Livingston Reporting - page 301

Selling Secrets for Home Sellers In Any Market

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Like many sellers, you are probably feeling some apprehension at putting your house on the market.  It is hard to sell something that you are so deeply invested in financially and emotionally.  In your home you see the connections of memories made and life lived.  This is hard to move past but is a necessary step to ensure that you don’t accidentally sabotage your selling efforts.

The first selling secret I share with homeowners getting ready to put their home on the market is to take the home out of the house.  That’s right; in order to market and sell the house it can no longer be your home.  You have to detach completely.  Start the process my packing away all the personal artifacts that are all around you.  Family photos, collections and personal keepsakes should all be removed from the home and put into storage.  The buyer should walk in and see themselves and envision the life they will live in this home not the remnants of the life you have had.

Another selling secret it to place a third of your belongings in storage; anything that is not important to your existence in the coming months while you sell your home should be in storage. This is important especially in closets and storage areas.  By eliminating the bulk in storage areas it gives the appearance that the homes storage is plentiful.  Make the home as neutral and spacious as possible it will help buyers envision their belongings in the home.

It is also important when selling your home to minimize distractions or nuisances.  Mainly this refers to the critters that live with you.  A dog, cat or bird may seem ideal to you but the sight conjures up feelings in others that are not always positive.  Remove evidence including food bowls, cat scratchers, kitty boxes and pet hair.  All of these things can lead home buyers to picture the home as unkempt and unclean.  The complete opposite impression that you are hoping your home makes on impressionable home buyers.

The most universal tip that a real estate agent will give is regarding your homes first impression.  The old saying is true; you never get another chance to make a first impression and neither does your home.  No matter what the inside of the home looks like the buyer has already judged the space before they have even walked through the door.  The entrance to your home should make buyers feel warm, welcome and safe.  We all know that when you live in the space it needs to be functional however when selling you need to take function out and bring inviting in.  Instead of a coat and shoe rack add a small antique table and side chair perhaps adding some fresh flowers as well.  This is the impression you want the buyer to take away with them.

You never know when your buyer will walk through your door so make sure that every open house and viewing is treated with the same care as the first.  Your home should be in shape to be shown on a moment’s notice.  The pain and suffering you experience when maintaining a pristine home will be rewarded with an asking price offer.

Lake and Land Real Estate

Add To Your Home’s Value With These Simple Upgrades

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Are you looking for ways to spruce up your home without spending a ton of money and ending up in the poorhouse? Homeowners are often looking for quick and easy home improvement projects to make their home more desirable to sell or for their own personal enjoyment.  Whatever your reason it is important to know that the cost of the project verse the payback can differ based on a few things such as the homes overall condition, the market in which the home is located and outside factors such as the season in which you are selling.

One improvement that is sure to pay you back is in the kitchen.  This is not to say you need to go through an extensive, expensive kitchen renovation however making sure the look of the kitchen is clean and updated is important.  A few tips to updating the look of your kitchen on a budget include updating the faucets, cabinet hardware, and lighting.  These are all reasonably priced items that can add to the overall look of the kitchen.  Another option, if the kitchen cabinets are old and new cabinets are out of the question is cabinet resurfacing.  This is a cheaper alternative which uses the solid base cabinets in place by updating the surface making the kitchen area look brand new.

In the kitchen it is also important to have appliances that match.  If this is an issue in your home and you are looking for an inexpensive way to make them all match consider two options.  The first is to call the manufacturer and see about ordering a new front panel to match other existing appliance.  This is a lot less expensive than all new appliances.  The second option is to check into companies that sell scratch and dent appliances for next to nothing.  If the dent is on the side or back of the appliance and this portion will not be seen who cares.  Scratch and dent appliances are at least half off the retail price.

The next room in the house that really adds to the value of the house is the bathroom.  In order to spruce this area up in a budget there are several things you can update on a shoestring budget.  Bathroom flooring, a new toilet seat and a pedestal sink are all simple renovations that can be done by most homeowners that make a bathroom spiffy.  Thoroughly clean all grout to renew the sparkle and replace any tiles that are chipping in the tub area.  A strong tub cleaner should be used to bring out the bright white in your tub as well.  A clean bathroom is a huge selling point for a home.  Dingy tiles and dirty flooring will turn buyers away as the space will look unkempt which gives the perception if a homeowner that does not care about the upkeep of the home.

Your home is your sanctuary. When people are looking for a new home to purchase they are looking for an appealing space.  As a seller it is your job to present a clean, neutral space in which buyers can envision themselves.  Giving buyers a kitchen and bathroom space that are up to date and clean will have them overlooking the more minor stuff such as the small laundry room.

