Sunday, October 22, 2006
Ceramic Tile Style Guide
Whether patterned or not, tile floors can go a long way in determining how the interior of your home looks.
Floors are one of the first things people recognize when entering a home. Whether it's to make sure they're not wearing shoes in a "no shoe" zone or if they are just making a mental note about a bare floor that's especially appealing, a home's floors can make quite an impression.
One increasingly popular flooring option many homeowners are choosing is ceramic tiling. While homeowners used to lean toward conservative tile styles and colors, nowadays more and more people are choosing to spice things up with bold tile colors. Such a shift does not even bear mention of the numerous styles of ceramic tiles, which can make the decision process all the more involved. For those hoping to make the best decision possible, the following informative style guide should help make the decision process a bit easier.
· Glazed tiles. A mixture of clays pressed into shape, glazed tiles are the most standard type of ceramic tile. The glaze is what's applied to the top of the tile before being baked on. Though they're best used on walls, glazed tiles can be and frequently are used for flooring as well. Just make sure the finish you use isn't too slippery and won't scratch easily, something glazed tiles have been known to do when used on countertops.
· Quarry tile. Though this is a broad classification, quarry tile is distinct in both color and in that it is never glazed. Typically deep red in color, quarry tile is a mixture of clays that's especially suitable for interior floors thanks to its porous nature. While they can be left unsealed, unsealed tiles have been known to stain, so sealing is recommended.
· Mosaic tile. Unlike glazed tiles where the color does not go all the way through, mosaic tiles are are made with color pigments so the color does go all the way through, meaning a chipped or cracked tile won't have the top color and then the inside color revealed on the crack. Mosaic tiles are also useful for just about any surface, as they're hard to chip or crack as well as stain-proof and resistant to moisture.
· Premium tiles or look alikes. Though not ceramic, slate, marble, granite, and limestone can all be used to make beautiful tiles by simply cutting them into thin pieces and installing them just as you would a ceramic tile. However, these can be expensive, and thanks to that you'll want an experienced professional to install them.
For those with limited budgets but a desire for elegance, ceramic materials resembling marble, granite or limestone are available at significantly cheaper prices. These materials, though you'll know they're look-alikes, won't give themselves away either, as they're just as durable and aesthetically appealing as the real thing.
One increasingly popular flooring option many homeowners are choosing is ceramic tiling. While homeowners used to lean toward conservative tile styles and colors, nowadays more and more people are choosing to spice things up with bold tile colors. Such a shift does not even bear mention of the numerous styles of ceramic tiles, which can make the decision process all the more involved. For those hoping to make the best decision possible, the following informative style guide should help make the decision process a bit easier.
· Glazed tiles. A mixture of clays pressed into shape, glazed tiles are the most standard type of ceramic tile. The glaze is what's applied to the top of the tile before being baked on. Though they're best used on walls, glazed tiles can be and frequently are used for flooring as well. Just make sure the finish you use isn't too slippery and won't scratch easily, something glazed tiles have been known to do when used on countertops.
· Quarry tile. Though this is a broad classification, quarry tile is distinct in both color and in that it is never glazed. Typically deep red in color, quarry tile is a mixture of clays that's especially suitable for interior floors thanks to its porous nature. While they can be left unsealed, unsealed tiles have been known to stain, so sealing is recommended.
· Mosaic tile. Unlike glazed tiles where the color does not go all the way through, mosaic tiles are are made with color pigments so the color does go all the way through, meaning a chipped or cracked tile won't have the top color and then the inside color revealed on the crack. Mosaic tiles are also useful for just about any surface, as they're hard to chip or crack as well as stain-proof and resistant to moisture.
· Premium tiles or look alikes. Though not ceramic, slate, marble, granite, and limestone can all be used to make beautiful tiles by simply cutting them into thin pieces and installing them just as you would a ceramic tile. However, these can be expensive, and thanks to that you'll want an experienced professional to install them.
For those with limited budgets but a desire for elegance, ceramic materials resembling marble, granite or limestone are available at significantly cheaper prices. These materials, though you'll know they're look-alikes, won't give themselves away either, as they're just as durable and aesthetically appealing as the real thing.
