Livingston Reporting - page 262

Spring Cleaning Is Not Just For The Interior Of Your Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Spring cleaning is something that invigorates many of us. This is true of not only our homes but our landscape as well. After long cold winter days we are anxious to get outside and clean up the landscape that quickly grew out of control. For some of us cleaning out landscaping is the last job that we wish to take on with everything else around our home that we have to do with spring cleaning. Landscape contractors are professionals in spring clean ups. Hiring a landscaping company will help to ensure your lawn and gardens are beautiful and can be enjoyed throughout the summer; all without a bead of sweat from you.

Prune: Spring cleaning your landscape means clearing away all the dead perennials, decay and debris that was left from the fall and winter seasons. Perennials need a good hair cut. When pruning perennials it is crucial to make sure you are only cutting them back as much as they are needed. Some require a bit of growth to be left behind to thrive.

Shrubs and trees will thrive with a little light pruning. Dead and diseased branches need to be removed for new growth to take hold.

Once the process of pruning is done it is time to clean out the bottom of the beds. A thorough raking is important as well. The debris needs to be put into a pile and composted or thrown away. The debris, if not disposed of properly can spread disease.

Edge: In order to give your landscape a well manicured, polished finish you need to edge. Edging your landscape beds clearly defines the space where your lawn meets your landscape. Doing this process yearly will keep your lawn from growing into the mulch and will add definition.

Fertilize: Proper nutrition keeps everything fueled and growing stronger this is true of your lawn and plant life. Fresh compost is best to use around plants and trees while a combination of light fertilizer and seed works to create a lush lawn. The fertilizer will help keep your plants thriving through hot, dry summer days. Fertilizer needs to be applied be before mulch to ensure that all the proper benefits are received.

Apply Pre-Emergent: Weed control is a life saver. It doesn’t eliminate your weed problems but it makes a difference overall. The pre-emergent acts as barrier to any weed seeds that are within your beds and will not allow them to germinate.

Mulch: Fresh mulch is an inexpensive addition to update your landscape. Add about an inch or two of mulch each year to keep the landscape looking pristine and well maintained. Mulch also has other benefits as well. It regulates the ground temperature and helps with retaining moisture in the root systems of your plants, shrubs and trees.

Plant/Transplant: Spring is the time to plant new landscaping and to separate plants that have grown too big for the area they are in. Splitting plants keeps your landscape in perspective and does not allow it to become overgrown and cluttered.

CBA Outdoor Services is a local landscape design firm offering services, including landscaping and landscape design, throughout Livingston and Wayne Counties. For more information on the services they offer to both commercial and residential clients look online at http://cbaoutdoors.com/.

CBA Outdoor Services

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Securing a Mortgage for Your Dream Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are no accidents when it comes to finding your dream home and securing a great mortgage.  The home buying process is a journey, one that can be made smoother when you take the right approach.  The tips below can ensure success in finding a mortgage and buying a home.

Budget Wisely:  As you are looking for a home and mortgage you need to take into consideration what you can afford.  This means making a budget that is realistic and allows you to not only pay your mortgage but outside expenses as well.  Create a budget using an online mortgage calculator helping to determine a ballpark monthly mortgage payment.

From there consider other monthly debts, estimate your living expenses with the new home and add your total expenses all together.  From here you can take your monthly income and subtract your monthly debts to see where you stand.  To avoid a financial crunch most advisors will tell you to avoid a mortgage payment over forty three percent of your monthly income.  You must be comfortable with the amount of money coming in as well as coming out when considering buying a home.

Find a Broker/Lender to Work With:  When finding a home loan there are two types of ways to go about it: dealing with a lender directly or through a mortgage broker who will deal with several lenders to find you the best mortgage.  Unless you are ultra familiar with how mortgages work and the ins and outs of paperwork it works better to work with a mortgage broker.  The process of finding a home loan on top of a new home can be a bit daunting especially if you have to go from lender to lender.

Check Your Credit:  Now is the time to check your credit.  Look for blemishes and correct them.  You can obtain one credit report per year for free.  It is crucial that you start fixing your credit ratings as soon as possible once you realize that you are getting serious about purchasing a home.  If something doesn’t look correct the time to fix that is before you look for a mortgage.

Get Your Paperwork Together:  Your financial situation will be under a microscope so you will need to back up your numbers, especially your incoming funds.  You will need to verify your income time and time again throughout securing a home loan.

