Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 234

Misconceptions Surrounding Bankruptcy

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are several misconceptions surrounding bankruptcy and the individuals who seek the relief it can offer.  The biggest one of them is assuming that all individuals who are seeking financial reprieve through bankruptcy have done so because they couldn’t fight the urge of credit card spending.  This however, is not the case for many of the people that find that they are in need of filing bankruptcy.  Here’s a look at some of the other folklore surrounding bankruptcy.

Individuals that file for bankruptcy are financially irresponsible: Although there are some cases in which individuals need to file for bankruptcy because of their own financial irresponsibility this is not always the case.  It is more likely that an individual finds themselves in this situation because of one of the following events: job loss, divorce or illness.

Bankruptcy clears away all past debts: If you are looking for a be all to end all for debts, bankruptcy is not where you will get it.  Not all debt can be cleared away when filing for bankruptcy.  Several, including alimony, child support, restitution from a crime, tax debt and student loan expenses are just a few of the debts that cannot be expunged.  Although bankruptcy does give individuals a fresh financial start it does not completely clear you from all of your outstanding debt.

It’s a good idea to spend with reckless abandonment before bankruptcy:  People should not assume that just because they are about to file for relief that they can max out their current credit.  In the eyes of the court, this type of behavior is seen as fraudulent.  Many times the debt that is racked up in the ninety days before your discharge will need to be paid back.  You will not get away with spending recklessly and expecting it to be discharged.

Bankruptcy permanently ruins your credit: Although it is more difficult to obtain credit in the months after you have filed for bankruptcy it is not impossible.  Most bankruptcy attorneys and financial advisors recommend obtaining a secured credit card when you first are relieved of your debt through bankruptcy.  A secured credit card can be obtained through a bank or other financial institution.  This type of credit card requires a bank deposit to be drawn against.

If you are considering bankruptcy to get relief from debt that is piling up and creditors hounding there are still some things to think about.  First is the expense of filing for bankruptcy.  Hiring an attorney to represent you in filing for bankruptcy is the best option.  This can cost between nine hundred and fifteen hundred dollars depending on your attorney and the area in which you reside.

It is also crucial to consider the difference between chapter 13 bankruptcy and chapter 7.  In chapter 13 bankruptcy the court will assist you in reorganizing your debt and you will be in charge of paying expenses, like your house payment and such while living very modestly.  Chapter 7 discharges certain debts but in doing so you could have to sell secured assets to assist in paying some of your debt back.  Talk with a local bankruptcy attorney to see what option is the best for your situation.

Bohikian Law Group specializes in chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcies in Michigan. Contact us today to find a bankruptcy attorney that will help you in debt relief at http://www.bohikianlaw.com/ today.

Dickron Bohikian Law Group

Collectable System Canes

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In this installment on antique collectable canes we will take a more extensive look into system canes.  Of all canes, the system cane is the most popular type for collectors because there are a ton of styles to choose from.  The system canes, often referred to as weapon canes, were created to serve a dual purpose.  These canes often hid their actual purpose within.  System canes were often owned by the wealthiest women and men.  They often owned more than one and they were used in the same manner that individuals use wallets and purses.

There are four types of systematic canes based on what purpose they served including:

Professional Canes:  This style of cane was used mainly by tradesmen and business professionals to carry the tools and accessories of their trades.

City Canes: The city cane is most like the decorative cane in that it they were used as fashion accessories.  They mainly were used to store the items of necessity such as watches, opera glasses, cameras and such.

Musical Canes: Canes that are classified as musical canes also served the purpose of an instrument like flutes and violins.

Outdoor Canes:  The outdoor cane keeps hidden the items one would need on outdoor adventures such as fishing, lawn games, bird watching and more.

Weapon Canes: This is the most collectable of all systematic canes.  These canes conceal weapons of all kinds such as swords, daggers, guns and particular tricky weapons that are outfitted with retractable spikes and razors.

There are so many unique styles of systematic canes for collectors to choose from including a number of popular styles for the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.   When it comes to collecting system canes it is important to check to be sure the canes contents are in complete order.  This type of antique cane, since highly prized by collectors, tends to be a bit more expensive.  A collection of system canes is a much more valuable and exclusive compilation.

In my opinion system canes are the most compelling styles of canes to collect.  Whether you desire functional, accessorial, utilitarian or simplistic collections antique systematic canes have much to offer.  In our next installment into antique canes we will dive deeper into the actual anatomy of canes, different display ideas and basic how-to’s on building a one of a kind collection.  Cane collectors are always looking for exclusive pieces that are matchless and uncommon in the world of collecting.  A collection of system canes is sure to offer this.