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***GREAT DEALS ***
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Sunday, October 15, 2006
Mortgage Problems and the Myth of Foreclosure Help
For a number of reasons, the rate of home foreclosures is rising in the United States. In fact, the rate is up some 70% over a year ago. Part of this is due to rising interest rates that are making payments unaffordable to homeowners who bought their homes three or four years ago with adjustable rate mortgages. Many of these mortgages were set to adjust after three years, and the resulting increases in payments have left the homes unaffordable for their owners. With little recourse, thousands of owners have had to walk away from their homes.
This unfortunate situation may be avoidable in some cases, particularly if the owners discuss their troubles with their lenders. Instead, many owners have answered ads posted by companies offering "foreclosure help", hoping to find a way to keep their houses despite their financial troubles. In many cases, the owners not only fail to get the help they need, but they often end up literally giving their houses away to the companies they thought would help them keep them.
The scam is a common one that takes advantage of people in desperate situations. Mortgage companies that intend to foreclose on delinquent customers file notice with the counties in which the homeowner resides. The county posts those notices and investors make note of the addresses. With a bit of research, they determine the value of the property and the amount owed on the mortgage. The investors seek properties with large amounts of equity. They then approach the owner with an offer to "help" them with their financial troubles. The offers vary, but the deal usually involves an offer to make good on the delinquent amounts while renting the home back to the owner for a set period of time. At the conclusion of that time period, the investors say they will offer the owner-turned-tenant the opportunity to repay and take their home back. For desperate homeowners who want to keep their houses, these offers seem like a Godsend.
Unfortunately, the deals rarely work out to the benefit of the owner. More often than not the paperwork provided with the offer includes a quitclaim deed, which, once signed by the owner, essentially gives the property to the investor. The investor, now the owner of the property, then demands an unreasonable amount of rent from the owner-turned-tenant. When he or she cannot pay, the investor evicts the tenant and sells the house, pocketing the profits. In some cases, investors have pocketed several hundred thousand dollars from a single property, all for the minimum investment of a few months' of delinquent mortgage payments. The former owner is left with nothing.
Some states, such as Minnesota, have passed laws that severely restrict this practice, but others, such as Florida, have so far been unable to overcome large opposition from business interests. In the states with few restrictions, flyers offering foreclosure help can be found on telephone poles in just about every city. Unfortunately for homeowners who have financial trouble, the last thing they will receive if they respond to these flyers is help. Homeowners who are in financial trouble should call their lender first. The last thing lenders want to do is foreclose, so buyers would be better off calling their lender rather than trusting their home to a stranger who advertises on telephone poles.
The scam is a common one that takes advantage of people in desperate situations. Mortgage companies that intend to foreclose on delinquent customers file notice with the counties in which the homeowner resides. The county posts those notices and investors make note of the addresses. With a bit of research, they determine the value of the property and the amount owed on the mortgage. The investors seek properties with large amounts of equity. They then approach the owner with an offer to "help" them with their financial troubles. The offers vary, but the deal usually involves an offer to make good on the delinquent amounts while renting the home back to the owner for a set period of time. At the conclusion of that time period, the investors say they will offer the owner-turned-tenant the opportunity to repay and take their home back. For desperate homeowners who want to keep their houses, these offers seem like a Godsend.
Unfortunately, the deals rarely work out to the benefit of the owner. More often than not the paperwork provided with the offer includes a quitclaim deed, which, once signed by the owner, essentially gives the property to the investor. The investor, now the owner of the property, then demands an unreasonable amount of rent from the owner-turned-tenant. When he or she cannot pay, the investor evicts the tenant and sells the house, pocketing the profits. In some cases, investors have pocketed several hundred thousand dollars from a single property, all for the minimum investment of a few months' of delinquent mortgage payments. The former owner is left with nothing.
Some states, such as Minnesota, have passed laws that severely restrict this practice, but others, such as Florida, have so far been unable to overcome large opposition from business interests. In the states with few restrictions, flyers offering foreclosure help can be found on telephone poles in just about every city. Unfortunately for homeowners who have financial trouble, the last thing they will receive if they respond to these flyers is help. Homeowners who are in financial trouble should call their lender first. The last thing lenders want to do is foreclose, so buyers would be better off calling their lender rather than trusting their home to a stranger who advertises on telephone poles.
