Whether you’re selling or buying a home, the appearance of the carpets are one of the first things noticed. If you are selling your home, having your carpets professionally cleaned is an easy, cost effective way to give your house a facelift before showing prospective buyers. Stains and worn traffic areas can disappoint potential buyers and new homeowners alike.

The following simple tips can help you choose the right cleaning service for you.

• Find out if you will have to move the furniture or if they’ll do it for you. Sometimes there is a fee to move the furniture.

• Make sure to ask if the company is insured and bonded. It is also a good idea to ask if the company uses employees or sub contractors. Ask if a uniformed employee in a lettered company truck will show up to clean your house. If a sub contractor breaks or steals something in your house you may have little recourse.

• Prices should include all of the basic steps in the process. Typically prices should include pre-spraying or pre-treating the carpet and basic spotting. Services like pet odor removal, wax removal or tough stains may be at additional cost. Keep in mind that choosing a carpet cleaner based on low price may not always be the best choice. Low price may get you to set the appointment, but once the cleaner gets into your home, they may pressure you into a much more expensive job.

• Make sure you choose a carpet cleaner who offers a money-back guarantee. If you aren’t pleased with the job in every way, or if they don’t re clean your carpets to your satisfaction, you shouldn’t have to pay for it. It is a good idea get the guarantee on the written quotation.

You always have the option to rent a machine and do it yourself, but it can be an arduous task and ineffective if done improperly. If you have heavily soiled carpets or stains, it is a good idea to locate a professional cleaning service to deep clean your carpets. A professional deep clean lengthens the life of your carpets, makes your home healthier, and keeps you from taking on a task that can be more involved than expected.

Exciting news for the Atlanta market! According to a recent CNNMoney article Atlanta has been awarded the #1 spot for the best place to buy a home these days. The article awarded 6 cities where home prices are likely to rise the most – or fall the least – in the next 12 months.

The other cities ranked on the list were:
2- Boston
3- Cincinatti
4- Cleveland
5- Detroit
6- Houston

The article indicated that frenzied home building in Atlanta has stalled, which should start to reduce the area’s large supply of vacant housing and propel prices upward.

According to CNNMoney, the average home price for a typical affluent suburb in Alpharetta is $359,950. If you are in the market for a new or resale home in the Atlanta market, NOW is the time to buy. Atlanta real estate is affordable and available. Inventory levels of new homes are decreasing meaning it is a great time to buy. As inventory gets purchased, we will see prices start to increase.

Reasons to buy now:
• affordable
• available
• low interest rates
• single biggest way to build wealth and networth
• historically low prices won’t last

When purchasing a home, one of the most important decisions you face is what type of loan to go with. There are many different options to consider and you will need to decide whether to take out a fixed or an adjustable rate mortgage. The type of mortgage that’s right for you depends on many factors, such as your tolerance for risk and how long you expect to stay in your home.

Fixed rate mortgages
With a fixed rate mortgage, the interest rate on a fixed rate mortgage remains the same throughout the life of the loan. Your monthly payment (consisting of principal and interest) generally remains the same as well. The entire mortgage is repaid in equal monthly installments over the term (length) of the loan.

Fixed rate mortgages are the most popular and almost 75% of all home mortgages are fixed interest rate mortgages. However, having a fixed interest rate on your mortgage has both positive and negative aspects. If interest rates rise, yours won’t; and thus, your monthly mortgage payment will always remain the same. For homeowners on tight budgets or with fixed incomes this can be reassuring and this type of mortgage is typically the best choice.

On the other hand, if interest rates go down, yours will not, and your mortgage payment will remain the same. However, a possible option may be to refinance your home, paying off the higher-rate mortgage with one that carries a lower interest rate. Keep in mind the interest rate might need to drop significantly to offset the expenses associated with refinancing, and you’d need to remain in your home long enough to recoup those expenses.

Adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs)
With this type of mortgage, sometimes also called a variable rate mortgage, your interest rate is adjusted periodically, rising or falling to keep pace with changes in market interest rate fluctuations. Your monthly payment amount is recalculated with each rate adjustment. Depending on what’s specified in the mortgage contract, an ARM can be adjusted semi-annually, quarterly, or even monthly, but most are adjusted annually.

Adjustable-rate mortgages come with special rules (rate caps) that limit how much your payment can increase. These rate caps are important because they protect you from unlimited higher payments, no matter how high or how quickly market interest rates rise.

If you are uncertain as to if an ARM is for you, consider if the following apply to you:

 Want or need more home than you can qualify for now at a fixed rate.
 Are confident your income will increase.
 Plan on moving within seven years of buying your home.
 You can tolerate uncertainty in your mortgage interest rate and fluctuations in your monthly mortgage payment amount.

