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Why do you live in the Lubbock area? My wife, Melissa, and I moved to Lubbock to be near our two children. Our daughter, Christa Greene, is an elementary teacher in the Lubbock schools, and our sonin-law, Ben, is in commercial insurance. We feel blessed to have the opportunity to have a close relationship with our two grandchildren, Avery and Austin Greene. Our son, Seth, lives in the Austin area and is a freelance technology advisor. Lubbock is a friendly town with a lot to offer, including a faith-based population, Texas Tech, the medical community, and a host of top-notch restaurants. Melissa and I both love the cool early morning weather Lubbock affords.
ABR, GRI, CNS, BBA
How long have you worked in real estate? Our real estate investment company celebrated 30 years of success in 2011. I earned my first Real Estate license in 1987 and have been selling real estate on a full-time basis in Lubbock County for the past 10 years.
What is the most unique property you’ve listed or sold? A few years back I listed and sold a large 3-story estate south of Lubbock. It was in the middle of winter, and I remember driving out to the house numerous times to make sure that the HVAC unit was operating properly during the freezing weather and that the home was secure. The home is probably one of the best built homes in this area and was in impeccable shape to have been built at the turn of the 20th Century. I felt like I was in an elaborate courthouse each time that I showed the house.
Jim C. Rosson, REMAX Lubbock
become repeat customers. I have been blessed with a wonderful client base. What is your specialty? I specialize in listing and selling residential properties, including single family and multi-family properties.
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Why should someone choose you as their real estate agent? Honesty, integrity and knowledge of the local real estate market are important components that I possess. I treat each one of my customers as I want to be treated and make sure that they get the best value for their real estate dollar. Customers deserve a Realtor that is easy to reach and continues to communicate with them throughout the transaction. With each transaction being unique, buying or selling a home can be a challenging process; customers need someone that they can trust and know is looking after their best interest. I sincerely enjoy what I am doing and appreciate each and every one of my clients. What are the most gratifying and most challenging aspects of what you do? Working with clients and helping them achieve their goals is extremely rewarding. A large percentage of my business involves repeat customers who were pleased with the professional, competent services they received while reaching their goal of buying or selling a home. They often refer others or
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REMAX Lubbock 806-781-6170 jimrosson@remaxlubbock.com Where did you grow up? I grew up southwest of Snyder, between Union and Ira, on a stock farm.
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Realtor Revealed Jim C. Rosson
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My past experience of over 30 years in successfully buying, selling and managing investment properties has provided me with a wealth of expertise to share with clients considering making solid, long-term real estate investments.
What do you see in the future for real estate sales? Although no one can accurately predict the future of real estate, indicators are that 2012 is going to be a banner year for real estate in Lubbock County. Our housing inventory is good and prices remain steady. The farming and ranching industry, Texas Tech, and the medical community continue to be tremendous assets to our community. Lubbock continues to be a great place to buy a home at a competitive price or own investment property. What is the most interesting place you have ever been? London is truly a vibrant city, full of energy and loaded with history.
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Top kitchen upgrades that blend beauty and value (ARA) – Nowhere else in the home must design and function marry as harmoniously as in the kitchen. The most-used room in the house is also the one where we spend the most work and leisure time, the one that gets the most scrutiny from potential buyers and the spot where most renovation dollars get spent. A minor kitchen remodel costs around $21,000 and has the potential to recoup nearly 73 percent of that expense at the time of resale, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report. A major job averages around $58,000 and can recoup about 68 percent of the renovation costs. “When you’re spending that kind of money on a remodel, you want to choose upgrades that accomplish multiple objectives, including improving
efficiency, functionality and beauty,” says Ross Vandermar, national product manager with skylight manufacturer Velux . “Sometimes that type of upgrade will warrant a greater expenditure, but others are easy and relatively low-cost to make.” So what are some of the top kitchen upgrades that provide the most beauty and functionality for your investment? Here are five: 1. Countertops In any kitchen, the countertops are both a significant design element and a functional necessity. Countertops act as work and storage areas, provide staging and serving space, and have a major impact on the overall look of the room. Replacing lowercost countertops such as laminate with higher-end materials like granite can enhance the usability and
look of your work surface. Even if you opt to replace older laminate with the same material, your kitchen can benefit from a fresh face and improved material quality. 2. Lighting & Ventilation
Illumination and fresh air in a kitchen not only allow you to appreciate the beauty of the room, they ensure a safer, more comfortable work environment. Under-cabinet task lighting, pendants over a breakfast bar and upgrading an old box-style fluorescent with a more attractive, energy-efficient style can enhance the usability and look of a kitchen. Adding Energy Star-qualified skylights can also boost the appearance, appeal and efficiency of a kitchen. If you opt for venting skylights, they can help release hot air,
venting skylights with decor enhancing blinds, are a cost effective and attractive home upgrade that provide natural light and passive ventilation.
