Thinking about remodeling? Congratulations! You're on your way to one of the most rewarding experiences that a homeowner can go through. When you remodel your home, you're not only designing a new and exciting living space, you're also increasing the resale value of your home.
Thinking about remodeling? Congratulations! You're on your way to one of the most rewarding experiences that a homeowner can go through. When you remodel your home, you're not only designing a new and exciting living space, you're also increasing the resale value of your home.
Problem is, most of us don't know where to begin. The very idea of remodeling a home can be a bit overwhelming without knowing where to look for help, advice, and of course ideas. The good news is that these pointers aren't far from you at all and can be accessed with just a little bit of effort. Before we introduce a couple of them, let's remember why we want to gather them in the first place.
It's Remodeling 101
Essentially, your goal in gathering remodeling resources is to collect all the facts about remodeling that you're willing to read through. In a way, remodeling is a problem and researching the subject is part of the problem-solving process.
The Number One Resource For Almost Anything
The library is always one of the first resources you should look to learn more about the remodeling process and what you can do with it. Since the Internet boom, libraries have begun to lose their appeal with some audiences. After all, a lot of helpful information can be found online just by cruising the net. However what some people fail to realize is that the library offers indispensable books (remember those?) with tons of pages and pictures that don't need Windows XP or electricity to operate.
With a simple library card, you can borrow any number of books about remodeling - peruse them at your leisure - and not have to worry if the material that you're reading is rehash of hundreds of others websites that you're already seen. The material in this resource is truly original, free, and available whenever you need it.
Remodeling Magazines Are Simply Invaluable
There's simply no better way to find creative home improvement ideas than from remodeling magazines. This is probably due to the high quality and expansive photographs that not only explain how something is accomplished - they show it! With magazine photographs, it becomes much easier to communicate your wants and/or needs to your contractor with a magazine fold out or ad.
Don't Forget Your Local Legal Resource
One way that you can facilitate the process of your remodeling project is to research what's required before you start. And a good place to start is your local permit office. Regardless of how large or small you think your remodeling project is, you'll do yourself a tremendous favor by visiting (or calling) your permit office and finding out if your project requires building permit.
In some states, any project that costs over five hundred dollars requires a building permit even if that project is inside the home - even if you do the project yourself! State regulations vary as well as city or county regulations vary so to stay within the laws, find out what's required first. Otherwise you might find yourself stopping the construction of your remodeling project, paying high fines, paying twice the amount of a building permit, and/or tearing down what you've worked so hard to build.
Author: Paul Glover
Friday, June 22, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
How To Find A Real Estate Agent
How To Find A Real Estate Agent
By Alex Fir
You may be of the opinion that you don’t need a real estate
agent and that using one will add to the cost of buying your
new home.
The fact is that a real estate agent’s fees are typically paid
by the seller of the home. So, as a buyer, you can get the
services of a professional real estate agent without having to
directly pay for it. Please confirm this in any paperwork or
contracts that a real estate agent may provide because policies
vary greatly by state and company. Be sure to ask about fees
when you interview agents.
Most real estate agents may work with buyers and sellers but
often they specialize in working with one or the other. Make
sure the agent that you choose has experience working with
buyers and with no down payment transactions.
Be careful if you are speaking with a real estate agent and
they don’t seem to recognize terms like “Down Payment
Assistance Program”.
Start making a list of possible real estate agents to interview
with referrals from your lender, friends and family.
A referral from the lender is great because you get the
services from people that have worked together in the past and
are already familiar with each other's systems. This can help
prevent any last minute surprises or obstacles.
Questions to ask while you are interviewing real estate agents:
Please explain your fees.
Are you familiar with any no down payment financing programs?
Have you been involved with no down payment buyers in the past?
Would you mind providing sample contracts so I may review them?
Does it clearly state in the contract who will be paying your
fees?
How long have you been a real estate agent?
Do you mostly work with buyers or sellers?
I’m looking for a home in the areas of ______. How familiar are
you with those areas?
What specific steps would you take to help me find the home I
am looking for?
You should also try to get an idea of these factors while you
are speaking with the agent.
- Does this person have good negotiating skills?
- Do you feel this agent is trying to understand your
situation so that they can properly
represent you to sellers?
- How much knowledge does the agent have about mortgage
markets?
