Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 8, 2016/Page 8
Get all your projects done early before the summer fun begins!
Easy Financing Essentials for Remodeling More and more homeowners are deciding that the best way to improve their lifestyles and their personal balance sheets is to invest in their single biggest asset: their home. Home remodeling and improvements are not only a winning investment because they increase property values, but also because they can help us enjoy life in our own homes. Knowing how to find easy financing is a good first step that will help point you in the right direction for financing your next home improvement project. The essentials of finding easy financing start with qualifying for a loan. Often, your credit standing will influence which financing route
you take. That said, before actually applying for a loan, talk to at least a couple different lenders about all your financing options. Besides helping you understand your options and the various trade-offs involved, the lender can pre-qualify you for one or more loans.
charges two points, the fee costs $1,000. Points exist so the lender can pay for the loan set-up expenses, as well as, make a profit. Understanding the concept of interest rates are easier but also require greater diligence in locking down to ensure responsible and easy financing.
As you move through your financing options, you'll need a rudimentary understanding of points, interest rates, and other details of the loan agreement. Many loans involve something called points. Points are nothing more than a fee for the loan that is expressed as a percentage of the loan amount. One point equals one percent. So if you take out a loan for $50,000 and the lender
Variable vs. Fixed Interest Rates: There aren't many people left who haven't heard about the difference between variable and fixed interest rates that were a contributing factor in the housing crisis. For a fixed rate loan, the interest rate stays the same throughout the loan. For variable rate loans, the interest rate can rise or fall as market conditions change. With interest rates predicted to go
higher in future years to fight inflation, variable rate loans may go out of vogue for some time. Secured vs. Unsecured Loans: In general, loans can be described as secured or unsecured. An unsecured loan is a loan in which the borrower agrees to repay the money according to a pre-set schedule. A secured loan is the same thing, except that if the borrower doesn't keep up with the payments, he/she gives the lender the right to seize a particular asset and sell it to raise the money necessary to pay off the loan—the house itself is the typical collateral.
Supplement to the March 8, 2016 Freeborn Co. Shopper
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*Offer valid on purchases made between February 2, 2016, and May 2, 2016. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. 1Fixed rate of 0.0% for 60 months plus $500 off implement bonus on 1 Family tractors. 2Fixed rate of 0.0% for 60 months plus $1,000 off implement bonus on 3E Series Tractors. 3Fixed rate of 0.0% for 60 months plus $1,400 off implement bonus on 4044M and 4052M Tractors. Implement bonus is in addition to low rate financing and requires the purchase of two or more qualifying John Deere or Frontier implements. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see your dealer for complete details and other financing options. Valid only at participating U.S. dealers. 4Price shown is manufacturer’s suggested retail price and does not include taxes, setup, delivery, freight or preparation charges. Prices and model availability may vary by dealer. Attachments and implements sold separately. **Beginning January 1, 2016, all compact utility tractors purchased new from an authorized John Deere dealer come standard with a six-year/2,000-hour (whichever comes first) powertrain warranty. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at dealer for details. John Deere’s green and yellow color scheme, the leaping deer symbol and JOHN DEERE are trademarks of Deere & Company.
Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 8, 2016/Page 2
Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 8, 2016/Page 7
Installation Done Right Vinyl siding is a big investment, and when done right, it can add tremendous value to a home. If the time has come for you to side your home, make sure you choose the right installer. The best siding in the world wont make up for poor installation. Here are some tips to ensure you select the best company for the job. Ask around. Find out where friends and family got their siding done and how well the installation went. Browse ads as well. The best companies will have informative websites and offer free estimates. When you have a list of potential installers, give them a call and set up an appointment. Most will jump at the opportunity to send out someone to talk to you. If not, cross them off your list. If they are too busy to talk you now, they will most certainly be too busy to talk you later down the road during installation. When interviewing potential installers, make sure they are knowledgeable about their products and procedures. The salesperson should be able to show you the siding products the company offers as well as point out each product's features, benefits and warranties. They should also walk you through the installation process and offer design assistance and solutions to your unique needs. Ask about licensing, insurance and certification. Is everything in order? Can they provide a list of references? Do they seem easy to work with? Before the salesperson leaves, make sure you get
a written estimate. This should describe the work in detail, identify the products that will be used, and list all of the material and labor costs. It should also address time and payment schedules. You should know exactly what you will be getting for your money from the prep work to the actual installation to the cleanup and when that will occur. Whatever you do, don't sign on the dotted line until you are ready. Thank the salesperson for their time and get ready for the next appointment. Once you have met with the companies on your list, do your homework. Contact the references provided and find out how the installation went. Read some online reviews. Check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure no complaints have been lodged against the company. Set up another meeting with the companies at the top of your list to discuss the job further. This is when you can talk money and make sure the financing is in order. If the price seems too steep, don't be afraid to say so. Chances are a deal can be made. You can also discuss design preferences and work scheduling. You don't want to be on vacation when the installation begins on your home. Most jobs can be completed in less than a week, barring bad weather, and you'll want to be there to ensure things are going as expected. At this time, the salesperson should walk around your home with you and tell you exactly what will be done. They should describe the installation process from
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Kitchen Design Ideas beginning to end and make sure all of your needs will be met. It is crucial that you do this step to ensure you and the installer are on the same page. With any luck, you will find an installer you like and trust. Once you do, make sure you get a contract signed. Don't wait until its too late and the installer is all booked up. Call as soon as you make your selection and be prepared to put down a deposit. Choosing the right siding installer takes time. Don't rush the process. Siding is too big of an investment to take a chance on the installation. When you choose a company and the job begins, do what you can to assist the crew. Open up your home to them if you live in a remote area or temperatures are extreme. The crew will probably work
Before you can start a kitchen remodel, you need to have a firm grasp of what you're shooting for, not only in terms of specific counter top and cabinet installations but your new kitchen's design and layout. You may want to retain the layout of your old kitchen or you want to reorganize the three main kitchen stations (oven, sink, and refrigerator), also known as the kitchen triangle. Knowing what you want in your general layout, specific fixtures and installations, and a decorating theme are all critical in enabling the kitchen remodel to go off without a hitch.
from sunup to sundown, and giving them access to a bathroom or a shady porch will make the day easier for them. When the job is done, take the time to review the work and let the foreman or project manager know if anything else needs done. Call, email or text any concerns you have. Don't let things go for six months and then get in touch with the company and expect the crew to come rushing to your aid. Chances are they will be on another job, and you will have to wait, and wait, and wait. Speak up and get everything completed to your satisfaction as soon as possible. And, remember, if you've chosen wisely, everything should go well and end well.
Kitchen planning is important, whether you're talking about layout or decorating ideas. Kitchens can be U-shaped, L-shaped, or a galley. Galleys can be one wall or two wall galleys. Each shape has distinct advantages and disadvantages involving cooking convenience, foot traffic, and storage space. Unless you're undertaking a major kitchen remodel, you're probably locked into your kitchen shape. Even if you're thinking about a major overhaul, the kitchen spaces tend to point toward a limited number of options. Square kitchens spaces lend themselves to U-shaped and L-shaped kitchens. Longer, narrower spaces usually mean galley. Large kitchens lead to island kitchens. FRIDAY 3PM-8PM 4 pm .... 5 pm .... 6 pm .... 7 pm .... 8 pm ....
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Make a list to create effective kitchen planning. Include large ideas for your
kitchen layout and specific ideas for decoration and storage. Each item in your list should be priced and figured within the confines of a predetermined budget. Don't outspend the value of your home and your neighborhood. Kitchen remodels can add significant value to your home, but if you're spending $25,000 on the project when the top home in your neighborhood is only selling for $100,000, you're probably not going to see much return on your investment. Spread your money around. Don't completely redo your kitchen if the rest of your home needs work. Spruce your kitchen up and get the rest of your home in good working condition as well. Likewise, don't spend over half your budget on one area of your kitchen and neglect the rest. Naturally, revamping your old flooring may cost quite a bit more than fixing up your old kitchen cabinets, but spending a couple thousand dollars on a high-end countertop isn't the best choice if you can't implement some of your other kitchen design ideas. Find the right balance between daring and classic. Some homeowners have become afraid of color and end up with a drab kitchen. Your new kitchen shouldn't look like a blank palette, but it shouldn't run the risk of making guests or potential home buyers shy away either.
Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 8, 2016/Page 6
Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 8, 2016/Page 3
Freshen Up Your Home For The Spring Season After a few months of chilly temperatures, come spring, many homeowners are eager to throw open their windows and doors and breathe new life into their homes. Simple changes made now - even before the weather begins to warm up - can improve interior spaces and brighten the atmosphere of a home.
• Swap out throw pillows. Accent pillows on beds and sofas are quick and inexpensive ways to add new bursts of color to rooms. You may be able to make over a room's entire color scheme with new pillows. Invest in pillows that you can switch with each season so your decor will never look tired or dull.
• Go plant shopping. Adding at least one plant in your home per 100 square feet is efficient enough to clean air. Fresh foliage also makes a home feel warm and inviting. Watering and misting plants introduces moisture into indoor air, which can make rooms overcome with dry air from heating systems feel comfortable. Just be sure to avoid over watering plants, which can lead to mold growth.
• Clean existing light fixtures. Another way to brighten the mood in a home is to periodically clean light fixtures to make sure they are working effectively. Spend time dusting them and cleaning off any accumulated debris. If need be, switch out old lamp shades for newer ones that let more light shine through. If inadequate lighting is a problem no matter how many lamps you have, consult with an
electrician about installing more overhead and accent lighting. • Give rugs and floors a deep cleaning. Recirculated air may be full of dust and other microscopic particles that end up blowing throughout your home. Also, it's easy to track in dirt and other materials on your shoes that become imbedded in carpeting. At least once a year, rent or enlist the surfaces of carpet and upholstery cleaners to give floors a thorough cleaning. You may be surprised at how clean and fresh a home looks and smells once rugs and carpets are deep-cleaned. You also can make a dry carpet cleaner using baking soda, corn starch and desired fresh herbs for fragrance. Sprinkle and then vacuum up after a few hours.
Top 5 Home Projects To Help You Save Money
• Color-coordinate bookshelves. Group all books with similarly colored covers together for an instant and eye-appealing look. • Simmer some homemade home deodorizer. In a large pot, boil water and some scented herbs, such as rosemary, citrus rinds, vanilla, or lavender. The aroma will waft through the home, creating a pleasing scent. • Invest in new window treatments. Lightweight draperies or new blinds or shades can transform the look of a room. Be sure to keep curtains and blinds open during the day to maximize the hours of sunlight. Homeowners can make some simple changes while they're stuck indoors and reap the benefits when the weather warms up again.
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Insulate your home — Use insulation with a high R-value, such as Roxul Comfortbatt, which can be used to top up insulation in your attic. Aim for an R-value of 50 or a depth of 16 inches. For whole home efficiency, ensure other areas of your home, such as crawl spaces, basement headers, walls and ceilings, are well insulated. It will keep your house cool in the warm weather and take the stress off your air conditioning unit.
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Clean your AC unit — Come spring, it’s not uncommon to find an air conditioner’s condenser and compressor blocked up with dirt and debris. This can result in greater stress on the unit, causing it to work harder. Giving it a thorough cleaning is easy and can help maximize your AC unit’s service life while minimizing your energy bill.
home. Consider planting trees in strategic locations to provide shade and reduce cooling costs.
Plant trees — Direct sunlight can heat up surfaces and building materials, as well as the interior temperature of your
These simple home maintenance tasks can be well worth the effort, potentially providing hundreds of dollars in annual savings
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Install a rain barrel — Water is an important, but costly resource. Installing a rain barrel is an easy and affordable measure to reduce your water consumption, while keeping your lawn and garden looking great.
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Caulk around windows and doors — Stop air leaks around your home by sealing existing gaps and cracks. Use caulking or weather stripping around doors and windows. Installing a door
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It’s remodeling season, and with so many projects on the to-do list, which should you tackle first? While some projects provide great long-term return on investment, a few simple ones can provide instant savings. Here are the top home spring projects to help you save money:
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322 E. Main St., Blooming Prairie 507-583-2276
Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 8, 2016/Page 4
Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 8, 2016/Page 5
Add Curb Appeal to Your Property Many people are familiar with the idea that a strong first impression can go a long way. While that idea is most often referenced in regard to personal interactions, it's also applicable to real estate.
