Livingston Reporting - page 258

Ways To Go About Lowering Your Monthly Mortgage Payment

Homeowners are always optimistic when they buy a new home. They find and fall in love with a home that may be slightly out of their reach.  They are convinced that with some decent budgeting, trimming of the fat and future increases in pay the monthly payment will be affordable.  What happens next is life.  We all know what occurs then.  Unforeseen expenses come up and the monthly payment that was barely manageable before turns into a burden.  If you find yourself in this situation keep reading.  This article covers a number of ways homeowners can reduce their mortgage payment.

Property Assessment

If the market has changed in any way a property assessment can help.  If your property’s value has decreased in any way or if you think the original assessment is inaccurate you can file a petition to have it re-evaluated.  Lower evaluations can often lead to substantial savings over the lifetime of your mortgage.

PMI

If you feel that you have more than twenty percent equity into the house you can petition the lender to cancel your private mortgage insurance otherwise known as a PMI.  This could help alleviate the extra payment associated with the monthly expense of private mortgage insurance.

Loan Modification

If you are truly having difficulties a mortgage modification could be the answer to your problems.  This process can lower your balance and make your monthly payments more affordable.  This option is not without ramifications however so before you go this route contact a home loan specialist.

Refinancing

The first few years, your monthly mortgage payment goes mostly to interest instead of the principal of the mortgage.  The effect of the interest payment is significant.  When it comes to refinancing your mortgage you will want to calculate the monthly interest savings verse how much it will costs to refinance the loan.  In theory refinancing is the process of taking out a mortgage on the existing amount owed on the home loan at a lower interest rate.    Often times you can extend the amount of time in which to repay the mortgage as well to lower the monthly payment even more.

If you need assistance with your mortgage in order to decrease the monthly payment meet with your mortgage broker.  They have insight on the lowest interest rates, loan options along with connections within the industry to help lower your monthly mortgage payment.  This in turn lowers the amount you will pay on the overall home loan as well.

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/.

Metal Roofing Advantages

When it comes to any home improvement project there are many decisions that need to be made. One decision that often plagues homeowners is with choosing materials. This is true whether you are remodeling your bathroom or replacing your homes roof. The materials you choose can make the difference between the success or failure of your home improvement. Using quality materials and experienced contractors, especially in roofing, will determine the lifespan of your renovation.

A perfect example of this is happens to be when choosing between metal or asphalt when roofing. A metal roof, installed by an experienced roofing contractor, can increase the lifespan of your homes roof from fifteen years to forty plus years. Consider the following advantages of metal roofing when replacing your homes roof.

Durability: Metal roofing has one major advantage over other roofing materials. Metal is more durable than any other material that can be used to replace your homes roof. The lifespan of a metal roof is upwards of forty years while asphalt roofs may only last about fifteen years.

Variety: When replacing your homes roof it is important to match the aesthetics of your home and neighborhood. You want your roof to stand out from other homes in the area without being a neighborhood eyesore. Metal roofing comes in a variety of styles and colors to compliment your home’s exterior.

Eco-Friendly: Metal roofing is made up of nearly sixty percent recycled materials. Approximately twenty billion pounds of asphalt shingling is dumped into landfills each year. This type of waste is not beneficial to the environment. If you choose metal over asphalt it is important to note that instead of removing the asphalt shingles the metal roof can be installed directly on top of them. You will not be contributing to the waste that is filling up the limited space available in landfills.

Value: Metal roofing saves money over asphalt in that it has an increased lifespan, discounts on homeowner’s insurance and decreased utility bills thus increasing the overall value of metal roofing. Metal roofing is fire resistant and does not deteriorate over time. This allows insurance companies to offer policies at up to a thirty five percent discount. Utilities bills are lower yearly as well because metal roofing is efficient in keeping heat in when it is cold outside or cool air in when it is hot. Metal roofing improves the overall value by adding equity to the sale price when you go to sell your home.

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 athttp://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Taking Care Of Your Home’s Roof

Homeownership is one of the largest responsibilities that a person can take on. Homes are one of the single most expensive purchases most people make in their lifetime. Owning a home is largely rewarding especially when actions are taken to properly maintain it. This doesn’t mean that it is without its hassles though. Unexpected occurrences have a way of turning into unforeseen repairs and surprise expenses. One area often overlooked is your homes roof. This is an expense that you want to be prepared for as a new roof is a financial commitment in itself.

