Livingston Reporting - page 343

Real Estate Signs: Hiring The Right Agent For Your Need

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Everyone wants to know they are getting involved with the right real estate agent which can be difficult because everyone sees what they want a little bit differently.  What real estate signs you look for in an agent and company is up to you.  There are certain things to look for and ask before committing to sign with one agent.  Determining the pros and cons of each agent you interview is up to you personally and what you place higher value on in the long run.

Whether you are looking into purchasing a house or selling an existing home your real estate agent should be able to accommodate your need.  However, some agents are better in one area or another so do not go into the process thinking that your agent will be the best for all circumstances involving your housing needs.  There are many things that can help you make sure you are making a good decision choosing your agent.

When you are begin you search you might be at first attracted to the real estate signs that litter the county.  Be aware that is not always the best option.  You will need to do your own research on the agent and can’t get an accurate opinion on the agents work just because their real estate signs are scattered throughout the county.

The best way to get a feel for an agent is to check them out in action.  Go to an open house they are holding or ask that they meet to show you a house they have listed.  This is a great way to see how they present a home and how they represent themselves.

Ask the agent how many homes they have sold and closed on in the past year.  The more times they have actually gone through closing the more experience they bring to the table.  You want an agent who has had experience on your side to help you negotiate the best possible deal for your side of the offer.

Often referrals are a great way to find an agent.  Finding an agent that has worked closely with a friend, family member or close acquaintance is usually a good sign on if they will work well with you.

Double check the agent’s online presence, the importance of this is monumental because of the important role technology plays in the way people seek out information today. Make sure that your agent lists their homes online, recent statistics show that eighty-five percent of purchases come from buyers who have seen their homes online.

Don’t necessarily settle on the first agent you find.  It is important to interview several agents to find the best fit for your needs.  Build trust with them by spending time looking at several properties and portfolios of homes sold and purchase through them before signing any document that is binding.

Look in the MLS listings and see how the agent’s listings come up.  You should notice professional pictures have been used and that they detail the house and can be viewed in a manner where the details can be seen.

Ask for references from sellers and buyers.  Check the agent’s reputation within the industry also.  How the agent is viewed by their peers is important.  The deal will run smoother if the agent is able to negotiate well with other agents.

Last but not least don’t expect too much.  Remember that although they agent works for you respect is a two way street.  Don’t call the agent after normal business hours with questions that can wait to be answered until the morning, agents can’t always return your call ten minutes after you sent it so set reasonable expectations in regards to this.  When you settle on an agent ask their opinion on mortgage providers, inspectors and contractors.  They should be able to give you an unbiased opinion and will help show the type of people that they associate with giving you a better feel going into the process of buying a home.

Sign Solutions MI

Land Surveyors: What Is In A Career?

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How does the land around us become developed?  Who are the people that help plan how the land is shifted to create subdivisions, roads and business complexes?  Those people are land surveyors.  They are responsible for working with engineers, architects and builders to map out in detail the land surfaces.  Maps and surveys come from land surveyor’s detailed work in defining boundaries based on the Earths physical features and as they change it is up to the land surveyor to adjust their work.

The history of a profession is always something of great interest to me.  Did you know that three of the Mount Rushmore presidents started their careers in the field as surveyors?  That must say something about what the field of surveying teaches a person.  You must be detailed, math and technologically orientated and enjoy the outside.

The westward settlement of our great nation was due to the surveying and exploration that was documented and given to President Jefferson by Lewis and Clark.  The Louisiana Purchase came about because of the detailed documentation through reports, maps and data collection, otherwise land surveying that early explorers completed.  This is also how the creation of our first railway system came about.  Can you imagine building a railway through undefined territory?  It would be like a blind poker match where you are just hoping the land features play in to your design.  With land surveyors you don’t have to worry about luck.

Not only do land surveyors work in the field to take measurements of the land they also can work in offices drawing up maps, interpreting data and offering professional unbiased opinions about land boundaries. When in the field surveyors surround themselves with technology such as GPS systems, three d scanners and digital media to help define the land in terms that can then be put in to document form for real estate, builders and all types of clients who will use their expertise. Gauging and plotting the Earth and its surface through current technology and software is the main objective for land surveyors.