Projects that improve curb appeal can be vast undertakings or simpler projects, and the following are a handful of projects to improve a home's curb appeal that run the gamut from simple to complex.
When selling a home, homeowners who emphasize curb appeal may find it far easier to sell their homes. Curb appeal refers to the impression a home's exterior makes on people seeing the home for the first time. It has been found that curb appeal was one of the five most important factors when selling a home.
• Clean up the yard. Cleaning up the yard is among the simpler yet most effective projects to improve a home's curb appeal. When selling their homes, homeowners should clear the yard of any clutter, including kids' toys, grass clippings or items that might be scattered throughout the yard. A cluttered yard suggests homeowners do not care much about their home's
appearance, and that may lead buyers to think that indifference extended to maintaining the home's interior as well. Many buyers will ignore properties without any external aesthetic appeal, but cleaning up the yard does not require much effort or expense on the part of sellers. • Make the main entryway more inviting. Creating a more inviting entryway won't be as simple as cleaning up the yard, but it can help create a strong first impression without breaking the bank. To begin, remove plants and furniture from the front porch or area surrounding the doorway, as such items
can create a cluttered feel. If the front door is old, replace it. Custom doors may be expensive, but they might add the wow factor buyers are looking for. If a new door is beyond your means or just unnecessary, repaint the door, ideally in a color that complements the color of your home and the surrounding landscape. • Address pavement problems. Paving problems are not necessarily an expensive fix, but the cost of repairing driveways and walkways can add up if it's been awhile since these areas were refurbished. Still, one of the first things buyers will notice when
603 1st Ave S • Albert Lea, MN 56007
HomeSolutionsMidwest.com • 507-373-3435 SPECIALIZING SPECIALIZING IN IN SEPTICSYSTEMS SYSTEMS SEPTIC
THOMPSON SANITATION • Conservation Construction • Land Drainage OFFICE • Wildlife Ponds256-4370 • Road Boring • Backhoeing 108 W. MAIN PO BOX 154 • CLARKS GROVE, MN • Consulting
Spring is coming! DO IT THE RIGHT WAY THE FIRST TIME
Albert Lea 437 Bridge St. 373-1481
Emmons 201 Main St. 297-5461
www.securitybankmn.com
What aView! SAVE
20%
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Stop into Lampert Lumber WRGD\ WR ÀQG \RXU JUHDW view with our selection of Andersen® Windows. We feature quality Andersen® products. We will help you every step of the way on all your projects.
GET THE LOOK YOU WANT WITH ONE OF THE MOST TRUSTED BRANDS IN THE INDUSTRY! • ENERGY EFFICIENT • FADE RESISTANT • LIFETIME WARRANTY
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Curb appeal can add a lot to a home, while lack of such appeal can make a home difficult to sell. Homeowners who want to sell their properties for asking price or more should address curb appeal before putting their homes on the market.
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71610263rd 263rd St St • Albert 71610 Albert Lea Lea Office (507) 826-3449 Marks Cell (507) 383-6550 Phil’s Cell (507) 330-1889
We Have Over 100 Roll Off Dumpsters
• Add or upgrade outdoor living spaces. Outdoor living spaces also can set a property apart from others on the market. A study from the National Association of Realtors found that buyers would not hesitate to pay asking price for homes with outdoor living spaces. When adding or upgrading outdoor living spaces, try to depersonalize the spaces as much as possible, as buyers want to picture
HOME IMPROVEMENT
PHILLIP PHILLIP OR OR MARK MARK MORREIM MORREIM
Thinking About Spring Projects?
themselves, and not the sellers, enjoying these areas. Include some comfortable furniture, adequate lighting and a dining area in your outdoor living space as well.
see us for your next...
Lic. #BC001552
• Land Drainage Land Drainage ••Wildlife Ponds • Wildlife Ponds • Conservation Construction •• Road Conservation Construction ~DESIGN~ Boring • Backhoeing • Road Boring ~ DESIGN ~INSTALLATION~ • Consulting • Backhoeing ~ INSTALLATION ~SEEDING~ ~ • Consulting ~ SEEDING ~
~ No BS with TS! (No Bad Service) ~
getting out of their cars is the ground they're walking on, so patch and repair or even replace driveways and walkways that have fallen into disrepair.
