Livingston Reporting - page 292

Beginning The Process Of Buying A Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The purchase of a home is both exhilarating and challenging.  Owning a home comes with an assortment of benefits both financially as well as personally.  The benefits financially range from building equity to tax deductable interest.  Personally the benefits can range from the satisfaction that comes from ownership as well as the stability that it gives you. To give yourself the financial and personal benefits of owning a home you need to get started; below are some tips on finding the perfect home for your needs.

First things first you will need to get your finances in order.  You need to know what you currently have, what you will have coming in and what you will have in the future. This will vary from person to person.  Some people will be working with equity that has built up in their homes, others will work from their savings alone and some will work in combination of resources to obtain a reasonable down payment.

Once you have established a down payment you have a starting point to where you should be when looking for a home to purchase.  The rule is twenty percent down however mortgage lenders have recently become more lenient with the requirements of what is needed to get a home loan.

A long with what you can afford you need to consider what you want; what are your intentions. Do you need a home to accommodate a growing family; do you need a home to address your need to have accessibility and to age in place?  Is it possible that you need to live closer to work, shopping or entertainment? Did your income increase or decrease; do you need a smaller mortgage payment or more tax deductible interest?  Prioritize your objectives with the purchase of the new home and start looking at other wants and needs.

Consider the style and size of the home that you desire.  Are you willing to purchase a home that needs time and sweat equity to be perfect but is the right size or do you want a home that is perfectly kept but a bit smaller than you would like. Do you need a large space outside for entertaining? If you are looking for a home to grow old in you may only need to take into account the fact that your biggest goal is a ranch, a home all on one level.  Is there a certain location that is needed, perhaps by a highway or work? When it comes to location also consider the schools, the commute to work and the neighborhood.

This is just the beginning of buying a new home.  It doesn’t matter if it is your first home or your last the process is the same from start to finish.  The beginning of the home purchase process all starts the same. It is important to consider your finances, your personal preferences, your wants and your needs.  Prioritize what is most important to what is least important for you and choose a realtor that is willing to help you get what you want.

Lake and Land Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor out of Pinckney, Michigan serving homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Hamburg, Pinckney and Howell.  More information can be found at http://www.lakelandmi.com/buyers-resources.php

Lake and Land Real Estate

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The Importance Of Insuring Your Business

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Insurance is one of those tricky areas.  No one ever really wants to talk about the possibilities of an emergency.  Without insurance be it life, auto home, health or business, everything you own could be at stake for loss.   All insurance is important including insurance for your business.  Business insurance covers your livelihood and the way that you bring in income so this is an incredibly important policy that should be purchased and budgeted for the minute you decide to become the owner of your own business.  Without the ability to bring in income you instantly sink.  It is important to protect your dream.

 

Business insurance is a combination of several different policies combined into one.  Most people are familiar with general business liability insurance.  This is the base policy that can be purchased to protect not only your business assets but also your personal assets in case you are sued and a judgment is placed against you.  It is important to note that even if you are a limited liability company or a corporation you are not always completely protected under the statutory business structure.  Limited liability is not an absolute and extra protection and coverage is needed to protect you and your business.

 

Another policy that can be incorporated into your business insurance is extra coverage to include property and casualty insurance.  This protection covers the location of the business, the physical property as well as the equipment and interior of the space.  Your landlord, if the building is rented, will have insurance to cover his building but this will not include covering your business and expenses.  This will only cover his intentions to rebuild the commercial space.  Your assets are not covered by his insurance policy.

 

Umbrella policies are also something that can be attached to your general business liability insurance.  Umbrella insurance is purchased to fill in the gaps left by other policies.  If a suit goes over the amount of your general liability insurance, an umbrella policy can be used to fill in.  This is a necessary policy to carry along with liability insurance especially in high risk industries where the risk of something catastrophic is greater.  Obvious difference in industries such as web development over pharmaceuticals exist and should be covered as so.