 

 

Lake and Land Real Estate

As A Father When Going Through A Divorce and Child Custody Agreement Avoid These Mistakes

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

The first question many of fathers ask upon meeting with a divorce attorney is; how can I win my child custody battle?  When fathers in divorce ask this question it may not be all about winning however about getting the best results for themselves and their children.  It may be about joint custody, sometimes it is about ensuring that they still have a say in parenting decisions and reasons that vary depending upon the situation at hand.

As a divorce attorney it is our job to look at the entire situation and make sure that the children’s best interests are met throughout the divorce process including in child custody arrangements.  Most fathers end up seeking joint custody and shared parenting.  In most divorce cases when one parent is awarded sole custody the children’s best interest is not being met. We do our best to represent fathers throughout the process of divorce.  Here are some mistakes to avoid making when going through a separation, divorce and child custody situation.

The first mistake many father make is leaving the marital home before they have consulted with an attorney.  Don’t feel pressured to move out of your home and leave your children behind.  When you are separated from your home and children you are hurting your case and your children.  It is important to seek council to develop a parenting plan of action to decide the next step in the process.

Another mistake that fathers often make is not spending enough time with their children.  It is important for all parties involved to stay active in their lives.  Still attend softball games and take them to soccer practice.  Take them to the park, go swimming and play games with them no matter what part of the divorce process you are involved in.  It is important to maintain their lives and routine.  If you have your children during the school week sit and take time to help with homework and touch base with their teachers.  Your children will excel if you remain an important part of their daily routine.  If you aren’t able to physically be with them stay in touch via facetime, skype or frequent phone calls. All of this will benefit your custody goals as well as your relations ship with your children.

When it comes time to dealing with your ex widen your view point.  It is time to treat her like a business partner, bringing too much emotion when it comes to child custody is not helpful.  You want to maximize your case and results and this will take some control of emotion.  Don’t get livid or malicious, maintain yourself.  Your composure will be helpful when it comes time to deliberate child custody and support agreements.

Divorce is never easy especially when children are involved.  It becomes personal no matter how hard you try to prevent that from happening.  Prevent over sharing with you children, they should never be burdened with your feelings towards their mother.  Your stress should not be theirs.  Make sure you are receiving adequate support and that you are able to discuss your feelings with someone that can assist you in making sense of them and moving forward.

Longton Law

Find Expert Representation In Your Divorce and Child Custody Agreement

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When it comes to getting a divorce there is nothing easy about it.  Every detail of the process can seem overwhelming but when it comes to hiring a divorce attorney it doesn’t have to be.  This is the person that you will turn to and rely on as your progress through the divorce process. Your divorce attorney is the one that will fight for you and your rights when it comes to everything from child custody to who is the rightful owner of the lamp you were given by some obscure relative when you were married 12 years ago.

You can imagine the decision to hire an attorney should be more of a process than scanning through the yellow pages to find the biggest ad.  You will also not that hiring a divorce attorney is not a simple as calling up the firm that helped draw up your will. You will need to do some research into local family law lawyers and find one that is experienced in divorce and mother’s rights.  When you hire a family law attorney you are hiring an individual that has significant trial experience and has passed several rigorous law exams to become specialized in the field.   A board certified family law specialist is the only type of attorney to hire to handle the ins and outs of your divorce.

You will know that you have found the right attorney to handle your divorce during your first consultation.  If you meet with an attorney that can’t speak to you in plain English that is not the attorney for you.  The divorce attorney you want representing you can speak to you in plain English and does not get overly involved in the technical jargon to speak to you about your case and how it will proceed.  Right away you will know if the individual is someone you can talk freely with, if you are comfortable with them and if they are trust worthy.  During a divorce many personal and intimate details about your marriage are displayed.  You will want to make sure your attorney is someone that you can openly speak with and get answers that you understand.

When you are going through a divorce and you have children involved it is especially important that you find an attorney that will be looking out for your best interest as a mother.  Divorce attorneys for moms are attorneys that have trained to fight for mother’s rights in divorce, child custody and support issues.  They will understand that your children’s best interest is what is at hand and will pursue reasonable child custody and support agreement.

When it comes to negotiating the terms of your divorce and child custody arrangements the model family law attorney will be available to you, will be a great problem solver and will work well in negotiations between you, your ex and the court.  Even if you and your spouse plan to mediate and come to an agreement outside of the jurisdiction of the court it is important to note that the best laid plans are often just that plans.  When hiring attorney representation you are hiring not only someone able to mediate for your best interest but someone that in the end if necessary will stand representing you in a divorce trial if needed.