Antique Cane World is an online retailer of antique canes, walking sticks and umbrellas.  Contact us today for more information on antique canes, unique umbrellas and more at http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/.

Antique Cane World

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Decorative Canes and Walking Sticks

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are three types of walking sticks and canes: decorative, folk art and system.  As the name implies a decorative cane is an accessory used for fashion and their main purpose is purely aesthetic.  Folk art canes were designed to be more about the carver then the individual who used them.  They are most often created in all wood.  System canes are often referred to as gadget canes.  These are perhaps the most utilitarian of all canes.  In the next few series we will discuss in detail each popular style of cane.

First we will discuss the decorative canes.   Most of the decorative canes that are available to collectors today are from the second half of the nineteenth century into the nineteen twenties.  They often have a basic shaft that has a decorative handle in which can be created from a number of materials including silver, ivory, gold, porcelain and other highly regarded materials.

Many antique cane collectors choose to begin their collections by purchasing vintage, silver handled canes that were common during this period of time.  Collectors will want to ensure that the handle is sterling silver or priced accordingly if it is only a replica.  The fancier the knob the more collectors should expect to pay.  Often times, decorative canes with silver handles will be made even fancier with the addition of gold and can take on the shape of an animal, human figure or crook handle.

Cane artisans of this century created a number of decorative canes using ivory for the handle.  Ivory is an incredibly scarce material and thus makes these canes highly collectable.  Decorative ivory canes could most often be purchased by only the wealthiest individuals in society.  When it comes to decorative cane handles the ivory material has literally had ever subject matter carved into it.  From frogs to humans everything was carved into ivory cane handles.  Human forms that are carved into decorative ivory cane handles are the most popular amongst collectors.  Ivory is a very sensitive material and thus collectors should be careful to display them appropriately away from the direct sunlight and heat.

Gold is another popular decorative cane handle material.  These are amongst the rarest and most expensive canes for collectors to get a hold of.  Animal bone, antlers, wood, leather, glass and more have all been materials used to create decorative canes.  Collectors should be careful when purchasing collectable canes as many of these materials, as they age, get cracks and chips and need repairs.  Make sure the price that is paid for the collectable cane matches the canes condition.  Of course a rare cane with exceptionally beautiful features may still be a popular option even with a few minor flaws.

Antique Cane World is an online retailer of antique canes, walking sticks and umbrellas.  Contact us today for more information on antique canes, unique umbrellas and more at http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/.

Antique Cane World

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Don’t Fall For Staging Tricks When Buying A New Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In our last installment on buying a home we discussed how many buyers turn down a house if it lacks visual appeal.  Instead of only looking at a home for its aesthetic values it is crucial that homeowners look deeper into the bones of a home.  The condition of homes foundation and structure are the most important aspects to consider.  The following aspects can also tell you a lot about how the homes you are looking at have been maintained and cared for.

How does the plumbing throughout the home look?  Check out the water and the pressure of the water pressure.  Turn on all of the faucets all at one time and check to see their output.  Inspect the pipes to ensure they are not lead while also looking at the current insulation.  Pipes can easily be insulated using preformed insulation but it is important to know what will need to be done ahead of time.  Pipes that are in crawl spaces must be insulated as well as plumbing that is on the other side of exterior walls, often seen in kitchens.  Check the hot water heater and tank, boiler and radiator.  These are all good indicators of the updates that have or have not been done to the homes plumbing.

How well insulated is the home.  When you are inside the home is the traffic easily heard throughout the home?  Can you hear a lot of outside noise such as children playing?  This may not seem like a big deal at the time but poor insulation is not all about the annoyance of extra outside noise.  If a home is not properly insulated against the sounds of the world around it then it most likely is not apt to hold in heat or air conditioning.

Realtors advise buyers to check out the homes attic space as well.  Check for fire and water damage as both can lead to a structure that is weakened.   If you can see any light from within the attic, through even pin hole sized points it is crucial to make note of these.  If you purchase the home these areas need to be caulked to prevent water from accessing the area and leaking into the home causing damage to ceilings.  Is the attic easy to access?  Can the space be turned into something usable like an office or spare bedroom?  What about storage or extra insulation?

