http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/getting-green-with-bamboo.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/gardening/getting-green-with-bamboo.html Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Bamboo is so fast growing it could be the most 'sustainable' and natural commodity on the planet! On the question of it being replaceable, well some bamboos can grow as much as one meter in one day which is 1.5-2.0 inches per hour (under special accelerated conditions).

Even under natural growth conditions, a large full-sized bamboo tree could grow in six years, as opposed to sixty years for an average North American tree. This is a very high yield; in fact bamboo has been labeled the fastest growing renewable resource on the planet.

With all this growth, bamboo can be exploited without guilt, but in the West we have not, so far, found many uses for bamboo. All this is changing with the onset of the green outlook; in Asia, bamboo has been used for almost everything.

For centuries, Asians have used bamboo to make houses, to form single span bridges and to build scaffolding for high rise buildings; they have been making hard wood-effect floors with it, making towels and sheets with it, eating from it and even eating it (bamboo shoots). How versatile is that?

Strangely, to date, we do not seem to revere it so much over in the West. It has traditionally been used in North America for outdoor furniture, outdoor fencing, musical instruments and baskets. Recently we have seen fabric made from bamboo and with the call for sustainable living getting louder, bamboo is proving to be a 'must-have' commodity in North America.

If you are having a new home built and want to subscribe to the sustainable living ideals, there are many bamboo products that you can order from your builder. For instance, bamboo flooring, furniture, drapes, mats and food containers are all available in USA.

Bamboo flooring appears just as if it is a hardwood floor. Like wood, it can be used in the bathroom as it is suitable for radiant heat floors. According to the National Hardwood Flooring Association bamboo flooring is 10% harder than red oak hardwood flooring. It usually has a tongued and grooved finish which produces a smooth sheen to the floor.

Another use of bamboo that is gaining more popularity is as its use for fabrics for drapes and clothes. It is a breathable fabric and is very soft. For clothes, bamboo can take up to four times more moisture absorption than cotton, although this is not useful for drapes. Sheers in bamboo can be bought, they are available in several shades and have a soft look and feel that is unique to bamboo.

Bamboo can be bought and raised successfully in North America, even in most climates of the west coast, including the damp ones, (hello Seattle!)

You can mail order or email order from photos illustrated on the web site of a bamboo nursery in Chilliwack B.C. This company offers delivery and they quote actual temperatures that their plants can withstand. Some of the temperatures that Japanese bamboo can live through are well down in the sub-zeros .If you want to buy some fast growing trees for your yard, bamboo would be a good choice.

Bamboos start from tiny house plants to bushes in one gallon tubs and on up to seven gallon tubs. Bamboos would be a great tree to choose for a new home, or for a newly landscaped garden, as they can grow to full size within 6 years, unlike most of the trees of the North West which take ten times longer.

Some trees can be bought which sport the massive bamboo stems that we associate with the look of bamboo, and some just bush out voluminously almost hiding all their branches. You can choose from brown, green or golden stems and leaves come in green or variegated colors including yellow, orange, green and white or thinly striped.

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Alan has over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry, and specializes in Fergus Falls real estate. If you're looking to buy or sell Evansville real estate, see Alan at Century21Vista.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/shattering-real-estate-marketing-nightmares.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/shattering-real-estate-marketing-nightmares.html Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
First off, peruse the photos your agent has uploaded onto the MLS and their own site. As images are the instantaneous equivalent to "a thousand words", you want to know that they are serving to paint a pretty picture.

The photo of the front of the house should be particularly clear and appealing. There should be enough photos of the interior, ideally you'll want to include a shot of at least one bedroom, the kitchen, bathroom and living room, or at at the very least, you'll want to focus on the most attractive rooms in your home. All the photos should be light and bright. You don't want any random shots of house clutter or strange angles that don't communicate anything positive or clear about the space you are selling. The photos should be well cropped and sized. It's a real turn-off to see bloated stretched out photos on a site- and viewers will tend to bounce off quite quickly if they can't get a clear idea of what the house is like, or if it looks unappealing.