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Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 8, 2016/Page 4
Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 8, 2016/Page 5
Add Curb Appeal to Your Property Many people are familiar with the idea that a strong first impression can go a long way. While that idea is most often referenced in regard to personal interactions, it's also applicable to real estate.
Projects that improve curb appeal can be vast undertakings or simpler projects, and the following are a handful of projects to improve a home's curb appeal that run the gamut from simple to complex.
When selling a home, homeowners who emphasize curb appeal may find it far easier to sell their homes. Curb appeal refers to the impression a home's exterior makes on people seeing the home for the first time. It has been found that curb appeal was one of the five most important factors when selling a home.
• Clean up the yard. Cleaning up the yard is among the simpler yet most effective projects to improve a home's curb appeal. When selling their homes, homeowners should clear the yard of any clutter, including kids' toys, grass clippings or items that might be scattered throughout the yard. A cluttered yard suggests homeowners do not care much about their home's
appearance, and that may lead buyers to think that indifference extended to maintaining the home's interior as well. Many buyers will ignore properties without any external aesthetic appeal, but cleaning up the yard does not require much effort or expense on the part of sellers. • Make the main entryway more inviting. Creating a more inviting entryway won't be as simple as cleaning up the yard, but it can help create a strong first impression without breaking the bank. To begin, remove plants and furniture from the front porch or area surrounding the doorway, as such items
can create a cluttered feel. If the front door is old, replace it. Custom doors may be expensive, but they might add the wow factor buyers are looking for. If a new door is beyond your means or just unnecessary, repaint the door, ideally in a color that complements the color of your home and the surrounding landscape. • Address pavement problems. Paving problems are not necessarily an expensive fix, but the cost of repairing driveways and walkways can add up if it's been awhile since these areas were refurbished. Still, one of the first things buyers will notice when
603 1st Ave S • Albert Lea, MN 56007
HomeSolutionsMidwest.com • 507-373-3435 SPECIALIZING SPECIALIZING IN IN SEPTICSYSTEMS SYSTEMS SEPTIC
THOMPSON SANITATION • Conservation Construction • Land Drainage OFFICE • Wildlife Ponds256-4370 • Road Boring • Backhoeing 108 W. MAIN PO BOX 154 • CLARKS GROVE, MN • Consulting
Spring is coming! DO IT THE RIGHT WAY THE FIRST TIME
Albert Lea 437 Bridge St. 373-1481
Emmons 201 Main St. 297-5461
www.securitybankmn.com
What aView! SAVE
20%
ON ABC SEAMLESS SIDING Limited time offer. Call for details.
Stop into Lampert Lumber WRGD\ WR ÀQG \RXU JUHDW view with our selection of Andersen® Windows. We feature quality Andersen® products. We will help you every step of the way on all your projects.
GET THE LOOK YOU WANT WITH ONE OF THE MOST TRUSTED BRANDS IN THE INDUSTRY! • ENERGY EFFICIENT • FADE RESISTANT • LIFETIME WARRANTY
Call today for your FREE on-site estimate!
L
andmark CONCRETE
New Code Changes Higher Installation Required!
Competitive Rates Local Service
Locally Owned & Owner Operated Means Personal & Timely Service
In 12 yd, 20 yd, 30 yd and 40 yd Sizes to Fit Your Needs! SPECIALIZING IN SEPTIC SYSTEMS DESIGN~INSTALLATION~SEEDING
Curb appeal can add a lot to a home, while lack of such appeal can make a home difficult to sell. Homeowners who want to sell their properties for asking price or more should address curb appeal before putting their homes on the market.
LOAN
71610263rd 263rd St St • Albert 71610 Albert Lea Lea Office (507) 826-3449 Marks Cell (507) 383-6550 Phil’s Cell (507) 330-1889
We Have Over 100 Roll Off Dumpsters
• Add or upgrade outdoor living spaces. Outdoor living spaces also can set a property apart from others on the market. A study from the National Association of Realtors found that buyers would not hesitate to pay asking price for homes with outdoor living spaces. When adding or upgrading outdoor living spaces, try to depersonalize the spaces as much as possible, as buyers want to picture
HOME IMPROVEMENT
PHILLIP PHILLIP OR OR MARK MARK MORREIM MORREIM
Thinking About Spring Projects?
themselves, and not the sellers, enjoying these areas. Include some comfortable furniture, adequate lighting and a dining area in your outdoor living space as well.
see us for your next...