What are the benefits of a career within this field?  First in an economy that people are scavenging for reliable jobs careers in land surveying are thriving.    Not only are they needed in the public and private sectors of life but our government also hold these positions in top regards.  The advantages for individuals working as a professional land surveyor range from the credit that you receive to the fact you are working with updated technology, in a career that pays well and is never the same.  You also get the advantages of working in environments that are every changing.  It is an exciting career that has multiple benefits for those who pursue it.

SRCMI

Mold Restoration: Look Out Mold!

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When someone mentions the word mold what images come to mind?  Initially you see green, brown, black furry fungus right growing?  The clusters vary in size and can spread quickly taking over an entire surface fast.  It is never a pretty image.  Mold is very serious especially when it invades your home.  Mold is not only unsightly but can also be incredibly harmful to the heath of the occupants of the home.

Mold grows in environments that allow it to grow.  If you have an area that is dark, damp than mold will be attracted to it.  Places such as basements, bathrooms and laundry rooms are the number one areas that attract mold growth.  Mold can grow anywhere though with a little bit of humidity and moisture.  I have seen mold in attics, gym bags, underneath carpet and outside on areas the sun does not reach the siding.

Mold restoration is the next step once you have mold.  It consists of mold killer, hard work and lots of circulating dry air.  If you know any area in your home is more susceptible to mold growth it is best to take necessary precautions to make sure an infestation does not occur.  For instance, basements should have a dehumidifier to keep the moisture levels in check.  Fresh air is important also especially during seasons that keep your house closed up often.  Open the windows just a crack and turn on fans during the winter and summer seasons to make sure your home does not become susceptible to mold.  Also, make sure you clean regularly using anti-bacterial products.  They will likely kill spores, if present, before you even see them.

What happens if you are too late and mold has already found its way into your home?  For instance, we purchased a home in which the toilet leaked and mold had started to grow behind the toilet and on the carpet in the next room.  First we made sure that the leak was fixed and then decided that our mold issue was both major and minor.  The mold in the bathroom on the ceramic tile and wood molding was easily removed using a mold killer solution and thoroughly cleaning the area and then allowing it to dry using oscillating fans to keep the flow of air going to help the drying process. We then determined it would be best to remove the carpet and apply mold killer to the subflooring and allowing the area to dry.  It was best to replace the carpet because carpet is one area that it is tough to clean good enough to prevent the mold growth from returning.

Mold restoration is not anything to mess around with. It is best to find a mold remediation company if mold is in sensitive places such as attics where both wood and insulation is involved.  Mold removal companies have special products and equipment to handle situations that normal homeowners can occur.  It is especially important to have the number of a professional on hand that works with mold and water extraction after a disaster such as a flood or fire.  This will help alleviate long term issues your home could end up with.

TCI Restoration

Monument Signs: How Does Your Business Sign Represent You?

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You never get a second chance to make a first impression.  That saying is not only true in life but also for your business.  When you are trying to attract clients in this all too competitive economy your first impression means everything.  Look out side, what does your monument sign say about your business?  Did you spare no expensive when opening and have a business sign created with your company’s logo complete with a messaging board to update clients and advertise specials?  Or did you go the opposite direction and buy the cheapest business sign you could find with the old adage in mind that your clients won’t judge a book by its cover?

It is obvious that a well designed sign is what you really want to consider when picking a monument sign to represent your company.  Whether we want to believe it or not people do settle on their opinion of a business within seconds so you want to give them a lasting first impression of quality and commitment.  Now that I have your attention and you are realizing the business sign that you have up is not a true representation of your firm you are asking yourself about locating a firm that can help you change that.

Picking a monument sign supplier does not have to be a headache.  You must look for certain qualities when picking out any business that is going to help you create a better image for your firm. What are the things you should look for when looking for solutions for your company’s signage?