Your homes roof is an essential element of your home. A lot goes into building your homes roof therefore a lot must go into maintain it. There are many different ways to go about this. One way is to hire a professional roofing contractor once a year. They will come out, get on the roof and physically inspect and repair any faulty areas within the roof and its structure. Another way is to come up with a safe maintenance plan that you yourself can use to inspect the roof at the beginning of the spring and fall seasons. Maintaining and protecting your homes roof from the elements is fundamental to ensure the safety and comfort of your family.

The climate throughout the North is often unpredictable no matter what season we are in. We can always expect inclement weather which will unfortunately impact your home, especially the roof. You must maintain and prepare your roof for everything that is possible from high winds, tornadoes, hail, ice, wet snow and more. The weather is especially uncertain throughout the summer and winter; take time in the spring and fall to ensure gutters are clear, shingle replaced, tar and caulk applied and repairs to the structure are made.

If you are currently unsure about the condition of your homes roof it is best to hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect it. While they are there have them go over what they are checking for in order to create a checklist for yourself. Have the roofer give you an estimate on labor costs to repair the roof so that you can start stashing cash away now. If upon inspection they find that the roof is too far gone to be repaired and needs to be replaced you can have them prepare a quote on the spot. This will give you a ball park figure to work with and something to compare other quotes too.

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 athttp://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

 

Creating a Maintenance Free Backyard With Aluminum Fencing

As a parent and homeowner the last thing I want to think about when I am relaxing at home is the work that needs to be done to keep the house in tip top shape.  In my last installment we discussed creating a backyard that was safe.  Safety is of course the first and most important aspect to your home inside and out with maintenance being the second.  Landscaping options that help you avoid expensive repairs and extensive cleanup limit the time and money that you need to spend to maintain it.

Thankfully, some of the same landscape options that are installed to keep your children and pets safe are also easy on homeowners to maintain.   What you are looking for in landscaping that is simple to maintain is how easy it is to clean up spills, repair damage and prevent costly repairs.

Installing a fence around the perimeter of your home or in-ground swimming pool is crucial to keeping your family, friends and pets safe.  A fence keeps unwanted people out while keeping the ones you want in.  Many different materials are used to create fences that are ideal for both pool safety and backyard perimeter fencing.  Out of the materials you can choose none are as maintenance free as aluminum is.

Aluminum fencing never needs to be stained or painted.  In fact to clean aluminum fence panels all you need is a regular hose and maybe a wet rag.  Spraying the fence to get rid of excess dirt and algae buildup is all the maintenance this fence needs to look as beautiful as the day it was first installed.  It is also one of the easiest materials in fencing to install.  Aluminum fence comes preassembled in pre-drilled, pre-measured sections.  All you need to do to install it is to dig some holes for the post and put it all together.  Aluminum fencing basically installs and maintains itself making it an ideal choice for homeowners looking to be free of the hassles involved in keeping up on the look of their fence.

Artificial turf over natural grass is also a great choice not only safety but for ease of maintenance as well.   Not only does artificial grass never needs to be mowed it also never needs weeding, fertilization, pesticides and other time consuming chores.  The turf is easily rinsed if a spill occurs and can easily be repaired if a section is to become damaged.  Artificial turf is ideal for pets as well. Cleaning up both solid and liquid waste is easy to manage on a regular basis whereas natural grass is easily damaged by pet waste.  Dog urine often burns large brown patches in your lawn that can’t be easily remedied.  As long as you have a pet that uses the space as a bathroom brown patches will occur in your natural grass. This is not true of artificial turf.

Using pavers to install non-skid, non-slip surfaces makes maintenance easy.   The non-skid, non slip surface is family friendly and the individual sections make it simple to clean if a spill occurs or replaced if damaged.  When you use pavers instead of pouring a concrete slab repairing a small section is inexpensive, convenient and time friendly.  Replacing one, two or even a few pavers can be done in less than an hour with results that will appear as if nothing was ever damaged.

Safety and maintenance are key issues to look at when designing a backyard.  A backyard is nothing however without using it.  Our next installment will look at creating an environment that focuses on fun and entertainment while incorporating what we have learned about safety and maintenance.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from https://www.iFenceUSA.com.