 

Workman’s compensation insurance is another area that businesses should not be without extra coverage.  A workers compensation policy will cover you if any of your employees is injured on the job. It will cover lost wages and medical expenses on the injured employee which allows you to be able to temporarily employee someone to fill in for the injured employee.  The amount of coverage you will need for workman’s compensation will again vary from industry to industry.

 

Other policies to consider grouping into your business insurance policy are: unemployment insurance, automobile insurance, business interruption insurance, disability insurance and even life insurance.  When looking into different policies to purchase it is important to remember that coverage is necessary and budget accordingly.  Be realistic in the amount of coverage needed as well as the amount the business can afford to spend yearly on its business insurance policies.

 

Cobb Hall

Don’t Neglect The Purchase Of Insurance In Business

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to owning a business you will improvise a thousand times.  One place you should never get by is when it comes to your business insurance, especially your general liability insurance.  If you are planning on starting a business, insurance is a must.  You need to determine what type of protection you need, how much insurance you can afford and exactly what is required for your industry.

General liability insurance is commonly known as commercial general business liability.  It is meant to be purchased and carried by business owners to protect the company’s assets and obligations. This insurance covers costs related to property damages and injuries that are caused by you or your employees.  Liability policies for business often also cover legal needs including compensation both monetary and punitive.

Another thing that general liability insurance for your business covers is any damages to property against you as a tenant.  If damage is caused to the property in which the business is located liability insurance makes sure you are covered.  This insurance coverage can also protect you and your business in claims of any fictitious or deceptive marketing and copyright issues.

The question isn’t if you need business liability coverage it is how much coverage is needed and what additional policies are needed to make sure your business is completely covered in all cases.  Although you can purchase general business liability insurance on your own, it is not always in your best interest to.  A business owner policy should bundle liability insurance, property insurance, automobile insurance, umbrella insurance, workman’s compensations policies and more to offer your business comprehensive coverage.

How much coverage is needed will depend on a few different factors including the industry in which your business is in, the risks involved, the location and the number of employees on staff.  Take for instance the difference between a web developer and a roofer.  The risks involved with construction far outweigh those of website developers however this is not to say there is no risk in web design, they just vary in severity.  The likelihood a web developer has carpal tunnel far outweighs his risk of breaking his leg whereas a roofers likelihood to fall and seriously harm themselves is greater.  This being stated you can see how the coverage and amount of coverage will vary greatly between different businesses as will the premiums.

Before rushing out and purchasing the first policy offered you must do research and meet with several different business insurance agents to ensure you are getting the right coverage at a reasonable price.  With any product or service what you will pay from one business to the other varies, even when purchasing the same exact product.  When you own your own business you know every penny counts thus ensuring you are getting the most coverage for your money.

Insurance is never important until you need it but of course as we all know it is too late at that point.  It is always imperative to understand what you are purchasing and it could never be truer than when insuring your livelihood.

Cobb Hall

Insuring The Risk Involved In Owning Your Own Business

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As a business owner you take on risks that don’t always meet the eye when you are first diving into starting your business.  One that is often overlooked is the risk you take employing others.  General business liability insurance covers your assets. What type of business insurance protects you against claims when an employee gets hurt on the job?  What protects you and your business from being required to support a claim for wages, benefits and further claims?  The answer is workers’ compensation.

Every business and every job has risk involved. On the job accidents are common and can range from something like carpal tunnel injuries or massive injuries like a machine malfunction causing the loss of a limb.  If someone is hurt at your place of business you will be held accountable for their related medical expenses, income lost and other expenses deemed reasonable.

As a business owner you can insurance yourself from losing everything by adding a worker’s compensation plan on to your business insurance plan.  In fact, each state within the United States has laws in place governing the coverage you must carry to cover your employees.  Insurance coverage will vary from one industry to the next depending on the risks involved within the scope of your business.

Workers ‘Compensation otherwise known as workman’s comp and workers liability are all policies that are carried by business owners to provide protection to the business if an accident does occur and employees are affected.  Most often the policy is carried to provide coverage for medical bills and deductible as well as lost wages during and after the accident until a full recovery can be made.

