft etc…  The competition will be lower, the ad costs will be less and the amount paid per click will be less expensive which goes along with the theory that fewer people are using these search engines;  less ad competition results in less expensive per click fees, while reaching targeted consumers.

If your operating budget is unlimited and you are seeking to reach the largest number of people without expense being a concern paid advertising with Google Adwords is ideal.  The number of people using Google as a search engine is higher than Yahoo, Bing, and Microsoft etc….  The competition within Google is greater because of the number of advertisers seeking to reach targeted consumers because of the popularity that Google offers as a search engine therefore the competition for higher ad space is greater leading to a more expensive per click cost.

In both scenarios companies are paying for their ad to be placed in front of potential consumers based on results from targeted search terms.  No matter what search engine is used a user searching for Pest Control will find ads at the top and down the right hand side of business that have bid on the keyword Pest Control.   Higher ad placement goes to those advertisers willing to spend more per click.  Paid advertising is a key element when looking for consumers who are actively seeking targeted business services.

Another service that is offered to clients that is crucial to online marketing success is SEO, otherwise known as search engine optimization.  SEO refers to the method in which a company reaches higher organic search rankings.  This service involves a variety of activities that work with your website to increase your site rankings on search engines when your services are being targeted through a consumers search.

The process of SEO is complicated and constantly evolving.  Search engines are constantly changing algorithms and their methods of placement to avoid companies looking for higher rankings through unsavory online activities.

A combination of methods to achieve the highest possible organic search results for clients possible without the risk of being blacklisted.  We use a combination of blog creation and management, social media integration including the creation and management of Facebook, Google Plus, Instagram, Twitter, press releases, video marketing, article marketing and more.  Most importantly we focus on the content of your website to ensure it is evolving as the company continues to.  Our web team also places a high value on the backend of your site ensuring that is search engine friendly meaning that search engines will understand exactly what it is that is being offered based on title tags, site descriptions and tags used in programming your site.

Online presence is more important now than ever before.  Out are the days of reaching for a phone book and looking up a certain key phrase in the yellow pages to find a business to meet your need. In are the days at having information at the touch of a button.  Your business must be present online to draw in and retain customers.  Consumers are looking for information on your business right then and there while they are ready to take action.  Your website, social media presence, blog updates, reviews and testimonials will all say a lot about your business.  SEO companies are here to help ensure the message they are receiving is the one that you want to be presenting.

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

Creative Programs and Systems

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Label Design Packaging The Two Key Elements In Marketing New Products

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are two main components that are used to draw consumers into making a purchase: label design and packaging.  In order for a purchase to be made the product must visually sell itself without this element your product may never make it off the shelf; the value of the product itself may never be seen to consumers without these two elements.   Positive brand exposure leads to purchases which ultimately lead to your company’s growth.

Flexible packaging is just one of the many arenas of product containment that is seeing growth.  Flexible packages offer a wide variety of advantages over other types of packaging available within the industry on whole.  Custom labeling printed directly onto the package is just one of the many improvements that are offered to manufacturers using flexible pouches in product containment.

Graphics, text and labeling information can all be printed directly onto the material chosen to package your product.  Flexible packaging can be designed out of paper or film materials depending on the product itself.   Paper is best used in flexible packaging with products that are solids or powders.  This option is the most economical option and is an affordable barrier for products that don’t require a thicker level of protection.

When packaging gels, liquids or products that have a wet consistency a film packet is a better barrier to use.  Film when used in flexible pouches offers more protection and is more flexible for the twisting and changes in shape that comes with most substances with a liquid consistency.  Both paper and film provide an air tight seal that protects the packages contents as well reducing spoilage and works to create a more tamper resistant option in packaging.

Custom labeling is an option on both materials.  Vibrant graphics, promotional text and valuable product information can all be easily adapted and printed on either paper or film when used for packaging your brand.  Popular product markets for flexible packaging include healthy and beauty products, beverages and condiments.  The size of the package is customizable which makes it a popular option with varying quantities.

Flexible packaging is also a unique method used in sales and marketing.  It is an easy material to attach to magazines, brochures and direct mailers.  It is also the perfect option for trade show, store and promotional samples.  The flexile packages can be attached to other product lines to expose consumers to other options within your brand.