First look into the quality of the products they offer.  When looking at different companies that offer monument sign services ask to see examples of their work up within the community.  Seeing the work on a website is nice and can give you a general feel for the work the company does.   Actually going and seeing the signs in person and talking to the company’s representative that dealt with the sign company will give you a better feel for what you can expect.

Next you must determine how easy the sign will be for you to use.  Messaging boards are often a bit tricky for people to use.  If the new business sign offers a messaging board feature that can be used to advertise specials and promotions.  Make sure that you are given detailed instructions on how to change the messages that are displayed and that the company you are purchasing it from is also the company that will attend to is servicing needs.

Don’t assume that the most expensive sign is the best and likewise that going with the least expensive is a good thing either.  Truly look into the quality of the products that warranty’s and the guarantees the company offers on their product.  You want the sign to last without falling apart for an eternity so inspect the signs that the company offers and look for wear and tear signs.

When purchasing the monument sign for your company remember that it is what will be the draw of your company.  Make sure that you choose a business sign that represent the image you want to share with the world.  It is important that the colors and logo are in line with that of the firm so that people can tell it is you.  If there is a certain logo that is used on your business cards and flyers than makes sure it is evident within your sign.  It is so important that the writing is visually pleasing and able to be read without trouble as people driving by will be reading the sign in a matter of seconds.

Sign Solutions MI

Loan Company: What To Look For

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Loans are so tricky.  Whether you are looking for a mortgage loan, a car loan, a business loan or a boat it can be hard to find a lender who has your best intentions at heart.  Often lenders lure consumers in with low annual percentage rate better known as APR and the promise of a loan quickly.  Most of the time when we are in the need for a loan we don’t have time on our side, perhaps a car died or you are in need of capital for a business debt.  It is usually under circumstances that you would jump to have the money fast and hassle free without really looking into the finer details.

This is of course not the suggested method of acquiring a loan.  You want to be cautious and perhaps a bit conservative when it comes to your loan company options.  It is best to be knowledgeable about the lingo the loan officer will use.  It is often a large commitment taking on a loan and often loans, like in the case of a mortgage, will be with you for an extended period of time.  It is imperative that you get the best deal for your financial situation.

How do you go about finding this mystery loan company you ask?  I would start first by doing internet research.  It is a great place to see what other consumers are saying about lenders and to get yourself a base knowledge about loan options related to your need.  Next I would talk to friends and family who may have recently been in your situation.  You can also contact the local business associations in your area for references.  It is a good place to see who has been around in the community awhile and how involved the company is with the patrons of the community.

I would not take a realtors advice on a mortgage lender only for the simple fact that they might be working together getting a cut of one another’s business.  It is hard to be impartial in a case where money is involved.  I would also look for car loans before you go to the dealership.  Don’t get caught up in the moment with an auto loan.  Often people can better interest rates when dealing with their own bank verse one supplied by an auto dealership.  Looking online is another method but I personally like the idea of sitting down face to face with someone to let my gut help guide me in big decisions such as a loan.

There are things you will want to investigate and compare before you sign on the dotted line.  Make sure all the options line up with your expectations always leaving yourself room to negotiate terms.  Look into the interest rate, loan repayment options, fees for processing your application and what the company’s policies are for early payoff and convenience fees in regards to how you repay the loan.  When all the start align and you are pleased with the deal that you have been offered than you will feel confident not only in your purchase but the loan that you have secured to make the purchase.

Ask 4 Funding

Mold Removal: Removing Mold From Anywhere

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Mold is a huge health issue.  Mold can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions and asthma.  It is imperative to the health of your family to eliminate mold spores form your home properly.  Improper removal of mold can cause the mold to actually spread.  Different surfaces require various cleaning techniques to make sure the mold is completely removed.

A home remedy of mold killer will work just as well as anything store bought for mold removal.  This works well on multiple surfaces.  You will mix 1/3 C powdered soap, 1 qt chlorine bleach,  and  3 qt hot water (not boiling).  Add the bleach to the water and then the detergent mixing this all together you will create your mold cleanser.

