Real Estate

Real Estate in Belize - What's the Scoop?

2008-08-14T02:53:00.000-07:00

It seems that over the course of the past decade an increasing number of far flung countries have began to tout their attributes as retirement destinations. What's the real story behind the hype though and are these countries such as Belize really the prime retirement and real estate investment opportunities that they hold themselves out to be? Also, is it a safe place to live particularly for the elderly?

More Bang for Your Buck

What all of these countries including Belize hold out to a retiring American who is interested in relocating to them is amazing low living costs. This means that the moment you arrive in a place like Belize, it is the same thing as all of your money tripling or quadrupling. Sure, there are newer western style planned communities where homes and property are going to be at a premium, but in the towns and provinces you can still buy a nice, solid three bedroom home for about the cost of a travel trailer in the U.S.

Personal Safety Concerns

If you believe all that you hear on the news, our trusted government and U.S. business interests would like to have you believe that if you step one foot out of the U.S. with your retirement savings, you will surly land directly on a land mine. The truth of the matter is that the vast majority of the people of Belize and all Latin American counties for that matter are peaceful good natured people.

Much Safer than the U.S.

Sure there are is a bad neighborhood in every big city that you will recognize to avoid, but if you have what it takes to live and survive in or around U.S. cities like L.A., Sacramento, Seattle. New Orleans, Reno, Little Rock, Minneapolis, etc. you will find even the worst areas of Belize a cake walk.

Written by Antonious Driver. We provide you with the very best knowledge regarding real estate in Belize as well as Belize real estate.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Antonious_Driver

There is Improvement in the Phoenix Housing Market

2008-08-14T02:50:00.002-07:00

When the Phoenix metro area consisted of little more than rainless desert with dried-up aquifers from long-gone native peoples, a limited number of visionaries saw this land's potential back in the late 1800s. Currently home to more than 3.7 million residents, the Valley of the Sun has a rapidly expanding population. People are making their homes here by the thousands every month to experience the non-stop sunny weather, even unbearable heat in the summer. All the same, many elect to stay in the Phoenix area to escape harsh winters and savor the benefits the urban center offers. Although sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts find the area wonderful, another group is endeavoring to recall why they thought they were living in paradise on earth. These are the homeowners who are losing their homes to foreclosure.

Despite Challenges, the Phoenix Real Estate Market will Recover

The Greater Phoenix metro area real estate community has been reeling from a suffering housing market. All the same, if you pay attention to the statistics, thousands of homes are still being sold every month. What this means is that the market is not quite as dire as the media would have us believe. There are opportunities out there.

That does not mean that a number of families are not having difficulties in making their mortgage payments on properties that are over leveraged. Many families are losing their homes due to adjustable rate mortgages where they had little down payment. At the same time many in the lend industry are losing their jobs on account of the unstable market trends. Many people enjoyed the riches created in years past, and so the grumbling we hear from those who made a fortune may seem hollow at times. All the same, those very same people who profited greatly from the boom of the recent few years are also giving up on real estate.

This Time of Transformation Has Made Phoenix a Buyer's Market

Of course, troubles still abound in the Valley's real estate market. National lenders continue to close up shop. The mortgage industry is slowing down and letting people go. Normal families are having difficulties making their mortgage payments, especially when they owe a more than what their homes are presently worth. Foreclosures are going up. A third of the foreclosures were investors who jumped gleefully into the market just a short time ago. We have to tell ourselves to take a deep breath and ponder what all the lost employment, foreclosed homes and bolting investors could mean for those of us still here. We have to be on the lookout for the opportunities as they appear. When a market escalates with such ballooning enthusiasm, there is bound to be a point where some of the air leaks out. This is just one of those typical periods. In the near future, the market will start to move up again. Maybe not as fast or as furious, but surely the market will again move forward, though hopefully at a more steadily pace.

We can already see some of that positive movement in the traditionally strong areas of the Valley. Very shortly, an annual growth rate of five to eight percent will again come to those of us who are patient as new people continue to come to populate our county. After all, the market is not completely dead. How many other regions of the country tally up so many sales? I am glad to remain in the Phoenix market.

Read our blog, Arizona Community Guide, to learn about the different neighborhoods in the metro Phoenix area or check out Phoenix Real Estate Properties to find some great deals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Bell

Building a Home in the Pacific Northwest

2008-08-14T02:50:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for a beautiful place to build your dream home, you should consider building that home in the Pacific Northwest. The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful areas of the country. From forests upon forests of evergreen trees to the majestic mountain ranges, there is something that will appeal to everyone. Furthermore, the Pacific Northwest is a great area for a family to go exploring the nature that surrounds the daily living in this area.

One of the beautiful places that you could lay out your country French house plans is nestled deep into the forest. There are forests surrounding the entire Pacific Northwest region, providing numerous locales that would be perfect for the secluded home. Living amongst the forest would provide the outdoorsman plenty of hiking opportunities located right outside your front door. Building a home in the forest is perfect for a couple who likes their privacy and has an attachment to the great outdoors.

However, if you are not into roughing it in the woods, look no further than one of the many lakes, rivers, ponds or even the Pacific Ocean for the place to build your home. The places where you could build up your bungalow style house plans on a body of water are bountiful. All throughout the Pacific Northwest region there are bodies of water just waiting for you to build your perfect dream home. Building your home on the water's edge will provide countless occasions where you and your family can sit and enjoy a wondrous sunrise or sunset. Living next to the water can also provide the outdoorsy type a place where they can go fishing, water skiing or jet skiing.

If you are not looking for a place in the forest or a place near the water, but prefer something with a little cooler climate, you could think about planning your country style house plans for somewhere closer to the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. There are several beautiful mountain ranges for you to choose from. Living in the mountains will provide the outdoorsman the occasion to go cross country skiing, snow shoeing or even riding a snow mobile across the white winter snows.

Whether you desire to build a home in a forest, near the ocean or nestled deep into the mountains, the Pacific Northwest region is the ideal location for your dream home. Although the Pacific Northwest has its fair share of gray days, the view of the beautiful mountains and lush green forests more than make up for the lack of sunshine. And if the surroundings are that beautiful on a gray winter day, just imagine how beautiful it will be on a gorgeous sunny summer morning!

If you are looking for country French house plans or bungalow style house plans, be sure to visit House Plans and More today for further information. House Plans and More also has a wide variety of country style house plans to choose from.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Lane

One Of The Common Defects On House Renovation

2008-08-14T02:49:00.002-07:00

Now is common that people has their house renovated. It mainly carried out after house owner has obtained approval from relevant approval agency. Normally we will not know when house defect will be happened. Most of the defects will happen after certain period of time. But it may have sign of immediate effect. Immediate house defects shown mainly due to very poor qualities of workman ship, poor material used, building structure is under designed and ground condition. There are a number of possibilities of house defects will happen. It will depend on case by case basis.

One of the common defects that are the cracks line will be appeared along the joint between new building and existing building. If the building foundation is pile foundation then the effect of cracks will be more significant. It is because most of the extension works that carried out by renovation contractor is using pad foundation. If existing building is pile foundation and new extended building is pad foundation; then there will be significant of differential ground settlement. This differential settlement will make cracks happened.

It is happened because a lot of people who want to renovate house will look for building contractor, but they have forgotten that they need to look for engineer first before engage a building contractor. Un-reputable contractor will not help house’s owner to engage a structural engineer, contractor will build the house based on his owner experience. Furthermore; he only expertise on builder works, he does not has expertise on ground investigation, theory of structure and design of structure. As a result, the finish product will cause the cracks line happen as mention above.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

A Home Inspector is a Home Buyer's Best Friend

2008-08-14T02:49:00.001-07:00

After weeks, maybe even months of searching, you’ve finally found your dream home. It’s everything you wanted and more. You’re already envisioning how your favorite chair will look in that charming little corner by the window. But before you move in, it’s important that you get better acquainted with the property you’ve fallen in love with.

While the hardwood floors are to die for and you love the bay window in the den, some of the things that may not be visible to the typical buyer’s eye need to be taken into account. Are the electrical systems up to date? Is the home properly insulated? Are there any signs of deterioration on the exterior of the home? Are there any areas of concern in the crawl space or basement such as mold or fungi? These are all questions that should be asked. However it will take a trained professional to answer them. That’s where your new best friend, the home inspector, comes in.

A home inspector is trained to diligently assess damage, deterioration and potential danger in a home. “A complete home inspection covers all of the major systems of a house, including structure, exterior, roofing, electrical, heating, cooling, insulation, plumbing and interior,” says Scott Dana, owner of Dana Home Inspections in Roswell, Georgia and an officer in the Georgia Chapter of the National Association of Home Inspectors.

Once a home inspector evaluates the home, he or she writes a comprehensive report, including photos, which explains in detail any defects or hazards that are apparent. Unfortunately not every report will be favorable and high hopes can suddenly become deflated due to bad news. But regardless, a home inspection is critical to the safety, security and sealing of the deal in any real estate transaction.

Naturally with every major transaction there are risks involved. Even home inspectors can’t guarantee every aspect of the property. “Inspectors are limited by what they can see and touch. Thus, there may be issues inside walls or in inaccessible areas that may have problems that inspectors will not be able to see,” says Scott Dana. However, as the buyer you can rest easier by doing your due-diligence and taking every measure to ensure that your dream home doesn’t turn into an unfortunate nightmare.

SAFETY

While style, location and affordability are all important factors when purchasing a home, safety comes first. There’s nothing more important than being assured that the property you purchase will be free of harm for you and your family. A home inspection will help you determine that there are no hazardous conditions. Something as simple as a defective safety reverse mechanism on a garage door or a garage door opener installed lower than the manufacturer recommended 60 inches from the ground would probably not be noticed by an eager buyer. But these oversights could be potentially dangerous for a small child in the home. Buyers also may be unaware of problems in crawl spaces or basements such as pests, infestation or hazardous substances such as mold. Inspectors will know to look in these areas and determine if there is cause for concern.

“When an inspector finds something that appears to be mold, they typically tell their clients that they have detected a "mold-like" substance and that further testing is needed by a company that specializes in mold detection and remediation,” says Scott Dana. These precautions are critical and are imperative in determining that the home you’re buying will be a safe and healthy environment for your family.

SECURITY

Because your home is one of the largest investments you will make, you want to be sure that your investment is secure. What may seem initially like a charming fixer-upper could turn into a money pit if substantial needed repairs are not discovered before the deal is closed. A home inspection will allow buyers to make more informed decisions about the soundness of their investment by determining exactly how much work and money may be required to resolve any issues. Homes that are in need of a little TLC can still be great deals as long as the repairs required are primarily cosmetic and affordable rather than structural and costly. Major issues can be a real deal breaker.

“By far the biggest deal breakers are those requiring the most money to fix, including problems with the foundation or structure of the home. Conversely, deal breakers can also be lots of little cost items that, when taken as a whole, cause the buyer to not feel good about the home. Lastly, if a house has a more-than-minor mold problem, or high levels of Radon gas detected, that might cause the deal to fall through,” Scott Dana remarks.

SEALING THE DEAL

Once your home inspection has been completed, what next? If the home inspector’s report doesn’t note any serious problems, you’re well on your way to moving into your dream home! If the report lists a number of issues and areas of concern, you still have a few options. Firstly, you can ask the seller to make repairs. A motivated seller may be eager to appease a willing buyer and work to remedy areas of concern noted in the inspection report. Secondly, you can negotiate. “[Buyers] can get estimates of repairs and place a bid on the property taking into consideration those potential costs,” says Scott Dana. Lastly, if the inspection report lists a large number if issues, you can continue your home search and find a property that will require less maintenance and attention.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Real Estate Investment Strategies to Accumulate Cash

2008-08-14T02:48:00.003-07:00

Plenty of fancy words have been written about real estate investment strategies. But I want to cut to the chase in this article. No matter how fancy the language is, investment strategies boil down to two objectives:

Buying real estate to accumulate cash.

Buying real estate to build equity and wealth.

Which strategy to choose depends entirely on you—your needs, your personality, and so forth. Frankly, either choice is fine as long as you choose one early in your career, commit to it over the long term and do everything you legally can to make it successful.

In this article, I'll look at the cash accumulation strategies and the pros and cons of each. I'll treat the build equity and wealth strategy in another article.

The Cash Accumulation Strategy - Let's assume you're relatively new to the real estate market and need methods for pursuing a cash accumulation strategy. Below are several methods you can try:

Bird Dogging - In simple terms, you find good properties for investors and charge them a finder's fee for doing so. This is strictly a cash strategy.

Advantages: It doesn't require any cash on your part or previous knowledge. It's also the fastest way to earn cash. In addition, it's a great way to "learn the ropes" of the local real estate market.

Disadvantages: The money you earn per transaction is the least in the market. It also takes considerable time and effort to locate suitable properties.

Flipping - Flipping is the art of buying a property, waiting for the right moment, and then selling it for a quick profit. In basic terms, you're get control of the property with a binding purchase contract. Essentially, it's a speculative strategy; that is, you're gambling that the market value will rise to the point where you can make a fast profit before you close on the deal. This strategy is most effective in areas where the demand for housing is so high that there's a limited supply, causing prices to rapidly rise.

Advantages: With this method, you'll get negotiation leverage and good profit potential. You can put little money down and get great gains. Also, it can be a good life if you enjoy an entrepreneurial life style and a lot of freedom.

Disadvantages: Volume can be low, depending on market conditions so your income can fluctuate. Although flipping is entirely legal, it received bad press due to con artists making a quick buck by duping customers. So, you may need a very thick skin in terms of other people's opinions of you. A second disadvantage occurs when too many speculators get into the market. When that happens, prices drop quickly, and you end up stuck with the property and no immediate profit. A third possible downside is that interest rates can rise, thus dampening the demand for housing. A final disadvantage is hidden property problems. If you don't pursue careful due diligence, you can end up with expensive repair costs that eat up your profits or even cause a loss.

Buy and Sell As-Is - This method is simple: buy a property, leave it as-is, and then put it back on the market but at a higher price.

Advantage: When done right, you'll find that the profit margin is even higher than with the flipping method.

Disadvantages: This method takes time and, due to that fact, volume may be low.

Buy, Improve, Sell - With this method, you purchase a property, make cost-effective improvements, and then sell it at a higher price.

Advantage: Margins are even better with this "rehabbing" method than with the previous methods.

Disadvantages: With this methodComputer Technology Articles, you have a much bigger investment of time and money than the previous methods.

Key Point: Choose the strategy that best suits your situation and your personalit

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

New! The First Do-It-Yourself, Predatory - Lending - Proof Internet Mortgage

2008-08-14T02:48:00.001-07:00

Remember when the only way to buy stocks was through a full-service broker? Even if you already knew which stocks and how many shares you would want to buy, you would still need to pay the broker's hefty commission fee. You may not have needed or even wanted his or her advice, but you had no choice but to pay the full fare anyway.

The Internet changed all of that. You can now do your own investing without having to worry which particular stock the broker is attempting to push that day. He or she may have had little regard for you and your needs, but primarily had the need to fatten his or her own wallet.

An area of investing that could be made far more efficient is mortgage lending.

Everyday in America, thousands of consumers are victims of mortgage loan officer schemes that ultimately cost the borrower thousands of dollars more than they originally were led to believe. This is so common, that “predatory lending” and its impact is a growing concern among consumer interest groups and government regulators.

Wouldn't it be nice if, like in the ability to purchase your own stocks, you could do your own research and choose your own loan without having to worry about the needs of a greedy, self-serving loan officer (many of whom have been written up, after the fact, in the press)? Their extreme practices have even led some trusting consumers into foreclosure.

Thanks to a mortgage company in Chicago, the Internet and technology, you now have the ability to go online and within about 15 minutes receive a loan approval for their client without having to go through the traditional mortgage process. The system is so sophisticated that it is predatory lending proof. The computer does not have the ability to charge a consumer more because it thinks the borrower does not know any better. It simply evaluates the client and gives him or her the right program at the right price, saving the consumer’s money and time.

Jonathan Cosie, CEO and founder of MortgageTrends & RealEstatePro News, has endorsed this technology as a 2006 Top Industry Technology pick stating that “This is the first, true self-serve online mortgage solution we have ever seen. Other online lenders state that you can do a mortgage online, but the reality is that you either give them information that they sell as a lead to loan officers or they have a loan officer call you. Both of those scenarios often lead to added costs and frustration to the consumer. Our team is very, very impressed with this concept.”

Once your information has been entered, a loan manager works with you to complete the loan package in a low pressure environment. After the financial information has been evaluated, you simply selects the type and term of loan that they are interested in and the system then immediately begins the underwriting process. You can view all actual (not estimated) closing costs for each loan match presented. This leaves little margin for error and no opportunity for predatory lending practices. Once a loan is selected, the loan manager gets the client to closing on time, with no “packing” of fees. No games and no gimmicks.

In the same way that Amazon.com has changed the way consumers buy books, this mortgage company in Chicago will soon change the way that borrowers buy mortgages, forever.

Experienced mortgage broker, creator of one of the most informative home-buying educational seminars in America and author of Kickback: Confessions of a Mortgage Salesman, one of the best-selling mortgage books on Amazon.com, Ted Janusz educates first-time home buyers and seasoned real estate professionals on the Top 10 Mistakes people make when obtaining a mortgage. For more information, please visit his website at http://www.januspresentations.com/. You may also email Ted at tjanusz@gmail.com.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Kit Homes - Owner Builder

2008-08-14T02:47:00.002-07:00

Becoming an owner builder is a great way to save thousands of dollars on your new home. In most cases it is simply a matter of doing a short course (usually one weekend) and then paying a fee for the owner builder's license. This does vary from state to state. Below is a summary of the different procedures and fees for the different states of Australia.

Queensland (QLD)
This is one of the easiest states to acquire an owner builder's permit. This permit is required when performing building work on your own property where this work if performed by a qualified builder would amount to more than $11,000. You are only allowed to apply for a permit once every six years. You are required to complete an owner builder's course run by a BSA recognized course provider. Visit the BSA's website www.bsa.qld.gov.au for a list of course providers. An application fee for an owner builder's permit at time of writing is $294.00.

Western Australia (WA)
To acquire a owner builders permit for most areas of Western Australia you are required to complete a statutory declaration and pay a fee of $110 to the BRB (Builders Registration Board). An owner builder's permit is required where the value of the building works is over $12,000. The owner builder is permitted to build once every six years and is able to sell their owner built home after 3 years but is required to take out Home Indemnity Insurance to cover future owners. For more information visit www.brb.org.au.

Similarly, procedures & fees vary for New South Wales (NSW) & Victoria (VIC).

Finally, in a nutshell, here are the steps to follow, for building your own dream kit home:

• Contour survey from a registered Surveyor
• House will be designed the house to suit you needs
• Soil test, engineers report and perculation test if required
• You will get financial help
• Submission to council for approval
• Set out posts or slab by surveyor
• Position posts or pour slab (if slab have plumber prepare the pipes to be set inside the slab)
• Construct all frame work, mid floor systems and trusses
• Attach fascias, gutters, roof insulation and roof sheeting
• Install external doors and windows
• Apply cladding eg. Bricks, Hardi plank, Colourbond, poly Cladding
• Have plumber and electrician prepare for all necessary pipes and wires into the walls
• Apply plaster board to all internal walls and ceilings
• Install all internal doors and robes
• Fix architraves and skirting boards as required
• Paint the house
• Install kitchen and bathrooms
• Lay floor coverings
• Final touch ups
• MOVE IN

Find more information on kit homes & owner builder courses at http://www.kithomes.net.au

This article is copyrighted, all rights reserved, and it may be used only if kept entirely intact with the author's name and URL.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Capri_Nits

The Three Step System for Real Estate Investors in the United States

2008-08-14T02:47:00.001-07:00

And has outperformed just about every other form of investing over the longer term. What this has meant though is that the area has become increasingly competitive for would be real estate investors in the United States, and so it is increasingly important to be fully informed of the latest legislation, tax considerations and real estate investment strategies BEFORE dipping your toes in the water.

Here is the Better-News.info Three Step Real Estate Investors System to ensure that you are around for the long haul:

1/ Be ready to work with Real Estate Agents - Agents can either be some of your best friends, or your worst nightmare in the real estate game. You need to create relationships with them so that they call you first when a good new property comes on the market. They need to know that you are serious, and that you will actually follow through if they find you a property that appears to fit the profile you have described to them. This profile needs to be in terms of several different factors:

Price - The price has to be right for the type of property, the condition and the area.

Type - The agent needs to know if you are only interested in flats, six bedroom houses or commercial property. Be very clear with them about what you are seeking.

Area - The property can be just the right type. A great price, and in great condition. But if its in the wrong area, forget it! So make sure that your agent knows whereabouts you are seeking to buy property, so that you neither waste his time or yours in looking at real estate that you will never be interested in.

Condition - Are you willing to take on re-developments? Or are you only interested in new builds? Make sure that your real estate agent knows.

2/ Bank Owned Properties (also known as Real Estate Property or REO) – Banks take back ownership of properties because the owner failed to make their mortgage payments. And this can be a real goldmine if you tap into it correctly. Make contact with all the banks in your area and get on their books to be informed when they have any re-possessions that need to be sold quickly, and hopefully for a very reasonable price.

3/ Door to Door Marketing - Door knocking is a lead generation, qualification, and development tool used by real estate investors for years to gather information, build rapportComputer Technology Articles, and negotiate with the seller. Fortunately it is also a technique that you can use. Get some cards printed up and leaflet an area you want to invest in with them asking for people to contact you directly. You may be surprised at how many responses you get.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

Inspections on New Construction - New Homes Are Not Perfect

2008-08-14T02:46:00.003-07:00

It is a common belief that new homes are fault free. The truth is that all types of new construction should have third party inspections performed to ensure that your home is being built with quality standards.

Most major cities in the United States enforce a required number of inspections at different stages of the process. Many builders of residential real estate will cite these inspections as being the reason why inspections aren't necessary.

Time and time again, regardless of the number of city inspections, real estate consumers purchasing new construction commonly find problems after moving into their homes within 5 years. Many times, these problems can be attributed to a defect during the build process of their home. Unfortunately, consumers are forced to rely on the warranties provided by their builder. This home warranty process has been known to be time consuming and stressful.

What can you do when buying a new construction home? Get your own inspection. Inspections can be performed in two key areas during the construction of your home; pre-drywall and final walkthrough.

Pre-Drywall Inspection
Before the drywall has been installed in your home, ask your sales counselor or real estate agent about performing an inspection. At this stage of your construction, main load bearing studs, wiring, and plumbing can be easily seen by an inspector. Builder sales counselors will usually recommend that you perform your inspection prior to your pre-drywall walkthrough so that all items found on your inspection report can be addressed with your builder's superintendent (the person managing the build out of your home).

Pre-Walkthrough Inspection
If you performed a pre-drywall inspection, this follow up visit by your inspector will simply be an assurance that all items requiring repair were repaired or replaced. This inspection will also verify that appliances, fixtures, and building code violations are reported and given to you to provide to your builder.

Many new construction builders of residential properties will not bring up your options to an outside inspection for your new home. Performing one, however, is highly recommend and can offer a significant piece of mind to you and your family well into the future.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Why Sarasota Real Estate Is Sought After

2008-08-14T02:46:00.001-07:00

There are a lot of other possible ventures out there which you can invest in, others usually end up being very unsuccessful due to a poor investment. However, the prime real estate properties in Sarasota, Florida are deemed to be a sound investment since the gains that you can get from the risk that you are taking are great, especially with all the things that you get along with the property.

The real estate in Sarasota, Florida, are situated in a way that it overlooks the bay area of the Gulf of Florida. This puts the different real estate properties in the middle of different white sandy beaches, one of the main reasons why real estate in Sarasota, Florida are very well sought after. The real estate spectrum of Sarasota is very broad as it includes different real estates such as condos, coastal real estates, even homes that are located further inland. This creates an array of real estate diversity which offers you the best opportunity to choose which type of real estate property you would like to invest in.

One of the main attractions that make Sarasota real estate so appealing to a lot of investors is that it is accessible to a lot of its pristine beaches that surrounds the coast, including those that are situated on the several barrier islands, which is also known as the keys. These beaches are known to draw crowds and vacationers from different parts of the globe to the Gulf coast, which is why Sarasota real estate is so appealing to a lot of its residents. These beaches offer a lot of activities that the people who are living in Sarasota or just vacationing can do.

Investing in Sarasota real estate is very rewarding since you are getting a whole lot than what you are actually paying for. The accessibility to the numerous pristine beaches, including the diversity in culture and property, gives you more than just what your property can offer you.

This is what actually makes Sarasota real estate so in demand in the real estate market nowadays, which is why it is deemed to be one of the property hot spots in Florida. One of the major reasons for this is that the people who invest in Sarasota real estate are able to increase the quality and value of their property through time.

Another thing that makes Sarasota real estate so sought after is the different business and investment opportunities that this type of property offers to its investors. People can create their property into a profit-making entity, which allows people to benefit more from their purchased property instead of just putting up a house for them to live in. And with the increasing amount of investors in the different Sarasota real estate propertiesArticle Search, you can be sure that there will be a lot of different business and investment opportunities for other people wherein they can take advantage of their real estate properties into earning them profits.

Vanessa Arellano Doctor http://siestakeyrealestate.com

Real Estate Investing Article: Real Estate Investing Key To Wealth

2008-08-14T02:45:00.002-07:00

"98% of the millionaires in this country make their fortunes through Real Estate Investing".

These words inspire millions to get involved in real estate investing, yet lack that special 'secret ingredient' - the one thing that explains HOW to make those millions in real estate investing...

This real estate investing article holds the key to how you will make fortunes in real estate investing, or simply continue to struggle aimlessly...

The key to real estate investing riches is not in the latest technique, method or system. The key to real estate investing is in patience and research, monitoring the marketplace for a special 'event'...

Something 'big' in the marketplace that triggers rapid growth in the real estate investing market.

Such big indicators as; - new major employment moving into the area - a new factory (manufacturing) - sales center (like a large outlet mall) - entertainment (like a casino)

All trigger worthy examination as 'events' in real estate investing.

Other events that affect your real estate investing include sporting arenas, theme parks, even a new airport on the 'outskirts' of town...

All merit further investigation because they trigger fluctuation in the real estate investing marketplace.

When such events occur, there is a sudden rise in the demand for affordable housing in the area, rapidly affecting the real estate investing market.

Not only will the workers at the 'event' location need homes, there is also a need for housing from others - 'customers' that simply want to be near this new location.

Also, these workers will need support for their needs; car dealers, grocery stores, gas stations, clothing stores, etc.

As the 'support' base grows for this 'event', the need for additional housing grows as well.

You see, the 'support base' also needs support - from food stores to shopping centers to car dealers and utility companies - the whole thing just grows and grows!

By now you understand that such 'events' hold extreme value in the real estate investing cycle.

In fact, following such 'events' is the primary key to the number of millionaires that have made their fortunes through real estate investing.

When you monitor these events and take advantage of them early, you grow your wealth very quickly.

This is the simplePsychology Articles, secret key to real estate investing wealth.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

U-Values the Lower You Go the More You Will Save

2008-08-14T02:45:00.001-07:00

What is a U-Value?

