Real Estate

Is a short sale better than a foreclosure?

A short sale is where the proceeds from the sale of the property are less than the balance of the mortgage. Unpaid balances owed to creditors are called deficiencies. Once the application is approved by the lender, no deficiencies are allowed after the process, unless specifically agreed upon between the lender and the owner.

Foreclosure involves a lawsuit. This is the process in which the lender seeks to take an owner’s property to satisfy a debt. If you received a letter from the lender notifying you that he is taking legal action, or if you received a letter from an attorney informing you that he is requesting a foreclosure sale on your real estate, you may want to consider a short sale.

The impact of foreclosures

The defaults and laws will show up on your credit bureau report, and you can decide which process will be less damaging. A foreclosure typically stays on your credit report for seven to ten years, often with a devastating impact on your future finances.

Foreclosures often have far-reaching consequences, such as:

• Putting you at risk of a high deficiency judgment

• A very low credit score

• Potential challenges for current and future employment

• Potential challenges in obtaining a rental

• A loss of security clearance

• Inability to obtain future home or vehicle financing

Millions of homeowners chose the relief offered by short sales. The impact of this choice is less damaging on a credit report. You can qualify for another mortgage in as little as 24 months.

Advantages of Short Sales

Short sales provide homeowners with an incredible opportunity to avoid foreclosure. This process offers relief to homeowners who can no longer afford their mortgage payments with the least amount of damage to their credit profile.

The psychological effects of a foreclosure

Help has arrived. A short sale removes the psychological effect of foreclosure. Foreclosure is accompanied by anxiety and stress. These psychological symptoms can lead to depression. Clinical depression often requires medical treatment. A short sale can stop legal action against you, and you can soon be on the path to a more financially stable future.

If houses in the same neighborhood sold for less than your mortgage balance, you’re probably a good candidate. If your income recently decreased and you have limited savings, you may be a good candidate.

An adequate budget

Paying by credit card works more or less on the same principle. With credit available to you, it’s much easier to shop. There really is no point in buying bargains and then swiping a credit card with an 18% interest charge.

Cash is more real and you have to take it out of your wallet to pay for goods. It’s easier to keep track of your spending when you use cash, but you can’t avoid overspending. A credit card can be helpful, but it’s a good idea to shred it if you can’t control it.

The best way to track your spending habits is to maintain a proper budget and track your income and expenses.

Real Estate

Things to consider when choosing a finance company

There are so many things to consider when it comes to choosing a finance company. Finance companies typically provide lease or installment purchase contracts to owners of small businesses and other businesses. There are several types of finance companies in the market. For example, some finance companies are subsidiaries of major banks. Some companies provide funding to promote the marketing of their own products. A typical example of this type of financial companies are automobile manufacturers. Some vendors of commercial equipment and other types of equipment also facilitate financing. Added to this list are the members of the finance and leasing association and also some other independent houses.

Competition is growing among financial companies:

There has been a significant increase in the number of financial companies entering the market recently. Naturally, this is leading to fierce competition among finance companies. The increasing advertising of finance companies in major newspapers is proof of this fact. How can you judge whether or not a particular finance company is right for you? First, you need to look at reputation when choosing a finance company. You must have a good reputation in the market and even better if you are also a member of the finance and leasing association. The second thing is that whatever type of contract you have with the financial company, it must be in accordance with some type of written or verbal quote. The duration of the lease must be long enough to cover the period for which the asset is required. The finance company you are going to choose should be open enough to inform you in advance about the penalties, if any, in case of early termination of the lease. The prepayment penalty is the biggest hidden cost of borrowing any loan. You should avoid companies that charge such penalties.

In other words, you should choose a finance company that doesn’t try to hide anything from you. You get to know all the conditions of the company before signing the contract, including the amount of the rents and the periods of notice and rent. In addition, also make sure that any equipment you are going to lease from the finance company is new. You must not forget that when you choose a finance company, it is not a short-term deal. You cannot take it easy, because you have to maintain the relationship with the company for a longer period. It will be better if you can choose a finance company that gives you the flexibility to switch between floating and fixed rates without charging a single penny extra for this facility.

Real Estate

How to Survive the Death of a Spouse – 8 Tips

Discussing death and loss is difficult; however, both are facts of life that haunt us all. When a spouse passes away, the pain can be more excruciating because something inside you also dies. So the struggle to survive and eventually thrive again becomes a daily battle. It’s like peeling an onion. You work through layers of things to get back to some sense of normalcy. Eventually the bread sinks.