Tubular Sun Tunnel skylights fitted with light kits can provide light day and night and are usually less expensive than traditional skylights.
moisture and odors while admitting additional light. Accessories like decorator blinds with remote control ensure you can adjust the amount of light that enters your kitchen from a skylight while dressing up your decor. If a traditional skylight isn’t right for your needs, you can still enhance the room with natural light; tubular models like Velux’s Sun Tunnel skylights use reflective tunnels to deliver light from above and are usually less expensive. Add an optional light kit and the units provide light at night as well as during the day. 3. Cabinets Improving cabinets can be a costly prospect, but one worth the investment since they are not only a major design element in the kitchen, but essential to the room’s efficiency and usability. You can
find a range of options for upgrading cabinets, from total replacement with custom-made cabinetry to simply resurfacing or repainting existing cabinets. 4. Hardware & fixtures Think of cabinet hardware and faucets as the jewelry of your kitchen. Swapping out dated or worn hardware - including knobs, handles and hinges - is a fast, easy and costeffective way to change the look of the entire room. Plus, you can improve functionality by choosing larger handles that are easier to grasp and replacing old-style hinges with modern varieties that close silently and smoothly or are completely hidden behind the cabinet door. Replacing the kitchen faucet is also an easy, relatively low-cost upgrade. Opt for a pull-out spray head or touch-free model and you can also enhance
the usability of this key kitchen feature. 5. Appliances Your car couldn’t function without tires and a steering wheel and no kitchen can serve its purpose without the right appliances. If your appliances are more than 10 years old, chances are they’re starting to look worn and dated. They’re also likely less energy efficient than newer models, many of which are now made to meet Energy Star standards. Appliances account for nearly 20 percent of the energy consumed by an average home. Upgrading a kitchen is a great way to enhance the value and your enjoyment of the most-used room in your house. Choosing improvements that add beauty and efficiency can help ensure you get the most for your renovation dollars.
It’s a colorful life inside your home (ARA) – The summer months are all about color. From flowers in bloom to vibrant beach towels and colorful dresses, summer brings with it a multitude of hues. As you look around, you might start to feel like your home is a little, well, blah. If so, just adding a little pop of color into your home can help. Once you have an idea of the color direction you are heading for your home, the fun begins. Start by thinking about the colors you want to add, where color can make the most impact, and just how much you need to give your home a fresh look. Here are a few tips to get you started on your adventure in color.
Explore color More than likely, you already have a favorite color in mind and would be OK seeing more of it in your home. Or, maybe a little inspiration from the season’s hottest hues would help. Either way, the first step is to explore color. Take a visit to your favorite clothing boutique, stop in at a paint store or flip through home design magazines. Choose the looks you are most drawn to or the colors that evoke a feeling of happiness or calm. These colors reflect your personal style and will make you feel most comfortable in your home. Start small After picking a color palette, don’t go out and paint your
whole house with it, start small. Just changing your accent pillows, throws, lampshades or accessories can make a big impact when you are first incorporating a new color. Remember to make sure the color flows well throughout the entire space, especially if your home has an open floor plan with rooms easily visible from one to another. Accent with artwork Another easy way to bring color to your home is by updating artwork and wall decor. Simply moving artwork from one room to another can give your home a refreshing look, and adding some newly purchased pieces to other spaces can breathe new life into your home.