A U-Value is a measurement of heat loss from the fabric of a building. Each element of a building is assigned a U-value which is a calculation based on that materials ability to transfer heat.

The lower the assigned U-Value the better that material is able to resist the passage of heat energy. This is why we assign U-values to our properties. This value allows us to design efficiently and with an eye on future heat loss.

How do I read the U-Value?

A U-Value is expressed a W/m2K. That is, as a Watt per metre squared Kelvin. More commonly you would hear it expressed as a U-value of 0.21. The figure of 0.21 is expressing the amount of heat loss from a metre squared of the nominated material in Kelvin. The lower this figure is the less heat is lost.

Most walls can be insulated to figures as low as 0.15 and in some passive house designs even lower than that. Building control regulations are changing so quickly in this area that is imperative that you talk to your SAP expert or to building control to get an up to date list of materials and their U-Values. This will help when you are choosing a construction method.

While brick and block methods are struggling to catch up with the building regulations the timber frame industry is well ahead in terms of the high levels of insulation values it can achieve. It is relatively easy to achieve a good U-value from using timber frame.

Remember with a U-Value the lower you go the more you save.

Ed Gordon is a Timber Frame specialist with a keen interest in Energy Efficiency and reducing the construction Carbon Footprint.

For more information go to http://www.gts-timber-frame.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Gordon

Buiding A New House - Can My Home Change My Life

2008-08-14T02:44:00.000-07:00

If you are going to build a new house then we have some very important instructions for you. Building a new house is a dream for everyone. When we make it, it brings us happiness, joy and lots of compliments too.

Some people believe that it brings a good luck too. May be you do not believe it but in some countries like India, these people used to believed that your life is very much influenced by the way you make your house.

In ancient India, people used to follow a literature that was called ‘Vastu Shastra’. This literature describes how directions are important while making your dream house. If a house is designed properly, it will surely bring good luck for you and a badly designed home can cast bad vibration on you.

In China also people used to follow certain literature to describe house architecture. However, it is not scientifically proven but there are a lot of incidents when people have to believe that the architecture of a house is very important and influences our life.

Here are a few guidelines about the shape of the house you are going to build. The rule is that the shape of the house should a proper shape. It must not be uneven or zigzag type. Even if you did not pay heed to this thing when you bought the area, the best way is to consult an architect and ask him to give it a proper shape.

The next thing you can pay heed to is which direction your main gate will face. The houses that face to east direction are said to be the best. We recommend you to study more about this Indian literature before you are making your house.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Home Construction - Is My Bathroom At The Right Place

2008-08-14T02:40:00.004-07:00

If you are going to build a house now, we have a lot of things to tell you. We, however, do not claim that whatever we are telling has a certain scientific explanation for it.

In India, this science of making house according to the directions is called ‘Vaastu Shastra’. It is believed that, if you construct your house as per its rules, you will observe the happiness in your home.

This rulebook says that your day to day life problems can be related to your bad house design. So it’s better if you go for a design as per the guidelines given in this book.

According to 'Vaastu', the universe is made of five elements known as Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. The orientation of a building is related to the nine planets as described in astrology. So, proper orientation will lead us to a happy life. Wrong orientation can, however, lead us to even disaster.

We need to understand the eight directions as described in books, that are east, west, north, south and four directions in between. Northeast, northwest, southeast and southwest are considered to be the house of water, air, fire and earth respectively.

So now it is clear that a bathroom should be in a north east direction. If it is situated in a wrong direction like southeast, it is likely to give bad results.

To know more about ‘Vaastu’, do a little research. You can even hire a ‘Vaastu specialist’ to advise you now a days. These specialists are very popular in India today.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Septic Tanks, Cesspools and Reed Beds - Whats the Difference?

2008-08-14T02:40:00.003-07:00

There are three main ways for a self-builder to get rid of his foul drainage when they don't have access to a main line drainage system.

The first and most common is the Septic tank. This is probably the most economic method of foul waste disposal. A soil porosity test will determine if you have adequate land area and if your soil has enough porosity to allow for a soak away. If this turns out to be the case then you are on to a flyer.

Septic tanks operate by means of baffles that reduce agitation of the waste product thus allowing treatment to take place. This partially treated product is then removed to a soak away where it is then released into the soil where it is further treated by natural process. Alternatively if you have a "consent to discharge" from the dept of the environment then you can discharge your effluent to a land drain or waterway.

An older version of the Septic tank is the Cesspool. As its name implies a cesspool is simple a collection tank where all the waste is gathered into one "pool" of material. A cesspool can be found in older rural homes. They require emptying on a regular basis, unlike a septic tank, which needs to be cleaned only once a year.

A third option is the use of reed beds. It is a more environmentally friendly way of dealing with your effluent. The rule of thumb is that you require 1m2 of reed bed for each person living in the house. The reed beds are a living soak away that clean the effluent by means of an aerobic bacterial process that produces a water clean enough to be used in toilets, and for watering of plants, garden areas etc.

The cost for all these systems is comparable, but the real cost lies in the long-term management of your waste. In this the only real long-term solution is the use of reed beds or Septic tanks.

Septic tanks do not require any real hands on maintenance except of course unless they break down. Which they can and often do. Reed beds do not break down as often as septic tanks do but they do require maintenance, which can put some people off using them.

Cesspools while a cheaper alternative in the beginning, incur running costs by way of having to hire a company to take away the effluent on a regular basis.

The choice of which system to use can only be decided by you the client.

Ed Gordon is a Timber Frame specialist with a keen interest in Energy Efficiency and reducing the construction Carbon Footprint. For more information go to http://www.gts-timber-frame.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Gordon

Buiding Homes - Why Choose Las Vegas

2008-08-14T02:40:00.001-07:00

If you are planning to build a home, Las Vegas can be a very good option for you. This place s full of happening and it offers everyone a choice of living a lifestyle of one’s own.

This city is a attraction for tourists also. This city will provide you nonstop excitement and unforgettable recreation.

It is an ideal place for those who want to enjoy their life nearer to nature and for those who want a lot of happenings in their life as well. So this city has so much to offer.

If you are a sports freak, be happy because Las Vegas is full of green and beautiful golf courses. This city has a lot of professional golf clubs that have a lot of things to offer you.

Las Vegas serves those too who want to relax here. The city is full of very good and international quality hotels. Anyone can enjoy the peace and hospitality in the hotels.

For people who like to undergo thrilling experiences, Las Vegas has two roller coasters. These roller coasters are situated on the top of the stratosphere hotel, approximately nine hundred feet above in the air.

So, Las Vegas is a very good and happening place and has a lot of things to offer you. Living in Las Vegas will surely make you feel good. If you are really interested to build a house in Las Vegas, do a little research on internet.

Internet has a lot of information to feed your need. You can at least have an idea about how much it will cost you to get you a house in Las Vegas, And then you can make a choice easily.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

A Review of Chapel Hill North Carolina Real Estate

2008-08-14T02:36:00.000-07:00

Talking about being at home, many people believe that their home is the place they are born in. Actually, this place is the home of their parents. Whether you are grown up in California, or Ohio, or Southern Texas is by no means making these places your home. As the proverb goes, your home is where your hearts is. So, you first have to discover where your heart has been buried. The best way to do that, as well as the most pleasant one, is by travelling. You should see many places, and cross different spaces, to discover where your dream of good living is. Travelling means seeing things for yourself, not relying on someone elses opinion: so, it is par excellance a means to discover yourself.

My personal experience showed me Chapel Hill, North Carolina as being the place I would call home, sweet home. So, I was fast at releasing my life long heart-ache by quickly buying Chapel Hill, North Carolina real estate and building a house there.

If you feel that you belong to that place too, make it faster. Chapel Hill North Carolina is renowned for its attractiveness as real estate treasure. Many people decide to settle there, partly because of the beauty of the town, partly because of the lack of crime and the wonderful scenery. Whatever your reasons, be aware that real estate property is really searched for in that place. If you want to buy a place nearer to the center, be prepared to give a large amount of money. Even with your bank account thinner that expected, you should remember: Chapel Hill North Carolina is worth any given cent.

Chapel Hill is a college town with UNC campus, which makes it even more attractive. Michael Jordan started his glorious career there. The city is famous for its beauty. No other place can be more proud of its beautiful architecture, wonderful surroundings, and breath-taking quietness and serenity. You can be absolutely sure of your property if you settle in Chapel Hill: the percent of crime there reaches zero.

If you are interested in Chapel Hill North Carolina real estate, or possibly acquiring a home in this area in the near futureScience Articles, youd better search through the net. You can find a lot of vital information about prices and houses there. Internet can offer you an insight into all the valuable real estate on sale at the moment. There should be a variety of Chapel Hill North Carolina real estate within your budget confines.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

Wood Blinds Keep Your Window View and Help Cut Light

2008-08-14T02:35:00.000-07:00

Congratulations! You have just bought your new high-rise condo or co-op. You have a premium view of the bay. The city lights are gorgeous and remind you of the bustling life out there. You love the view of the golf course. But, you really are having trouble sleeping. You do not want to have the neighbors in the next building snooping with their high powered telescopes. Now what?

This situation is common for an increasing amount of homeowners, so do not feel alone. It is fortunate, however, that there are many great solutions to this problem of privacy, darkness, and view protection. In this article, we will focus on the use of wood blinds to solve this important problem. Wood blinds are increasingly popular and vastly more affordable than in the past. What once may have cost tens of thousands of dollars can be as low as a few hundred or a few thousand dollars. So, with this in mind, we can consider how to properly use them to beautify your spaces and to keep your view available and a point of pride.

Wood blinds are lovely stacks of painted or stained wood, finished in high quality factories which only make wood for wood blinds. The need for this specialty is to ensure even finishes, and to make sure that the wood itself is properly cured and ready to make into a great wood blind. Care is taken to ensure that the wood is bug-free, and warp resistant. However, wood blinds are susceptible to the elements, so they may distort or warp in your windows once installed and exposed to the elements.

When manufactured into a wood blind, the wood is selected by color and assorted to be made in the final assembly. The final product will show variation in the finished products, and allow a consumer to enjoy the great range of colors in the wood blind.

Once installed in your window, wood blinds can complement the décor in your rooms by using either a fine white color, or truly show the qualities of real wood in the wood blind by using a stain.

When it comes to using a wood blind to protect your view and to give you privacy, the greatest issue to consider is where to mount the wood blind. Wood blinds can be mounted inside the window frame filling the window space, outside the entire window, or even in inside the window, but not covering the top or the bottom of the window. The best choice for an installation of a wood blind will vary depending on the specifics of the window and the desires of the designer. Consider that all can be dramatic in changing the look of the room, but a wood blind properly placed will really meet your needs.

When you have a large window, from top to bottom, you may wish to consider a jamb mount for your wood blinds. A jamb mount does not install outside the window or at the top of the window frame. Rather, this type of “café mount” sets your blinds a bit down in the window. If you only need to cover the bottom half of the window, then you might only want to do that. Just remember that when you do that, the entire blind will be in the window all the time. Separately, you may wish to cover only the top part of the window with the blind, which you can do be ordering the wood blinds a little (or a lot) shorter.

Wood blinds create what the industry calls a large stack. This is a direct result of the collection of the thick slats as they gather with the headrail system in the top of a window. The slats need to be thick in order to ensure that the quality is there in a wood blind, so thinner material will lack this quality. This large stack can block a great view, or hide a good looking window. However, if a window has space above it, a wood blind can be installed higher above the window in an outside mount. An outside mounted wood blind will need to include the extra space to be cover the bottom of the window, so remember to install as high as you want, but add that distance to the height of the wood blind.

Properly measured and installed wood blinds can be lovely and can allow a designed space to beautifully provide privacy and darkness when desired. Proper selection of wood blinds colors as well as an appropriate installation can lead to a more dramatic and more successful appearance for windows, and wood blinds provide a classy and modern look that is second to none.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Wood Blinds and Household Safety

2008-08-14T02:34:00.002-07:00

It has come to light recently that window treatments may not be as safe as once thought. In the United States of America, the Consumer Product Safety Council, has identified several possible risks associated with window blinds. These are sometimes called hidden dangers or hidden risks. Fortunately, the known dangers can be corrected, both on new wood blinds, as well as on existing wood blinds. Most of the risks associated here are with cord loops getting tangled around children’s necks, and we will address these risks and others, and show how to make safer wood blinds.

The first, and most commonly known danger for wood blinds, is a danger related to the cords which dangle in front of the wood blinds. These cords can become a dangerous loop, which can become a hanging point for young children. We all know that children play with these types of things, so the first point of safety is to discourage this playing with the wood blinds’ cords. The next thing is to ensure that the cords are not connected to each other in a window blind. Wood blinds manufactured these days should comply with the Consumer Product Safety Council rules, which state that there cannot be multiple cords connected to a single tassel. Basically, each cord must have its own tassel on a wood blind. It will make your blinds dangerous if you connect the cords, tie them in knots, or allow them to become entangled. Keep wood blinds cords separate.

The next danger for wood blinds is a bit more hidden. This one is what is called interior cords. These interior cords are the ones that pass inside the blinds- from slat to slat to the bottom of the wood blind. The cords, in older wood blinds, can be pulled out to form a large enough loop that the head of a child can become entangled in them. This risk has been a potential risk, as there may not yet be any confirmed injuries from this issue. However, one can secure wood blinds by using a retrofit kit which will prevent this “reverse motion” of the wood blinds cords to create this loop. While these pieces which attach to the cords may not make the wood blinds look beautiful, they do make safer wood blinds.

Another risk for concern is the quality and composition of the paints used in wood blinds. It used to be that paints for nearly all products had lead content. This lead helped paints adhere, or stick, better to the products underneath. These lead paints were used on house walls, toys, and even in window treatments. Recently manufactured wood blinds, however, will not use this lead-based paint. While the paints may appear a bit different from the older styles, the new methods have been able to ensure long life, but more than that, removing lead from wood blinds has made them into safer products all around. It is advisable that if your home has older painted walls, you should have this situation addressed, either by hiring a specialty contractor, or by painting the walls with the newer style paints. With wood blinds, however, the solution is far easier to correct. Simply replace the wood blinds. If your blinds are old enough to have lead, then it is surely time to update to the modern styles

A danger not often discussed is that of the wood blinds and improper installation. A blind must be installed firmly into a solid back in order to ensure that it does not detach or fall. Often blinds installers will rush and only insert a single screw, when at least two are required. Sometimes installer will not check the strength of a screw placement, and they will not realize that the screws are not properly locked into the walls. Check the installation of your wood blinds by verifying how many screws are there, and ensuring that they are all firm and tightly placed. This can prevent a blind from falling hard onto the person sitting underneath when the cords are pulled.

The blinds sold today are substantially safer than those of the past. Wood blinds can have safer cords, and can be installed more securely, but it is always going to be the responsibility of the homeowner to make a regular safety check in the home. When the check gets to the wood blinds, homeowners should check that the cords are not looped, that they are not knotted, and that the blinds are still firmly in place, and not pulling out of the wall.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

The Rise of Real Estate Infomercials

2008-08-14T02:34:00.001-07:00

First the information that they purported to have, the secrets that only they knew but would sell to you for some small or not so small sum of money, were fairly common knowledge easily gleaned at a local library or available for free from the government. Second, the “testimonials” from other, satisfied clients of the “plan” turned out to have been paid actors reading from a script and playing a role designed by the infomercial producers. And finally, some of them are using every advertising trick in the book to cover up the fact that they are outright lying.

The most famous example of real estate infomercials that turned out to be total frauds was a very successful program, that, to this day, many viewers remember seeing. It stars a small, Vietnamese immigrant named Tom Vu who pitches his real estate magical formula from his mansion, his yacht or one of his many expensive cars while surrounded constantly with bikini clad swimsuit models. What was Tom Vu selling? A seminar where he would reveal how he, a dirt poor immigrant, made a fortune in real estate and how you could copy his formula and get wealthy yourself by buying the information. What was he really selling?

Tom Vu sold the bodies of those gorgeous swimsuit models. Most people sat transfixed, watching this opulent display of wealth and flesh, hearing very little of what was actually being said and instantly got hooked. Before they knew it they were calling and signing up for old Tom’s seminar not because they were so taken with him and what he was saying, but because somehow he made them believe that they could be surrounded with beautiful women, just like Tom. If that little, funny looking guy could do it, then so can I! Somehow, this worked. Tom has had some legal problems over this venture and the only secret he had to sell was the secret of making infomercials that mesmerized an audience into calling and spending some money without ever really knowing why. This was early on in the growth of the industry when there was little accountability, but even so, Tom Vu was the model for almost all of the real estate infomercials that followed through the years.

Nowadays, real estate infomercials have learned how to use some of the fantastically successful Tom Vu techniques and avoid the legal problems. They do deliver a product - a book, a guide, a history of profitable real estate transactions that could be followed and could be profitable. You’ve all seen the young, good looking guy talking about the fortune he has made buying houses for no money down, fixing them up and then selling them for a profit. Have you noticed he’s sitting poolside in Hawaii talking with one of his clientsHealth Fitness Articles, a beautiful woman in a skimpy bathing suit? Tom Vu technique. Or the guy telling you how he’s bought nothing but foreclosures and turned them over quickly for a healthy profit? He’ll sell you a detailed guide of how he does what he does and a list of where to find foreclosures that you can get for free from the government just by making a few toll free phone calls. Is it worth it? You decide.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

Insulate Your Ground Floor Properly - A Few Points to Know and Understand

2008-08-14T02:33:00.001-07:00

There are several different types of ground floor:

1. Solid Concrete ground supported floor.

2. Suspended Concrete Slab floor.

3. Suspended Timber Joist floor

Each method uses a different type of construction material but each method has one thing in common. They all need to be insulated. The depth of insulation required depends on several things. The type of method used, the materials involved and the size and shape of the house.

A good rule of thumb is that the greater the perimeter length the greater the need to ensure a good depth of insulation. In a timber joist suspended floor you can use a flexible insulation roll such as rock wool. The depth to which you lay the roll will depend on both of the conditions stated above. The insulation is placed between the joists and suspended there by use of netting that supports the insulation.

Placing insulation to a depth of 300mm is normal but it is best to get some advice from a SAP ratings company who will be able to work out the best design for your needs.

In a solid or suspended floor where the insulation supports the concrete floor only rigid plastic boards that have a high compressive strength are suitable for use, Kingspan, Celotex and Springvale are a couple of market leaders in this area.

Options include but are not limited to polyurethane, foamed glass, expanded polystyrene and extruded polystyrene. The boards should be moisture resistant and if placed below the DPM (not a normal practice) should also be unaffected by ground contaminants.

Please note that while it is possible to place a floor screed over these boards and that these floors can be reinforced with steel bars, the insulation itself is not a structural material and they do not act as a structural material.

No matter, which floor detail you decide to use, you should aim to achieve a U-value of at least 0.15 W/m2K. This is a lower value than that required by the building regulations but in the interest of getting the best value from your home, you should aim at the best possible value that you can achieve rather than accepting the bare minimum.

One thing to remember is this: no matter which floor design you choose you will need to place a edging of insulation around the entire perimeter of your house. This edging needs to be at least 50mm thick to be effective and must extend from the bottom of the horizontal insulation to above the top of your floor. Once your floor has been finished you can trim it off as required.

The only exception to this is of course the suspended timber floor, which already has the insulation the depth of the floor.

Remember this is going to be your home. Make the best of it.

Ed Gordon is a Self-Build Consultant who specialises in timber frame and Energy Efficiency. His main aim to help you in reducing the construction Carbon Footprint of your new property while keeping your costs as low as possible. For more information go to http://www.gts-timber-frame.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Gordon

Window Coverings for Water Rooms, Plantation Shutters

2008-08-14T02:32:00.000-07:00

Saunas, indoor hot tubs, spas, whirl pools, outdoor pools, or blissful bathrooms – nobody can deny the our universal love affair with water based rooms and feature spaces for all the family to share. They are the ultimate in comfort, leisure and health. They truly reflect having “made it” and express real luxury. They are increasingly common in many new homes. However, as many realize, it isn't enough to have the feature itself. As in any room, the space designed around it serves both a practical purpose, and a décor purpose.

One of the most popular additions to these rooms and living areas is to add shutters, in particular, plantation style shutters. Faux wood plantation shutters provide complete privacy when it is desired, or diffused illumination with external privacy for internal views. They can also be completely open without any obstruction at all – moved out to the sides, or swung out into the rooms. Additionally, faux wood plantation shutters provide the added advantage that, whatever their open or closed state, they give an appearance that is second to none, truly making them a part of the house. No other blind, curtain or shutter can offer quite the style and colonial elegance which is the mark of faux wood plantation shutters. When it comes to an elegant finish, select faux plantation shutters.

But why faux wood plantation shutters – and not real wood shutters? When going for it, why not go all the way and get the real thing? Surely if the ultimate in elegance and style is to be introduced into the living areas, would plastic based shutters be inferior to wooden plantation shutters?

This could not be further from the truth. In all of the areas and spaces mentioned above, the one common factor is water. Any area which either houses a great deal of water, is prone to splashing or is subject to high levels of humidity will be amongst the worst places for any wooden or painted product, especially a wooden product which contains a number of small, fairly thin sections.

These sections of a shutter will quickly absorb moisture, causing then to expand, contract, stretch, warp and even crack or split. These issues will not only cause the appearance of the shutters to quickly deteriorate, causing either frequent repainting or repair, but can in some instances cause the sensitive woods to reshape so badly that the shutters no longer fit as well as they used to, perhaps they will not even fully close.

On the other hand, faux wood plantation shutters are constructed of PVC material which is built to be water resistant. No matter how much humidity they are exposed to, or how much splashing, faux wood plantation shutters will remain in the same condition, without any damage, warping or splitting. It is the waterproof nature of faux wood plantation shutters that make them an especially good choice for these areas. The entire fabric of the plantation shutters, from the slats to the mechanism, and the frame too, are all waterproof and guaranteed against splitting or cracking, and guaranteed to retain their original shape and fitting.

And in case you are wondering about the appearance, most people would be hard pushed to tell at a glance whether a shutter was made of real wood, or if it was a faux wood plantation shutter. Available in a wide range of wood styles and colors, faux wood plantation shutters are designed to conform with the style of your home, whatever style you have chosen. Clean, minimalist designs in crisp white, old cottage styles with teak effects or modern living spaces with bleach accents, all will find a faux wood plantation shutter to suit their style and colour.

These humid areas are also commonly ones where plantation shutters are more preferable to blinds or curtains because of the very quick and simple way in which they can be fully or partially opened or closed. Whilst relaxing in your spa, you may well wish to have them open, but when getting out and dressed, you will need to gain some level of privacy.

And, let's not forget, the budget. While standard wood plantation shutters may be a beautiful, elegant luxury suited to some spaces, they come with a sometimes surprisingly hefty price tag. Faux wood plantation shutters are pleasantly affordable, being a luxurious addition to a home without the luxurious price tag to go with them. Quality and a price which suits for a plantation shutter destined to add extreme glamour and style to your home, and practically priced as well? There is information on the internet where you can get more information on the waterproof quality of faux wood plantation shutters, or any other aspect of their build or quality, including fitting.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Real Estate: Prudential real estate

2008-08-14T02:28:00.000-07:00

Real estate investments are often termed as hot investments and if done right, they can really yield high returns and that too very quickly. Prudential is a popular name in the world of investments. Prudential financial companies are spread throughout the world and offer wide range of financial services including real estate services (which are also known as Prudential real estate services or just Prudential real estate brokerage services). Prudential real estate network is quite large.Prudential real estate services start with a tool for finding a home. Enabled by the vast Prudential real estate network, the Prudential real estate home finding service provides you with thousands of listings from various states in the US. This is one wonderful service that also provides you with the access for the multiple listing service in the area of your choice (you need to register for that on the website of Prudential real estate services; this registration is free). Using this service, you can even save homes in your portfolio (i.e. save the details of your choice of homes in your portfolio) and later comeback and view them. You can even request an online home tour. Besides this home finding Prudential real estate service, you can use another service called “Find a neighbourhood service”. Using this Prudential real estate service, you can determine not only the average costs of houses in a particular locality (and you can choose any locality by giving its zip code or postal address) but also things like schools in that area (with full details) and also other demographic, lifestyle details of the area. Prudential real estate goes even further with providing you with a service that automatically provides you updates for homes that match your profile. These updates are provided through email and are based on the profile that you provide to Prudential real estate at the time of registering on their website. Prudential real estate also provides you with guides and tips for buying and selling homes. These guides can help you in enhancing your understanding about real estate and hence aid you in decision making. Prudential real estate services also include relocation services, real estate investmentsComputer Technology Articles, commercial mortgages and commercial properties. You can even join the Prudential real estate network by becoming their franchisee. So Prudential provides the whole gamut of real estate services that you can utilize for your benefit.Various Prudential real estate services and the Prudential real estate network can be easily accessed through the Prudential real estate website. The URL for the Prudential real estate website is prudential.com

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

What Makes Miami Real Estate So In-Demand?

2008-08-14T02:27:00.000-07:00

One of the main attractions of Miami real estate, which is what makes the real estate property so appealing to a lot of its potential buyers, are its pristine beaches. The beaches here in Miami are considered as some of the best in the Gulf, which is why a lot of vacationers are drawn to come here. There are also several beaches in Miami that are known to hold major entertainment shows, as well as house several oceanfront hotels, nightclubs and restaurants.

Aside from the beaches that surround the city, Miami real estate is also sought after because of all the other things that come along with the properties once people have invested in them. One of the things that is very advantageous for people who have invested in the real estate in Miami, Florida is the different attractions and events that the city of Miami is known for. These events and attractions include several festivals and fairs, some of which are held along the beautiful beaches of Miami.

There are also a number of different attractions that Miami is able to provide to its residents which helps raise Miami’s real estate appeal. There are a number of different parks and zoos that are very conducive for family outings and activities. There are also a lot of museums in the city, and a few old and prominent landmarks, which includes the Cape Florida Lighthouse and the Hialeah Park, which is actually one of the oldest and most prominent horse racing tracks in Miami.

Investing in Miami real estate offers such a big gain that it makes a lot of potential buyers want to invest in it. However, investing in Miami real estate requires a whole lot more than just money if you want to make the most out of your investment. You will need a better understanding and comprehension of the Miami real estate market in order to be able to assess which is the best investment opportunity for you. You will also need to have a good plan of action and strategy to manage your investment so that you can continue to raise the quality and value of your real estate investment. Just make sure that you choose the type of investment that best fits your lifestyle, and the one that can best work for you.

Nonetheless, investing in Miami real estate is always a sound investment since you not only get the property that you are purchasing, but you also get the different investment and business opportunities available to you. You also get to enjoy the different lifestyles and cultures that Miami has to offerArticle Submission, which is why Miami real estate is so in-demand in the real estate market.

Vanessa Arellano Doctor http://miamirealestateinc.com

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

Increase Real Estate Property Value Through A "Change of Land Use"

2008-08-14T02:26:00.002-07:00

As investors, it's vital for us to make the "highest and best use" of our properties. In a global real estate sense, this phrase is defined as the use of a property that makes it the most valuable to a buyer or the market.

