Flooring Information

You have just installed hardwood flooring in your home. Now what How do you keep your hardwood floors clean and shiny Read the following Q&A in which two hardwood floor owners are asking just that.

Q: "I was reading your site and saw that one should not use oil based cleaners. Why Our installer told us to use vinegar in water, and use a damp cloth to clean the floor about once a week. Will this damage the floor What is a polyurethane cleaner Where do you buy it"

A: If an oil based cleaner is used on polyurethane finished floors, it leaves an oily residue on the surface which can not only make cleaning the floor more difficult, but after a period of time, when the floor is showing signs of wear and needs to be buffed and recoated, this residue can present adhesion problems. When cleaning any hardwood floor, or furniture, minimal water should be used. In other words, wipe with a dampened, not wet cloth. Adding a capful of vinegar can help and is suggested by the National Wood Flooring Association. However, I have heard one floor finish manufacturer dispute this, believing the vinegar is too acidic and can break down the finish eventually. The absolutely simple and safe way to clean any sort of wood that is finished with a urethane is to use polyurethane cleaners which are manufactured by both hardwood flooring manufacturers and manufacturers of polyurethane. I use Squeeky Cleaner from Basic Coatings. Any hardwood flooring supplier near you should carry this or similar product. Also, Home Depot is a likely place to look, since they do sell hardwood flooring. This cleaner is usually blue in color, and is mixed 4 parts water to one part cleaner in a spray bottle. Mist some on a cloth and wipe. You can use this to clean any wood finished with urethane top coats.

Q: "We bought a beautiful old home with wonderful wood floors throughout which were installed in 93. They looked pretty good when we moved in two years ago, but now they look dull and mottled. Our cleaning person uses ****** for floors and some floor dusting cloth called ********. Could they be the problem What can we use to get the shine back"

A: There are any number of cleaners on the market, found in supermarket that say they are for hardwood floors. Your safest approach is to purchase a cleaner created by hardwood flooring manufacturers or floor finish manufacturers. This can be purchased these products, as far as I am aware, are all basically the same from local hardwood flooring retailers or a big box store that sells hardwood flooring. Best bet is the Hardwood retailer who specializes in hardwood. I use "squeaky cleaner" manufactured by Basic Coatings. See their web site: www.basiccoatings.com.

Mirage cleaner is another one.

It sounds likely that the cleaners being used on your floors are leaving some sort of film on the wood surface. This can create the situation you are describing and can make buffing and recoating in the future impossible to achieve due to adhesion issues.

To sum it up, your best bet to make your floors shine is to purchase a cleaner created by hardwood flooring manufacturers or floor finish manufacturers.

About The Author

Craig Mouldey is the owner of http://www.FaceLiftFloors.com. He has been in the flooring business for over two decades. You can find more flooring Q&A at http://www.FaceLiftFloors.com. webmaster@faceliftfloors.com

About the Author

free lancer

If you want to become a real estate investor, find a "fixer-upper" owned by an anxious seller. Finding distressed houses at bargain prices, fixing them up, and then selling them on a consistent basis can make you a millionaire.

Why Sellers Sell At a Discount

Homeowners problems often prevent them from staying on top of their homes upkeep, and factors such as job loss, divorce, serious illness, various addictions, or other personal problems quickly overwhelm them. These sellers cant make the needed repairs because of financial or physical limitations, and when that happens, their home becomes a low priority and sometimes will go into foreclosure.

Look for the "Triple D"

Home sellers with three problems give beginning investors a great opportunity. A "Triple D" is a Doghouse, involved in a Divorce, and in Default. The label "doghouse" comes from Southern California Realtors who used this term to describe the worst fixers. These houses maybe "tired" and need only cosmetic work in order to favorably compare with other homes in the area.

What to Look for in a Doghouse

The hardest house for a homeowner to sell is a "doghouse," "dump," or "fixer-upper." These run-down houses scare off most buyers, who dont have the money to cover the down payment, closing costs, new furniture, carpeting, appliances, roof repairs, and other deferred maintenance required to bring the home back into top condition.

As you look through the classified ads or at realtor listings, keep an eye out for terms like "handyman special," "as is," "fixer," or other tell-tale words. Also have your agent use similar terms when scanning the Multiple Listing Service for your target area.

Once youve found a property that you can turn from doghouse to dollhouse, find out the sellers problem and then offer a solution. Distressed sellers frequently experience financial problems and need cash as soon as possible. Therefore, if youre ready to close quickly, youll be set to negotiate a lower sales price.

