Livingston Reporting - page 248

It May Be Time To Replace Your Metal Roof

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

How do homeowners know it is finally time to replace their metal roofs?  Metal roofing is usually chosen over asphalt because of its longevity.  Many times the homeowners that initially install the metal roof are not the owners when it comes time to replace it.  It is necessary to be able to access the condition of the roof in order to decide if it is time for the roof to be replaced.  Below are some of the things to look for before you call in a roofing contractor to install a new roof.

Severe Rust

Metal roofing comes coated with a rust proof finish.  This however does not guarantee or prevent rust from forming.  Overtime the coating can degrade which will result in the formation of rust on the metal roof.  Metal roofing with excessive rust can detract from the aesthetics of an overall well-kept home.  If homeowners begin to see rust forming on their metal roof they should address the areas with additional rust treatments.  Eventually it may become cheaper to replace the roof rather than continually treating the rusting areas.

Fragile Roof Structure

Overall metal roofing has a longer lifespan over asphalt shingles.  This does not mean that the roof will not experience a gradual deterioration.  This happens because overtime the roof is exposed to a variety of weather conditions. Severe weather leads to excessive rust which then leads to a weakening in the roof structure.  When this occurs the only option is to replace the entire roof.  If you see holes starting to form in the metal the roof structure will start to weaken at a faster pace.  Be prepared to replace the roof within the year if not sooner to avoid the expense of structural roof replacement as well.

Leaks

Unlike asphalt shingles metal roofing is held onto the roofs structure using bolts and screw to fasten it together.  Overtime the bolts and screws will loosen and break away.  This can cause a leak to occur which in turn can lead to water damage.  Water damage is unattractive and costly if left untreated.  It is more economical to replace the metal roof than repair constant water damage.  If the leaks are caught early it is possible to repair the hardware that has loosened.  The sooner the leak is discovered the less likely it is to cause long lasting water damage to the structure of the roof overall.

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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Product Labels Get Your Brand Noticed

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

One of the most important aspects of product marketing is being able to recognize the product.  Differentiating your product from similar products that surround it on the shelf is the only way to make a brand specific buyer buy something unfamiliar.  Impulse purchases are key in getting consumers to switch from brands and products they have been loyal to.  In order to do this manufactures and marketers must work in conjunction with one another to create an eye-catching label design that offers buyers the best first impression possible.

Once an impulse purchase has been made and the product has made an impact on the consumer it is time to ensure your brand is recognizable.  In order to be recognized your products package and label needs to be designed in way that is identifiable.  Some marketers use specific colors to achieve this while others handle this with by including the same graphics in every product offered by within the brand as a whole.

An example of this is something as simple as the use of an animated object.  Say that your initial product label design consists of a large yellow sunshine. In order to create brand awareness the next product introduced to the market should include a large yellow sunshine.  When consumers see a large yellow sunshine anywhere they will automatically connect the image to your brand and product lines.  This is one way in which marketers help a brand advertise itself.  Once brand loyalty is in place consumers are rarely swayed.  As mentioned above it takes an exceptional label design or attractive offer to sway consumers away from something that is familiar.

Choosing a cost effective option in labeling is important as well.  Don’t necessarily assume the cheapest labeling option will be the most cost effective.  A cheap label may not withstand shipping let alone the constant handling done by consumers as they examine the ingredients and such of a new product.  A label must be durable and stay presentable to be considered cost effective.  Not only is the label in charge of describing the product it must also give details on what is contained in the product and the value the product delivers.

The value of the label should never be underestimated.  The label needs to hold the information of worth to consumers.  If the expiration date of the product easily rubs off the label consumers will be skeptical in making the purchase as the labeling is not done properly.  If a products package or label is torn or man handled in any manner before it gets on the shelf or while it is on the shelf consumers are less likely to choose that product.  It will be perceived that the product is not fresh or is not of substantial quality.  The consumer’s perception is all that matters at the end of the day.  The perceived value of your product is what decides on whether your product is purchased or left on the shelf.

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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Flexible Packaging Creates Brand Integrity

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Flexible pouch packaging is one factor in maintain brand integrity in the current market.  The advancements in packaging technology make it possible for products to be more convenient for consumers.  Thus making flexible pouch one of the most important in advancements in packaging the industry has seen since pull tab openers were put on soup cans.

