How to think like a buyer when getting your property ready to sell

Posted on Aug 14, 2013

The house is finally done after a whole lot of “blood, sweat and tears”, and now it’s time to get your wholesale flip “retail buyer ready”. Real estate investors all have the same question at this point; how can I make my house stand out from the other homes for sale in the neighborhood? The answer is quite simple. Your home has to make a better first impression than your competition. Your potential buyer has to want to come inside from the moment they drive up to the house. So how do you do that?

Learn to think like a buyer!

Curb Appeal Is Everything!

Pay special attention to the landscaping and keep the grass cut and trimmed while your house is for sale. If you are selling during the summer months, extra watering may be needed to keep the lawn in tip top shape.

    Give your yard a manicured look. It will really pay off to spend a few dollars to have the plants neatly trimmed, the planting beds weeded, and fresh mulch put down. A great touch is to put brightly colored flowers near the front of the house. You might even want to add a couple of pots of flowers at or near the front door well give it an extra touch. Be sure to pick plants that don’t need daily watering.

All your windows should be sparkling clean on the exterior as well as the interior.

Take a good look at your front door. Does it need a fresh coat of paint or maybe just a good cleaning?

Spend a few dollars and replace your old mailbox, then add some attractive house numbers. These simple things will give your house a polished look.

Make sure your deck or patio in the back yard is neat and inviting. You want your buyers to be able to imagine entertaining or just relaxing in this space at the end of the day. A power washer can be rented for about $40-$50 dollars if heavy duty cleaning is needed. Go ahead and power-wash any siding on your house at the same time.

Store all garden equipment and trash containers out of sight.

Look at the interior of the house through “buyer’s eyes”

Have a professional do a thorough house cleaning when the house is finished, paying special attention to the kitchen and the bathrooms. Remember these are the rooms that sell houses!

Make sure all floors have been cleaned and are in good condition. This also applies to any carpet that hasn’t been replaced.

Give the house the “sniff test”. Does it smell good?

Buyers don’t want to have to paint before moving in, so be sure the house is painted in neutral colors. Painting the trim a crisp white makes the home look modern and inviting.

Home staging always pays big dividends! Consider doing some simple home staging so that prospective buyers can imagine what the home will look like with furniture in it.

Does the basement have a “musty” smell? Figure out what the problem is and correct it.

Does everything in the house function properly? Make sure all the light bulbs are working, and all of the cabinet handles and doorknobs are securely attached. Walk through the house and give it the same scrutiny that a buyer will, double checking the smallest details in the home.

Be sure to change your filters. If the furnace or AC filter hasn’t been replaced during the rehab, clean or replace it.

Author: Sharon Vornholt

Sharon’s Website: http://LouisvilleGalsRealEstateBlog.com

What you need to know before undergoing a cosmetic medical procedure

Posted on Aug 7, 2013

As the quest for the perfect body and flawless face continues, many consumers have turned to spas, salons and walk-in clinics for cosmetic medical procedures at bargain prices. With the number of these facilities increasing, more consumers are influenced to believe that certain cosmetic procedures are easy, inexpensive and risk-free.

“In many instances, dermatologic surgeons, who are properly trained and experienced in performing cosmetic medical procedures, are sought to correct the mistakes of inexperienced and unqualified physicians,” says Dr. Susan Weinkle, president-elect of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). “Consumers should be aware that lower prices do not mean equal training and treatment, and should be cautious that these discounted prices could put their health at risk as a result of the provider’s inadequate training and lack of expertise.”

Dr. Weinkle and the ASDS urge consumers to recognize that all cosmetic procedures are medical procedures that should be performed by a qualified physician or under the close supervision of an appropriately trained physician.

Serious side effects, such as burns, infections, scars and pigmentation disorders can occur when consumers visit non-physicians or physicians who do not specialize in dermatology and perform treatments like laser hair removal, deep chemical peels, acne therapy and other procedures, says Dr. Weinkle. Non-physicians do not have the necessary medical training, and physicians who are not board-certified in dermatology lack the qualifications to determine and optimally perform the best treatment for your concern, or to handle complications adequately, should they occur.

“It’s critical that consumers take precautions and understand that dermatologic surgeons with the experience and knowledge of the health and function of the skin should perform cosmetic surgery procedures,” Dr. Weinkle says.

The ASDS suggests consumers follow these tips before undergoing any cosmetic medical procedure:

• Check credentials: Research the physician before undergoing the procedure to ensure that he or she is board-certified in dermatology. To find a board-certified dermatologic surgeon, visit www.ASDS.net.
• Don’t rely on price: If a procedure’s cost seems too good to be true, it probably is. Bargain-priced treatments may end up costing you in the long run if they cause harm, need correction or are ineffective.
• Make sure a doctor is on-site to closely supervise: Most cosmetic surgery procedures should be performed by a physician. If the physician is supervising a procedure, make sure he or she is immediately available on-site to respond to any questions or problems that may occur while the procedure is being performed.
• Ask questions: Always ask questions no matter how minor your questions may seem. Good questions include the following: Who will perform the procedure? Is this treatment right for me? What if something goes wrong? What procedures are in place to deal with an emergency? What training does the staff have? Is this laser, device or technique appropriate for my skin type? How many of the procedures do you perform in a month? May I see before and after photographs?
• Be sure your medical history is taken: Before undergoing any cosmetic surgery procedure, make sure the physician is aware of your medical history, including allergies to medications and previous surgeries.
•  Don’t be afraid to walk away: Trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, find a more reputable location.

