(ARA) - Moving to a new community can be a great adventure, if you go with the right attitude and a sound strategy for settling in. Make an action plan and you’ll stay focused, organized and proactive -- just what’s needed to put roots down fast.

Before You Go
* Complete a change of address form with the post office, which can be done online at usps.com. You'll also want to send your new address to any publications you subscribe to, as it can take up to eight weeks for the change to become effective.
* Contact the local Visitor’s Bureau for materials about your new town, which should include a map. Identify important routes, such as those between your home and your office or your child’s school.
* Make initial contact with childcare facilities. Depending on the area you move to, you may need to put your name on a waiting list.
* If possible, enroll your children in school. Firm plans will reduce the stress.
* Pack a box with essentials for your first few nights, such as prescription medicine, toiletries, a telephone, clothing, towels, toilet paper and bed linen.
* You’ll also want to make arrangements to have utilities transferred to your name or turned on. In addition, you will want to set up appointments to have services such as telephone, cable and high-speed Internet connected.

Upon Arrival
* For safety and peace of mind, change the locks. You never know who has a copy of the house key.
* Locate emergency services -- police and fire stations and the closest hospital.
* Hang drapes or curtains to give you some privacy.
* Select one room, perhaps the family room, as a place of refuge. Make it a cozy space, free of unpacked boxes, empty cartons or anything else move-related.
* Stock the fridge with prepared entrees and the makings for no-fuss meals.

The First Week
* Check with the post office to see if they are holding mail for you. Finish sending out change of address to credit card companies, clubs, associations, friends and family.
* File away all documents related to the move. You’ll need them for verification of moving expenses at tax time.
* Call your waste removal company or department of sanitation for a trash collection schedule.
* Open a bank account and arrange for a safe deposit box, if needed.
* Obtain a local driver’s license and transfer the vehicle registration.
* Register to vote. Call the local Board of Elections for information.
* Take a tour of your neighborhood to become familiar with your new surroundings. Learn the routes to work, school, grocers, etc.

Help Your Children Adjust
* Maintain family routines. Kids will appreciate the continuity of family life.
* Involve the kids. Allow them to select new furnishings or decorate their rooms.
* Take your children to the local playground. If you move during the summer, it’s likely they’ll make friends there, which should ease the transition to the new school.
* Try to be home when the children return from their first day at school. Kids feel reassured when a parent is there to hear about their day.
* Watch for signs of adjustment problems. These can manifest with trouble-making friends, academic difficulties and irritability or depression.

Get Involved in the Community
* Spend time outdoors. Neighbors may greet you and come by for sidewalk chats.
* Walk your dog in an area where you see other dog owners congregating.
* Schedule an after-work coffee or dessert hour. Invite neighbors to drop by.
* Choose a place to worship and get involved; consider doing volunteer work.
* Select professional service providers such as doctor, dentist and financial and/or tax advisor.
* Find out if your community has a Newcomers Club. Your local library is a good place to start.
* Join a club or take up activities you enjoyed before the move.
* Take a job-related class to develop new professional contacts and update skills.

Don't hesitate to contact local financial and real estate professionals for more ideas or information about your new community. By re-establishing daily patterns and developing ties soon after arrival, your new environment will feel like home in no time. For more tips, visit www.prudential.com/realestate.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Have your home inspected by Jeff Riggs, Atlanta Home Inspector, before you move in at www.phisllc.com or 404-538-8512.

Are you thinking about purchasing a house, fixing it up, and re-selling it? If you are, I can help. Hire a certified home inspector to see if the home you are considering is structurally sound and find out all of the repairs that need to be completed. This will help you when you are completing repairs and when it is sold. I completed an inspection for an investor today. He is going forward and will have it on the market soon.

Call me to help you with your real estate needs. Jeff Riggs, Atlanta Home Inspector, at 404-538-8512 or www.phisllc.com.

Money is tight for alot of us these days. If you are buying a home and feel like you really can't afford to have a home inspection, please think again. You cannot afford NOT to have a home inspection. If you purchase a home without having an inspection, you may end up with a Money Pit and pay Thousands of Dollars in repairs. The information you receive will help you make negotiations in the contract. If you are buying the home "as is", you will know up front what the issues are.

Don't discover costly issues after you move in. Hire a Certified Home Inspector.

I provide Peace of Mind in knowing that the home you purchase is Safe and in Good Condition. Schedule your inspection today with Jeff Riggs, Atlanta Home Inspector at www.phisllc.com or 404-538-8512.

I was looking at homes for sale recently and found a beautiful one in Waleska, GA listed by Rosanne Wells of ReMax.  It is on 7.8 acres with 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths.  I have some friends that lived in Waleska for years and loved it there.  View more about this home at http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/348-George-Gray-Lane_Waleska_GA_30183_1103972096.