Brand leaders have the responsibility of to keep their products dependable, secure and easy to distribute without any shipping disasters.  Flexible packaging, especially within the food and beverage industry, allows brand manufacturers to ship their products without issue.

Manufacturers of flexible pouches are bringing brands up to date for their customers.  Manufactures equipped to produce flexible pouches must pass strict packaging regulations.  Precise examination of pouches occurs to ensure that the highest quality goods are supplied to the consumer.  With these strict guidelines flexible packaging allows for less contamination and seepage.   Flexible pouches are a reliable way in which manufactures choose to offer their products to consumers.

Packages that include a spout are not only reliable and safe they are also incredibly versatile.  Flexible packaging that uses a spout for dispensing are super popular for a variety of industries.  From food and beverages to detergent and automobile fluids a pouch that seals is a terrific option for manufactures looking to satisfy consumer’s wants and needs.

Spout packaging is an incredibly efficient way to package new product lines to your brand.  When you are promoting a new product to the market and it is practical, flexible spout packaging is essential.  Spout packages are reusable.  It allows you to use the product and save the remaining contents for later.  A great example of this is automobile oil.  Flexible packaging is a popular option in the automobile industry because you can use what you need and save the contents for later.  Spout packaging is also the top packaging design in many other product categories such as: energy drinks, alcoholic beverages, hygiene products, liquid soap, product sauces and liquid pharmaceuticals.

Flexible packaging is significant in aiding the sales of your product and brand.  Flexible pouches are available in a variety of variations from the three sides pouch to the bottom folding pouch.  Depending upon the product manufactures needs the flexible packaging manufacturer can offer them a flexible pouch design that meets their need.  Flexible pouches are not only strong they are a secure way to manufacture and distribute products.  It is perhaps the most innovative product in packaging on the market today.

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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Shrink Sleeve Labels Benefit Product Marketing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Every option in product labeling comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.  Shrink sleeve package labeling has been around for quite some time.  Shrink sleeve labels represent about fifteen percent of the labeling market.  From superior security to economic savings shrink sleeves offer a large variety of benefits to product manufacturers.  This article will explore these advantages in further detail.  As a manufacture it will be easy to see that shrink sleeve labels offer something unique that no other label available on the market today offers.

Significant Benefits for Branding

No matter where you shop there is no doubt you have seen shrink sleeve labeling in action.  There are a variety of product categories that feature products that are shrink wrapped.  The main product lines taking advantage of shrink sleeve labels are beverages, toys, electronics, food supplements and pharmaceuticals.  Many retailers prefer shrink sleeves over other types of labeling options.

Using shrink sleeves allows products a labeling option that is functional and protected from tampering.  It is an incredibly creative packaging option that showcases the products overall shape while adding to the product and brand.

More Is Expected of Packaging

Manufactures are all looking for creative ways to package their products in a manner that is not only cost effective and functional while standing out from other brands.  To print directly onto a package you are looking at greater labeling costs.  Using shrink sleeves you can design a three hundred and sixty degree label that molds to the shape of any product thus looking like the label was printed directly onto the package without the extra expense.  The sleeve is actually printed and then stretched, wrapped and heat shrunk to the products outer packaging which provides an attractive, inexpensive, tamper proof product t label.

Consumer Expectations in Labeling

Most consumers buy because of either brand familiarity or impulse.  Products that are purchased are chosen because they are what you are used to using.  If your parents have always bought a certain brand of laundry soap you are likely to seek that same type out.  No matter what eye catching labels surround those products you stay true what is familiar.  The job of emerging brands or brands introducing new product lines is to create familiarity while creating an impulse need.

Shrink sleeve labels are used frequently to do just that.  With three hundred sixty degrees of space to print on, shrink sleeves are a popular option.  There is room to add everything consumers are looking for your product to advertise.  You can include company and product information without compromising the design space.   There is plenty of space for advertising the benefits of the product over the competition.  You can add splashy colorful graphics, boost brand appeal and get your product sold.

Shrink sleeves are a top candidate amongst product manufactures because of the benefits they offer over other options in labeling.  A tamper resistant, eco-friendly, adaptable option in labeling with incredible shelf impact is exactly what manufactures get with heat shrink labels.