For more information and to download a free pre-cosmetic surgery questionnaire, visit www.ASDS.net.

Courtesy of BPT

How your smartphone can help you care for your car

Posted on Jul 31, 2013

If you can resist the temptation to reach for it while you’re behind the wheel, your smartphone can be a great asset as you care for your vehicle. A smartphone can give you instructions for maintenance procedures while you are under the hood, help you find a part that needs fixing and get you to a trusted mechanic quicker and easier than ever before.

Whether you’re a weekend mechanic or simply enjoy being able to keep a handy and accessible maintenance log, here are few ways your smartphone can help you take better care of your car:

* How-to videos. YouTube isn’t just a great place to check out the latest hilarious viral video, it’s a great resource for finding videos that can lead you through common car maintenance procedures. “Being able to pull up an installation video, often for your specific car, on a  smartphone so you can watch while you replace parts is convenient for mechanics,” says Tom Taylor, engineer and vice president of RockAuto.com.

* Parts catalogs. Knowing that it would come in handy for both professional and do-it-yourself mechanics, RockAuto.com recently released a mobile version of its comprehensive parts catalog. “Someone under a car looking at a rusty parking brake cable does not want to make a dozen trips back to the computer on their desk. We created a mobile version of our catalog for customers who want to research new parts while they are literally looking at the old parts on the car,” says Taylor. With a smartphone-ready parts catalog, you can not only see your options for replacement parts, but place your order on the spot while you continue to work.

* Maintenance diaries. If you’re like many conscientious car owners, you probably keep a log book in your glove box detailing everything from maintenance procedures to oil changes and even gas mileage from tank to tank. The good news is there are now a number of mobile device “apps” that can make this task even easier for you. A good car maintenance app will organize and present the notes you keep in a logical way, and even allow you to keep notes on multiple vehicles. Some even have the ability to send you reminders when you are due for an oil change or other routine maintenance procedures.

* Garage locaters. If you end up breaking down in unfamiliar territory, a smartphone can be of great assistance in finding a reputable shop. Your map app can help you locate the shops closest to you and then you can take to the Web, visit a shop’s site and read reviews collected by mobile-friendly services like CustomerLobby to learn what other customers said about repairs they had done at the shop.

* Car buying info. Your smartphone can also help you if you’re in the market for a new car. If you’re on the showroom floor, you can use your phone to browse vehicle specifications and read reviews. Many car magazines now have mobile sites, making things that much easier, and you can even get a quick answer on what kind of fuel economy to expect at fueleconomy.gov/m.

“Car owners have long been using Internet resources for many things from answering common maintenance questions to ordering new parts,” says Taylor. ” There are limits on the amount of information that can be displayed on a smartphone’s small screen, but the increasing availability of resources for mobile users has definitely made it easier to get many car questions answered and needs addressed while people are on the go.”

Courtesy of BPT

Using renewable energy for your business

Posted on Jul 31, 2013

All it takes is for cost of a barrel of oil to spike up, and once again everyone starts talking about renewable energy. Then just as fast as whatever it was that caused the price spike goes away, the conversation dies down. It really is all ridiculous too because the future is coming and it is renewable energy.

Now the fact is that the hardware for assembling your own renewable energy system became cost effective years ago and its growing even more as time moves on. That is that it the cost of putting together, say a solar system is about 30% less than the value of the power it produces over its service life.

The big problem though, is that while the power that comes off your power grid does cost more, it’s on an easy payment plan. You simply get your bill once a month, pay it, and that’s it. Simple and easy and this is what has so many people hooked. It’s just easier that way.

However, for you as a business person, there is the public relations aspect that you have to take into consideration. That is that it’s just good for business for you to be seen as a conservationist by your clients or customers and this trend in PR is only expected to grow.

By far the easiest type of system to set up is a photovoltaic solar system that uses solar panels. Now while they are quick to install and get online, they do none the less have a few shortcomings that you will have to contend with.

The first is that they only generate power in the daytime and electricity is expensive to store in batteries, but it can be done. The option that most people take though is to direct excess production back into the grid during the day, get credited for it and then draw it back out at night.

Now if your business is in an area where you have a steady supply of wind, then you need to know that a lot of progress has been made in wind turbines. New off the shelf, high tech turbines that can be generating energy for you in about the same time as it takes to set up solar panels.