 

Schedule Your Home Inspection at www.phisllc.com or 404-538-8512

Asphalt Shingles -- Are They The Best Investment For Your Home?


(ARA) – During this time of economic uncertainty, you may be hesitant to invest money in your home. It is important to remember, though, that your home is a valuable asset. In order to maintain your investment, home maintenance or repair projects are essential. An important area of your home to maintain is the roof, which may provide up to 50 percent of your home’s exterior protection.

A roof repair or upgrade is one type of home investment that will likely maintain its value. Many American homeowners may be unfamiliar with the process to repair or upgrade their existing roof. Consider creating a list of goals and a budget. Then, it is important to research your options.

Asphalt shingles are a practical choice, and are one of the most widely used residential roofing materials. Asphalt accounts for more than 80 percent of all new and replacement roofing applications. Asphalt has been the most popular roofing material in North America for the past 150 years, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association.

"Asphalt shingles remain a popular choice because they’re economical, long-lasting and readily available," says Kent Blanchard, vice president of roofing manufacturing for TAMKO Building Products Inc.  "There are two basic types of asphalt shingles: three-tab and laminated."

Blanchard says it is important to gain some basic knowledge of asphalt roofing products before making a purchase. To help you better understand asphalt shingles, he offers the following information on common types:

Three-Tab Asphalt Shingles

For many years, three-tab asphalt roofing shingles have been a popular choice for homeowners. These shingles are made from individual layers of fiberglass mat, an asphalt roofing base material manufactured from glass fibers that provides additional strength to the shingle. The fiberglass mat is dipped in asphalt and coated with fire-resistant granules. Classic three-tab asphalt roofing shingles generally include a 15 to 30-year warranty and are one of the more cost-efficient roofing product options.

Laminated Asphalt Shingles

Often used for replacement jobs and on new, upscale homes, laminated asphalt shingles have increasingly become a popular choice among homeowners. Also known as "architectural shingles" or "three-dimensional shingles," laminated asphalt shingles have added dimensionality because of extra layers of fiberglass mat, which create a wood shake-like appearance. Laminated asphalt shingles provide a more distinctive look when compared to classic three-tab asphalt shingles.
According to ARMA, laminates are gaining ground in new construction. When reroofing, three-tab asphalt shingles remain the more popular choice, however industry experts predict the laminate category will continue to grow.
You may want to consider a premium laminated asphalt shingle, which typically comes with a longer warranty and additional advantages that could save you money in the future. For example, TAMKO’s Heritage Vintage premium laminated asphalt shingles are backed by a 50-year limited warranty and include a Class-A fire rating.

"If you’re planning to sell your home when the economy recovers, the shingles you select could affect your return on investment," says Blanchard. "When you’re ready to make repairs or upgrade your roof, take your time, do your homework and select the roofing shingles that are the best investment for your home."

Courtesy of ARAcontent
Schedule Your Inspection at www.phisllc.com

Keep Your Roof Tip-Top (NAPSI)-When it comes to curb appeal, many homeowners say it pays to start at the top. They make sure their roof is clean and attractive with no mold or mildew stains. Fortunately, that can be easier to accomplish than many realize. Getting It Clean For roofs that are already stained, there's a cleaner that's simple to apply with just a pump-type garden sprayer. Unlike with some cleaners that contain bleach, garden plants are unharmed by this StainhandleR Roof & Deck Cleaner. Keeping It Clean Once you have a clean roof, StainhandleR Roof Protector zinc strips can prevent the return of algae, fungus or moss. They work by releasing small amounts of harmless zinc oxide whenever rainwater comes in contact with the strips. This invisible protection prevents the growth of vegetation for some 20 years. Learn More For more roof-cleaning tips and tricks, visit www.stainhandler.com or phone 1-800-942-3004. Things may be looking up for homeowners who want to keep their roofs

Five Tips to Help You Gear Up for the Homebuying Season

(ARA) - It’s time to gear up for the busy spring and summer homebuying season. Buyers and sellers alike have come to expect that there are greater options available during this time of year as more people tend to be in the market for a new home. So what is behind this trend and how can you make the most of the buying and selling season?

Why Now?

The Kids.

Many homeowners, especially those with school-aged children, prefer to plan their move around the summer. By starting the homebuying process in spring, most children can finish the year at their current school and start fresh at their new school in the fall.

The IRS.

Tax refund checks start hitting mailboxes in spring. For people in the market for a new home, a tax refund is an added bonus that they can put towards the down payment.

The Weather.