Get Pre-Approved:  In order to get sellers to commit to offers it is important to get pre-approved.  A pre-approval basically states that you have the qualifications to obtain a loan if everything stays the same.  This also gives you an idea of how much you can afford and a price point to look within.

Once the finances are in order it is time to get a move on finding your dream loan.  The process of finding a home is made easier with the help of a qualified, local real estate agent just as a home loan is simplified using a mortgage broker.

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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Understanding LTL Carrier Rates

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Seven things to understand about Less Than Truckload carrier rates:

Base Rates:  One of the challenges with purchasing less than truckload freight services is comparing the similarities and differences in costs between different carriers.  Every carrier determines their own base rates which will differ a great deal between carriers and shipping lanes.  A base rate is quoted per one hundred pounds often referred to as centum weight, CWT.  When determining the CWT it is important to understand what it is based on.  CWT takes into consideration the freight classification, the weight of the shipment, the distance travelled, as well as the origination and destination zip codes.

Classification of Freight:  The National Motor Freight Classification, NMFC publishes the different classifications or classes comparing commodities that are moving in interstate, intrastate and foreign commerce.  According to the NMFC there are eighteen different classes that range from fifty to five hundred and are based on the products density, ability to be stowed, handling and liability.  If the freight is a lower class it represents a low risk, dense shipment.  Higher class freight indicates freight that takes up a lot of space and is charged a higher rate.

Freight all Kinds: FAK is an agreement that enables multiple items with different classes to be shipped and billed at the same rate.  This agreement is made specifically between the carrier and customer.   This allows negotiations with the carrier to ship multiple commodities that range in class to ship at a specific rate.  Commodities range in class from one hundred to two hundred that are being shipped are charged at one hundred fifty because of the FAK agreement between the carrier and customer.

Distance: CWT calculations for less than truckload freight also take into consideration the distance the freight needs to travel.  This is a bit trickier as of course the longer the distance the more it will cost to ship.  Some LTL carriers will only service specific regions and if a shipment is sent outside the normal service area the trucking company will transfer the load to another LTL carrier.  This can add to the cost of the shipment.

Weight: With less than truckload shipping you actually pay less per pound the more a shipment weighs.  So a shipment that weighs two hundred and fifty pounds may actually end up costing $1.49 a pound where as a shipment weighing one hundred pounds may cost $2.00 a pound.

Minimums:  With less than truckload carriers there is an absolute minimum charge otherwise known as an AMC.  This is considered the minimum amount that will be charged or the shipment will not go.

Accessorial Charges: The accessorial charges are the fees that are charged for services that go beyond shipping the freight from one point to another.  Examples of these charges are inside pick-up, lift gate services, residential delivery, packing and many other extra services.

Jefferson Diversified Group, LLC is a Global Logistics expert offering LTL shipping and more. Check out available rates today at http://www.detroitltl.com.

Detroit LTL

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Tips to Help Choose the Best Roofing Contractor For Your Roof

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is common knowledge that you lose heat through your head.  That is why we wear hats when it is cold out. Did you know the same thing is true when it comes to your home?  The roof of your home is its primary defense against the elements.  In order to protect the interior of your home, to keep the heat and cold in, your roofs “hat” needs to be kept in prime shape.  In order to achieve this it is important that you select the right roofing contractor to replace or repair your shingle roof.

Experience

Skill comes from experience, this is not a secret.  To become a better ball player you need to play ball, you need to practice.  The same is true when it comes to installing and repairing roofs.  When you are looking for a roofing contractor you must look into their experience.  When a roofer has worked for many years they will have seen and dealt with a variety of issues.  This will allow them to more effectively deal with the problem areas within your roof.  Find a skilled roofer that offers a proven track record when it comes to the installation and repair of your roof.

Licensed and Insured

This is true of any contractor working on your home, they need to be insured and be able to show proof of insurance.  Check within your state regarding specific licensing regulations to make sure that your preferred contractor meets these regulations.  You can also consult with the local Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for information on the roofer’s background.  To avoid issues down the road ask for a copy of these requirements to keep along with any written estimates.

Detailed Estimates

Roofing contractors with experience, ones that are licensed and insured will always provide honest, detailed quotes and estimate to their clients.  All proposals should come in writing and should be signed by a representative of the roofing company that is estimating your job.  The estimate should come with defined beginning and ending dates along with specifics on materials, labor costs and precise payment procedures.