From the point of view of an individual investor, it means one single use will result in maximum profitability through the best and most efficient use of the property. So, it definitely pays you to understand the various ways in which to change land use to get that maximum profitability. In this article, I'll describe several methods for achieving this objective.

Method #1: Assemblage This refers to the combining of two or more adjoining lots into one larger tract to increase their total value ("plottage"). You can more efficiently develop the larger tract and increase its value through redevelopment. For example, you might buy several small tracts and combine them into one large lot in order to build a multi-unit apartment building or a commercial or industrial structure.

Method #2: Lot Splitting This is the opposite strategy of assemblage. You take a large tract of land and then divide it into several smaller tracts. The outcome is that you can receive a much larger income than you would if you kept the land as-is. One commonly used technique is to split a large tract into several tracts and put small multi-unit (1-4) residential properties on each. This way, you get more favorable financing as well as income.

Method #3: Conversion of Use This is simply taking the use of a property and converting it to another use. An example is buying an old storage facility, renovating it, and then converting it into office space. In an ideal situation, you get the original property at a low price and gain the rewards of long-term income and appreciation.

Method #4: Zoning This can be a very profitable strategy in areas where there are expanding populations. For example, assume your city is growing outward toward agricultural land, and you've identified this land as being in the path of progress. This means the land becomes less productive in real estate terms; that is, it now doesn't have its highest and best use. So, you buy the farm land and then get it zoned for residential, commercial or industrial use. Since it's in the path of progress, the land you purchased should grow in value, assuming you've done due diligence in the proper fashion.

Changing Land Use-The Negatives Sometimes, the biggest obstacle to changing land use is dealing with local government bodies (planning departments) and local communities. For example, you may run into communities where holding anti-development attitudes. If that's the case, you could have a costly legal battle on your hands when seeking to change land use. The solution is to do your upfront research on the local conditions and attitudes. Find out if the planning commission and the community are pro-development or anti-development, and then make a decision as to whether or not to proceed.

Another potential disadvantage can be your own lack of knowledge. Assume, for example, that you buy a piece of land in order to attract commercial businesses and later find out it's zoned strictly for residential use. The key is to do your research and do it carefully so you avoid this situation altogether.

In conclusion, when you're involved in real estate investment, the changing of land use can be a valuable tool for increasing property value and income. The solution is to take the temperature of planning commissions and communities in order to determine their attitudes toward development before you ever proceed with your plans. If the attitude is pro-development, then you'll have relatively smooth sailing. If it's anti-development, you'll have to decide if it's worth the time and expense to fight the battle that's likely to ensue. As alwaysFind Article, consider the situation in an objective manner.

Key Concept: Keep a keen eye out for changes in land use that can increase the value of your properties.

Jack Sternberg

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

Drainage Systems For Your New Home - Storm Or Foul - Whats the Difference?

2008-08-14T02:26:00.001-07:00

What is the difference between a Storm Drain and a Foul Drain?

Essentially the difference is this. A storm drain captures all the runoff water from your roof, from your street and garden and takes it away through pipes to either a main storm drain if you are in a town or city or to a land drain, river or lake if you are in a rural area.

A foul drain takes everything else, to a septic tank if you are living in a rural area or to a main foul drainage system if you are living in a town or city. Foul as the word implies includes everything from your bathroom, toilets, showers, kitchen sinks etc. i.e. all the foul substances that are the normal by-product of everyday living.

The general rule with drains both storm and foul is to keep it simple. Drains have a tendency to get blocked if there are too many bends, so the idea is to place as few bends as possible and to keep the fall somewhere in the region of 1-40. If you have to put a bend in the line then place an inspection chamber at the point where the bend occurs. This will allow you to rod the line easily should anything get blocked at a later date. Also you should place a manhole every 12 metres to conform to good practice.

Plastic pipes are now the most common type of drainage used although clay pipes can still be used. Plastic pipes must be completed covered in and bedded to a minimum of 100mm using 10mm pea gravel.

The general depth of plastic pipes ranges from 450mm in grassed areas to 900mm under drives or footpaths. You are required to place a 100mm cover of concrete to protect the pipes from damage when laid in these areas.

The good thing about plastic pipes is that because they are all push fit, lightweight and easy to lay, any self-builder can lay their own drainage system.

Ed Gordon is a Timber Frame specialist with a keen interest in Energy Efficiency and reducing the construction Carbon Footprint. For more information go to http://www.gts-timber-frame.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Gordon

How Caulks And Sealants Are Used In The Modern-Day Construction Industry

2008-08-14T02:25:00.001-07:00

A trip to your local home improvement store can be an overwhelming experience for the average person, especially if you're trying to figure out which caulks and sealants to use for your exterior home improvement project. Unlike the interior, the exterior faces high UV exposure, extreme temperatures and the requirement to stay 100% waterproof.

When you're dealing with silicone caulks, you have a non-paintable surface, with poor UV performance. Although water based and latex caulks have good paintability, they also have high shrinkage, poor elasticity and poor UV performance. Synthetic-rubber (polyurethane) sealants and tri-polymer sealants (silyl terminated polyether sealants) can do it all: paintable, great moisture sealing, no or low shrinkage, and very good UV resistance. Many are also pre-tinted in popular colors. These include the popular NP1 (polyurethane sealant), Sonolastic 150 VLM, and Novalink sealants.

All of these sealant and caulk materials are heavily advertised and marketed with super flashy packaging, labels and all kinds of fancy logos. If you're looking for a high performance caulk or high performance sealant, you can literally be confronted with hundreds of brands and companies that claim to have the best product for your needs. So what can you do, when you are bombarded with all kinds of choices?

Each brand of caulk generally has its own special and unique qualities. Although, it is in your best interest to read all of the labels and also follow the company specifications, for the use of the caulk and sealant, the very thing you want to know may not be found on the labels of the containers at all! Many of the best products are architectural / commercial grade and not generally available to the public.

Sealant was originated through the needs for exterior finishing in the home building industry. Caulk was originally a term that was used to describe the sealant material used to build boats. Many companies and manufacturers these days are using caulk as an all-purpose word to describe paintable interior grade products. Sealants by definition have at least /-25% elongation capability over a long-term period and are UV resistant. Advanced sealants are 100% solids and offer up to 100% elongation.

Most of the general public use caulk and sealant interchangeably to serve the same basic purpose, which is to fill gaps between building materials and to shield materials from air and water.

Although sealants and caulk work the same basic manner, they both also fail for the same basic reasons. There are three major types of caulk failures that you will encounter. These are substrate, cohesive, and adhesive. The bond that is put between the substrate and the caulk can actually fail, making the caulk tear and break down. Caulked joint problems are also very common and are usually due to the substrate not being effectively prepared or using the wrong product all together.

So, before you choose a certain kind of product, you want to really think about how you will be using it and for what purpose. You will also want to consider the area or location you are going to apply the caulk or sealant.

For example, if your intent is to seal the area around the base of a toilet, sink, bathtub or shower, it will be imperative that you purchase a product that both mildew-resistant and durable enough to survive scrubbing and chemical cleaning. If your intent is going to be to use sealant or caulk between wood clapboards and vinyl windows, then you'll need to purchase a product that is able to bond very well to both types of materials and is weather resistant.

You will also want to keep humidity, temperature and moisture in mind when you are shopping for caulk or sealant. Water-based caulks not recommended for outdoor projects, because these products do not withstand the hot-to-cold and cold-to-hot weather changes, as well as other harsh weather situations. If you are living in an area that is below 50F during the time you need to apply sealant, then you'll probably want to use a silicone sealant, instead of polyurethanes, because polyurethanes are very difficult to apply in chilly conditions.

Other Applications: For sealing skylights, glass domes, greenhouses and such, Sonolastic Clear 25 is a popular product. For Kynar or siliconized paint finished metal roofs, a special sealant formulated to seal to these surfaces is a must. Products such as Duralink are popular. For repair of swimming pool tile grout lines, polyurethane sealants are excellent. Products like Ultra provide a very durable seal, which can survive in areas where grouts fail quickly. Ultra is also used as a pickproof sealant in security applications.

To the delight of many, who prefer the do-it-yourself project, certain caulks and sealants can be color-matched to paints, tiles, grout, wallpaper and even carpeting. The beauty of these products is that they can be color-matched while they are still in the product tube. NP1 is also available in many popular pre-formulated colors. Any good home building products store will be able to help you color-match your caulk and sealant to your desired color. Once the caulk has cured, then it will precisely match the color you were seeking to acquire.

In summary, let's review your options again:

1. Water-based caulks are the easiest to work with. They have a smooth, thin and consistent flow, and they are easy to apply with almost any tool. These products cure quickly, have very little odor, and the clean up is easy with water.

2. Silicone caulks and sealants are good for interior or exterior areas, which will not be painted and are good for areas that will be exposed to extremely cold weather, certain metals, and glass. Silicone materials do not repair well (nothing wants to stick to cured silicone material, not even more silicone)

3. Synthetic rubber sealant is best used for areas with high movement and dissimilar materials. These materials can be painted and are designed for long-term exterior exposure. There is also less chance that the synthetic rubber bond will break during movement. Common applications are roof tile repairs, roof moldings, and roof to wall sealing, window frame sealants, and doorsill sealant.

4. Self Leveling Expansion Joint Sealant, such as SL1 and SL2, are used to fill and seal the expansion joint gaps in concrete and driveways.

5. Tri-Polyimer sealants, such as Sonolastic 150VLM are the next generation. Although somewhat more expensive, they offer superior exterior performance.

6. New Hybrid products are available that defy all classifications. Using these kinds of sealants can yield a lot of surprises, so be sure to read the instructions carefully. Some of these products tend to expand upon drying, so it is best to test them out in an inconspicuous location before actually using them on your project.

Print this article and take it with you when you are shopping for caulk and sealant. Review it and then follow any instructions on the containers of the products you buy. It is our hope that this quick tutorial will help provide some clarity on exactly what products you should buy for your home improvement or home construction project.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Vertical Blinds Cleaning Suggestions

2008-08-14T00:33:00.002-07:00

Vertical blinds provide both comfort and beauty to your office and home. They help block the rays of the sun and the damaging effects of and can add a sense of design and décor to your home or office. They can very greatly in styling and sizes, and create a lovely decorative feature for any room. Vertical blinds may be adapted to almost any style of window in any style of home.

For those of us that like a clean and orderly home, a regular house cleaning routine is needed. Everything needs a bit of a wipe to maintain that fresh, clean and crisp look of an ordered home and for good hygiene. Fewer things are more unsightly then a pile of dust that is inches high. This of course includes your vertical blinds. Vertical blinds typically do not catch or attract dust. This is because they are vertical surfaces. However, over time, with wind or ambient particles, dirt can build on their surfaces. However, blinds vary in their cleaning methods as much as they can vary in their style. In this article, we will look at the various types of vertical blinds and the best methods for keeping them clean. Without regular cleaning this silt can seriously build up.

One of the most well known styles of vertical blind uses the old fashioned aluminum slats. These are not the most decorative of vertical blinds, but they do the job well and are quite inexpensive. Another great advantage to these vertical blinds, famously used in offices, is the ease in which they can be cleaned. Nearly anything can be used on aluminum vertical blinds to get the dust off. The paint of the surface is smooth and usually just requires a damp dust cloth. You can also use a vacuum cleaner or duster as well. If water is used, make sure it is warm and not hot.

If your want to give your aluminum blinds an extra good cleaning, you can always take them down with care. Once you do this place them in a bathtub of warm soapy water. Then simply rinse and re-hang. You can let them dry in the open air. This process does not need to be repeated very often. Frequent dusting is one of the best cleaning methods. However, if you do dust, try to take care that you are not charging the blinds with static which will attract additional dust.

If you are ever in any doubt as to how to clean your particular type of window blind you can always contact the manufacturer. They will have the best and most up to date information on what to use and how often.

If you have wooden vertical blinds then some care needs to be taken. Wooden blinds should never be washed. Even though the wood blinds are sealed, water can work its way through. This can cause the slats to warp and become discolored. Resist the urge to clean them with water. Repeated washing will eventually ruin your wooden vertical blinds. Wooden vertical blinds are flat, so simply dusting them with a cloth, duster or vacuum cleaner should be sufficient.

If you have fabric vertical blinds then you probably find that very little cleaning is required at all. This is due to the fact that most of these vertical blinds are static proof. This helps to repel the dust away. However, some will eventually get through and stick. Usually a sweep with your vacuum cleaner is enough to keep these types of vertical blinds clean. If you feel that the blind requires a more thorough clean then wiping it with a damp cloth should do the trick.

If you have some tough stains on your fabric vertical blinds, the best thing to do is spot clean with a gentle detergent. Simply apply directly to the stain and gently scrub. Again, try to be extremely gentle. Make sure you use slightly warm or cool, not hot water. If you have the opaque or blackout blinds try to apply gentle pressure. These blinds have a tendency to crease. Cheap fabric vertical blinds should never be immersed in water for cleaning. They can loose their shape complexly or even fall apart. Nicer woven vertical blind fabric may be immersed in a gently cleaning solution then rinsed clean.

Your vertical blinds provide a great service to your home. They keep the lighting at the perfect level and add a sense of décor to our windows and rooms. Although they tend to require very little maintenance they do need some attention every now and then. Vertical blinds vary greatly in their cleaning needs, usually dependent on what they are made from, or their composition. Aluminum blinds tend to be very easy to clean while wooden and linen vertical blinds need a bit more care. For the best combination, choose a woven fabric vertical blind that will not get dirty, and that is more washable.

If you’re ever confused, you can always rely on the manufacturer. If you don’t think soap and water will do the trick then they are the best people to consult. Contact your supplier for detailed cleaning instructions.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Cavity Walls Versus Solid Walls - What Should You Build?

2008-08-14T00:33:00.001-07:00

In house construction there are only two design styles available, the Traditional Solid wall and the more modern Cavity wall construction.

The traditional solid wall was popular up until the 1920's where it was superseded by the cavity wall. The cavity wall was in it's turn used in unchanged form until the 1970's when it underwent a significant design change when insulation was added to the construction.

In the older traditional method the walls would be constructed in one single solid wall usually 500mm in thickness. This single wall would perform all the necessary duties of supporting the roof and upper floors, preventing water ingress into the living areas and keeping the inside of the property warm.

All too often while the traditional method had no difficulty in performing the first of these three tasks, the job of keeping moisture out and heat in was outside of the solid wall design parameter especially in the cheaper, smaller properties, where the workmanship was and remains very shoddy.

Older properties (with the exception of the larger more expensive properties that were normally very well constructed) often suffer from ground water penetration problems that result in damp walls or rotted timbers in floors or roof spaces and while in the summer the thick walls offered a cool and inviting interior, in the winter months the lack of insulation in the exterior walls resulted in a drafty and very cold living space, which was costly to keep heated.

As a direct result of these problems the cavity wall was born. The advantages of using cavity wall construction are many. Firstly the cavity prevents water from passing across into the interior of the property, which immediately solves the problem of damp walls. Secondly the addition of damp proofing methods ensures that there are no more issues with water ingress from the ground or roof.

The cavity design also offered another benefit in that insulation could be added to the cavity, (although this did not come into effect until the 1970'2) helping to retain the heat in the interior living spaces. In today's energy conscious society there is now and even greater requirement to super insulate our homes.

One point to note is that while cavity construction has secured a lasting place in our home construction there is not and never has been any legislation that enforces this common design.

The use of solid walls has a few benefits that should not be ignored. The first of these is mass. The greater depth of wall offers its own natural insulation and has the natural property of keeping the property cool in warm weather. The wider spread of the wall loading also makes the property stronger and it less likely that the foundations will fail.

The higher cost of construction and the additional design considerations of Foundations, Dpc and other waterproofing elements are the main reason that this form of construction is no longer used in everyday house construction.

The solid wall construction can also be combined with timber frame construction or as in the case of straw bale building be built completely in straw. The options are endless.

Ed Gordon is a Self Build specialist with a keen interest in Energy Efficiency and reducing the construction Carbon Footprint and the overall cost of construction. For more information go to http://www.gts-timber-frame.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Gordon

How Property Taxes Affect Real Estate Values

2008-08-14T00:32:00.000-07:00

People sometimes just compare the value of their real estate with the price of similar nearby properties in order to determine if their real estate property has been properly valued and taxed. Unfortunately for this type of method, there are no accurate readings. Some properties will sell for below-market value, while others will cost more than your own real estate property, even if their property is similar to yours. These differences are due to certain situational factors and circumstances which helps determine the value of your real estate property.

Being able to accurately determine the value of your real estate property is important if you want to appraise it for its full sale price in the market. This means that you need to factor in all the necessary elements in order to get the value of your real estate property so you can get the best out of your property once you have decided to enter the market. There are a few factors that helps determine your real estate and property tax valuations, and these are important if you want to be able to determine your property’s actual real estate price.

Your real estate property’s market value determines the amount that any potential buyer is willing to spend on buying your property. This will help you gauge how much your property value is worth, although the market value is not exactly determinative of the price of your real estate property. Still, it is an important aspect of it nonetheless.

Your real estate property’s market value will chance once your property tax changes. There usually are changes in property tax once you have made certain improvements on your real estate property, which could help increase the value of your property. The common misconception of people is that they try to avoid or delay the improvement of their real estate property due to their fear that their property tax will be increased.

Although this is true, the rise in the property tax assessment rate does not happen until a few years, which should have already raised the value of your property if you were able to spend a considerable amount in its improvement and development. Many small businesses who improve their real estate property are valued higher nowadays, although their property tax assessment rate has been increased. Still, the increase in their property value is still a welcome change.

When a person’s property tax increases, especially if it was due to certain improvements done on the property, like the changing of the property into a type that produces much better profits, will also indicate the increase in the value of the property in the marketFree Articles, thereby making your real estate property more valuable than what it was before.

Vanessa Arellano Doctor http://realestatepress.org

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

Real estate agent: All about real estate agents

2008-08-14T00:31:00.002-07:00

Real estate agents are professionals who help in connecting the buyer to the seller. A lot of real estate agents also do rentals wherein they connect tenants to landlords and even maintain the property on the behalf of the landlords. The real estate agents work by linking together the two interested parties and charging a commission for their services. For sales, they charge commission only to the seller but for rentals (i.e. agent managed rentals) the commission is charged to both parties involved in the transaction. Real estate agents generally calculate their fee as a percentage of the selling price (in case of sales) and as part of the rent (for rentals). People, who want to sell/let their property, leave the details of their property with the real estate agent (and in fact, even leave the keys of the house so that the real estate agent can arrange for viewings without them getting into any hassle). The other interested party (i.e. the buyer/tenant), gets access to this information by contacting the real estate agent. That’s how the real estate agents become a hub of information. A lot of home seekers (including real estate investors) use the services of real estate agents not just for getting good deals but also getting them quick. Since real estate agents are probably most familiar with the market situation in their region of operation, it makes sense to approach them to get an idea of the going rate for properties in that region. Real estate agents would generally know the prices of various properties of different types and at various locations in the region. A property seller can possibly get a few thousands more for his/her property by using the advice received from a good real estate agent. A good real estate agent will also analyse the needs of a home buyer/tenant and provide suggestions on what kind of home could be available to them within their budget. So a good real estate agent will not just throw a list of available properties to the buyer/ tenant but will actually discuss their needs and make a suggestion. This, in fact, works in the favour of real estate agent in two ways. Firstly, if the real estate agent is able to sell the house they get their commission and secondly, if they make the buyer happy too they earn a good reputation (and hence more business). However, it is worth noting that real estate agents work on seller’s behalf. SoHealth Fitness Articles, beware if they are trying too hard to sell a property.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

Vertical Blinds from Fabric are Preferred to PVC

2008-08-14T00:31:00.001-07:00

Window blinds serve three basic purposes. The first is as a central part of the decoration within your home or office, adding an illuminated area of beauty and interest to a large and significant area of the room. The second is as a method of improving or increasing privacy, obscuring the contents of the room from outside the home for whatever reason, or at night to gain privacy from passers by. The third is as a tool to reduce the amount of heat which enters the room from the sunlight which passes through the window.

Excess heat can be a significant factor in achieving comfort in the home, and vertical blinds can help by preventing the heat from entering the room in the first place is preferable to paying for and housing an air conditioning unit or other fan to try to reduce the temperature of the room, while it still continues to be heated from the outside. Contrary to vinyl blinds industry propaganda, blinds from polyester woven fabric are significantly better than PVC based vertical louvers when it comes to blocking the sunlight and heat which strikes the window panels. PVC vertical louvers allow much of the heat through, meaning that while you may have privacy, and some reduction in the amount of unwanted light entering the room, PVC blinds louvers will not greatly reduce the amount of heat entering the room, and so it will still be necessary to pay for air conditioning or some other means by which the room can be cooled. In addition to the heat which enters a room, there is also a significant and often forgotten amount of ultra violet light, or UV light, which can be harmful in excess.

Some PVC vertical blinds louvers have a special anti-UV layer added, but polyester woven blinds fabric is far better at reducing the amount of UV entering the room, and is less likely to suffer damage by ultra violet light. Another advantage which polyester woven fabric blinds have over PVC based louvers is that they have a substantial amount more flexibility compared to plastic products. The give is the amount of sideways or vertical stretch which a blinds material can withstand before distortion or damage takes place.

Most plastic based materials, such as PVC, stretch in both planes but have little or no elasticity, which means that while they may give in the vertical plane, this is likely to lead to distortion over time, meaning that PVC vertical louvers can appear buckled and warped, and may not fit as snugly in the frame as they used to. This will result in greater light pollution round the side, and an old look before its time.

Because polyester woven fabrics which are used in vertical blinds are made using two woven strands running in both the horizontal and vertical planes, the strands can flex across each others' paths and give the vertical blinds a much greater amount of give and elasticity. This means that, even with continual use, the blinds material will not pull, distort or buckle, and will hold the same smart flush appearance that it did when purchased new. In today's age and climate we must also consider the environmental consequences of the materials we use in the home.

PVC based blinds products, which are no longer required and are destroyed, are often burned. However, during the process of burning PVC a substance known as hydrochloric acid is released which is highly corrosive and dangerous. Indeed, it is hydrochloric acid which is blamed for acid rain, which has been thought to cause so much harm and damage. There is no doubt that PVC based products are less kind to the environment in the long run than woven fabrics. Therefore, vertical blinds made from these woven fabrics are far kinder to the environment when they have served their inevitable lifespan and are due replacement.

One final advantage which woven fabrics blinds also have over PVC based vertical blinds is the weight factor. PVC weighs alot, whereas the woven fabric vertical blinds weight much less. This weight difference may seem relatively little when opening or closing the blind, but a greater amount of weight means that the blind will hang straighter, and be less likely to flap in any breeze. The extra amount of weight makes a big difference to the overall appearance of vertical blinds.

To conclude, vertical blinds from PVC have distinct disadvantages to vertical blinds made from fabric, and fabric blinds from woven polyester are substantially more advantageous when it comes to the previously mentioned concerns for blinds.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Real Estate Investing’s Inner Game

2008-08-14T00:30:00.002-07:00

THE INNER GAME OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Every once in a while I get an internal reminder that I am a work in progress. In this instance it was not one of those “hit you over the head with an 8 pound sledge hammer” reminders that you get when you have been particularly blind to your own faults. It was more of a little “A Ha!” that had larger implications if uncorrected. And by being aware of this quiet reminder, I hope to avoid the previously referenced sledge hammer in the near future!

The subject of my internal wake up call was driving a beautiful new black Mercedes 550S Class sedan and was waiting to make a left hand turn across my lane. The driver was female, looked like she had just gotten back from the salon, and was politely waiting for me to pass. She did nothing wrong, sat there calmly waiting for me to drive by, with her flasher on. As I drove by I thought to myself something like: “Oh boy, there goes another rich twit in her paid for …”

Whammo.

The guardian of my mind popped into my head waving his mechanical arms like the Robot in an episode of that 1960’s television series “Lost in Space.”

“Warning!” “Warning!” “Danger, Craig Higdon!!!”

For those of you too young to know the reference, I’m sure that you can find an old episode somewhere on cable TV. You won’t have to wait too long before ol’ Mr. Robot shows up to give you a demonstration.

Anyway, do you realize what my “guardian” did for me? He trounced all over a “limiting belief” and gave me a chance to correct it.

Choosing Our Beliefs

For those of you not familiar with the term “limiting belief,” I first came across it while investigating Neurolinguistic Programming, or “NLP” some years back. NLP is a study of internal and external communication processes and its effect on human behavior.

One of the things that you learn in the course of studying NLP is that in large part our behavior is governed by our beliefs … and that our beliefs are what we make them! Think about that for a moment … we chose all of our beliefs! Everything that you believe about everything was a choice that you made. You will have to take my word for it for the moment because I could fill volumes on just this aspect of NLP.

Just for fun, you might want to examine a belief or two that you have. Start with something simple like: “I believe that peanut butter is good for me.” Now ask yourself a few questions:

When did I start to believe that? What evidence do I have that makes that true? What evidence do I have that makes that not true? What do I get out of believing that? What would happen if I did not believe that?

There are more questions to ask that would help you to change a belief, but hopefully in the course of asking yourself the questions above you came to the realization that you decided to adopt that belief at sometime in the past based upon some rules, some evidence, or an experience that you had. This has some interesting implications, doesn’t it?

And what does this have to do with commercial real estate investing, commercial loans, and construction projects? Quite a bit, actually.

One of the questions that I get frequently is: “How do I get started or go to the next level in commercial real estate?” The overly simple answer to that is: “Well, first you have to believe that you can!”

Limit Those Limiting Beliefs

Let me illustrate this. I have had people who owned multiple 1 to 4 unit properties, maybe 20 to 30 units in all, ask me how to buy their first apartment building or other piece of commercial real estate. When I get that question I have to chuckle … because they already have an apartment building! It is simply broken up into smaller chunks. Granted, the mechanics of multifamily real estate are slightly different than for multiunit residential, but in this case the questioner is already a commercial real estate or “income producing real estate” investor. He just hasn’t realized it.

He doesn’t “believe” that he’s is a commercial real estate investor and has thus artificially “limited” his options for investing. He does not yet “believe” that he can invest in other types of real estate.

So let me get back to my story and my little mental guardian. I passed the nice lady in the Mercedes, saw her make her turn in the rearview mirror, and we both went our merry ways. As I drove away, I changed my thoughts about her to: “She has done well and I wish her to continue to do well.”

Because I have had a little training in NLP I was able to catch myself looping into an old belief about wealth and wealthy people and make the “change” at the time in my thinking. The experience did serve to remind me that I need to be vigilant in my “belief monitoring” and that I might want to make a personal inventory of my beliefs concerning wealth in the near future.

And if you don’t think that you have some buried beliefs about wealth and being wealthy that are working against you in your real estate investments, my friend, you are simply kidding yourself. They are all there in the daily newspapers, T.V. shows, magazines, etc. You probably can’t go 10 minutes without hearing or seeing something “bad” about making money or being “rich.” Have you ever heard the phrase “filthy rich?” Uh huh. And I’ll bet that you know a bunch of others, too.

So you need to place a guardian in your mind to sift out those limiting beliefs. This will help you with any self-sabotage you may have encountered in your life. It is not easy without the right tricks, but it is very rewarding. So as you develop your commercial real estate investment techniquesFind Article, remember to focus on your inner game to manifest your outer goals.