A natural cleanser can be made using lemon juice and salt.  The paste can be used almost anywhere that can be laundered.  This is a great concentrate to use on clothes, towels, pillows and blankets.

Concrete

Of course prevention is the key.  With concrete surfaces make sure bushes and trees are trimmed allowing sunlight to dry up excess water that could provide the right environment for mold and mildew to fester.  Prevent standing water on the concrete to prevent initial mold growth.

Using safety precautions such as goggles, gloves and ventilation you will take your mold killer and using a stiff bristle brush scrub the mixture covering the mold and surrounding areas.  Let the mixture concentrate on the area for five to ten minutes and spray off the area with a hose.  If the mold is still visible you will want to repeat the mold removal process until the area is free of mold residue.

Wood

Wood is a tricky surface to clean in general let alone when dealing with mold.  The best solution of mold remover to use is five tablespoons of baking soda with one gallon of warm water.  Carefully soak a white cloth with the combination.  You will want to remove only some of the water.  Do not ring the cloth out completely, you want the mixture to penetrate the wood surface a little.  Rub the wood surface until the mold and mildew is gone.  If there are grooves in the surface you may want to use Q-tips to get in them. You will then want to take a clean moist cloth to wipe over the surface and a clean dry one to wipe down the air.  It is best to use an oscillating fan to circulate the air to optimize drying.

Household Surfaces

This includes vinyl wall paper, linoleum and cork along with several other surfaces found in the house.  You will want to mix five drops of ammonia into a bowl of warm water. Taking a clean rag with the mixture on it you will want to wipe over the surface until the mold is removed rinse with clean water and wipe dry.  If the stain is stubborn you can use mildew killer with the above recipe just use extreme caution indoors.

Ceramic Tile/Grout

Take a bar of soap, any kid will do, along with water and rub the stained area.  Make sure the soap is not a type with added deodorants of any kind.    Rinse with clean water and blot dry.  The area will then need to have a fan placed by it to circulate the air to allow for more thorough drying.

Leather

You can use petroleum jelly and rub it on the stained area.  If after you try this gentle technique first without result you can use equal parts rubbing alcohol and water, be careful on colors.  This should remove the stain.  You will need to gently wipe the area down with a clean damp towel and then a dry one to prevent further mold growth.

Mold can grow anywhere. Prevention is the key as mold removal is not always easy and guaranteed.  Harsh chemicals will not always necessarily kill and remove the mold.  Diligence and prevention will help maintain a mold free environment that your family can live in without health issue related to mold infestations.

TCI Restoration

Personalized Kid’s Toys: Toy Boxes

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When you first see the double lines show up on the pregnancy test you start to think about all the goods you need to support your new little being.  Toys, clothes, furniture, bottles, and all that stuff babies absolutely need to survive all runs through your head in that moment.  What expectant parents fail to realize is that really so long as the baby can eat and has a place to rest its head it will thrive with a parents love alone.  However, as indulgent parents we feel the need to purchase and store goods that we think baby might need as it grows.

That is where toy boxes come into the picture.  Toy boxes are really one of the best gifts a new parent can receive.  My father has made a toy box for each new arrival in our family and all of our friends.  We used ours from the day we received it before baby was born to now as they have grown out of the toy stage of life.  It started out storing the new purchases until babies arrival, then moved on to the storage of toys and it now is used as game storage plus a really nice coffee table for our sitting room.  My father is really great at making these personalized kids toys boxes. He adds little features that make them uniquely each individually perfect.

If you aren’t as lucky as we have been to have someone make our children a personalized kid’s toy box I recommend you look into ordering one right away.  It helps to keep all of baby’s things in place before their arrival and helps create a space for their extra things as they begin to accumulate and take over your home.  You will want to make sure you look for a quality personalized kid’s toy box.