Flexible packaging is a unique method of packaging that offers tremendous benefits to your product from custom labeling to re-sealable enclosure options while continuing to be cost effective.

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.

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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The Many Benefits To Choosing Shrink Sleeves

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The competition amongst brands has become quiet intense.  Businesses need to differentiate their products from the competition.  A creative way that this is accomplished is through shrink sleeve labeling.  Not only are shrink sleeves a full body product design that offers clients custom graphics, depth in color and increase shelf impact.  In this article we will look into shrink sleeve labeling and the benefits they offer over other custom labeling options.

Shrink sleeves may not be the least expensive option in custom labeling however they are durable, abrasion resistant and waterproof.  Shrink sleeves can also be removed from their containers, bottles or containers and be reused.

There are many benefits to choosing shrink sleeves over other custom product labels.  Not only do they offer a full body, custom design they provide clients with high quality graphics.  Shrink sleeves are known to increase consumer demand by up to twenty percent.  Below are the seven key elements associated with shrink sleeves.

  • Shrink sleeves can be applied to containers made of plastic, glass or metal.
  • Materials used to create shrink sleeve labels are damage resistant.
  • Custom shrink sleeve labeling fits seamlessly into several different bottle and container shapes. Shrink sleeves help to accentuate the products natural shape.
  • Shrink sleeves are a key element in creating tamper proof products.  When it comes to tamper resistance there is no better deterrent than custom shrink sleeve labeling.
  • If you are looking to design a label that is effective from all angles the three hundred and sixty degree design of shrink sleeves is the option for your brand.
  • The graphics and design work imprinted on shrink sleeve labels prevents bleeding, fading and smudging onto the product container itself.
  • Shrink sleeves are crucial in a variety of product marketing and promotional opportunities including cross-merchandising and on pack sampling promotions within your brand of products.

There are a variety of industries that have found the key to success comes from shrink sleeve labeling.

When it comes to energy drinks and alcohol custom shrink sleeve labels are a perfect custom labeling option.  Shrink sleeves create a tamper resistant seal that prevents food and beverages from being opened, intentional or not.  The same is true of the pharmaceutical industry.  Shrink sleeves offer a tamper evident protection seal which is uncommon within most custom labeling options.

Cleaning products throughout the house including detergents, soaps and cleansing products benefit from the use of shrink sleeve labeling because of the benefits derived from them.  Not only are shrink sleeves created to withstand moisture they also are good in a variety of temperatures and endure the friction involved in shipping.

Shrink sleeves are perfect for a variety of products.  When creating a new product or product line for your brand consider introducing product using shrink sleeves as an option for your next custom label option.

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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The Attention Your Roof Needs After A Long Winter

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Finally the snow is starting to melt.  The cold temperatures and winter precipitation are giving way to the sounds of spring.   Now is the time that homeowners should start to reach out to contractors to help them get ready for spring time maintenance.  Roofing contractors are especially busy with roof inspections and spring cleaning.

Yep, even your roof needs attention after a long winter.  This is especially true in areas where fall leaves fell late and the snow covered piles of rotting leaves.  Underneath this mess is for sure to be the start of moss and algae growth.  Spring cleaning and maintenance will ensure your roof is in top condition and left looking brand new. Here are some tips to take into account when it comes to spring maintenance for your roof.

When you live in an area where tree growth is heavy it is crucial that all the tree limbs that are close to the roof are cut back.  This helps allow the sun to shine on the roof to help dry out left over moisture and prevents tree limbs from rubbing over the shingles and loosening the protective granules.

When leaves and one needles fall and are left to collect on your shingles they will hold in moisture causing mildew to build up, gutters to become blocked and extra weight on the roof.  A low intensity leaf blower should be used to clear the roof.  Never use a high powered blower or rake to clear the roof as this can cause damage to the shingle roof.

Although trimming back trees and clearing leaves will help reduce moss growth on your roof it can still form in pockets that do not have enough access to sunlight.  Moss thrives on moisture and therefore unless the roof can thoroughly dry it will continue to grow and thrive.  One way to rid your roof of moss is to use a chemical solution that is available on the market today although the chemicals can cause damage to plants and other landscaping in the area.  Another solution is to install a zinc or copper strip to the ridge line of the roof.  As rain washes across the area it will help to create an environment where moss can no longer grow.

