Livingston Reporting - page 257

Roofing Within An Allotted Budget

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is important for homeowners to consider what they want in a new roof, roof replacement or roof repair and how to go about getting it within their allotted budget.  In order to do this it is crucial that you know exactly what you can afford to spend on the venture and define cost saving alternatives available to help make your project work within your allotted budget.  Below you will find steps to help you refine the roofing process.

Should you replace or repair your roof?

This question is one that is not easily answered.  In order to determine if your roof is in need of repair or replacing you must take into a variety of considerations.  Repairing a leak in your shingle roof may be a preferable option over a complete roof replacement due to lower cost and time restrictions.  However, there are several things to consider before jumping to that conclusion.  Some of the things you will need to look at are the age of the roof, the history of previous repairs on the roof and the consideration of finding materials that will match the existing roof structure.

How will the structure and design of your roof affect the materials available and cost of labor?

The selection of roofing materials to choose from in replacing your roof will be limited to the underlying structure of the roof.  Not all existing structures can support new materials.  It isn’t common to replace a shingle roof with tile or slate which is the heaviest of roofing materials.  Different roofing materials, as well as the design and angles of your roof can increase the cost of a new roof significantly.

What style and cost considerations are there?

When looking into putting a new roof on your home you must take into consideration the style of your home.  If you have a shingle roof budget but a villa style home you need to seriously consider one of two things: saving more money or looking for a material that is complementary to the homes style that fits within your allotted budget.  It is crucial to the curb appeal of your home to consider the aesthetics of the new roof.

Who will you choose as your roofing contractor?

A quality roofing contractor is even more important than superior quality roofing materials.  Instead of looking for the lowest bid look for an experienced roofing contractor that has a proven record for installing the materials you are choosing for your new roof.  Quality installation makes the difference in all home improvement projects your roof included.

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 Cliff Note Version Of Obtaining A Mortgage Loan

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The real estate market is currently in full bloom.  Mortgage rates had been at an all time low however recently have started to come back up.  This makes people want to buy a home sooner than later.  Everyone is looking to pay the lowest interest rate possible on a new mortgage.  With mortgage rates slowly rising many people find now is the time to buy a home.  The steps below are the cliff notes when it comes to finding a mortgage while the rates are still at record lows.

Get Your Credit Rating Ready

Your credit score is one of the biggest factors when determining if you will get approved for a home loan and if so what type of interest rate you will qualify for.  If you know you are going to be looking for a home and therefore a home loan it is important that you get a copy of your credit report and start working on improving your credit score.  Errors on your credit report, applying for more debt and several other factors can affect your credit score.  This in turn can make a huge difference when working to achieve the lowest interest rate on a new mortgage loan.  It can also be the difference between getting approved and not getting approved.

Improve Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

Take inventory of how much you have going out verse how much money you have coming in.  This is another large consideration when applying for a loan.  It is important to reduce your debt before applying for a mortgage.   This can be done by making larger payments on credit card debt, car loans and outstanding loans to help boost your ratio.

Start Saving For a Down Payment

A large down payment can save you big bucks immediately.  Without a decent down payment you most likely will end up paying a PMI amount each month with your mortgage payment.  This can add up to an extra payment that could be used towards the principal of your mortgage but instead is being wasted on mortgage insurance.   Most mortgages require a down payment that falls between five and twenty percent to get the best possible interest rate and avoid paying mortgage insurance.

Find a Mortgage Lender or Broker

When looking into buying a home an experienced mortgage lender or broker can completely transform your mortgage experience.  Shop around until you find someone you are comfortable working with.  Find someone who is willing to work closely with you and that works to help you understand the complete home loan process.  Find a lender who is straightforward and cuts through the idiosyncrasies of the process to get you the best interest rate available that you qualify for.

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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Tips In Buying Your First Home After Your Family Has Been Established

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

If you are a first time home buyer with a family there are chances you are a bit anxious to begin the process of finding a home to call your own.  Buying your first home when you are single and unattached is different than buying a home when you are married with a family to consider.  There are other people’s needs and desires to take into account and therefore more to think about.