Be brave If you’re ready to go all out with color, it’s OK to make a dramatic change. The kitchen is a great place to go big with color. One of the best ways to bring bold color in the kitchen and set a tone for your entire home is to change your cabinetry. In addition to traditional woodtoned cabinetry styles, there is also a growing selection of on-trend paint and stain colors like KraftMaid’s new Slate and Midnight finishes. Take it a step further by choosing glass front doors and adding a contrasting back panel inside the cabinet in colors like KraftMaid’s serene Aegean or energetic Envy. Cabinetry colors can bring whimsy
and personality to the kitchen. “Colorful cabinetry can be a big commitment, but it also can set your kitchen apart in a sea of design sameness,” says Sarah Reep, director of designer relations and education at KraftMaid Cabinetry. “This year’s cabinetry trends are colorful yet timeless and work with just about any design style. The KraftMaid Style Finder on KraftMaid.com is a great way to see what cabinetry colors might work best for you.” The beauty of adding hints of color into your home is that with just a few thoughtful touches, it can feel as though your home has been completely made over.
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Lighting up the night (NAPS)—Offer a warm welcome, provide safety and security and increase the value of your property with a custom outdoor lighting design. Homeowners spend tens of thousands of dollars on beautiful landscaping, yet only enjoy it during the day. Well-planned landscape lighting can add depth and a sense of luxury to your home. • First, view your home and outdoor areas from the edges of your property. Consult with a landscape lighting expert. • Decide which features to highlight. • Soft, diffused lighting along driveways, walkways and stairs provides safety and security and welcomes guests. • Strategically placed lighting in trees
or under the eaves illuminates larger areas. • Properly positioned ground fixtures highlight natural elements, textured walls or favorite statues. • Conceal light sources behind shrubs or flowerbeds, if possible, so you see the effect, not the fixture. Learn More: View videos and articles, see more than 500,000 unique lighting products from Capitol Lighting, plus get expert advice at www.1-800Lighting.com/ landscape or call (800) 544-4846. The easy-to-navigate site even has a “Smart Shopper” feature to provide price comparisons from competitors to ensure you receive the best value.
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Window Decorating 101: choosing the right drapes (NAPSI) – Decorating your windows can be a daunting task. For simple ways to turn your house into a home, please note these answers to the most common window dressing dilemmas: Q. How do I measure for my
curtains or drapes? A. Purchase panels that measure 2½ times the width of the window. For added fullness, use three times the width. The bottom edge of your curtain or drape should fall to the windowsill,
below the sill or to the floor. Leave about ½” of clearance if you opt for floor length. Q. How do I know what size curtain rod to get? A. Be sure to measure the window width – this is the most important step in buying curtain rods. After measuring the width of the window from casing to casing, add two to five inches depending on how much of the wall you want to cover. Additionally, you should consider fabric weight. The type of curtain rod you buy depends on the weight of the treatment because the heavier the curtain fabric, the more substantial the rod needs to be. Q. How do I select a curtain style? A. Think about the function of the room and decide whether you want a formal, semiformal or casual look. Formal window treatments, found in dining rooms and living rooms, are usually layered and made from heavy fabrics. Scarf treatments or valances create a semiformal or casual look. Q. How do I select a curtain fabric? A. Determine what your needs are for a particular room, what types of fabric you prefer and if you want lined or unlined curtains. Fabrics like velvet and heavier cottons can provide energy-saving and room-darkening benefits without sacrificing style. Sheer fabrics let light in and create a softer look.
Q. How do I choose what color curtain to purchase? A. Try matching the color of your curtains to the other most represented color in the room, such as walls, floors or bedding. If your walls are neutral, bring
in a little warmth by adding a pop of color. Q. Where can I learn more? A. Many consumers turn to www.Curtainworks.com for guides on how to measure, decorate and complete a variety of looks.