What To Look For

  • Safety: You really want to find a toy box that has a controlled hinge.  This will help ensure that no one gets their fingers shut in the box.  You will also want to make sure that the toy box does not lock latch.  Children love to sit in their special toy boxes and it would be incredibly dangerous if the box latched and locked them in.
  • Practical verse Decorative:  Are you looking for a toy box that also combines as a book shelf for a child’s bedroom or are you looking for something that is strictly functional for toys in the main space where a child plays?  This will be a living room or area where mom and dad can keep an eye on them for quite awhile as they play.
  • Material:  Are you looking for a personalized toy box that is made out of plastic or wood.  The benefit of wooden toy boxes is that they last forever and can be passed down as an heirloom.  Plastic ones however are less expensive, light weight and can easily be maneuvered by little ones.

Benefits Of The Toy Box

  • Quick Cleanup:  Toy boxes are perfect places to throw toys in a jiffy.  Larger toys are easily stored for use later.  Smaller toys can be placed in bins that can then be stored inside the larger toy box so that little pieces don’t get lost at the bottom of the box.
  • Easy Access:  Toys boxes are a great independent play parenting tool.  The toys inside are easily accessed and children can spend hours emptying and filling the box with their personal belongings.  Whether it is dress up clothes, teddy bears, match box cars or Lego’s kids can entertain themselves without needing to much parental interaction when toys are stored in toy boxes.

Drawbacks Of The Toy Box

  • Broken Toys: If toys are thrown in to the toy box overtime the more fragile toys will eventually be broken.
  • Forgotten Toys: Toys that are stashed at the bottom might become lost or forgotten about for the child.  Rotating toys in and out every few weeks will prevent this from happening and prevent toy boredom.
  • Potential Mess:  Isn’t this why we have kids though.  Yes, toy boxes can solve and create the same problem.  Toys get thrown in and out of the toy box.  That is what having children is all about – hiding messes.

My Favorite Kids Toys

Water Damage Restoration: Prevention Tips For Your Basement

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Have you ever come home and found your basement and the contents floating away?  If so you know all about how badly water can damage your belongings and most importantly all about water damage restoration.  There are many different reasons basements flood.  Your job as a homeowner is to prevent water getting into your basement in the first place.  Prevention is the key to prevent water damage.

The most likely reason your basement becomes flooded is due to natural causes.  Rain, snow melt and flooding can all lead to rain coming in to your basement.  In order to prevent this from being the source of your problems add an extra sump pump.  It will cost far less than having to have water damage restoration completed in your basement.  It is essential that you track the water flow away from your house.  This is especially true when you live on or near a lake or river.  If you are aware that a heavy rain is coming and that your home is prone to flooding another way to help is by adding sand bags to the homes foundation.  This is really only in special cases that you know the rain and floods are coming.  This is common with homes that are close to inland lakes and rivers in the spring season when snow is melting and the rains are heavy.

Another reason basements flood is because of the way the land around your home does not allow for penetration of the rain water. If the ground has a high water table level around your house the ground can be easily flooded.  This causes the extra water to stay on the top of the lawn which could easily cause the water to flow towards the house and flood the basement.  If this is the case for your home it is best to dig pathways away from your home to alleviate the gathering of water in your basement.

Another reason the puddles occur in the lawn around your home that could lead to a flood in your basement is from having an uneven yard.  The best way to handle this is to make sure that any areas that are low lying are away from the home.  It is also important to slope any areas around your home away from the foundation.  This will prevent the water from running into the basement area of your home.

Gutters and downspouts are an important piece in directing rain water away from the base of your home.  In order for them to continue to work properly you will need to keep them clean and free of debris.  It is important that in the winter you keep the gutters free of ice damns to allow for water to freely move away from the house instead of building up creating an area that could puddle.  Foundation cracks should be filled and gutters cleaned every six months to prevent and fix minor damage. Water seal paint can be found at most local stores and it is advisable to use it to seal the concrete blocks around the foundation.

Water damage restoration is expensive and time consuming.  If water does get into your basement valuables and precious family heirlooms can be damaged.  Preventing water from seeping into your basement in the first place is a lot easier, cheaper and less time consuming than dealing with the after math of water damage.