There is so much more to a home than what buyers can see however this is a hard concept for realtors to get across to a visual buyer.  A home that is painted with wickedly wild colors and covered in crazy bright carpet is a whole lot cheaper to repair than a home with a faulty foundation or unstable roof.  Remember this as it is easy to become caught up in the way something looks.  Professionals in staging can turn a home that hasn’t been maintained into a beauty with a few tricks of the trade. Don’t fall prey to this.  Instead keep your eyes open and look for things we have mentioned in these latest installments.

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area. Find out more at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Don’t Get Caught Up In Curb Appeal When Purchasing A New Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to purchasing a new home many buyers get caught up in the visual aspects of the home.  This is a mistake that often hurts buyers.  Instead of seeing the potential in a home they are driven off by brightly colored walls or unconventional flooring.  In reality these aspects are easily changed.  Instead staging often fools buyers and they forget that beauty is only skin deep allowing them to forget about the costly realities like roofing, electricity, plumbing and foundation.

Real estate professionals often warn clients from making mistakes like this but fall on deaf ears.  To prevent the same mistake from happening to you consider the following when considering a home to purchase.  Even the ugliest of ducklings can have the makings of a castle given the shape of the homes foundation, roofing and a fundamentally strong structure.

Consider the shape of the homes windows.  Realtors stress that it is important for buyers to look at the external state of the windows over their age.  New windows that are installed incorrectly are far less attractive as older, sturdier windows that have been well maintained.  If the exterior of the windows are in good shape it is a great indicator of the condition and level of maintenance that the current homeowner showed the home.  If you push on the window and can easily push the window frame in at all then it means the windows are starting to rot.  If the windows are double hung and you can visually see any sort of condensation the windows are faulty.

The roof is also an important aspect when looking into purchasing a home.  An asphalt shingle roof has a life expectancy of between fifteen and twenty years.  If you are unsure of when the roof was last replaced it is best to have a professional roofer out to inspect any homes you are interested in.  A professional roofer will know what to look for to age a home roof.  Certain things buyers can see themselves such as if the roof has a bunch of missing shingles or if there is substantial curling that can be seen on the shingles.  These are all signs the roof will need to be immediately replaced.  If this is the case be sure to negotiate the expense of a new roof into the purchase price of the home.

Another item a buyer often over look is the homes electrical system and power sources.  Electrical wiring that is not done by a professional electrician leaves a lot of room for error.  Improperly ran electrical wiring is dangerous.  Check out the shape of the fuse box and test the circuit breaker to ensure that it is functioning properly.  Rewiring a home is a messy and expensive job to undertake.  It is often a job that new homeowners are not looking to involve themselves in.

In our next installment we will continue to look into the items often overlooked by buyers as they concentrate on the less important visual aspects of a home.

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area. Find out more at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Seeking Out Non-Traditional Financing For Mortgages

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are times when an individual’s credit rating doesn’t match their intentions.  When a borrower has met with the unexpected in life such as a divorce, medical bills, job losses or poor money management it can wreak havoc on their opportunities to get financing.  This can deter many individuals, especially when wanting to obtain a mortgage, discouraged.  The thought is that people with poor credit will never achieve homeownership however this is not necessarily the case.  People seeking home ownership with less than perfect credit should work with a mortgage broker to search out non-traditional methods and more creative financing to obtain a home loan.

The first step that people with poor credit should do when considering the possibilities of a future home purchase is to start to take steps to improve their credit.  A lengthy history of delinquent payments isn’t a good thing but the change in those habits can be.  A change in the habits you have with your bill paying can help creditors see that you are working towards change.  Start by resolving to pay down debt to less than thirty percent of your available credit line.  Don’t apply for more credit, pay creditors on time and eventually you will start to improve your credit score.

Mortgage lenders will want to see that you have history making a payment for housing.  It may make sense to rent for two years to establish a housing payment history.  During that time make sure that the payment for your rent is paid for on time, every month.  An occasional late car payment or credit card payment could be overlooked but it is crucial that mortgage lenders see your ability to pay housing consecutively for at least two years prior to receiving a mortgage.

During the time you are renting, work to save money for a down payment.  The larger the down payment on the home the more vested lenders will view you.  A solid down payment for a first time home buyer is twenty percent even though there are mortgage options that don’t require this large of a down payment it helps those with poor credit.

Another feasible option for homeowners with imperfect credit is to find a lease option that can lead into the possibility of ownership.  Motivated sellers can often be talked into a purchase agreement with an unconventional twist.  If you find the right seller you can even work in a deal where they use the money paid on leasing as payment towards the home.

A mortgage broker is the first individual that most individuals with poor credit should speak with before even thinking about looking for a home to buy.  Loan brokers have seen it all, more than your credit situation is not unique.