Note: NLP is slowly being supplanted by a more powerful “technology” called Hemispherical Integration. You can find out more about it at the web site NLPLA.com.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

Cover Tall and Wide Windows with Vertical Blinds

2008-08-14T00:30:00.001-07:00

Windows come in all shapes and sizes, and particularly these days with modern architectural designs looking at opening up buildings, maximizing light and heat, and creating views over wide vistas, windows are being developed ever wider and ever higher, and more numerous, both in the home and in the workplace. Vertical blinds also have to adapt, with their design and shape developing to match the increasing demands of the designers of the huge windows, both in size and in tensile strength.

The challenges facing the manufacturers of vertical blinds today is that not only must the blind be tall enough, or wide enough, to cope with covering windows of all sizes and shapes, but the vertical blinds must work in exactly the same efficient manner as those which cover normal, standard sized windows. It is for this reason that, increasingly, vertical blinds made from fabrics are gaining popularity, because of the flexibility in terms of maximum size possible, and in general strength. Windows that are very tall require vertical blinds that hang straight, cover the window completely at both sides, and reduce light pollution around the edges to a minimum. It is also necessary to consider the weight of the vertical blinds – since a very heavy material hanging down a tall window will exert considerably more vertical pull on the mechanism and on the material at the top of the blind than on shorter, more standard sized windows.

Fabric is a valuable material since is has an inherent flexibility caused by the cross weaving of the threads. When fabric is used to manufacture vertical blinds, they are provided with a flexibility which will allow the material to hang and give if the height is unusually long.

With plastic based materials, this natural tendency to give is not always available, and as such, can cause the material to begin to deform and buckle, tearing at the top of the sheet and causing permanent damage. The buckling which can occur will result in considerable light pollution round the edges of the blind, and will cause the vertical blinds to appear old before their time. The fabric blinds, however, will give and flex naturally, reducing the pressure on the material at the top and causing the fabric to regain its shape and last longer.

On the other hand, PVC based vertical blinds will be generally lighter in weight, and cause less of the natural pull than fabric blinds will do. This is not necessarily an advantage though, since the weight of the fabric vertical blinds causes the material to hang more snugly in the frame, and fit more exactly to the size of the pane. This can even extend to the times when the window may be ajar, or even fully open, and a breeze may enter the room. A lightweight PVC blind will blow and move in the wind, causing significant light pollution which may be unbearable if the workplace uses computer monitors which are required to be placed in an environment where light pollution is not an issue. Fabric based vertical blinds will hang much more steadily in a breeze, and continue to filter the light and serve their purpose because of the extra weight.

Fabric vertical blinds can be manufactured to extremely tall specifications, and also to very wide ones. The material can be manufactured to the exact measurements required, and sewn or even threaded to size. Many plastic based products either come in standard sizes or are limited to near standard sizes. For particularly tall or unusually wide window settings, when looking for vertical blinds, it is highly recommended that, if you are looking for quality and a lifetime of lasting beauty, you choose woven fabric as the material of choice. Fabric based vertical blinds also are ideal for those unusual windows such as sliding doors or windows which open using catches. It is important in these cases that the catches or handles be easily accessible.

In some cases, fabric based vertical blinds can be designed with motorized units which allow even easier use, avoiding any stretching or pulling which may be awkward or simply frequent. In the home, the most frequent need for fabric based vertical blinds, which are unusual in height, width or even shape is in conservatories, where both the roof and the walls may need covering. In these instances, remote controlled motorized units are nearly always used.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Flipping Real Estate: Calculating Costs

2008-08-14T00:28:00.000-07:00

If you been in the real estate investing business, or more specifically been flipping real estate, for more than a few days, you’ve inevitably gotten an email that reads something like this:

“Investor’s Dream. This property will go QUICK.

- Property Address: 1234 Main Street

- Asking Price: $100,000 (Add or subtract zeros!)

- After Repair Value: $150,000

- Repairs: $15,000

- Profit: $35,000

- Details: Needs paint, carpet, tile, new kitchen, update bathroom, some roof damage.

- Tenant occupied. Need to evict!”

STOP! Before you read on… Take a guess at what you think the “real” profit’s going to be on this real estate investment…

If you haven’t ever gotten an email or fax broadcast like this, then rest assured, you will! I’m about to probably tick off all of the late night infomercials and pitchmen out there! Sure, I understand that when you’ve got 30 minutes (or 90 minutes, for that matter), that you’ve to sell what’s sexy… not what’s real!

Now it’s my turn to expose the real deal on real estate investing! This goes for flipping real estate itself (i.e. properties) or simply flipping the contract (also known as assigning the contract). When you’re flipping real estate, you need to be able to calculate the “real” bottom line and if your assigning the contract, you need to know your numbers so you don’t get blacklisted from investors! This one piece of information will keep you from getting into trouble because of any “real estate bubble”!

Purchase Costs

Here goes… Have you EVER purchased and sold a piece of real estate for FREE? If you're not sure what the answer is… It's an emphatic NO... You are going to have costs to buy, costs to hold and costs to sell. This holds true even if you are buying a property for all cash. (Think title fees, attorney’s fees, recording fees, etc.)

If you’re not getting a mortgage, your purchase costs are obviously much lower, but nonetheless, there are costs associated with any real estate transaction. Plus, more than likely, if you’re relatively new, you’re probably not paying all cash for property anyways. You’re probably going to be using a hard money investor for your initial real estate investing financing!

For a quick calculation, you can estimate anywhere between 3% - 5% for closing costs to just acquire the property. That’s 3%-5% of the purchase price.

Holding Costs

How much is it going to cost you each and every day to own this piece of real estate? See, if you’re making money in real estate, you’d better believe that there are a lot of other people that are going to expect to get paid and they get paid in the form of mortgage interest, property taxes, utilities, property insurance, etc. Each of these is an expense each and every day that you own the property. Here’s an example… A hard money loan on a bread and butter type piece of real estate might run you 15%. Let’s say you got the property for $100,000. Every month, you are paying $1250 in interest alone. Let’s say that taxes and insurance are another $200/month and then utilities at $100. Right there, the property is costing you $1550/month – or roughly $50/day. See, why it’s important to know your not only your holding costs on a real estate investment, but also how long it’s going to be on the market before you can flip the property.

Selling Costs

Here’s the third part of the real estate investing puzzle. When you want to turn around and sell this piece of real estate, it’s going to cost you yet again! Are you going to use a real estate agent and pay a commission or 3-4-5% or even more? On $150,000, that’s anywhere from $4500 to $7500 chopped of the top. Then, you can figure 1-2% in closing fees.

If you can remember this… and apply what you’ve just learned to each and every real estate deal that you do, you’ll be safe flipping real estate in any market. You see, if it’s a hot market, you can calculate less time for holding cost. But, in a slower market, make your offer based on 6 months or 9 months of holding costs. It’s really simple math! And real estate really is a numbers game…

Recommended Resources:

Finding Deals: www.motivatedsellermarketing.com

Estimating Repairs: www.fixingandflipping.com

Finding Contractors: www.servicemagic.com

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

Dubai's Bachelors Live The Hard Way

2008-08-14T00:19:00.000-07:00

While Dubai may have grown amazingly in the last few years, some of its gray areas still remain unresolved. For example, its roads speak of congestion and indiscipline, which remain critical despite of so many measures being undertaken by the government. Similarly, the issue of poor working conditions and scarce accommodation for laborers can also be mentioned here. The lack of accommodation for the bachelors is yet another area that we can speak about. Surprisingly, the city, which boasts about its dreams and landmarks, does not have enough space to shelter those very same who made those dreams and landmarks a reality. So many Dubai apartments, furnished villas and Dubai hotel apartments to speak of, yet no permanent respite from not having even a decent place to spend nights at.

First of all, most bachelors in the Islamic UAE are regarded as a taboo. They are seen as intruders and spoilsports, and are prevented from mixing up with the opposite sex. Some governments, including the one in Dubai, plan to further tighten the noose by making legislations in this regard. A new draft law in Abu Dhabi proposes to heftily fine those, who might partially rent their properties to bachelors. This may further worsen the situation, unless of course, the government had more housing plans ready with them. Since, Dubai apartments are short in supply and the rents very high, bachelors had no other option but to share space with landlords. It may not be possible to share properties in the future, however. Many Dubai realtors renting furnished villas and Dubai hotel apartments may also suffer, if an Abu Dhabi like legislation was to be enacted ever.

An obvious solution to this issue can be found by creating more apartments that were meant only for accommodating bachelors. The government in the UAE has already taken several steps in this regard. However, the singles are not too hopeful about their possible outcome. Right now, many singles daily travel up to three hours to make it into Dubai from their homes elsewhere. The traffic congestion only makes this task more herculean. Realtors making Dubai apartments, hotels, villas and Dubai hotel apartments are not concerned about accommodating bachelors. They mainly deal in high-end shopping malls, lavish hotels, apartments and commercial establishments. This obviously leaves the singles of Dubai stranded between the ethics and the market forces.

From a bachelor's view point, the administration and ethnic Arabs need to be more lenient towards the whole issue. While it may be necessary to respect the local way of life, the issue should not be taken to extreme levels. There is a large expatriate segment living in Dubai right now. They come from all over the world and play a key role in the emirate's growth. Hoards of city's landmarks, hotels, Dubai apartments, villas and Dubai hotel apartments story-tell how the two, ethnic Arabs and expatriates, have grown into a modern-day folklore. To strengthen this tie-up even more, both sides will require listening to each other, and resolve the issue carefully. Dubai's cosmopolitan society needs opening up more and not be an orthodox one like many other countries in the area.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Residential Fire Sprinkler System Advantages

2008-08-14T00:12:00.000-07:00

Fire sprinklers have been used in the protection of many business establishments. But lately these fire protection systems have also gained popularity among home builders and home buyers alike. So what leads people to install fire sprinklers in their residences even if they have already installed smoke alarms? It is because smoke alarms merely alert occupants to a spreading fire in the house, but these devices cannot suppress it. Fire sprinklers on the other hand have proven to be very effective in controlling a fire and protecting people from its associated dangers.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were about 396,000 residential fires during 2005 in the United States. These fires had caused 3,055 civilian fire fatalities, 13, 825 civilian fire physical injuries, and $6.9 billion in property losses.

Studies conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's United States Fire Administration show that thousands of lives could have been saved if residential fire sprinklers had been installed in those burned homes. The installation of a fire sprinkler system could have also prevented most of the fire related injuries and substantially reduced property damage.

Residential fire sprinklers are therefore very beneficial to both people's lives and properties. The advantages of these fire protection systems are further detailed below:

Quick response

The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) lists the latest available residential fire sprinklers. It features fire sprinkler heads with a quick response time that is faster than that of the standard commercial and industrial sprinklers. Due to their enhanced trigger mechanism, early suppression fast response (ESFR) residential fire sprinklers automatically activate quickly to control the fire before it can gain momentum.

Affordable cost

The current average cost for residential fire sprinklers is approximately $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot in the construction of new homes. This cost is expected to go down as home fire sprinklers get more popular and demand increases. Existing homes can also install a fire sprinkler system, but the cost is typically higher since the home has already been constructed.

Small size

Residential fire sprinklers are relatively smaller than the conventional commercial and industrial versions of these devices. Home fire sprinkler systems can also be inconspicuously installed and can be aesthetically coordinated with the color scheme of your home interiors.

Nominal installation work

During the construction of a new house or renovation of an existing one, installation of a residential fire sprinkler system will necessitate only a minimal amount of piping and labor since access to the walls, ceilings and attics is easily obtained.

Minimal water requirement

Residential fire sprinklers need less water than fire sprinkler systems designed for commercial and industrial buildings. Typically a residential fire sprinkler system can be linked to your home's main water supply.

Less costly piping requirements

The use of plastic PVC pipes has considerably lowered the piping costs. Plastic pipes are also more advantageous than metal pipes because they do not have rusting or threading problems typically associated with metal.

Individual sprinkler activation

The activation of the fire sprinklers is on an individual basis. This means that if the fire is in the kitchen, the nearest sprinkler will be the only one to activate and contain the fire in that area. Thus, water requirements and water-related property damage are both minimized.

Discounted insurance cost

Depending on the coverage type, underwriters offer discounts of about 5 to 15 % in home insurance premium to homeowners who have fires sprinkler systems installed. These values are even expected to increase in the future.

Residential fire sprinkler systems indeed offer an inexpensive, low maintenance, and inconspicuous option of fire protection. And on top of those advantages is the proven reliability of these devices in protecting your property and family from the hazards of fire. For the minimal cost of having a fire sprinkler system installed in your home, you can potentially increase the value of your property, gain discounts in your insurance premiums, and protect your family and possessions. A fire sprinkler system installed in your home is certainly a valuable investment that will become priceless should you have a fire in your home.

Visit Residential Fire Sprinklers.com - Your Source for Home Fire Protection.

In 2008 Ryan retired from the senior management team of an industry leading fire protection company in North America to focus on improving home fire protection.

Need to find a qualified fire protection contractor? Visit Fire Protection Source for the most complete listing of fire extinguisher, fire alarm and fire sprinkler contractors in your area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_J_Smith

Where Should I Invest In Real Estate

2008-08-14T00:10:00.003-07:00

Investing in real estate is one of the few ways for the average person to gain wealth. Can you become rich overnight? Not very likely. Real estate investing should be considered a long term strategy that can gain you tremendous amount of wealth over time but you must do your homework first. The majority of people that are getting into the real estate investing market are simply purchasing a home in an area that they are familiar with and then wonder why they are not rich after a couple of years.

Do a search on the internet for real estate investing and you will find hundreds of ways to get rich quick through real estate investing. And it's true, if you are selling books, DVDs or real estate seminars you can become wealthy in a short period of time. If you are investing in real estate it is just not going to happen without the proper up front research.

There are three main points you must consider before purchasing your first property and they are location, location, location. This is a rather simplistic view of real estate investing but it has never been more true than today. Thousands of people are getting into the real estate market, and yet many of the foreclosures in the market today are from non owner occupied homes. This means that people that have purchased a vacation home or purchased a second home for investment purposes have gotten into financial trouble. This Usually happens because they did not purchase that asset in the correct location at the correct time. So the question is, how do you find the correct location to invest?

Any locations can be the correct location to invest in real estate as long as the timing is right. There are four cycles of real estate investing and the cycles can run from 7 to 40 years depending the the intelligence of the local government. These cycles are Buyers Stage 1, Buyers Stage 2, Sellers Stage 1 and Sellers Stage 2.

Buyers Stage 1 - strategy buy and hold.

1. Oversupply of properties on the market.2. Prices and rents are falling.3. You will see a spike in the properties time on the market.4. Unemployment is at its highest.5. New construction is overpriced and sales are stagnant.6. Construction jobs are at an all time low.7. Foreclosures are at its highest rate.8. Investment properties are not being purchased or being purchased at a slow rate.

Buyers stage 1 is a declining market and you will need to shop around for a good investment because you do not know how low the market will go. If the local government is not taking action at this point then the market turnaround will be delayed and more care will be needed taken. Always purchase a new property with a lot of equity and a good cash flow to help minimize your risk.

Buyers Stage 2 - strategy buy and hold - also known as the Millionaire Maker.

1. No new construction.2. Demand for housing is increasing sharply.3. Properties time on market is decreasing.4. Rents and Prices for property are at its lowest.5. Foreclosures are starting to decrease.6. Job growth is increasing.7. Rehabbers are purchasing an increasing number of properties.8. Fewer properties are getting on the market.9. Demand for properties is increasing because buyers are able to qualify at the low prices.

Buyers stage 2 only happens after the local government is starting to attract new business into the area. For every one new job brought into the area three new jobs are created. These newly created jobs are the butchers, bakers and candlestick makers. In other words the support jobs that are needed to service the new people in the area. I believe that the most important thing to watch for in this market is the job growth rate. New people coming into the area will require housing which will drive up the price. Your local economic adviser counsel is a good place to look.

Sellers Stage 1 - strategy buy and sell quickly.

1. Demand for property is increasing.2. The time on market for properties in decreasing.3. Property taxes are on the rise.4. Unemployment in decreasing.

Sellers stage 1 is a very risky time to be investing in property because you do not know how long before the sellers stage 2 will occur. Be sure you know the signs of the next phase so you can get out of the market at the best time.

Sellers Stage 2 - strategy sell, sellArticle Submission, sell.

1. Supply of properties has sharply increased.2. Time on market is increasing.3. Construction of new homes is increasing.4. New job growth is slowing.5. New real estate investors are jumping in.6. First time home buyers are increasing.

One of the ways to watch for new construction of new homes is to check with the local building permits department. You will be able to pick up some good deal from the new first time real estate investors that jump in during the sellers stage 2 market. Always do your home work prior to investing in real estate.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

Home buying tips and tricks

2008-08-14T00:10:00.001-07:00

Things for potential homebuyers to consider

Buying a home is a dream that every human being possesses. There is nothing more satisfying than owing a home.

According to the statistics, more than one-third of the people in the United States are contributing 37 % of their pre-tax i.e. gross income in buying houses. It is indeed a huge amount. As time passes, this portion will keep on increasing and will put more pressure on the homebuyers. Additionally, in the next few years, the reviewed mortgages fees will put further burden on the homeowners; inevitably the homeowner will have to pay more.

In these circumstances, homeowners need to be cleaver to deal with the situation and try to minimize the cost. There are many factors that should be considered before applying for a home loan. Some of the more substantial factors that should be considered before applying for a home loan are the initial down payment, the monthly income, the debt to income ratio, credit scores etc. If the homeowners can negotiate well at the beginning, they will surely save a lot.

Buying a home is not a piece of cake. It requires expertise. To secure a good deal, it is better to consult a real estate expert. Sometimes financial details are confusing. The real estate experts can help you out with these details. A good broker will give you details about the presence of schools, traffic volume etc in the locality.

Apart than consulting with a real estate expert, the homebuyers should always negotiate with the mortgage firm to get the best deal. The lenders and brokers may offer different prices for the same home loan, to different customers though the customers may have the same qualification to obtain the loan. The main reason for this is that the brokers and officers are allowed to keep a certain amount as compensation. The difference between the lowest available price and any higher price the borrower agrees to pay is an overage. An overage can occur in both variable and fixed rate mortgage loans, and can be in the form of fees, points or interest rate. Therefore, if you negotiate well, you will get a good deal for your home loan.

Hiring a good real estate agent is critical to the homebuyer process. The right real estate agent has expertise in buying and selling homes, which will benefit you in buying the home. They generally have an eye to detail and will take care of your investment. They will also give you the essential home buying tips and tricks.

There are things to look for when hiring a real estate agent. For instance, he should have subsequent experience in the industry. Additionally, you should check his success rate before employing him. More over, a real estate agent should have loads of information about your area of interest.

As mentioned earlier, it is quite tough to secure a good home deal. Therefore, you should not hurry. Take your time and make decision.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Log Homes - Combination of Art and Elegance

2008-08-14T00:09:00.003-07:00

A Log Home is the dream home for most people living in rural as well as urban areas. The log home combines elegance and art. Log homes are completely made from wood, the timber offering a natural and healthy living environment. People think that log homes are always situated in woody forest areas and are used only for leisure weekend retreats. The truth is that most log homes are used as the owner's primary residence and are therefore often situated in and around metropolitan areas.

Compared to other home building materials, such as stones, bricks and concrete, wood is an exceptional natural resource, for both building and design purposes, as well as providing natural insulation helping to lower your carbon footprint. When building a log home, the owner must decide on the budget, the location of the plot, which installation techniques to employ and which design to use.

Whether you are looking for a holiday home or a family home, log homes are the best option. Log homes are comfortable and long-lasting and available in various specifications and options. Another advantage of log homes is that they are easy to maintain and therefore the maintenance cost is very low compared to other house types.

If you are planning to buy a log home then you will find numerous options available to suit your individual requirements. You can select your home based on the living area layout, log thickness or even roof materials. A log home can offer the ultimate flexibility at affordable prices. Buy your log home from experienced hands and get a comfortable and long-lasting home.

Finestam Log Cabins supply the highest quality Log Homes, Log Mobile Homes and Log Cabins for the most affordable prices.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anoop_Kumar

Modern bedding ideas

2008-08-14T00:09:00.001-07:00

Modern bedding isn't just beautiful- it can also be very practical, extremely durable and quite affordable. Even luxury bedding for the modern bedroom doesn't have to break your bank account.

Our busy lives today mean there is little time to spend in traditional homemaking. Modern bedding has to fit into our modern lifestyles and provide for easy care as well as comfort. After a long day at the office, no one wants to come home and sleep on scratchy bedding. On those precious days off work, no one wants to spend all their time doing laundry and ironing pillow cases so that they have no wrinkles. With today's modern fabrics, whether it's 100% Egyptian cotton, or blends, it's just not necessary to spend lots of time spend caring for your bedding. Of course, doing laundry does take time, but you shouldn't need to spend any extra time making bedding for the modern bed look nice.

One of the most popular ways to make your bedding modern is to choose Dwell. The Dwell line was created by its designer and founder, Christine Lemieux, in 1999 because she felt there simply were too few modern, colorful, beautiful graphics and other designs in quality bedding for the modern home.

She designs bedding using very bright colors such as lime, butter yellow, chocolate, charcoal and ocean blue to create patterns like trellis, awning stripes featuring broad, bold striping, thin stripe which uses various widths of striping to create outstanding bedding patterns and dot or cube. Along with these bold graphic patterns, solid sheets and border sheets allow mix and match to create a very modern look for the bedroom.

An absolutely fabulous choice in luxury bedding for the modern room comes from Amenity. Using 400 thread count 100% cotton to create the duvet and pillow shams, the Twig design in bright blue peacock or cocoa, uses a solid background to highlight the large graphic of a tree.

Drift is another great design which features a graphic of a dandelion head against the tan or cocoa background. The Amenity Leaf design places large leaves on the solid background colors. The pillow shams for each of these selections are solid in the same color as the background of the duvet. Very modern in appearance, these bedding choices make the modern bedroom's focal point the bed. This gives a clean, uncluttered look to the bedroom by focusing attention on the bedding with these bold, modern looks.

Nygard International Home Bedding has a very modern appearance that is so modern it is almost retro!

The Coco bedding from Nygard uses "urban suede" which is a type of faux suede in large square of cocoa and black to create great bedding set. The faux suede is created of 97% cotton and 3% spandex resulting in fabric that is soft, plush and the best part is that it is machine washable! The large blocks of color break the bed into quarters and the tailored styling make a bold, modern statement. This top quality bedding is extremely affordable- the prices are much lower than you would expect for material that looks just like suede.

Western Bedding has created an outstanding modern set of bedding that has a very Zen element.

Using black and white in tailored designs, Western Bedding has created very striking bedding set. The comforter, created from 50% cotton and 50% polyester has solid black jacquard on one side and the reverse is a black and white graphic print. The geometric jacquard weave provides a sense of texture and is repeated in the bed skirt. The pillow shams are crisply tailored and feature cording details. The sheets and pillow cases are 220 thread count 100% cotton percale in bright white with a black twist cord detail. Add decorative pillows with engineer-sharp geometric appliqué’s and buttons to complete the ensemble.

When decorating with modern style bedding, especially with bold colors and geometrics, it is very important to keep a modern, uncluttered look in the bedroom. Avoid mixing modern linens with antique furnishings- the effect will simply not look attractive. Keep your other items organized and mostly out of site as well to keep with the theme.

Platform beds and waterbeds lend themselves perfectly to modern choices in bedding. If you select a two-color geometric for your bedding, choose modern accessories in those same colors, but also add a few carefully selected accents in another bold, bright color.

For example, if you select Western Bedding's black and white modern ensemble, consider adding a red throw pillow and a red lamp to your modern black and white bedroom. The effect will be absolutely stunning!

The result of having a modern bedroom will be an inviting but crisp, clean bedroom that has you feeling more organized and on top of the world!

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

For More Free Resources visit www.thedesignbuild.com

Need a Home Inspection? Houston Homes helps you

2008-08-14T00:08:00.004-07:00

Consumers have a lot of choices when purchasing a house. They can build a new one, buy an existing property on resale, or buy a foreclosure home. Every purchase has its pros and cons. nevertheless; many people are often choosing new homes because they want to have more options than they can find in an existing property. However, more options mean more decisions when buying a brand new home. It can be one of the most puzzling - not to mention pricey - things a home buyer can do. Yet one of the easiest decisions is quite often overlooked - having a specialized home inspection performed to verify the eminence of the overall workmanship and construction of a new house.

Dependence on the builder’s 1 or 2 year warranty is the most general reason, why buyers of new homes miss out on home inspections. In many cases, this has proved to be a pricey error. Buyers assume that all noteworthy defects will become perceptible during the warranty period. However, how many people crawl through the garret of their brand new home to verify the insulation, wiring, ductwork, framing, and plumbing are in proper condition?

Faulty foundations, moisture, faulty ductwork, and drainage are some of the most common issues inspectors find in new home construction today. Many times these defects show up months or even years, after the buyer has moved in.

Many home inspectors offer to inspect the home for faults to the buyer at the various faces of construction to ensure nothing is unnoticed. Once the drywall is installed it is very difficult to find issues within the walls such as wiring or insulation inadequacies.

Some builders hire home inspectors themselves to generate a better quality home. Home inspectors, while working directly with the builders or the promoters, provide an impartial, 3rd-party evaluation, verifying a builder’s quality of construction. Occasionally builders hire an inspector to only inspect certain areas of the home such as the attic, or they may hire the inspector to do a full home inspection at various phases of the construction. New home inspections can significantly reduce customer call backs and reinforce a builder’s reputation, ultimately helping consumers buy better homes.

Buyers habitually assume brand new homes are excused from any defects. But when making such a large deal, why not invest in a home inspection to discover defects that might otherwise become hidden or not easy to repair? A small investment of a few 100 dollars could potentially save tens of thousands of dollars in the long run. Houston Homes does exactly this for you. At Houston Home they inspectors will take care that your new house or the old one is inspected properly and evaluates it. This in turn will help the buyer in choosing the right kind of house for him.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

How to Build Contemporary Functional Accommodation

2008-08-14T00:08:00.003-07:00

The twentieth century brought the problem of fuel that citizens demand for heating of their houses in winter period of time. Squared timber and beam frameworks do not already suit contemporary requirements in energy conservation. Strict rules in heat shielding of buildings that are established in Europe are very difficult to meet. People have to use effectual thermal insulating materials. There are established various sizes of thicknesses for diverse kinds of walls. Clinker walls must not be less than 150 centimeters, squared timber walls – 50 centimeters and only 15 centimeters for wooden framework walls.

Usually, such building technique is named a Canadian one. The first carcass homes were made in Canada. The term “sandwich” that emerged in the early nineties defines this trait of panel constructions.

You have to use framework technology to build a contemporary house that will answer the energy efficiency, comfort, ecology, fire safety and other demands. The construction is also at the 1 stage in quality-price ratio. Today 80 percent of citizens in Canada, USA, Denmark, Netherlands and Finland build exactly this kind of houses.