Go Maher

Window Treatments: Different Types of Window Blinds

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Choosing window treatments for the windows in your home is an important part of the decorating choices in your home.  You need to determine the style you are looking for, the purpose of the room and a budget to better help you determine what you are looking for in window treatments.  When determining style you will need to look at the room and your home as a whole.

Do you have a very modern home with sleek lines, is it contemporary or is your home a little bit more country?  When looking at the purpose you will need to look at the room.  For instance a kitchen window has different needs than a bedroom.  Light needs to be kept out of a bedroom and the kitchen is a room where light is of value. Budgeting is important in any room improvement.  It is not necessary to break the budget for designer window treatments in a room no one will ever occupy like a laundry room.  We will look into these objectives as we explore different types of blinds.

Windows with blinds between the glass are a popular option these days.  They are very efficient and the blinds inside the glass can be switched up depending on the desired look.  However, this option is expensive and requires replacement windows be installed.  The benefits are high though so if you are looking into replacement windows that you would then have to dress up with window treatment this option then becomes a little bit more feasible.  They are perfect for a home that needs a low maintenance window that is energy efficient and made to blend with any style home.  Windows with blinds between the glass are really a great choice for anyone looking into replacement windows.

For larger window and door walls panel blinds are becoming very trendy.  They can be purchased in many styles but gear toward a trendier look and feel for your room.  They are also sold in many different price ranges depending on several factors; fabric density, size and style.  You will find the hardware to install them is pricier than the panel blinds themselves.

Venetian blinds have been and continue to be a very popular option in window treatments.  They offer many advantages over other types of window treatments.  If you are looking for an all around good deal the venetian blind is the way to go.  They offer a style that is timeless and are great because they also offer different degrees of privacy.  You can find them to go with any size budget and are incredibly easy to install.

When looking to add blinds to windows that are odd in shape or out of the way, like skylights pleated blinds are the best options.  They do tend to be pricier than other window treatments but offer the convenience of coming modified to more custom windows.  They do fit in to any type of home décor and are often viewed as a higher end window treatment. Pleated blinds are often seen as a higher end window treatment and can be used in staging a home for resale very effectively.

Roller blinds are neat.  You can purchase them in a variety of textures, colors and prints.  They bring a different look and feel to a room.  Roller blinds can be used to fit into any décor.  They also offer varying degrees of light control for the rooms they are used in.  They are usually a bit more expensive than traditional blinds.  You are paying for a more sleek, stylish and custom product.

Cellular shades are a perfect choice to give a warm feel to the rooms in your house.  You can open them form the top or bottom which is super nice in a room such as a bathroom where you want privacy to be maximized but also to enjoy natural lighting.  They are incredibly affordable and can be purchased in most colors to compliment the décor in your home.

If you are looking for a very inexpensive route for a temporary place such as an apartment you are renting stick with mini-blinds.  They are inexpensive, can be used to create ultimate privacy by closing them tightly or no privacy at all by retracting them completely.  They tend to blend into any style and are really for a temporary fix for window treatment needs.  They are hard to clean but are so inexpensive it is probably cheaper to buy new ones than to waste time cleaning them.

Faux wood and real wood blinds offer the same advantages with different budgets.  They are both very pleasing to any décor and soften the look and feel of your room.  They offer any degree of privacy a homeowner would desire.  The biggest advantage of real wood is that it is incredibly durable where as faux wood can easily get damaged.

When choosing window treatments there are many different options as there are with blinds in general.  Depending on style, budget, purpose and personal choice can affect your window treatment choices.  Look into several different options when looking into window treatments.  You will find that between curtains, blinds and other treatments that the options within the categories can vary greatly.  You will want to look at décor that is pleasing to your eye and determine exactly what you desire for your home. Personally I am waiting to purchase window treatments for my home because I am hoping my husband will agree to replacement window so I can buy windows with the blinds between the glass so I don’t have to worry about the kids and cats tearing the window treatments up.  I have had a cat stuck in the middle of my venetian blinds.

Heatkeeper