How to Close Quickly

Find an experienced lender and get yourself not only "pre-qualified," but also "pre-approved." Taking that second step assures worried sellers that you already have your loan in place for their property, and this puts you well ahead of other potential buyers.

How to Know When "Bad" Is Good

When you first start out in the real estate "fixer" business, youll want to look for "ugly" houses needing only cosmetic work. Look for entry level fixers that just need some cleaning up, painting, and carpeting.

When youre new to the fixer game, always remember your limitations and use caution when considering houses needing structural repairs. My husband replaces structural beams, sub-flooring, walls, plumbing, and electrical systems, but he acquired those skills after years of experience.

If you find a house with structural problems, get estimates from reliable contractors to do the work. Experience teaches you how to do more over time. Until then, rely on experienced professionals to do the repairs. Take professional estimates into account before deciding whether or not to purchase an investment property.

The Easiest Houses to Sell

A dollhouse, located in a popular neighborhood, sells the quickest. For instance, we once sold a home we named "Orange Tree Cottage" in just three hours! To qualify as a dollhouse, a home must be in a location that buyers want and must offer the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and amenities theyre seeking. Beyond the price, however, buyers purchase the house that meets both their basic requirements and their emotional needs.

Filling Buyers Emotional Needs

After many years of investment experience, weve found that using Design Psychology and Marketing Psychology techniques greatly increases our profits. Both concepts go far beyond "curb appeal."

For instance, we use colors that target our prospective buyers income level and match the selling season. Generally, buyers of higher-priced homes prefer complex colors, and using cool colors during hot weather and warm colors in cold seasons makes buyers feel more comfortable. We also paint the front door a happy color and entice buyers into the house by placing potted plants on the porch.

Over the years, weve bought and sold dozens of distressed properties. By using caution and common sense, as well as following a few simple rules and using Design Psychology strategies, you, too, can become a wealthy real estate investor!

c Copyright 2004, Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.

About The Author

Jeanette Fisher, Design Psychology Professor, is the author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, Credit Help!, Joy to the Home, and other books. Jeanette teaches Real Estate Investing and Interior Design Psychology. For more articles, tips, reports, and newsletters, see http://www.doghousetodollhousefordollars.com/pages/5/index.htm. JeanetteJoy@gmail.com

A strong tendency towards a sellers market will continue until the baby boomers finish the cycle of buying and selling real estate, estimated to end in 20 years, according to the Senior Real Estate Association. Baby boomers born between 1946-1964 are in their peak years for real estate investment.

Real estate investments will continue to be lucrative throughout the cycle. The realtor and seller must work together to develop strategies to compete in this market. New construction is booming, and re-sells are competing with them. If a buyer looks at a house that needs work, they may assume it’s available for a bargain price, the ‘handyman’s special.’ Avoid this, and obtain the maximum amount for your home sale.

The Value of Obtaining a Home Inspection

There is a number 1 rule in selling real estate for the highest dollar. The seller should obtain a home inspection before putting the home on the market. An inspection will uncover hidden problems in the home before the buyer views it. If the seller waits for the buyer’s inspector to inform him or her, the seller will either have to fix it or lower the price. In some cases, sellers lose the deal over issues uncovered at inspection. Sellers can waste 30-45 days during these negotiations, while the home could have been on the market for another buyer.

Curb Appeal

Remember, the buyer makes 85% of the decision about whether to buy a home when they first drive up . It’s much more difficult to sell a house when all the shingles do not match in color, even if the roof is in good shape.

Exterior Cosmetics

Sellers need to make sure the house has curb appeal for a great first impression. Is the trim freshly painted Replace rotted wood and eliminate any clutter outside the house. Make sure gutters are cleaned and are attached to the house. The roof should be cleaned of debris with no loose shingles. Be certain vinyl siding on the exterior is secured and in good repair.

Lawn, Garden, Shrubbery

The lawn, garden, and shrubberies are critical. Spend about $15-$85 for some plants and mulch for the front yard. If there is no grass, seed the lawn. Bushes must be trimmed and away from the building to prevent moisture damage. Cut the lawn regularly, and weed the garden.

Finishing Touches

Some finishing touches include placing 2” of pea gravel around the house between the bed area and the grass area for drainage. If the house has a gravel driveway, put fresh gravel down. Check all outside wood for termite or moisture damage that needs to be replaced and treated.

Interior Painting

Paint your house in neutral colors: sand, magnolia, cream. Rooms look best with a yellow tinged base paint because this coloring reflects light and makes the room seem larger. Avoid black ceilings, stenciling on walls, or painting your home in white so it resembles a hospital maternity ward. If there has been a previous leak in the roof paint over the water stains on the ceiling. Fill in any nail holes in the walls.