Mold is another issue that needs to be addressed in the spring when maintaining your roof.  Mold, algae and fungi all eat away at your roofing which eventually will cause a leak in the roofs foundation.  In order to treat your shingles roofing contractors suggest a solution of chlorine bleach or copper sulfate be sprayed on the area.  Never power wash a roof to get rid of mold or growths as this can dislodge the granules on the asphalt shingles and cause failure to the roof.

A final step in spring roofing maintenance has to do with your gutters.  Leftover fall leaves and debris can fall into the homes gutters and cause them to clog.  This can cause damage along the roof line.  Before the springtime rain comes clear the debris from the gutters and ensure that water can flow through without any issue.  Fix loose nails that prevent the gutters from sitting flush along the roof line.

Handling potential issues with your roof during spring maintenance prevents serious problems later on down the road.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Spring Roofing Maintenance

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

As the snow begins to melt and the weather becomes warmer the list of things homeowners need to accomplish before the heat of the summer returns continues to grow.  When it comes to home improvements spring is the perfect time to get things done.  Now is the perfect time to start planning!

When it comes to spring cleaning one area that is often forgotten about is your roof.  This is a mistake that many homeowners make.  Your roof is your homes first defense when it comes to protecting your home from the elements.  Homeowners should be sure to check their roofs for broken or loose asphalt shingles.  Shingles that are broken or loose will create issues for the structure of the roof.  The water that puddles or leaks because of faulty shingling can cause more than issues with your roofing.  The homes structure relies on the overall effectiveness of the roof.

While homeowners are on the roof they should also review the homes gutters.  Snow and ice throughout the winter can lead to additional deposits of leaves, twigs and pine needles within the gutters.  To prevent clogging within the downspouts, homeowners should create an environment that allows water to flow through without any clogging to the home downspouts.  Roofing contractors recommend thorough roof inspections throughout the spring to prevent major damage that can occur when roofing issues are left untreated.

Spring is the perfect time to think about painting your home.  The weather is finally warm enough that homeowners can open their windows, paint and enjoy the fresh color on your walls. Pick at least one room each spring and give the space a facelift.

Now is also the time to start planning for a facelift on the exterior of your home as well.  Your homes landscape makes or breaks the curb appeal of your home.  A little sweat equity goes a long way when it comes to improving the first impression people have of your home.  Clean up your landscaping, add some color and reinvent the exterior of your home.  Grab some pruning shears and get busy.  A bit of elbow grease goes a long way in your homes curb appeal.

Spring cleaning often brings on a bit of cabin fever when this occur start by decreasing the clutter in your home.  Look around your home, open your windows, shake some rugs and start to go through the clutter that has become your home.

In short when considering spring maintenance around your home begin by considering the effects the winter weather has had on your roof.  It is important you or a professional roofing contractor looks at your roof and considers the shape your gutters are in.  From there consider a new coat of paint on the interior walls, declutter closets and knick knacks and tidy up the exterior of your home. This will ensure you and your home are ready to recover from the enclosed feeling of winter and move into the freedom summer brings us.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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The Difference Between Insured and Bonded Contractors

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When hiring a contractor there is a big difference between contractors that are insured, a contractor that is bonded or one that is both insured and bonded.  Exactly what are those differences and how do they affect you as a homeowner?

When a contractor is bonded and insured it offers an incentive for homeowners to hire them over a contractor that is not.  Reputable home improvement specialists purchase bonds and insurance to protect consumers they work for while offering recourse in case something should go wrong.

A contractor’s bond offers protection to consumers against contractors failure to complete the job as the contract states, doesn’t pay for the proper permits or other financial obligations and such.  In order for a contractor to become bonded they must pay a premium to a surety bonding company.  Once the premium is paid by the contractor they are given a bond number and certification that confirms the surety company has agreed to provide protection to the consumer against several different issues that can arise from contractor error.

If you as a consumer feel that the work completed by the contractor is subpar or if materials and subcontractors aren’t paid they can contact the surety company direct to submit a claim.  The state and municipality where you reside will determine the bonding requirements contractors must meet to ensure they have the proper contractor bond.  Be sure to research these requirements before you hire a contractor to do work within your home or business.

A contractor that states they are licensed to perform work is different than those that are bonded.  Two types of insurance commonly associated with contractors in the construction industry: liability insurance and workers compensation.