This article shares several of my discoveries. I hope it sheds some light to help you deal with a dark season.

8 tips

1. Do it your way.

Do you remember I did it my way by Frank Sinatra? Well, I think the song applies because you have to do what works for you. For example, when I feel crowded and pressured, my stress level goes up. At first, I knew that this situation would force me to be surrounded by many people who inadvertently say the wrong things and ask many questions, some of them inappropriate. So, I broke tradition. The day of my husband’s funeral I did not get on the hearses. And I got to the church just in time to line up at the front of the procession.

As usual, later that day people came to the house. Again, when I started to feel hemmed in, I left the scene. I changed my clothes, retired to the backyard and played basketball until the wee hours of the morning. Observers kept saying, “She thinks this is the NBA.” In addition to having fun, I released a lot of tension and slept well. The next day I felt like a million bucks.

Between the pastor, my father, and the funeral director, I don’t know who said to let her do this her way. Emotions run high and even though people care and try to help, you end up being pulled in different directions.

So understand your stages for handling complaints and know your limitations. The death of a spouse is emotionally draining. Also, when services are over and everyone goes home, you have to face this alone. Have it your way to embrace self-care.

two. Remember the good.

Like any relationship, a marriage experiences good times and bad times. However, focus on the trainer. They will make you smile and feel better. What you choose to meditate on will decrease the pain or increase it.

3. Lean on.

Contrary to what many believe, time does not heal; God heals. When the tragedy happened, I knew who would not abandon me. I saturated myself in the Word; going to church on Sunday was not enough. Even in the mornings I listened to sermons and teaching tapes instead of music. Also, pray. Make it the first thing you do, not the last.

Four. Remove it.

Shout it out. cry. speak it. Stepping Out. Work it out. Choose your method but take it out. It’s better outside than inside. Emotions build up inside you and form like a volcano about to erupt.

5. Laughter is medicine.

Laughter really is medicine, and you can never get too much of it. Laughter makes you feel better and takes your mind off your problems. Therefore, gather all your favorite comedies. When you need a lift, pop one into the DVD.

6. Don’t get stuck.

If you keep revisiting the past, you are bound to get stuck. Everyone knows that I like music. However, for a long time I stopped listening to jazz. Why? During that time, the music conjured harrowing trips down memory lane.

7. Watch what you say.

As I recall, if someone asked me how I was doing, the answer was short. It boiled down to two words, “still standing.” Another favorite was “I’m getting out of this.” I would mention the heavy feeling, how uncomfortable it was, and how I wouldn’t wish it on my enemy. However, the resonant theme was always De esta salgo.

What is the point? The way you speak seems to affect how long you stay in the rut. Now, at the time, I didn’t realize what I was doing. You connect the dots looking backwards. Today I realize that I was speaking faith.

During one of my tantrums, I told God to take the pain away because it was too much for me. Something happened and discovered the most important revelation. I was throwing the weight or worry of my situation on Him, and He took it! After I let go, the load continued to lighten. Then one day the heaviness disappeared.

8. Avoid alcohol and drugs.

Lastly, avoid alcohol and drugs. Once you go down, you’re right back where you started: depressed. Also, you shouldn’t make it a habit every time you hit a rough patch. Seek professional help if necessary.

Real Estate

RV covers for hot summer days

When December rolls around, many RVs head home to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. During the winter months, RVs slow down as people wait for the winter to pass, but the “RVer snowbird” has the luxury of heading south for the winter to enjoy the warmer temperatures in Florida, Arizona, and Mexico. The “snow birds” have figured out how to have the best of both worlds. They leave their extremely cold home year-round and head south, where they store and use their RV as a winter getaway to enjoy the warmth of the south. These snowbirds fly south to their RV park right after the holidays to enjoy the warm winters until the snow clears from their northern home.

When the snow melts and it’s time to leave your winter home, the Snow Bird RVer wants to leave your motorhome, fifth wheel or travel trailer protected with a non-slip RV cover that will keep your winter home clean and dust free. dirt and dents. and scratches. They want a storage cover that is water repellant and will protect their RV from occasional southern rain storms, but more importantly, the “snowbird” RVer needs to find a cover that can withstand the harsh UV rays of the sun that will destroy the outside of their RV while they are back home.