The nice thing about wind turbines is that they operate 24 hours a day, just as long as the wind is blowing. Also if you have enough wind and buy a big enough turbine system, you can generate a very large amount of power.

One issue to consider with wind turbines though, is that they do tend to be a bit costly, and it’s not just the cost of the turbine that can run up your bill. It’s the tower, because good towers can be expensive and that particularly holds true for larger towers that you would mount a large turbine on.

Courtesy of BPT

Automatic irrigation systems are the better way to water

Posted on Jul 24, 2013

When you have a large yard with a lot of flower beds watering can be a chore. Lugging around hoses can make your back sore and the job uninviting. Because you love your flower beds you hate to stop watering them. Isn’t there a better way to water?

Many landscapers and lawn services recommend automatic irrigation systems for large yards with lots of flower beds. Having such a system will mean no more dragging heavy hoses around. You may wonder if one of these is right for you. They are best installed by landscaping companies experienced with plants and watering. Proper layout is essential for optimal performance and low maintenance.

Not all sprinkler systems are alike. Some sprinklers sit above the ground perpetually. They can have a better watering radius, but because they stick out of the ground, these types of sprinklers are prone to being tripped over and to being destroyed by lawn mowers.

Other sprinkler systems use pop up sprinklers. These sprinklers, a friend to lawn services because they aren’t easily hit, sit flush or below ground level when not in use and pop up above the ground when the irrigation system comes on. When a pop up sprinkler breaks, it can cause localized flooding and can be difficult to fix.

Drip systems are designed more for flower beds than lawns and put water directly at the base of the plants. The problem is, except for the main water pipe, these irrigation lines must stay above ground to keep from clogging with dirt. The tips are replaceable, but if the irrigation line gets a crack or a leak, fixing it requires a little skill.

All of these systems can be laid out, hooked up to a water faucet, and turned on manually. Doing so requires you to remember to turn it on and off. If you forget to shut off the irrigation system, your water bill could take a hard hit. If you go away for a few days, your flower beds could suffer miserably.

Using an automatic irrigation system eliminates the problems with manual operation. Computerized control of the flow, the amount of water, and the length of time the water is on, saves on maintenance because it eliminates excess pressure which can burst the lines. They can be set on multiple timers to water one section at a time, and can be set to run during the cool parts of the day when less water evaporates.

This type of system saves water, which can lower your water bill. It’s a great choice when you have a lot of flower beds or a large yard. Many quality landscapers and lawn services are able to install and maintain an automatic irrigation system to meet the needs of your landscape. With such a system, you can stop lugging hoses and start enjoying your flower beds.

by: Nick Messe 

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6443.shtml 

How much do stair chair lifts cost

Posted on Jul 17, 2013

Stair chair lifts are valuable additions to any residential or commercial building. In fact, they can be a cost-effective alternative to an elevator, which would require the installation of shafts, cable systems, cabins, and so on. The operation of a stair lift is simple – it takes the user up and down a stairway at just the press of a button. The actual cost of a stair lift depends on various factors which are discussed below.

Stair Chair Lifts – Factors determining Costs

The main factors on which the cost of stair lifts depends:

Stairway configuration – The type of stairway – curved, spiral or straight – is one of the main factors that influence cost. Installing curved stair lifts would involve a greater expense than setting up straight stair lifts.

Battery-operated – Battery-operated models or DC models are more expensive than electrically-operated or AC stair lifts. DC models have the advantage that they can be operated even during power outages as they are battery-supported.

Additional features – If you customize a stair lift, it would raise the price. For instance, you can have a lift that includes a wheelchair platform. You can also have it fitted with arms. These adjustments would result in a higher cost. In any case, features such as swivel seat, non-skid adjustable foot rest, safety braking system, obstruction sensors and seat belts are standard in almost all models.

Brands – Going in for a good brand is would mean paying a higher price, but ensure good value for money. The technology and features incorporated raise the cost of stair chair lifts. Some of the quality lifts for stairs available from leading manufacturers include Electra-Ride Elite Outdoor, Electra-Ride III, Electra-Ride Elite, Step Saver, B.07, Flow II, Stair-Glide, and so on.

Installation – The cost is also influenced by installation expenses. To get a clear idea about the expenses of the stair lift system, your buildings should be well-assessed by installation experts. If your stair lifts can be installed without much structural modification, it would cost considerably less.

Pre-owned – Reconditioned or pre-owned stair lifts would cost less that new. Going in for a reconditioned model is a good option when you are concerned about your budget. Many dealers buy used lifts and revamp them to work like new before they are offered for sale. Make sure you look at the warranty options when you buy this lift.

Buy from a Reliable Dealer

When you buy a stair lift, it is important to consider the service charges, maintenance and repair costs, and the warranty that comes with it. You should take care to buy the device from a reliable dealer. Established suppliers have a wide inventory of leading models of stair chair lifts and would offer professional advice on the right one for your building and the costs involved.

by: Jai Gaitonde 

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7259.shtml