Project Quality and Supervision

When talking with roofing contractors you can get a feel about their professionalism based on how the talk to you and treat their work as well as their employees.  Quality projects come from people that value their work.  Pay attention to the way the contractor addresses your concerns, look for both verbal and nonverbal clues to check for trustworthiness.

Choosing an experienced, trusted roofing contractor that comes highly recommended and loves what they do will ensure you unyielding results and the customer service you desire.

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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Benefits of Widely Used Flexible Packaging

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Package and label development are all important aspect within the marketing mix.  Flexible packaging has become widely used in various industries because of the many benefits it offers.  To help your business succeed consider the various designs and patterns available when using flexible packaging to enclose and label your product.

Flexible packaging is not only a choice for food and beverage companies but also finding a niche in industries such as chemicals, laundry detergents and more.

Flexible Packaging Benefits

Customization – One of the biggest benefits in using flexible packaging is how customizable they are.  It is easy to meet the needs and demands of consumers when manufactures choose to use flexible packaging because of how easy it is to customize.  Demands of a variety of products can be met because the material in which flexible packages are made from is easily manipulated to fit a variety of different shape and sized products.  Manufactures can get the packages dyed or cut into shapes that are the most appealing to their customers.

Creativity – When it comes to marketing your product creativity is a key element in getting your brand and product to stand out from the competition.  Packaging pouches, a standard example of flexible packaging are directly printed on and offer a variety of design options that offer numerous benefits to both manufactures and consumers.

Durability – Not only do flexible packages offer the ability to be creative but they are also one of the most durable materials available to use in packaging.  When used appropriately it can increase the lifespan of your product making the product stay fresh longer.  Outside elements are protected from using a combination of aluminum, high grade plastic or both.  Printed pouch manufacturers are required to use the best materials available to keep products untouched.

Size – Though flexible packages are most seen in the smaller sizes, it is important to recognize their importance in larger scales as well.  No matter what size your product is flexible packaging is always an option.

Optional Features – When using flexible packaging, the optional features are what make them such a successful material to use in product packages.  To keep product fresh and liquid beverages from spilling optional features are added to flexible packages.  Zippers, seals, spouts and more are features that attract manufacturers to using flexible packages.  It also makes it so that these products can be reused and sealed for later.  Optional features make flexible packaging more convenient and easy to use.

The marketing mix is made up of a number of different elements including product packaging and labeling.  Make the most of your mix and choose flexible packaging for all the benefits it brings to the table.

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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Five Major Benefits When Choosing Aluminum Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to popular fencing options in both residential and commercial use it is evident aluminum is leading the pack.  The same is true when looking at pool fencing; aluminum is the most reliable, advantageous material in fencing today.  When it comes to protecting ones business or family it is crucial that you install a fence that is strong and durable.  This is especially true surrounding pool areas.  It is a must that you keep children safe and protect your investment from unwanted pests and guests.  Not only is aluminum fencing the perfect choice for the perimeter of your landscape it is ideal to enclose in-ground pools.

Advantages Of Aluminum Pool Fencing

There are a variety of benefits in choosing aluminum when looking for a material to use for the fence around your pool.  Aluminum is not only durable, aesthetically pleasing, affordable and strong it is also maintenance free and affordable.  Pool fencing, in aluminum, is an investment that will last a lifetime while looking as fresh as the day it was installed.

Durable:  When comparing wood, vinyl, chain link and other fencing materials you will find aluminum to be the most durable of all fence materials.  Aluminum does not rust or require regular maintenance.  The powder coating is one of the many reasons that aluminum is the choice of many pool owners.  The coating helps to keep the fence looking as fresh as the day it was first installed.  You will find that your aluminum fence lasts a lifetime and will not need to be replaced.  In fact most manufactures of aluminum pool fencing offer lifetime warranties against manufacturing defects such as rust.

Strong:  Aluminum fence is offered in a number of different grades unlike any other type of fencing.  You can choose from residential, light commercial, heavy duty commercial, industrial and pool strengths.  You will choose a fence grade based on your need; no matter the setting aluminum fencing is available in a grade that is appropriate for your application.

Affordable:  Aluminum fence is not the most affordable fencing material up front.  This however is outweighed when you take into consideration the maintenance expense required with other materials in fencing.   Taking into consideration all of these things you will see that overall, given the lifetime of aluminum fencing, it is less expensive than any other material used in fencing.