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

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Refinancing With A Low Credit Score

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Interest rates are at historic lows.  More homeowners than ever before are considering refinancing.  Think about it interest rates in 1998 for a 30 year fixed mortgage were on average about seven percent; today interest rates sit at an average of between three and three and a half percent.  That is a huge savings for homeowners not just each month but over the entire course of owning the home.  Refinancing allows homeowners to lower their monthly payment which can allow many to use the extra money for upgrades to the home that increase the value of the home overall.  One problem that plagues some homeowners is less than stellar credit.

Homeowners with poor credit ratings can have a difficult time refinancing their current mortgage.  Often this goes unrecognized until you begin the process of refinancing.  Homeowners often think they are basically refinancing the same mortgage amount just for a lesser interest rate so why does it matter if their current credit isn’t up to par.  For them it is the same mortgage just at a lower interest rate.  This however is not how mortgage lenders see it.

Credit scores are used to determine an individual’s ability to pay debt back in full.  A low credit score gives lenders the impression that you are taking on too much debt for the income that you have coming in.  The snap shot of your current financial situation puts you at a higher risk then when you financed your original mortgage.  The scores of an individual’s credit can range between three hundred, at its lowest, to eight hundred and fifty, at its highest.

Homeowners will pay lower interest rates with higher credit scores.  With less than stellar credit it’s important to make sure that the savings you are looking for with the lower interest rate will really exist for you.  You need to consider the actual rate you will be given.  A homeowner with an eight hundred and fifty credit rating will receive a lower interest rate than those with poor credit.

Refinancing doesn’t always make sense for homeowners that have poor credit after they take into consideration an extended loan term, closing costs, loan fees, and more.  When combining these concerns it maybe that refinancing actually increase the overall cost of your mortgage even with the lower interest rate.

When your credit is less than perfect it is especially important to work with a mortgage broker to find the mortgage refinancing option that works best for your situation.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

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Resetting Your Homes Electrical Circuit During A Power Outage

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When you own a home you are familiar the possibilities of sudden losses of electrical power.  This phenomenon is an especially common throughout the hot summer months as home owners are blasting air conditioners for hours on end.  As air conditioners run at max levels electrical circuits reach their limits and short out to prevent the current to overheat, catching fire.  At this point it is time to get your power up and the circuit restored.

Once in a great while there will be a power outage that over takes a whole neighborhood, city or region.  If this occurs then there is not a whole lot you can do about it but get out the flashlights and candles.  When the power outage is isolated to your home then you are in a bit more luck.  It is more likely than not to be an electrical short.

When a circuit breaker or fuse box shorts not only will the electricity go out but you often a loud pop can be heard when it occurs.  This is the most common solution if the electrical power within one area of your home stops working.  This occurs when a circuit has more electricity running through it then it allows safely.  A fuse or breaker will automatically “blow” or “trip” when this occurs to prevent the circuit from overheating and possibly causing a fire.

In order to prevent outages like this from occurring it is important not to overload the electrical circuits within your home.  When you need a lot of electricity in one area it is important to run separate circuits of electricity to the area.   If however, the amount of electricity changes to the circuit frequently and two circuits is overdoing it then make sure not use too much electricity at one time.

This happens in bathrooms regularly.  Homeowners want to be able to have the hair dryer running the curling irons warming up and iron on standby.  This isn’t normality for the circuit but occasionally occurs, right?  If you see this happening it make more sense to move some of jobs to another circuit to prevent it from tripping.

If a circuit is tripped then homeowners will want to reinstate the circuit and allow the electrical current to flow again freely.  This is done by locating your homes circuit box.  This is a metal box that contains a series of breaker switches or fuses.  When you open the metal door of the box there will be one fuse or switch that is tripped.  If it is a fuse you will replace that one fuse, after turning off the main current, with one of the same voltage.  A circuit switch on the other hand will need to be flipped back to its original state once the main current has been turned off.   After the individual circuit is allowing electrical current to pass through it again then it is time to flip the main switch on the breaker box back on.

If for some odd reason this doesn’t restore the power to the area then it may be time to call in an electrical professional.  They can make sure that the electrical standards in your home are up to par to prevent any dangerous situations from occurring in the future.

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

J & P Electrical Company

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The Differences Between Breaker Boxes and Fuse Boxes

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Circuit breaker boxes and fuse boxes aren’t something that most of us have to access on a regular basis.  It is important however to know where they are located and how they function before you find yourself in the middle of a power outage.  These boxes can be located anywhere but most often can be found in the garage, basement or utility closet.  Once you have located the box it is important to know the difference between a circuit breaker boxes and fuse boxes and how to restore power if it goes out.