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***USEFUL SITES***
LendingTree Mortgage Refinance Loan (Click Here!)
©Copyright 2006 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including HTTP://www.HomeEquityHelp.net, a site devoted to information regarding home equity loans, mortgages and lines of credit. http://pickamortgage.blogspot.com http://pickamortgage.wordpress.com
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Consumers Want Homes to Fit Their Lifestyles
New home plans now include more of what homeowners want.
The booming real-estate market of recent years has challenged builders to meet the demand of consumers in the way of new house construction. What's more, builders have also been given the task of producing not only more homes, but ones that are affordable and meet the evolving preferences of today's home buyer. As a result, homes are being built that cater to the lifestyles of the modern homeowner.
Drive around a new home development and you're likely to discover one obvious fact instantly: new homes are much larger than their older counterparts. According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, square footage of homes built in 2004 was nearly 140 percent greater than homes built in 1950. However, you may also notice that although houses are bigger, yards may be smaller or non-existent. Why? Homeowners want large homes to house their toys, but may have less interest in maintaining outdoor living spaces. Here is a look at some of the interior home trends.
In addition to offering larger square footage, many of today's new homes are designed to include useful living spaces. As telecommuting becomes increasingly popular in today's business environment, dedicated home offices top the list of wants from home buyers, and these rooms are wired for business. A recent study by the Consumer Electronics Association said that approximately 60 percent of new homes include a network of high-speed data, voice and HDTV-capable wiring.
An open floor plan is also a common theme among new construction. Buyers are no longer interested in a formal dining room and living room to act as an unused showcase. Rather, some builders have nixed the living room in lieu of a great room, which includes a spacious eat-in-kitchen that opens up to a den or game room. The recreation area is decidedly designed around flat-screen televisions and elaborate home- theater systems. Gone are the days when homeowners would house electronics within an entertainment center or behind closed doors. Today's gadget lovers want their top-of-the line products on display and in use.
With living spaces adjacent to the kitchen/eating area, family members can congregate in the same area while enjoying their respective activities. These spaces are also great for homeowners who enjoy entertaining in their homes.
Elaborate laundry rooms have also been added to new construction master plans. Yet the jury is still out as to the preferred location of such laundry rooms. Some homeowners prefer it on the ground floor, off the kitchen, to act as a mudroom or transition space into the body of the home. Others want it upstairs or by the bedrooms where the majority of dirty laundry is generated.
Another room which has popped up as of late is a private space for some family members, like in-laws or caregivers. That is why bedrooms off the kitchen or garage have become common. And in regard to the garage: it's bigger than in past years. Many new garages are built two feet deeper so that minivans and SUVs will fit comfortably.
With homes much larger, energy costs are likely a concern for homeowners. That's why many builders are also including "smart home" features, equipping their houses with technology that controls home systems from one location. Heating, security, cooling, audio and other systems can be programmed, helping owners use fewer resources. These systems are also accessed via the Web, so homeowners can turn the heat down a notch anywhere they have access to the Internet.
As homeowners' preferences continue to evolve through the years, builders will surely have an ear open to their wants and needs to build homes that will offer the most bang for their buck.
The booming real-estate market of recent years has challenged builders to meet the demand of consumers in the way of new house construction. What's more, builders have also been given the task of producing not only more homes, but ones that are affordable and meet the evolving preferences of today's home buyer. As a result, homes are being built that cater to the lifestyles of the modern homeowner.
Drive around a new home development and you're likely to discover one obvious fact instantly: new homes are much larger than their older counterparts. According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, square footage of homes built in 2004 was nearly 140 percent greater than homes built in 1950. However, you may also notice that although houses are bigger, yards may be smaller or non-existent. Why? Homeowners want large homes to house their toys, but may have less interest in maintaining outdoor living spaces. Here is a look at some of the interior home trends.
In addition to offering larger square footage, many of today's new homes are designed to include useful living spaces. As telecommuting becomes increasingly popular in today's business environment, dedicated home offices top the list of wants from home buyers, and these rooms are wired for business. A recent study by the Consumer Electronics Association said that approximately 60 percent of new homes include a network of high-speed data, voice and HDTV-capable wiring.
