Livingston Reporting - page 252

Requirements on Establishing a Contractor’s Bond Line

Bonding is a concept many of us are unfamiliar with.  In this article, we will focus on how bonding affects financing.  It is important to understand that bonding is not a type of insurance.  The purpose of bonding is to guarantee projects are completed on time or as near to schedule as possible regardless of payment or performance.  What the bond does is reassure the owner or general contractor that the company they hire can and will complete the obligation as stated in the contract.  If the bond is in fact utilized, for whatever reason, the bonding company is guaranteed re-payment in the amount utilized.

In order for bonds to be obtained there are several requirements that need to be met.  One such prerequisite is equity of ten percent or higher.  There are several ways this can be accomplished.  A company can prove that they have retained ten percent or more in earnings this year within the Stockholders Equity section on their balance sheet.  If this has not occurred or cannot be shown due to previous losses or large shareholder distributions a company can inject their balance sheet with equity capital. This will show on your balance sheet in the Contributed Capital section.  Check with your accountant and attorney to ensure that this is documented properly and that conversions are done properly.

Another condition that bond companies can ask to see is five to ten percent revenue in a line of credit.  This is in place to ensure that if issues arise such as cost overruns, slow payment by the general contractor or owner or disputes on work performed.  The surety company can be confident that you there are available funds above the operational cash flow.  The line of credit will allow work to continue as stated within the contract which reduces the chance that any use of the bond is necessary.

A line of credit against bonded receivables will never be provided by a bank or other type of financial institution.  Bond receivables are funds received from contracts that require bonds.  A bank places a lien on a company’s funds, receivables, as collateral in the event of default.  Simply a lien can’t be placed on funds that are coming in from current contracts that require bonds.  Companies work around this by not having one hundred percent bonded contracts.  These non-bonded funds offer security.  Companies also use equipment, property or other types of collateral.

Construction bonding as well as bonding in general is needed to reduce the risks associated with projects.  Bonding affects financing and helps to ensure projects keep on pace no matter what situations arise with performance or payment.

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.

What You Need To Know Before Buying A Home Part Two

In our last installment we talked in depth about buying your first home.  With the excitement that surrounds this time in your life it is easy to overlook some of the most important areas surrounding home ownership.  Below are some questions you will want to ask yourself before committing to buying your first home.  The anticipation of owning a home can make even the most put together individual in a tail spin.

What do you expect for your future?

Although the future is unpredictable you need to think about it.  Envision your future; how will buying your first home be affected or affect this future?  Examine the prospective properties with the following things in mind:

Is there development coming to the area?  New neighborhoods, shopping center and such can affect the traffic and value of the property.  Are these things you can live with?

What are the home values of the surrounding area?  Are they increasing or decreasing?

Will the zoning laws affect your region?

Does the school district have a solid reputation?  Can you see your children attending the neighboring schools?

Anything that may affect your future should be at least considered when buying a new home.  If your job is one in which you see a transfer in your future is it safe to say that you will be able to sell the home without taking a loss or is it wiser to wait.

Where should you look to find a mortgage?

You will find that there are a ton of options when it comes to financing your first home.  It is almost impossible to research all of the options available on your own.  One of the best places to start looking into mortgage options is with a mortgage broker.  An experienced real estate agent will often have a recommendation for you in regards to a broker to work with.   After working within the industry for any length of time, realtors have invaluable connections and insight with mortgage brokers, contractors, home inspectors and more.

Will you need to take on any new debts?

Before you take on a mortgage payment consider how much debt you have now and any new future debts.  Will you need to buy a new car soon? Are you planning on starting a family?  Do you think you will be adopting a four legged companion when you move into your new house?  Do you have a nest egg set aside to handle these expenses without adding to any current debt?  Your debt to income ratio is one aspect of determining the mortgage amount you qualify for.  Not considering future debt could allow you to be qualified for more than you can comfortably take on.

Are the repairs needed in the home inspection?

No matter if you are buying your first home or last, a home inspection is a good idea.  In fact, in order for many mortgage companies to consider lending to you they will want to see a copy of the inspection.  After receiving a report from the inspectors do you need to re-figure your initial offer to take into account expensive repairs?  If the repairs to the home are non-negotiable will you have the funds to make the necessary repairs on the home while making the monthly mortgage payment?  If you will be struggling to make necessary repairs while keeping up with current bills you may want to reconsider purchasing this particular home.

Buying your first home is an experience unlike any other.  To make sure you are truly ready for everything that comes with the process of owning a home it is a good idea to ask yourself some tough questions, like the ones above and in our last installment.  Then and only then will you be sure that this step is one you are ready to take on.