About the Author: Do you need business or finance information?
Visit "Business Finance information", FREE web site for those
who want to learn how to achieve success in business and
finance. http://www.business-finance-site.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Alex Fir
You may be of the opinion that you don’t need a real estate
agent and that using one will add to the cost of buying your
new home.
The fact is that a real estate agent’s fees are typically paid
by the seller of the home. So, as a buyer, you can get the
services of a professional real estate agent without having to
directly pay for it. Please confirm this in any paperwork or
contracts that a real estate agent may provide because policies
vary greatly by state and company. Be sure to ask about fees
when you interview agents.
Most real estate agents may work with buyers and sellers but
often they specialize in working with one or the other. Make
sure the agent that you choose has experience working with
buyers and with no down payment transactions.
Be careful if you are speaking with a real estate agent and
they don’t seem to recognize terms like “Down Payment
Assistance Program”.
Start making a list of possible real estate agents to interview
with referrals from your lender, friends and family.
A referral from the lender is great because you get the
services from people that have worked together in the past and
are already familiar with each other's systems. This can help
prevent any last minute surprises or obstacles.
Questions to ask while you are interviewing real estate agents:
Please explain your fees.
Are you familiar with any no down payment financing programs?
Have you been involved with no down payment buyers in the past?
Would you mind providing sample contracts so I may review them?
Does it clearly state in the contract who will be paying your
fees?
How long have you been a real estate agent?
Do you mostly work with buyers or sellers?
I’m looking for a home in the areas of ______. How familiar are
you with those areas?
What specific steps would you take to help me find the home I
am looking for?
You should also try to get an idea of these factors while you
are speaking with the agent.
- Does this person have good negotiating skills?
- Do you feel this agent is trying to understand your
situation so that they can properly
represent you to sellers?
- How much knowledge does the agent have about mortgage
markets?
About the Author: Do you need business or finance information?
Visit "Business Finance information", FREE web site for those
who want to learn how to achieve success in business and
finance. http://www.business-finance-site.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Tips For Beginning Real Estate Investors: Fixing And Flipping
Tips For Beginning Real Estate Investors: Fixing And Flipping
Houses
By Jeanette Joy Fisher
Many real estate investors make millions turning ugly houses
into dollhouses. On the other hand, some inexperienced
investors lose money buying houses that just don't turn a
profit. If you want to get started investing in real estate by
fixing and flipping houses, you'll want to know what to type of
property to buy.
Three Tips to Help You Find the Ideal Fixer
1. Learn Your Market
Your first task, exploring your market, helps you know a
bargain house when you see one. Look at houses for sale in your
area. Keep track of sales and how long the houses take to sell.
Ask about the terms of these sales because this helps you
understand how sellers market their property. For instance, if
a seller paid closing costs for the buyer, did the price rise
from the listed price accordingly? Or, did the seller come down
on the price and pay the buyer's costs, too. Examine the sales
that sell quickly. What home features and financing options
prompted the fast sale?
Also, look at model homes. Buyer often chose resale homes
because they can't wait for a new home to be finished. But,
these buyers like the amenities found in newer homes. When you
transform your fixer, you'll know what buyers desire and you'll
make informed makeover choices.
2. Know When "Bad" Can Be Good
When you first start out in your real estate "fixer"
enterprise, you'll want to look for houses needing only
cosmetic work. Look for houses that just need cleaning up,
painting, and new flooring. Don't be afraid of stinky houses
that show horribly; look for fixers with peeling paint, holes
in the wall, stained carpeting, and trash in the yard.
Remember, these houses won't look good to most buyers, but that
other investors see them as gold mines. You need to use your
imagination when viewing theses homes. Try to visualize the
finished product.
3. Know When "Ugly" Means "Pass"
If the house has cat urine staining the carpet, the
sub-flooring or concrete foundation may need replacing. Dog
urine cleans up easier. If the walls have too many cracks and
bumps, you may need to hang new sheet rock or hire a
professional plaster refinisher. Look for signs of plumbing
problems such as water stains under sinks and loose flooring.
When you're new to real estate investing, always remember your
limitations. Use caution when considering houses needing
structural repairs. Some rehabbers replace walls, plumbing,
structural beams, sub-flooring, and electrical systems, but
they acquired those skills after years of experience or pay a
professional.