Dry wood carcass is the basic part of wooden framework of a building. It is aggregated by the principle of honeycomb construction and corresponds to be very solid and durable building. First of all, the frame is planked with fireproof cement plate and only then it is filled with basalt wadding from the within. There provided inside vapor sealing that averts moistening of heat insulation material and wooden carcass by fumes inside the house. Moreover, there is applied repulsive insulation to keep about ninety percent of heat in the house. The walls of frame house are mantled with windproof membrane from the outside. This structure warranties the preservation of wooden framework for the entire period of maintenance of the building.

Of course, the trimming of a Canadian and wood house may be various and depends on the taste of its possessor. From the external part it can be facade plastic, coloring, tile and other matters. The same situation is with inner part of the house. There can be used boarding, panels, wallpapers and coloring as well. This is the best technique that gives a great amount of ways for beautiful trimming of the house. Furthermore, you may begin trim your house right after the installation of carcass, because it doesn’t subside. A frame house is lighter in five or even six times than a clinker one, so it doesn’t require massive basis. And it will not be as costly as a clinker one. Even not deep basis can be applied in building of a Canadian house. You may also utilize a foundation with Armco piles applying there heat insulation matters that will avert frost penetration in soil under it.

People have a lot of problems while building their own house. A broad range of troubles such as funds, architecture and design have to be foreknown by you. Your aim is to create the home of your fancy, so don’t forget about such details as professional workers and good matters that will influence on the longevity of your future home. Be persistent and create the accommodation where you will dwell with satisfaction.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Georgia real estate: Starting Georgia real estate hunt with a real estate agent

2008-08-14T00:08:00.001-07:00

Georgia is a wonderful place to live in. No wonder you have decided on picking up Georgia real estate for living-in or investing. Your Georgia real estate hunt can quite easily start with looking for the real estate prices (i.e. average prices) so as to gauge what kind of house and location will fit your budget. This is assuming that you have already estimated how much you can afford to spend on that Georgia real estate piece that you are so much after. With little effort you can easily find out the Georgia real estate prices. You can do this in a lot of different ways. One way is to directly give a call to a Georgia real estate agent and ask him about what kind of house you can get within your budget (if you are looking for Georgia real estate for investment purposes). In fact, a lot of people find it easier to just make a call to the real estate agent and get a grasp of the going prices for properties in any place let alone Georgia. Now, as mentioned above, if you are looking for Georgia real estate piece as an investment option, then you would start with checking out what you can get for your budget. However, if you are looking for Georgia real estate because you actually want to live in Georgia (and enjoy your life), then you would be better off starting with your most basic requirements from a house e.g. you could specify a 1 bedroom house or a condo or whatever, if that is the minimum space you would need to be able to live in comfortably with your partner or your family etc. If you cannot get that basic house in the location of your choice in Georgia, you might have to rethink and figure out other options (e.g. not going for Georgia real estate at all, or picking up a house at another location in Georgia, or waiting for some more time before you can actually own a Georgia real estate piece etc). So evaluation of affordability is important. Here, we are not saying that you should not evaluate the affordability factor if you are looking for Georgia real estate for living in and not investing. It’s just that you will need to pose the question differently to that Georgia real estate agent. In any case, you should never reveal your real budget to that Georgia real estate agent. Mention an amount that is lower than your real budget by 10-20% even if your Georgia real estate insists on what maximum you can spend. For a person who is looking at Georgia real estate as an investment avenue, the Georgia real estate agent is just a way to find out the going rateFree Articles, he will have to use other real estate investing techniques to find the best deal. So your Georgia real estate hunt can easily start with just calling up a real estate broker.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

Dream Home Searchers - Search No More With Custom Homes

2008-08-14T00:06:00.002-07:00

Living in Texas and searching for a residence for you to call your very own, just to simply call "home," is a task that shouldn't really prove to be all that difficult. Yet, and as you can fully agree, it is actually quite a complicated thing to walk through. Pinpointing an exact house that is built to meet your architectural specifications and exceed your own as well as your family's requirements is a rare thing to discover. As it is, finding a house that is only partially what you'd want out of a home and subsequently settling with it has become a rare achievement in the real estate world, too.

But, this shouldn't be. Right? At least not with how ideal the world is, or more so, is perceived and expected to be. Yet, and truly, idealism can only take any individual so far, especially in the real estate world.

Realism Put Into Action In Finding A Home

Realize that expecting for things to fall into place in an ideal fashion - in this case expecting for a home to magically appear in your searches, just as you envision or would like it to be - is far from real. Sure, you can conjure up images of that perfect ranch home or two story colonial in your head. But, that's just what it is, simply in your head and not tangible. It's not something you can jam a key into to unlock and walk inside of. It's not something you can actually live within. It's a wish and a desire. It's a dream. And more specifically, it's a dream home - your dream home.

However, taking into mind notions of realism, you're now understanding that this dream home of yours is not going to pop up out of thin air and make your home shopping situation ideally resolved - or, is it? The question here though is more so "can it?" Can you dream home come to life, from imagination to construction?

Building Dream Homes One Level At a Time

Now, with the custom home construction options that are of recently gaining much acclaim due to their convenient offerings, dream homes are being built literally everyday. Any and all visions that prospective homeowners have been creating in their minds have actually been transposed to paper and then to concrete foundation.

Especially in the Lone Star State, constructed Texas custom homes are making many families dreams come true. One level at a time -and based on a range of floor plan options and layout designs- dream homes are being constructed with a customized twist, building and adding to homes just as the future homeowners see fit, based on tastes and budget.

It's Like Living In A Dream Within These Walls

Simply thanks to how these Texas custom homes are built, families everywhere are living just as they envisioned for years - perfectly. Special requirements for any familial situation can be catered to. Architectural expectations can be met and even exceeded. Complete satisfaction is exactly what's provided when individuals opt to go with custom home options. Living just as they dreamed beforehand is actually a reality, it's now a daily routine. And it's a routine that is comfortable, convenient and, of course, pleasing to the highest degree. It's truly surreal as living in a custom home is like living in a dream, like living in that dream home.

Get real and realize that dream homes are far from surreal. Know that they're realistic and happening now, especially through the offer of Texas custom homes. So, don't hesitate any longer, prospective Lone Star homeowner - live the dream and live it in your dream home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=E.S._Cromwell

2 Tips on Finding Trustworthy Contractors

2008-08-14T00:06:00.001-07:00

As you may know, hiring someone else to do work on your house or home is not always a successful endeavor because many times you and a contractor may not see eye to eye on something or virtually any other negative situation can arrive especially if you hire a contractor without doing any background research on him or her. For this very reason, below we will suggest two tips that can help you find a contractor that you can trust will get the job done right.

-Ask friends or family members and even search about your contractor on the internet to see if there are any negative reports on them out there. This is definitely a key way to avoid a problematic person or company before having them do damage to your property or make other careless or illegal mistakes when doing business with them.

-Speak with your potential contractors both explicitly and honestly. Fully explain the work you need done and document it so there will be no arguments. Also, ask your contractor and check with the local government to see if he or she is properly licensed to do construction work. An unlicensed contractor may either do careless work or get both of you into legal problems with your local government.

It is always important to remember that even though people will inevitably face problems and disagreements when hiring others, there are steps you can take to avoid problems and have a good outcome. Your property is worth the home work!

Gordon always recommends comparison shopping before selecting a contractor. He suggests the site http://contractorsnow.net to accomplish just that.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gordon_Shumway

Commercial real estate: The big profits

2008-08-14T00:05:00.002-07:00

Real estate is often termed as the safest investment avenue. In fact, real estate investments done with proper evaluation of the property (and its true value), can lead to good profits. This is one reason why some people pursue real estate investment as their full time job. The talks of real estate are generally focussed towards residential real estate; commercial real estate seems to take a back seat. However, commercial real estate too is a good option for investing in real estate. Commercial real estate includes a lot of different kinds of properties. Most people relate commercial real estate with only office complexes or factories/ industrial units. However, that is not all of commercial real estate. There is more to commercial real estate. Health care centers, retail structures and warehouse are all good examples of commercial real estate. Even residential properties like apartments (or any property that consists of more than four residential units) are considered commercial real estate. In fact, such commercial real estate is much in demand. So, is commercial real estate really profitable? Well, if it were not profitable I would not have been writing about commercial real estate at all. So, commercial real estate is profitable for sure. The only thing with commercial real estate is that recognising the opportunity is a bit difficult as compared to residential real estate. But commercial real estate profits can be real big (in fact, much bigger than you would expect from residential real estate of the same proportion). You could take up commercial real estate for either reselling after appreciation or for renting out to, say, retailers. The commercial real estate development is in fact treated as the first sign for growth of residential real estate. Once you know of the possibility of significant commercial growth in the region (either due to tax breaks or whatever), you should start evaluating the potential for appreciation in the prices of commercial real estate and then go for it quickly (as soon as you find a good deal). And you must really work towards getting a good deal. If you find that commercial real estate, e.g. land, is available in big chunks which are too expensive for you to buy, you could look at forming a small investor group (with your friends) and buy it together (and split the profits later). In some cases e.g. when a retail boom is expected in a region, you might find it profitable to buy a property that you can convert into a warehouse for the purpose of renting to small businesses.So commercial real estate presents a whole plethora of investing opportunitiesArticle Search, you just need to grab it.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

Home Building Software Can Be a Great Help

2008-08-14T00:05:00.001-07:00

Designing a home can actually be quite a difficult and technical thing, there are always certain things that people don't feel comfortable doing by themselves and so would always want to leave in the capable hands of a professional. Most people do not bother designing their home renovation project, instead they will get a professional to help them out.

Lots of people simply don't realize that they could do all of this planning by themselves and fairly easily too, you can do this using computer software. This doesn't only help with planning but will also help you understand certain aspects of the interior design process.

There are many different types of home design software which is available, you do not actually need to choose the most advanced piece of software. You should choose carefully depending on what you want and expect from interior design software.

Walls

The best lesson that you will learn from any home design software is about walls. This software should show you how you need to place walls so that things don't just fall down. It's very important to understand load bearing walls and the dimensions of the walls. These things may all seem very easy, however they are very important things to know. You not only use home design software to learn how to build a home, but also to see how it will look when it's completed down to the country curtains covering the windows.

It might not be possible to create a wall at a particular angle for a number of reasons. This design software will help you to understand the reasons behind this and why it's just not possible. You might also discover that some seemingly simple elements of design are extremely complex, home design software can make it much easier for you to know these things. This software can also give you a better understanding of how different elements of home design work together.

Studying Things

A house needs to have protection to make sure that the rain and elements do not damage your house. To understand this protection you need to know about water tables, and how they affect the building. You will be able to learn plenty of information about water tables using this home design software. Few people are able to understand how they should design the outside of their homes to prevent water getting inside. It's very important to thoroughly understand how to weatherproof your home

Building a home is quite complicated, there's a lot that you need to learn about. Using design software is a fantastic way to learn about this complicated project. You will no doubt be surprised just how much you can learn from this valuable piece of software.

Home design software can make a complicated task much simpler and more enjoyable. Spend time choosing the right piece of software and you won't go far wrong.

The essayist Ken Morris is particularly passionate about news associated to country ruffled curtains. His observations on country curtains are published on his webpage as well as various other online sites.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_C._Morris

Buying or Selling in Today’s Market? Internet Paves the Path to Real Estate Success

2008-08-01T03:56:00.005-07:00

(ARA) – Home buyers and sellers – the relationship may seem like it should be more adversarial than ever, given the current market. Coming at the real estate equation from opposite sides, buyers and sellers may feel they have little in common. The truth is, however, that both groups share a common path to real estate success – the Internet.

The Internet has been revolutionizing real estate for years now; more than 80 percent of buyers look at homes on the Internet, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). “More homes than ever before are being marketed on the Internet,” says Kendra Todd, of HGTV’s “My House is Worth What?” and season three winner of “The Apprentice.” “Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s essential to work with a real estate expert who is on the cusp of the latest trends, especially the Internet.”

Even the most techno-savvy among us may feel overwhelmed by the volume of real estate information – and listings – available on the Internet. How do you sort through it if you’re a buyer? And how do you find the right agent who will know how to maximize Internet marketing value, if you’re a seller? Here are tips from real estate experts – Todd, Saul Klein, CEO of Point2 Technologies, the company behind a leading real estate Web site, Point2 Homes, and Brady Pevehouse of Lynk Mortgage and Perrone Realty in central Florida.

Tips for Sellers

* With home prices still falling in many areas of the country, it’s probably tempting to try to sell on your own and avoid paying a commission to an agent. “But homes represented by agents historically sell faster and for a better price than those sold by owners,” Klein points out. “It’s harder and riskier to try selling on your own.”

* Select an Internet-savvy real estate agent to represent you. Questions to ask any agent you’re considering include: Do you plan to use syndication to publish my listing widely? Do you cover Craigslist, Yahoo!, Google, etc.? How many sites will my home be on? What kind of traffic do those sites receive? Will you purchase ad space on the Internet?

* Use the Internet to find a tech-savvy agent. At Point2Homes.com, sellers can find local agents with sophisticated Internet marketing skills. These agents use Point2 Technologies’ Web marketing software, Point2 Agent to syndicate listings and to create and maintain user-friendly, informative Web sites designed to help their clients sell their homes.

Tips for Buyers

* Take full advantage of the Internet’s research power. “The Internet can give you more relevant real estate information than just listings,” Todd says. “You can use it to evaluate price trends in areas of interest, access city hall records on development plans for your area, check out crime statistics, school facilities and noise issues.”

* “Begin with a clear vision of why you’re buying and how long you intend to be in the house,” Pevehouse advises. “This will help you determine what kind of home you’re looking for and what mortgage product is right for you.”

* Working with an Internet-savvy agent is as important for buyers as it is for sellers, Todd says. “Does the realtor provide dynamic info? Is he or she comfortable communicating with e-mail, text messaging and other technology tools?”

* While you’re researching online, keep in mind the difference between blogs and information, Todd advises. “Blogs are just opinions.” Look for fact-based sites and be sure the information you find is not outdated.

* “Real estate is intensely regional,” Todd says. Be sure to learn about the market in your area, because it may not necessarily be following national-level trends.

* Don’t be afraid to negotiate terms with the seller. “With inventory levels high, sellers can be very accommodating,” Pevehouse says. “Many are willing to contribute towards closing costs as an incentive for buyers.”

* If you’re even thinking about buying, do it now. “Jump on it now,” Todd advises. “It’s a buyer’s market, perhaps the best in years,” Klein agrees.

Buyers and sellers will both find helpful information on agents, markets and more at www.Point2Homes.com. Brokers and agents who wish to be added to the directory can also do so at www.Point2Agent.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The In-style In-law Suite

2008-08-01T03:56:00.003-07:00

(ARA) - The In-laws. Often, nothing can scare a person more than hearing that they’re coming to visit. But as the years go by, and your parents (or your spouse’s) get older, visits become more frequent and the thought of sharing a home with them becomes a welcome idea.

Three or more generations live together in 3.9 million American homes, according to the 2000 U.S. Census. A number of households consist of adult children caring for aging parents. But, don’t just stick Mom and Dad in the guest room when the time is right for them to move into your home. Having a well-designed in-law suite can make sharing a household much more enjoyable for all parties involved.

“Adding an in-law suite is a great idea, especially for homeowners who want to add extra space to their existing home,” says Laurie Birko, marketing and communications manager for Creative Specialties International. “By thinking about the design and amenities aging parents will need, you’ll have a universal space that will be safe and accessible not just for them, but for every member of the family.”

Keep the following tips in mind when creating an in-law suite that is both appropriate and adjustable to meet your family’s needs:

Privacy Please
“Privacy is one of the most important features to consider,” Birko says. “ A home that provides private spaces for each generation, as well as common gathering spaces, is the best way to make the new living arrangements work.” Location is key, but try to keep the in-law suite on the first floor for easy accessibility.

However, creating a suite on another level offers extra seclusion. Also, if possible, provide your in-laws with a separate kitchenette. That way they’ll have a sense of independence, but within the comfort and care of your home. A separate entrance is also another addition that can give your in-law suite more autonomy. Just be sure to check local building codes to see if there are any restrictions before you begin the remodel.

Custom-Built Baths
The bathroom is one of the most difficult rooms for older people to maneuver. It has the potential to make your in-law suite full of danger zones if you don’t carefully plan. Some aging parents may find the toilet seat is too low to accommodate their limited mobility and puts unnecessary stress on the legs, knees and back. An elevated toilet seat increases comfort and safety levels. Home Care by Moen offers a Locking Elevated Toilet Seat that subtly complements the décor of any bathroom, and locks securely on round and elongated toilet rims. Or, if the bath is too far from the bedroom in your in-law suite, Home Care also offers a new Premium Bedside Commode for added safety and comfort – right next to the bed – just in case.

Standing for long periods or slipping in the shower are also concerns in the bathroom for older adults. If you don’t want to break the bank installing a built-in seat in the shower, try Home Care’s new Premium Shower Chair. It offers superior safety and added conveniences in the shower – all with attractive styling. It has anti-slip rubber feet that provide superior stability, as well as adjustable height settings. The rubber-grip support handles offer added ease and support when standing or sitting, and a basket organizer and handheld shower holder help keep necessary items conveniently close.

To prevent slipping, the new Premium SecureLock Tub Grip lends a stable helping hand for stepping into and out of the tub. The new design features an easy-locking lever to ensure a tight fit to most tubs without harming the tub surface. An ergonomically designed handle features an anti-slip grip to provide optimal support and comfort. Plus the innovative design offers easy installation and removal – no twisting motion and no tools are necessary.

Versatility is Key
Just because you’re planning for this extra space to be a restful haven for your parents, doesn’t mean it will always serve that purpose. It’s wise to remember that since it may only be used for a limited time, make sure it can flex to other purposes when it’s no longer needed as an in-law suite. Be careful to not design a space so specialized that it will impair the future resale value of your home. Perhaps it will become a guest suite, a home office or a master suite, so look for stylish accessories and accents that can help your space transition. But for now, as you’re planning for your in-law suite, be sure to keep these tips and products in mind to keep Mom and Dad safe and comfortable.

All items from the Home Care by Moen line of bath safety products are available nationwide at Lowe’s and at select home health and medical suppliers.

For more information on Home Care by Moen’s line of bath safety products, visit
homecare.moen.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Seven Days, Seven Projects for a Kitchen that Sells

2008-08-01T03:56:00.001-07:00

(ARA) - In today’s market, selling a home involves much more than posting a “for-sale” sign in the yard. Preparation is key. In fact, experts agree that property appearance and condition play a big role in the home-sale process.

While home improvements can increase buyers’ interests, most sellers hesitate to renovate, fearing they may not recoup their costs in the sales price. However, with strategic updates in key rooms, such as kitchens, sellers can increase the value of a home – giving them a leg up on their neighbors to sell more easily and command a higher selling price.

With just a week's time, a small investment and a bit of elbow grease, you can easily turn your kitchen into your selling feature with these seven projects.

Clean Up!
Although you may love your children’s artwork or favorite magnets on the fridge, prospective homebuyers want to envision a home as theirs – not yours. Start your kitchen update by making a clean sweep of the room. Remove everything from the top and sides of your refrigerator and clear off countertops. By eliminating clutter and personal effects, your kitchen will look neat, clean – and even larger.

Fix Up Your Faucet
The faucet is the workhorse of the kitchen – and a focal point. So add new life to your sink area with a fashionable and functional new faucet. For an affordable price, you can find beautiful pulldown models, such as Moen’s Solidad pulldown kitchen faucet (available in LifeShine Classic Stainless finish at The Home Depot for $219). Potential buyers will be amazed with the functionality and the updated styling that it brings to the whole room.

Pull it Together
Once you’ve updated the faucet, pull the rest of the finishes in the room together by updating the hardware. Drawer pulls and knobs in a beautiful stainless finish are a simple project and can add a finishing touch that dramatically updates the look of new or older cabinets.

Become Ultra-Organized
Be prepared! Potential buyers will open your closets, cabinets and drawers to assess the storage availability in your home. Be sure that you organize each of these areas to make your kitchen look like a storage dream – not a nightmare. Many cabinet manufacturers, such as Masterbrand cabinets, offer custom shelves to help organize, or you can find simple organization systems at local retailers. No matter what system you choose, your organization won’t go unnoticed.

Curtain Call
Windows are a selling point in any room – allowing nature into a home by providing a source of sunlight. Be sure that windows and blinds are free of dust, fingerprints or pet nose prints for a bright and cheerful display. Adding a neutral, but classic curtain can be a nice touch to frame these focal points of the room.

Follow the Light
Does your kitchen still have the “builder-basic” or outdated brass lighting fixtures? As a focal point above your kitchen table, be sure to update your hanging chandelier with a model in a finish that coordinates with the rest of the room. A variety of classic-designed light fixtures in stainless steel or oil rubbed bronze finishes are available at local home improvement stores and will instantly light up your kitchen décor -- literally.

Cosmetic Cover-ups
You’ve lived in your kitchen so long that you may not notice the small paint chips in the trim or stain on the carpet, but to prospective homebuyers, these stick out like a sore thumb. A fresh coat of paint on walls and trim will always add more value than its cost and let buyers know that your home is well kept and clean.

Within a week you can easily increase the value of your home in the eyes of potential buyers – as well as provide an enjoyable space for yourself until you sell!

For more information on the Solidad pulldown kitchen faucet or other Moen products, visit www.moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

Courtesy of ARAcontent

A New and Growing Vacation Ownership Option

2008-08-01T03:55:00.005-07:00

(ARA) - The downturn in the real estate market has caused many people to forgo the purchase of a second home. But because they still want the opportunity to travel and spend time with friends and family, many are opting to become members of luxury travel destination clubs instead.

One reason for the switch -- most clubs provide a guaranteed refund of deposit, which may be more appealing than the liability of purchasing a second home in a potentially risky real estate market.

“With the current market, people are looking for alternatives to owning a vacation home. They still desire the quality time spent on vacations, but they want options,” says Steve Greer, founder of the LUSSO Collection, a boutique luxury travel destination club. “Destination club members get the opportunity to have luxury vacations around the world, without the hassle of second home ownership. Plus they have peace of mind because of the refund available on their deposit.”

Besides being concerned about the unstable real estate market, many people are finding that having a second home is simply too much work. Although you have the benefit of total control over design and decor in your own home, it often requires a lot of maintenance that can add up fast in time and money. If you live far away from your vacation home, that means hiring out the upkeep of the property. If you live close, you might spend half your time there tending to necessary household tasks.

Destination clubs are another option that consists of members who join a country club type of organization to utilize a portfolio of properties that the club owns. The clubs work well for people who enjoy the privacy, space and conveniences a home offers, but don’t want to worry about maintenance hassles or be limited to one destination. Additionally, certain destination clubs also provide vacation planning and on-site concierge services that you would normally find at a luxury hotel.

Decor and amenities are determined by the club, and although this freedom is forfeited, many view this as a positive. Some people prefer not to spend their own time on these items and find comfort in knowing the organization is consistently keeping the properties in superb shape.

Interest in destination clubs is evident in the recent growth of LUSSO, which has doubled in size since 2007 and recently reported its strongest quarter since its start in 2006. The concept for the LUSSO Collection came to Greer after traveling with his wife and first child. They found rented homes to be unsatisfactory and the prospect of buying a second home unappealing. The need for rented cars, car seats, toys, games and groceries made the travel experience less than pleasant.

With its unique boutique structure and a members-to-residence ratio of 5.5-to-1, LUSSO is a choice that makes sense for a lot of people. Members get unlimited use of private luxury homes that are fully equipped with all needed items including a Lincoln Navigator, golf clubs, a gourmet kitchen stocked with pre-arrival groceries and amenities for all travelers regardless of age. The membership deposit is 100 percent refundable upon resignation as well as annual dues.

With an economic structure that is similar to a country club, members pay a fully refundable deposit (currently $425,000) and annual dues for unlimited access to the club’s portfolio of residences and services. Properties are in locations such as Lake Tahoe, Calif.; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Aspen, Colo.; Manhattan; Hawaii; the Bahamas and other choice destinations. For more information, visit www.lussocollection.com, or call (866) GO LUSSO.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

From Common to Customized – Add Value With Details

2008-08-01T03:55:00.003-07:00

(ARA) – Whether you’re selling your home or planning to live there for years to come, you can add interest and value using architectural elements. Customizing your kitchen, bath or master bedroom is a simple way to set your home apart and increase the “wow factor” of those particular rooms, which real estate agents say sell houses.

Architectural elements are the unique details that form the architectural style of houses and buildings. These include anything from stairways and fireplace mantels to columns and ornaments. Examples of architectural details are found in every design style from intricate Victorian gables to modern clean-lined ceiling domes.

Here are a few easy design tips that use architectural elements to bring your kitchen, bath or master bedroom from ordinary to extraordinary.

Kitchen -- From Lackluster to Luxury
* Stock cabinets can be plain and boring. Add decorative corbels (an architectural support bracket), panel and crown mouldings to create a high-end, customized appearance.

* Add a ceiling medallion above the breakfast bar or table. Whether simple or elegantly embellished, a medallion will enhance any light fixture and create a focal point.

* Build an “oven nook.” Using a shelf or fireplace mantel and some decorative corbels, you can create the look of a custom built-in cooking station found in model homes.

Bathroom -- From So-so to Spa
* Switch out the simple wood trim around doors for elegant casings and add a chair rail at mid-wall height. For a look featured in four-star hotels, paint the wall below the chair rail a muted, relaxing color and use a slightly lighter shade of the same color above the chair rail.

* Add a decorative shelf or mantel for display of art, plants or your favorite fragrance bottles.

* Add to the height of the bathroom by installing a round or elliptical dome. A dome will allow for a larger, more dramatic light fixture while adding depth like a tray ceiling.

Master Bedroom -- From Routine to Relaxing
* Trimming the bedroom with crown moulding shows attention to detail and complements rooms of any style.

* Add a niche to your wall for dramatic display space. Highlight special photos, keepsakes or a piece of art.

* Create a custom headboard using architectural plaques, ornate corbels and decorative swags. A custom headboard allows you to show your style and offers an elegant space to frame the room’s largest piece of furniture.

Adding architectural elements to customize the spaces in your home doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Lightweight, decorative mouldings and other elements are available through companies like Focal Point Architectural Products, which specializes in closed-cell polyurethane products that won’t rot or mildew. The pieces look like plaster and wood, but offer a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to traditional materials.

For more information or design inspiration, visit www.FocalPointProducts.com or call (800) 662-5550 to find a dealer near you.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

A Great Way to Expand Your Home's Living Space

2008-08-01T03:55:00.001-07:00

(ARA) – Is what used to be your office now the baby’s room? Have your desk and computer taken up residence in the formal living room? Are you running out of space to store your growing collection of stuff?

Now that summer is here, it’s a great time to reassess how the space in your home is being used. And if you’re looking for more creative ways to utilize the space you already have, look no further than the backyard deck – specifically underneath it.

“Expanding a home’s outdoor living space is a big trend, and so many newer homes have second or third level decks with space underneath that is basically lost. Utilizing this normally wasted space in the home is easier to do than you may think,” says Don Garrison of LockDry Decking.