 

Longton Law

Seeing Straight When Choosing An Eye Surgeon

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When it comes to having surgery there is a lot to think about.  This is especially true when it comes to eye surgery.  In society our five senses seem to be taken for granted.  It’s impossible to consider them every time we see, taste, smell, hear or feel something but when the thought of surgery comes into play they are heavily contemplated.

LASIK eye surgery is available to help patients who wish to improve their eyesight with laser surgery.  Many people who have undergone laser eye surgery have said that it not only improved their eye sight but their overall quality of life.  When considering having surgery on something as delicate as eyes how do surgery candidates choose a qualified vision center with a reputable staff to oversee your procedure?

Many decisions that are made are done so with only one thing in mind; cost.  This is not the way to go about choosing a LASIK surgery provider.  A great deal is something you get on a new pair of shoes not on something as important as your eyes.  Cost plays a factor in an elective surgery however there are a number of things that should come first.

One thing that is important when choosing an eye surgeon to operate is the cleanliness of the facility.  The truth is a dirty facility is a breeding ground for germs. Surgery is to be performed in a sterile environment especially when it comes to a delicate area such as the eye.  A reputable vision center and LASIK provider will offer a waiting room, office and exam rooms that you could eat a meal off of any of the surfaces.  It will be tidy and hygienic.

Another factor when choosing a facility and surgeon is their equipment.  With something as delicate as eye surgery the technology is advancing at quiet a rapid pace.  With that being said it is important to find a surgeon who is up to date on all of the latest laser techniques and equipment.  Two different procedures are done in LASIK one is a hundred percent bladeless laser technique and one uses a microkeratome blade.  Most patients prefer and are able to have the bladeless technique.  If the option is not available to you questions.  It could be that the surgery you require is not done in that fashion however if it’s because they don’t offer it at the clinic you are being examined at look elsewhere.

Another important factor when it comes to surgery on your eyes is the staff.  When you have surgery the surgeon and supporting staff are all important.  The supporting staff will be with you throughout the surgery and should be knowledgeable, professional and willing to assist with concerns.  Your results are based on the collective effort of everyone in the office.  With that stated it is important that you are comfortable, relaxed and at ease with the staff surrounding your surgery from the surgeon to the billing coordinator.

Having LASIK surgery can enhance your life.  Invest the time and effort in finding a provider dedicated to you.  This decision will pay you back ten-fold when you are able to see clearly without glasses or contacts.

 

Rohr Eye & Laser Center

Finding a Knife That Meets Your Expectations

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When it comes to picking out a knife that is right for you it all comes down your personal preferences.  Here are some questions to ask yourself when you are looking to finally spend money on a quality knife.

The first question and perhaps the most important; how will the knife be used?  There are knives designed for all purposes from backpacking and hunting to opening boxes and cutting twine.  They also have knives that are for collecting and some for saving lives.  Obviously the knife you choose will depend on what you are using it for.  It is important to define what you are looking for as far as the use of the knife.

Significance is also found in the features that matter to you in a knife.  One feature to look into is the type of blade that you prefer.  Fixed blades are superior in strength, dependable and always ready to use. However, folding knives are compact and easy to carry.  With today’s technology and locking blade options, folding blades are becoming more desirable than ever before. Other features to think about with the blade include tolls such as gutting, skinning, thickness, sharpness, double blade or saw blade edged.  The blade features are considerable.  One knife may not have everything you are looking for.  That’s when you buy two or three!

The handle is another area to consider when choosing the right knife. A solid knife handle is important.  The more durable the material of the handle, the more you can plan to spend on the piece.  You will want to test the handle in your hand to make sure the fit is correct and that the construction of the piece is what you would expect from the price.   You will find several materials and styles to choose from when it comes to the knives handle.  All weather knives will come textured or with rubber to help with the grip.

Craftsmanship and quality are important as well.  A knife is something that you need to be able to rely on. Check to make sure the knives design fits the intend purpose of the knife.  A small fixed blade knife is not going to be suitable for survival purposes.  Also check to ensure the materials will hold up to the demands that you will put on the knife.  A plastic handle on a gutting or skinning knife will not withstand the stress.

If you have chosen a folding knife is it durable as well as being easy to open and close?  If the knife is a folding lock back knife does it lock properly?  Does the knife seem to collapse and open seamlessly?  Check out the edge of the knife blade and make sure it is able to be sharpened to the original quality.  A characteristic that should come with all superior knives is a lifetime warranty against any defects and craftsmanship.  When you are spending money on a quality knife you will want a guarantee to back what they are advertisers are marketing.