Lic. #BC001552
• Land Drainage Land Drainage ••Wildlife Ponds • Wildlife Ponds • Conservation Construction •• Road Conservation Construction ~DESIGN~ Boring • Backhoeing • Road Boring ~ DESIGN ~INSTALLATION~ • Consulting • Backhoeing ~ INSTALLATION ~SEEDING~ ~ • Consulting ~ SEEDING ~
~ No BS with TS! (No Bad Service) ~
getting out of their cars is the ground they're walking on, so patch and repair or even replace driveways and walkways that have fallen into disrepair.
Free Estimates • Bonded • Insured
507-373-0409 Cell 507-391-2362
71338 180th St. • Albert Lea, MN MN License #20037743
Landmark Concrete has 15 years experience working with ICF Foundation COMPLETE CONCRETE WORK Excavating & Basement Repair
CALL DAN TODAY AT
507-383-3010
CUSTOM HORMAN GARAGE DOORS SHOWER DOORS
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Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 8, 2016/Page 6
Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 8, 2016/Page 3
Freshen Up Your Home For The Spring Season After a few months of chilly temperatures, come spring, many homeowners are eager to throw open their windows and doors and breathe new life into their homes. Simple changes made now - even before the weather begins to warm up - can improve interior spaces and brighten the atmosphere of a home.
• Swap out throw pillows. Accent pillows on beds and sofas are quick and inexpensive ways to add new bursts of color to rooms. You may be able to make over a room's entire color scheme with new pillows. Invest in pillows that you can switch with each season so your decor will never look tired or dull.
• Go plant shopping. Adding at least one plant in your home per 100 square feet is efficient enough to clean air. Fresh foliage also makes a home feel warm and inviting. Watering and misting plants introduces moisture into indoor air, which can make rooms overcome with dry air from heating systems feel comfortable. Just be sure to avoid over watering plants, which can lead to mold growth.
• Clean existing light fixtures. Another way to brighten the mood in a home is to periodically clean light fixtures to make sure they are working effectively. Spend time dusting them and cleaning off any accumulated debris. If need be, switch out old lamp shades for newer ones that let more light shine through. If inadequate lighting is a problem no matter how many lamps you have, consult with an
electrician about installing more overhead and accent lighting. • Give rugs and floors a deep cleaning. Recirculated air may be full of dust and other microscopic particles that end up blowing throughout your home. Also, it's easy to track in dirt and other materials on your shoes that become imbedded in carpeting. At least once a year, rent or enlist the surfaces of carpet and upholstery cleaners to give floors a thorough cleaning. You may be surprised at how clean and fresh a home looks and smells once rugs and carpets are deep-cleaned. You also can make a dry carpet cleaner using baking soda, corn starch and desired fresh herbs for fragrance. Sprinkle and then vacuum up after a few hours.
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• Color-coordinate bookshelves. Group all books with similarly colored covers together for an instant and eye-appealing look. • Simmer some homemade home deodorizer. In a large pot, boil water and some scented herbs, such as rosemary, citrus rinds, vanilla, or lavender. The aroma will waft through the home, creating a pleasing scent. • Invest in new window treatments. Lightweight draperies or new blinds or shades can transform the look of a room. Be sure to keep curtains and blinds open during the day to maximize the hours of sunlight. Homeowners can make some simple changes while they're stuck indoors and reap the benefits when the weather warms up again.
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Insulate your home — Use insulation with a high R-value, such as Roxul Comfortbatt, which can be used to top up insulation in your attic. Aim for an R-value of 50 or a depth of 16 inches. For whole home efficiency, ensure other areas of your home, such as crawl spaces, basement headers, walls and ceilings, are well insulated. It will keep your house cool in the warm weather and take the stress off your air conditioning unit.