For people living in northern climates, the thought of moving during winter holds little to no appeal. As the weather turns milder, the idea of making a move becomes more realistic for many.  

How do I Make the Most of the Season?

If you’re one of the many millions of Americans buying or selling a home this year, you’d probably prefer to make the move as smooth as possible. Start early.

“From searching and touring houses to the negotiation, home inspection and closing, buying the home that perfectly fits your needs can take a lot of time, especially if you don’t know the process,” says Frank Destra, managing director and senior vice president of national sales for Ditech, one of the nation’s leading online mortgage lenders. “By learning and understanding the steps in buying a home, you will be ready to go through the process and complete it efficiently so you can soon begin enjoying your new home.”

Here are some tips from Ditech that will help make your spring or summer move stress-free.

1) Review You Credit Report. Whether this is your first time buying a home or your 10th time, it is always in your best interest to keep an eye on your credit report to make sure your credit history is accurately reported. Your credit history has an impact on what loans you can qualify for as well as the interest rate you will be offered. Report any errors to the credit reporting agencies right away, so that your credit report is accurate when you’re ready to apply for home financing.

2) Get pre-approved. Getting pre-approved is one of the first steps in the home buying process. By getting pre-approved, you will receive a loan commitment for up to a certain amount from your lender before you find a home, based on a review of your credit and finances. Pre-approval makes your home search more efficient by allowing you to focus only on the homes you know you can afford. It also is beneficial to have a pre-approval letter in your possession when you submit an offer on a home, so the seller knows you are serious about buying the home.

3) Know what you want. Sitting down and figuring out what kind of home and neighborhood you would prefer in the beginning of your home search will save you a lot of time. Make a list of the features that are most important to you. Start with determining the number of bedrooms and bathrooms as well as other personal requirements you might have such as an office versus a den, one or two stories, etc. Also, think resale before you ever set foot in a home. The neighborhood, schools, parks, shopping, transportation accessibility, and proximity to key points in the city are all characteristics that will remain important when you decide to sell your home at some point in the future.

4) Review financing solutions. There are a variety of financing options available to homebuyers, and your particular situation will play a factor in figuring out what financing solution might work best for you. An experienced loan officer will take the time to review the home financing process, define terms, and listen to your concerns to get you a loan that fits your needs. In addition, home lenders such as Ditech (www.ditech.com) offer a number of online resources, such as payment calculators, glossaries, etc. to help homebuyers better understand which financing options might be right for them.

5) Negotiate. Once you find the home of your dreams, work with a real estate agent to negotiate the price and present your offer. Motivated sellers may be willing to reduce their price, or even pay part of the closing costs. Also, if you are looking at new construction, make sure any incentives being offered are tied to the home. For example, if a builder offers a cruise or flat-screen TV, ask for the value of the item to be discounted from the purchase price of the home. You are purchasing a home and that should be your focus -- not the giveaways.

If you’re ready to contact a mortgage lender and begin the process of buying a new home, contact Ditech at (800) DITECH-3 or www.ditech.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Maxwell House Coffee Can was used to repair this.  A hole was left for possible carbon monoxide leakage.

 

(ARA) - Ask anyone if they have ever taken on a home plumbing project by themselves and they will likely say that they have. But how involved was the project?

Many building professionals agree that plumbing is one of those tasks that typically looks a lot easier than it is. And while many savvy homeowners may have taken on a simple plumbing project, such as repairing a leaky faucet, fixing a toilet that keeps running, or even hooking up an ice maker, few consumers have actually plumbed their own bathroom or replaced old, corroded pipe.

That’s because plumbing has historically required various mechanical skills and the ability to operate expensive, cumbersome and complicated equipment. Even those more adventurous who have the know-how to plumb an extra bath may have avoided the task since a copper plumbing installation requires soldering. Difficult and messy, in some cases soldering is also downright risky, because it introduces an open flame into a confined area surrounded by wood joists and other flammable materials.

Today, however, you might be more likely to successfully replace a worn-out system or plumb a new bathroom, thanks to newer products and technologies that make the installation faster and easier – not to mention safer and less expensive. FlowGuard Gold CPVC plumbing systems, for instance, made of a high-performance plastic material, require only a handful of inexpensive cutting tools, a can of solvent cement, some knowledge of plumbing systems and proper procedures, and careful review of manufacturer instructions.