One of the first things to bear in mind is the cost of a new home, not just the payment but the increase in expenses overall.  You will want to determine what you can afford; in order to do this you will want to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan.  The amount that you are pre-approved for is just an estimate of what a lender is willing to lend to you and not to be used as a bench mark on the amount you need to spend on your first home.  Use the amount as a guideline.  Be willing to look at homes under and slightly above your pre-approval amount.  This can be used as a solid negotiation tool if you find a home slightly above your price point in getting the seller to negotiate a lower asking price.

After you have been pre-approved it is time to look into finding a real estate agent to work with.  An experienced, full time agent will help you find a home that meets the needs of your family within your price point.  A realtor will have foresight and connections into homes that are currently on the market and also those that are soon to be coming available.  This can be helpful to you as a buyer with a family because they can put you ahead of other buyers in the chase to find a home within a certain location.  Location will be everything to you as a buyer with a family.  Whether it is a certain school district or distance to and from work you will be more specific on a location over first time home buyers without a family.

Another point to consider when buying a home with a family is that you must have the home inspected.  When you have a family your home needs to be virtually move-in ready.  Minor updates and aesthetic items can be overlooked but when it comes to major structural damage or repairs above and beyond normal maintenance you may want to consider moving on in your quest to find the perfect home.

Buying your first home with your family in tow may not be the easiest of all situations but will for certainly be worthwhile and rewarding.  Take time find a reputable real estate agent that will help you find a solid home well within your budget in a location that works well for your entire family.

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.  More information can be found at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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The Benefits of Cut and Stack Product Labels

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Product label options are just one area in marketing your product that offers a great deal of consideration.  The exterior of your product adds appeal and allure to what’s inside.  The label is what gets your product noticed amongst the competitors.  That is why it is so important to think about what label is best suited for your company’s product.  Product manufactures can choose from shrink sleeves, cut and stack, pressure sensitive and roll-fed labeling options to increase brand awareness.  Packaging labels come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials.  They are each manufactured using their own unique method.  For commercial products, one of the most popular options is cut and stack labels.

Cut and stack labels are able to be printed in large quantities.  Once the labels have all been printed they are cut into individual labels and stacked to allow for easy shipping.  The printing process of cut and stack labels starts out with a large roll of paper that are roll fed into a printing press.  From there the labels are cut into the desired size and shape, most often rectangular.  Once cut and stacked the labels can be applied to the product.  Most often this process is done by overlapping the two ends of label and gluing them together.

There are many benefits to each type of product label manufactured today.  Cut and stack labels have many benefits over other options.  The first and often most recognizable to product manufacturers is the fact that they remain one of the most cost effectively custom designed product label on the market.  This makes them affordable to print even in the largest of quantities.  The label is also incredibly durable which allows them to be shipped without damage and can be made from a variety of materials.

Cut and stack labels can be used on a variety of products that consumers use every day.  Some product you may be familiar with that use this type of label are aluminum juice containers, canned good, aerosol cans as well as other food and beverage needs.  They are an extremely versatile option used in custom product labeling.

The benefits of cut and stack labels are overwhelming, they are not only inexpensive but also simple to customize.  The labels are good to use on most any size or shape package.  The label design and print influence consumer’s decisions to purchase.  It should consider highly when putting together a unique marketing plan for your product.  Cut and stack labels are a solid option to consider in product labeling.

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 Reason and Benefits in Choosing Aluminum Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Why do homeowners choose to install fencing?  There are many different reasons that people choose to install a fence but one of the main reasons is always for the safety and security it provides to their home and family.

Reasons To Install An Aluminum Fence

Pool Safety: Fencing around the perimeter of an in ground pool, with the use of a locking gate helps to prevent children and children from accessing the area without an adult.  The fence helps secure the area to prevent accidental drowning.

Pet and Children Containment:  An aluminum fence prevents children and pets from leaving the enclosed area.  This helps to keep them from running out into the road accidentally and helps protect them from people and other animals from entering the area.