If you find a house with structural problems, get estimates
from reliable contractors to do the work. Experience teaches
you how to do more over time. Until then, rely on experienced
contractors to do the repairs. Take professional estimates into
account before deciding whether or not to purchase an investment
property.
Why would anyone want to do this?
How much does the average investor make? In Philadelphia, real
estate investors only make offers on houses they expect to make
$30,000 on. In Southern California, many investors make $50,000
to $100,000 on each house.
You can make a fortune fixing and flipping ugly houses. Learn
your market. Know when "ugly" means bad that can be good, and
when stinky means keep looking.
Copyright (c) 2005 Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.
About the Author: For more information about finding,
financing, fixing and flipping houses, visit Jeanette Fisher’s
Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars. Learn about decorating to
attract buyers. Jeanette teaches Design Psychology college
courses and professional real estate seminars. She is the
author of books about home staging, credit, and real estate.
http://www.doghousetodollhousefordollars.com/
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Houses
By Jeanette Joy Fisher
Many real estate investors make millions turning ugly houses
into dollhouses. On the other hand, some inexperienced
investors lose money buying houses that just don't turn a
profit. If you want to get started investing in real estate by
fixing and flipping houses, you'll want to know what to type of
property to buy.
Three Tips to Help You Find the Ideal Fixer
1. Learn Your Market
Your first task, exploring your market, helps you know a
bargain house when you see one. Look at houses for sale in your
area. Keep track of sales and how long the houses take to sell.
Ask about the terms of these sales because this helps you
understand how sellers market their property. For instance, if
a seller paid closing costs for the buyer, did the price rise
from the listed price accordingly? Or, did the seller come down
on the price and pay the buyer's costs, too. Examine the sales
that sell quickly. What home features and financing options
prompted the fast sale?
Also, look at model homes. Buyer often chose resale homes
because they can't wait for a new home to be finished. But,
these buyers like the amenities found in newer homes. When you
transform your fixer, you'll know what buyers desire and you'll
make informed makeover choices.
2. Know When "Bad" Can Be Good
When you first start out in your real estate "fixer"
enterprise, you'll want to look for houses needing only
cosmetic work. Look for houses that just need cleaning up,
painting, and new flooring. Don't be afraid of stinky houses
that show horribly; look for fixers with peeling paint, holes
in the wall, stained carpeting, and trash in the yard.
Remember, these houses won't look good to most buyers, but that
other investors see them as gold mines. You need to use your
imagination when viewing theses homes. Try to visualize the
finished product.
3. Know When "Ugly" Means "Pass"
If the house has cat urine staining the carpet, the
sub-flooring or concrete foundation may need replacing. Dog
urine cleans up easier. If the walls have too many cracks and
bumps, you may need to hang new sheet rock or hire a
professional plaster refinisher. Look for signs of plumbing
problems such as water stains under sinks and loose flooring.
When you're new to real estate investing, always remember your
limitations. Use caution when considering houses needing
structural repairs. Some rehabbers replace walls, plumbing,
structural beams, sub-flooring, and electrical systems, but
they acquired those skills after years of experience or pay a
professional.
If you find a house with structural problems, get estimates
from reliable contractors to do the work. Experience teaches
you how to do more over time. Until then, rely on experienced
contractors to do the repairs. Take professional estimates into
account before deciding whether or not to purchase an investment
property.
Why would anyone want to do this?
How much does the average investor make? In Philadelphia, real
estate investors only make offers on houses they expect to make
$30,000 on. In Southern California, many investors make $50,000
to $100,000 on each house.
You can make a fortune fixing and flipping ugly houses. Learn
your market. Know when "ugly" means bad that can be good, and
when stinky means keep looking.
Copyright (c) 2005 Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.
About the Author: For more information about finding,
financing, fixing and flipping houses, visit Jeanette Fisher’s
Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars. Learn about decorating to
attract buyers. Jeanette teaches Design Psychology college
courses and professional real estate seminars. She is the
author of books about home staging, credit, and real estate.
http://www.doghousetodollhousefordollars.com/
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Thinking About Home Improvement? Then Here's A Checklist!
Thinking About Home Improvement? Then Here's A Checklist!