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Featured Floorplan – Trey Strong Custom Homes
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6103 89th Street – The Trails at Regal Park Have you had the opportunity to visit the Trails at Regal Park yet? If you have, then you know what an incredible neighborhood it is in a very convenient Lubbock location. You know about the beautiful private park nestled in the middle of all of the homes to host a family gathering or to take an evening stroll around. You are also aware that it is in the Frenship School District and features great designs from Lubbock’s finest homebuilders. What you may not have known is that there is an amazing opportunity to have your own home in The Trails built by Lubbock’s award-wining custom homebuilder, Trey Strong. Trey Strong Custom Homes is showcasing a 3,500 square foot, four bedroom, three and a half bath, three-car garage home with a basement. This home with its custom elevation is located in a private cul-desac. You will have beautiful custom-built cabinets as well as an outdoor living space with a fireplace. By purchasing this home now, you can customize even more to fit your own tastes and dreams. This spacious home has such a functional layout, everyone will be happy! If you have not had the chance to visit the Trails, now is the time. Give Trey a call at 806-548-2070 or visit their website at treystrongcustomhomes to learn more and see their award-winning homes.
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Apartment market shows improvement in first quarter The Multifamily Production Index (MPI), a leading indicator for the multifamily market, recorded its highest reading since the third quarter of 2005 with an index level of 51. The MPI, which measures builder and developer sentiment about current conditions in the multifamily market on a scale of 0 to 100, rose from 49 in the fourth quarter to 51 in the first quarter. This is the seventh consecutive quarter that the index has increased. The MPI provides a composite measure of three key elements of the multifamily housing market: construction of low-rent units, market-rate rental units and “for-sale” units, or condominiums. The index and all of its components are scaled so that any number over 50 indicates that more respondents report conditions are improving than report conditions are getting worse. In the first quarter of 2012, the MPI component tracking builder and developer perceptions of market-rate rental properties recorded an all-time high of 69, while low-rent units dipped slightly to 53. For-sale units increased to 37, which is the highest reading for this component since the fourth quarter of 2005. The Multifamily Vacancy Index (MVI), which measures the multifamily housing industry’s perception of vacancies, dropped to a level of 31, the lowest recording since the inception of the index in 2003. With the MVI, lower numbers indicate fewer vacancies. The MVI has decreased considerably in the last three years, after peaking at 70 in the second quarter of 2009.
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Local Real Estate News – Lubbock Association of Realtors
Take one last look before closing BY Debora Perez Ruiz, President Lubbock Association of REALTORS®
You’re only a couple of days away from closing on your new house, and everything is almost official. So why not take a walk? Sure you viewed the house, had an inspection, and maybe asked the seller to repair a few things. But it’s a good idea to inspect the property one more time to confirm the condition of the house prior to closing. Spend 30 minutes or an hour walking around the place. I know that you probably have a lengthy to-do list – buying a house is a hectic time – but here’s why a final walk-through is a Ruiz good idea. Is It Fixed? The purpose of the final walkthrough, which can take place anytime before closing – even the morning of – is to make sure the property is in the condition you expected it to be in when you signed the purchase agreement. Verify that all agreed-upon repairs have been made, no damage has been done to the property – especially if it’s vacant – and that all items included in the sales contract are present and in satisfactory condition. People Cause Unintentional Damage What if the seller removed a ceiling fan without realizing that he was supposed to leave it or forgot to clean out all the junk in the attic? What if a wall or the floor was damaged when the seller was moving out? You don’t know what you may find, and this is your last chance to have any concerns addressed.
Many sellers willingly fix problems that they may have overlooked in the chaos of moving or during the time a home was vacant. What If They’re Home? The sellers may still be moving out during your walkthrough. This might not be a bad thing. They may offer the manuals for appliances, provide paint colors, or show you how the sprinkler system works. This is your chance to ask questions or request contact information of repairmen who have done work on the property. Come Prepared Do your walkthrough with your purchase agreement, the seller’s disclosure form, and reports about any work that was done as a part of the contract. Your Lubbock Realtor will be happy to join you for one last look. You may also want to bring along your spouse or a friend to help you look around; it’s always useful to have another pair of eyes. It Doesn’t Take Long The final walk-through is one of those little things that you can do to protect yourself from problems after the sale is completed. Verify that everything’s right with the house and, if you do find something unexpected, talk to your Lubbock Realtor. Most problems you discover can probably be taken care of at closing with financial considerations or other agreements with the seller. For more advice on buying property in Texas, I invite you to visit TexasRealEstate.com and LubbockRealtors.com.
