Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Paul Hartke is making 2020 the year that he follows his dreams.

I have always worked for someone else my entire adult career, he said. But I have always had a desire to own my own business and build a legacy for my children.

Hartke, who lives in Marion, recently became a franchise owner with Floor Coverings International.

We offer pretty much anything you would want to put down on your floor, said Hartke, citing the stores offerings of carpet, tile, hardwood, luxury vinyl plank/tile, bamboo, cork, stone and area rugs.

Hartke visits customers homes in a mobile flooring showroom stocked with some 3,500 flooring samples.

His son serves as office manager while also a full-time student at Kirkwood Community College.

When the decision was made to become his own boss, Hartke looked at four different franchises. He decided on Floor Coverings International because of its franchisee support, he recalled, allowing him to draw on the best practices of 150 other franchises.

In addition, Hartke believed his new business would dovetail with his wife and daughters business as real estate agents.

While Hartke did not have direct experience in flooring sales, he said hes been leaning on his past work experience as he launches this business.

I felt confident due to my experience in building homes when I lived in Kansas City, he said.

He also can tap into his experience working as an HVAC sales engineer for 20 years.

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Hartke opened the business in the last year, which of course came with challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Being the new kid on the block and getting your name out is always a challenge, he said, I am figuring out the appropriate rate of growth, so I dont grow too fast or too slow ... .

Because of COVID, obviously, we are all masked up, he said. In some ways it has hurt because people many not want you their home. But on one hand COVID helped from the perspective that people still want to do home improvement projects and feel more comfortable having someone come to their home so they do not have to leave and actually go to a store.

Hartke also is working with customers dealing with derecho damage.

I have learned quickly that being a small-business owner you wear many hats.

On any given day, Hartke is going on consultations, ordering flooring, receiving deliveries at the warehouse and hopping on corporate Zoom meetings.

Clients are dealing with me from the consultation, to measuring, to the final install, he added.

Know a small business in the Corridor that just might make for an interesting My Biz feature? Let us know by emailing the business editor at michaelchevy.castranova@thegazette.com.

Owner: Paul Hartke

Business: Floor Coverings International of Cedar Rapids

Address: 5915 Fourth St SW, Cedar Rapids

Phone: (319) 531-7771

Website: cedarrapids.floorcoveringsinternational.com

Excerpt from:
'New kid on the block' grows franchise with Floor Coverings International in Cedar Rapids - The Gazette

This year feels like it's been at least a decade. How we live and work has changed drastically, and I think that 2021 will be less about getting back to normal, and more about rediscovering a new normal.

Gadgets have, unsurprisingly, played a big part over the year, across all facets of life, from work, to rest, and play, and as the year draws to a close I wanted to highlight the gadgets and gear that have earned their place in my office, backpack, or pocket.

Since I don't want this review dominated by Apple gadgets, let's just assume that my iPhone, iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and AirPods Pro were with me within arm's reach pretty much all the time.

This is the other stuff! And some of this stuff you may have seen before, and some you may not.

Must read: How to securely erase hard drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs)

This thing has been charged and recharged dozens of times, thrown into a backpack or suitcase, and been used to charge a myriad of devices, from my MacBook to earbuds, and it's still as good as new.

A total workhorse of a power bank.

Read more.

This is my desktop charger of choice. It replaces four other chargers (including my MacBook Pro USB-C charger and my iPhone charger).

This has been in continuous use for months now without any issues whatsoever.

Read more.

When I need portable power when out and about, this is the power station that's seen the most use. It's not the biggest I have, but it is ideal if I need to carry it in and out myself (I might choose something bigger if I can leave it in a vehicle).

Read more.

While I've found Rode wired microphones to be flimsy (having broken a Rode Lavalier GO and a Rode HS2-PL within a few weeks), the Wireless Go has been in pretty much daily use for the past eight to nine months without any real issue. This set works pretty good, has a decent range, and has stood up to all the usual knocks and scuffs.

Great for taking gear such as GoPros and battery packs into the outdoors on camping or filming trips. It does a great job of keeping sand and water away from things, and for protecting them from drops and being crushed.

Read more.

Have you ever found yourself buying something in a bit of a rush,not having the time to do proper research, and yet been pleasantly surprised? That's how it went with this case. I did a little research, it looked good, I bought it, and it far exceeded my expectations. I've packed it so tight that there wasn't room for an extra molecule inside it, dragged it miles across sidewalks, cobbled streets, and even dirt tracks, and it's not let me down.