An open floor plan is also a common theme among new construction. Buyers are no longer interested in a formal dining room and living room to act as an unused showcase. Rather, some builders have nixed the living room in lieu of a great room, which includes a spacious eat-in-kitchen that opens up to a den or game room. The recreation area is decidedly designed around flat-screen televisions and elaborate home- theater systems. Gone are the days when homeowners would house electronics within an entertainment center or behind closed doors. Today's gadget lovers want their top-of-the line products on display and in use.
With living spaces adjacent to the kitchen/eating area, family members can congregate in the same area while enjoying their respective activities. These spaces are also great for homeowners who enjoy entertaining in their homes.
Elaborate laundry rooms have also been added to new construction master plans. Yet the jury is still out as to the preferred location of such laundry rooms. Some homeowners prefer it on the ground floor, off the kitchen, to act as a mudroom or transition space into the body of the home. Others want it upstairs or by the bedrooms where the majority of dirty laundry is generated.
Another room which has popped up as of late is a private space for some family members, like in-laws or caregivers. That is why bedrooms off the kitchen or garage have become common. And in regard to the garage: it's bigger than in past years. Many new garages are built two feet deeper so that minivans and SUVs will fit comfortably.
With homes much larger, energy costs are likely a concern for homeowners. That's why many builders are also including "smart home" features, equipping their houses with technology that controls home systems from one location. Heating, security, cooling, audio and other systems can be programmed, helping owners use fewer resources. These systems are also accessed via the Web, so homeowners can turn the heat down a notch anywhere they have access to the Internet.
As homeowners' preferences continue to evolve through the years, builders will surely have an ear open to their wants and needs to build homes that will offer the most bang for their buck.
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***Recommended Sites ***
Prequalify for a home equity loan (Click Here!)
***Recommended Sites ***
Prequalify for a home equity loan (Click Here!)
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Why you should buy investment property
Tired of the ongoing flux in the stock market, more and more investors are moving over to real estate. Real estate is a relatively low-risk venture and provides greater certainty than other creative investment options. It is highly unlikely that the vacillating trend of the stock market will be mirrored in real estate. Therefore, if you decide to dive in real estate and buy investment property, it would serve as a profitable diversion as far as investing is concerned.
The real work begins once you have made the decision to buy investment property. Finding a profitable investment property is not a child’s play. It entails a comprehensive research, is a time-consuming task, and requires a lot of reliable contacts. Peruse further for a primer on how to begin with real estate investing.
Before you buy investment property, you must have a rough estimate of the time span for which you plan to own the property. This is because the longer you plan to own the property, the more you need to spend on the upkeep of the property. Small investors usually look for long-term ownership thereby enjoying the benefit of an ongoing rental income. On the other hand, the more experienced of investors quickly flip properties.
It helps to have a network of people who can find profitable investment properties for you. Joining a property owner’s association is also beneficial in making contacts. Almost half the battle is won if you have found a few lucrative investment properties.
To begin with, it is recommended that you leverage your initial few investments, as it’s reckless to put all your personal funds on the line at the outset. Loans can be acquired from banks, credit unions and private brokers, which often require a decent credit score. When you acquire a loan to buy investment property, you would normally have to pay higher interest and monthly payments, compared to when you purchase a property to live in.
Experts say that you should maintain a cash reserve for unforeseen repairs and a contingency plan for vacancy periods. It is also advised that you avert from entering into bidding wars or carrying out emotional purchases. You should rather look strictly at the numbers and discern if the investment is viable or not. If you overpay to acquire a property, it is unlikely that you will be able to recoup your investment.
Every real estate market is different, however, and what works in one locality may not work in another. The main thing is to ensure that the rental income covers the operating expense of the property. If you are aware of such basics, you can very well excel in real estate, no matter where you buy investment property.
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The real work begins once you have made the decision to buy investment property. Finding a profitable investment property is not a child’s play. It entails a comprehensive research, is a time-consuming task, and requires a lot of reliable contacts. Peruse further for a primer on how to begin with real estate investing.