Attractive:  When it comes to your home, business or pool area your landscape is important.  The last thing you want to do is install an unattractive fence.  With aluminum this is impossible.  Aluminum fencing comes in a variety of sizes, colors and styles.  There is sure to be an ornamental aluminum fence option that enhances your home, business or pool.

Installation:  Aluminum is an easy material to install when it comes to fencing especially around your pool area.  Aluminum fencing comes in panels that are already put together and are ready to be put in place.   Aluminum fence panels are lighter than other option in fencing making it easier to carry as well.  It is one of the most straight forward, easy to install materials in fencing.

iFence USA 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 aluminum fences shipped factory-direct from http://www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Buying Your First Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

After years and years of renting apartments the thought of buying your first home can be exciting and a bit terrifying.  Though the process itself can be a bit challenging the satisfaction at the end is a feeling that nothing in your life will ever compare to.  Buying a home, your first real estate transaction, is an exhilarating experience.  Your first home purchase will be the biggest investment you make up to this point in your life.  It is crucial to be wise and employ the best approach possible to ensure you are making an intelligent investment.

Hire an agent

The first piece of advice all first time home buyers should consider is to hire an agent that specializes in the location you are looking to move.  Having an experienced, certified realtor will help to ensure you have the widest selection of homes to view.  Knowledge and experience are two key characteristics that are must haves when selecting a buyer’s agent.   They must offer an extensive familiarity with the location you are looking to find a home.  This allows them to view listings and evaluate if they are over or under priced for the area, saving you both time.  Looking at homes that are a solid investment with room to build equity is especially important when buying a first home.

The agent you hire must also have experience and connections within the industry.  These connections are what help agent’s scope out listings before they are even advertised.  Having first dibs on a home is a terrific advantage in a competitive real estate market.  This is especially important when you have exhausted the available options within your criteria and are feeling hopeless about finding a home.  The process of buying a home can be long and tedious which is why it is crucial you hire an agent with both experience and knowledge.

Get Pre-Approved

Once you have found an agent that you are comfortable working with it is time to get a concrete idea of exactly what you can afford.  Many real estate professionals can help you find a company to work with in getting pre-approval.  Once that number is established getting a seller to accept your offer is better.  Sellers like to commit to buyers who are going to be able to get home loans.  Sellers do not want to commit to a buyer only later to learn that they do not qualify for the amount that was offered.  This is a waste of valuable time in selling their home.

With pre-approval a buyer is guaranteeing that they have met the qualifications lenders need to secure a home loan.  It means that your criterion, income verse debt, matches the needs of a mortgage lender thus you can commit to the purchase of a home.  Without pre-approval sellers are gambling on you and cannot be positive that you will be able to secure a loan for the required amount.

Starting out looking for your first home can be a bit tricky.  With a pre-approval in hand, a knowledgeable and experienced agent at your side the process is simplified significantly.

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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Advice For First Time Home Buyers

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Buying your first home is exciting and a bit scary.  If you are an eager first-time homebuyer here are some tips as you take the plunge.

Mortgage Calculator: Check out an online mortgage calculator before calling a lender or a real estate agent.  This will give you an idea of exactly where you stand when you start your search. A mortgage calculator will allow you to see exactly what your monthly mortgage payment would be and you can determine if this is a step you are ready to take on.

Pre-approval:  Once you have determined the payment you are comfortable with and the price point at which that is speak with a mortgage lender.  This is a crucial step because this is the highest point at which you should have your realtor look for homes for you to view.  A pre-approval is something most sellers are looking for when they accept an offer from a buyer.  This is an important step in the buying process.

Find a Realtor:  Buying a home, especially your first, requires the assistance of a real estate agent.  Find a realtor that specializes in the area that you are looking to purchase.  Talk with them about their feelings on the area; is this a solid investment that will be able to build up equity.  You are not only buying a home you are making a financial investment.

Check Selling Prices:  Are the local selling prices within the amount you are pre-approved for?  If not are you willing to check into other areas or does this take you out of the housing market?

Total Monthly Costs:  Look into the monthly costs associated with your mortgage, utilities and other outside expenses that you have.  The goal in purchasing a home is not to go into debt; it is to be able to live in a home of your own.  The key there is to live.  You need to look at the big picture and make sure that you are not financially putting yourself at risk.  Don’t feel that just because you are approved for a certain amount that is what you need to spend on a home.  Purchase a home with monthly payments that are affordable and that allow you to make improvements to the home, building equity, as well as living life.