While typical wood decks have gaps between the boards, providing no shelter from the elements for the area below, those that utilize a watertight aluminum decking system like the one offered by LockDry (www.lockdry.com), can create a beautifully finished and gapless deck that keeps the area under the deck dry, no matter what the weather.

Whether you need extra space for storage, a game room for the kids, a workshop or an entertainment room, the lower level is instantly transformed into usable space when you seal the deck above; and keeping the area dry isn’t the only benefit aluminum decking offers over wood and composites.

“Aluminum is the perfect material for decking,” explains Garrison. “It is able to withstand the most extreme outdoor elements. It does not rust, rot, warp, or splinter. It will not freeze and crack. It does not contain any chemicals that will leach. It also weights less than half of wood decking and is much stronger.”

Installation is simple, and since the decking surface is watertight, no water penetrates to the deck framing, protecting the wooden structure, and your house, from moisture. Kits, which are available directly from LockDry, include trim for a professional, finished looking deck.

Aluminum railing systems are also available to complete your deck. The various styles will complement just about any architectural style, from contemporary to traditional. Choose from cable, glass, picket and decorative styles. They are shipped in pre-assembled sections for easy installation.

In addition, the decking is maintenance free, so you’ll never have to replace a rotted, cracked or warped board again. You also won’t have to spend a perfect summer day waterproofing, staining or painting the deck. All it takes is periodic cleaning to keep the deck looking great. The aluminum decking stays cool to the touch, has a textured, non-skid powder coat finish, and is available in four beautiful colors, so there’s sure to be an option that complements the color scheme of your house.

Once your deck is finished, there’s no end to the ways you can decorate it. Add potted or hanging plants – the water runoff won’t harm your aluminum deck like it would wood. Add a table with an umbrella and comfortable chairs, and you’re set to enjoy the nice weather. The deck is also the perfect place for your grill, as most decks are built off the kitchen. Add some benches for extra seating, and you’re ready to entertain.

Each LockDry decking system comes with a limited lifetime warranty. For more information, visit www.lockdry.com or call (800) 711-1785 to request a brochure and decking samples.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Driveway Makeovers to Boost Your Curb Appeal

2008-08-01T03:54:00.003-07:00

(ARA) – Whether selling a home in today’s tough real estate market or simply trying to beautify and protect your home, curb appeal should be very important to you. Home selling experts predict that as many as 40 percent of potential buyers reject a home based on their first impression of the front of the home. That makes curb appeal -- the general appearance of the front yard -- the single largest factor shaping impressions of your home.

After lawns, driveways often make up the largest area of the front yard, and can really affect opinions of your home. “Driveways and sidewalks are the entryways to the home. If they’re in great shape, you’ve got a strong first impression. If not -- you’ve said a lot about the quality of the home,” says Gordon Blickle of Gardner-Gibson, a manufacturer of driveway, brick and patio sealers.

Unfortunately, driveways are often overlooked, spoiling an otherwise manicured landscape. Unless the drive is severely cracked, crumbling or poses a safety hazard, there’s no need to spend thousands on removing and replacing it. There are easier options to makeover a tired driveway that boost the curb appeal of a home.

Drive to Impress
Create a great first impression and prevent expensive repairs by resealing your driveway. Renew the look of an old, worn blacktop driveway and fill in small cracks with fast-drying Black Jack Ultra-Maxx 1000, a flexible, long-lasting filler and sealer with a 10-year guarantee.

Light the Night
Installing low-voltage or solar landscape lighting can create a softly lit path to border the driveway. In addition to creating a pretty landscaping effect, the lighting can improve visibility and decrease the chances someone will accidentally drive onto the lawn.

Clean Up That Sidewalk
Frequently dirt, mold and algae settle on sidewalks due to their location, and that can create a really dismal first impression. Clean the walk with Driveway Kleen, a garden-safe spray solution that attaches to a garden hose. To protect stains from coming back, coat the sidewalk and adjacent pavers or edgers with Krystal Brilliance, a waterbased clear acrylic sealer.

Stop and Smell the Roses
Instead of having to keep the edge of the lawn trimmed against the driveway, create a “buffer” strip with a decorative rock garden or plant flowers along the path to create an inviting drive up to the home. If the driveway is shared with a neighbor, plant shrubs and flowers between them to create a small privacy wall.

Get an Edge
Edge the driveway with pavers in colors complementary to the home and pavement. Use pavers in different shapes and sizes to create an interesting focal point and frame the driveway.

“Consider your front yard the ‘arms’ that welcome visitors into a home,” says Blickle. “Without a warm welcome, guests and potential buyers may just keep walking.”

For more information and ideas on how to protect driveways from the elements, visit www.gardner-gibson.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

This Season, the Outdoors are 'In'

2008-08-01T03:54:00.001-07:00

(ARA) – Outdoor living spaces are quickly becoming the favorite upgrade for homeowners around the country. Outdoor improvements are gaining ground on the perennial favorites -kitchen and bath renovations - because of the added value and comfort they add to a home.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) predicts the demand for luxurious outdoor environments will continue to rise over the next 10 years because of the low swing in the housing market. Homeowners are investing more in upgrades for their homes, rather than buying new ones.

The latest in outdoor living spaces emphasizes luxury with enhancements like hot tubs, built-in gas grills and wet bars, with pavers being the most popular building material. There are now manufactured products that are making it easier to convey stone’s charm, but with a fraction of the cost and hassle of the real thing.

“The look of hardscape - non-plant landscape elements like woodwork, masonry or stone - really imparts a unique thumbprint to any outdoor setting,” said Ken O’Neill, vice president of Belgard Hardscapes, a leading U.S. manufacturer of pavers and retaining wall products. “Whether it’s a patio floor or an expanded outdoor bar, the look of hardscape gives an air of sophistication, serenity and communion with the natural world.”

Landscape designers have long used pavers to create patio floors, retaining walls, terraces, pool decks and accent edging. New products, designed to look more like natural stone, are now inspiring the use of pavers, rather than stone, in more upscale outdoor settings.

“We’re seeing designers and homeowners incorporate products like our Celtik Wall—a modern interpretation of prehistoric celt stone—throughout their outdoor living environments,” said O’Neill. “These products look very natural and blend with the surrounding environments to keep outdoor living natural and organic.”

Belgard products achieve the rustic and random appearance with False Joint Technology. Large blocks are made up of a group of stones that give the appearance that each stone has been hand-placed. This grouping cuts installation time and gives a more refined look.

Matching natural stone’s durability and beauty, pavers do not require heavy maintenance and can reduce labor costs associated with professional installation.

The look of pavers can be used to achieve major visual impact in a large-scale setting, such as a tiered patio complete with a built-in fire pit, retaining walls and paver flooring. Another trend is to use products to create secondary outdoor living areas. In addition to a main patio that opens from the back door, you can create smaller, more intimate seating areas in secluded parts of the yard away from the house.

With so many options for pavers and retaining wall products, a backyard makeover is an easy upgrade to any home. Landscape professionals have limitless designs and ideas to make your home unique.

For project ideas on landscaping with pavers and retaining or to locate a Belgard dealer near you, please visit www.belgard.biz.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Coping with Foreclosure: How to Ensure Family Pets Receive Care

2008-08-01T03:53:00.004-07:00

(ARA) - Times are tight for Americans. Around every corner lurks more news about rising fuel prices, expensive food and families forced to leave their homes to make ends meet. According to RealtyTrac, home foreclosures in the first quarter of 2008 increased 23 percent from the previous quarter and jumped 112 percent from the first quarter of 2007. These increases in foreclosures have given rise to an unexpected problem: pet abandonment.

There are no figures to estimate the number of animals being abandoned or surrendered due to current economic hardships, but animal shelters across the country are taking in more animals every day as families find themselves without other options. Some families are taking advantage of shelters to temporarily board their pets with the hope of picking them up in a few days or weeks. Meanwhile, local authorities are seeing an increase in the number of pets being abandoned by their owners.

In Arkansas, three dogs were found starved to death in their kennels. The homeowners had left the dogs behind when they moved. Two dogs in San Diego were left at a vacant home for several months, but survived. In Downy, Calif., four birds were found abandoned in their cages.

But abandonment is never the answer, animal welfare experts say. “Whether it’s asking a friend to pet sit, finding an apartment that accepts animals, finding a local shelter that can help or asking your veterinarian for low-cost boarding, there’s always a humane option,” says Allie Phillips, director of public policy for the American Humane Association, the 130-year-old child and animal welfare organization.

To help struggling families find options, American Humane has put together a list of tips to help homeowners either relocate with their pets or find other safe placement options for them. Some of those tips include:

* Look for apartments and rental homes that will take pets.
* If you cannot take your pet, ask your veterinarian if you can receive low-cost boarding for your pet or set up a payment plan.
* Check www.petfinder.com for a list of shelters and rescue organizations in your area that can help board your animal or will accept it for adoption.
* Strongly consider taking your pet with you. The comfort and companionship of pets can help ease the strain of a move.

"There's a lot of news about the stock market and a struggling economy lately, but it's not the economy that's struggling. It's you, us, our friends and neighbors," says Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of American Humane. “It’s a tough place for any family to find themselves. Bills need to be paid and in order to make ends meet, sometimes sacrifices have to be made. It’s not easy, but pet abandonment isn’t the answer.”

Tip sheets for homeowners looking for ways to keep or care for their pets during a foreclosure can be found at www.americanhumane.org. Also available online are tip sheets for bank and mortgage companies that may find abandoned pets in vacated homes. In addition, local animal shelters may be eligible for grants from American Humane to help families stay with their pets.

Neighbors Can Help, Too
Often a neighbor can help authorities and animal welfare groups spot an abandoned animal before it’s too late. Neighbors should listen for animal sounds, look in windows, check with other neighbors and be on the lookout for signs that the previous homeowners had pets. If pets are known or suspected to be on the property, animal control should be called immediately. With a neighbor’s help, animal control can get a search warrant to enter the home and check for pets that are abandoned or neglected.

American Humane is quick to point out that animals left behind or simply set free will probably not survive. It can be weeks or months before a bank or mortgage company will visit an abandoned home to make an assessment or a neighbor notices that pets are trapped in a house. That’s too long for any animal to go without food and water. If abandoned, there is also a chance that the state criminal animal-cruelty laws might apply, even if arrangements are made for somebody to feed and water the animals after the home has been vacated.

“It’s a terrible situation for any family to find themselves in, but to leave an animal behind only makes it worse,” says Belew Wheatley. “It seems when times are tough we find the best in our friends, family and neighbors. If they’re unable to help there are always other options, from a vet to a local animal shelter. These are our family pets, and they count on us to take care of them.”

Visit www.americanhumane.org for more information.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

How to Improve Your Home's Indoor Air Quality

2008-08-01T03:53:00.003-07:00

(ARA) - There’s been a lot of attention focused lately on the role indoor air pollution plays in our ability to live a healthy lifestyle. In fact, over the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities.

The problem is so significant, the Environmental Protection Agency currently lists poor indoor air quality as the fourth largest environmental threat in the United States. EPA studies show that levels of air pollution inside the home are often two to five times higher than outdoor levels.

The problem is due in a large part to efforts to make homes more energy-efficient. New homes have been built increasingly air-tight during the past 15 years. Remodelers are tightening them up as well with new windows, caulking and insulation to prevent cool air from leaking out in the summertime and warm air from escaping during winter. Synthetic building materials used in green building can release harmful chemicals into the air. Dust and mold, and fumes from common household items like air fresheners and scented candles add to the problem.

The result is an increase in the number of indoor pollutants that release gases or particles into the air. They are making thousands of people sick every year. But there are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.

Here are some of the most common indoor irritants and how to deal with them:

Pollutant: Wet or moist walls, ceilings, carpets and furniture, poorly maintained humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air conditioners.

Health Effects include eye, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever and digestive problems. Can cause asthma, humidifier fever, influenza and other infectious diseases.

Solution: Empty water trays in air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and refrigerators frequently. Clean and dry or remove water-damaged carpets. Install and use fans vented to outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms.

Pollutant: Cigarette smoke

Health Effects: Can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches and lung cancer, and may contribute to heart disease. Homes with one or more smokers may have particle levels several times higher than outdoor levels.

Solution: Do not smoke in your home or permit others to do so. If smoking indoors can’t be avoided, increase ventilation in the area where smoking takes place. Open windows or use an exhaust fan.

In the past, many people were reluctant to install vent fans because they were noisy and annoying, but technology has come a long way. The Panasonic Home and Environment Company, for example, now offers the WhisperGreen line of ventilation fans that are not only quiet, but up to 460 percent more energy efficient than minimum Energy Star requirements. They have a revolutionary DC motor rated for continuous run, and are equipped with a Smart Action motion sensor that activates when someone enters the room they are installed in. Some models are even equipped with night lights.

“By using simple, affordable solutions, consumers can contribute to environmentally conscious building and, more importantly, protecting themselves from harmful indoor air pollutants,” says Victor Flynn, the company’s National Marketing Manager.

In addition to offering products people can feel good about, The Panasonic Home and Environment Company recently added some new ecological goals to its three-year business plan that completes in March 2010.

* Panasonic will accelerate the development and adoption of energy-saving technologies while eliminating products with poor energy-efficiency.

* Panasonic will reduce CO2 emissions from all its activities worldwide by 300,000 tons.

* Panasonic employees are encouraged to spread environmental activities throughout the world.

WhisperGreen ventilation fans are available through plumbing electrical and HVAC distribution throughout the country. Log on to www.Panasonic.com/ventfans for a store locator.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

What to Do When Your HVAC System Breaks Down

2008-08-01T03:53:00.001-07:00

(ARA) - It’s a home comfort emergency. Your air conditioning system breaks down in the middle of a heat wave, or your current heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system sounds and feels like it’s on its last legs. When you need to replace your system quickly, what should you do?

The folks at American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning offer a list of things to consider when you need to replace your home comfort system in a hurry without getting worried.

Choose the right HVAC dealer.
The most important step is finding someone you can trust to provide expert advice and properly install your new system. When selecting the best professional dealer, ask friends and neighbors for a recommendation, check credentials through the Better Business Bureau and learn about the dealer’s credentials and services, including whether removal of old equipment is included. Some dealers also have North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification, confirming the highest level of training for installation and service.

Get an in-home assessment.
Before any professional dealers can share a solution, they need to diagnose the situation and understand your family’s comfort needs. The dealer should conduct an in-home assessment to determine the right system that will deliver the greatest comfort and energy efficiency for your home. This includes asking questions about your lifestyle and comfort requirements, checking your insulation, ductwork and building materials, and measuring your windows and rooms.

Ask about a matched system.
In a matched system, indoor and outdoor units are integrated to give you the best comfort and efficiency. For example, the indoor unit -- either a furnace or air handler -- works in conjunction with the outside unit such as an air conditioner or heat pump. Matched systems are quieter, more reliable, more efficient and last longer to make the most of your investment.

Some matched systems also offer added convenience and comfort through built-in technology that allows all HVAC components to "communicate" with each other. For example, the American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning AccuLink system ensures all components are automatically and properly charged, configured and calibrated for sustained reliability, peak performance and energy efficiency. In addition, the AccuLink communicating system also provides homeowners with remote telephone access to their system, meaning they can adjust temperatures and control the system whether they are home or away.

Add an air filtration system.
If you have family members with allergies or asthma, or if you want to improve the indoor air quality in your home, consider adding an air filtration system to your furnace or air handler. Most systems have only a standard one-inch air filter that simply protects components from clogging. A whole-home air cleaner, like the American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning AccuClean, removes up to 99.98 percent of dust, pollen, bacteria and pet dander from your filtered air -- making it 100 times more effective than a standard throwaway filter. In addition, it removes more than 99 percent of the influenza A virus from the filtered air your family breathes.

Ask about extended warranties and financing options.
Many dealers offer financing options that fit your budget. In addition, understand the limited warranties that come with your new equipment and how you may extend the warranty coverage on parts and labor to provide further peace of mind.

Plan ahead.
If your furnace, air handler, air conditioner or heat pump is eight years or older, it may make sense to replace them with more up-to-date models -- before they break down. Recent increases in government efficiency ratings mean that the new systems may help you increase your family’s comfort while decreasing your home’s energy costs.

For more information on choosing an HVAC system or to find an American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning independent dealer near you, visit www.americanstandardair.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The Benefits of Being Green

2008-08-01T03:52:00.004-07:00

(ARA) - Kermit the Frog once sang, “It’s not easy being green.” When it comes to modern remodeling, however, not only is it easier than ever to go green, environmentally conscious renovations can deliver significant cost, health and aesthetic benefits.

Each year, Americans spend about $160 billion on remodeling, according to the National Association of Realtors. They remodel to make better use of living space, add storage, replace dated or worn-out features, or simply to personalize their homes. Environmental concerns and rising energy costs are driving an increasing number of homeowners toward green remodeling. Builders and remodelers are responding by offering energy-efficient appliances, such as tankless water heaters, double- or triple-paned windows, and programmable thermostats.

For all the interest in going green, uncertainties about cost, difficulty in finding green products and the fear of losing the air of luxury may keep some homeowners away from the trend. It’s important for consumers to understand their options and make educated decisions on which green building products will best serve their interests, and why a green remodel would be the best choice for them.

Cost Benefits
Energy efficient appliances not only lower your monthly utility costs, but may make you eligible for rebates or tax deductions. Green products are also becoming more affordable as manufacturers compete and develop new products and technologies to meet the growing green building and remodeling demands.

These newer, more energy-efficient appliances, such as Rinnai tankless water heaters, can be significantly more efficient than their older, less efficient counterparts and offer reduced maintenance and replacement costs, thanks to greater reliability of materials. A small investment in these energy-efficient measures can avoid costly problems in the future, including excess indoor moisture, which promotes mold growth, wood deterioration, metal corrosion and other structural problems.

Health Benefits
Green building and remodeling can deliver health, productivity, and air and water quality benefits that serve to better our society and reduce exposure to potential toxins. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers poor indoor air quality to be one of the five most urgent public health risks in the United States. Levels of air pollution inside a home can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels according to a recent study by the American Lung Association.

Green remodeling can reduce exposure to substances, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can contribute to childhood asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Major paint manufacturers now offer products that are low in VOCs.

Aesthetics
Newer green products, including Rinnai’s tankless water heaters, are made with the homeowner’s desire for luxury and beauty in mind. Manufacturers are designing technologies that are not only energy efficient, but have a modern appeal. With sleek and handsome features, these energy efficient appliances can capture the essence of luxury for any home.

Comfort
Many green appliances include systems specifically designed to reduce heat loss or gain. Ceiling fans that can increase your comfort range by creating a cool breeze on warm days, metal roofing specifically designed to reduce heat gain and meet specific requirements, HVAC systems with programmable thermostats, and other high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment are all designed with comfort in mind. Sealing air leaks and increasing insulation will help maintain an even temperature throughout the living space, eliminate drafts, control humidity levels and buffer noise from the streets.

Environment
Energy consumption has a direct impact on air quality and our natural environment. Green remodel projects allow consumers to be energy efficient while minimizing waste. By choosing environmentally responsible products, homeowners can help protect forests, wildlife, and air and water quality.

In addition, every gallon of water or kilowatt-hour of electricity saved reduces the amount of carbon dioxide (the greenhouse gas) entering the atmosphere. Tankless water heaters, like those made by Rinnai, are mostly made of recyclable parts. Eliminating inefficient storage tank water heaters will reduce landfill load by about 600 million pounds over 10 years – the equivalent of nearly 130,000 SUVs, according to the Alliance to Save Energy.

“Energy conservation has continued to be a major consideration for homeowners, builders and remodelers,” says Mike Murtaugh, marketing director of Rinnai Corporation. “With energy conservation being such a dominant trend in the building and remodeling industry, we expect to see the demand for more energy conscious products and appliances, such as the Rinnai tankless water heater, continue to increase.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Affordable Luxury: Living Large in Smaller Spaces

2008-08-01T03:52:00.003-07:00

(ARA) - When shopping for real estate, bigger used to mean better. But preferences are changing, particularly in a tight economy where every dollar needs to go further. A new aesthetic is taking hold, and it’s been dubbed “affordable luxury.”

“Affordable luxury means living within your means, and yet surrounded by beauty, style and convenience,” says builder Russ Walthall who, with his wife Vickee, has 25 years of experience designing and building custom homes. “Many people have discovered that they love the details of high-end, expensive homes, but they just don’t need as much space, and they don’t want to deal with all the maintenance that is involved with a large, single-family home.”

What’s driving the trend towards affordable luxury? The homebuying population is graying and the number of single-person households is rising. The population of Americans 65 and older will climb 147 percent between 2000 and 2050, the U.S. Census Bureau predicts. Meanwhile, the number of traditional households with children dropped 15 percent from 1960 to 2000, resulting in a 13 percent rise in the number of single-person households, according to a study by the Urban Affairs & Planning Department of Virginia Tech’s Alexandria campus. Another 6 percent drop is expected by 2040.

These two factors indicated an increase in the target market for affordable, yet well-appointed homes without excess space or upkeep.

What’s Hot in Town Homes

The key to reaching this growing target market, say the Walthalls, is making people feel pampered within a budget. They put their theory to the test by developing a 64-building community of four-unit town homes near Kansas City. The two- and three-bedroom units have been selling briskly, particularly among people with active lifestyles – young professionals, empty-nesters, couples without children and others looking for the flexibility and maintenance-free living afforded by a town home.

Buyers looking for affordable luxury are responding to the upscale touches at Tuscany Hills. Details such as:

* Exterior finishes that marry stone accents and maintenance-free vinyl siding that mimics the look of hand-stained wood, like warm, rich Timber Oak Ascent vinyl siding.

* Storm doors and dusk-to-dawn lighting outside homes.

* Interior details such as crown molding, bronze lighting fixtures, Hunter Douglas blinds, fireplaces and, in some cases, custom cabinets and flat-screen TVs.

* Fiber-optic networks that allow users to connect quickly to the outside world, making it easier than ever for retirees, career-changers, entrepreneurs and others to work from home.

Empty Nesters Find New Nest Well Feathered

That magic combination of style and structure is what appealed to empty nesters Doug and Marilyn Blauser, who recently moved from Colorado and purchased a two-bedroom, single-story town home in the Walthalls’ Tuscany Hills development. They feel they got a great value.

“Twice before, we’ve purchased newly constructed homes,” says Marilyn. “In those homes, we had to paint, put up trim and install shelves ourselves. In this case, we liked that all the details were taken care of. We have 1,071 gorgeous square feet. It feels like they took the amenities of a $400,000 home and put them in an affordable house. It’s perfect for us.”

The Walthalls predict that the trend of affordable luxury will continue, even beyond the current economic downturn. As Vickee says, “Downsizing doesn’t have to mean downgrading anymore.”

For more information about Tuscany Hills, visit www.tuscanyhills.info. For more information about Timber Oak Ascent, visit www.variform.com.

Courtesy of Aracontent

Better Than Moving: Get More Space with a Basement Remodel

2008-08-01T03:52:00.001-07:00

(ARA) – The day you’ve dreaded has finally arrived: your household is bursting at the seams. You need more space, but you’re not keen on the idea of entering the real estate market right now. And eco-conscious consumer that you are, you don’t relish the idea of increasing your home’s environmental impact with a costly addition.

You’re not alone. The bigger is better mentality that defined the “moving up” trend of the past 20 years seems to be the latest casualty of the real estate downturn. As a result, many homeowners are opting to stay put and increase their living space by remodeling the homes they have. Many are doing so without the cost and eco-impact of building an addition. Instead, they’re creating more living space by turning areas like basements, garages and even outdoor patios into usable square footage.

Finishing a basement is one of the most cost-effective remodeling projects, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2007 Cost vs. Value report, with homeowners seeing an average 75 percent return on investment when they sell the home in the first year. The cellar-to-living-space trend can be especially helpful for owners of older homes, many of which have large unfinished basements.

Finishing a basement is a complicated job and generally beyond the scope of most do-it-yourself homeowners. One of the quickest and easiest ways to finish your basement is with a finishing system like the Owens Corning Basement Finishing System. Wall panels with built-in thermal and acoustic insulation are professionally installed around the room. Mold and mildew resistant, the durable, dent- and stain-resistant panels easily turn a concrete basement into usable living space without the months-long disruption and mess of a traditional drywall remodel. The Basement Finishing System allows you to convert your basement in about two weeks. Visit www.basementfinishing system.com to learn more about this basement remodeling option.

Still unsure if a basement renovation will be worth your investment? Consider these additional facts:

* If you’ve been in your home for a while and you have equity built up, it will likely be easier to finance a remodel with a home equity line of credit than to secure a mortgage to buy a new home.

* Remodeling Magazine’s 2007 Cost vs. Value report shows that for mid-range projects, additions cost an average of $200 per square foot, depending on where you live in the country and the scope of your project. By contrast, a basement remodel will cost much less than that.

* Finishing a basement can allow you to reclaim main-floor areas whose intended use went by the wayside as your living situation became more crowded. For example, you can move the treadmill out of the bedroom and into your new basement gym.

* Finally, you’ll be turning under-used space into an asset that will not only enhance your enjoyment of your home, but will add dollars to the selling price when you finally do sell someday down the road – after the real estate market’s inevitable recovery.

“Expanding your living space without increasing your home’s overall footprint pays off in terms of homeowner satisfaction, too,” Todd Hall, product manager at Owens Corning, says. “You’re getting much-needed extra space, at a lower cost and less environmental impact than if you were to build a new addition. Because finishing a basement is less expensive than building an addition, there’s more flexibility to customize as well.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Secrets of the Home Sale

2008-08-01T03:51:00.004-07:00

(ARA) - With the inventory of unsold homes at continued high levels, homeowners are going to great lengths to differentiate and distinguish their home. According to experts, there are a few simple tricks that can help create a more appealing space and a more attractive listing in today’s increasingly competitive market.

* Listing: What’s in a word?

When putting your home on the market, the right phrasing in your listing can be the key to attracting potential buyers. According to the 2008 MSN article, “What’s ‘beautiful’ worth? About $12,500” researchers have found that listings with the words “beautiful” or “gorgeous” sold homes 15 percent faster, while “landscaping” bumped sales 20 percent faster and “move-in condition” expedited the sale by 12 percent.

Contrary to popular belief, sellers should steer clear of words that highlight desperation such as “motivated” and “must sell.” The study found the inclusion of those words in the listing slowed sales by up to 30 percent.

* Branding: If you’ve got it, flaunt it.

Brand names create a point of differentiation and should be used as selling points for your home. There is no doubt that buyers will put more weight in brands they trust. If choosing to make upgrades before listing your home, consider quality, recognizable products because they will ultimately provide the best return.

“Our premier lines of hardwood flooring are appearing in listings along with top name appliances,” says Tom Sullivan, chairman and founder of Lumber Liquidators. “The inclusion of these trusted brands in the listing conveys quality and, in the case of Bellawood and its 50-year warranty, it also provides peace of mind.”

* Staging: The ultimate showcase showdown.

When getting your home tidied up for potential buyers, there are some specific tips that will help your home appeal to a wider range of buyers.

* Cleaning: The number one rule of staging is to get rid of unwanted and unused items. Whether packed away until the sale or permanently donated, de-cluttering allows buyers to see more of the home. This also includes moving furniture out of rooms that may seem overcrowded. Less is always more.