Your breaker box will be a metal box that is flush against the wall that is enclosed by a metal door to keep the breakers or fuses protected.  The garage, basement, storage room or utility spaces are the places where you will most likely find them located.  If you can’t find the box located inside somewhere check outside or next the meter box.

Next, determine if the house has a circuit breaker or fuse box.  Open the door and take a look inside.  Do you see rows of switches?  If you do you have a circuit breaker.  If you see sockets like a light bulb then you have a fuse box.  Most commonly newer homes will have circuit breakers where as older homes that have yet to update their electricity will have a fuse box or maybe even several fuse boxes.

When replacing a blown fuse it is crucial that you unplug the appliances that are connected to the circuit that has lost electricity.  If the kitchen looses power then unplug all of the appliances and other electrical products that are plugged into the circuit.  If this is not done the risk that is faced is another blown fuse.

When you are replacing the fuse from the box be sure to turn off the main power switch.  This is a toggle switch located within the fuse box.  This main switch allows electricity to flow on a main current to the other circuits throughout the fuse board.  As you are shutting the main power off protect yourself by wearing rubber soled shoes and thick gloves when shutting the power down.

Find the fuse that connects the electricity to the point within the home that is no longer functioning.  Once the fuses are located and unscrew the fuse from the socket and replace it with a new one of the same power rating.  After the fuse has been replaced it is time to switch the main breaker back on.

For a circuit breaker that has been tripped the process is a bit simpler. You will still need to go through and unplug the appliances and shut the main breaker off in both fuses and circuit breakers.  After this is done you should be able to see which breaker is blown because it will be switch facing the opposite way.  Reset the switch back to its original state and that will restore the circuit.  After this is done the main power can be reinstated.

When replacing either of these types of electrical circuits if you notice that the circuit keeps blowing it is time to call in an electrician.  An electrician will come in and evaluate the state of the electrical wiring throughout your home and consult on electrical upgrades to your home.

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

J & P Electrical Company

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Hiring a Roofing Contractor Simplified

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Hiring any contractor to do work around your home can be a challenging task.  When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor we have compiled a list of tips to make the selection process simpler.

Insurance: Contractors that do not come bearing insurance should not be allowed to do any work on or around your home.  Insurance is a must when hiring a professional.  Ask for proof of insurance from all contractors interested in being hired.  Professional contractors should have copies of both their worker’s compensation policy and liability insurance policies.  Part of the cost in hiring a professional to complete work on your home is the security of knowing that they are covered if an accident should occur while they are working around your home.

Local vs. National: When it comes to hiring a contractor it is always best to look to hire someone with a locally operated, established company with a reputable reputation within the community.  Hiring big chain contractors can end up disastrous.  You aren’t hiring an individual and their specific skill set you are hiring a crew that is contracted by the large chain.  This means that each time work is to be done around your home a new crew may be sent.  There is no continuity in the work that is performed.  Whereas using a local contractor you are dealing with one specific contact for projects throughout your home.  Another bonus is that local contractors also vouch for one another and are able to refer specialists when needed for different projects.

Price:  The cost should never be the driving factor on your decision to hire a roofing contractor.  A lot goes into creating a bid and each contractor may bid projects differently.  Some contractors bid the job low by leaving out incidentals like nails, caulking and roofing tar; items that are necessities for the project to be complete but add to the bid.  Look at the bid in its totality.  Ask questions when looking into exactly what is covered by the quote and what extra expenses you can expect to incur.

Everything in Writing:  You should be in control of the job from start to finish.  The home belongs to you, the money is coming out of your pocket and the end result is yours to live with.  Be sure that you never pay in full for a job that is not one hundred percent complete.  If you are unhappy with any aspect of the project you need to communicate in writing a clear and precise agreement with the roofing contractor to establish a procedure for the job to be completed to the specifications in the contract.

All communication between the two parties should be in written form to protect both of them from misunderstandings.  Don’t forget to ask for a detailed quote that includes specifics from materials to costs and quantity.  It is imperative to have details in your contract regarding the amount of time that the job is expected to be done in and the size of the crew that is intended to be on site each day.  Contracts should also detail the hours that work will be completed.

Hiring a roofing contractor, or any contractor, for that matter doesn’t have to be a hassle or a nightmare.  Be sure to follow the tips above to ensure you find a contractor that meets your needs now and in the future.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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