Prepare For The Hunt:  If the numbers make sense and you are ready to take the plunge get ready for the hunt of a lifetime.  Finding your first home is a thrilling adventure.  Once you find it you will know and then you get to venture into the realm of mortgages and home loans.

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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Save Money Using Reconditioned Electrical Components

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

If you are looking for a real way to cut costs and save money during electrical projects consider using busway and bust ducts that are used and reconditioned.  A great advantage in using bus bars or bus ducts in electrical components is that you are able to achieve more flexible power distribution.  They are also beneficial because they are able to carry and regulate large currents of electricity.

Copper, plated aluminum and steel are the most common materials in which electrical busway and bus duct components are crafted out of.  In order to run large scale electrical equipment in several areas within an industrial setting and to remain cost effective busways, bus ducts and bus plugs are employed.  In both manufacturing and industrial settings the machines require a lot of electricity.

Normal electrical outlets do not carry enough electricity to power these large machines.  When the electrical need changes normal outlets do not cut it.  In order to manage the large supply of electricity these systems are put into place and are able to be changed in and out as needed.  If more electricity is needed, more is added.  If less is needed, it is taken away and added to another area where it will be useful.

To save money many companies turn to reconditioned or refurbished bus plugs, bus ducts and busway electrical components.  This can noticeably lessen the expense of any project.  The question that is often asked is if reconditioned electrical components are as reliable as new ones.  The answer to that is simple, yes.  Refurbished electrical components are completely repurposed so that you can enjoy the same benefits using them as you would new ones.

New products are more expensive because of the cost of the initial raw materials that are needed to create them.  To be cost effective parts are refurbished and sold at only a fraction of the cost of new products.  Repurposed electrical components are just as good as new ones.  They are also environmentally friendly and allow you to allocate funds within your electrical budget elsewhere.

No matter what you choose new or refurbished products choose a company that sells a variety of electrical components to choose from.  Whether you need to repair a new or obsolete piece of equipment they should have what you need in stock.  The last thing you need is downtime when you are trying to run a business.  Consider using refurbished bus ducts, bus plugs and busway electrical components when you are in the midst of a new project or need replacement parts to keep your company running smoothly.

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 at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

J & P Electrical Company

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Keeping Your Roof In Shape Before, During and After the Storm

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The one thing we are familiar with in the northeast is the fact that storms are going to be a part of our lives and our homes.  After a storm has passed you may think you are in the clear.  This however is not the case.  We know another storm will come and because of that we need to ensure that we maintain and prepare ourselves and our homes for the next one.  To ensure our homes are protected from passing storms we need to do a thorough check to make sure our homes roof and windows are ready.

Before the Storm

The first thing that you should do is to hire a professional roof contractor to establish a norm for your homes roof.  It is better to begin the storm season with a roof that is in top shape.  A roofing contractor can access your homes roof and repair areas of weakness before the storm.  Repairing areas that are weak will help prevent damage from occurring; if damage occurs during a storm it will less likely be severe because of the preventative maintenance that took place.

After the Storm

Preventing major damage is key when maintaining your homes roof.  This is true even after a storm has passed.  It is important that you continue to protect and safeguard the roof after each storm has come and gone.  The first thing that needs to be done after you are sure that the risk of danger is gone is assess any current damage.  See how much damage was done during the storm, if any.  If any shingles have been damaged or torn off it is important that roof repairs are performed by a professional roofing contractor.  Repairs need to occur before the next storm; it is vital to prevent major damage during the next storm.

If the storm was substantial it is important to look for hidden damage.  If you are unable to assess the top of the roof it is crucial to have a roofing contractor out to review the roof for cracks and hidden faults.  Immediate action is needed to ensure that the damage doesn’t cause further issues especially for the interior of your home.

Before the Next Storm

Depending on the condition of your roof, the number of patches and repairs that have been done over the years, you may start to consider a full replacement.  Shingle roofs last anywhere from fifteen to twenty five years, you can continue to repair a shingle roof but it is crucial to weigh your options.  How long will the repairs last verse the expense of a whole new roof?   Often times the choice is clear; a new roof is the better option than continuing to spend time and money repairing an old one.

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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