Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Birdfeeder basics: Bring on backyard birds with the right feeders



(BPT) - When you dine, do you prefer clean and attractive tableware? Does ambiance enhance your enjoyment of your food? Birds feel the same way about their dining habits - the type and cleanliness of your bird feeders directly affects the number and species of birds that will visit your backyard this season.



To attract birds, you need to understand not only what they prefer to eat, but how they like to eat it. For example, while many species prefer seed, some birds like to eat their seed from elevated platforms, others prefer hanging feeders and still others are content to forage on the ground. All birds appreciate a clean feeder to prevent the spread of disease, and none of them like those pesky, seed-stealing squirrels any more than you do.



The bird experts at Cole's Wild Bird Products offer some guidance for choosing the right feeder styles to attract the maximum number of feathered friends to your yard:



* Keep it clean - Everyone knows you should clean your feeders regularly to prevent disease, but many feeders are a pain to disassemble, clean and reassemble. Many people keep feeders less than pristine because of the hassle of cleaning. Look for feeders that make the process easy. All Cole's tube feeders have a Quick Clean feature that allows you to remove the bottom of the feeder with the push of a button for easy cleaning access- no need to completely disassemble the feeders to clean them.



* Tube feeders are terrific - For versatility and wide appeal, it's hard to beat a tube style feeder. These workhorses of the feeder world can handle seeds both large and small - from sunflowers to petite mixes. Tube feeders make great all-purpose feeders or excellent starter feeders for people just beginning backyard birding. Most songbirds will happily dine at a tube feeder.



* Some seeds are special - Niger is a favorite seed type for finches, siskins and several other appealing species, but not all tube feeders can handle this oily seed. If you'll be serving niger, consider a specialty feeder like the Nifty Niger Feeder. The feeder dispenses the seed through special, tiny holes to limit the amount of waste.



* Cater to the clingy - Some birds, such as chickadees, titmice, woodpeckers and bluebirds, like to cling to the feeder. For these birds, a mesh feeder can be just what the diner ordered. Mesh feeders satisfy a bird's desire to cling while also keeping larger birds from hogging the feeder. The Mighty Mesh Feeder is great for serving Nutberry Suet, Suet Kibbles, Suet Pearls, raw peanuts and any sunflower-based seed blend.



* The beauty of bowl feeders - Bowl feeders are another versatile style, and are great for serving not only seeds and seed blends, but also dried mealworms, fruit and suet in either kibble or pearl forms. The Bountiful Bowl Feeder comes with an adjustable dome cover that you can raise or lower to prevent larger birds and squirrels from getting to the food - and it also helps protect feed from rain.



* Hummingbird feeders are something to sing about - Hummingbirds are endlessly fascinating to watch, but you have to be quick to catch a look at them. Your best opportunity is when they're eating, and a hummingbird feeder can help extend your viewing time. The Hummer High Rise feeder gives hummers a penthouse-view with elevated perches and keeps ants out of the nectar with a special built-in ant moat.



* Those darn squirrels - As much as you enjoy watching their antics, you probably don't want squirrels on your bird feeder. These persistent bandits can wipe out a seed supply in minutes and damage even the best-made birdfeeders. One way to keep squirrels away from all your feeders is to install a Tough Bird Feeder Guard from Cole's on your existing feeder poles. The simple device uses static pulse to train squirrels not to climb on feeder poles. Use your favorite feeders on your own shepherd staff or pipe-style poles and add the Tough Bird Feeder Guard to keep squirrels away. Only the tube portion of the guard is charged, so the pole and birdfeeder are safe to touch for humans and birds alike.



For more info on birdfeed blends and where to buy, visit www.coleswildbird.com.



How to truly make your patio an extension of your home



If you're like many homeowners, you consider the patio an extension of your home. So it's fair to ask: Would you be just as comfortable nestled in with your favorite book or preparing a meal in your outdoor space as you would in your living room or your kitchen? As you contemplate ways to improve your outdoor area, think about projects that can both extend the hours you spend outside and make the time you spend there more relaxing.



Just as technology continues to make life indoors easier, more sophisticated awning systems, heating options and lighting can make your outdoor space that much more pleasant. Here are a few areas to consider as you plot your next round of improvements for your outdoor living space:



* Temperature control: One of the best ways to make your patio pleasant for more of the day - and more of the year - is to add simple temperature control features. If you live in a place where it gets uncomfortably hot during the summer, install misters around your favorite sitting areas to cool things down. Likewise, if you often find yourself heading inside because it gets too chilly in the spring and fall, a few strategically placed overhead heaters can extend your patio season.