Liability insurance protects against property damage that occurs because of work that is performed by the contractor.  It does not however cover issues related to poor quality workmanship.  Those issues are covered under a contractor’s bond.  This is why hiring a contractor that is both insured and bonded is important to protecting you as a consumer.

Workers compensation insurance is purchased by contractors to project against workers lost wages and medical services when they are hurt on the job.  The families of the worker are also compensation benefits through workers comp insurance in the event of a death that occurs while at work.  This is important insurance to look for as a homeowner when hiring a contractor to avoid being financially responsible for injuries that occur on your property while contracted work is being done.

To protect against any wrong doing on the part of the contractor be it intentional or unintentional it is important for homeowners to require contractors working for them to be both insured and bonded.

Construction Bonding Specialists, LLC are dedicated Surety Bond Professionals that are aligned with several Treasury Listed and AMBest Rated Surety markets which allows them to assist with virtually all Bid, Performance and Payment, Financial Guarantee and Supply bond needs.  Find out more information at http://www.bondingspecialist.com.

Construction Bonding Specialists

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Ending The Confusion When Hiring A Contractor

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

If you are confused about hiring a contractor to do work around your home you are not alone.  The terminology is a bit confusing, laws in each state are different and regulations are constantly changing which makes the whole process of hiring contractors to perform work on your home is difficult.  Licensing within different trades be it electricians, plumbers, construction or heating and cooling are very specific as well.  Below we attempt to define the terminology used throughout the industry and how it relates to specific contractors within different industries.

  • Licensed Contractors: A license is granted to contractors throughout different trades as authorized by local and state laws. This ensures that the contractor has passed tests regarding their business practices, trade skills and ability to pay for the fees associated with the required license and bonds.
  • Registered Contractors: Contractors that have been registered are only required to prove they are offer insurance and can pay the required fees. These requirements are often less stringent than what is required for a contractor to become licensed.  To be a registered contractor you rarely have to pass any trade related competency tests or to be bonded.  Licensing and registration terms are often used interchangeably.
  • Bonded Contractors: Contractors that are bonded have obtained an agreement with a third party, a private company that offers surety bonds, to ensure that the consumer is protected against any misdoings by the contractor. If contractors fail to perform work as contracted, fail to pay for materials or their subcontractors or what not, their customer can petition the surety company for reimbursement for the failure of the contractor to perform as stated within the signed contract.
  • Insured Contractors: Contractors should all be insured. They should hold two types of insurance: liability insurance and workers compensation.  Liability insurance protects the homeowner against damage done to their property.  Workers compensation protects workers hired by the contractor from coming after the homeowner if injured or killed while working on your home.

Before choosing a contractor to complete work around your home verify you are protected from wrongdoing.  Ask contractors for all certificates that state they are registered, licensed, bonded and insured.  If the status of any of these certifications is questionable don’t feel pressured into hiring this individual contractor.  All certificates should be current and cover all aspects of the project that is to be completed.  Once you have confirmed and verified a contractor be sure to file copies of all paperwork, certifications and such in a place that is easily accessible.  This will ensure if proof of you will have it at your finger tips.

Construction Bonding Specialists, LLC are dedicated Surety Bond Professionals that are aligned with several Treasury Listed and AMBest Rated Surety markets which allows them to assist with virtually all Bid, Performance and Payment, Financial Guarantee and Supply bond needs.  Find out more information at http://www.bondingspecialist.com.

Construction Bonding Specialists

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The Perfect Time To Buy A Home Is Now

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Do you think you are ready for the commitment of buying a home?  With the home buying and selling market that we are experiencing right now it is the perfect time to start looking.  Whether you are looking to buy your first home or upgrade the current interest rates and home market make it an ideal time to hire a realtor to begin your search.

A trusted realtor with experience in the local area is a must when you are looking to buying a home.  Some buyers are hesitant to use a realtor because they don’t want to pay the fees involved with using a realtor.  It is important to remember that the fees that realtors are paid, the commissions, are paid for by seller.  It is crucial that buyers remember that listing agents do not have their best interest in mind. They represent their client, the seller and their best interest.