Another aspect of marketing is the sort of information that will be accessible on the MLS and on your agent's website. You want to make sure you provide your agent with all the basics about the property including the number of rooms, finished and unfinished square footage, lot size, zoning type, type of heating and any extra heating features, extra structures on the lot such as a woodshed or studio, and the approximate measurements for each of the rooms. Once these basic are covered you and your agent will want to hone in on the tag line that'll illuminate the main selling features of your home and define what makes your home unique. Are there ocean views? Is it on a corner lot? Is there lanes access? Is the community or neighborhood and "up and coming" neighborhood? Is the homes of a particular style? Is there anything special about the landscaping? Hone in on whatever makes your home stand out, and find the right words to sell those features.

Don't underestimate the fact that as much as your marketing should attract buyers, it needs to first and foremost attract selling agents. Agents are more likely to sell a house they've already toured, so you must make sure you draw in agents to preview your home. Make it stand out, by demanding that your marketing is clear, bright, appealing and showcases the unique features of your home.

Another aspect to getting your house out there in the market, is it's availability to be shown. If an agent can't easily get in to show a property, bet your bottom dollar, he/she will quickly move on to the next available property. The game, is really along the lines of, "you snooze, you lose". So be prepared by avoiding the pitfalls that include, having restricted hours for showings, having no lock box on the property, having a 24 hour notice restriction or an appointment only stipulation.

Now make sure you're working to get your property advertised in as many places as possible. Go above and beyond by paying a bit extra for some print advertising in the daily newspapers, in regional real estate magazines, and in any other relevant print publications.

Another hint, is to say yes, to the virtual on-line tours. Some buyers, won't even consider a property unless they can view an on-line tour. The basic requirements for a successful on-line tour are, a minimum two spins and hopefully more if space lends it, and high resolution images that are down loadable, so buyers can print and e-mail them should they desire.

Preset all the visible information buyer's need in your marketing scheme and you won't have to worry about attracting a healthy pool of interest right to your door step.

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When searching for Fergus Falls real estate, plan to use Century 21 Vista for your buying and selling needs. If you enjoy water sports or lake side living, be sure to check out Detroit Lakes Minnesota real estate, containing over 400 lakes within 25 miles.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/the-decorative-pool.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/the-decorative-pool.html Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Did you know, for example, that you can now have a pool with an infinity edge for your toddlers? Or how about placing your lava rock bowl in a centrally placed rock formation in your pool and lighting it up different colors at night? Your back yard could look like the gardens of an exotic 5 star hotel!

While we have all been skipping the pool pages, it seems that swimming pools have been skipping into the 21st Century!

Apart from being a great place to cool off, or to get your daily exercise, swimming pools also serve as a gathering place. Often the home with the pool is the home with all the teenage friends hanging out - so at least you know where your kids are!

However, a pool may only increase the value of your home in warm climates, so before you take the plunge, you must thoroughly analyze whether or not you really want one - and want the cleaning of it.

Often new pool owners, who are unfamiliar with the procedure, hire a pool maintenance company to keep the Ph balance of their pool up to scratch. It is not a difficult job but it is a constant one. Pools nowadays come with filters that allow the odd leaf or insect to be whisked off the pool, so that cleaning maintenance is minimal.

There are several advantages to having your own pool. If you are a family member, then your children will inevitably learn to swim more quickly. It is also a great gathering place for social occasions and with 'outdoor living' becoming the trend, a pool has to be right up there with the outdoor living accessories.

Beach entries are also popular for family fun. The walk-in-shallow pool has gradual drops in depth utilizing steps that lower you into deeper water. Infinity edge pools are also suitable for a young family, and these look like radius shaped edges from which re circulated water keeps running off into a catch basin. You may wish to check out the new idea of a salt water pool, which has less maintenance and is still healthy to swim in.

Of course, if you do not have a family to think about, you can indulge in some of the latest trends in backyard pools. These trends include fire features, special effect fountains and in-pool rock centers.