There are only two RV covers that can provide summer heat and UV protection for your RV, fifth wheel or travel trailer. all the rest Will disintegrates in extreme temperatures. A slide-on dust cover (like the Traveler or Poly Pro 1) will protect the RV for a while, but it’ll be in tatters around your trailer when you get back. This type of cover can not Withstands the extreme heat your RV will encounter while you’re away. Top three-ply/single-ply covers (such as Poly Pro 3 Deluxe or Expedition) claim to provide all-weather protection, but they won’t handle the heat either. They may still be covering your RV when you get home to the South, but most likely only parts of the cover are still covering your RV. If you invest your money in any of these covers you will be replacing the cover every year.

What you need is the best cover protection that won’t disintegrate after 6-8 months of UV exposure. The two covers that can resist heat are the Goldline RV cover and the PermaPRO RV cover. The Goldline RV cover is manufactured by Eevelle in Carlsbad, California. The Goldline Cover is a custom built RV cover that comes in two colors: Desert Tan or Silver Cloud Gray. Since this is a semi-custom, custom-built trailer or motorhome cover, it will take up to 4 weeks before it can be delivered to your southern address. This Goldline trailer cover is rated the #1 RV cover. #1 by customers and distributors alike. These RV storage covers are made from a strong yet flexible fabric that will outlast all other RV covers. The Goldline cover is made from an extra plush, water-resistant Tru-Weave fabric with a Durapel finish that provides ultra-durable UV protection, and the Goldline cover is backed by the best and longest 5-year warranty.

The PermaPro RV cover is distributed by Classic Accessories in Kent, Washington. The PermaPRO cover is made from the newest extra-tough ripstop fabric, the first RV cover fabric to claim tear resistance. Not only is it tear-resistant, it repels water, protects against sun damage by blocking UV rays, and even provides snow protection if needed. The PermaPRO cover is also available for extra tall RVs that are slightly taller than the usual 9 foot RV. Class A and fifth wheel RVs up to 11 feet tall require an extra height RV cover. The PermaPRO cover, like lower-end RV covers, provides your RV with protection from dirt, dust and scratches and is protected by a 4-year warranty.

As winter slowly melts away and the warmer days of spring arrive, the time will come for the snowbirds to begin preparing to fly back north to the far reaches of their year-round home. Remember that if you really want to give your trailer the best RV cover with the best UV protection, you’ll have to spend a few more dollars and buy either the Goldline RV Cover or the PermaPRO RV Cover. Those are the only two RV trailer covers that will still protect your RV when it returns to its wintry grounds next year.

Real Estate

Renter’s rights and pets: the landlord against his cat

Too often I hear from people who are giving up their beloved family pet because the landlord enacted a new no pet policy, or because they are moving into a rental property that has a no pet policy. Less often, I also hear from owners who allow cats but require declawing.

Before you agree to a rental policy that costs your family, disrupts your life, and harms your pet, there are a few steps you need to take.

know your rights

Did you know that, as a tenant, you have certain rights? Each area will have its own set of rules and bylaws for tenants and landlords, but don’t assume your landlord is following these rules. Make sure you know what your rights are regarding your lease and your pets before you are forced to do anything.

For example, did you know that in Ontario your landlord cannot evict you or force you to get rid of your pet unless it is dangerous, causing excessive noise, damage to the unit or allergy problems? Even if you signed a lease with a no pets agreement, they can’t evict you. No pet clauses are considered invalid under the law and the only way you can be evicted for having a pet is if the Ontario Landlord-Tenant Board determines that the pet meets one of the above criteria. This means that while a landlord may choose not to rent to someone who has pets, once you’ve started your tenancy and moved out, you can’t be evicted for having pets.

Laws will vary depending on where you are, but don’t be intimidated into disrupting your life or the life of your cat when the law may be on your side. To be informed.

Don’t capitulate, negotiate

If local laws do not protect you or your pets, then the next step is not to give up and give in, but to negotiate and educate your owners.

Most owners who do not allow pets or who require cats to be declawed have these policies because they are concerned about property damage. Noise, allergies and crowds in common areas such as the lobby or the façade can also be a factor.

As a responsible pet owner, it is worth trying to educate your landlord on why these policies are wrong and unnecessary. If you can provide reasonable alternatives so the landlord can feel that his interests are sufficiently served, he may be able to convince you to change your rental policies.