No matter if you use a realtor to buy a home or not the commissions are paid by the seller.  Therefore not using one only allows for the sellers listing agent to be paid both sides of the commission.  Using an real estate agent that is savvy can help to protect your interests throughout the home buying process from negotiating the sale price to helping you navigate through the home inspection process.

Buying a home requires you enter into a legal contract.  One major difference in contracts dealing with the purchase of a home is that they are negotiable up until the time at which you sign on the dotted line to buy the home.  If you want time to review the home inspection report, time to obtain a well inspection or want to ensure that the sale is subject to a certain condition such as the ability to obtain a home loan this can be negotiated into the deal.

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments that most of us will ever enter into.  With this in mind it is important to consider changes in your future before making a purchase.  If you are looking to start a family in the next two years buy won’t want to move again within that period of time it is essential you consider the additional member of your family in the purchase.  Consider the number of rooms in the home, the day care centers in the area, local recreation and all other aspects that are important to you.

When you buy a home you are making an additional commitment to your time.  You will need time to keep up on daily maintenance as well as future home improvements.  Find a home that meets the commitment level you are ready for.  If you don’t have lots of time for yard maintenance or exterior upkeep consider the purchase of a town home, condominium or home with significantly lower maintenance requirements.

An affordable home is important as well.  Take into consideration the amount you have to put down on a home, the interest rate you will pay, monthly utility payments and such before purchasing a home.  The cost of the home is essentially unimportant if you can’t afford to live in it.  All of these items should be added up and accounted for before fixating on a home of your dreams.  Affordability comes from more than just the initial cost to purchase the home.

An experienced real estate agent is invaluable to the buying and selling process.  They offer extensive knowledge of the process as a whole and therefore decrease the amount of stress that is usually associated with buying a home.  A great way to find a reputable real estate agent is to talk to family, friends and associates about their experiences.  Newer agents with less experience can still offer a reliable amount of knowledge to the process depending on your level of experience in home buying.  If however, this is the first time you are buying a home look to work with an agent that has been working within the industry for a significant amount of time.  Time in real estate improves upon the knowledge of an agent as well as the different number of situations they are familiar with.

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area. Find out more at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Buying A New Home In 2016

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

2016 around may just be the perfect time to buy a new home.  There are many factors that determine whether the timing is right for you to buy a home.  Below you will find 5 key elements that play into why 2016 is the year that you find your dream home.

  • Interest Rates Remain Low For 2016

Interest rates may be slowly creeping up at the beginning of 2016 but overall still remain at an all time, historic even, low.  A common thirty year fixed mortgage loan is still hovering around four percent.   It is not uncommon to assume that interest rates may never see these low numbers again.  In fact many current homeowners have seen mortgage rates, in their lifetime, as high as eighteen percent.  The eighties were a notorious decade for impossibly high interest rates.

  • Rent Prices Have Increased

Another reason homeowners should be looking into purchasing a home is the cost of rent is increasing.  Rent is outpacing the value of homes in up to thirty five percent of housing markets around the United States.  In 2016 rent payments are said to see increases of upwards of eight percent.  This is the perfect year to say good bye to landlords for good and say hello to a mortgage broker that can find you a home loan to match your needs.

  • Home Prices Are Stabilized

Rising home costs are said to be stabilizing in 2016.  This will help to restore a common playing field for buyers looking capitalize on the opportunity.  Even in the most heated home markets buyers should expect to see home values stay relatively stable over the course of the year.

  • Down Payment Are No Longer The Standard Twenty Percent

The biggest obstacle against home buyers of the past was the required twenty percent down.  This was almost impossible to obtain for many people looking to buy a home.  Recently mortgage lenders have loosened their down payment requirements and are allowing homeowners to buy homes with less down at closing with the addition of principal mortgage insurance, otherwise known as PMI.  Even with a lower than average credit score mortgage brokers are able to secure home loans with three percent down.

  • Mortgage Insurance Rates Are Low

With lower down payments required a PMI is required until the equity in the home has reached twenty percent of the home loans value.  With this said the rates being charged along with this insurance is relatively low making the payment overall reasonable.

There are many reasons that you should look into meeting with a mortgage broker today.  Initial consultations and mortgage pre-approvals are free services offered by mortgage consultants every day.  Find out how much house you can afford, determine a down payment needed, meet with a local real estate agent and begin your quest to homeownership in 2016 today.

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area. Find out more at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

 

 

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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