Whether this is a toy or a serious bit of work kit depends on how you use it. It's a professional platform that you can use to get serious results, and yet that's really easy to fly.

I've put a lot of kilometers on mine and not only found it to be so much fun, but it's taken my photography and videography to a new level.

This is the perfect Android 10 smartphone for the engineer. It's rugged, speedy, and the thermal camera and optional borescope make it a great tool for getting work done.

Read more.

There are cheaper massage guns out there, but this one is the best I've used. The smartphone app feels a bit gimmicky, but the powerful motor makes this one stand head and shoulders above the rest at melting away aches and tension.

This is a great way to read ebooks or listen to audiobooks on a distraction-free device.

I've carried one of these for miles stuffed with gear, and it's still going strong. The best sling backpack that I've owned.

I've totally forgotten what it's like to misplace my keys or wallet. Huge timesaver!

I haven't yet had a chance to use the GoPro Hero 9 Black, but I have put many hours of use on my two Hero 8 Black units, and they're the only camera I have that's better than the one on my iPhone.

Great for putting a smartphone on a tripod. It takes even the biggest smartphone in the chunkiest case, and holds it tight.

A great way to clamp a camera onto, well, everything from railings to the edge of a desk. The articulations are super smooth, allow for infinite adjustment, and yet itlocks up tight.

Perfect for lining up that shot just right!

Go here to see the original:
Best of the best gadgets of 2020 - ZDNet

Editor's Note: This piece originally appeared on Vogue's website as part of a content partnership.

Whether organizing your way to happiness or embracing hygge, the Danish philosophy of cozy living, it always seems that just when you catch up to a design craze, insiders are already on to the next. So while the ascendance of Ikigai was intriguing, skepticism seemed wise. Ikigai, which translates to 'having a purpose' in English, is of Japanese origin, associated with the feeling of self-fulfillment earned by pursuing a meaningful life. Today, it's being embraced by the creative community. But unlike other decor movements that entail, say, purging your closets of joyless objects or surrounding yourself with adorable throw pillows and charming ceramics, it's not so dictatorial. After all, who can argue with the idea of purpose-driven design?

Lucky for us, the design industry is embracing Ikigai, not as a trend, but as a time-honored philosophy-and one that's here to stay. Kari Pei, VP of Global Design for Interface, the global commercial flooring company, first learned about Ikigai many years ago while working in Japan, when she was teaching Japanese mills how to use French weaving programs. 'Over the years, I've studied Japanese design, culture, and architecture. Japanese culture strives to work in harmony with the natural environment, which gets right at the heart of our mission. The concept of Ikigai marries perfectly with my own personal (as well as Interface's) design goals,' she says. 'I think of Ikigai as an existential belief closely related to well-being and happiness, through connection with others and with nature.'

Starting with the edict that great design must exist in harmony with nature, Pei and her team set out to create modern, beautiful, carpet tiles with the environment in mind. The result: Interface's breathtaking Embodied Beauty collection. Inspired by timeless Japanese aesthetics, the collection is not only alluring, but innovative, as all seven styles of Embodied Beauty are carbon neutral across their full product life cycle, with three styles being carbon negative when measured cradle to gate. Ultimately, all Embodied Beauty options help lower the carbon footprint of a space. 'Interface's purpose is to lead an industrial re-revolution, or to show the world that business can be used as a force for good,' says Pei, who is on a mission to create products that benefit the environment. 'We have a responsibility to the planet,' she says. 'Each time we produce a carpet tile, we're using energy and resources that aren't easily replenished. That's why we work so hard to minimize the carbon footprint of our flooring by using bio-based materials and recycled content.'

Products shown: Sashiko Stitch (Color: Jadeite) & Shishu Stitch [-CO2] (Color: Ash)

Accordingly, everything from her choice of materials to the weight of the carpet and even the composition of the tiles' backing was considered in terms of its environmental impact. 'We used a totally new machine and new yarns to create the carbon negative products in the Embodied Beauty collection, so we were working with a brand-new set of tools, which influenced everything from pile heights to design, textures, and colorways,' says Pei.