  1. Acknowledge their concerns. Be courteous and reasonable and let them know you understand their concerns and respect their desire to maintain a clean and well-maintained building.
  2. Explain normal cat behavior. The people who create the policy may not be familiar with the behavior of cats. Explain that cats can be easily trained to use a scratching post instead of a mat, and that cats instinctively prefer to bury their waste in a clean litter box rather than deposit it anywhere. Explain that cats don’t often scratch walls, doors, or trim, and that even an untrained cat is more likely to scratch a tenant’s furniture than destroy the unit itself. Let them know that you will provide a clean litter box and appropriate surfaces for your cat to scratch on.
  3. Let them know that your cats are spayed/neutered. Explain that spaying/neutering eliminates undesirable cat behaviors that may concern them, such as meowing, marking territory with urine and feces, fighting, and attracting strays to the area. Let them know that these behaviors are typical of intact animals and that theirs have been corrected.
  4. assure them that your cat will be in a carrier or on a leash whenever you are in a public area. Animals running loose can be dangerous and nuisance. Assure them that their cat will be under control at all times.
  5. Explain what declawing is and that it often results in other undesirable behavior. Many people don’t understand what declawing is and have no idea that it can result in even more undesirable behavior, like urinating outside the litter box. Make it clear that declawing is unnecessary and cruel and that if they are worried about the cat scratching them, there are alternatives, such as Softpaws. [http://www.softpaws.com/]that I would be willing to use.
  6. Please provide documentation to support your claims. Please provide supporting evidence from reliable sources to back up what you are saying. Best Friends Network offers many great resources for renters who need to remove their nails: http://network.bestfriends.org/celebrateclawsnotdeclaw/news/16849.html. If your landlord requires declawing, talk to your vet; they may be able to provide you with a document or letter that supports your position against declawing.
  7. Offer to pay additional security deposit. Reassure them that while your cat is trained and you don’t expect it to destroy anything, if the cat damages anything in the unit, you will take responsibility for repairing or replacing it. Show that you are serious by offering to pay a higher security deposit.
  8. Remind them that a responsible renter is a responsible renter, and by the same token, an irresponsible renter will cause problems even without pets. Your rental agreement should already cover problem tenants, such as those causing excessive noise, disruption, or property damage.
  9. Offer to provide recommendations on writing a rental policy that allows pets but protects your building and other tenants. If you can do some of the legwork for them, saving them time and effort, they may be more willing to make changes.

 

your last resort

If your landlord is unwilling to listen or work with you and insists that you get rid of your pets or have them declawed, then you have a difficult decision to make. It may be time to consider moving to a more pet-friendly home, or if that’s not feasible, you may need to re-house your pets. I don’t think declawing your cat is an acceptable compromise.

Ideally, you’ll be able to find a new place that allows pets on your lease. Otherwise, properties owned by individuals may provide more flexibility than large rental companies when it comes to pet policies; At the very least, it may be easier for you to gain access to someone who has the power to make that decision.

If moving isn’t an option and you need to relocate your pets, do your best to find a new home yourself, rather than leave your cat in a shelter. All shelters have a large number of cats and very few adopters, and your cat is at risk of being in a cage for an extended period of time or being euthanized if not adopted quickly. Use all the resources at your disposal: friends and family, community billboards, Freecycle (if your local listing allows it), and Craigslist. You will feel much better knowing that your cat will go to a home instead of a cage and you will have a say in the type of home your cat will go to.

Contact your local governing body that handles landlord and tenant laws and enforce them to create statutes that protect pet owners without compromising the safety and integrity of owners’ properties.

Through responsible pet ownership and proactively promoting understanding through education, we can encourage landlords to establish reasonable rental rules and decrease discrimination against pet owners.

Real Estate

Creative ideas to add more space to your bathroom

After spending all day in the hustle and bustle of this modern world, more and more people consider their bathroom to be the best place to de-stress, relax and indulge in luxury. This is also why many homeowners get involved in bathroom remodeling projects. In addition to improving your quality of life, this form of home improvement can help you sell your home faster in the future. This makes a bathroom renovation a very worthwhile investment.

But what if your bathroom is small or cramped? Instead of being intimidated by size, get inspired by some creative ideas to make your bathroom look and feel more spacious. As you contemplate the design of your next bathroom, here are some great ideas that you might like to try:

Mirrors work like magic

Adding mirrors to small spaces is the oldest trick to transform even the smallest space into a more spacious area. Add a corner mirror to your bathroom to effectively duplicate everything in sight, like the lights. It is a wonderful technique for bathrooms without natural light.