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.

What You Need To Know Before Buying A Home Part One

Are you tired of living in your parent’s basement?  Perhaps the current neighbors sound like a herd of elephants are crashing through your ceiling?  Whatever your reason, buying a new home can be a bit overwhelming.  Below you will find some questions you will want to consider before making the leap into homeownership for the first time.

Can you afford to buy a house right now?

Purchasing a home, especially for the first time requires a great deal of planning.  Without proper preparations you are willingly exposing yourself to unnecessary risks.  When buying a home you need to make sure that you are fully capable of affording all the aspects that come with it.  A good rule of thumb is to spend less than thirty percent of your monthly income on housing expenses.

You will want to remember to calculate the private mortgage insurance (PMI) into this figure.  PMI is charged when your down payment is less than twenty percent.  Certain mortgage options, such as FHA financing allow you to purchase a home with only three and half percent down.  In this case PMI is necessary.  PMI is the insurance that the mortgage company takes on your mortgage to cover the risk associated with small down payments.  To avoid paying the extra expense of PMI you will want to have a down payment of twenty percent or more.

Do you have time to shop for a house?

Buying a home takes time and patience.  You will not want to rush through the house-hunting process.  Take plenty of time to define what you want verse what you need in a home.  Work with a real estate agent that is familiar with the location you are hoping to buy.  Using a professional realtor can certainly help with the time strain that comes with looking for a new home.

Experienced agents know the ins and outs of the business.  They have connections throughout the industry and a real understanding about the market.  More often than not, experience allows agents to show you only homes within your specifications, thus not wasting your time one options that are not feasible.

In our next installment, we will look into more questions you need to ask yourself before buying your first home.  There are many aspects that are overlooked especially by first time home buyers.  Asking yourself these few questions can save you a lot of time, money and anguish.  Our next installment on buying your first home we will cover the future, mortgage options, debt and home inspections.

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.

Tips To Determine If Refinancing Is Right For You Part Two

In our last installment on home loans we looked into the world of refinancing.  The most obvious reason that homeowners look into new mortgage options is to save money.  Saving money is important to all of us.  Homeowners don’t need to waste money making interest payments when they can refinance their current high interest rates.  The extra money can be put towards paying more towards the principal, paying off high interest credit cars, doing major home renovations, putting a child through school or even something frivolous like taking a family vacation.

There are a ton of situations that make it necessary to look into refinancing.  In our first installment we looked at several situations in which it makes sense to refinance your current mortgage.  Here are a few more situations where it makes sense to consider refinancing.

If your home value has increased, the equity in your home as also increased.  This is something many homeowners want to take advantage of this “extra” money.  Homeowners may want to put money back into their home with renovations and upgrades.  Others may wish to use that money to pay off higher credit cards rates while some may even want to use the money towards a vacation.

Some homeowners are stuck in mortgages that have a fee associated with paying your mortgage off early.  It is a fee that basically makes it impossible to make extra payments towards the principal on your homes mortgage.  Homeowners will refinance these loans in favor of reducing the overall size of their mortgage.  They will look for an option that does not have fees associated with extra payments and early payoffs.

Another option for this situation is to look for a mortgage options that offer a ten to fifteen year payoff putting more monthly towards the principal of the loan.  When you take on a mortgage over this amount of time your payment goes more towards the interest then the principal.  The first years of paying on a thirty year mortgage you will see that you pay like seventy-five percent interest twenty-five percent principal.   Where as a fifteen year mortgage the interest payment may be more around fifty to twenty-five percent of the payment and the rest principal.  This allows you to pay less in interest, saving you money over the lifetime of your mortgage.

No matter what your current situation is it makes sense to refinance your mortgage if it saves you money.  This of course is not the only reason homeowners look to refinance.  Some look to refinancing as an option to lower their monthly payment.  Maybe they have recently taken a decrease in pay.  Homeowners may look into refinancing in order to stretch their mortgage out over a greater period of time which in turn will lower the payment they are currently responsible for.

To see if refinancing is the best option for your situation speak with a local mortgage broker.  They will review your current mortgage, current life situation and present you with a number of options that will help you meet your ultimate refinancing end goal.

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/.

Tips To Determine If Refinancing Is Right For You Part One

Why do homeowners choose to remortgage their homes?  This is a tricky question to answer as there are many reasons that people decide the time is appropriate to refinance their current mortgages.  One reason people refinance is to get out of a flexible rate mortgage.  Some refinance looking to take advantage of the equity that has built up.