Best of all, she didn't have to sacrifice style for sustainability. The Embodied Beauty collection reflects the refined simplicity so often associated with Japanese culture. As a whole, the collection embraces calm, muted grays in warm and cool tones alongside natural colors for added dimension. Architects and interior designers are especially drawn to the tiles for their wealth of textural possibilities, which helps them to effortlessly create floors that feel luxe, yet are neutral enough to work with a myriad of palettes.

What gave Pei as a designer so much creative license is that Ikigai is a worldview that complements other design schools. Whether you're a minimalist or maximalist, a fan of mid-century design or Art Nouveau, Ikigai's focus on purpose allows it to be a gentle, guiding force. 'We were inspired by many traditional Japanese crafts. Firstly, the art of kintsugi, which creates something totally new and beautiful through the act of mending the broken or repairing,' notes Pei. 'The creation of these carbon-storing products takes something traditionally seen as an enemy-carbon-and creates a product that helps to mend our damaged environment, so we're sort of flipping the script.' And the fact that her handiwork is manifested in tiles (versus traditional rugs) makes it easier than ever to control the carbon footprint of a space-designers can utilize them in a mass open area, like an office, or arrange the tiles to accommodate whatever square footage exists, in any creative configuration.

Pei was also able to incorporate other Japanese design elements under the umbrella of Ikigai. She leaned into the idea of wabi-sabi, or embracing the imperfect, as revealed in the unscripted floor patterns found in Geisha Gather. She drew inspiration from sashiko, a decorative stitching technique used to reinforce textiles, as seen in Interface's Sashiko Stitch products. Another traditional Japanese craft called boro-a beautiful technique of combining remnant fabrics, thus creating a patchwork of texture and color-plays an overarching role.

So if you're ready to dip your toes into this design movement and effortlessly elevate your space, a floor designed with Interface's Embodied Beauty carpet can easily be the hero piece of an Ikigai-centric decor scheme. While design fads come and go, this new thinking-with its innate practicality and Earth-friendly ethos-will never go out of style.

Disclaimer

Interface Inc. published this content on 07 December 2020 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 07 December 2020 20:42:08 UTC

Read the original here:
Interface : Why Ikigai is the Design Philosophy We All Need Right Now | MarketScreener - Marketscreener.com

Gutterglove will invest $5.4 million to establish new manufacturing and distribution operations in La Vergne, TN. The nations leading gutter guard manufacturer will create 85 jobs in Rutherford County over the next five years.

At its core, Gutterglove is about people. We operate behind this philosophy that What Matters to You Matters to Us. It drives all of our interactions with our customers, partners, and team members, and were excited to bring this philosophy to Tennessee, said Matt Smith, CEO, Gutterglove. Our new team members there will make it even easier for us to fulfill our purpose to Guard What Matters Most; keep our promise to Do It Right. Do It Once; and achieve our vision to Guard Every Gutter on Every Home in North America.

The company will improve a new building to add administrative offices and team member facilities. In addition, Gutterglove will build out manufacturing, shipping and receiving, and inventory holding spaces.

As part of the expansion, Gutterglove will relocate some machinery from its current West Coast manufacturing facility to Tennessee to replicate a portion of current capacity in the new location, as well as invest heavily in new state-of-the-art machinery to expand its manufacturing capabilities.

Tennessees strength in advanced manufacturing and skilled workforce makes it the perfect location for a company like Gutterglove to expand operations, said Governor Bill Lee. Im pleased that Gutterglove chose Rutherford County to grow its manufacturing and distribution operations and thank the company for creating 85 new jobs in La Vergne.

Headquartered in Roseville, CA, Gutterglove produces patented gutter guard systems that are designed, assembled and packaged in the U.S. The company began as a gutter cleaning business in 1996 and, after seeing a need for more reliable gutter systems, incorporated in 2000.

Since 2015, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) has supported nearly 30 economic development projects in Rutherford County, representing more than 4,000 job commitments and $1 billion in capital investment.

Our focus at TNECD is to create valuable opportunities for our residents and for businesses looking to locate or expand, said TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe. We continue to successfully recruit West Coast-based companies choosing to operate in Tennessee, and it is because of our states pro-business climate, skilled workforce and exceptional quality of life. Gutterglove is a welcome addition to our manufacturing sector, and we wish them great success in Rutherford County.