Be fun with paint treatments

Even by choosing the simplest and cheapest paint, you can completely change the appearance of your bathroom. While bold colors are impressive, creative paint treatments can work wonders in small spaces, too. Paint is a very easy upgrade to make, so don’t hold back and play as much as you want.

Try an open shower

It’s no secret that getting rid of the shower door can add more space, and for the smaller bathroom, every space counts. Of course, you need to take some extra waterproofing measures, like tiling from floor to ceiling, but this design is worth a try.

Choose your floor tile wisely

Place the focal point of your bathroom on the floor to draw the eye down and then to the back of the room. With the right tile, you can make your visitors forget about square footage. Putting a similar motif on the back window glass similar to the one on the floor can make for a cohesive bathroom design.

Be unconventional with your design

Trying an unconventional design can add more space to your otherwise cluttered bathroom. With a little creativity and strategic placement, you can put everything you need inside the room without it feeling cluttered.

Don’t forget the built-ins

Older houses have small bathrooms with lots of cracks, nooks and crannies, and random walls that are generally unused. Get the best out of these surfaces and never let a place become dead space.

add a wall

Placing a large mural in your bathroom can deceive the eye at first glance. There are many poster-style murals in many stores today. Imagine opening the bathroom door only to be transported to the desert or the beach.

Go bold with wallcoverings

Finally, bold wallcoverings can work wonders for a small bathroom, as they are delightfully stunning on the eyes. You can also add the same wallcovering to the ceiling for an extra dose of drama and create a unique space in your home.

No bathroom is too small when you use these strategic tips and tricks. Now it’s your turn. Take advantage of these ideas and be creative. The best transformation you never thought possible just takes a little planning and daring to be different.

Real Estate

40+ Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Costs

There are several articles titled “7 Ways to Save on Car Insurance” or “5 Tips to Lower Your Car Insurance Costs” etc, but wouldn’t it be great to have all those savings tips and discounts in one place? ? Below you will find such a list for auto insurance. This list is a comprehensive overview of all the opportunities to save on car insurance in Canada and was compiled based on the results of numerous discussions with insurance brokers and through analysis of different insurance offers.

1. Compare prices: Search, compare and change insurance companies. There are many insurance providers and their price offers for the same policies can be very different, so use several online tools and talk to several brokers as each one will cover a limited number of insurance companies.

two. Package: Do you need home and auto insurance? Most companies will give you a discount if you combine them.

3. Professional Membership: Are you a member of a professional organization (for example, Certified Management Accountants of Canada or the Air Canada Pilots Association)? Then some insurance companies offer you a discount.

4. Students: Being a student can only result in a student discount.

5. Former students: Graduates of certain Canadian universities (eg University of Toronto, McGill University) may be eligible for a discount from certain insurance providers.

6. Employees / Unionists: Some companies offer discounts to union members.

7. Seniors: Many companies offer special prices for seniors.

8. Direct insurers: Have you always dealt with insurance brokers/agents? Getting a policy from a direct insurer (i.e. insurers that work through a call center or online) can often be cheaper (but not always) as they don’t pay an agent/broker commission for each policy sold .

9. Annual vs. monthly payments: Compared to monthly payments, annual payments save insurers administrative costs (such as billing) and therefore reward you with lower premiums.

10. Loyalty: Staying with an insurer longer can sometimes result in a long-term policyholder discount.

11. Annual review: Review your policies and coverage every year, since new discounts could be applied to your new life situation if it has changed.

12. Welcome discount: Some insurers offer a so-called welcome discount.

13. Compare your costs: Knowing how much other consumers similar to you are paying for their insurance can help you identify the cheapest insurance providers.

14. Auto Insurance Deductibles: Increase your auto insurance deductibles if you think you are capable of incurring higher damage payments in the event of an accident. This is especially suitable for more experienced car drivers.

15. Being a second driver: Do you drive a car only from time to time? Become a second driver instead of being a primary driver

16. Minimum coverage: Do you drive an old car without great value? Get the minimum coverage required by law (mainly liability) without collision damage (you’re still protected if you damage someone’s car, but damage to your car won’t be covered)

17. Minimum coverage: Do you drive an old cheap car? So just get a minimum coverage plan required by law (mainly liability) without collision damage coverage (does not cover damage costs for your vehicle)

18. Take advantage of your credit card: Check if your credit card insurance includes rental car protection. Paying with a card that has rental car protection insurance can save you about $20 a day in collision damage waiver fees.