 

Longton Law

Selecting A Proper Camping Knife

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

What does a knife represent to you?  As a sportsman and avid outdoorsman a solid knife can mean the difference between life and death.  A quality camping knife can not only save you from a zombie attack but also can assist in building a shelter, creating a fire, killing food, digging holes and so much more.  If you dream it your knife can help you accomplish it.  It is essential for all hunters, backpackers, mountaineers and fisherman to carry a knife meant to be of assistance and aid in surviving the outdoors.

When choosing a survival, hunting or camping knife you should consider the blades size.   In the case of knives size matters especially when it comes to the blade.  There is not an ideal or perfect size blade for everyone.  The size blade that you decide upon will depend upon how you are going to use the knife.  If the knife is to be used for a bunch of different purposes consider purchasing more than one knife.

A large sturdy blade is essential in a camping knife that is intended to cut through limbs and larger wood pieces to build fire and shelter.  A large knife blade is also useful when it comes to spearing food and for clearing pathways; all crucial when it comes to your survival in the elements.

A small knife blade is better suited to help you with skinning fish and dressing small game.  A delicate knife blade works to carve tools that assist in survival as well as creating animal snares.  Large knife blades would be too bulky and cumbersome for more delicate purposes.

Whether the knife blade is foldable or fixed is also important when it comes to a knives strength and dependability.  A fixed blade knife is by far more durable than a folding knife.  Folding knife mechanisms tend to create weakness; tools with joints that bend they are more likely to rupture.  If you will be using the knife to cut, pound or pry it is important that the blade is stable and unwavering.  This can be found in a fixed blade knife.

When choosing a fixed blade knife, only consider a full tang knife blade.  A full tang blade creates the best bond available in a knife.  A full tang knife blade is all made form one piece of steel from the handle to the blade.  It is nearly impossible for a full tang blade to split where as a fixed blade knife that is created from two pieces can come apart easily.

Think about dagger style knives verse single edge knife blades.  A dagger style appears to be tough, powerful and mighty however a traditional style blade with one sharp edge and one dull edge is better for the outdoors.  In the wilderness a knife needs to be able to crush, pressure needs to be applied to the blunt edge to create enough force to cut through the desired object.  If the knife is dagger style this is not possible.

Finding a knife that matches your wants and needs is the most important goal in choosing an ideal camping and survival knife.   Using the tips above should leave you finding a perfect camping knife in no time at all.

Knife Mule

Benefits To Purchasing A Home During The Winter

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Winter is a true buyer’s market for real estate.  Spring and summer sales show that homes are in high demand during those seasons. What this means to buyers is that even though more homes are on the market more people are looking to buy.  This makes winter home purchases a better option for buyers, especially ones with a limited budget that don’t want to have to settle because of the competition to buy homes.  The pool of homes available is not as large in the winter and holiday months however the amount of people looking to buy a home is much smaller.

 

With spring and summer being the most popular time of year for real estate most sellers will wait to put their home on the market until then.  This of course means fewer homes for sale during the winter months however when a seller puts their home on that market in the winter there is usually a really good reason that they need to sell.  Reasons such as a job relocation can motivate sellers which can serve as a great advantage to buyers.

 

With fewer winter home buyers the competition to purchase a home is less which means that you aren’t in as big of a rush to put an offer in on a home.  It alleviates the stress that goes along with buying something without having adequate time to consider the decision.

 

Another bonus to purchasing a home in winter is that it allows you to see how the home holds up through the cold temperatures.  Many homes have issues in the winter that would not be visible in the summer such as a chill in the home or drafty windows. Winter allows you to really check out the homes heating system to ensure that the home heats each space evenly.  Winter fitness for your home is something that is incredibly important especially for homes in the north and north east regions of the United States where temperatures often drop below zero.

 

Purchasing a home during the off-season also means that real estate agents are a bit more flexible to meet with you and to focus on your needs.  With fewer buyers and sellers to focus on their attention can be on you and finding a home that fits with all of your needs.  It also means that people within the sector of helping facilitate a home purchase and a move will be more accessible.  A closing date and time on a mortgage in the dead of winter is a lot more flexible than one that is being made to accommodate several other lenders, buyers and sellers.

 

Although the curb appeal of most homes is a lot bleaker in winter the advantage of buying a home is that you can ensure that the neighborhood is maintained during the winter months.  It is probably to say that a neighborhood in which roads are plowed, driveways shoveled and sidewalks cleared is more likely to have pristine landscaping in the spring and summer.

 

The ice and snow might make your picture something other than the wonderment that comes with purchasing a new home.  However, you can be guaranteed to see things a bit different when you are free of the hassle and stress that comes along with the competition of buying a home in the summer.