 

Understanding Residential and Commercial Electrical Components

One mystery that stumps many of us is the usage of fuses in electrical components residentially and commercially.  Most of the confusion surrounds the voltage, Watts, ratings and labels.  Below we will look at fuses in greater detail to offer guidelines on working out the correct fuse for every situation.

What is a Fuse?

Fuses are used in electrical appliance, automobiles, homes and businesses.  They are designed to prevent a flow of current that is higher than the value of the fuse.  One example of this is if you choose a 3A fuse; any current flow exceeding 3A will cause a surge and the fuse will “blow”.  The fuse keeps too much electricity from flowing into the equipment which would result in some type of failure such as a fire or explosion.

Any excess in current flowing through a circuit is prevented from going any further with the use of fuses.  The main purpose of fuses is to prevent melting or fire from occurring under fault conditions.  A fault condition is where a higher current value attempts to move through and the fuse disallows any extra current from flowing through.

The fuses value is dependent upon the power needed to allow the equipment to run properly.  An appliance, such as a heater, is higher powered, requiring more current and thus larger fuses with a cable that is capable of carrying it.

Molded Main Plugs

Sometimes, as within molded main plugs, the cable is molded to the plug.  The fuse is fitted within the molded plug. The fuse value is marked on the outside of the plug which makes checking the fuse very easy.  In order to check out the fuse you lever it out and check to ensure the value is the same as what is marked on the plug.

Rewireable Main Plugs

Rewireable main plugs are ones in which the user can wire on their own.  These plugs can handle a variety of currents and are marked to represent this.  Even if a cable says it can handle a 13A fuse does not mean it should be used on your appliance.  Make sure the fuse you choose matches the appliances maximum voltage not that of the cable.

Watts Verse Fuse Ratings

There is a simple calculation to determine the current amps taken by an appliance.  Divide the power in watts by the mains voltage to work out the needed amps.  For example, a 1900 watt divided by 230 voltages is equivalent to an 8.3 amp rating.  This allows you to decide between a 3A, 5A or 13A fuse.  You can obviously see that 3A and 5A will be too small for an 8.3A rating. You will need to choose a larger fuse such as a 13A.

To choose a cable with enough capacity to carry the current check the diameter of the cable.  A cable of 7.5mm or more is likely to be rated for 13A or greater.  Be careful to note that a 3A or 5A fuse should not be changed just because the cables rating is 13A however a 13A fuse should only be paired with a 13A cable not a lower rated cable.

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.

Being Safe When Working With Electrical Transformers

In accordance to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all electrical wiring and equipment must be in accordance with NFPA 70.  Electricity is hazardous and all employees working with transformers are subject to protection.  This is unless it is an existing installation which can be allowed to continue in service based on authorization of the jurisdiction in power over it.

In this article we will review basic information within NFPA 70 regarding transformers.

Transformer rooms that are made from fire-resistant construction with a minimum fire rating of an hour needs to be used with any individual, dry-type transformers of more than 112 ½ kVA rating.  Below this there isn’t specific installation requirements for the room in which the transformer is located.   Ones rated over thirty five hundred volts need to be installed within a vault with three hours fire-resistance.

Doorways leading into a vault from the interior of the building must have doors that are not only tight fitting but also have a minimum fire rating of three hours.  One exception is when the transformers are protected by automatic sprinklers, water sprayers or carbon dioxide in which a one hour rating is sufficient.

The NFPA 70E addresses safety standards in electrical safety.  These requirements are in place to protect all employees who install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and their components.  It recognizes the dangers associated with electrical energy.  These guidelines are in place to prevent against injury or death.

In order to comply with the NFPA 70E all employees working and operating electrical equipment above 50V must wear arc-flash protective gear.  Arc-flash is an electrical current passes through the air when the insulation between electrified conductors can no longer withstand the voltage being applied. Even a flash that lasts under a second can be severe, leading to a fatality.

In order to establish compliance with the NFPA 70E there is a checklist that lays out both short-term and long-term actions to take.  Some of them are listed below:

  • Maintenance mechanics, facility repair workers and electricians are not allowed to work on hot or live equipment while wearing all cotton apparel.
  • Equipment should be de-energized as much as possible before work is performed.
  • Hazard warning labels should be placed on all electrical equipment.
  • Workers should be trained in arc-flash hazards.
  • Logout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures need to be updated and reviewed often to be sure all control panels are included.
  • LOTO training needs to be constantly assessed to ensure employees are trained properly. If there is an issue they should be retrained.