Considering Tennessee for your companys relocation or expansion project?Check out all the latest newsrelated to Tennessee economic development, corporate relocation, corporate expansion and site selection.

Visit link:
Gutterglove Investing Over $5M In New Tennessee Operations - Business Facilities Magazine

The global Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market is carefully researched in the report while largely concentrating on top players and their business tactics, geographical expansion, market segments, competitive landscape, manufacturing, and pricing and cost structures. Each section of the research study is specially prepared to explore key aspects of the Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market. For instance, the market dynamics section digs deep into the drivers, restraints, trends, and opportunities of the Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market. With qualitative and quantitative analysis, we help you with thorough and comprehensive research on the Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners industry. We have also focused on SWOT, PESTLE, and Porters Five Forces analyses of the Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market.

Leading players of the global Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market are analyzed taking into account their market share, recent developments, new product launches, partnerships, mergers or acquisitions, and markets served. We also provide an exhaustive analysis of their product portfolios to explore the products and applications they concentrate on when operating in the Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market. Furthermore, the report offers two separate market forecasts one for the production side and another for the consumption side of the Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market. It also provides useful recommendations for new as well as established players of the Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market.

Major players covered in this report:

Applied Cleansing SolutionsSpinacleanGCS Gutter Cleaning SystemsGutter Pro VacStreamline

Get a Sample Copy of the report:https://www.reporthive.com/request_sample/2619784

Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market by Types:

Vertical Vacuum Cleaners, Horizontal Vacuum Cleaners, Portable Vacuum Cleaners

Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market by Applications:

Commercial, Residential

Key questions answered in this research study What is the global (North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, China, Japan) production, production value, consumption, consumption value, import and export of Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners? Who are the global key manufacturers of Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners industry? How are their operating situation (capacity, production, price, cost, gross and revenue)? What are the types and applications of Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners? What is the market share of each type and application? What are the upstream raw materials and manufacturing equipment of Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners? What is the manufacturing process of Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners? Economic impact on Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners industry and development trend of Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners industry. What will the Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market size and the growth rate be in 2025? What are the key factors driving the global Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners industry? What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market? What are the Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market challenges to market growth? What are the Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market?

Based on geography, the global Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market segmented into:North America [U.S., Canada, Mexico]Europe [Germany, UK, France, Italy, Rest of Europe]Asia-Pacific [China, India, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific]South America [Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America]Middle East & Africa [GCC, North Africa, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa]

Detailed TOC of Global Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market:1 Market Overview1.1Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Type 11.2.2 Type 21.3 Market Analysis by Application1.3.1 Application 11.3.2 Application 21.4 Market Analysis by Region1.4.1 United States Market States and Outlook (2014-2026F)1.4.2 Europe Market States and Outlook (2014-2026F)1.4.3 China Market States and Outlook (2014-2026F)1.4.4 Japan Market States and Outlook (2014-2026F)1.4.5 Southeast Asia Market States and Outlook (2014-2026F)1.5 Market Dynamics and Development1.5.1 Merger, Acquisition and New Investment1.5.2 Market SWOT Analysis1.5.3 Drivers1.5.4 Limitations1.5.5 Opportunities and Development Trends1.6 Global Market Size Analysis from 2014 to 20261.6.1 Global Market Size Analysis from 2014 to 2026 by Consumption Volume1.6.2 Global Market Size Analysis from 2014 to 2026 by Value1.6.3 Global Price Trends Analysis from 2014 to 20262 Global Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market Competition by Types, Applications, and Top Regions and Countries2.1 Global Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market(Volume and Value) by Type2.1.1 Global Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market Consumption and Market Share by Type (2014-2019)2.1.2 Global Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market Revenue and Market Share by Type (2014-2019)2.2 Global Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market(Volume and Value) by Application2.2.1 Global Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market Consumption and Market Share by Application (2014-2019)2.2.2 Global Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market Revenue and Market Share by Application (2014-2019)2.3 Global Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market(Volume and Value) by Region2.3.1 Global Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market Consumption and Market Share by Region (2014-2019)2.3.2 Global Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market Revenue and Market Share by Region (2014-2019)

About us:

Our research base consists of a wide spectrum of premium market research reports. Apart from comprehensive syndicated research reports, our in-house team of research analysts leverages excellent research capabilities to deliver highly customized tailor-made reports. The market entry strategies presented in our reports has helped organizations of all sizes to generate profits by making timely business decisions. The research information including market size, sales, revenue, and competitive analysis offered, is the product of our excellence in the market research domain.