Before you buy investment property, you must have a rough estimate of the time span for which you plan to own the property. This is because the longer you plan to own the property, the more you need to spend on the upkeep of the property. Small investors usually look for long-term ownership thereby enjoying the benefit of an ongoing rental income. On the other hand, the more experienced of investors quickly flip properties.
It helps to have a network of people who can find profitable investment properties for you. Joining a property owner’s association is also beneficial in making contacts. Almost half the battle is won if you have found a few lucrative investment properties.
To begin with, it is recommended that you leverage your initial few investments, as it’s reckless to put all your personal funds on the line at the outset. Loans can be acquired from banks, credit unions and private brokers, which often require a decent credit score. When you acquire a loan to buy investment property, you would normally have to pay higher interest and monthly payments, compared to when you purchase a property to live in.
Experts say that you should maintain a cash reserve for unforeseen repairs and a contingency plan for vacancy periods. It is also advised that you avert from entering into bidding wars or carrying out emotional purchases. You should rather look strictly at the numbers and discern if the investment is viable or not. If you overpay to acquire a property, it is unlikely that you will be able to recoup your investment.
Every real estate market is different, however, and what works in one locality may not work in another. The main thing is to ensure that the rental income covers the operating expense of the property. If you are aware of such basics, you can very well excel in real estate, no matter where you buy investment property.
__________________________________________________
***RECOMMENDED SITES***
Free list of every Bank & Government Foreclosure! - Click Here!
LendingTree Mortgage Loans - Click Here!
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Free list of every Bank & Government Foreclosure! - Click Here!
LendingTree Mortgage Loans - Click Here!
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Copyright © 2006 Joel Teo. All rights reserved. (You may publish this article in its entirety with the following author's information with live links only. Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Joel Teo writes on various financial topics relating to Ahwatukee Real Estate Investment. Signup for his free online Real Estate Investing newsletter today and gain access to the “Six Day Real Estate Investment Profits Course” now at www.realestateinvestment101.info/Ahwatukee.html http://pickamortgage.blogspot.com
Monday, October 02, 2006
Preparing Your Home For an Open House
The Sunday open house is a longstanding ritual in the real estate market, and many a home has been sold on a lazy Sunday afternoon. When used properly, the Sunday open house can be a great marketing tool.
The following steps will help you get the most out of your open house and increase your chances of selling your home for the price you want.
Be sure to meet with your agent in advance of the open house. Discuss all the various details about what is involved in an open house. While many home sellers are comfortable with an open house, others are not. If you choose not to host an open house, there are other ways to sell your home.
Be sure to consider unusual ways to market your open house. For instance,if you belong to any special groups or organizations, be sure to market the upcoming open house to the members. For instance, the local garden club may be very interested in attending an open house that includes a beautiful outdoor garden.
The day before the open house, be certain to go through the entire home with the real estate agent. Take careful notes and follow all of his or her recommendations.
Try not to become emotionally involved when evaluating the condition of your home prior to the open house. Remember that your real estate agent is trying to make your home more appealing to potential buyers, not criticizing your decorating style or choice of accessories.
Any needed home repairs should be completed before the open house begins. This includes things like peeling paint, loose stairs, banisters in need of repair and the like. It is important that guests see a home that is in immaculate condition.
Ask the real estate agent to create a professional looking sign in sheet for all visitors. It is important to get the name and phone number of all attendees to the open house.
Always discuss the price of the home prior to the open house. This will allow the agent to negotiate the price on the spot if a good prospect attends the open house.
The owner of the property should keep as low a profile as possible during the open house. If using an agent, it is important to let him or her take care of the open house.
It is a good idea to provide cookies, brownies or other snacks for guests at the open house. A punch bowl is also an attractive addition.
Pets should be kept away from open house visitors. It may be a good idea to have a friend or family member takes care of your pets until the open house is over.
Don’t take any chances when it comes to medicines and money. Be sure to lock up all medications, both prescription and non-prescription. Also be sure to lock up any cash or valuables in the home prior to the open house.
Never underestimate the importance of making a good first impression. Many visitors make a decision about the home in the first few seconds. Be sure the entranceway to the home is immaculate, and that the steps leading up to the home are well swept and free of debris.