19. Take advantage of rental car coverage: If you frequently rent cars and have a car insurance policy, you should check to see if your own car insurance policy actually covers the rental car. If so, you can save on all collision damage waiver costs for rental vehicles.

20. Rental Car Driver: If your current auto insurance policy doesn’t cover your rental car, you can often add it as a rider (policy extension) for $20-30 a year. Compared to the $20 a day you’d pay to rent a car, that’s not a bad deal!

21. Rent, rent, rent: Car insurance costs differ from province to province (for example, moving from Ontario to Quebec will almost certainly cut your insurance costs in half). If you’re moving within a province, you should check for changes in car insurance costs, and ideally, move to a place where costs are lower (for example, Burlington, Ontario has one of the lowest insurance rates). highest car rates in Ontario)

22. CAA Member: CAA Members: Are you a member of the CAA? Some insurance providers will reward you with lower insurance premiums, including of course the CAA.

23. Dash Cam: Get a dash cam for your vehicle. Although installing a dash cam doesn’t result in direct savings (insurance companies don’t offer any insurance discounts related to dash cams), it can prove that you’re not at fault when it comes to an accident. The result is that you avoid unfair premium increases.

24. Driving Course: Some insurance providers acknowledge that successfully completing a driving course can help lower your premiums.

25. Improve your driving record: Do you have a bad driving record? Every three years, previously incurred tickets are removed from your insurance history and your insurance premiums may decrease.

26. At-fault accidents: Have you been in a couple of accidents in the past where you were at fault? With a little patience (six years without accidents), your risk profile will improve and you can once again enjoy reasonable insurance premiums.

27. Age: Older drivers enjoy lower auto insurance premiums. So in several years your premiums can go down.

28. Make and model of car: Choose your car wisely, as some car models are more susceptible to theft or even have a history of riskier driving (for example, Toyota Camry, Acura MDX, Toyota RAV4, and Honda Civic are often quite expensive to insure)

29 Good student: Yes, having good grades can have many positive impacts, including on your car insurance rates! For example, an insurance company rewards students under the age of 25 and with good grades (B average or higher) with a discount of up to 25%.

30. Multi Car Pack: Bundle multiple cars into one policy and your rate can go down

31. Anti-theft system: Installing a certified anti-theft system in your car reduces the risk of theft and therefore can lead to insurance discounts.

32. Winter tires: Having winter tires is important for winter driving safety, but it can also help lower your insurance premiums.

33. Repair costs: Choose a car that costs less to repair if damaged. Repair costs for certain cars (eg Mini Cooper or BMW) are higher than others (eg Ford Focus) and insurance providers know it.

34. Claims history: Maintaining a clean claims history can sometimes be more financially feasible than filing claims for minor damage repairs, which could result in increased premiums. Contacting an insurance provider/broker might help you figure out what makes sense.

35. Being married: In most provinces, your marital status affects your insurance premiums (except Nova Scotia)

36. Short distance to work: Finding a home close to where you work reduces the distance you need to drive to work each day and therefore results in lower insurance premiums.

38. Drop glass coverage: For cars with cheap windshields, it may be cheaper to leave the glass coverage since in combination with the deductibles to pay in the event of an accident, you would pay more. It’s up to you to calculate.

39. Discounts for retirees: Some insurance companies will offer different retirement discounts for drivers.

40. Disabilities: Some companies offer discounts for people with disabilities.

41. Hybrid vehicles: Many companies reward driving a hybrid vehicle with lower insurance premiums.

42. Private Garage: Parking your car in a safe place (for example, private or secure garage) typically results in lower insurance premiums with car insurance providers.

Real Estate

How to Pass a Property Preservation Questionnaire for Foreclosure Cleanup Subcontract Jobs

As a smaller foreclosure cleanup business, your company can sign up to subcontract work with larger property preservation companies. You can offer your services on a subcontract basis for jobs such as inspections, repairs, lock and window boarding changes, lawn maintenance, winterization, indoor trash removal, outdoor debris removal, etc.

Many of the larger companies increasingly require the smaller subcontractor to complete a questionnaire in order to be considered for foreclosure cleanup subcontracting work with their companies. These questionnaires are simple “elimination” tactics so larger companies can get the most qualified subcontractors.

Are you familiar with the HUD guidelines?

Many of these mini-tests are designed to determine your level of understanding of HUD’s guidelines for property preservation work. Many of the larger companies obtain much of their property directly from HUD’s management and marketing (M&M) contractors.