By Shrinivas Vaidya
Dear friends, if you are planning to improve/renovate or
refurnish your home then this article can be a very useful
guide and save your lot of time.
When it comes to home improvement, most people think that it's
has to do with painting the house from inside out and forget
about it.
But any architectural structure is much more than just walls
and ceiling. There are many systems working simultaneously
which keep the building under function.
Let's have a look at these systems one by one.
1) Structural System:
This includes the support system of the entire building, namely
foundation, columns, beams, slabs(in R.C.C structure). The most
commonly used structural systems is R.C.C. Other types include
steel and wood.
While renovating a building special attention must be given to
the structural support system. Slabs should be checked to be
leak proof. Columns and beams which are exposed to external
atmosphere must be checked for damage. R.C.C structural members
are always covered with plaster. This plaster must be without
damage.
In case of steel structures, anti-rust treatment must be
applied wherever necessary.
In case of wooden structure anti-termite treatment must be
applied wherever necessary.
2) Plumbing System:
All pipelines which carry water in and out of the structure
must be checked for leakage. The main are of possible leakage
is at the joints, hence must be carefully treated.
Water taps at the washbasins, inside bathrooms, kitchen sinks,
toilet blocks, should be checked for good and smooth operating
conditions.
3)Drainage System:
Drainage from kitchen, bathrooms, toilets should have an
unobstructed and shortest path to outside chambers. Any
clogging of these lines can cause overflowing of the chambers,
hence should be checked and cleaned.
4)Electrical Systems:
This starts with the main supply of the electricity from the
local authorities. The point of entering the main supply should
be checked for any excessive disturbance in voltage levels,
which might cause damage to electrical appliances inside.
All switch boards and switches in respective rooms should be
checked for proper and safe functioning. Security systems such
as earthing and M.C.B's should be checked for safe functioning.
5) Doors and Windows
These form an important part of any structure as far as safety
is concerned. Proper functioning of the doors and window
shutters is necessary. If your home has a security alarm system
installed, then it must be kept updated and in proper working
condition.
Door and window shutter hinges should be applied with
lubricants for smooth operations. I case of sliding doors and
windows, tracks which allow sliding should be dust free.
6) Glass Panes
All glass panes used on windows and doors should be dust free.
Any broken or cracked glass panes should be replaced
immediately.
If the building has a skylight, then it should be checked to be
leak proof and clean, to allow clear and unobstructed sunlight
in the interiors.
7) Flooring Materials
In most cases tiles are used for flooring. All tiles should be
checked for cracks and most importantly leveling.
In every home flooring has a natural slope to avoid clogging of
water if any such situation arises. Tiled flooring must be
checked at joints. Any cracks in joins must be checked with
proper bonding material.
In case of wooden flooring, extra care must be taken to keep
the flooring termite-free.
8) Wall Plaster and Wall Paint.
All external walls must be checked from outside for a proper
layer of plaster. Plaster prevents the rainwater to seep inside
the structure. If external plaster gets damaged, rain water
seeps inside causing dampening of walls.
All internal walls must be checked for scraping of paint.
8) Furniture and Carpentry Items.
All furniture items must be termite free and sturdy at the
joints. A coat of good quality wooden polish can add life to
the furniture pieces.
Other carpentry work includes door and window shutters, door
and window frames.
9) Other Accessories.
This includes small thing which matter a lot, such as all the
locking arrangement at doors, windows, towel rods in the
bathroom/wash basins, arrangement to dry washed clothes,
storage arrangements in kitchen/bathroom.
10)External Systems
This can include a solar water heater, electric pumps to push
the water from underground water tank to Overhead water tank.,
Cable TV antennas.
All these systems must be checked for proper functioning.
From the above discussion it is clear that proper functioning
of any architectural structure is dependant of many complex
systems which work simultaneously.
Hence all these must be given attention and respect. Any
building is just like a human body, with movable and stationary
parts. If dealt with proper care can give a very healthy living
experience for years to come.
I hope this article was helpful to everyone.
Copyright 2005 Shrinivas Vaidya
About the Author: Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of
http://www.Bedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com .Visit TODAY
to get an in-depth knowledge of Bedroom Design, Bedroom
Furniture Sets and Bedroom Decorating Ideas.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Shrinivas Vaidya
Dear friends, if you are planning to improve/renovate or
refurnish your home then this article can be a very useful
guide and save your lot of time.