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Gutter and Roof Vacuum Cleaners market competitive landscape product and geographical analysis by 2026 | Applied Cleansing Solutions, Spinaclean, GCS ...

HARFORD COUNTY, MD Light shows around Harford County are spreading holiday cheer, from Whiteford to Joppa.

Here are some of the best Christmas light shows around, submitted by Patch readers.

Did we miss yours? Send it to elizabeth.janney@patch.com.

121 Taunton Ct, Abingdon; lights are on from sunset (approximately 6) until 10 p.m.

The display features homemade decorations, including polar bears, snowmen, penguins and a nativity scene made of lights. During the Christmas season, the display raises money for the American Heart Association. Around Halloween, donations go to the American Cancer Society.

1722 Edwin Drive, Bel Air; open 5:3010 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5:309:30 p.m. Sunday to Thursday until Jan. 1.

Listen to 92.7 FM to hear the soundtrack to this light show, which includes a mix of holiday songs. People can donate to the Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic at a box in front of the house or online. Turn off headlights and do not block driveways, please.

The show has mega trees, just under 50K lights, an 8-foot matrix and fog effects. A remix from the Broadway hit "Hamilton" is part of the soundtrack, as is "We Stand As One," highlighting national unrest, the pandemic and those suffering from diseases like Type-1 diabetes. Tune in to 107.9 FM. Funds will be donated to JDRF researching and developing a cure for Type-1 diabetes (TD1).

3107 Nova Scotia Road, Bel Air; nightly 5 p.m.midnight until Jan. 3

More than 175 blow molds plus other inflatables and sculptures are on display, courtesy of the Spencer family, which has been decorating for more than 15 years. About 5,000 lights are out this year and so is a mega tree.

1200 E. Churchville Road, Bel Air; 610 p.m. SundayThursday and 611 p.m. Friday and Saturday

The drive-thru display off Route 22 is set to music. From Friday through Sunday, the church opens to showcase its train garden and serves up hot cocoa. People must wear face coverings to go inside. Donations of nonperishable goods will go to the church's food pantry.

1202 Peachtree Rd., Fallston; open 5:15-9 p.m. daily.

The display features a Ferris wheel, dog park, mailbox and other items that were handmade.

"We do this to spread Christmas cheer and to make others smile," resident Kelly Constantino told Patch.

227 Kershaw Ct., Joppa; Santa will be there Dec. 13, 19 and 20, weather permitting

Artist Teresa Stepp made this Santa house, which currently has a singing Santa inside. A real, live Santa Claus will be in Joppatowne to greet children 47 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13; Saturday, Dec. 19; and Sunday, Dec. 20. Nonperishable goods will be donated to the Joppatowne Christian Church.

One reader suggested 1525 Dooley Road in Whiteford, describing it as "amazing!"

See a map of Christmas lights in Harford County.

See Also:

Visit link:
Harford County Christmas Lights: Where To Find Them In 2020 - Patch.com

Being a homeowner is one of the most excitingachievements, as very few things beat this feeling. As much as it is anexhilarating time, there is a need to ensure your home is protected.

There are various ways to ensure you have acomfortable and secure living space. From beefing up security to purchasing ahome insurance plan, the real estate industry offers a myriad of ways to makeyour stay in your new home worthwhile.

In this article, we are going to focus on one ofthe ways to protect you and your family investing in a home protection plan.

A home protection plan is a contract between ahomeowner and a home protection company that covers the cost of maintaining andreplacing household appliances.

It is not uncommon for people to confuse homeprotection plans for home insurance.

Home insurance is different from home protectionplans. Home insurance covers the house and all its contents from unprecedenteddamages caused by fire, floods, or other calamities. Home protection plans, onthe other hand, protect your home appliances if it malfunctions, maintainingtheir functionality.

There are various types of home protection plans.The best thing is that there are not many restrictions and homeowners cancustomize these plans according to their needs.

There are various reasons why you need a homeprotection plan.

Let us delve into specifics.

A home warranty is an all-inclusive coverage thatcovers various home appliances and systems in the house. However, sincehomeowners are constantly upgrading their appliances and buying newer ones tomake house chores easier, some of these appliances might not receive coveragefrom home warranties. A home protection plan goes a long way in offeringcoverage for such appliances. That way, you receive maximum coverage for allyour household appliances.