Most policies also offer coverage that is provided to the owner to cover expenses that occur in legal interventions if a claim is filed.  This is referred to as employers’ liability insurance.  It covers the cost of attorney’s, court costs, docket fees and more. The most important part of any business insurance policy is the coverage it provides to you as a business owner.  Your business is your livelihood and needs to continue to thrive.  Your business not only provides for you but for all of the other you employ as well.  You want to be covered to prevent a simple accident from eliminating your livelihood.

Typically several different coverage options can be added on to a basic workmen’s compensation plan.  One option is to cover employees that work in other areas, even states, beyond the normal day to day operations of the business.  There is coverage that may not be mandated but that can be purchased to cover certain illnesses and coverage that covers dependants if a fatality is suffered by a dependant on the job.

The point is that workmen’s compensation is not optional when it comes to buying business insurance.  The amount and types of coverage above and beyond what the state has in place as a requirement should be considered if the scope of your industry calls for it.  The better your coverage plan is the better you will be covered is something happens to one of your employees.  Being covered keeps your livelihood safe and allows you to continue to do business.

Cobb Hall

Experience In Roof Maintenance

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Many people can’t tell the roofing contractor just how long it has been since a new roof was put on their home.  For many it is a guess at best.  A roofer will be able to examine the roofing material and structure and give homeowners an estimate.  If you think it has been awhile since your roof has been replaced and you are starting to see wear it is time to bring in the professionals to get their opinion on the likelihood your roof is nearing its last season.

 

Regular roof maintenance is needed to keep major roof issues from becoming a problem.  A new roof is expensive however a new roof structure is more than expensive.  It is important to keep the structural elements of the home intact.  With the seasonal changes we experience in the North our shingle roofs take on more wear and tear than other areas.  It is a good idea to have a professional roofer inspect your roof regularly, especially if you cannot see areas of the roofer to inspect yourself.  This will prevent damages from going unnoticed.

 

If a leak is developing or a crack in the surface of the roof it is an extremely poor attitude to use the wait until it becomes an interior problem approach.  Once a roof leak has led to interior damages you are most likely beyond a minor repair.  With neglect the situation can become one in which repairing the roof is no longer an option and the only thing left to be done is to replace the roof.  It is defiantly more financially savvy for regular maintenance then it is for an entire roof replacement.  With regular maintenance your roof could last five to seven years longer than a roof that is left without any regular care.

 

Roofing contractors specialize in roofs.  This means that the knowledge they have about the structure and materials far outweighs what the average homeowner knows.  Their training allows them to be able to look at different situations and provide reasonable solutions to the issue no matter how large or insignificant a homeowner may consider the issue at hand.  They also have on hand all the tools necessary to complete the job in an efficient manner and to prevent it from arising and causing future issues.  Many do it yourself homeowners don’t effectively know how to go about repairing or replacing a roof and end up with a lot of time and money wasted trying to accomplish the project themselves.

 

Leaving issues of water leakage untreated can lead to bigger problems such as mold and mildew.  Mold is a common problem in attics if a roof leaks and the attic doesn’t have proper ventilation.  This can lead to major structural damage which in the long run can prove to be a fairly expensive mess to treat.  Prevention, early detection and repair are the key elements when it comes to finding roof damage.  Word of mouth and referrals are great ways to find reliable roofing companies.  If you are new to the area you can turn to the internet as well.  Be sure to find a licensed contractor.  You may have to interview more than one to find someone that is perfect for your roofing needs.

 

Home Pro Roofing MI

What Can A Roofing Contractor Do For Your Home

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There are four basic outcomes in the roofing industry; a roofer installs a new roof, replaces an existing roof, repairs a roof or installs venting on a roof. It seems like a simple break down. Everyone thinks roofing must be simple because when you inspect a roof there are only four possible results. However, this is not the case. There are many things to consider when it comes to a home’s roof and these four basic principles are just one side of roofing.