The equity money can be used to pay off high debt credit cards, remodeling projects or whatever the homeowner desires.  Also, homeowners looking to lock in a lower fixed rate mortgage will also refinance when the housing market interest rates dropped.  The main objective homeowners have for refinancing is to save money.  Lower interest rates lead to lower payments thus increasing the money you have to save.

If you current mortgage situation is coming to an end you may look to refinancing.  Some mortgages are meant to draw in new homeowners and thus offer low interest rates for an introductory period.  After this period of time your mortgage rate jumps, increasing the payment of your mortgage.  What homeowners do at this point is to refinance their current mortgage.

The old mortgage is going to try to reap the loss they have taken in offering you the low introductory rate to begin with.  In this situation when homeowners refinance that are looking to get a lower rate then what their current mortgage is going to jump up to.  It is best to start shopping for a new mortgage in this situation about twelve to fourteen weeks before the introductory rate ends.

Another reason that homeowners look to refinance is to get a better rate on their fixed mortgages.  For instance, home mortgages obtained in October of 1981 were around eighteen percent where as today mortgage rates are around three and a half percent for thirty years.  As you can tell this is a huge difference and therefore will save the homeowner thousands of dollars over the course of the home loan.

Any time interest rates are lowered it is important to look into how much you will save verse how much it will cost to refinance to see if it is something you need to look into more. Also consider any fees that may be added to exit the mortgage you currently have.  The costs to refinance need to be consider as much as the savings.

In our next installment on home mortgages we will look into other ways refinancing helps to save you money over your current mortgage situation.

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/.

Flexible Packaging Takes The Industry By Storm

Advancements in technology change the way we produce, package and label products.   One such advancement, flexible pouches, are impacting changes in a variety of industries including food & beverages, cleaning products, laundry soap, paint and more.  Pouch packaging, otherwise known as flexible packaging and help to maintain your brand integrity within the market.

Flexible packaging consists of a package and label combined into one convenient pouch.  Companies are looking for a way to produce and package products in a cost effective manner that maintains product safety, reliability all while distributing them without any leakage or mess.

Flexible pouches are currently most common in the food and beverage industries although are quickly becoming popular in home goods and cleaners.  This type of packaging is helpful when offering liquid products as it safe and allows for error free delivery to locations near and far.  The food and beverage industry relies heavily on flexible packaging as it helps to protect brand integrity because if offers a high quality, safe and convenient solution to packaging.

Flexible pouches are made from top quality, environmentally friendly materials.  They are created in a clean, secure environment without the need for human hands.  This makes the chances of contamination and errors less which helps to reduce costs and improve quality.  Manufacturers in flexible pouches use the latest advancements in automated manufacturing systems which allow them to produce reliable pouches of top quality without increased chances of cross contamination, leakage or waste.

The flexible packaging industry in itself is constantly improving as well.  Recent changes include the addition of a spout.  This packaging is working to revolutionize packaging across a variety of industries.  Flexible spout packaging has become popular in the automobile supply industry for the delivery of liquids such as car oil.  Instead of having to deal with using and cleaning out a funnel each time your cars oil needs to be replaced, pouch packaging creates a unique all in one package.

The flexible packaging industry allows companies to design a pouch to compliment their brand and marketing approach.  Each design is specific to the product.  A lot of the same guidelines label designers follow with shrink sleeve labeling can be applied to flexible packages.  The package design allows for three hundred and sixty degrees of space to be used to market your product.  An added benefit to shrink sleeve and flexible packaging is that they provide a solution to product tampering.  With both the product is concealed completely.

Companies can choose from a variety of styles of flexible pouches: three side pouch, four side pouches, side double pouch, bottom folding pouch and more.  Choose flexible packaging when looking for a cost effective manner to package and label your product that is also safe, convenient and easy to distribute.

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.

Bring Attention To Your Product Through Proper Labeling Design

Research and development are important elements when ensuring business success but they are certainly not the only ones that matter.  Marketing your product is just as important as the product itself.  The question for marketers is how to accomplish this.  The products label is an element that is necessary in a products packaging that also serve as a valuable marketing tools.  In order for companies to be effective when introducing a new brand or product they must create a functional packaging style along with an efficient label.

In order to design a product label that leads to success, without wasting time and effort consider the following advice.

The first and most important part in labeling is to design a label that emphasizes a number of your products benefits.  Marketers should emphasize what makes your product unique; what makes your product stand out from the competition.  Those are the elements you need to emphasize in your label design.  This will give your product to be noticed instead of blending in when sitting on the shelf next to the opposition.