Home appliances can be expensive. For instance,refrigerators and washing machines cost hundreds of dollars, which is on thelower side. AC units and boilers, on the other hand, can cost thousands ofdollars. When these appliances fail or malfunction, repairs can cause deepfinancial strain.

However, by investing in a home protection plan,your service provider caters to costs in case a covered household item needsrepair. Even if the repairs costs are very high, the service provider willcater to a larger portion of the costs, leaving you to top up a few dollars.

What makes home protection plans very attractiveis the fact that they offer free routine maintenance to ensure your homeappliances serve you for longer periods.

Malfunctioned household electrical appliances area source of stress. Whats even more stressful is getting a reputable handymanto repair it. Home protection plan service providers relieve these stresses asthey have technicians who possess the necessary knowledge and experience towork on these items. That way, you are spared the stresses of finding acontractor or falling into the hands of untrustworthy repairmen.

It may come a time when you want to sell yourhome. Considering that homebuyers are very articulate in the condition of thehouse before they can make a decision, having a home protection plan mighthelp.

In some cases, home protection plans for certainitems are transferrable. That way, you gain a competitive advantage againstother sellers, allowing you to sell your home fast and at a better askingprice.

Home warranty plans cover a variety of appliancesincluding HVAC units, refrigerators, garbage disposal, dishwashers, microwaves,ovens, water heaters, washers, dryers, and many others.

Additionally, you might have add-on options suchas roof leak protection, swimming pool equipment, additional refrigerationunits, and many more. However, the equipment covered in home protection plansdiffers from one service provider to the other.Before paying for one, you need to first understand what appliances willbe covered in the plan.

Deciding to go for a home protection plan is aserious decision as it involves the investment of your hard-earned money. It isfor this reason that it is advisable to make careful considerations beforesettling for a home protection plan service provider.

Below are some of the things to consider whenchoosing the right plan for you.

As a homeowner, you may need to re-evaluate thekind of plan you want. If you are moving to an older home, a home protectionplan is definitely worth it. Additionally, since appliances tend to break downwhen you least expect it, even homeowners moving to newer houses need theseprotection plans.

Finding the right protection plan requiresresearch. The insurance industry has a myriad of options when it comes toservice providers. What you need to do is come up with a list of homeprotection plan companies. Call or visit them and ask for free quotes. Next,you can scrutinize these quotes to gain a solid knowledge of how much money youare required to pay.

As you look at the pricing, remember to alsocounter check the services they offer. If you are unsatisfied with the coverageoffered, ask the company if they are open to making adjustments or includingadditional services.

Out of the many quotes you receive, narrow themdown to two or three. To ensure you receive your ideal coverage, visit each ofthese companies and ask questions in regards to their service provision,customer support, the contractors they use, as well as the companies terms andconditions for the contract. Do not be afraid to ask these questions as some ofthe information you may receive may not be readily available on social mediaplatforms or in the companys brochures.

Once you have done this, you can then decide thehome protection plan service provider best suited for you.

Read the original:
Are You A New Homeowner? Learn About Getting A Home Protection Plan - Hill Country Breaking News

Ok, I will never not share funny things from local law enforcement because it shows that they are just like everyone else. Including, getting those pesky calls about your vehicle's extended warranty. This is a video you don't want to miss.

This video is honestly brilliant. We have all been there and you know, 2020 might actually be the year that the police actually start asking you about that extended vehicle warranty. Ha! Of course, I am kidding, but it does feel like these people are EVERYWHERE!

This video is relatable on so many levels. How many times do you get this phone call a day? A week? A month? Sometimes I start getting text messages about my extended warranty on a vehicle I never had a warranty for.

And again, I love when police show their human side and make people realize they are just like everyone else. They have a sense of humor, they have fun with people, they have families and friends and they aren't the bad guys.

In the grand scheme of things, police, sheriffs deputies, first responders, law enforcement, they all just want to do their jobs and make it home safely.

Though admittedly, if I got pulled over and this was a cop's response to me speeding, I would die laughing after I got nervous for no reason. Thank you for making my day with such a short clip and relatable laughter.

The rest is here:
WATCH: Twin Falls Sheriff's Office Got Jokes; About That Warranty - kezj.com

You want the best price to sell your home and you want to sell it yesterday, right?