There are many different types of ARM mortgages and although somewhat riskier than a fixed rate mortgage, an ARM may benefit you if you have certain needs or find yourself in certain circumstances. Depending on your situation, you may be better off with a fixed rate or other type of mortgage. Examine your financial and life situation with the help of your loan officer or financial advisor. Try this mortgage calculator to help you in your decision making.

It is that time of the year when the bugs will soon be out in full force and when they make an appearance in your home you will find yourself searching for a pest control company to come to the rescue. While most household pests are merely a nuisance, some can cause serious damage to our homes or property and other pose dangers such as bites, stings and transmit disease-causing agents. Choosing a pest control company is a serious matter, you want someone who is honest, dependable, state-certified, and who has the proper training and expertise to use the chemicals safely in your home. Below are some tips to help you in your search to find a professional in your area.

• Select a company based on their reputation, time in the community and willingness to answer your questions. They should give you written material that describes the problem they propose to treat and how they propose to treat it including what chemicals will be used and in what amounts.
• Pest control companies differ in their guarantees so be sure to Inquire on the specifics. If a guarantee is given, know what it covers, how long it lasts, what you must do to keep it in force, and what kind of continuing prevention and management are necessary.
• Do not select a pest control company based on price alone, an advertisement in the phone book or the “deal of the week”. Be cautious of unsolicited sales pitches and never select treatment just because your neighbor’s property is being treated or because there is “leftover spray from another job”. Get references and check them.

The key to any decision is having confidence in the company you chose. Pay attention to the value and the service you expect for the price you pay. In addition, there are many, many things you can do to help prevent and eliminate pests in and around the home without using pesticides. Here are a few:

MOISTURE CONTROL – Removing moisture that attracts pests…
• Repair leaky roofs, faucets, pipes and appliances.
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Direct water away from the house.
• Eliminate standing water and water in outdoor containers.
• Ensure that crawlspaces have vents and a vapor barrier.

EXCLUSION – Sealing keeps pests out…
• Seal foundation cracks and gaps where utility lines enter.
• Keep doors, windows and vents screened and well sealed.
• Keep exterior wood painted, stained or sealed.
• Seal items in storage. Store items in plastic, not cardboard.
• Before bringing in new items, inspect them for pests.

SANITATION – Cleaning removes food and hiding places…
• Keep trash containers clean and tightly sealed.
• Keep foods in sealed containers.
• Don’t leave dog/cat food or birdseed out for long periods.
• Remove clutter and junk, indoors and out.
• Vacuum regularly.

PREVENTION – Making your home unattractive to pests…
• Eliminate wood-to-ground contact.
• Use gravel or rock instead of wood mulch.
• Use concrete or plastic instead of wood landscape timbers.
• Keep plants trimmed and woodpiles away from house.
• Use yellow “bug lights” in exterior light fixtures.

Good fences make good neighbors is an old adage that has been around for generations, and for good reason! Fences help create privacy and security for both pets and children. In addition, a fence can add to the curb appeal of your home. When installing a fence it is very important to make sure you are erecting it on your property only. You should not assume that a prior fence or hedge was located on the property boundary, and reference should be made to property deeds and legal surveys. You may find evidence of survey stakes to help you determine the boundary lines.

Types Of Fences

There are many different types of fences to choose from to best suit your budget and situation. Visit the fence project estimator to get an idea of cost and how to find a quality fence company in your area.

Wood Fences. A popular and cost effective choice, wood fences can be made out of Western red cedar, cypress, or treated pine. When maintained properly, wood fences can endure the harshest weather and provide you with several years of serviceability. Wood fences can come in privacy, picket or rail style. Visit the FAQ for more information on wood fencing.

Vinyl (PVC) Fencing. Vinyl fences are strong and highly durable – retaining their shape, color and structural integrity. In addition to their attractive appearance, this style of fencing offers many benefits. It is fireproof, wont rust or rot, termite resistant and is virtually maintence free. While this type of fencing is more costly than wood, you will not need to replace the fence in a few years, they are built to last a lifetime. There are many styles of vinyl fencing available to suit your needs from privacy to picket.

Chain Link Fencing. Chain link fences are an economical way to provide years of maintenance-free security and access control. These types of fences are extremely versatile; they can be made in a variety of heights, and can handle anything from a simple boundary marker for a homeowner to perimeter security. You can also get vinyl coated chain link fences in different colors for added versility.

Wrought Iron Fences. This style of fencing is extremely durable and has a classic look. They are available in different colors, patterns and heights. This style of fencing can be used for walkways, porches, and perimeter and driveway gates as well. Click here to find wrought iron fencing contractors in your area.

Adding a fence to your home can be a significant investment, so do your research and consider all your options. Some questions to consider: what is the primary purpose your fence? Will it provide security, satisfy municipal codes, retain children or pets, enclose pools, beautify your property, screen an unsightly view or provide privacy? With careful planning and professional guidance, your fence can provide any number of the above benefits.