* Neutralizing: When getting your home ready to sell, going neutral is the best way to go to appeal to the most buyers. Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a room back to its natural state. Warm neutral colors tend to be a stager’s preference because it keeps walls inviting while adding a touch of color in the room. Buyers can better imagine themselves living in a home when it is neutral.

* Landscaping: Although the inside of the home can create atmosphere, the first impression can be a lasting impression. The outside of the house will set the tone for what a buyer perceives is inside. Create a pleasant yard that is well-kept and full of life. Plants and flowers also should be brought inside the home to help accessorize and accent high traffic areas such as the kitchen and living room.

For more information about installing hardwood flooring, call (800) FLOORING or visit www.lumberliquidators.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Time Share: A Great Vacation Opportunity for the Family

2008-08-01T03:51:00.003-07:00

(ARA) - With a busy family, hectic work schedule and decisions to be made daily on a variety of topics and issues, one thing the average person does not want to struggle over is where to vacation to get some rest. For many, time share real estate offers a convenience that takes the edge off of the question, “Where are we going this year?’

Time share real estate is a deeded property that a person or family has the right to use one week a year at their convenience. The average person does not start out looking for a time share, it is often property that is stumbled upon from a variety of unassuming sources.

Real estate or management companies utilize crafty methods of introducing their product to potential buyers. Sometimes they receive a notice in the mail informing them they have won a prize and must go to a certain location to hear a presentation to receive their prize. The presentation is of course on the time share available for purchase.

Robert Lindquist, professor of business at Argosy University, Orange County advises potential owners to choose the location of the time share property carefully. “One thing to consider is whether there is a downside to selecting a location that has seasonal limitations such as ski resorts.” Lindquist says. He emphasizes it is important to select a location that will be attractive when trading for a new vacation spot when the family wants to make a change.

Lindquist sites several advantages to owning a time share:

* If this is a second home, the time share can be considered a second home and may be eligible as a tax write off.

* The time share guarantees the family a vacation spot one week out of the year in the original location or it can be traded for another site.

* The property can be maintained and kept until it is paid off or the family can choose to sell it.

* Time share resales are available.

For those who feel the cost of a full time share property is prohibitive, there is an option to buy the real estate in an every-other-year-arrangement for half the cost. This provides a reduced cost and still provides a family vacation site.

“Time shares provide stability within the family regarding travel, but they should never be looked at as an economical investment,” Lindquist says.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The Humane Way to Take Control of a Pesky Bird Problem

2008-08-01T03:51:00.001-07:00

(ARA) – There’s nothing more pleasant on a warm, sunny day than sitting on a backyard deck and watching song birds, cardinals and blue jays fly in and out of the backyard bird feeder; but there are certain species homeowners would rather do without. One that comes to mind is the woodpecker, Named because of just that -- they peck wood; and the last thing you want is for one to attack your home.

Woodpecks can cause a lot of damage when they peck holes in cedar wood siding or the eaves of a home while looking for shelter, trying to find food – the bugs that hide in such places -- or when they’re sending out a mating call to other birds.

Each year, homeowners spend thousands of dollars -- money that would be better spent elsewhere -- replacing the siding on their homes, as well as patching up the holes left by woodpeckers. Damage typically occurs in the spring when pairs are actively looking for nesting cavities, and fall when they are trying to find food that has become scarce.

“Because the birds are territorial, it’s best to thwart their activity early on by scaring them away. If you don’t take action, the problem will quickly get out of hand and require professional intervention,” says Bruce Donoho, owner of Bird-B-Gone, a Southern California company that since 1992 has specialized in humane bird control products.

There are some simple things he advises homeowners try before they go to the expense of calling in the professionals. First, cover any holes the woodpeckers start and repair the damage done, then resort to scare tactics.

* Exclusion
Netting is one of the most effective methods of preventing woodpeckers from damaging wood siding beneath the eaves. Simply place lightweight plastic bird meshing over the areas they have attacked in the past. A mesh of 3/4 inch is generally recommended. At least 3 inches of space should be left between the netting and damaged building so the birds can not cause damage through the mesh.

* Visual repellents
If you want to discourage a pesky bird from making your yard part of its territory, make it an undesirable place for them to be. There are several different kinds of visual deterrants you can use to scare woodpeckers away. Among the most popular options, hanging flash tape -- iridescent foil tape that will flap in the wind from a tree or gazebo; Bird-B-Gone Diverters, a keychain-like device with iridescent foil eyes that will make the birds feel like they are being watched when hung from a tree; and the Bird-B-Gone Balloon, an inflatable scare device that confuses woodpeckers with lifelike reflective predator eyes and markings painted on a giant yellow balloon.

The great thing about these type of visual products is that once the bird leaves the area you can take them down and store them away for future use. Birds can become accustomed to stationary things and if that happens, your ace in the hole will lose its effectiveness.

* Noise repellents
Using loud noises like rock music or bird distress calls are also an effective way to discourage the birds. A company called AbsoluteBirdControl.com offers a Bird Chase Supersonic device that plays woodpecker distress calls and predator calls that scare birds away.

“Remember to use these techniques as soon as damage begins and continue for at least 12 days. Understand that when birds leave one site, they simply move to another one. Just hope that the new site is on something other than your backyard storage building or the house next door,” says Donoho.

For more information on how to control woodpeckers, and other birds that may be causing you problems, visit www.absolutebirdcontrol.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Five Tips to Help You Gear Up for the Homebuying Season

2008-08-01T03:50:00.004-07:00

(ARA) - It’s time to gear up for the busy spring and summer homebuying season. Buyers and sellers alike have come to expect that there are greater options available during this time of year as more people tend to be in the market for a new home. So what is behind this trend and how can you make the most of the buying and selling season?

Why Now?

The Kids.

Many homeowners, especially those with school-aged children, prefer to plan their move around the summer. By starting the homebuying process in spring, most children can finish the year at their current school and start fresh at their new school in the fall.

The IRS.

Tax refund checks start hitting mailboxes in spring. For people in the market for a new home, a tax refund is an added bonus that they can put towards the down payment.

The Weather.

For people living in northern climates, the thought of moving during winter holds little to no appeal. As the weather turns milder, the idea of making a move becomes more realistic for many.

How do I Make the Most of the Season?

If you’re one of the many millions of Americans buying or selling a home this year, you’d probably prefer to make the move as smooth as possible. Start early.

“From searching and touring houses to the negotiation, home inspection and closing, buying the home that perfectly fits your needs can take a lot of time, especially if you don’t know the process,” says Frank Destra, managing director and senior vice president of national sales for Ditech, one of the nation’s leading online mortgage lenders. “By learning and understanding the steps in buying a home, you will be ready to go through the process and complete it efficiently so you can soon begin enjoying your new home.”

Here are some tips from Ditech that will help make your spring or summer move stress-free.

1) Review You Credit Report. Whether this is your first time buying a home or your 10th time, it is always in your best interest to keep an eye on your credit report to make sure your credit history is accurately reported. Your credit history has an impact on what loans you can qualify for as well as the interest rate you will be offered. Report any errors to the credit reporting agencies right away, so that your credit report is accurate when you’re ready to apply for home financing.

2) Get pre-approved. Getting pre-approved is one of the first steps in the home buying process. By getting pre-approved, you will receive a loan commitment for up to a certain amount from your lender before you find a home, based on a review of your credit and finances. Pre-approval makes your home search more efficient by allowing you to focus only on the homes you know you can afford. It also is beneficial to have a pre-approval letter in your possession when you submit an offer on a home, so the seller knows you are serious about buying the home.

3) Know what you want. Sitting down and figuring out what kind of home and neighborhood you would prefer in the beginning of your home search will save you a lot of time. Make a list of the features that are most important to you. Start with determining the number of bedrooms and bathrooms as well as other personal requirements you might have such as an office versus a den, one or two stories, etc. Also, think resale before you ever set foot in a home. The neighborhood, schools, parks, shopping, transportation accessibility, and proximity to key points in the city are all characteristics that will remain important when you decide to sell your home at some point in the future.

4) Review financing solutions. There are a variety of financing options available to homebuyers, and your particular situation will play a factor in figuring out what financing solution might work best for you. An experienced loan officer will take the time to review the home financing process, define terms, and listen to your concerns to get you a loan that fits your needs. In addition, home lenders such as Ditech (www.ditech.com) offer a number of online resources, such as payment calculators, glossaries, etc. to help homebuyers better understand which financing options might be right for them.

5) Negotiate. Once you find the home of your dreams, work with a real estate agent to negotiate the price and present your offer. Motivated sellers may be willing to reduce their price, or even pay part of the closing costs. Also, if you are looking at new construction, make sure any incentives being offered are tied to the home. For example, if a builder offers a cruise or flat-screen TV, ask for the value of the item to be discounted from the purchase price of the home. You are purchasing a home and that should be your focus -- not the giveaways.

If you’re ready to contact a mortgage lender and begin the process of buying a new home, contact Ditech at (800) DITECH-3 or www.ditech.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

How to Get a Mortgage in Today’s Market

2008-08-01T03:50:00.003-07:00

(ARA) - Whether you’re buying your first home or looking for a larger home, now may be the time to act. Not only do interest rates remain relatively low, in many markets you can get much more house for your money than you could just a few years ago.

But before you start looking for your new home, you will want to make sure your finances are in order so you can determine how much home you can afford. There are also benefits, such as saving money by qualifying for lower interest rates, if you make an effort to check your credit score and put yourself in a healthy financial position.

“Buying a home is one of the most important financial transactions that a person will make,” says Frank Destra, managing director and senior vice president of national sales for Ditech, one of the nation’s leading online mortgage lenders. “No matter what the housing market is experiencing, consumers should always first look at their own financial situation and work with a lender to determine the most appropriate financing options available to them.”

Here are some tips from Destra for putting yourself in a healthy financial position to help you get a mortgage in today’s market.

1. Check Your Credit – One of the first steps in the home financing process is to check your credit report. An individual's credit score will have a significant impact on their mortgage loan approval and interest rate. Credit scores range from 500 to 850, but the majority of scores are in the 600s and 700s. The higher the score, the more options you will have when you are looking for mortgages (although there are other factors lenders will look at before they approve a loan). Carefully review your credit report and immediately contact the credit reporting bureaus to correct any misinformation as you will want your credit report to be accurate by the time you start applying for your mortgage.

2. Improve Your Credit Score – Once you have had a chance to review your credit, you may want to look for ways you can improve your score. Paying off old debts and paying your bills on time are two easy ways to start improving your credit score.

The amount of debt you owe is also included in your credit report, and having a large amount of credit card debt will lower your score. In addition, the amount of existing debt you have plays a part in how large a loan a lender is willing to give you. Mortgage lenders will look at the total amount of debt you have and compare it to your income. This is one way lenders make sure that you will still be able to afford to pay your bills when you add the additional debt from a mortgage loan.

Paying your bills on time is very important, especially if you’re thinking of buying a new home. Lenders will be able to see your bill payment history when they look at your credit report. If you have a pattern of making late payments, not only will it make your credit score lower, lenders will also be more wary to lend you money. Using your bank’s online bill pay or keeping track of your bills in a notebook are two easy ways to keep track of your bills to help you pay on time.

3. Save, Just A Little Bit More – Of course it's important to save money for the down payment and closing costs. But there's more to buying a home than figuring out if you can pay a monthly mortgage payment. Your costs may be similar to renting, but now you must be prepared to maintain a home, too. Weekly shopping trips to your local big box home store to purchase everything from decorating items to a lawn mower can add up quickly. That's why many mortgage lenders recommend that first-time homebuyers have at least three to six months of additional savings.

4. Get Pre-approved – Before you start working with a real estate agent, consider contacting a mortgage lender to obtain a pre-approval credit decision. A loan officer will review your financial status, including your income, cash flow and credit score, to help you determine the maximum monthly housing payment for which you may be able to qualify, and, if qualified, "pre-approve" your mortgage before you've found a home. A credit pre-approval will also help you narrow your search to those homes within a predetermined price range and will let sellers know that you are a serious buyer. Obtaining a pre-approval letter may also offer more confidence and certainty to home sellers that you are a serious buyer.

For more tips on buying a home, go to www.ditech.com or call a Ditech mortgage consultant at (800) DITECH-3.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tips for Insuring Your Home in a Buyer’s Market

2008-08-01T03:50:00.001-07:00

(ARA) – Slow home sales mean more vacant houses are sitting on the market – a situation that can lead to increased insurance risks. In March 2008, approximately 4 million homes were for sale in the U.S., and in the past year the median existing home price has dropped almost 8 percent, reports the National Association of Realtors. That could mean a longer wait to sell your house.

If you move to a new home before yours sells, the property is at greater risk of damage and you may not have adequate insurance coverage. Cindy Woodford and Jon Farris of QBE Regional Insurance offer advice to ensure owners of vacant properties are protected.

“An empty house can become a teen hangout or a place for a homeless person to sleep,” says Woodford. “Uninvited guests can lead to damages like theft, fire or vandalism. Mother Nature can also be a foe, leading to flooding or fire. We encourage owners to take a few precautions and protect their investment before they move out.”

Double-check Your Policy.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports a record 18.6 million properties sat vacant during the first quarter of 2008. On average vacant homes take longer to sell. Individual homeowners’ policies will vary, but standard homeowners insurance programs only insure a vacant home for 60 days which might leave you short on coverage.

“Talk to your independent agent about your policy and what else is available. Their job is to help make sure you’re covered,” says Farris.

Some specialty insurance companies will insure vacant homes for longer time periods. Coverage may also be available through some state-run insurance plans, such as Fair Access to Insurance Requirements.

There are many precautions to protect your home from risks, notes Woodford. Before you go consider doing the following:

* Clean out gutters, trim trees and check for potential leaks.
* Install and test smoke alarms that will alert a central service center if smoke is detected.
* Install a home security system. Make sure you have adequate locks on windows and doors, and they’re secured when leaving.
* Make the home look lived in. Have an acquaintance bring in mail. Shovel sidewalks and driveways or cut the grass. Ask a neighbor to park their car in the driveway. Install timers on lights and leave window coverings and some furniture in the home.
* Winterize your home, where applicable.

Protect Your Home from the Elements.

If you live in a northern climate, protect your pipes from freezing. A power outage and loss of heat can result in burst water pipes and flooding -- a common loss that can lead to thousands of dollars in damages from water and mold.

“This is an easy procedure that homeowners can do themselves,” says Farris. “Turn off the main water source and drain the pipes by running water from the sink located at the lowest point in your house, such as on the basement or ground level.”

Set your home’s thermostat to at least 65 degrees. Ask a trusted acquaintance to check on your home occasionally to ensure your heat is working. Consider installing a heat or moisture sensor that will notify a service center if the home becomes too cold or damp.

Consider Additional Measures.

If you’re still concerned about your home’s safety, Woodford suggests that a friend or relative live in the home until it sells. If the occupant doesn’t pay rent, your homeowners policy could remain in effect, but because individual homeowners’ policies vary be sure and talk to your independent insurance agent first.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Simple Steps to Pricing Your Home

2008-08-01T03:49:00.002-07:00

(ARA) - Your home's asking price is one of the first pieces of information that buyers will want to know about your property. Price it too high and you'll scare them away. If it's too low you risk losing money.

In order to price your home correctly, you'll have to become educated about your local real estate market. Doing so will allow you to set an asking price that will compete favorably against other comparable homes. But don't worry, it's easy to do if you just follow these simple steps:

1. Know the Competition: Visit real estate websites and drive through your local area to search for homes for sale that are similar to yours in size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, lot size and square footage. Educate yourself about their asking prices and, especially for condos, calculate the price per square foot. Trulia.com will do most of this work for you and allows you to print out a list of comparable homes, but you'll also want to visit Realtor.com and ForSaleByOwner.com to get a more complete list of available homes on the market.

2. Visit Open Houses: Now that you know what's on the market, visit as many open houses as you can in order to find out how your home compares to others. Your goal is to learn as much about those homes as possible, such as upgrades and renovations to the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms.

3. Learn About Recently Sold Properties: Your next step in educating yourself about the local market is learning how much homes have sold for in the recent past. Home sale information is public information and can be found a number of ways. Your county clerk's office and/or local town hall can provide you with this data, but the Internet has made the task even easier. Trulia.com and Zillow.com each have a "Recently Sold" feature that will list all information about properties that have sold near any given address.

4. Get a Starting Point: For a simple, cost-effective way to get a ballpark range of how much your home is worth, consider getting an Automated Valuation Model (AVM). Similar to a real estate agent’s Comparative Market Analysis, an AVM will compare your home to similar nearby recently sold properties. The AVM won’t know if your home has an upgraded kitchen, finished basement or new roof, etc., but it will give you a suggested range to price your home. The AVM will also provide you with a list of nearby recently sold properties. An AVM tool is available at http://www.forsalebyowner.com/appraisal.

5. Evaluate Your Research: Now that you have information about homes currently on the market, data on recently sold properties and a price range, you have all the data you need to compare your home to others in your neighborhood and local area. Evaluate the information you have learned and ask yourself how your home stacks up with the others. Be honest. What condition is it in and how does in compare in location, features and aspects like a remodeled master bathroom?

6. Live in the Now: One of the biggest mistakes sellers are doing in today's market is pricing their home at price points of one, two or three years ago. The national median home price has dropped more than 15 percent from April 2007 to April 2008 (in markets in CA, FL and AZ the median home price has fallen by more than 20 percent!), and those that price their home too high will just see it sit on the market. The homes that are selling today are those that are priced competitively to other homes are on the market, providing buyers with the sense that they are getting "a good deal."

7. Take Advantage of Being "For Sale By Owner": Owners of homes being sold through a real estate agent will have to fork over expensive commission fees equal to 5-to-6 percent of their home's sale price (or $18,000 for a $300,000 home). Or, in other words, the seller of that $300,000 home will only "pocket" $282,000. As a smart "for sale by owner" home seller, you won't have that expense and -- depending on how quickly you want to sell -- you have the unique ability to price your home anywhere in that $282,000-$300,000 range and still come out ahead financially compared to sellers of similar homes. You'll also be able to get more buyers as well because they'll be attracted to your home's asking price.

8. Set the Price: The time has come. You now have a complete picture of your real estate marketplace. Set the price using all the information you've learned through the above steps.

Congratulations! You have reached a major milestone in your home selling process. Not only have you arrived at an asking price, you have become an expert in your local real estate market. Prospective buyers will be impressed with your sense of knowledge and honest assessment of your home's value, and you'll be able to communicate about its strengths and weaknesses as compared to other homes in your neighborhood, town and area.

For more information, visit http://www.forsalebyowner.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Now is the Perfect Time for Real Estate Investing

2008-08-01T03:49:00.001-07:00

(ARA) – We all understand the income potential of investing in real estate. Some people decide to buy apartments or commercial buildings to rent and manage themselves. This can be rewarding, but can also be a lot of work. What if you could have the benefits of a commercial investment, but without the many subsequent responsibilities?

Many people are finding tenant in common (TIC), or undivided fractional interest, to be an investment option that makes sense. TIC is a real estate method in which a group of people buy a significant real estate asset together, often much larger than they could obtain individually. Each investor is on the title and deed for their percentage of ownership and they own and control the property. Each owner receives rental income and the tax benefits of traditional real estate investing.

“Tenant in common ownership can benefit the individual new to real estate investing or seasoned pros. Some investors are looking for a new source of income post-retirement. Others have managed apartment complexes, mobile home parks, etc., themselves, but they don’t want the hassles of maintenance and management any longer,” says Curt Smiley, owner of TIC Investments, Inc., a real estate company focused on offering individuals access to corporate-grade real estate. “TICs open up new options for investors with many benefits.”

If you are thinking about investing in real estate, Smiley suggests you consider the following:

* Building Occupancy
How much of the building is currently leased? When investing, you should know the occupancy percentage and existing lease terms for each tenant.
* Risk Assessment
A property with a majority of the space leased to government agencies or Fortune 500 companies generally offers less risk than properties where a majority of the tenants are smaller, independent companies.
* History
Before investing, you should have adequate information about the history of the building and the history of the real estate company packaging the TIC opportunity.
* Experienced Counsel
TIC investing can be complicated. It’s best to work with a TIC representative who has years of experience and knowledge in the industry. Can they tailor a program to match your specific needs? Can they analyze the proforma to determine if the projections are realistic? All your questions should be answered in detail.

There are many benefits of TIC investing. Here are some of the reasons why people are choosing this method:

Equal Ownership
Smiley explains that TIC ownership allows each investor to have the same ownership rights regardless of the equity invested so that no individual or group has direct control.

Complete Investment
Investors work with a sponsor, who is the real estate company that packages and offers the TIC opportunity to the public. The sponsor first locates and secures the property then performs due diligence on the asset. The sponsor also obtains an appraisal, Phase 1 and the non-recourse loan thus the price the investor pays is a full, complete investment.

Control without Hassle
One of the most notable benefits of TIC ownership is the property management arrangement. The property management company works directly for the TIC owners. This characteristic enables investors to have a voice in all the substantial decision-making on the property without worrying about the day-to-day, tedious aspects normally associated with owning real estate.

Income
Historically, TIC Investments have returned a 10 to 15 percent average annualized return to owners. “Just as with any investment, there are risks, but many investors are very successful by choosing TICs. A good TIC representative will work directly with you to analyze your investment goals and risk tolerance, find the best opportunities and diversify your investment if possible,” says Smiley.

Tax Benefits
A 1031 Exchange is an IRS procedure which allows investment property owners to defer paying capital gains and depreciation recapture taxes on their equity principal. A TIC investment also allows individuals to write-off property depreciation, interest on the loan, etc., often sheltering much of the owners’ monthly income.

An investment in a TIC property offers attractive advantages, but it’s not for everyone. A TIC option may not be right for you depending on your particular tax situation or if you want complete control over the daily responsibilities of your property. However, if you are seeking a stable real estate investment that will not require your constant attention yet may provide you with reliable, monthly income, it may be a good choice.

To learn more visit www.TICinvestments.net or call 866-966-1031.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Landscape Lighting: A Great Way to Dress Up Your Home

2008-08-01T03:48:00.002-07:00

(ARA) – The real estate market may be in a slump, but not all industries having to do with the home are in trouble. Companies that specialize in remodeling and renovation, particularly in the area of outdoor living, are doing extremely well right now.

“People don’t want to lose money on their biggest investment so instead of moving, they’re improving their homes,” says Joe Rey-Barreau, an associate professor at the University of Kentucky’s School of Interior Design and education consultant for the American Lighting Association (ALA). He says now that warmer weather has arrived, people are adding decks, patios, gazebos and outdoor kitchens to their homes, and they aren’t just planning to use them in the daytime.

“The trend towards expanding outdoor living space has been growing for some time now,” says Richard Lentz, president of Lentz Landscape Lighting in Dallas, Texas. “In past years, our goal was focused on lighting the space and showing off the garden. Now we’re concentrating a lot more effort on finding innovative ways to light outdoor spaces so they can be used at night, much like they’re used during the day.”

Backyard decks no longer just have a small light near the door. Lentz says lighting designers are now installing down lights in trees and attaching them to chimneys to shine light down on the space. “We’re also putting in a lot of step lights to make the transition from the upper to lower level easier,” says Lentz, who adds that people no longer have to feel like they’re under a spotlight when they sit outside under the stars. “If there’s a tree nearby, we can shine light down from it. Attaching fixtures to a chimney is also a nice way to get light from above that feels like moonlight.”

And when it comes to lighting outdoor kitchens, innovation is key. “We do a lot of task lighting in the outdoor kitchen,” says Lentz. “We’ll utilize the arbors to hang task lighting over the sink, the grill and the table, for example, and put them on dimmers so when the light isn’t needed, it can be turned down.”

Lentz credits the recent innovations offered by various lighting manufacturers for making those projects possible. “Technology sure has come a long way in a short amount of time,” he says.

Rey-Barreau agrees. “Manufacturers realize there’s a growing market for outdoor fixtures and they have responded by stepping up to the challenge to develop chandeliers, table lamps and sconces that are rated for wet conditions so they can be safely installed outdoors,” he says.

Safety isn’t the only factor being considered by manufacturers. So is operating cost. Not so long ago, the U.S. government mandated that the lighting industry find ways to cut energy consumption of their products. Kichler Lighting of Cleveland, Ohio, responded by coming out with a line of outdoor fixtures that use highly efficient L.E.D. bulbs that require one-third the energy of incandescents.

“When people realize they can get the same light output, a nice comfortable color and reduce energy use by 75 percent, they are more than willing to make the change,” says Jeff Dross at Kichler Lighting.

There have been innovations in the area of lighting for curb appeal purposes as well. “Landscape lighting is about safety, security and aesthetics. As far as the latter goes, the key to success is being subtle. Less is always more,” says Monty Gilbertson, manager of Lighting Design by Wettsteins in La Crosse, Wisc.

Doug Prexta, who works for the landscape division of Cleveland, Ohio-based Hinckley Lighting confirms lighting the outdoors is a trend that’s here to stay. “Our business is way up in the landscape division because people are investing in their homes more and more,” he says.

For more information about landscape lighting, or to find a lighting showroom near you, log on to the American Lighting Association’s Web site at www.AmericanLightingAssoc.com or call (800) BRIGHT-IDEAS (800-274-4484).

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Affordable Bathroom Updates

2008-08-01T03:48:00.001-07:00

(ARA) - With the slowdown in the real estate market, more people are looking for ways to add value to their homes and make them stand out from the rest. One area that is of high interest to both buyers and home investors is the bathroom.

According to Realtor Magazine, the national average return on investment for bathroom remodeling is between 93 and 102 percent. In large metropolitan areas, the return ranges from 116 to 136 percent. So, many people actually make money when investing in a bath remodeling project.

“The bathroom is one of the most highly valued areas of a home,” says Eric Saviskas of Bath Fitter, a custom bath, shower and wall company. “There are ways to refresh a bath area at a fraction of the cost without the hassle of a traditional bath remodel while adding value to your home.”

Here are some things to consider so you get the most out of your remodeling dollars:

* Bathtubs and Showers
The focal point in most bathrooms is the bathtub or shower. Sprucing up the main focus freshens up the entire bathroom. One option that is much easier than ripping out the old tub is to have an acrylic bathtub liner installed right over your existing bathtub. Bath Fitter can build a custom acrylic liner to go over your bathtub or shower and wall surround.

The high quality material is easy to clean, has a lifetime warranty and is a permanent solution. The process takes about a day, meaning your bathroom won’t be out of commission for weeks. Visit www.bathfitter.com to customize a look -- including color, style and accessories -- that is perfect for your home.

* Light Fixtures
Lighting is an essential element in a bathroom, but over time lighting trends change and bathroom fixtures can get worn from shower moisture and other byproducts of a daily routine. Replacing fixtures with modern designs can make a bathroom pop with decorative style that not only looks good, but is functional. There is a wide price range for light fixtures, so you can easily pick one that fits your budget.

* Wall Color
A new paint color can dramatically enhance the appearance of a room and the good news is that bathrooms are usually smaller in size so you can paint them in a day or two. Remember, when painting a bathroom you should use a mold- and mildew-proof primer.