Regardless of your home's listing price and all the pretty pictures online with expensive staging, Realtors still show your house live with buyers. And this is when too many deals fall apart or the offer you receive is way below what you expected.

Why? Because the home is not clean and appears not to be maintained with care. And this is the responsibility of both the homeowner and your Realtor.

Consistently, we read about surveys and horror stories about how little effort sellers invest in how their property shows. Dirt, rotten food in the fridge, pet odors (cats have caused more deals to go south than any animal on the planet), water leaks, mold on walls, dead mice behind washing machines--the list goes on. If your home looks, smells, feels unmaintained, the home inspector will not be on your side and the offer--if it ever is written--will not be what you expect.

As a former homebuilder, investor buying and selling and consulting on how to sell properties, I, like you, realize what critical areas in a home can cause heartburn and trepidation in buyers not wanting to have to fix/replace broken stuff in your house for sale.

If you're selling now or thinking about selling, here's a checklist to insure your home is looking it's best to secure the best offer. And if you're a Realtor, it's your responsibility to hold your client accountable to present a home that shows respectfully, and doesn't hamper your reputation of presenting a good product. If the homeowner doesn't realize what's important--it's your job to coach them, pure and simple. No excuses.

1.Clean the house to an inch of its life. Hire a crew if need be, but clean it. Every single corner should shine. No cobwebs, bugs, dirt, pet hair, soap scum, or grime under/behind appliances, tops of cabinets or under sinks. Show pride in the home.

2. If it smells like cat urine, get rid of the carpet that stinks and find a place for the cat to live for a while. Cat urine kills every deal. If it smells like cigarette smoke, do what is needed to eliminate it. Listen to your Realtor.

3.Dirty carpet gives the perception you don't care about how you take care of your home. True or not, that's the impression. Clean sells.

4.Dirty windows, screens and tracks need attention. Clean, lubricate and make them sparkle.

5.Front door damage, scratched, threshold dirty? Entries tell what condition the home will be in what pride a owner takes. Paint it, clean it.

6. If something is broke, fix it. Invest a little now or get a lowball offer later.

7.Utility rooms: Wipe and shine up the furnace and water heater like a new car! New furnace filter, clean behind it, wash the floor, add a brighter light bulb, clean the dryer vent and make sure it's hooked up properly. Wipe the washer and dryer too, clean the shelves of supplies and wipe out the utility sink. If your mechanicals are not spotless, they look like they don't work properly. Does the water softener even work? Is there salt or a dead body in the salt tank?

8. Sump pump pits: Spray paint the cover to make pretty, clean out the pit, wipe the discharge pipes to look white again.

9. Window wells: Have you looked in window well in the past 10 years? It's a jungle and cemetery in there. Clean out the bones of mice and frogs, clean the window and well cover so the sunlight can actually get through. Add more stone to level the area to look clean.

10. If there is any leaking faucets, drains under sinks, shut off valves, get them fixed now. If a shut off valve is frozen, this dangerous and it will cost you a lower offer. Run drain cleaner in every sink and clean out the hair balls hanging from tub and sink drains. Make sure drains run properly.

11. Label every shut off valve, every breaker, damper, etc. with a fresh, bright label to show you care and make it easy for the owner to see where things are. It shows you are aware of these simple things. This scores points with home inspectors.

12. Clean out ceiling vents and return air grills. Wipe the dirt, replace rusty ones and level every outlet cover to make things look crisp and well kept.

13. Crawl spaces. Clean out junk and add a fresh plastic liner to keep moisture and odors to a minimum and to show you take care of your home. Add a brighter bulb and remove any old dirty insulation hanging from the ceiling or side walls.

14. Check for mold in your attic. You can't hide it and if you don't fix it now, you'll have to fix it later. Bite the bullet and repair it.

15. Replace toilet seats that are ancient. Clean the caps and rinse out the water tank with bleach so it looks cleaner, working order and smells better.

16. Fix sink drains and dripping faucets. Secure towel bars.

17. Re-caulk bath and shower tile. Filthy scummy, hard water stained fixtures are not appealing.

18. Kitchen: Clean and level every door, every hinge and wipe out under every cabinet and make it shine and get rid of anything that is not pretty or clean. Run vinegar thru the dishwasher and clean the fried interior like your mother-in-law was going to inspect this weekend.