CPVC is a plastic piping system that allows easier installation than traditional copper or other metallic systems. As with any building material, you’ll need to handle CPVC properly and install it according to manufacturer instructions, and local and national building codes. Improperly installed CPVC systems can fail, as can ones that come in contact with chemically incompatible products during installation or at anytime during their service life. Keep the pipe and fittings away from certain oils and lubricants, wires and cables and some caulks (all Teflon tape is compatible). For more information, refer to your manufacturer’s instructions. To view a list of widely available compatible products, visit www.systemcompatible.com.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing a simple CPVC system:

* Start by cutting the pipe with a wheel type plastic tubing cutter, ratchet cutter or fine tooth saw. Using a chamfering tool, pocket knife or file, remove any burrs or filings; they can hinder proper contact between the pipe and fitting during assembly.

* Wipe the fitting socket and pipe end with a clean, dry rag to remove dirt and moisture. Then apply a heavy, even coat of one-step CPVC compatible solvent cement to the pipe end. Without adding more cement to the applicator, next apply a thin coat inside the fitting socket.

* Immediately insert the pipe into the socket, rotating the pipe 1/4 to 1/2 turn while inserting. The motion ensures cement is evenly distributed inside the joint.

* Hold the assembled pipe and socket for about 10 seconds, allowing the joint to set. You should see an even bead of cement around the joint. Wipe the excess cement from the pipe for an attractive, professional appearance. The joint will cure completely in about 10 minutes.

Like all piping material, FlowGuard Gold CPVC expands when heated and contracts when cooled, so you’ll need to allow for this. Expansion is mainly a concern in hot water lines. Changes in direction can usually accommodate this issue, but a long straight run of pipe may require an offset or loop. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for further details.

While the concept of CPVC piping is relatively new in the do-it-yourself market, the technology behind it has been around for decades. Professional plumbers have been using FlowGuard Gold CPVC pipe and fittings, for example, in residential, commercial and industrial settings for 50 years. CPVC piping has proven to be reliable, quiet, energy-efficient and more budget friendly than costly metal systems. Plus, the plastic piping minimizes condensation and concerns about water contamination.

It’s important to note, however, that even with the newer, user-friendly products, a moderate level of plumbing knowledge is required. Total plumbing ignorance may create silly mistakes that can turn into big, costly headaches. Do your homework before tackling any plumbing project. Regardless of what product or material you’re installing, always be sure to research local plumbing codes and fully read all manufacturer’s instructions before getting started.

For more information on the easy-to-install FlowGuard Gold CPVC plumbing system, visit www.flowguardgold.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tips for Maintaining Home Safety

(ARA) - Winter here which means more time spent indoors. Before you become housebound, take some time to conduct a safety check inside and around your home.

Interior designer Lisa Bonneville, American Society of Interior Designers Fellow in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass., and author of a new book on designing a safe home, cautions homeowners that maintaining safety is an ongoing process. She suggests creating a maintenance plan that details what to check, when to check it, and a regular cleaning schedule. These will help you identify items that may need replacing or repair.

A comprehensive maintenance plan needs to address all three areas of home safety: health, injury and security. Falls and fires are the most common hazards in the home, and preventing them should be your highest priority. A fire extinguisher in good operating condition should be ready-to-hand in the kitchen, garage, workshop and any room where there is an open flame, such as from a fireplace, wood burning stove or candles. Test smoke alarms and replace batteries, if needed. Consider installing an alarm system with fire and carbon monoxide alarms that are monitored around the clock.

If you use a fireplace, keep children and pets away from the hearth and tools. Be aware that fumes and smoke from a fireplace may be drawn back into the house if exhaust fans are being used in the kitchen or bathroom while a fire is burning. Adding glass doors to a fireplace helps protect against flying cinders and reduces back drafting.

Slippery surfaces are a major cause of falls in the home. Keep tile and linoleum floors dry, and secure the edges of area rugs with carpet tape so they do not slide when stepped on. Doorways should be unobstructed and able to fully open in both directions. Check steps, stairs and banisters for wear or weaknesses. Uncarpeted stairs should have nonskid treads or tape. Avoid using patterned carpet on stairs, as it does not provide enough contrast to distinguish one step from the next, and make sure stairwells are well lit at all hours.

Humans are not the only creatures that do not like the cold. Rodents, birds and insects enter homes, damage structure and create unhealthy environments by spreading disease, droppings, dander, and eating wood, insulation, food, water and the like. Keep them out in order to preserve a safe and healthy home. Pest-proof your home by closing up openings in the foundation, walls, doors, windows and attic. Cover vents with mesh, and block areas under porches, steps and elevated foundations with mesh wire to keep animals from nesting in unreachable areas. Store firewood away from the house, and secure lids on garbage cans and other receptacles.

Maintaining a safe home does not need to be costly or time-consuming. Taking the time to routinely check for possible hazards as you do your cleaning or other chores will keep your home in good condition and provide you with peace of mind throughout the holidays and all the winter months.

Courtesy ARAcontent