Made using 100 percent pure soybean oil, this revolutionary new factory-finished flooring boasts zero volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and is hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for family homes, particularly a child’s room.
Decorating: Eco-friendly hardwood floors lead healthy home trend (MS) – The “healthy home” movement has become more than just a decorating fad. It marks a major shift in the priorities and ideologies of consumers who are now making concerted efforts to seek out eco-friendly and healthconscious decor choices for their homes. Innovative designers and manufacturers have caught on to this reality and are now giving consumers more options for healthy materials for their homes. The fact is more and more information is written about the negative impact of environmental toxins on our health. Many of us aren’t aware, unless we have allergies or a child with allergies, that paint odors, stains and chemicals used in manufacturing can make us sick. Making home environments healthier has become a prime concern with homeowners, as shown by the demand for low VOC paints, stains and materials, as well as natural wood cabinets, furniture and floorings. Certain manufacturers are more than answering the call for healthier, eco-friendly home decor
options by setting new trends in “green” product innovation. Mercier Wood Flooring, one of North America’s leading hardwood flooring manufacturers, is setting the tone in the home decor category with its latest eco-flooring innovation that is so healthy and eco-friendly that it actually was awarded the “Children and School certification” by world-renowned standards organization Greenguard. “At Mercier we have long recognized this trend and have made eco-friendliness a core value ever since our first day,” explained Michel Collin, Director of Marketing for Mercier Wood Flooring. Made using 100 percent pure soybean oil, this revolutionary new factory-finished flooring boasts zero volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) is hypoallergenic and offers a comprehensive 35year warranty. Available in all species, colors and finishes, Collin added that with this new product innovation you can create a natural wood floor that offers both a distinct
character to your decor, as well as a healthy, eco-friendly choice for your entire family. “We feel our Generation Greenguard flooring answers the need parents have to create healthy living environments in their homes for their children.” The Greenguard Children and Schools Certification Program offers stricter certification criteria for products intended for use in schools, day cares or other environments where children spend significant periods of time. The reason is children are more sensitive to environmental exposures than adults because their bodies and brains are still developing. They breathe faster than adults and in return receive a higher dose of indoor pollution per body weight, which is why products like Mercier’s Generation Greenguard flooring is such a welcome option for discerning homeowners and their families. More information on the latest trends in wood flooring is available at www.mercierwoodflooring. com.
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Plant right to conserve water Conservation is one of the keys to adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle. Though some might feel the transition to such a lifestyle might be difficult, it’s often far simpler than it may seem. Conserving water, for instance, can be done in a number of ways. One such way concerns how you treat your landscape. Planting the right way can save a substantial amount of water, which will also save you money on your utility bills. The following are a few ways to plant right that won’t require a complete overhaul of your landscape. • Research before you plant anything. Decorating your landscape with the prettiest plant might add to your home’s aesthetic appeal, but it’s not always the most practical or eco-friendly decision. Choose plants that will thrive in your local climate so you don’t need to constantly water them just to keep them alive and looking good. Certain grasses, for instance, are best suited for certain climates. When planting, make use of shaded areas around your property so plants won’t need more water to make it through the warmer months of the year. • Maintain a healthy soil. Healthy soil allows water to penetrate effectively, promoting strong roots and ensuring plants get all they need to thrive. Aerate your lawn, including areas around trees, once a year and cultivate the soil before planting. Add compost or fertilize the soil, which increases moisture retention and reduces the need to water. Healthy soil helps make stronger plants that won’t need to be watered as often as plants that are not healthy or struggling to survive. • Be timely when planting. Spring or fall is typically the ideal time to plant. Though you can plant in the summer, that’s not the best time if one of your goals is to conserve water. Planting in the summer when temperatures are generally at their warmest makes it more difficult for plants to establish themselves without extra watering. • Plant shade trees. Shade trees are trees that, when full grown, shade the yard and plants from the sun. This lowers the air and soil temperatures and reduces moisture loss. The more moisture a plant and the soil can maintain, the less they need to be watered. • Don’t procrastinate with regard to lawn care. It’s easy to put off lawn maintenance, particularly during the dog days of summer when temperatures can be especially hot. However, it won’t take long for a blazing sun to do a number on your lawn. Putting off lawn care, even if just for a few days when the weather is hot, will require more water down the road when you start taking care of your property again. But a well-maintained lawn won’t need as much water to stay healthy. Did you know? – Ecoscaping is a growing trend among homeowners who want to take care of their lawns and landscapes but want to do so in a way that’s environmentally friendly. Integrating both landscape architecture and spatial planning with environmental science, ecoscaping is meant to help homeowners create a sustainable and eco-friendly landscape design. There are many ways homeowners can embrace ecoscaping, including removing or refusing to plant invasive plants that are difficult to control because they are from different ecosystems and can threaten local wildlife and existing plants. Instead of choosing exotic plants that aren’t native to the area, choose native plants that are accustomed to the local climate.