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Clean your AC unit — Come spring, it’s not uncommon to find an air conditioner’s condenser and compressor blocked up with dirt and debris. This can result in greater stress on the unit, causing it to work harder. Giving it a thorough cleaning is easy and can help maximize your AC unit’s service life while minimizing your energy bill.
home. Consider planting trees in strategic locations to provide shade and reduce cooling costs.
Plant trees — Direct sunlight can heat up surfaces and building materials, as well as the interior temperature of your
These simple home maintenance tasks can be well worth the effort, potentially providing hundreds of dollars in annual savings
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Install a rain barrel — Water is an important, but costly resource. Installing a rain barrel is an easy and affordable measure to reduce your water consumption, while keeping your lawn and garden looking great.
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Caulk around windows and doors — Stop air leaks around your home by sealing existing gaps and cracks. Use caulking or weather stripping around doors and windows. Installing a door
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It’s remodeling season, and with so many projects on the to-do list, which should you tackle first? While some projects provide great long-term return on investment, a few simple ones can provide instant savings. Here are the top home spring projects to help you save money:
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Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 8, 2016/Page 2
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Installation Done Right Vinyl siding is a big investment, and when done right, it can add tremendous value to a home. If the time has come for you to side your home, make sure you choose the right installer. The best siding in the world wont make up for poor installation. Here are some tips to ensure you select the best company for the job. Ask around. Find out where friends and family got their siding done and how well the installation went. Browse ads as well. The best companies will have informative websites and offer free estimates. When you have a list of potential installers, give them a call and set up an appointment. Most will jump at the opportunity to send out someone to talk to you. If not, cross them off your list. If they are too busy to talk you now, they will most certainly be too busy to talk you later down the road during installation. When interviewing potential installers, make sure they are knowledgeable about their products and procedures. The salesperson should be able to show you the siding products the company offers as well as point out each product's features, benefits and warranties. They should also walk you through the installation process and offer design assistance and solutions to your unique needs. Ask about licensing, insurance and certification. Is everything in order? Can they provide a list of references? Do they seem easy to work with? Before the salesperson leaves, make sure you get
a written estimate. This should describe the work in detail, identify the products that will be used, and list all of the material and labor costs. It should also address time and payment schedules. You should know exactly what you will be getting for your money from the prep work to the actual installation to the cleanup and when that will occur. Whatever you do, don't sign on the dotted line until you are ready. Thank the salesperson for their time and get ready for the next appointment. Once you have met with the companies on your list, do your homework. Contact the references provided and find out how the installation went. Read some online reviews. Check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure no complaints have been lodged against the company. Set up another meeting with the companies at the top of your list to discuss the job further. This is when you can talk money and make sure the financing is in order. If the price seems too steep, don't be afraid to say so. Chances are a deal can be made. You can also discuss design preferences and work scheduling. You don't want to be on vacation when the installation begins on your home. Most jobs can be completed in less than a week, barring bad weather, and you'll want to be there to ensure things are going as expected. At this time, the salesperson should walk around your home with you and tell you exactly what will be done. They should describe the installation process from
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Kitchen Design Ideas beginning to end and make sure all of your needs will be met. It is crucial that you do this step to ensure you and the installer are on the same page. With any luck, you will find an installer you like and trust. Once you do, make sure you get a contract signed. Don't wait until its too late and the installer is all booked up. Call as soon as you make your selection and be prepared to put down a deposit. Choosing the right siding installer takes time. Don't rush the process. Siding is too big of an investment to take a chance on the installation. When you choose a company and the job begins, do what you can to assist the crew. Open up your home to them if you live in a remote area or temperatures are extreme. The crew will probably work
Before you can start a kitchen remodel, you need to have a firm grasp of what you're shooting for, not only in terms of specific counter top and cabinet installations but your new kitchen's design and layout. You may want to retain the layout of your old kitchen or you want to reorganize the three main kitchen stations (oven, sink, and refrigerator), also known as the kitchen triangle. Knowing what you want in your general layout, specific fixtures and installations, and a decorating theme are all critical in enabling the kitchen remodel to go off without a hitch.
from sunup to sundown, and giving them access to a bathroom or a shady porch will make the day easier for them. When the job is done, take the time to review the work and let the foreman or project manager know if anything else needs done. Call, email or text any concerns you have. Don't let things go for six months and then get in touch with the company and expect the crew to come rushing to your aid. Chances are they will be on another job, and you will have to wait, and wait, and wait. Speak up and get everything completed to your satisfaction as soon as possible. And, remember, if you've chosen wisely, everything should go well and end well.