There are so many conditions in place to ensure the NFPA 70E requirements are met within your company by all employees working with electrical equipment and components.

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.

Packaging and Labeling Design Tips That Help Market Your Product Continued

In our last installment we talked about how there are six common rules of package and label design that will help ensure your product stands out over the competition.  We discussed how a clear and simple, honest and authentic label design works to draw consumers in.  Below we will discuss the last three common rules in package and label design that work together to create the masterpiece which will represent your brand and product.  A strong package and label design helps to ensure your product is chosen before one of the forty thousand competitors.

Shelf Impact

When creating a new package or label design a common problem exists in how the product will look on the shelf next to its competition.  In order to create something that has any shelf impact value you need to evaluate the packages and labels of the products next to yours on the shelf.  One thing that we need to be reminded of when designing a label is that never will your product be viewed alone or in great deal when seen by shoppers.

Your products label is arranged on a shelf in rows and columns along side of your competitors.  Until your products label design catches a consumer’s attention they are unlikely to take a closer look.

Go to the market today and stand in front of any shelf.  What do you see?  Which labels catch your attention?  What qualities do they possess that gives them the shelf impact you are looking for?  Is it a certain color, a special pattern or an image that catches your attention?  How can you emulate that within your own package and label design?

Extendibility

Consider the future of your brand; will the product package and label design that is created allow for an easy introduction of a new line extension?  Designs should always be created with your company’s future in mind.  Create something that offers a visually systematic design that allows for easy changes to both the visual and contextual content within your label.  This will allow for an easy transition as your brand and product lines expand.

Practicality

Practicality in product packaging and label design deals with the actual shape, size and function of the container.  A perfect example of this is with ketchup.  Certain brands of ketchup were sold in glass bottles.  It would take forever for the ketchup to come out.  Once this was realized the company’s redesigned the package into a squeeze bottle.  This in turn increased the products usability.  Consider this when designing a container for your food product.

Using the six rules outlined in our recent articles you can create a product package and label design that maximizes results.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Buying A Fixer Upper Allows Homeowners To Get A Deal On Homeownership

Are you looking for a new home in the market today?  There are an abundance of homes for sale that are known as handyman specials.  Fixer uppers are homes that are for sale that are in need of repair.  These homes generally cost less compared to other homes in the area.  Many times these homes are quickly purchased by real estate investors.  After purchasing these locations they fix them up and sell the property at a premium.

These handyman specials are a top target for real estate investors because they are cheap.  With the properties needing a variety of repairs they are sole far below the market value.  While many fixer uppers continue to be purchased by investors there are still plenty of them to be snapped up by residential buyers.  This is a great option for buyers looking for an affordable option in homeownership that aren’t afraid to put in the time, money and sweat equity to fix the home up to meet their needs.

The one thing that homeowners looking at fixer uppers must consider is the cost of repairs.  Most handyman specials are sold “as is”.  You must have a fairly accurate estimate of the repairs the home needs before purchasing a fixer upper.  Don’t underestimate the cost of repairs needed.  This is how many buyers get in trouble when purchasing a fixer upper.

If you are seriously considering a fixer upper it is pertinent that you get a proper inspection.  You will want to make sure you hire an inspector that is reputable in handyman specials.  The structure, roof, heating, plumbing and electrical systems are of the utmost importance.  These five areas are the most expensive repair areas in home renovations.  Substantial expense lies within these repairs.  Only take on a home with these issues if the selling price is well below the market value and can be recouped in the long run.  Look into toxicity issues, mold and the sewer system as well.  A licensed inspector that specializes in this type of home is required when seriously looking into a handyman special.

A home that is worthy of being fixed up can end up being a terrific investment.  As the buyer it is important to understand what needs to be repaired and the costs involved.  Figure out what repairs you can handle on your own and those that you will need to hire out.  For a complete list of local homes that are in need of some tender loving care find a realtor in your area.  A reputable real estate agent can even find a diamond in the rough in even the most amazing areas.  Golf courses, recreational properties, lakefronts and more can all be found below market value.  They may just need a little attention to make them the eye catching beauties they once were.

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.

Tips To Follow Before You Start Shopping For A Home

Set a Budget: Setting a budget and following it is a key concept when buying a home.  No matter what you are qualified for if you don’t feel comfortable with that monthly payment it will cause you undue stress.  Calculate how much you believe you can reasonably afford to spend each month on housing.  This is the most important aspect in buying a home to be successful.  If you are stretched with a payment that is out of your comfort zone homeownership will become a burden rather than an accomplishment.