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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Winter May Be The Perfect Time To Buy A New Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Have you been thinking about purchasing a new home but are afraid to start looking now because the winter season is right around the corner? This article will bring a new perspective to home buyers that are uncertain about buying a home in the winter.  It is true that the spring and summer seasons are typically the most active seasons for both sellers and buyers.  Winter house hunting does have benefits over other seasons.  Work these to your advantage and you will be moving into your dream home without having to wait until spring comes around again.

When it comes to buying a home in the winter the one main benefit is the lack of competition in the bidding process.  The myth that buying a home in the winter is undesirable leads many sellers and buyers hesitant.  This means that although there are fewer houses on the market the houses that are on the market will have less competition when submitting your offer.  It can be a bit inconvenient and messy to move in the winter but when you think about an offer without the competition of other buyers it diminishes the worry about a bit of untidiness during the moving process.

When buyers are scarce, it is the perfect time to start looking for a home.  Homes during the winter move more slowly; it is truly a buyers season.  Sellers most often have a reason for selling in the winter that makes the need to move their home off the market more crucial.  This means that a buyer is able to negotiate a better deal.  It leaves room for the buyer to ask for money off the asking price, the appliances to stay in the home or any extras the buyer is interested in.  For instance, a client recently purchased a luxury recreational property.  In the offer they asked for the seller to include the family’s golf cart as part of the deal.  These items are easier to negotiate for when the buyers offer is the only one on the table.  This is often the case when buying in the winter.

Another advantage of buying in the winter is that you are seeing the property at its worst.  In the winter sellers don’t have any real curb.  Trees are barren, grass is brown and the flowers have all been cut back.  It also gives you a better chance to inspect for drafts, pipe freezing issues, attic air leaks and other issues that are commonly seen in the cold weather that are hidden from even the most experienced inspectors during the summer season.  You can feel the warmth of the home or lack thereof and really get a feeling for the homes insulation as well.

Mortgage brokers, mortgage lenders and real estate agents are also less occupied during the winter as well which allows you to have more of their attention when buying in the winter.  Mortgages tend to be processed faster with fewer issues because they aren’t focusing on thousands of new mortgages.  Paperwork flows through the proper changes without as many hiccups because people have more time to properly process documentation without the rush that occurs with the spring and summer seasons.

As you can see buyers should not fear starting to look for a new home or their first home in the winter.  Winter is an advantageous time to purchase a home for buyers.  It should actually be considered a prime time for buyers to find the perfect place to live.

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.

Lake and Land Real Estate

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The Many Benefits In Hiring A Realtor

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is true that it is possible to buy and sell homes without using a real estate professional.  Although possible, it is not recommended.  Many who have tried to sell or buy a home without using a professional agent have said that in the end the costs and emotional stress were more than what it would have been if they had hired a professional from the start.  Below you will find just a few reasons why homeowners should not automatically rule out the idea of hiring a real estate agent to help with the purchase or sale of their home.

Improved Access and Convenience

When you do something over and over again you are able to simplify the process; you achieve an exact science in completing the task at hand.  This is what realtors offer to buyers and sellers.  The agent will link the two parties together which offers better exposure for both of them.  An agent works to close offers efficiently and quicker.  Homeowners choosing to buy or sell a home without the help of an agent actually end up missing a great number of interested parties because they lack the same resources that an agent has.

Negotiating is Harder Then It Seems

It is a myth that homeowners save themselves a ton of money by negotiating the sale or purchase of a home on their own.  Negotiating is hard when emotions are involved; both parties believe that their offer has more benefits than the others.  An agent has experience connecting the buyer and the seller.  This allows the messages that they both have to be conveyed in a less emotional manner helping the other to perceive it in a better manner.  Real estate agents have proven negotiating skills and have experience in convincing people to come to an agreement.

Real Estate Contract Are Complicated

Anytime a contract is involved it is important to be sure that what is stated is what you had agreed upon when speaking.  Even if you agreed that the appliances were to stay if it is not stated in the contract there is nothing legally binding to ensure that occurs. An agent knows exactly what needs to be included or omitted in a real estate offer and an end contract.   This alone can save buyers and sellers the amount they are paying for the professional real estate services an agent provides.