Kitchen planning is important, whether you're talking about layout or decorating ideas. Kitchens can be U-shaped, L-shaped, or a galley. Galleys can be one wall or two wall galleys. Each shape has distinct advantages and disadvantages involving cooking convenience, foot traffic, and storage space. Unless you're undertaking a major kitchen remodel, you're probably locked into your kitchen shape. Even if you're thinking about a major overhaul, the kitchen spaces tend to point toward a limited number of options. Square kitchens spaces lend themselves to U-shaped and L-shaped kitchens. Longer, narrower spaces usually mean galley. Large kitchens lead to island kitchens. FRIDAY 3PM-8PM 4 pm .... 5 pm .... 6 pm .... 7 pm .... 8 pm ....
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Make a list to create effective kitchen planning. Include large ideas for your
kitchen layout and specific ideas for decoration and storage. Each item in your list should be priced and figured within the confines of a predetermined budget. Don't outspend the value of your home and your neighborhood. Kitchen remodels can add significant value to your home, but if you're spending $25,000 on the project when the top home in your neighborhood is only selling for $100,000, you're probably not going to see much return on your investment. Spread your money around. Don't completely redo your kitchen if the rest of your home needs work. Spruce your kitchen up and get the rest of your home in good working condition as well. Likewise, don't spend over half your budget on one area of your kitchen and neglect the rest. Naturally, revamping your old flooring may cost quite a bit more than fixing up your old kitchen cabinets, but spending a couple thousand dollars on a high-end countertop isn't the best choice if you can't implement some of your other kitchen design ideas. Find the right balance between daring and classic. Some homeowners have become afraid of color and end up with a drab kitchen. Your new kitchen shouldn't look like a blank palette, but it shouldn't run the risk of making guests or potential home buyers shy away either.
Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 8, 2016/Page 8
Get all your projects done early before the summer fun begins!
Easy Financing Essentials for Remodeling More and more homeowners are deciding that the best way to improve their lifestyles and their personal balance sheets is to invest in their single biggest asset: their home. Home remodeling and improvements are not only a winning investment because they increase property values, but also because they can help us enjoy life in our own homes. Knowing how to find easy financing is a good first step that will help point you in the right direction for financing your next home improvement project. The essentials of finding easy financing start with qualifying for a loan. Often, your credit standing will influence which financing route
you take. That said, before actually applying for a loan, talk to at least a couple different lenders about all your financing options. Besides helping you understand your options and the various trade-offs involved, the lender can pre-qualify you for one or more loans.
charges two points, the fee costs $1,000. Points exist so the lender can pay for the loan set-up expenses, as well as, make a profit. Understanding the concept of interest rates are easier but also require greater diligence in locking down to ensure responsible and easy financing.
As you move through your financing options, you'll need a rudimentary understanding of points, interest rates, and other details of the loan agreement. Many loans involve something called points. Points are nothing more than a fee for the loan that is expressed as a percentage of the loan amount. One point equals one percent. So if you take out a loan for $50,000 and the lender
Variable vs. Fixed Interest Rates: There aren't many people left who haven't heard about the difference between variable and fixed interest rates that were a contributing factor in the housing crisis. For a fixed rate loan, the interest rate stays the same throughout the loan. For variable rate loans, the interest rate can rise or fall as market conditions change. With interest rates predicted to go
higher in future years to fight inflation, variable rate loans may go out of vogue for some time. Secured vs. Unsecured Loans: In general, loans can be described as secured or unsecured. An unsecured loan is a loan in which the borrower agrees to repay the money according to a pre-set schedule. A secured loan is the same thing, except that if the borrower doesn't keep up with the payments, he/she gives the lender the right to seize a particular asset and sell it to raise the money necessary to pay off the loan—the house itself is the typical collateral.
Supplement to the March 8, 2016 Freeborn Co. Shopper
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