 

Lake and Land Real Estate

New Roof Installation In Any Season

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Is there one time of the year that is better than another to have a new roof installed on your house?

This question is one that roofing contractors get all the time.  The truth is that we work year round.  When you need your roof replaced we are there to serve our clients.  If your roof needs to be repaired or replaced during the winter, summer spring or fall we will be there to make it happen.  We know when it comes to replacing your roof that most homeowners try to extend the life of their roof for as long as possible leaving it dire when it finally needs to be done.

As a roofing contractor the best time for me to replace your roof is a time in which you are prepared.  A new roof is not a decision that should be rushed into and ought to be planned for.  The spring, summer and fall seasons are the busiest time for us as roofers as such I won’t be able to cut you the type of deal we can in the colder months.  Most people don’t consider getting a new roof in the winter months as a viable option.  This is however not the case.

In the winter we have more flexibility to accommodate your new roof or roof repair.  In the warmer months there is often a number of roofs that need to replaced often leaving us to have to schedule your roof up to a month out.  This is also when unqualified roofing contractors come out of the wood work.  During the summer if a roofer is able to squeeze you in right away chances are that roofer is not someone you actually want doing your roof.

Another advantage to installing your new roof during the winter months above and beyond price and availability is that you will get to choose from the cream of the crop of local roofers.  With winter being a slower time of year for roofers you can interview several and make a decision based on their price, time frame and previous work done.  Winter roof maintenance or an entirely new roof leaves you with options where as other times you are left getting what is available instead of what you necessarily want.

Homeowners are often concerned about the warranties on their new asphalt composite shingles.  Put your mind at ease with the knowledge that roofing material manufactures do not base their warranties on the temperature or time of year the roof was installed.  Roofing material warranties are the same whether they are installed in the mild spring, hot summer or chill of winter. One thing to note though is that shingles need to go through a sealing process which does take temperatures over forty degrees Fahrenheit.  Believe it or not this is not unfathomable even here in the north.  A solid day of warm temperatures will seal your new shingle roof.

Most local roofing contractors are happy to assist their clients any time of year.  Their best services should be their only services so no matter if roofing is done in the dead of winter or the middle of summer your roof ought to be installed properly and efficiently.

Home Pro Roofing MI

Ridding Homeowners Of Wildlife Intrusions

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Winter time in the north is prime time for wildlife intrusions in your homes and barns.  Squirrels, mice, raccoons and even a stray cat or two will all be on the lookout for a warm place to lay their head.  This does not mean that your home has to play host or hostess to any of them.  The question lies in how to safely remove the extra wildlife that has taken residence without harm to your existing pets.

Neither invasion of your home is easier to get rid of then the next.  However, prevention is often simpler when it comes to ridding a home of spiders, cockroaches or bees.  When it comes to larger wildlife we try to remove them and preventing them from returning in the most humane way possible.  Trapping is the most common way to catch the culprit.  The problem with wildlife in the winter is that you are most likely not dealing with a lone squirrel or one mouse you are dealing with a family.

As an exterminator I have seen this scenario played out all too frequently; a squirrel at home in your attic is caught and the area sealed off and yet a few days later you are still hearing that all too familiar sound in the attic.  The squirrel isn’t back but the nests of babies are hungry and without mom and dad coming in and out to feed them they are getting restless.  Worse yet, weeks later the over powering smell of decay and dead animals.  Don’t fall victim to this.

A trained professional will come in to your home, evaluate the scene and proceed accordingly.  An exterminator knows exactly what signs to look for when dealing with wildlife invading your home to track if you are dealing with more than one menace.  They will help determine points of entry and remove the entire nest with the mom relocating them to a place other than your home.  Relocating the mother or babies on their own will create different problems.  A mother squirrel will do anything she needs to do to rejoin her family even if that means pulling up roofing etc.  Once in your home again, where she does not find her family, she will be left to creating the havoc she was before you trapped her.

This is one reason it is important that homeowners look to the professionals when it comes to removing wildlife from their homes.  Winter brings out wildlife looking for warmth and the thaw of spring brings on more common pest and insect infestations such as ants, spider and fleas.  Spring is the time for all of those nasty pests to awaken out of their winter slumbers.  Prevention is the key in extermination.  Yes, we can treat and remove all pests from cockroaches to bed bugs but preventing the homeowners the hassle of dealing with the pest in the first place is our first priority.  Call a local pest control company before issues arrive.  Exterior power defense applications can be applied to your home making your home undesirable. We provide homeowners with the best case scenario when it comes to common pests, none at all.

Best Pest Removal LLC