Roofing contractors need to be experts at installing roofs with a variety of different roofing materials. The most common roofing materials to people here in the North is either metal or asphalt shingles. Roofers must establish a technique in which the roofing materials can adhere in the multitude of seasonal weather changes we experience.  Roofing contractors are the designers of the exterior of the home as well. They must compliment the siding with the color shingles desired as well as bringing harmony to the neighborhood. Nothing is worse than one home within the bunch to stick out like a sore thumb.

Installing a new roof is one of the most infrequent jobs a roofer has. When a roofer does work on new construction they are responsible not only for the main roof but also the installation of trusses, framing and shingle installation. Not all roofing companies will have experience in new roof installation so if this is the need you have to fill it is important to find a contractor that has an extensive background in new construction. The roofs structure brings stability to the entire house and needs to be completed with precision and craftsmanship.

If you have an older home you may find yourself in need of a roofer that specializes in roof repairs. Roofs may need repairs for a variety of reasons including missing singles, leaks, warping and weathering. Repairing a roof is a detailed job for a roofer dedicated to repairs. Without being properly completed roof repairs can leave room for future decay and roof failure. Roof repairs are done when the issue on the roof is minor or in cases where homeowners can absolutely not afford to replace the current roof at this time. A quality roofing company will be able to evaluate the damage to your roof as well as the remaining time your roof has before it needs to be replaced.

The most common job a roofer takes on is replacing an existing roof. A roof may need to be replaced for a number of reasons including wear from seasonal changes, natural aging and wear & tear. Roof replacement is a key element in keeping your homes umbrella, in good shape.  This in turn prevents any interior damage to the home, trusses or structure.

A less common repair, if you will call it that is installing ventilation in the roof and/or solar paneling. These both require cutting into the structure of the roof and should only be done by roofing professionals that specialize in these detailed installations.

There is more to roofing than meets the eye. When hiring a roofing contractor you must know what experience the company has. Hiring a company that specializes in new roof installation when you need a spot on the roof repaired might not be in your best interest. Sticking to a roofer’s specialty is always the best route to go.

 

Home Pro Roofing MI

Even Small Remodeling Jobs Benefit From The Experience Of A Contractor

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When people consider remodeling their homes they are often under the illusion it has to be a crazy, long drawn out project.  This is not the case especially when you hire a contractor.  Many of you are thinking that there is no way you can afford to hire a contractor for your home remodeling projects however this is not the case.  When you take into consideration the time and effort that doing it yourself takes, hiring a contractor seems incredibly reasonable. Especially when they do it yourself project ends up way behind schedule and you have to take days off work to finish it so that your family doesn’t make your move to the garage.

 

One of the quickest ways to give your home an upgrade is with new flooring.  Whether it is refinishing a dull hardwood floor or taking up old dingy carpet and installing a new hardwood floor.  With all the latest trends available in hardwood flooring it has become easier than ever to install and less expensive than ever before.  With wood upgrades you also cut down on a lot of allergens that are present, collecting in the carpet.  This is particularly important when you live in a house with pets.

 

Another fresh update that can be done takes place in the kitchen and bathroom with the cabinetry.  With some simple paint, refacing and/or new hardware you can completely change the look of your space. If your space allows for it, crown molding can be added which makes the cabinets look grander.  Cabinets are the focal point of your kitchen.  A little bit of paint and some update hardware can go a long way.

 

Another fairly simple, inexpensive kitchen renovation that can be done to update the look of your space is by adding to the back-splash.  A contractor can give you plenty of ideas on what materials will blend in well with your kitchen.  Popular options include tile, mosaics and glass.  This is a remodeling project that can easily be done in a small amount of time, with limited resources that makes a statement in your kitchen space.

 

If you are looking to really go to town in your home add a splash of color.  Adding color to the rooms within your home really spice it up.  With different colors different emotions are expressed and in turn can change a room from bland to striking.

 

Adding to the exterior of your home is another way to spruce it up.  A change in landscaping or the addition of a deck can change the way the way you use your space.  A yard that is uneven and constantly wet can turn into a fun zone with the removal of some shade trees, letting the sun in and a deck.  It completely takes a space that wasn’t being used and makes it able to be enjoyed.  Add a garden, a horse shoe pit or jungle gym to the yard; all of these additions bring life to your yard.