For the Prevention of Theft:   A fence detours people from thinking your house is an easy target.  A fence makes your house a trickier target for thieves.

Aesthetics:   If homeowners are looking to enhance the outer appearance of a home, garden or pool area a fence is the way to go.  It is a large statement piece that significantly improves the exterior look and feel of your home.

Added Value:  Adding a fence adds to the equity of your home.  It is a home improvement investment that you get back what you put into it.

Reasons to Choose Aluminum Fencing

Warranty:  Not all fencing materials offer a lifetime warranty but aluminum does.  The warranty covers against paint cracks, peeling, chips and workmanship defects.  The powder coating makes the fences finish last for a significant period of time over other fencing materials.

Colors:  Aluminum fencing comes in a variety of colors, black being the most common choice amongst homeowners.  Different colors are available in every style and grade of aluminum fence.  You can choose a color that coordinates with the exterior of your home.

Economical:  Over the long term, aluminum fencing is the most economical type of fencing.  Other types of fencing materials require replacement not to mention maintenance and painting expenses over time.

Maintenance:  Aluminum fences are rust resistant and require far less maintenance overall than most fencing types.  Aluminum does not need to be stained or power washed yearly.  There is no need for paint either as the powder coating used on aluminum helps prevent against chips, cracks and peeling.

Safety:  If you are looking for a fence that meets B.O.C.A. standards, aluminum s designed to meet pool codes.  This is true not only of residential use but also commercial use.

Installation: There is no other fence as easy to install as an aluminum fence.  The fence comes in pre-assembled panels with posts pre-punched.  The most difficult part of installing an aluminum fence is digging the holes for the posts.

Aluminum fence is priced according to the ornamental design and grade of fencing you choose.  Residential fencing is less expensive and requires a lighter gauge then commercial or industrial aluminum fence do.

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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Everything there is to know in the Mortgage Process

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Shopping for a mortgage and buying a home go together like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  It is unlikely you can enjoy the one without the other.  It is the same with buying a home; you can’t do it without shopping for a mortgage.  Shopping for a home loan is easier when you understand what you are doing.  Below are some tips to help with that process.

Know what you can afford

In order to know what you can afford you need to put together a detailed list of your income verse your expenses.  It is crucial to consider the extra costs that come with owning a home.  You are not only looking at an additional monthly mortgage payment but also an increase in utility expenses, insurance and incidentals that occur with home ownership.  Months before you start searching for a home loan it is crucial to get your credit report.  In order to get the lowest interest rate available on a mortgage a high credit score is needed.  This can be achieved by cleaning up any errors in reporting as well as making payment on time and not applying for any new debt.

Compare loan options from lenders and brokers

Shop around for a mortgage.  This is not the same as applying for them.  Shopping around takes time and energy but that is it; it is free to look into what lenders and brokers have to offer.  Not shopping around can actually end up costing you thousands of dollars.  It is essential that you understand the difference between a mortgage lender and a mortgage broker.  A broker arranges mortgage loans with lenders rather than lending money directly as a mortgage lender does.  Brokers sell you a loan from a lender.  Finding the best deal when it comes to a home loan requires work on your end.  Whether you decide in the end that the deal comes from a lender or a broker is up to you and your research.

Find trusted sources to get advice from

Mortgage loans are complicated.  When it comes to the most expensive investment you will most likely ever make it is important to gather advice from trusted sources.  This information can come from educated friends and family or from people you hire such as a real estate attorney.  Have a trusted source to help review all paperwork before you sign them.  This is important in any matters dealing with areas you are not an expert in especially ones with such large financial commitments behind them.

 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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Tips To Help Keep Your Laptop Running Efficiently

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

For some of us our computers are our life line.  We carry our computers from the café to our work place and even to catch some mid afternoon rays.  Laptops are a preferable choice for many as they are easy to transport.   Laptops are different then desktop computers and therefore have to be cared for in a particular manner.  Below you will find some tips on taking care of your laptop.