The products label needs to reach your target market.  Designing a label takes a great deal of attention to the consumers you hope to reach; the buyers of your product.   Consumers will spend money on purchases that offer both quality and function.  Make sure your label gives off a vibe that will attract the consumer you are targeting.

Your label is meant to be read.  Be sure to offer something graphic to catch the buyer’s attention while offering them text to read.  Imprinting shrink sleeve, roll fed, cut & stack and pressure sensitive labels with text is necessary to encourage consumers to make a purchase.  If the text is unable to be read it becomes irrelevant.  Make the text readable in order to allow consumers the opportunity to make an informed buying decision.

Graphics play a huge role in label design.  The label needs to be visually appealing in order to attract the buyer’s attention when your product is lined up on a shelf next to the opposition.  The physical look of your product remains to be an important advantage in marketing and should not be overlooked.  Your products aesthetics will allow clients to recognize your brand above others that are available.

Even the most classic product label designs need to be updated and reintroduced to keep up to date with current label manufacturing.  If your product started out with a roll fed label it is important to look into the advantages newer technology offers to labels.  For instance, flexible packaging options are currently taking the product packaging and labeling industry by storm.  Consumers are looking for convince.  If you are used to wrapping your paint can with a roll fed label but like the advantages that flexible packaging offer look into a product re-design.  New, innovative packaging options are always popular amongst consumers

In order to avoid wasting time and money on packaging and label design styles that do not maximize on the benefits your product offers follow the guidelines mentioned above.

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.

Purchasing Wholesale Aluminum Fence Panels Online

There are many solutions when it comes to keeping your property and home away from uninvited visitors.  An excellent choice for many homeowners is aluminum fencing panels and gates.  High quality aluminum gates and fencing systems can be purchased at a discount online through wholesale aluminum fence suppliers.  Homeowners need to choose an entry gate that suite their needs.  Installing a high end system provides many advantages for you and your family; the two most important being protection and privacy.

Providing security to one’s family is often the most important job an individual has.  One way complete protection can be achieved for your family is with the addition of aluminum perimeter fencing and an electronic aluminum entry gate.  Installing quality aluminum fence panels has become a priority in homeownership.  Leading wholesale aluminum fence providers specialize in not only providing the best selection of fencing for commercial use but also for pool and residential use.

Purchasing your fence through an online wholesale aluminum fence supplier is beneficial for more than the cost.  An online provider can offer a complete range of aluminum fence and gate styles and colors.  Ornate aluminum fence panels can be purchased to compliment any home exterior and landscape.  Whether you are looking for plain aluminum fence panels or something a bit more decorative online suppliers offer a large variety in order to supply  a variety of commercial and residential aluminum fencing needs.

Online wholesalers have become a trusted source in delivering aluminum fencing to both residential and commercial users.  Most have taken on a new degree of customer service where they offer both design and installation assistance to clients as part of the overall aluminum fence purchasing experience.  Highly trained fencing professionals are hired to offer support to ensure that all customers understand each and every detail about their purchase.  They assist clients with answers and solutions to their doubts and help satisfy any special needs that may arise.  Your wholesale customer service professional can provide you with material samples, design ideas, installation instructions and more.  Online suppliers also offer a variety of aluminum fence panels, gates, posts and decorative accessories.

If you are looking into getting a high end aluminum fence system local retailers don’t have the same options available as online providers.  Choose an online supplier that will offer you a vast understanding of design, manufacturing, installation along with the highest quality materials.  It is important that residential and commercial customers are treated the same; getting the most superb service is important throughout the entire process.  Shopping online offers you a wide selection of aluminum fencing to choose from without the intense pressure that can come from home improvement stores.  The added benefit of immediate customer service via email and phone make purchasing your fence from an online aluminum fence wholesaler the best option.

iFenceUSA offers a 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 value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct from http://www.iFenceUSA.com!

Valuable Computer Repair Services Fast

Computers are one of the most exciting and infuriating technological advances known to man.  Everywhere you turn you are faced with the need for computers.  One of the major problems with this is when it fails we are at a total loss.  Computers hold are lives and for many of us out livelihoods as well.  Without a computer work stops, messages don’t get returned and calendars disappear.  It is so important that when our computers break down that we have somewhere reliable to turn to in order to get our worlds back up and functioning in the manner we are accustom to.