Include Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance In the Budget: If you have been renting you may not be familiar with the fact that your mortgage payment is not alone when it comes to expenses related to your mortgage.  Many lenders will roll the principal, interest, taxes and insurance into your monthly payment.  If you have less than twenty percent down, a PMI expense will be added as well.  Make sure you talk to your lender about these extras as they can almost double your monthly payment.

Determine How Much Cash Is Needed At Closing: Typically your down payment should be between five and twenty percent of the cost of the home.  A down payment of less than twenty percent requires primary mortgage insurance, otherwise known as PMI.  The amount you will need in cash at closing includes your down payment, loan origination fees, title insurance as well as other miscellaneous fees.  Be prepared to have a substantial amount of reserve in your savings as expenses tend to creep up throughout the home buying process.

Research Yearly Utility Rates: Moving to a different climate or larger home can significantly change the monthly payment on your utilities.  The last thing that you want is to get into a home that you can comfortably afford and then learn the heating and cooling expenses knock your budget into chaos. 

Eliminate Debt Prior To Purchase: Try to eliminate as much debt as possible before you start the home buying process.  This will lower your debt to income ratio and give you a better chance at a lower interest rate on your mortgage.  It will also free up cash that is being used on old debt to apply towards your home.

Find Out What Your Credit Score Is: You should know your credit score before beginning to look for a home as well.  There needs to be time to repair any discrepancies as well time to increase your score.  The higher your credit scores the better financial risk you appear to be and thus lenders will be more apt to offer you a lower interest rate within the terms of your mortgage.

Get Prequalified:  A prequalification is something most real estate agents require before they begin showing you homes.  A prequalification is the amount that lenders feel comfortable loaning you.  This will give you a base to begin your search.  The amount you have towards a down payment also factors into the overall amount that you have to spend on a home.

Find A RealtorAfter you have taken all of the above steps you are ready to start looking at homes to purchase.  There are many real estate agents available to show you homes but few are qualified to help you through the entire process.   Work with an agent that understands what your needs are.  They should be familiar with the area you would like to live and be able to offer you stats on the neighborhoods, the schools, crime, recreational options and more.  Don’t just work with anyone.  Find a realtor that is willing to go the extra mile in finding you exactly what you want at the price you can afford.

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.

Choosing A Mortgage Broker To Help You Through The Mortgage Process

An age old question that comes with buying a new home or refinancing comes with finding a mortgage broker that will find you the best rate possible.  What do you need to look for in a mortgage broker?  Is it possible to find a better rate on your own working with a credit union or bank?  In many situations a credit union or bank is perfect however getting your mortgage refinanced or a new mortgage for a new home a mortgage broker is more prepared to find a rate offer and lender that match your need.

One of the best things about using a mortgage broker is that they aren’t only in it to help you find a mortgage but also to provide you with support in your overall financial standings.   In order to do this your broker must make sure that they understand your needs, your situation and your future goals.

The first step to accomplish this is to speak with you at length.  They will ask you about your needs and will inquire about your living arrangements currently.  If you are also selling a home they will want to take that into consideration as you will have additional funds that can be used.  If the broker sees an issue with what you want or thinks that it may land you in trouble financially they will guide you in a direction that is more fitting.  They will not allow you to get in over your head with your purchase.

When meeting with a mortgage broker make sure that they are truly in it for you.  Are they speaking your language?  The conversation should only revolve around how they can help you.  While listening to you they should be engaging and asking relevant questions.  This is the sign of a broker who is looking out for you and your interests.  When working with a bank or other financial situation you may be pushed between several different employees.  Where in reality some of them may know nothing about your situation and not understanding what your needs are.  You should be working with one person who is knowledgeable about your condition and working to find you the best rate with your situation in mind.  Using a mortgage broker you have one individual who knows you and all about mortgages to guide you throughout the process.

After taking in your financial status, your earnings, investments, expenses and other things the broker will get you an optimized mortgage.  Brokers work with a variety of lenders to find you the best rate and mortgage available based upon your situation.  They will then make recommendations to help guide you throughout the process until you are the proud owners of a new mortgage.  Throughout each and every stage they will be able to answer your questions and clear your mind; this alone simplifies the process.

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/.