The rock theme can be applied in smaller yards, and has been effectively used as a tall backdrop to a small pool that is at the bottom end of the yard. Larger pools are big enough to house clumps of man-made rock in the center of the pool.

The fire idea is caused by housing a lava rock fire bowl within these rock designs and then lighting the gas powered flame. Flame color can be changed and dramatic reflections can dance across the water in the pool.

Most fountains can also be dramatized by having a spotlight of a different color directed onto them after dark. The newest idea in fountains is to install a frothy, foaming one and have a mushroom effect head.

These additions of fountains, fire, rock and light can transform your modest pool into a secluded delight. But first you need the pool....!

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When searching for Fergus Falls real estate, plan to use Century 21 Vista for your buying and selling needs. If you enjoy water sports or lake side living, be sure to check out Ashby real estate.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/mortgage-facts.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/mortgage-facts.html Mon, 14 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Assuming all goes well and you are pre-qualified, you are then able to get serious about the buying process and make an offer on a home you are interested in. If your offer is accepted, you will then need to return to the loan officer for pre-approval for a loan. This is where the bank or loaning institution gets serious. The loan officer will need to know not only your full income, but your full credit history. Unfortunately, any outstanding debts or missed payments can negatively impact your ability to get a home loan. The bank needs to know that you can pay them back, or they won't lend you money. They will also need financial details such as pay stubs, bank statements and tax information.

If for some reason you don't qualify for as high a loan as you want, perhaps because you just recently got a better paying job but your employment history was at a lower income, it is possible to get a co-signer who can increase the amount you are eligible for. A co-signer should be a close friend or family member with a higher annual income than you. Their income will then be added to yours, making your pre-approved loan amount higher. Consider, though, that a co-signers dept is also added to your debt, so choose them wisely. Also know that any bad credit history you have will not be cancelled out by their good credit. Anyone considering becoming a co-signer needs to realize that they then have certain legal responsibilities to that property, and they need to know exactly what they are.

The home you can afford, and your loan eligibility, are impacted by the amount you may have saved for a down payment. A loaning institution may favor you if you have a hearty down payment already. A higher down payment not only looks good to lenders, it saves you money in the long run because it is not added to your mortgage, meaning you don't pay interest on it. It is the amount that you have paid outright for your home, and makes you that much closer to being mortgage free.

So happy house-hunting, and don't forget to book an appointment with a mortgage loan officer as soon as possible.

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Alan Olson is a representative of CENTURY 21® Vista, which been serving the needs of people looking for Fergus Falls Real Estate in Otter Tail County, Douglas County, Grant County, Becker County, Wilkin County, Wadena County, Todd County and Hubbard County since 1976, and is one of the leading CENTURY 21® real estate brokerages in the Great North.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/home-staging.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/home-staging.html Mon, 14 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Home staging is about fixing up those little aesthetic and functional flaws in your home that you've learned to live with over the years. Let's face it, you didn't have time to fix that sticking cupboard door, and it still worked fine so it wasn't a priority. But when a potential buyer opens it to see how big the cupboards are, that stick could turn them off buying your home. These little flaws can add up, making it appear as though the home wasn't well cared for and potentially lowering its value. So before putting your home on the market, have a look around with an objective eye to what could use fixing. And remember, a little money spent now will make you money when your home sells. Here's some tips on what to look for:

The first thing a buyer will see is the front of your home. Is the walk-way clear and the landscaping tidy? What about the paint or siding? Is it faded or peeling?. Freshly painting or washing a house is relatively inexpensive, and makes a world of difference to the appearance of your home. Keep your colors neutral so they appeal to all tastes.

Next consider doorways. Do doors stick as they open or close? Do they have trouble latching? Have they been scratched by pets or damaged in any other way? Are the frames still in good shape? Consider repairing or replacing anything that doesn't look or work its best.

Inside your home, the more of the actual home that a buyer can see, the better. This means it's a good time to tidy up any cluttered surfaces. Consider putting excess furniture and decorative items into storage until after your house is sold, or even having a garage sale for items you are ready to part with. A minimally furnished and sparsely decorated home looks cleaner and more appealing, and has less of your personal emotional feel to it. It leaves room for potential buyers to mentally fill in the blanks with their own belongings. Even outside the home, if boats, bikes and RVs block the view of your property line, a buyer may be discouraged. Consider storage for these items as well, until you can move them to your new home.