* Shade matters: Awnings and umbrellas also play a huge role in regulating the temperature and comfort of your deck or patio. And now, shading options have become more sophisticated and easier to maintain than ever before. You'll never have to worry about damaged awnings on a windy day with a motorized awning system with wind sensors that work together to automatically retract your awnings when winds become too high. Retractable awning systemscan also be accessorized with sun sensors that signal motorized awnings to open as soon as the sun rises, keeping your outdoor space cool from the start of the day. If adding a hint of warmth is needed, simply install an awning heater. All of these accessories can be managed by the same remote that controls your motorized awning. With a system like this, you can leave the days of fiddling with fussy patio umbrellas behind.



* An outdoor kitchen: No patio is complete without a grill, but do you find yourself making frequent trips inside for other prep work? Make outdoor cooking easier by adding a prep island that can be placed near your grill. And if you really want to go all out, look for options that feature outdoor sinks or small refrigerators hidden under the countertop.



* Entertainment connectivity: Well-placed speakers can bring the stereo sound of your indoor system out. By upgrading your system so it can be controlled from your wireless device, you can bring the conveniences of your digital music system outdoors and eliminate the need to get up to turn up the volume or flip to the next song.



* Take look at your lighting: High-powered outdoor lights on sensors might be helpful when you're bringing in the groceries at night, but patio entertaining calls for a little more subtlety when it comes to lighting. Consider zero-energy solar-powered fixtures around the perimeter of your patio for a gentle ambiance to light up your evenings. Motorized systems can also be connected to your lighting, allowing you to adjust brightness as needed from the comfort of your patio lounger.



Now is the perfect time to plan for next year's patio season, and with the right improvements, you can make it the most comfortable one yet.



Wednesday, May 18, 2016

You've invested your money, but do you own it?





It can really pay to pay attention, says Mark Riepe, head of Schwab Center for Financial Research, who adds, "One way to reduce your investment return is to ignore fees."



A seemingly small difference in fees can make a potentially big difference in your return. Here's a hypothetical example: let's assume you make a $10,000 investment that earns six percent each year for the next 20 years. If you were to pay one-half of one percent in fees each year on that investment, after 20 years your after-fee balance - or net return - would be about $29,000. But if your annual fee was closer to 1.5 percent, after 20 years that $29,000 would shrink to about $24,000 - or about 20 percent less.



So how can you make sure to take ownership over the money you've invested and your financial future? Knowledge is the first step - here are some of the most common fees to be aware of:



Commissions



Commissions are the fees you are charged when you place a trade with a brokerage firm. If you trade frequently, commissions can add up fast. There are many brokerage firms that offer commission-free products, such as certain exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and no-load mutual funds.



Portfolio management fees



If you use a professional to help you with portfolio management, there are two primary fees to keep in mind. The first is an annual fee, which is usually a set percentage and can vary depending on the advisor and the amount of assets in your portfolio. For example, you might pay one percent of $250,000 you have invested, or $2,500 per year. But there can also be fees for the underlying investments in your portfolio, including commissions and operating expenses that you pay on top of the annual fee.



Mutual fund fees



Mutual fund investors are charged a percentage of the fund's average net assets. This is called the operating expense ratio, or OER, and it covers the fund's management expenses. These fees can vary, so investors should always compare OERs before purchasing a mutual fund, especially when deciding between two similar funds. OERs are listed in the fund's prospectus and most can be found online. Typically, the more complex the fund, the more management it requires and the more it costs. It's important to know that OERs are charged on top of any transaction fees or commissions you might pay to invest in the fund.



Bond fees



In most cases with bonds, when you buy or sell you either pay a percentage or flat fee, however the yield on a bond is impacted by what you pay for it, so finding the lowest cost is to your advantage. It is a good idea to compare prices from multiple bond dealers before settling.



Exchange traded fund fees (ETF)



An ETF is a fund that can be traded like a stock. Depending on how frequently you buy and sell ETFs you may be more or less concerned with some of their fees. For example, if you trade ETFs more frequently, the commission you are charged for each transaction can add up quickly. You also want to pay attention to the bid/ask spread - the prices at which people are willing to buy and sell the fund. If you're planning to hold an ETF over a longer period of time, the commission and spread become less important, since they are one-time costs. But "buy and hold" ETF investors should pay close attention to the fund's expense ratio, which is a recurring fee.



Of course lower expenses do not necessarily translate into higher returns, but they are important to understand. One way to be more aware of the fees you're paying is to regularly review your statement. Being an informed and engaged investor today can have a real impact on your ability to achieve your investing goals tomorrow, whether that's retirement, saving for your child's education or purchasing a home.



More information is available at www.schwab.com.