When you find a quality computer repair shop you will instantly know it.  Not only will the shop offer reliable services at a reasonable fee they will speak to you in English not technology.  A good computer repair shop with hire technicians that are capable of repairing a variety of issues both related to computer hardware and software.   The technician will also be able to tell you what caused the issue, ways to prevent it and how it was fixed in a way that novices can understand.  Good computer repair shops offer the ability to repair the issue and how to explain the technicality of it to even the most basic user.

You should always be able to authenticate the computer repair shop.  This will allow you to see that the shop is conducting business legally.   You should never trust your computer repairs to a company or individual who seems to have just set up shop.   Look for a repair shop with a reputation both locally and online.

When you are looking to have your computer repaired it usually hasn’t come at a time that is convenient.  Most repairs are urgent.  When you choose a computer repair company for your residential computer or your commercial I.T. needs be sure that they are equipped with the latest tools and equipment needed to repair your system immediately.  Of course there will be situations where parts are needed that the shop does not have in stock.  The effects of this are lessened when the shop collaborates with part providers who are willing to ship next day.

Finding a computer repair shop is not difficult.  Finding one that is reliable and able to maintain its technicians can be.  For the best I.T. results both residentially and commercially find an I.T. company with low turnover and high employee retention.  This will allow you to be serviced by the same few technicians on a regular basis whether you need your computer worked on in the shop or you need a technician to your home or business.  A company with technicians that are familiar with your computer systems and network decreases the time it takes for them to diagnosis a problem.  This is the same thing you want when working with a doctor, lawyer or other specialty.  The less you have to repeat to someone knew each time the fewer details that are lost and the quicker the problem can be diagnosed and repaired.

It’s not difficult to find a computer repair shop; they seem to be popping up on every corner these days. The problem is that you need more than an average corner repair shop when it comes to something as valuable as your computer.

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.

Choosing a Positive Divorce For Your Children’s’ Sake

One of the biggest concerns that most couples have when they are considering divorce is the impact it will have on their children.  How will the children react to living with one parent over the other?  Will they understand that your divorce will actually lead to a happier and healthier life for them?  Divorce brings with it massive changes.    Your children will learn though your example.  If you choose to make the change with their well being in mind they will continue to thrive.

Children have a different perception of divorce depending on their age, gender and history with stress.  Without proper guidance even the most well adjusted, stable, resilient child can end up with emotional problems and less than desirable long term affects.  This does not have to be inevitable.  With parents who ensure that this new chapter in life is embraces children can come out of the divorce process rather unscathed.

One way that this can happen is if both parties agree to joint custody and co-parenting.  There are a number of challenges that come along with parenting during and after a divorce but if you work together they lessen dramatically.  You make have conflicts with your ex that makes this challenging.  Communicating cordially can be difficult.  There is a reason that you have decided to no longer be married.  This however should not impact the decisions that need to be made on behalf of your children.

Make choices together that benefit your children.  When co-parenting you are both spending equal amounts of time with your children.  Communicating with your ex frequently is part of making this a successful arrangement.  Co-parenting should help allow your children’s lives to remain as consistent as they can.  One of the goals with co-parenting is allowing your children to live normally between two households.  It allows children of divorce the luxury of not having to pack up a suitcase every other weekend to visit with their other parent.

Having children was a choice you made together as is every decision that is made surrounding their lives.  Just because you choose to no longer live as one family unit does not mean that your partner is not allowed to weigh in on the decisions that affect them.  Co-parenting allows you the opportunity to both remain in control of each and every aspects of parenting.  You will need to work together on a common set of rules that need to be abided by no matter which home they are in.  The transitions from one home to the other should be made without any noticeable difference to avoid any undue impact on your children.

When it comes to bigger issues or to a disagreement on how to approach an issue with the children you will be challenged.  Don’t go into battle with your ex.  This is not helpful to the end goal and will only put your children in the middle.  Depending on what the issue is will depend on how it is handled.  You can consult with a mediator, schedule time for a consultation with a co-parenting specialist or agree to disagree but support the end decision.

Consulting with a co-parenting specialist is one way in which many divorce parents make the arrangement work well.  Not every detail is one that needs to be debated.  Some issues can be resolved by doing what works well at one house verse the other.  While other issues need to be addressed the same no matter where the children are at any given moment.  A consultant specializing in the co-parenting arrangement can work with you to come up with a parenting plan that works under both roofs.  This arrangement allows for the adverse affects of divorce on your children to be as minimal as any change of this magnitude can be.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Men/Dad’s in divorce.  For experienced representation throughout the divorce process in Trenton, Michigan and the surrounding area you can find more information at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerfordad.com.