 

Home remodeling projects inside or out can enhance your home.  Hiring a contractor to handle minor or major renovations around your house will leave you without the mess so your able to sit back and enjoy the updates.

 

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Custom Jewelry and Loose Stones

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When it comes to getting married creating a unique event is more important than ever.  Brides are creating Pinterest accounts before they can drive.  This is why the push for custom engagement rings has become increasingly important.   Not only is a custom piece is something that is sure to be a sentimental heirloom it is also easier than ever in the world of jewelry today.

 

Designing a custom engagement ring or wedding band set is fairly simple now days.  There are multiple ways to go about finding a jeweler that will help create a custom piece that your bride to be will adore.  There are a multitude of online jewelry retailers that will create custom pieces as well as local jewelers.  Designing the ring is relatively simple choosing a loose diamond might prove to be a little harder.

 

Choosing a loose diamond really comes down to personal preferences.  Remember when choosing a diamond she will wear it every day. Every time she glances down at her hand you want her to remember how important she is to you and how much she loves her ring.

 

Diamonds come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.  The shape of the diamond is based solely on what your bride desires.  This might take a bit of effort but paying specific attention to the jewelry she wears or looks at when you are shopping together may help to lead you down the right path.  Many women if given the choice will choose a classic diamond solitaire however this is not always the case so you want to follow your future brides lead here.  She will be wearing this ring for a very long time.

 

The size of the diamond you choose may depend more on the budget you have set aside for his purchase.  An old adage used to claim that the engagement ring should cost a total of three months’ salary.  This however is not true any longer.  You need to purchase a stone based on what you can afford and what she will like, not on a lame society standard.  A reasonable budget to set aside for a loose diamond starts at around one thousand dollars. A thousand dollars will but a significant diamond with good color, a decent cut, clarity and a decent carat weight.

 

A loose diamond on its own should have a certain wow factor to it.  Even smaller diamonds with great color and clarity can have a significant appeal.  Choose a jeweler that offers certified loose diamonds.  This will ensure a few things.  One it will assure you that the value of the diamond has been certified.  This means you have proof of the diamonds value.  The next thing that purchasing a certified diamond does is tells you that the diamond was harvested from an area free of conflict.

 

Next is designing the ring to go with the diamond.  You may be thinking that you can go into any store and find a setting to fit this diamond so why bother having a custom ring designed for the diamond to be set into.

 

A custom, one of a kind ring stands out from the crowd as does the women you are about to ask to marry you.  Take the diamond you have selected along with several design ideas and show them to a custom ring designer.  They will make several mock ups that take into consideration the diamond you have chosen along with setting styles you appreciate, pulling it all together into one perfect custom engagement ring.  A custom engagement ring/bridal set will be pieces she is sure to treasure for years to come.

 

DaRoche Jewelers

Choosing An Engagement Ring Style and Complementary Setting

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When it comes to wedding rings and engagement rings the setting that you choose is as important as the diamond or gemstone you choose.  The setting you pick should be based on your style, taste in jewelry and your personality.  This is a piece of jewelry that you will wear every day from now until forever.  To choose something that will bring a smile to your face each and every day you should get a basic idea of the vocabulary that is used when it comes to wedding ring and engagement ring settings.

 

The first setting we will discuss is the bezel setting.  This setting holds a stone in the shape of a circle, it wraps around the diamond or gemstone.  Some bezels come with scalloped edges but most are smooth and molded into the shape needed to accommodate the diamond.  When it comes to bezel settings the one advantage is that the stone appears larger.

 

It is also can hide small imperfections in the diamond.  It is important to note that if you do choose a bezel setting with yellow gold it will make the diamond appear less brilliant.  Yellow gold in a bezel setting is perfect for gemstones but if choosing a bezel setting with a diamond it is best to go with white gold or platinum to enhance the shine and clarity of your diamond.