M&M’s contractors literally market and manage single-family properties owned or held by HUD. (These are homes that had an FHA-insured mortgage where the owners defaulted. The lender or mortgage company that suffered as a result of the default eventually titles the home to HUD in exchange for an insurance claim payment.)

A property conservation questionnaire can range from the very simple to the ultra-complex. See some sample questions and answers below.

Sample questions and answers

Many questionnaires contain common questions of the definition type of the real estate industry in relation to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. For example, a questionnaire might ask the following:

Ask: What is the definition of Condition of Transport in relation to a HUD property?

Answer: It could indicate something very simple, such as the following: For a property to be in Transferable Condition, as far as foreclosure clearance is concerned, the property must be undamaged (not damaged by flood, fire, hurricane/tornado, boiler, etc.); the grass must be cut; the property must be sufficiently winterized; all debris and hazardous and unsanitary materials must be removed; and the property must be efficiently protected and secured, including all pools and hot tubs, at a minimum.

Another sample question you might find on a test might be the following:

Ask: Describe in detail the steps to take when winterizing a property with a dry heat system.

Answer: Dry Heat Systems. The hot water heater and all domestic water supply and distribution lines must be sufficiently drained to prevent freezing and other damage. All valves and taps must remain open during the process. (After drainage is complete, they should be closed.) An adequate amount of antifreeze must be placed in all accessory traps, including toilets and tanks.

To set yourself apart as a potential foreclosure cleanup subcontractor, you could provide more detail in your response. For example, using the previous winter preparedness question, you could elaborate on the answer by describing winter preparation requirements in greater detail by drawing information from HUD’s guidelines (which can be found fairly easily by searching the Internet).

For example, you could include the following in your response:

Answer — Generally, properties must be winterized once between October 1 and March 31, although there may be exceptions based on local requirements. Unless otherwise specified, winterizing should include flushing toilets and draining all heating and plumbing systems sufficiently to prevent damage and freezing. Air pressure, or in some cases antifreeze, can be used to clean the system and prevent it from freezing.

All tasks must be performed in accordance with local and state codes and regulations. Before and after photos, along with other supporting documentation, must be submitted for reimbursement.

More sample questions

Here are a few more sample questions you may run into when taking a foreclosure cleanup subcontractor test (see if you can find the answers online yourself):

During a garbage collection, you notice a motorcycle in very good condition in a detached garage. What should you do?

When does the lawn mowing season start and end in your geographic coverage area?

Describe the services performed during a formal garbage collection?

What steps should you take if you arrive at what is supposed to be a vacant property with a warrant to secure it and discover that it is occupied by someone?

All of the answers above can be found in the HUD Guidelines, which, again, can be found quite easily online.

Don’t let a quiz put you off

Although many of the larger and more formalized companies require you to fill out a questionnaire to register your foreclosure cleanup business with their companies, many do not. So do a search on the internet, and if a company seems to be a good fit for your business in terms of services and geographically, don’t let a questionnaire stop you from registering as a potential subcontractor for their company.

Forging partnerships is the key to growing your business

Do your research and attack the quiz with fervor. As a smaller foreclosure cleanup company, getting work outsourced through the larger preservation companies serving your area can exponentially increase your bottom line.

Many of these larger companies often service hundreds of properties at the same time, in multiple states. Forging a partnership with the largest property preservation company is the key to truly growing your foreclosure cleanup business.

Best wishes for success with your foreclosure cleanup business.

Real Estate

Why should you have vision insurance?

If you’re part of the group that wears glasses or contacts, you may want to see the advantages of having a plan that offers vision benefits. The plan can be obtained from your employer or directly from the insurance that has vision benefits. Some companies that want to keep their employees may want to add vision coverage to the benefits package. Vision insurance offers a discount on eye care and glasses or a benefits package.

When you have a vision insurance benefit package, it will include eye exams, so you may have to pay a copay up front from the time of your service; then the plan will pay the balance. However, with a vision discount plan, you must pay for the full service, but at a lower price than the normal price your eye care professional has agreed to charge. When purchasing your discount plan or benefits package, you must purchase two products.

The network of vision care providers you have access to has agreed to help with a service and perhaps a product that is at a reduced price, this will be for you or the company that runs the plan. The types of providers for the service will be an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. If there is a case where LASIK and other corrective procedures are performed by ophthalmologists, they could also be included. The other is eye care products and services that are specific to your needs; include an eye exam, contact lenses, or glasses. When you’re considering choosing a plan, it’s best to know which vision care provider and what service is included in the package.