19. Closets: Clean it, deodorize it and your 30 pair of shoes too.

20. Vacuum under the beds and make sure closet doors work.

21. Clean the fireplace and make sure the damper works, the hearth is clean and the doors are clean, working and are safe. Make it appealing, not look like a fire hazard.

22. Do bath and bedroom door locks work? Are they loose, sticking or missing? Fix them now. Door bumpers broken? Holes in the wall? Closet pull chains not working?

23. The garage: if it looks like a disaster, buyers presume it will take too long for you to get out after closing. Clean it out, paint the walls and brighten the lite bulb.

24. Clean your gutters and downspouts, trim bushes from windows and clean the sidewalks and outdoor light fixtures. Does the front door lock work easy? Does the doorbell work? Make it look inviting, clean and safe.

25. Information accessible: Have warranty cards, instruction booklets, HOA info all neatly placed in a folder. Make it easy for buyers to see you care.

The cost and investment in completing these items is far less than what the offer on your home will be discounted to when you see it.

Show buyers you take pride, take care and are proactive in maintaining your home. Realtors don't like being embarrassed showing properties that are not kept up and they won't work hard to get you the best offer either. Realtors don't want to make excuses for a poor looking property and won't bring their best customers to show your house. They're paid and incented to sell the sellable houses for the best price. Don't blame the realtor if you home doesn't look as good as it could. Tough love conversations, but no one else is going to tell you the truth you already know.

Read more:
And They Want How Much For This Place?: Home Selling Tips Realtors Need To Reinforce & Owners Need to Hear. - Chicago Daily Herald

Today only, as part of its Special Buy of the Day, Home Depot is offering up to 45% off select tools from DEWALT, Milwaukee, and more. Free shipping is available for all or you can opt for in-store pickup. Our top pick is the RYOBI 18V Cordless Combo Kit for $349. Thats down from the usual $450 price tag and $20 under the last deal we tracked. As a comparison, this bundle holds over $530 worth of value. Looking to build out a complete tool kit? This bundle checks all of the boxes with eight tools in all, including two drills, multiple saws, a sander, light, and more. Youll also receive two 4Ah batteries plus an additional 1.5Ah power pack, along with a wall charger. Two carrying cases are also included to help you keep everything nice and organized. Rated 4.7/5 stars by over 5,600 Home Depot reviewers. Head below for more top picks from todays sale.

Update 12/7 @ 7:7 PM: CPO Outlets via eBay Daily Deals is offering the SKILSAW 15A 7.25-inch Corded Circular Saw for $42.49 shipped with the code PWRTL15 at checkout. Originally $80, and still going for as much at Home Depot, todays deal is the best available. Rated 4.6/5 stars and ships with a 2-year warranty.

Another standout is the RYOBI 18V ONE+ AirStrike Nailer for $199. Thats down 20% from the regular going rate and matching our previous mention. Ideal for tackling various tasks around the home, such as trim and detail work. It also ships with a1.5Ah battery and a charger alongside a 3-year warranty.Rated4.6/5 stars.

Browse through the rest of todays sale for more deals on tools from DEWALT, Milwaukee, and other big names. This promotion is good for today only and some listings are beginning to sell out, so act now if something catches your eye.

Building out a toolbox for the first time?Check out our DIY essentials guidefor a step-by-step guide to putting together a toolbox.

Enter the RYOBI ONE+ 18V System with the PCK600KN Cordless 8-Tool Combo Kit with 3 Batteries, a Charger, and 2 Tool Bags. The PCK600KN features a 1/2 in. 2-Speed Drill/Driver, 1/4 in. Impact Driver, Reciprocating Saw, 6-1/2 in. Circular Saw, Multi-Tool, Jig Saw, 5 in. Random Orbit Sander, LED Light, 1.5 Ah Battery, (2) 4.0 Ah Batteries, 18V Charger, and 2 tool bags. The (2) included 4.0 Ah batteries and (1) 1.5 Ah battery feature lithium-ion cells for longer overall life. The 18V Charger is compatible with all ONE+ 18V Lithium-Ion Batteries. Best of all, this kit is part of the RYOBI ONE+ 18V System of over 175 cordless tools that all work on the same battery platform.

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Today only, Home Depot discounts DEWALT, Milwaukee, and others by up to 45% - 9to5Toys