Scenario is hypothetical in nature and not intended to predict or project the performance of any specific investment product.



Investors should carefully consider information contained in the prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. You can request a prospectus by calling Schwab at 800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.



Investment returns will fluctuate and are subject to market volatility, so that an investor's shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Unlike mutual funds, shares of ETFs are not individually redeemable directly with the ETF. Shares are bought and sold at market price, which may be higher or lower than the net asset value (NAV).



Bond, investments are subject to various risks, including changes in interest rates, credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors



Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Member SIPC (0813-5603)



Tuesday, May 10, 2016

How to flip a house using project managers



With framing subcontractors coming in as scheduled, I all of a sudden realized that the floor that they would be framing over had some very serious issues.



Pounding on my cell phone to find someone... Anyone to help me on literally zero notice, I realized the only person I had that could do it... Was me.



So I dusted off the flooring toolbox, started pulling out the old flooring tools and began ripping up floorboards with my trusty Wonderbar.



Not having done this kind of work in a few years, one of the boards I ripped up broke loose and smashed me square in the jaw.



Dazed and bloodied... And luckily not having to call the emergency crew... I realized something...



When you're first learning how to flip a house, there's lots of different ways to do it.



Especially when it comes to the rehab, there are a number of different paths to take:



Some like to do all the rehab work themselves.

Some don't want to do any of the rehab work themselves.

And some pick the middle path, doing some work and then having others do the rest.



Which way is best?

How to Flip A House - Do It Yourself?



Personally, I don't mind doing some of the rehab work...just as long as I don't have to do all of it.



Unless I feel the overwhelming need to pound a sledgehammer through a few walls in the demo... I'd much rather pay someone else to do it.



Personally, I'd rather spend my time looking for the next deal.



I used to be a flooring guy for years, so if I have to do some of the work on a rehab, I will. And if my experience this past week tells me anything, I think its best to stick to overseeing the rehab work instead of doing the rehab work.



However, when you're learning the basics of how to flip a house, there's no doubt that getting your hands dirty on your first house flip is a great way of really getting to know the business.



Doing at least some of the rehab work yourself to start off isn't a bad idea... But then getting others to do it for you afterward is a great way to scale things... As well as limit potential trips to the Emergency Room.



The Pros and Cons of Hiring a GC to Do Your Flips



In an ideal world, hiring a general contractor (or "GC") to do all your rehab work is the best possible way to go when you're house flipping.



But that's only if you can make the numbers work.



It's certainly nice to have one single point of contact to do all the dirty work for your house flips and rehabs while you're out looking for the next deal or rounding up potential buyers.



This way is far easier on you (and your chin), especially if you're doing it part time or have other real estate deals to tend to.



On the flip side, in many areas of the country it's extremely difficult to get a contractor to do the work for you and still stick to your 70% Rule in hopes of getting the ARV and profit margin to make the deal work.



The issue is that the really good general contractors out there tend to use the same subcontractors and don't bid out each job they do. They have "their guys" who do the subcontracting and they're oftentimes reluctant to try to negotiate with them.



On top of that, remember that a GC adds on 10-20% over what his subcontractors charge him. There's nothing wrong with that because everyone needs to make a profit here.



And believe me, on many jobs, your GC really earns that wage!



A good tip here is if you are dead set on using a specific contractor, you might be able to negotiate a lower management percent or even none at all for a percentage of the profits on the deal. General contractors also can be good sources of potential funding as well.



If you are just learning how to flip a house...everything is negotiable in house flipping!



Should I Do The Rehab Myself?



To answer this question, it's going to depend on a lot of different factors, but the biggest factor of all is you.



For me, it was a logical step to do the rehab on my first few house flips. As I said before, I was in the building trades full time and was used to being on job sites. I love construction and to me, turning a run-down shack into a beautiful place to live is one of the coolest things around.



So I went out and got my state contractor's license, ready to GC my first house flip all on my own.



As I look back on it, despite the challenges, it was great experience. Primarily because I could see firsthand how the whole operation runs. This on the job experience has really helped me in my house flipping career - so much so that when I hired the job out in the future, I knew exactly how to set the rules and how to follow the whole house flipping process.



There's nothing like firsthand experience to teach you that.



In House Flipping...Know Thyself



Do you absolutely need to do it this way?



I don't think so. But think of general contracting your first house flip as a bit of "on the job training". It's not necessary - but it's surely an experience you'll refer back to many times in your house flipping and real estate investing career.



If you have a full time job and are rehabbing one house at a time, then you may very well have the time, but this largely depends on the kind of job you have as well.



If you have a fair amount of flexibility with your job hours, then perhaps it may work.