Buying and selling homes is an intricate process.  The steps are compounded with the stress that homeowners naturally feel when big decisions loom overhead.  With all of the paperwork that needs to be done, questions to be answered and deals to be negotiated it is impossible for homeowners to flow through the process without complications. That is why real estate agents are an absolute necessity when buying or selling a home.

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

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Comparing Surety Bonds and Insurance Part Two

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In our last installment we began comparing surety bonds and insurance.  Many people are under the misconception that because of the similarities between surety bonds and the fact that often insurance companies offer them that they too are a form of insurance.  This however is not true.  As we previously discussed surety bonds are an agreement between three parties as well as that with a surety bond a loss is not expected instead a guarantee in case an obligation is not met.  Insurance on the other hand is an agreement between two parties where a loss is expected.  At some point you expect an insurance policy will pay out whereas with a surety bond you don’t expect to ever have to receive a payout.

A company offering surety bonds expect to recover any losses occurred.  If the principal defaults on the contract and the surety bond have to pay the obligee the surety expects to get repaid from the principal.  The surety has loaned assets to the principal and therefore will seek reimbursement.  Insurance claims are never expected to be repaid.  In fact with an insurance policy a claim is expected.  The whole purpose of insurance is to cover any losses the insured has experienced.

When the premium is paid on a surety bond it is acting as a service charge for the bond by the principal.  In fact surety companies get to be incredibly selective when choosing companies that they agree to bond.  This is because bonds serve as a non-collateral loan unlike a car or mortgage payment.  A surety company asks for a fee anywhere from half a percent to three percent of the contract amount.  The fee will be dependent upon the financial strength of the principal.  The premium is usually paid on an annual basis.

This is different than insurance premiums in that the premium that is paid is to cover the expenses and losses that are expected to occur. An insurance policy is something that nearly everyone can be issued.  The premium that is paid will depend upon the risk of the person or people being insured.  The greater risk to the insurance company the higher the premium.

As previously stated, surety companies are incredibly careful when choosing companies that they bond.  Years of running a successful business, financial stability and a record of completing projects on time and within the projected budget allotted within the original contract.  Agents handing out surety bonds are trained to ensure they don’t make loans that will default.

Insurance agents however are a lot more flexible when it comes to writing insurance policies.  Insurance companies offer up a higher volume of business in order to make a profit as well as cover any losses experienced.  This allows agents to be flexible with whom they offer insurance policies to.  Although as an example, if a car owner is seeking insurance and they have been in multiple accidents they will pay a higher premium then a client who has not been involved in an accident or had a previous ticket.

There are key distinctions between surety bonds and insurance policies.  Although they function differently they both meet a need that protect someone from experiencing a loss.

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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Comparing Surety Bonds and Insurance Part One

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Most people assume that because surety bonds are offered through an insurance company that a surety bond is a type of insurance policy.  This however is untrue.  Even though surety bonds and insurance policies have a few insignificant likenesses they are not the same thing at all.  In this installment we will discuss the differences between surety bonds and insurance.

The first difference between surety bonds and insurance is the number of individuals involved in the agreement.  With a surety bond there is a three-party agreement that connects the bond issuer, who is known as the surety, with the second party, who is the principal, into a financial guarantee to the third party, who is known as the obligee.  The agreement states that principal fulfills the obligations set forth in the contract.  The principal relies on the monetary power of the surety in order to acquire a contract with the obligee.

The difference with insurance is that the agreement between two parties; the two parties being the insurance company and the insured.  This arrangement is in place to guarantee that if the insured has a loss or is damaged the insurance company agrees to pay an amount set forth in the original policy.

Another distinction between surety bonds and insurance is that losses are not to be expected under a surety bond.  The contracting company to which the bond is issued needs to be financially stout and secure to be eligible for bonding.  The surety company carries out a thorough background check into the contractor’s character, their credit worthiness, the talent and capability to finish a project as contracted.

It is also important that they meet the specific check points in place within the contract.  A surety bond is sought out because the contractor is asked to provide one because the project owner mandates it.   The surety bond amount decreases as certain check points, which are stated in the contract, are met.  Less surety is needed as the job gets closer to the agreed upon end.  As each stage is completed the contractor is required to carry less surety to meet their obligation to the project owner.