Flooring and Windows

Bold patterned or bold colored rugs should be removed. It’s best to keep the floor coloring neutral for to appeal to many tastes. If there is cracked ceramic tile, or the vinyl floors are scratched or damaged, replace the flooring. Rugs must be freshly shampooed to remove any odors, and carpet holes and stains should be repaired and removed.

Windows need to be cleaned and repaired so buyers can look outside unencumbered. If the blinds are missing slats replace them or remove window coverings altogether.

Bathrooms/Kitchen

In the kitchen, you may want to put a fresh coat of paint on painted cabinets, or if they are wood-- oil them. Check the countertops for burn marks or stains, cut marks, etc. and replace them if it is necessary.

In the bathroom, make sure there is no visible mold. If there is, then bleach, caulk, or re-grout tubs, sinks and toilets.

Details

All clutter should be boxed up and stored. Do not place it in the garage. Obtain a storage unit or Pod.

Make certain closet doors open and close easily. Don’t forget to replace doorknobs, hinges, brackets, or other missing or broken items.

This may sound like a great deal of work in preparing a home for the market. This attention to small details will help your home sell quickly for a higher price. In some areas of the country, you’ll even receive multiple offers for your home. Home buyers are not the only ones who look at these details. Appraisers also tend to assign a higher value to property which is in good condition.

If a property needs attention an appraisers price or buyer’s offer will reflect it. Obtain the highest price for a home by investing some time, thought, energy and resources into the details and you will be rewarded handsomely.

About The Author

Elaine VonCannon is a REALTOR with RE/Max Capital in Williamsburg, Virginia, and she manages investment property as part of her business. Elaine is also an Accredited Buyers Representative as well as a Senior Real Estate Specialist. She has helped numerous clients invest in and make money on property in Southeastern Virginia.

vonmor1@cox.net

While most people prefer other businesses, some people get into laminate flooring business. Like any other business in the world, if done right, its a quite profitable business. Laminate flooring has been successful since it was introduced on the market, first in Europe and then in the United States in 1996.

Here are some basic steps to follow before you start your laminate flooring business:

You should make specific short and long-term plans with clear goals and ways to evaluate them. Determine the resources needed such as the place from which you will work, people, money etc.

You should have a pretty good idea of what products and services you will sell and the benefits people who buy them will get.

Find important information about your competitors like their strengths and weaknesses because it helps you in setting a competitive bid. Always try to be unique.

Focus your promotions effectively by knowing who will buy your products/services. Think about the different promotion strategies and find out the best that suits your business. Focus your promotions in reaching the greatest number of customers.

Set up your laminate flooring business. Find out the start-up costs gear, furniture, licenses etc.. Also find out how much you will have to pay to stay in business. These costs usually include rent, taxes, utilities, promotional expenses, etc.

Insurance is a must. There are several types of insurance that you must have like health and property insurance, for example. You may have to talk to an insurance agent to determine what suits your particular situation.

Take care of all the legal matters. You should contact your states department of commerce and industry and find out all the things you need to do in order to start your own laminate flooring business. In most cases you need to get a business license from your local municipality.

Start a business checking account and use it to perform any money related operation like depositing your income or pay your business related expenses. Setup a fairly simple bookkeeping system to record all your income and expenses in a way that makes tax preparation and monitoring your situation easier. Ask your tax advisor or accountant to make sure you do this right.

This list is far from a complete one so use it just to learn the basic steps to be taken when starting your own laminate flooring business. You should consult a business professional and do additional research to make sure your business will be successful.

About The Author

Laminate flooring enthusiasts unite! Installation, maintenance, selection, e.g., Harmonics, Pergo, Shaw, Mannington - you name it, we are talking about it. Join us at http://laminateflooring.oncloud8.com.

timlaminate@yahoo.com

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, particularly when it comes to buying a home. Features that attract one home-buyer may repel another.

However, the one feature of interest to every home-buyer is price. Getting the most home for your money is paramount. The real problem is figuring out whether that fixer-upper on one street is a better buy than the home in next-to-new condition two blocks away. That’s why knowing what to look for before you buy can save you time, energy and money down the line.

The first step is figuring out what kind of house you need. A good buy is only a good buy if it meets your current and future living requirements. Before shopping for a home, decide how much space you and your family require. How many bedrooms, bathrooms Is a family room necessary Do you need a layout that will accommodate a lot of entertaining Do you prefer a spacious or compact work space in the kitchen If you have small children, can the house easily be childproofed

Evaluate the front and back yards. Is there enough space to accommodate your children Do you want a park-like or garden setting Do you enjoy yard work and gardening, or do you want a low-maintenance yard Take into consideration the cost of extensive landscaping and upkeep.