When looking to choose a vision insurance plan, always look at what is available and how the service would benefit you. You should look at past years or your medical records to see the type of eye care services you and your family have had, including how many times they have used the same service. This can give you an idea of ​​what you will need in the future. As you shop around for different plans, make a note of what your needs are, which will save you the most money. Finally, will the plan give me the assurance that I believe it is quality and guidelines and procedures that I can follow?

In conclusion, choosing to have a vision insurance plan will give you the benefits and discounts when you need them. If you want to get the best discounts and benefits, it’s best to do your research and see what’s available. Since you don’t want to pick the wrong one for yourself, always ask questions if you need to, to make sure you get what it says on the package, and make a note so you can come back to it later. See what’s available in the package and what you’ll need and want, if you don’t have them then this might not be the best one for you. In general, it’s wise to look into vision insurance, as it can save you money and provide benefits in the end.

Real Estate

How do you know if you should get a storage tank water heater or a tankless water heater?

Water heaters are essential to modern life. That’s why when it’s time
to equip your new house, or repair the old one you need to make sure that
you get a unit that meets all your needs. You should consider the
cost, efficiency and lifespan of your new water heater. Besides that,
you have to decide if you want to install a tankless tank or a storage tank
water heater.

Here is a comparison of the two systems to help you decide which one is better for you.
your.

What is a tankless heater and how does it work?

Tankless heaters, also known as demand water heaters, provide hot water
water as needed. They generate hot water by making cold water
flow through a heating element (gas burner or coil tube). So every time a
the hot water source is turned on, the cold water flows through the heating
element, and instantly heated by gas or electricity. When
the hot water faucet is closed, the cold water stops flowing through the
heating element and hot water stops flowing. They are usually fed
with electricity or gas.

How a storage tank water heater works

Storage tank water heaters are found in most homes. they have an insulation
tank where 30-50 gallons of water are heated and stored until needed.
A pipe placed in the upper part of the tank delivers the hot water to the bathroom,
kitchen or other sinks. They are powered by natural gas or electricity.
The natural gas ones consume almost 50% less energy than the electric ones
types. However, they cost a bit more than electric models and feature
a temperature and pressure release valve that opens when the temperature
or pressure exceeds preset levels.

Storage vs. Tankless Water Heaters

Due to functional differences between storage tank and tankless
systems, there are pros and cons to using each.

Advantages of tankless water heater

  • Save money on overtime.

· Homeowners who use 41 gallons or less of hot water per day will benefit
more than the tankless unit. Since tankless water systems do not have to
heating and maintaining the temperature of a large tank of water, energy use
and therefore energy costs are lower.

They have an extended lifespan of 20 to 30 years. However, if you live in a
place with hard water, its service life will be shortened.

· Does not consume space. If you don’t have space, they can be installed in
exterior walls.

They can deliver two to three gallons of hot water per minute, which
means you’ll have almost instant hot water every time you turn on the
sink.

Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

  • Higher purchase cost than a storage tank.

If your previous water heater was a storage tank, then the installation
the cost will increase considerably.

Taking a shower while doing laundry at the same time can cause your
tankless unit stops meeting the hot water demand.

Storage tank water heaters

  • Significantly lower initial cost.
  • Low cost of maintenance and repairs.

Showering while doing laundry, or any other activity that requires
hot water is possible because it is already stored and can flow to
wherever it is needed.

Cons of Storage Tank Water Heaters

They produce somewhat more expensive bills. especially during the winter
months because they have to work harder.

  • They take up more space
  • It needs to be replaced more often than a tankless one.

Their life expectancy is only 10-12 years, which is significantly less than
one without tank.

Is a storage tank or tankless water system right for me?

The best person to help you decide on the best water heater for you is
a professional and experienced plumber. However, here are some tips that
can help you know what type of heater you should get.

  • Should you buy a tankless water heater if…

or Energy saving is your priority.

or Use less than 40-50 gallons of hot water per day.

or Long-term savings is your priority

  • You should get a storage tank heater if…

or You are short of cash.

or Use more than 40-50 gallons of hot water per day.

Still not sure which type is best for your home?

Call Professional Plumbers in Denver at 720 390 2652. We are a
certified, licensed and insured plumbing that offers affordable services and
quality services to the Denver metro area.