Make sure that the home is spotless and free of unpleasant odors prior to the open house. You may want to bake a fresh batch of cookies an hour or two before the open house begins. Not only will the aroma mask any unpleasant smells, but it will create a warm and inviting ambiance as well.
Be sure the temperature in the home is pleasant. A home that is too hot or too cold can make visitors uncomfortable, and lead them to wonder about the quality of the heating and air conditioning system.
Play soft music in the background during the open house. Background music helps set a good mood for your visitors.
Always open the curtains and the drapes prior to the open house. This will allow fresh air and sunshine in and help give the impression of a larger space.
If your home does not have plants, you may want to buy a few before the open house. Plants can provide a warm feel and help make guests at the open house feel more at home.
If you follow the steps outlined above, chances are your open house will be a big success. Even if the home is not sold at the open house the contacts gained and the word of mouth exposure may well result in a sale.
The following steps will help you get the most out of your open house and increase your chances of selling your home for the price you want.
Be sure to meet with your agent in advance of the open house. Discuss all the various details about what is involved in an open house. While many home sellers are comfortable with an open house, others are not. If you choose not to host an open house, there are other ways to sell your home.
Be sure to consider unusual ways to market your open house. For instance,if you belong to any special groups or organizations, be sure to market the upcoming open house to the members. For instance, the local garden club may be very interested in attending an open house that includes a beautiful outdoor garden.
The day before the open house, be certain to go through the entire home with the real estate agent. Take careful notes and follow all of his or her recommendations.
Try not to become emotionally involved when evaluating the condition of your home prior to the open house. Remember that your real estate agent is trying to make your home more appealing to potential buyers, not criticizing your decorating style or choice of accessories.
Any needed home repairs should be completed before the open house begins. This includes things like peeling paint, loose stairs, banisters in need of repair and the like. It is important that guests see a home that is in immaculate condition.
Ask the real estate agent to create a professional looking sign in sheet for all visitors. It is important to get the name and phone number of all attendees to the open house.
Always discuss the price of the home prior to the open house. This will allow the agent to negotiate the price on the spot if a good prospect attends the open house.
The owner of the property should keep as low a profile as possible during the open house. If using an agent, it is important to let him or her take care of the open house.
It is a good idea to provide cookies, brownies or other snacks for guests at the open house. A punch bowl is also an attractive addition.
Pets should be kept away from open house visitors. It may be a good idea to have a friend or family member takes care of your pets until the open house is over.
Don’t take any chances when it comes to medicines and money. Be sure to lock up all medications, both prescription and non-prescription. Also be sure to lock up any cash or valuables in the home prior to the open house.
Never underestimate the importance of making a good first impression. Many visitors make a decision about the home in the first few seconds. Be sure the entranceway to the home is immaculate, and that the steps leading up to the home are well swept and free of debris.
Make sure that the home is spotless and free of unpleasant odors prior to the open house. You may want to bake a fresh batch of cookies an hour or two before the open house begins. Not only will the aroma mask any unpleasant smells, but it will create a warm and inviting ambiance as well.
Be sure the temperature in the home is pleasant. A home that is too hot or too cold can make visitors uncomfortable, and lead them to wonder about the quality of the heating and air conditioning system.
Play soft music in the background during the open house. Background music helps set a good mood for your visitors.
Always open the curtains and the drapes prior to the open house. This will allow fresh air and sunshine in and help give the impression of a larger space.
If your home does not have plants, you may want to buy a few before the open house. Plants can provide a warm feel and help make guests at the open house feel more at home.
If you follow the steps outlined above, chances are your open house will be a big success. Even if the home is not sold at the open house the contacts gained and the word of mouth exposure may well result in a sale.
____________________________________________________________________________________
***FUN SITE***
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Andrew is the web owner of Home Selling Tips: Sell House By Owner, a website that provides informational guide on home selling and buying, mortgage loan, foreclosure, real estate investment and more. You can visit his website at: http://www.buy-and-sell-house-fast.com/ Source: http://EzineArticles.com/? expert=Andrew_Webber http://pickamortgage.blogspot.com
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