Next, determine how much work is required to make the house you are considering livable. Make an honest assessment of your fix-it abilities. How much work are you willing to do or pay someone else to do Do you have basic decorating, carpentry and plumbing skills If you plan to learn as you go, make sure you have accurately determined what you are getting into. Ask an experienced friend, family member or your real estate agent for their opinion, and be sure to consider how much remodeling inconvenience the rest of the family can handle.

Unless you are ready and able to tackle a major remodel, look for a house or condominium that needs only cosmetic improvements. These include painting, wallpapering and replacing items like flooring, window treatments, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, light fixtures, cabinet and interior door hardware and appliances. Remember that even these simple changes can be costly if you have to make many of them.

Beware of improvements that seem easy enough at first glance buy may turn into major headaches and require a lot of money once you’ve moved in. Remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, changes to the floor plan, room additions and redesigned landscaping are examples of seemingly minor changes that can easily eat away the money you thought you saved by selecting a so-called “bargain priced” home. Of course, you may be perfectly willing to spend whatever money is needed to customize the house to match your tastes and needs.

Make sure major systems in the house are in good working condition. The furnace, air-conditioning and plumbing should be up to date, since repairs can be costly. Your agent can arrange to have a professional inspector determine whether the electrical wiring and any room additions are to code. Local utilities often offer free or low-cost inspections to tell you if the house is energy-efficient.

Look for a house with universally popular selling points. If you’re impressed, the next buyer down the line is bound to be, too. For example, a roomy, modern east-to-clean kitchen is the best selling point a home can have. A house with only one bathroom is less desirable than a house with two or more. Many buyers expect at least three bedrooms, with a master bedroom that offers a feeling of privacy. Lots of storage space and closets, especially walk-in closets, will be a real selling point. Family rooms or “great rooms” also are desirable. On closer examination, a house that looks like a bargain may lack some of these key features.

Don’t forget the old adage: location, location, location. Unless you’re looking for a fixer-upper, the house should be in a condition that is comparable to other homes in the neighborhood. Avoid buying the biggest or fanciest home on the block. Consider the amount of traffic or noise. Homes located in a quiet area away from a busy street will command a higher price. Make sure the schools in your district have a reputation for quality education and safety. Nearby supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants and theaters also will make a location more desirable.

Good community facilities also add appeal; pools, athletic fields, community centers, libraries and hospitals all add to a neighborhood’s value and desirability. Transportation needs also should be considered. Is local public transit available How long are typical commutes to places of current and potential employment Are there several alternate route How close is a major airport All of these can affect a home’s pricing.

Consider the cost of living in a home. It’s important to consider not only purchase price but the monthly cost of living in a home. Estimate your utility and maintenance costs. For example, will the house need to be painted on a regular basis and will you need to spend money maintaining a swimming pool Ask your agent about the property tax rate and whether increases are anticipated. Will you have to pay special assessments for a homeowner’s association Consider the point in the life cycle of major household systems, such as the furnace, air conditioning, roof and kitchen appliances.

You can find a bargain! Your first step should be to seek out a knowledgeable real estate agent with experience in the market areas where you wish to purchase a home. Your agent can help you locate those properties that truly are “bargains” and help find the home that most closely matches your desires and needs.

About The Author

W. Troy Swezey is the author of “HOW TO SPOT A GOOD BUY." As a Realtor at Century 21 Paul & Associates, he has helped many individuals with their real estate needs. Visit his web site to download his free e-book, “Real Estate Secrets Exposed.” http://www.TroyIsMyRealtor.com or mail to: TroyC21@usa.net

Look to contemporary modern décor to maximize space. TORLYS Uniclic® Cork flooring, with its sensuous texture, can warm up a modern interior, preventing it from looking stark.

NC—Whether we live in a 2,800-square-foot, two-storey in the suburbs or an urban 900 square-foot condo, we all look to maximize our living space — if not physically, at least visually.

Space gives us a sense of freedom. It helps us relax and feel good about life! Space helps us stay organized and feel in control. It reduces our stress level.

But the reality is, few of us can afford the space we need for all of our work, kids, pets, and "stuff" that we collect through everyday living. Fortunately, with a little creativity and a few interior design tricks, we can at least create "visual" space. Here are three ways to do it:

Look to contemporary modern décor to maximize space. This clean and simple décor creates an open, airy feeling. It utilizes creative storage to give us a clutter-free environment.