Pay attention to details. Are the kitchen appliances dull? Is there faded paint or peeling wallpaper? Are counters or molding chipped? Is there caulking peeling off around bathtubs or sinks, or mildew stains on tiles or back splashes? Are toys laying around or is the cat litter box in plain view? Is there garbage or recycling overflowing anywhere? Are there any plumbing or wiring problems? Now is the time to get these things cleaned up or fixed. If there are any safety hazards, make these your top priority, but never underestimate the power of good aesthetics to sell your home.

Finally, make sure the furniture, carpets, bedspreads and window dressings that you have decided to keep on display are clean. Consider having them cleaned professionally. Hang clean towels in your clean bathroom. All of this will not only improve the appearance, but also the odor of your home.

You may be feeling like all these little repairs will get expensive. Hopefully many of them can be done by you, but keep in mind that a well-done job is worth it in the long run. It can not be stressed enough how a little financial investment at this stage in the selling process will earn you money in the end. So don't hesitate, fix what needs fixing. Your future profits depend on it.

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Alan Olson is a representative of CENTURY 21® Vista, which been serving the needs of people looking for Fergus Falls Real Estate in Otter Tail County, Douglas County, Grant County, Becker County, Wilkin County, Wadena County, Todd County and Hubbard County since 1976, and is one of the leading CENTURY 21® real estate brokerages in the Great North.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/land-investing.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/land-investing.html Fri, 23 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Typically investing in land is not as popular as developed real estate because of the amount of work that must be put into it. However as the need for land escalates this is changing. If you consider the tracts of unused land around your town, someone has to own them right? There is likely a large amount of available land in your area that can be purchased relatively inexpensively. The idea with land investing is to hold on to it and sell to a developer in future years. However, keep in mind that investing in land takes a bit more knowledge and research than investing in homes. One of the most important aspects of investing in land is knowing the zoning of the land you are buying and whether or not that is likely to change in the future. The zoning will, of course dictate who will likely be interested in property in the long-term.

Buying land that is zoned for commercial use is highly sought-after, but the most attractive land is that which is zoned for both commercial and residential. This land can be hard to locate but it is worth the effort and investment of time. This is really the investment that you want to be holding when your town starts a real estate boom. It's a vein of investing where a fortune can be made overnight if the demand is high. Don't forget to do your homework first. Educate yourself on the land that is available and the real estate trends in your town so you can make an educated guess at which way the industry is heading.

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Alan Olson is the broker/president of Century 21 Vista Inc, located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. For educated and professional service in the Minnesota real estate market.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/removing-the-guesswork-from-real-estate-investing.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/removing-the-guesswork-from-real-estate-investing.html Wed, 07 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600
The best way to pursue this endeavor is to systematically remove the guesswork and replace it with solid facts and informed decisions. The first question is where should you invest? In real estate there is little that is more important than location. If you are thinking about a long term investment then you will want to carefully consider the location of the property before buying. Make sure that your property is within close proximity of schools, shopping, business and any other necessary amenities. Also make sure that any planned changes to these things is taken into account. Make sure that your investment is located in a secure and growing area so that it will be a profitable investment for years to come.

Now comes one of of the big questions. Will you flip the property or do you have what it takes to be a landlord? This decision will factor largely into the the kind of property you choose. Flipping real estate can bring in a nice profit quickly if you are willing to spend some money on renovations or upgrades. On the other hand, being a landlord can bring in a secure monthly income and add to your equity. The choice is yours.

With your financing, just make sure that you deal with a financial professional that specializes in the world of investments. This is crucial as there are many different considerations when investing as opposed to buying for your own residential purposes.

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Alan Olson is the broker/president of Century 21 Vista Inc, located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. For educated and professional service in the Minnesota real estate market, contact the Century 21 Vista Team at www.century21vista.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>