 

An illusion setting is a mount on a wedding ring that enhances the size of the stone to make it appear larger.  It takes the stone away from the band and sets it higher than the band.  A band with diamonds set in via a channel setting is commonly used with an illusion setting.  The channel setting allows smaller diamonds to be set into the main band while the main diamond is set above the band.  This combination can appear rather glamorous at a fraction of the cost.  Smaller carat diamonds can be used and because of the way they are all set into the diamond it appears grand.

 

A bar setting is similar to a channel setting.  The difference is that instead of each singular diamond being set into the band the diamonds are set into the band are held by individual prongs.  This is a very classic, contemporary look.  Bar setting usually are done with larger side diamonds then channel settings.  A thin bar connects the individual prongs continuing around the band.

 

A cluster setting is a beautiful option used to accentuate the main diamond.  A cluster setting is where a bunch of small diamonds is added around the large diamond.  A cluster setting is very pretty.  With the smaller diamonds centering on the main stone it appears if they are giving it a squeeze.  This setting works well for a wide variety of stone sizes.

 

A classic, undated look that is sure to be around forever is the solitaire setting.  A diamond solitaire is often used as an engagement ring and then transferred into a wedding band setting depending on your desires.  For most men this is a fool proof way to purchase an amazing diamond, in a simple setting, that can be enhanced later on.

 

DaRoche Jewelers

Create Success For Yourself Throughout The Process of Divorce

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In this day and age it is hard to believe that there is still a prejudice when it comes to men going through a divorce.  Men are at a clear disadvantage in the eyes of the courts, media and laws.  The fact is that women and their divorce attorney’s know this and will work every angle to ensure she is more than cared for.  It is important that as a man in divorce you find legal representation that specializes in men going through a divorce as they have experience in fighting this injustice.

Men need to create their own support system.  Women have support from every different direction and play the victim rather well throughout a divorce.  Men however are told to be strong, suck it up and move on while continuing to help and support their ex’s if needed.  If you want to be bled dry by the end of your divorce this is exactly how you will handle your situation.  Instead you really need to dive into looking after yourself and finding an attorney that is in it to win it for you.  You need to fight to keep your own head above water.  Don’t struggle to live comfortably while your ex vacations on your dime fight for yourself.

Get involved with every step in your divorce.  Along with your divorce attorney devise a plan that takes you through each phase of the divorce and create a vision that shows you prevailing.  In divorce there is no clear victim, there is no need to play that role or have it played against you.  Creating a clear plan and envisioning yourself coming out on top is one solid way to help. Have a successful strategy that you have developed with your attorney is the best approach to achieving your own happiness when the divorce is finally over.

Men often feel a mix of emotions during this period of time.  Allowing feelings of guilt, doubt and frustration to take over will make you vulnerable and weak.  If your ex-wife’s divorce attorney sees this and you aren’t armed with support and a legal team that if aimed in the direction of your best interests you could find yourself giving in to demands your ex is making that are completely unreasonable.  Having an attorney that specifically fights for men’s rights is important.  They will provide you with support throughout the entire process legally and emotionally.  Your attorney will be the one that saves you when your emotions start to take over and guilt settles in.

There is no reason at all to feel guilt or to do anything other than look out for yourself during this time.  The reasons your marriage failed are neither here nor there at this point.  What is clear is that at the end of the day you still need to be able to financially care for yourself.  You have but financial assets into your home and marriage and you deserve to share equally in the equity.  You deserve to be able to support yourself without living below the means you are accustomed to.  No matter the reason for the divorce you cannot allow yourself to be taken advantage of.  You have a responsibility to your own life at what it will be after your divorce.

Finding an attorney that is in it to represent you and your best interests will help you during the times when you feel weak.  They will be strong for you and will not allow you to mediate yourself into providing for everyone else but yourself.  It will happen, guilt will take over, for a split second you will give in to unreasonable demands if only so the nightmare can end and you will be thankful that you have a divorce attorney looking out for you.

Longton Law