Select a light monochromatic colour scheme. Contrasting or added colours can draw visual lines in a room, dividing it into small sections. Tones of one colour will create openness and flow.

Make the most of your flooring. Hard-surface flooring has a smooth texture. In a blonde or light-stain finish it can blend into your wall and disguise where the floor ends and the wall begins, increasing the sense of space.

Hardwood or laminate is a good choice. Make sure the planks are long and show off an extended flow of wood grain. Cork flooring has a multidirectional grain that is perfect for a small space when you want to avoid the lines created by wood flooring planks.

Linoleum is coming back — another multidirectional flooring option that is seamless when laid. The effect is smooth and flowing, once again creating visual space.

All of these flooring options are available as engineered "floating floors" that can be installed easily by homeowners, even in the basement or on a condos cement floor. The best system is the Uniclic floor — a unique joint system. Planks and tiles simply click together without glue, nails or complicated strapping. I recently installed Uniclic® Cork floors from one of Canadas most innovative flooring companies, TORLYS www.torlys.com, in my own home. They come with a 25-year warranty, and when its time to redecorate, you can simply lift and reinstall the floor in another room!

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

In kids bedrooms, and family, music and rec rooms, Cork feels cozy to the toes.

NC—I remember the cork flooring in my old public school. Durable, easy to care for and very comfortable underfoot — but it was like a huge bulletin board on the floor!

Ive recently discovered, however, that Cork has become one of the most beautiful and sensuous flooring materials on the market.

Cork floors have been used in commercial and public areas for decades. They reduce noise, insulate against both heat and cold, and are nonallergenic.

With qualifications that good, it makes sense to bring Cork flooring into the home. In entrances it withstands years of dropped hockey sticks and spilled soft drinks. In kids bedrooms, and family, music and rec rooms, Cork feels cozy to the toes.

Cork floors are perfect for the kitchen. Unlike ceramic tile, cork is comfortable to stand on for hours. Its more forgiving than ceramic especially if you drop a plate or teacup, will not dent easily and, with proper surface dressing, resists scratches. The patterns and richly textured surfaces of cork floors also disguise dust and dirt.

Todays cork flooring works with any décor. Dark natural tones enhance more formal settings, such as dining and living rooms. Lighter shades are great for the more casual look of a family room or play area.

The grainless patterning of cork makes it ideal where space is a challenge. Cork tiles installed in two contrasting colours or tones, checker-board style, create a dramatic effect in an entranceway or kitchen.

Cork is environmentally friendly. It is harvested from the bark of the Cork Oak, grown primarily in Portugal. Bark is harvested every nine years from mature trees, and they can thrive for up to 200 years.

Theres a wide selection of unfinished or prefinished Cork floors available that can be nailed or glued down. One of Canadas most innovative flooring companies, TORLYS of Mississauga www.torlys.com, won rave flooring industry reviews when it took Cork floors to a new level and introduced Uniclic® Cork. These prefinished cork planks and tiles simply click together over existing floors no special subfloor is needed, using a patented joint system called Uniclic. These joints are ultra-tight, and the floor looks great when its down.

Check out cork — its natural, friendly and comfortable under foot, and it could be the right solution for you.

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Texture is key in flooring as well. The Perspective 4 plank line of floors features bevelled edges along both the width and the length of planks.

NC—Home owners today want their interiors to be less complicated and easier to maintain — a style that goes a long way to reducing the stress of daily living. Simple is great, but it is hard to achieve! You dont want to follow this style literally, or your decor will look skimpy, sparse and lacking in character.

A way to avoid boring is through the use of texture. Texture is one of the most important elements of interior design, and can be applied to every dimension of the room. In stucco, a simple beige wall goes from boring to interesting. A sofa or chair upholstered in softly brushed chenille becomes a personal haven.

Texture is key in flooring as well. And some of the most interesting environments can be created with a hard-surface floor.

Nothing warms a room more than a rich, natural hardwood. Its grain works well with any interior design, from traditional to modern. A natural surface like wood can make a contemporary setting look more "homey," less commercial.

Laminates also add texture. This hard-wearing, no-nonsense flooring is a great choice for an active family. One of the newest members of the hard-surface family is cork. Its richly burled grain adds wonderful character to any room.

All of these choices come as engineered prefinished planks and tiles that simply click together, using a unique joint called Uniclic. One of the leading providers of Uniclic flooring is TORLYS www.torlys.com. This method is fast, provides an ultra-tight fit, and — amazingly — requires no special subfloor.

So if you are looking to simplify your decor, yet enhance the rooms personality, consider adding texture to your floor and not just your fabric and wall surface.

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.