One of the leading causes of damage to desktops and laptops is lack of airflow.  When using a laptop it is crucial to have it setting on a hard surface.  Avoid using your laptop on a bed or pillow as the soft fabric can block the vents and cause the system to overheat.  It is important that you ensure the vents are clear of dirt and dust.  Use a can of compressed air to clean the vents out frequently to allow for adequate air flow.  Many computer repair shops offer a complete computer tune up for a relatively low fee.

Purchase an LCD and keyboard protector.  These inexpensive items can guard your laptop against scratches and damages.  The screen will be protected from scratches and the keyboard from crumbs and spills.

Laptops are more susceptible to damage from food and drinks.  If at all possible do not eat or drink while using your laptop.

Keep your laptop surfaces clean.  Wipe the outer part of the laptop free of dirt and dust.  The accumulation of dust will prevent your laptop from running properly.  Purchase fabrics designed to clean laptops and electronic devices.

Keeping the fan on your computer in working order is crucial whether it is a laptop or desktop.  To avoid overheating the fan must be in working order at all times.  If the laptop overheats it can cause issues with the computer’s memory and hard drive.  Look online for information on your particular laptop to see how to visually check the fan.  If you are not at all computer savvy a local computer repair shop will be able to look at your computer for you for a minor fee.

Your laptop should always be stored correctly.  Always turn your machine off and put it in a laptop bag when not in use.  Laptops should be stored away from children and pets; anything that has potential to chew on or damage your laptop should be kept away from stored laptops.

The tips above are just a few of the suggestions to help you keep your laptop running efficiently.  It is not difficult to maintain your laptop properly and keep it running in tip top shape with just a little bit of extra care.  Follow the tips above; if you notice your machine is not running properly shut it down and take it into your local computer repair shop for diagnosis.

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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Priorities When Buying Your First Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

As first time home buyer it is important you follow the tips below in order to prepare to find and purchase a home you can afford. The purchase of a home is the biggest financial commitment most of us will ever make. In order to make a solid decision it is crucial that you have a detailed understanding of the market. This will help you to make an educated decision as well as help you save money and avoid any unnecessary frustrations.

The home buying process is one that can be enjoyable and relatively free of stress. Buying your first home is exiting and the process is thrilling. It is especially pleasant when you understand the real estate process and have an agent working with you that has a lot of experience with first time home buyers.

Before you can start looking or purchase a home you need to have an understanding of how much you can afford. The biggest mistake first time home buyers make is not taking into consideration the true cost of owning a home. The cost of owning a home doesn’t end with the mortgage payment. You need to consider the additional mortgage fees, taxes, insurance and utility fee increases to determine an actual amount of money that will be needed per month to own your new home. A new home buyer can quickly deplete their savings when not taking into consideration these extras.

Another priority for first time home buyers is to calculate the required down payment amount. Long gone are the days of no money down home loans. Mortgage lenders require ten to twenty percent of the purchase price down on a home. Without this you will end up paying a substantial fee monthly for mortgage insurance.

In order to get the best possible interest rate on your home loan you need to have a sufficient credit rating. If your credit rating is less than perfect take a year to clean it up and get your financial house in order before looking deeper into buying a home. To obtain the lowest mortgage interest rate your financial house must be in order. A high credit score, a decent down payment and an affordable home will ensure you don’t take on a payment that you can’t afford.

Most real estate agents will not show you house until you have been pre approved. Without pre approval most sellers won’t take the time to even consider your offer. A quick way to determine how much you can afford is multiply your total household income by three. For instance, if you make fifty thousand dollars a year your home should cost no more than one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. With a minimum down payment of ten percent you should consider having at least fifteen thousand dollars saved.

Being prepared as a first time home is key. With a bit of industry knowledge, help from an experienced real estate agent and a bit of luck you are only a few steps away from owning your first 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 us at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Prevent Roof Damage With Regular Maintenance

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Maintenance is an important aspect in home ownership.  From your homes roof to the homes foundation it is important that your home is kept up on.  Often time’s homeowners overlook the maintenance that needs to be done on their roofs.  There are several steps to take in order to prevent the decay of your asphalt shingle roof.  Below you will find several tips on keeping your homes roof in tip top shape.