If you're tied to a desk all day and an hour commute away from the geographic area you do your flip in, then perhaps not.



However, only you can answer that.



Do understand this though; in order to effectively manage any real estate investing rehab, you will have to be available to manage the sub-contractors by phone, early in the mornings or in the evenings. And if you have other things on your plate, like a job, a wife, kids... This gets tiresome.



There will be times when you'll need to go on site and if you are on a business trip a thousand miles away at the time, it might be tough to pull this off.



For me, my flooring business allowed me the flexibility to stop in on the job site and check on things whenever I needed so I was fortunate enough to have the flexibility.



You on the other hand, may not.



Ideally, if you have enough money saved up to quit your day job and become a full time Real Estate Investor then this will be much easier for you to manage. Plus at that point, it IS your job!



So if you're not sure if being the general contractor is right for you, then you may want to try it to see if you like it.



But if you'd rather play it a bit safer, then there is another choice that may be right for you.



Behind Door Number 3: The Project Manager



Short of hiring a full blown general contractor, you could use a project manager instead. We've found this to be a very effective way to rehab house flips, especially where hiring a GC is cost prohibitive.



For example, you could approach a smaller, hands-on type of licensed carpenter who has experience working with other subcontractors. You could then negotiate a fee based on his involvement in the project.



I've found carpenters and other subs very receptive to this arrangement. On top of the money they make doing the other work on the property, he's getting paid an override on how well he manages others.



Like I said before, everything is negotiable in real estate investing and house flipping, so be creative here. And remember it's about "win-win".



For example, you could do any number of these financial arrangements:



Flat Fee: Simple enough. Pay a flat fee to oversee the job. No real creativity here.



Partnership: Work out a partnership or an equity stake in the property. This is a very creative way to handle things. I wouldn't suggest this strategy on your first flip, but its one to consider.



Percentage: Pay a percentage of the overall job that may be smaller than a typical general contractors cut. If he's good, this could really save you.



Flat Fee and Performance Bonus: Pay the project manager a project management fee of around $2,000 and then assign bonuses for meeting timelines and budgets. The bonuses really keep the project manager motivated because he has a skin in the game. You pay some money upfront, but even more when they hit performance metrics.



Whatever you do though, do your best to establish a fee that works for the both of you. The fee you pay is largely dependent on your location and the going rates that project managers are typically paid.



You can get this kind of information from your real estate investment mentors, from other real estate investors in the area, or at your local REIA meetings.



Where to Find Project Managers



We've found that finding someone young, hungry and motivated is the best profile for success. It may differ for you, but these are the kind of guys (it's usually guys here ladies) who will put in the extra hours and get things moving in the right direction. Young, ambitious and smart is always a good profile to look for.



There may be some ideal project manager candidates in our backyard at technical colleges. These newly graduated students are typically hungry and have a good background that could be ideal for your project. In some cases, if you find a good one and your budget allows it, put them on your payroll and keep them working for you full time.



More often than not, freshly minted students for what they may lack in "real world experience" may more than make up for it with all the background knowledge from school in addition to the computer and technical knowledge for running budgets and keeping things humming smoothly.



Of course, before you go and hire a full time person to manage your flips, make sure you're in the position to afford it as well as have enough projects going on to keep him or her busy on a regular basis.



So whether you do the rehab on your own, hire a general contractor or get a project manager, you can do well and make money any of these three ways.



Author: Mike LaCava



Mike's Website: http://www.houseflippingschool.com



Couples who design together, stay together





Paint is prime



Adding a splash of color (or two, or three) is a low-cost way to liven up the blank canvas of your home. While neutral colors are ideal for selling your home, living with them might be a different story. If you want to evoke emotion, establish visual intrigue or set a certain mood, color is the best way to get the job done.



And you don't have to stick with just one color throughout your home. Highlight an accent wall in your living room with a darker shade or apply a funky wallpaper print. Or, paint your kitchen red with shades like Crisp Crimson or Rocket Red from Dutch Boy, as it increases appetite and elevates passion, perfect for a romantic dinner for two. Purples such as Plumes or Merlot Grape, also from Dutch Boy, have been known to induce passion, ideal choices for a couple's bedroom.



Art and soul



Bringing artistic elements into the space is an easy way to add personal flair. From wall decor and blown glass accents to picture frames and candles, no decorative piece is too small to make a big impact. Display items in groups of three for a dramatic display. Candleholders or vases in varying heights or complementary color schemes can marry two styles easily, and pairing a gothic frame with a softer, lace-applique can actually bring great dimension to an overlooked nook of the home.