A new shed can offer much-needed storage space in a home’s backyard. When selecting a shed, though, consider more than just the price. Look at capacity, construction, and design.
Shopping for a storage shed? Consider more than just price Storage space is often a coveted commodity. Apartment dwellers seek out more closet space, homeowners may desire more acreage, and even children may want more space for their toys and belongings. The purchase of a storage shed could alleviate some clutter issues and move items outdoors – creating more space. Household garages are no longer as popular for storing vehicles. Instead, garages are used to store the extra items that do not fit inside the home. Many people even turn to self-storage units for extra storage space. According to the Self Storage Association, the storage industry earned roughly $20 billion in revenues across North America in 2010. It has also been the fastest-growing segment of the commercial real estate industry for the last 30 years and is considered to be recession-proof. Garden storage sheds present another place where individuals can keep items out of sight but easily accessible. As garages fill up with belongings quite quickly, many homeowners think about a shed purchase to at least keep outdoor lawn and garden essentials in their own place. The process of purchasing a shed is not as simple as finding the least or most expensive type on the market. There are other factors that come into play when selecting a shed. • Appearance and design:
Although the function of a shed is to store items out of sight, the shed itself will be in full view in a yard. Therefore, plenty of homeowners prefer something that has just as much aesthetic appeal as it does capacity. An unsightly shed can affect the overall appearance of a property, or even hurt the sale price for homeowners thinking about putting the home on the market. It’s important to select a shed in a price range that also complements the style of the home so it coordinates with other features. Some people choose to have a custombuilt shed that can replicate the architectural style of the home and even features the same siding and finishing materials. • Size: Sheds come in a variety of sizes, from compact locker-sized sheds to large buildings that may even double as a garden room, pool room or kids’ playhouse. Homeowners should keep in mind that the size of the shed may have to meet local municipality rules for additions or structural changes to a property. A larger shed may require a permanent flooring material, such as concrete, and may be subject to permit applications and inspections, whereas a smaller shed may not have such stringent requirements. Furthermore, certain towns actually may restrict the size and placement of a shed if it interferes with traffic visibility or
impacts a neighbor in a negative way. • Siding materials: Sheds are constructed of various exterior materials. Some of the more affordable options are metal or plywood and particle board. However, these materials can be easily compromised by rain and snow. The most maintenance-free materials are vinyl or molded PVC-type plastics. However, these may look like cookie-cutout units and may not have as much visual appeal. Cedar and wood are popular siding choices but won’t be maintenance-free. They need upkeep and also tend to be more expensive. But the cost may pay for itself in durability as well as an attractive appearance. • Minor enhancements: Touches like decorative architectural features, window boxes, shutters, or even simply planting shrubs and annuals around the shed can make it an integral part of the landscape instead of simply an eyesore. Double doors will ensure large pieces of equipment can fit inside the shed. The addition of a pressure-treated ramp at the entryway provides easy access to the shed. Storage sheds can provide muchneeded space for homeowners. Certain features as well as cost need to be factored into the decision before purchase. Homeowners should compare chain home improvement stores as well as private retailers to find a shed that is the best fit.
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