When it comes to home improvement, most people think that it's
has to do with painting the house from inside out and forget
about it.
But any architectural structure is much more than just walls
and ceiling. There are many systems working simultaneously
which keep the building under function.
Let's have a look at these systems one by one.
1) Structural System:
This includes the support system of the entire building, namely
foundation, columns, beams, slabs(in R.C.C structure). The most
commonly used structural systems is R.C.C. Other types include
steel and wood.
While renovating a building special attention must be given to
the structural support system. Slabs should be checked to be
leak proof. Columns and beams which are exposed to external
atmosphere must be checked for damage. R.C.C structural members
are always covered with plaster. This plaster must be without
damage.
In case of steel structures, anti-rust treatment must be
applied wherever necessary.
In case of wooden structure anti-termite treatment must be
applied wherever necessary.
2) Plumbing System:
All pipelines which carry water in and out of the structure
must be checked for leakage. The main are of possible leakage
is at the joints, hence must be carefully treated.
Water taps at the washbasins, inside bathrooms, kitchen sinks,
toilet blocks, should be checked for good and smooth operating
conditions.
3)Drainage System:
Drainage from kitchen, bathrooms, toilets should have an
unobstructed and shortest path to outside chambers. Any
clogging of these lines can cause overflowing of the chambers,
hence should be checked and cleaned.
4)Electrical Systems:
This starts with the main supply of the electricity from the
local authorities. The point of entering the main supply should
be checked for any excessive disturbance in voltage levels,
which might cause damage to electrical appliances inside.
All switch boards and switches in respective rooms should be
checked for proper and safe functioning. Security systems such
as earthing and M.C.B's should be checked for safe functioning.
5) Doors and Windows
These form an important part of any structure as far as safety
is concerned. Proper functioning of the doors and window
shutters is necessary. If your home has a security alarm system
installed, then it must be kept updated and in proper working
condition.
Door and window shutter hinges should be applied with
lubricants for smooth operations. I case of sliding doors and
windows, tracks which allow sliding should be dust free.
6) Glass Panes
All glass panes used on windows and doors should be dust free.
Any broken or cracked glass panes should be replaced
immediately.
If the building has a skylight, then it should be checked to be
leak proof and clean, to allow clear and unobstructed sunlight
in the interiors.
7) Flooring Materials
In most cases tiles are used for flooring. All tiles should be
checked for cracks and most importantly leveling.
In every home flooring has a natural slope to avoid clogging of
water if any such situation arises. Tiled flooring must be
checked at joints. Any cracks in joins must be checked with
proper bonding material.
In case of wooden flooring, extra care must be taken to keep
the flooring termite-free.
8) Wall Plaster and Wall Paint.
All external walls must be checked from outside for a proper
layer of plaster. Plaster prevents the rainwater to seep inside
the structure. If external plaster gets damaged, rain water
seeps inside causing dampening of walls.
All internal walls must be checked for scraping of paint.
8) Furniture and Carpentry Items.
All furniture items must be termite free and sturdy at the
joints. A coat of good quality wooden polish can add life to
the furniture pieces.
Other carpentry work includes door and window shutters, door
and window frames.
9) Other Accessories.
This includes small thing which matter a lot, such as all the
locking arrangement at doors, windows, towel rods in the
bathroom/wash basins, arrangement to dry washed clothes,
storage arrangements in kitchen/bathroom.
10)External Systems
This can include a solar water heater, electric pumps to push
the water from underground water tank to Overhead water tank.,
Cable TV antennas.
All these systems must be checked for proper functioning.
From the above discussion it is clear that proper functioning
of any architectural structure is dependant of many complex
systems which work simultaneously.
Hence all these must be given attention and respect. Any
building is just like a human body, with movable and stationary
parts. If dealt with proper care can give a very healthy living
experience for years to come.
I hope this article was helpful to everyone.
Copyright 2005 Shrinivas Vaidya
About the Author: Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of
http://www.Bedroom-Design-And-Decorating-Ideas.com .Visit TODAY
to get an in-depth knowledge of Bedroom Design, Bedroom
Furniture Sets and Bedroom Decorating Ideas.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
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