One of the first things that you will want to do when maintain your roof is to clear any and all debris.  Anything that has built up behind heating and cooling units, pipes or other parts protruding from the roof needs to be removed to prevent moisture build up and the growth of moss.  Debris soaks up water and water saturation is the leading cause of damage in asphalt shingling.  This process should be done in the spring and fall seasons.

Often times a shingle roof will quickly manifest moss and algae growth.  This can happen even when homeowners are closely monitoring the condition of their roofs.  If you notice this has occurred it is easily remedied by applying zinc or lead control strips at the peak.  After this is done check all flashing for holes and for algae and moss growth.  This should carefully be removed.  If you notice any shingle tabs that have loosened secure them by adding roofing cement.  Any shingle that is broken or damaged should be removed and replaced with a new one.  This will help prevent damage from occurring underneath the shingle and seeping into the structure underneath.

If your home has gutters it is important that they are kept clean and downspouts are clear.  This helps to ensure proper water flow control.  Tree branches that overhang the roof should be trimmed to help prevent branches and debris from falling into the gutters.  Gutter cleaning should be done at least two times a year.  Any time you visually see debris take the time to clean the gutters as improperly draining gutters can take years off of the lifetime of your shingle roofing.

Maintaining your homes roof is often simple and just a matter of knowing how your climate affects the shingles.  Asphalt shingles are meant to thrive in the northern climates.  They are resistant to heat, humidity, cold, ice and water.  With periodic checks and minor maintenance your shingle roof should have a solid lifetime.

Maintenance is the key to prevent major issues in and outside of your home.  Small activities to maintain your home are much simpler and less expensive than the more complicated costly repairs once something does fail.

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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Save Money Doing Regular Equipment Maintenance

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Saving money is something all companies, big or small, desire to do. If you are constantly spending money on new equipment or fixing run down equipment you are hardly being financially savvy. One way to help avoid the expense of new manufacturing equipment or the down time that comes with fixing older equipment is by performing regular maintenance. Regular preventative maintenance works to fix smaller issues as they arise before they turn into large costly repairs. Here are some things to help you get started with an equipment maintenance regimen within your company.

Keep Daily Logs of Use: This is particularly important when working in a large industrial setting where many people are working on the same machine. A daily log of the machines use and who has been using the equipment will help to pin point when and where any inadequacies are. Many software programs have been created to help with this process.

Schedule Regular Planned Maintenance: Regular maintenance is critical when working with different electrical components within industrial machines. Many components are actual wear items that are meant to have a certain life span when it comes to their usage. Items such as bus plugs, switchboards, disconnects and fuses to name a few should all be regularly checked and changed out to avoid failure. Regularly scheduling these repairs will help to avoid the down time that comes with an unexpected electrical component failure. Wear items should be changed out regularly.

Clean and Lubricate Often: To increase the lifespan of equipment and electrical components within your machinery it is important that it is properly cared for. This is as simple as taking the time to properly clean the equipment daily and applying lubrication on a regular basis to areas in need.

Perform Regular Inspections: This is an incredibly important step when it comes to maintaining equipment. Regular inspections of belts, pulleys, gears and sprockets can prevent major issues down the road. Catching a belt before it breaks is a huge feat when working with industrial equipment. Once an item such as a belt breaks the risk for greater harm to the equipment occurs. If a machine is allowed to continue to run with broken components it will cause irreversible damage.

Protect Equipment While Not In Use: When equipment is not being used for long periods of time or is put into storage, as is the case with seasonal industries, it is crucial that it is stored properly. All pieces not in use should be kept under a tight cover to prevent dust and dirt from settling into the gears. Pieces should be stored in a climate controlled environment so as to prevent humidity and moisture from settling. Before you store equipment it is ideal that the machine be properly lubricated and cleaned as well. Taking these extra precautions during the storage procedure will make use after storage more efficient.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today athttps://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

J & P Electrical Company

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