What colors are popular right now? The bathroom is a room where many people experiment with bold designs that they might not consider in larger areas. Rich red and coral tones paired with white can give a clean and upbeat look while blue tones paired with creamy, sandy details can give a spa-type appearance. Standard light colors are always good, so feel free to choose what you like best.

* Details
Finalize your bathroom remodel by adding several new accessories. How about new towels that match your wall and tub color? Or a new soap dish and organizational rack to clean up the countertop? You can update your drawers by changing the handles to a modern-looking chrome or brushed-metal style. Small details are the icing on the cake and can be a great way to finish a room without a lot of cost.

“Bathrooms can be enjoyed by the current homeowner and add value if they ever choose to sell their home. These ideas can revamp a bathroom on a budget in as little as one day and I think you’ll be surprised at the results,” says Saviskas.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Easy Home Improvements that Add Value

2008-08-01T03:47:00.004-07:00

(ARA) – You can open the real estate section of any newspaper today and you’re likely to read about how poor the housing market is. With home sales slow and market prices reduced, many people are choosing to stay put and make changes to their current home.

“Some homeowners view the lull in the real estate market as a valuable time to make positive improvements to their home,” says Andy Olson, product manager at Wagner Spray Tech. “If the cost of remodeling gives you sticker shock, there are many other projects that increase a home’s value that you can easily do yourself.”

Enjoy your home today and make it stand out from the rest in the future by considering these DIY home improvements:

* An Updated Exterior
The first thing that anyone notices, from visitors to potential buyers, is the exterior of a home. If yours hasn’t been repainted in a long time and suffers from faded, scratched and chipped paint on the siding or trim, this is a project you can do yourself that will dramatically increase curb appeal.

To ensure a good result, begin by removing dirt and other debris from the surface to be painted. Look for areas where paint is chipped or bubbled and remove with a wire brush or wide-blade putty knife. Using an electric sander can also be helpful.

When painting, use tools that are made specifically to help ease and expedite the process. The Paint Crew Plus by Wagner helps tackle large projects like painting a house and produces quality results. The paint sprayer applies a professional level paint application and features variable pressure control to apply both thick and thin materials. A rugged wheeled cart makes maneuvering and transporting the Paint Crew Plus quick and effortless.

Use high pressure for spraying thick exterior latex paints. A brush will be your key tool for updating details like the front door and trim. A quality paint job will make your house stand out from the rest on the block and will last for many years to come.

* A Fresh Yard
Continue to increase curb appeal by taking a look at your yard. A manicured lawn and strategically placed plants will enhance the appearance of your home and is also very enjoyable for those that live there.

Clean up any dated lawn decor, garden tools, or other items, especially in the backyard where they sometimes collect. How does your patio furniture and deck look? If they are worn, it’s time for an update. Use a paint sprayer on low pressure for thinner materials like stains. Repaint other items such as pots and children’s toys for a fresh, new look.

* An Interior Facelift
Your walls are a key component for an updated interior appearance. Consider a new paint color for an immediate facelift that will make any room appear cleaner. Light paint colors work well because they always brighten a room. If you are feeling daring, think about trying one of the deep and beautiful colors that are popular right now in the color palettes at many paint companies.

A good roller is the DIYer’s best friend for interior wall painting. Start by filling in holes and nicks with putty. Sand and spot prime those areas before painting. Priming helps ensure a professional looking paint job that lasts longer, so it is worth your time. After walls have been primed, apply paint with a hand roller or for continuous paint flow, use the optional roller arm attachment with the Paint Crew Plus and enjoy the fresh look of your home.

* Update Details
It’s the small details of a home that can really make it look dated. Do you still have the same lamps as you did in the 70s? Consider replacing them with updated versions. If you can’t afford to replace light fixtures, why not just replace the shades and light covers for a new look? Other home accessories like knobs and handles in the kitchen and bathroom can be an affordable way to update the area without a costly cabinet replacement. New photos and artwork also add a nice touch that is sure to be enjoyed today and make your home look more modern and stylish.

For more information visit www.WagnerSprayTech.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Hot Summer Deck Trends

2008-08-01T03:47:00.003-07:00

(ARA) – Is installing a new deck, or freshening an existing one, in your summer spruce-up plans? If so, you’re not alone. Decks are still among the most popular home improvements as the trend towards bigger and better outdoor living spaces continues.

“Half of new homeowners buy a home with a deck or install one within five years of moving in,” says Mike Beaudry, executive vice president of the North American Deck and Railing Association. “A third of the nearly $150 billion that Americans spent on home remodeling in 2005 went towards outdoor living areas, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics. The deck market is expected to keep growing, reaching $7 billion by 2010.”

So what’s hot in decks this summer? Luxury touches like firepits and spas, aesthetic accents like designer railings, multiple levels and more variety in shapes and sizes top the list of deck trends for summer 2008, Beaudry says. Here are some of the top deck trends for summer 2008:

Railings – Beyond Safety

Once merely a functional element added for safety’s sake, railings are now doing double duty as deck design statements as well. “Railings are often the first thing one notices about a deck, so manufacturers are offering more aesthetically pleasing, architecturally interesting options,” Beaudry says. Hot railing trends include decorative balusters of aluminum, iron or even cable, glass panels and railing systems that combine materials for durability as well as visual effect. Also, look for mixing and matching of colors, with handrails one hue and balusters another.

Multiple Levels

“Decks have truly become the staging area for outdoor living, and designers are using multiple levels to create virtual ‘rooms’ for outdoor use,” Beaudry says. For example, a main deck might function as living and dining space, while a smaller, lower level addition serves as a kitchen area, and another level might host a hot tub. Multilevel decks facilitate multiple uses and add visual interest to the overall deck structure.

What’s more, larger, multilevel decks provide more seating, something homeowners are demanding in modern decks. “Decks that don’t accommodate more than four people are out,” Beaudry says. “Seating space for eight or even more is in.”

Indoor Luxuries, Outdoors

Increasingly, homeowners want to bring the same amenities and luxuries they enjoy indoors outside onto their decks. In response, builders are adding touches like built-in firepits and fireplaces, full kitchens with professional grade gas grills, spas, built-in benches and cabinets, shade structures and lighting – both accent and functional – to deck designs.

Side Decks

Just as powder rooms and breakfast nooks are indoor complements to larger, often grander baths and dining rooms, smaller, secondary decks are popping up outdoors to supplement main decks. While a deck accessed from the home’s main living area will likely continue as center stage for outdoor entertaining, smaller side-yard decks are gaining popularity. “Place a deck on the side of your house, with access from a master bedroom, and you can create a more intimate, private space for enjoying the outdoors,” Beaudry says.

New Shapes

Long gone are the days of the cookie cutter square, rectangular or octagonal deck. Modern decks are virtually going free-form. Piano-shaped, arrowhead and even oval shapes are appearing in back yards across the country. Modern materials, improved building methods and the creativity of designers and homeowners have permanently changed the shape – and size – of the great American deck. For added pizzazz, you can incorporate a pattern – such as herringbone or checkerboard – into the deck surface.

Composite Materials

While wood remains the material of choice for many deck-building Americans, composite materials continue to gain popularity. Not only are they durable and often eco-friendly (as many of them are made from recycled materials), composites can now mimic the much-loved look of wood.

To learn more about deck trends and how to find a quality deck builder log on to nadra.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Steps You Can Take To Preserve the Value of Your Home

2008-08-01T03:47:00.001-07:00

(ARA) – If you’re like most Americans, then your greatest asset is your home. But with recent declines in home values, it may be time to consider options for preserving your home’s value. Since the value of your home is directly tied to its condition, there are steps you can take to help preserve that value.

Step 1: Where to Begin, Indoor vs. Outdoor
Preserving the value of your home can be achieved in many ways, but your home’s exterior should be your initial focus. Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report shows exterior and replacement projects bring the biggest return. Before you decide where to begin, you should consider the following:
* Budget -- set one and be realistic.
* Goals -- narrow your scope by determining exactly what you want to achieve.

Step 2: Do Your Research
Depending on the region of the country in which you live, the value you gain from exterior home improvement projects can vary widely. Consider this; a midrange siding replacement recovers 92 percent of its cost in the Northeast but only 77 percent in the Midwest, according to the Cost vs. Value Report. Exterior projects that typically recover cost well include a roof replacement and the addition of a deck.

The cost recouped on a given remodeling project also depends on the value of similar homes nearby and the rate at which property values are changing in the surrounding area. Even the availability and cost of new and existing homes in the immediate vicinity can be a factor.

You may want to consult with a local remodeler or real estate agent to learn more about the specific issues affecting the value of home improvements in your area.

Step 3: Pick a Project
Now that you’ve set a budget and completed your research, it’s time to select your project. A great place to start is your roof. “A roof used to be nothing more than protection for your home from the elements,” says Stephen McNally, vice president of sales and marketing for TAMKO Building Products, Inc. “Today homeowners look to their roof as a way to increase their home’s curb appeal and overall value.”

When selecting a roofing material it is important to remember the following:
* Performance is as important as curb appeal.
* Select a product that is backed by a solid warranty.

A majority of homeowners prefer asphalt shingles because they perform well and are typically the most cost effective option, but many alternatives are now available. One alternative growing in popularity, which could potentially increase the value of your home, is composite roofing.

Composite roofing products are typically backed by longer warranties, like the 50-year limited warranty available with Lamarite Slate composite shingles. These shingles create the authentic look of a classic slate roof without the high-cost and performance issues. Other alternatives include metal, rubber and concrete. Be sure to do your research before selecting a roofing material that will work for you.

Another potential exterior project is the addition of a deck. When selecting a decking material that will help preserve your home’s value, it’s important to think about the following:
* Durability -- you want a product that performs well and will last.
* Maintenance -- deck maintenance can be costly. Consider low-maintenance materials like composite (a combination of wood and plastic).

A natural wood deck can lead to costly, time-consuming, annual maintenance. Composite decks, which may cost more initially, generally never require painting or staining. After all, you should spend more time enjoying your deck than caring for it. Composites typically come with a longer warranty as well. For example, EverGrain-brand composites are backed by a 25-year limited warranty.

No matter what project you choose, maintaining the value of your greatest asset, your home, should be a top priority.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Small Updates Help a House Sell

2008-08-01T03:46:00.002-07:00

(ARA) - Despite national headlines that the housing market is virtually dead, economic experts with the National Association of Realtors predict sales of existing homes will improve in the coming months, particularly with interest rates at historic lows.

Every seller wants to move fast and get top dollar. So, if you’re getting ready to sell, among the best ways to improve your odds on both ends is to make sure you have great “curb appeal” and an inviting inside decor.

Small Changes, Big Difference

“Replacing your exterior trim and interior doors are two inexpensive remodeling options that can make a dramatic impact for prospective buyers,” says Peggie Bolan, vice president of sales and marketing for CMI in Chicago.

When putting your house on the market, one of the first things a realtor will recommend is to add curb appeal. Your home’s exterior makes the first impression, so make it a good one.

Over time, the exterior trim around your windows and doors, at the corners and along the roofline, may have become warped, split or cracked from rain, snow, ice and exposure to the sun. For many areas of the country, termite damage is also a concern.

Before you put the “For Sale” sign in the yard, walk around your house and inspect the trim to see if it needs to be replaced or repaired.

The Right Trim

One option that has become a preferred choice among home builders as well as remodelers is a treated exterior composite trim called MiraTEC. As an engineered wood trim, MiraTEC is extremely durable and provides excellent resistance to moisture and temperature extremes.

It is treated with an EPA-registered wood preservative that controls the growth of rot, while also helping to protect against damage caused by wood-boring insects, including subterranean termites. It also has green benefits that far exceed those of other trim options, like PVC and fiber cement, while costing substantially less.

Bolan adds, “While an exterior renovation adds curb appeal, changes on the inside of the home leave a lasting impression, too. Another quick, easy and affordable tip for home sellers is to install new interior doors.”

A stylish door adds personality to any room and complements the décor. Check out all the doors inside your house; there is a good chance they are hollow six-panel designs or basic flush doors with no style.

Doors with Style

When considering interior doors, there are many styles, finishes and sizes available to showcase your home's true character.

For example, the CraftMaster Crossmore interior door features a smooth-surfaced, flat-panel design that resembles true traditional craftsman architecture and beautifully simplistic Mission-style furniture.

Bolan says the three-panel door complements design trends in today’s kitchen and bath cabinetry, which are inspired by growing consumer preference for clean, straight lines. “It is a great way to carry a design theme throughout the house,” she adds.

Other designs available from CraftMaster include curved-, arched- and eyebrow-top panels, and a variety of configurations from two to six panels to quickly spruce up your home. Beyond the added beauty, raised-panel doors are engineered to resist swelling, shrinking, cracking and splitting, which is a great selling point.

Getting your home ready to sell doesn’t have to take months of work and thousands of dollars. Inexpensive remodeling projects, such as installing new exterior trim and interior doors, can improve your resale value and help you sell your home faster.

To learn more about transforming your home decor with new trim and interior doors, visit www.miratectrim.com or www.craftmasterdoors.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Not All Homeowners Insurance Is Created Equal

2008-08-01T03:46:00.001-07:00

(ARA) - If a fire destroyed your spacious four-bedroom home, complete with landscaping, home theater and wine cellar, would your insurance carrier expect you to live in a small one-bedroom apartment throughout the yearlong process of planning and building your new home? And what if the insurer limited your new home’s design to a modest cracker box, because your policy only covered “insured value” rather than “replacement value”?

Then you would know that all homeowner policies are not created equal.

In the event of a loss, it’s important that your lifestyle be protected and restored as completely as possible -- starting with your temporary accommodations. And when your home is rebuilt, the last thing you need is to be told there’s a limit to how much you can spend to replace what you had.

How do some homeowners completely restore their houses and lifestyles while others are forced to haggle over additional out-of-pocket costs? The fact is that not all insurance policies are the same. As your life changes, your insurance needs become more complex and your old mass-market insurance policy might not be keeping pace.

In other words, as your lifestyle moves up from a discount store to Rodeo Drive, you begin to consider more than just price. The amount of choice, flexibility and value built into your homeowner’s policy becomes more important.

The Replacement Gap

It is often at the critical juncture of a loss that homeowners learn their insurance has not kept pace with their home’s replacement value.

“It you have owned your home for 20 years and you have the mass-market policy you first bought with that home, it’s very possible your insurance has not kept up,” says Mitch Ziemer, product director for Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. “Factors include inflation, value of contents, and even building codes, which may require a different kind of construction. A homeowner wants to be sure those costs are known -- and covered as long as they own their home.”

Some policies insure only for actual cash value while others cover replacement costs. What’s the difference? When actual cash value is used, the policyholder is entitled to the depreciated value of the damaged property. So the older the item is, the less money you may receive to replace it.

You’ll want a policy that pays the complete replacement cost -- including rare and custom work. Under replacement cost coverage, the policyholder is reimbursed the amount it costs to replace the property and its contents with something of a similar type and quality at current prices.

For example, your Italian marble floors would be covered for the cost of the materials and installation -- even if these costs are higher at the time of replacement than they were for the original installation. The policy would also rebuild your downstairs home theater, your wine cellar, and even replace and replant your landscaping.

You should also seek a policy from an insurer like Fireman’s Fund that provides the added benefit of a loss of use limit that is much higher than the industry standard. This coverage pays all comparable living expenses (compared to a predefined limit) you incur while your home is being rebuilt. And if you don’t want to rebuild in the original location, you have the option to receive a cash settlement, which is also not offered by many other insurers. Plus, when you do rebuild, you can work with the contractor of your choice, not the insurance company’s.

An additional benefit to seek in your policy is a loss of use limit that is much higher than the industry standard. This coverage pays living expenses you incur while your home is being rebuilt. And if you don’t want to rebuild in the original location, you have the option to receive a cash settlement, which is also not offered by many insurers.

“To get an accurate value to assess risk, you need experts who know the market, your home, and your possessions,” Ziemer says. Unlike the mass-market approach, a company like Fireman’s Fund provides this kind of on-site expertise as part of the homeowner’s policy.

It’s this approach that serves the specific lifestyles of individuals and families with valuable assets and possessions. While perhaps a little lower in price, mass-market policies may not facilitate the concept of the individual experience, nor are they likely to provide coverage for your way of life. In many cases, they do not even insure the full replacement value of your home.

Courtesy of ARA content

Make the Most of Your Tax Rebate: Reinvest in Your Home

2008-08-01T03:44:00.000-07:00

(ARA) – In an effort to jumpstart the struggling economy, the federal government has approved an economic stimulus package that will send rebate checks to qualifying taxpayers, some as early as May. Homeowners can use this refund to invest in home improvements that add value in a difficult housing market.

Qualifying individual taxpayers will get up to $600 in rebates, working couples $1,200 and those with children an additional $300 per child. Add that to the average refund some taxpayers can expect after filing their taxes ($2,548 in 2007, according to CNNMoney.com) and that’s approximately $3,800 in total refunds from the federal government this year.

Investing these dollars in home improvements, such as replacing old leaky windows with newer, energy efficient ones, can offer homeowners a significant return on investment. Some experts believe that replacement windows are one of the best home improvement investments you can make in your home.

“Remodeling Magazine’s” 2007 Cost vs Value Report estimates that a homeowner may recoup 81 percent of the cost of installing low maintenance replacement windows at resale. That means on an $8,000 window replacement project, homeowners may recoup $6,480 at the time of sale.

In addition, new energy efficient windows can lower heating and cooling bills, improve a home’s comfort and aesthetics, and add long-lasting value.

There are some important things to keep in mind when choosing new energy efficient windows. Craig Evanich, president of Renewal by Andersen, suggests homeowners look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure that they are energy efficient. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing inefficient single pane windows with ENERGY STAR qualified windows could save up to 15 percent on your energy bills.

Evanich adds that Renewal by Andersen energy efficient windows are designed to perform at even higher standards. They come standard with High-Performance Low-E4 glass which is over 14 percent more energy efficient than stringent ENERGY STAR requirements and is 56 percent more energy efficient in summer than ordinary dual pane glass.

With a substantial savings in energy costs along with a solid return on investment from home improvement projects, buying energy efficient windows is a wise use of your rebate dollars. And, if you ever decide to sell your home, energy efficient windows can give you the edge -- and often a higher resale value -- over other sellers in an increasingly competitive housing market.

For more information on choosing energy efficient windows, visit renewalbyandersen.com or call (800) 630-5838.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Curb Appeal Takes Starring Role in Competitive Market

2008-08-01T03:42:00.000-07:00

(ARA) – Real estate may be about location, location, location, but it’s also about looks. Curb appeal is taking on a bigger role in today’s housing market. With the number of available homes for sale growing each day, buyers can afford to be choosy and consider only houses that show well from the street. That means sellers now have just a few seconds to make a first impression, capture interest and draw buyers inside.

Confirming just how important curb appeal is to hooking new owners, JELD-WEN, a leading window and door manufacturer, discovered in a recent survey of real estate agents that 82 percent have had potential buyers decline to look at the interior of a home based on the exterior appearance.

“In today’s competitive market, buyers want upgrades, like windows and doors, that create visual appeal,” says Elizabeth Souders, product marketing manager for JELD-WEN. “A home must present itself favorably in a quick snapshot. The real estate agent survey shows that without strong curb appeal, buyers might not even consider looking inside the home.”

Upgrading curb appeal is proving to be a good investment when selling a home. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), window and door projects mostly pay for themselves at closing. Typically, homeowners can expect between an 81 to 88 percent return on window upgrades, the NAR said.

Top Five Curb Appeal Tips

In addition to obvious touches like a new coat of paint or fixing cracks in the pavement, updating windows and doors is an ideal first step in boosting a home’s image. Whether owners are listing a home for sale, or simply want to increase their home’s stature in the neighborhood, JELD-WEN suggests these five tips to increasing curb appeal:

1. Stay true to style: Upgrades should fit in with a home’s architectural style. For example, JELD-WEN says contemporary homes call for windows and doors with clean lines and simple profiles, while traditional homes such as Craftsmans or Colonials are better matched with windows and doors featuring appropriate divided lite designs.

2. Add details: Custom features are a great way to achieve one-of-a-kind looks that stand out. Adding a doorknocker, speakeasy, decorative glass or metal accents to an upgraded front door can give an Old World home a heightened level of charm to catch a buyer’s eye. New house numbers and porch lights also provide a fresh look for entry areas.

3. Remember the garage: The most prominent exterior feature in many homes is the garage door, so this upgrade goes a long way toward elevating curb appeal. JELD-WEN is seeing many homeowners ordering garage doors complete with window inserts, metal accents and hardware to match the main entry door for a coordinated appearance.

4. Dress the yard: Make sure the house is the first thing potential buyers see, not overgrown hedges or dead grass. Hire a gardener to spruce up the landscaping and add colorful touches like seasonal flowers, decorative rocks or bubbly water fountains. Shaping bushes and curving lawn borders can shake up a tired front yard.

5. Coordinate color: Color, when done right, sells. Doors and windows give homeowners ideal opportunities to infuse color into their curb appeal without having to paint. For example, JELD-WEN’s Custom Wood windows come with 41 standard exterior metal clad color choices, meaning a homeowner can select hues such as Redwood or Dark Ivy to match surrounding natural elements.

For more information on garage door materials and trends, visit www.jeld-wen.com or call (800) 877-9482.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Custom Builders Woo Buyers with Free Mortgage Payments, Other Incentives

2008-08-01T03:41:00.000-07:00

(ARA) – You’ve invested wisely and paid down your sensible mortgage. You’re ready to move up to a more luxurious home. But the buyers’ market has you worried about getting fair value and a speedy sale for your current house. The good news is, a custom-built home could be the solution.

Custom-home builders -- who build on demand for a specific buyer rather than construct a home and then seek a buyer -- are facing the same challenges as other home developers: a market with excess inventory and a dearth of qualified buyers. In response, custom and other home builders are offering buyer incentives. In fact, 75 percent of all builders and developers are offering incentives, according to the National Association of Realtors’ chief economist.

What does this mean for buyers?

“There’s never been a better time to build a custom home,” says Paul Schumacher, founder of custom-home builder Schumacher Homes. “After all, why buy an existing house, and then have to worry about changing this or redoing that to fit your family's needs? When you build a new custom home, it will be exactly what you want the first time you walk in the front door. The current real estate market has opened up opportunities for buyers who might not have been able to build a custom home before.”

From providing free upgrades to actually paying the first 12 months of your mortgage, builders are aggressively wooing buyers across the country. If you’re in the market to buy a house, look to new and custom-home builders to offer incentives like these:

* Schumacher, a custom-home builder operating in nine states, will pay the principal and interest of buyers’ loans for the first 12 months. Unlike deferred payments, the promotion effectively turns a 30-year mortgage into a 29-year mortgage, and also eliminates the burden of two mortgage payments for homeowners interested in taking advantage of the buyers’ market. “This incentive literally gives you a year to sell your current home, without the pressure of two mortgage payments or trying to quickly sell a house in today’s market,” says Mary Schumacher-Becker of Schumacher Homes. You’ll still need to pay your own taxes, insurance and PMI, however. Visit www.schumacherhomes.com to learn more.

* Free upgrades are a favorite incentive. From granite countertops and marble baths to whirlpool tubs, expanded decks or high-end cabinetry, builders comp costly upgrades to sweeten the deal for potential buyers. Doing so actually costs them little and can go a long way towards cinching a sale, as high-end, custom touches continue to be popular with new home buyers.

* Some developers are offering lifestyle enhancing incentives, such as free plasma TVs, health club or golf course memberships, prepaid credit cards and home improvement store gift certificates.

* Paying the buyers closing costs is also a popular incentive, one that new home builders have borrowed from the sales arsenal of existing home sellers. Since closing costs can add up to several thousand dollars, depending on the cost of the house, location and type of mortgage, buyers find this incentive particularly attractive. Having the builder pay the closing costs saves the buyers from having to come up with the cash or roll the amount into their total mortgage cost.

* Deferred payments are another sales tool developers are using, although they can be a mixed blessing for buyers. While deferring payments can allow buyers to avoid paying two mortgages, interest continues to accrue on the deferred payments and at the end of the grace period, the deferred amount will be added on to the balance of the mortgage.

* Other cash incentives include builders paying homeowners insurance polices or taxes for up to a year.

Overall home sales and new home sales continued to decline in January 2008, creating even more competition among builders for buyers’ loyalty. For buyers with good credit, there are more opportunities than ever to get into the custom home of their dreams.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Top Ten Tips for Financing a Home

2008-08-01T03:39:00.000-07:00

(ARA) - Warmer weather and the conclusion of another school year are two signs that summer is almost here. While many Americans get ready for summer travel, barbeques, and other rites of the season, thousands will be taking advantage of a buyer’s market by looking for a new place to call home.

This buying season is unprecedented as the real estate market has gone through changes that no one could have imagined even one year ago. Whether you are buying your first home, looking for a larger home or even buying a vacation home, the timing could not be better as the prices have come down in many markets and there are plenty of homes to choose from.

While researching and walking through properties is what most people think of when buying a new home, prospective buyers also need to be aware that lining up proper financing is now more important than ever before. However, while lenders have tightened credit standards, buyers should not be intimidated by the process of getting a mortgage. In fact, working with a lender early on is the first step to take before you begin paging through the Sunday Real Estate section.

“Working with a mortgage lender early in the homebuying process can make the entire process much smoother,” says Frank Destra, managing director and senior vice president of national sales for Internet lender, Ditech. “With a credit pre-approval, you can start searching for homes with a much better idea of your price range, and in turn save time as you will know which homes to focus on. A pre-approval also may offer more confidence to home sellers in your ability to purchase the home.”

Destra offers 10 tips to help make the home financing process easier.

10. Attend a home-financing seminar or read information available from online mortgage lenders to gain a clearer understanding of the process.

9. Understand your credit. Be aware that your credit history may impact the interest rate charged, and the type of loan program for which you may qualify.

8. Become familiar with all mortgage-related terms such as Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). Your loan officer should be able to explain these terms to you.

7. When shopping for a lender, compare not only interest rates, but other related fees and charges, as well. All lenders should automatically provide this information so you can make comparisons.

6. Ask your loan officer if you may benefit from credit counseling services.

5. Ask your loan officer for a list of what information you will need to complete an application. Having the correct documents ready may help the lender provide a faster loan decision.

4. Request a credit pre-approval decision from your lender. It will determine how much you may be able afford, and can speed up the mortgage process once you find a home.

3. Review several types of mortgage products offered by your lender. Discuss these options with your loan officer to determine which may be right for you.

2. Put aside money for down payment and closing costs. Ask your lender how much money you will likely need for the type of mortgage and loan amount that you are receiving.

1. Carefully review the Good Faith Estimate you receive from your lender and be sure to ask questions. A Good Faith Estimate is a form required by federal law that discloses an estimate of the cost associated with your mortgage transaction. It is important that you fully understand all fees and charges associated with securing your loan.

By keeping these tips in mind, you will be better able to navigate through the homebuying process. Soon you will be settling into your new home, just in time to enjoy the summer season.

To learn more about financing a home purchase, visit www.ditech.com or call (800) 715-3483.

Courtesy of ARAcontent