An insurance policy is purchased because a loss is eventually expected.  The insurance policy rates are always changing and need to be adjusted based on the law of averages, expenses and losses.  A perfect example is when purchasing car insurance.  The rates are high at first because the expense is greater to cover the amount owed on the car loan.  If the car is in an accident a large amount of money is needed to cover the expense of repair or to cover the payoff on the loan.  As time passes the amount owed becomes less and less, the expense to repair the car decreases and because of all of these factors the insurance policy costs decrease.

In our next installment we will look at more comparisons between surety bonds and insurance companies.  These two very different industries and products have qualities that are similar but they are indeed two very different things when side by side comparisons are completed.

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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Understanding Common Mortgage Terms

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is impossible to become a mortgage expert for most of us.  We don’t really need to be proficient in mortgage lingo if it is not something we handle daily.  Many of us will only deal with applying for a mortgage a few times in our lives.  Some will have experience in refinancing and even fewer in reverse mortgages.  It is important however, to have at least the most basic understanding of the terms used within mortgage contracts.   Even the most technical mortgage terms can be broken down to allow even the most novice mortgage seeker to understand exactly what they are paying for at the end of the day.

On a mortgage application or contract the term administration fee is often used.  This is the fee that is charged by the provider of the mortgage to cover the costs to evaluate and procure the documentation needed for a valid mortgage contract.  This fee is nonrefundable in the event you decide to terminate your mortgage contract.  It is a variable fee that is dependent upon the rate charge by your mortgage provider.

There are two main parts within your actual monthly mortgage payment: the principle and interest.  This means that when you make that one payment monthly you are actually dually paying on your mortgage.  One portion of the amount paid goes directly towards the interest payment on the original loan amount while the other goes to pay down the overall principle loan amount.  Depending on the contract the amount you pay is split up differently in how money is applied.  Some individuals looking to decrease the amount of interest paid overall will opt for a larger down payment or one large lump sum payment on the mortgage principle.

Another term that is often used is owner’s equity.  This refers to the difference between what is owed on the home loan verse what the home would sell for.  Without taking into consideration any increase in the value of the property it comes down to the difference you paid originally minus principle payments made on the home loan.

It is important to note that once the mortgage contract is issued it cannot be altered or changed in any way.  The only process in which to decrease the interest rate on the loan or the terms of the mortgage is to refinance.  Refinancing will cost the homeowner additional in administrative fees and such because it is essentially entering into a new mortgage in which you will proceed through each step once again.

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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Common Mortgage Options Explored

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When you don’t work in the mortgage industry the jargon used is not familiar and a bit overwhelming.  Mortgages are complicated; buying a home is complex.  The entire process is intricate and involves a basic understanding of what you should be looking for.  Below you will find a few essential descriptions to better help you throughout the processes of procuring a new home loan.

Interest Only Mortgage Options

A mortgage that is an interest only mortgage is meant to decrease the monthly payment over the first few years of the loan.  This option allows homeowners to pay only on the interest of the mortgage without making any payments to the principle.  This option can be a bit risky.  You are not paying anything on the principle of the loan which leads to a lower payment because you are only making payments on the interest that is accruing.

Eventually though homeowners will be required to begin making payments on both the principle of the loan and the interest.  This option will lead to a higher monthly payment at a specific date set forth in the terms of your mortgage.  It is important to be sure that when it is required that you are able to afford both the interest payment and the principle payment.  An interest only loan option is often used when homeowners have purchased a home that is need of some work.  Homeowners can use the money that would normally be going towards the monthly principle payment on renovations to the home.

Reverse Mortgage Funding

A reverse mortgage is an option that exists to aid homeowners needing extra funds when their homes are fully paid for.  When you take advantage of a reverse mortgage you receive a monthly stipend from the equity within the home.  This option is usually left for elderly homeowners whom have had time to pay off their mortgages and see an increase in equity within their homes.  This option gives homeowners extra money as they age in place in their own homes.  This is an option many older homeowners choose to leave liquid funds available upon their passing.  A reverse mortgage can be set up to pay closing costs and realtor fees upon the sale of the home.  When the homeowner passes the house will be placed for sale thus alleviating the burden that selling the home can cause to heirs.

To find out more about mortgage options that best meet your unique situation contact a local mortgage broker.  Meeting and discussing your unique situation with a mortgage advisor is a sure way to find a mortgage option that meets your need.

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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