Just because you're a fan of Monet and your partner prefers Picasso, that doesn't mean you can't proudly display your favorite pieces for all to enjoy. While Picasso's pieces seem more abrupt and geometric, by combining with larger, softer pieces from an impressionist painter like Monet, you can actually blend the two artistic styles seamlessly.



The perfect mix



Don't be afraid to mix various textures and patterns. This will add dimension to the space, transforming a flat and otherwise boring look into a world of wonderment. First, pick a main color you want to focus on, which will be the anchor color for the space. Let's say you choose blue for this role. Lay all blue fabrics on the floor - window treatments, rugs, pillows and blankets. You'll immediately notice some that seem out of place. Remove these from the pile and you'll begin to notice an interesting cohesion among the remaining fabrics. Next, you'll want to incorporate a complementary color. If blue is your anchor color, add hints of orange to the mix for a playful pop.



Also, be mindful of the pattern's scale. If you have too many large scale patterns in one space, they will be competing with each other, adding unnecessary drama. Keeping it to just one large scale print and several mix-and-match small and medium scale prints will create perfect harmony. In terms of texture, pairing coarse fabrics with smooth variants will add yet another level of dimension to the space. While too many coarse items can seem overbearing, by adding some softer, more feminine textures you can actually create an interesting, eye-provoking combination.



Taking the time to blend your and your mate's style preferences can be a rewarding experience. Throughout the process you'll learn his or her likes and dislikes while having fun in the process, creating a stronger, more unified couple. And by playing around with colors, textures and patterns, the end result will be a well-designed joint space that stimulates the senses from start to finish.



Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Create an outdoor space that 'wows'



(BPT) - Whether you own a cozy cottage or mega mansion, as a homeowner, you likely embrace the outdoor living trend. But when you look at your deck or patio, does it leave something to be desired? By taking a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach, you can affordably create outdoor spaces that enhance the style and functionality of your home, plus add to the overall value of the property.



Here are a few of the leading trends that the DIY homeowner can use to cost-effectively create an outdoor space that "wows:"



Rent rather than buy
  • Upgrading or adding a deck or patio can feel overwhelming unless you have the right equipment to do the job. Renting what you need saves money, plus helps you maximize your time so you can enjoy your new outdoor space sooner. From power washers and saws for cleaning and cutting, to utility loaders and tampers for digging and compacting base materials, you'll find everything you need at your local American Rental Association member rental store. Visit www.RentalHQ.com for locations near you. Not sure what you need? The pros at the shop are specially trained and can help you choose the best time-saving tools for your project.


Use pavers for patios
  • Whether you're looking to refresh your current patio space or are starting from scratch, patios are great ground-level entertainment spaces. More homeowners are opting for pavers to level and define the space, which adds elegant detail, rather than a bland concrete slab. Find pavers in varying shapes, sizes and colors at your local home improvement store. Remember, by digging and installing a base layer, your pavers are less likely to shift over time. Dig down and compact base material with a rented plate compactor or a tamper before laying the pavers in the desired pattern.


Define your deck
  • If you're adding a new deck, composite decking material is the way to go. While it costs a bit more than lumber, it lasts longer and is virtually maintenance-free, which will save you time and money in the long run. It's just as easy to work with as wood and can be cut and assembled in a similar manner. If you simply want to refresh an existing wood deck, rent a power washer to quickly clean off dirt, grime and paint chips. Replace gray and tan paint with deep brown hues, which adds a subtle upscale appearance. Modern exterior paint lasts years and some options even fill cracks in wood, so look for a brand that best suits your needs.


Go native with greenery
  • Adding plants to your outdoor space helps the area feel cohesive with nature. Not sure what to add? Whether for pots, containers or the surrounding landscaping, consider native lawn and plant materials. Not only will they look great and add color and depth to your outdoor space, but they are typically lower maintenance and many require less water. Explore options at your local garden center or state extension service's website.


Create an outdoor kitchen
  • Homeowners want to enjoy more time outside and that means cooking and dining al fresco. While a basic barbecue grill will do, outdoor kitchens are in high demand. Building your own outdoor kitchen space is simple. Install countertops surrounding your grill and consider incorporating features like a small fridge, gas burners for side items, smokers or built-in storage spaces for spices and cooking tools. Stainless steel continues to be the go-to material for outdoor kitchen features, blending modern style with the organic look of Mother Nature.


Light the night
  • The right lighting can take a good outdoor space and make it great. Solar lighting is trending for outdoor spaces, and this eco-friendly option is also affordable. Light pathways with solar landscape lighting - eliminating the need for electrical cords. Jazz up deck posts with post caps that provide a gentle glow. Finally, a string or two of white garden lights adds a twinkle to the beautiful ambiance of a summer evening.