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Three Tips to Simplify Your Apartment Search

Apartment hunting

Living in an apartment has a number of attractive benefits, but most people agree that the process of apartment hunting is a different story. To find apartments that fit your lifestyle and your budget, you have to search through local apartment listings, schedule appointments, walk through different units, and get your application in before anyone else, all while managing your everyday responsibilities. However, when you find an apartment that perfectly matches all of your needs, it can all become worth it. To make the apartment hunting process easier in the meantime, however, follow the tips below.

Take Notes
As you head from listing to listing, it can be difficult to keep the various advantages and disadvantages of each apartment separate. For this reason, many apartment hunters benefit from keeping a comparison checklist with all of the initial factors that attracted them to each unit, which they can then add onto as they learn more. Snapping a few quick pictures is also helpful. Later, you can review this information to determine which apartment you saw offered the best overall living arrangement.

Ask the Tough Questions
While it is important to be polite when meeting your potential landlord, you should make sure you ask about things that will impact your experience living on their property. Ask if the window treatments or any utilities are included, if there are any parking or building amenity fees, and how much the current energy bills are. Likewise, don’t be afraid to get a little nosy: look for mold under the sink, check for odd smells and noises, test faucets, and open closets. If there are any problems or unexpected costs, you should know about them before you make a decision.

Be Ready to Make a Move
The current housing market is competitive, and you will need to move on an appealing apartment quickly. To avoid losing great places to other renters, bring all of the information you would need to fill out a standard rental application and your checkbook. This typically includes contact information for your employer, present and past landlords, your social security number and more. By having all of this information, you will be able to fill out and submit the application quickly, reducing the chances you will lose a place you really love.

What tips and tricks have you used to help your apartment hunting efforts in the past? Share them in the comments below! Helpful info also found here.

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Does Your Pet Keep Destroying Your Remote Control?

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After a long, stressful day handling any number of responsibilities, it can be a relief to grab your digital TV remote control and relax on the couch for a few hours. However, if you’re like many pet owners, this experience can often be marred as you wind up rummaging in your sofa cushions and checking under furniture for said remote. Eventually, you’ll find a stray button or even look up to see your dog watching you guiltily from across the room. It looks like your vision of reclining in front of the TV just disappeared: your pet has destroyed yet another remote. But why are all remotes seemingly destined to wind up as chew toys, and how can you handle this situation?

The answer to the first question involves some basic understanding of pet behavior: all animals, especially dogs, instinctively gnaw, peck and otherwise mangle anything they can find. For this reason, your remote control is instantly fair game to dogs, birds, and other animals, although most pet owners find that their cats are uninterested in the device. However, dog lovers are most likely to have trouble: canines are already notorious chewers, and TV remote controls are appealingly shaped like a bone and smell like their master to boot. Because of this, no-chew sprays and other tactics are unlikely to work. Moreover, every pet owner can likely attest that their pet has a sixth sense for searching out the things you need and will have difficulty replacing as their new chew toy, such as your digital TV remote control.

To try to discourage this, the best thing you can do is keep your pet occupied: chewing and other destructive behavior often occurs when your pet is bored or anxious. Try making sure they have plenty of their own toys and are getting enough attention and exercise. Training or encouraging them to recognize the things they can chew may also be helpful. However, for the best results, you should also try to make your remote and other attractive items less accessible by storing them on a high shelf or in a drawer. This trick will also help you in the long run: after all, if you teach yourself to keep your digital TV remote control in the same place, it will be harder for you to lose it.

However, if your pet has recently destroyed the remote, figuring out how to replace this device can be just as frustrating as discouraging your pet from destroying it. You could invest in universal television remote controls, but most people find that these do not work the same as their original remote. Fortunately, there is an easy way to find the best replacement remote controls: simply look on the back of your destroyed remote for the model number. Using these TV remote codes, you can easily find a device that works for you and your television, allowing you to unwind the way you had originally planned. More on this topic.

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A Short Guide to Gazebos, Pergolas, and Pool Houses

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In the throes of winter it can be easy to start fantasizing about summer parties, languishing on the lawn under a hot sun, and entertaining in the humid shade. The key to doing any of these things is having the right kind of structure — not all outdoor features are created equal. Here are three of the most common outdoor structures, how they differ, and what they’re good for.

1. Gazebos
A gazebo is one of the most common outdoor structures. These are generally made of wood or a sturdy fabric like canvas. They are usually at least six-sided, which gives the structure more of a rounded look. Gazebo builders usually cover the roofs completely, so they offer a space out of the weather. Some have screened in sides and others have open sides — a gazebo builder should be able to accommodate both. Either way, these are generally large enough to accommodate a table and a few chairs for a sit-down meal or just somewhere to set out food and drinks.

2. Pergolas
A pergola is pretty similar to a gazebo, except that the roof is not covered. A pergola is usually a four posted structure that has an open roof with horizontal rafters and completely open sides. While offering a bit of shade, these do not protect from the weather the way that a gazebo will. However, they are still ideal for covering an eating area, provided the weather cooperates with your plans.

2. Pool Houses
A pool house is also a pretty common outdoor structure, but — of course — this really only works if you have a pool. A pool house is literally a small house. It’s unlike both gazebos and pergolas in that they are completely enclosed and have a solid roof. Pool houses are usually situated near a pool which is perfect for a space out of the sun and for a little light entertaining.

So you want to add any of these structures to your property? Feel free to share with us in the comments section below. Find more.

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Custom house designs Luxury home floor plans Luxury house builders

Three Popular Amenities in Custom Luxury Homes

Custom house builders

When it comes to designing luxury house floor plans, there aren’t a lot of things you can’t do. From the number of bedroom to the overall aesthetic of the front of the home to the little design details inside, one of the benefits of buying a custom home is that you have control to make your home exactly what you want to suit you and your family’s needs. Working with custom home builders is essential for doable designer home plans, but here are a few of the most popular amenities that homeowners are choosing for their custom houses.

1. Green Features
One of the most common focuses in custom home designs these days is green features. Making homes energy efficient is very important for buyers these days. The right appliances can save homeowners on utility bills. Furthermore, homes that don’t have weatherstripping lose 30% to 40% of heating and cooling through air leaks, so making sure the home is weatherstripped is important. Insulation can also make a home more energy efficient and save a homeowner on energy use.

2. Pools, Jacuzzis, and Spas
Another common and popular feature for luxury custom homes these days is some sort of luxury pool or bathing space. Stone bathtubs are very in right now, and more and more homeowners are opting for luxury pools outside. Pools are nice enough for any home, but infinity pools are more popular among the luxury crowd, as are more hot tubs and jacuzzis.

3. Outdoor Oases
Aside from green features and luxury pools, homeowners are also opting more for outdoor oases altogether. Some of these include a full outdoor kitchen and entertaining areas for preparing and serving food. Others prefer to add details like a waterfall near their pool.

Have you added any of these features to your luxury house floor plans? Feel free to share with us in the comments section below. Learn more at this link.

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How Long Will My Air Conditioning Repair Job Take?

“Where can I find the best AC compressor sales near me” and “Who can I call to help with an AC condenser near me” are two questions you may find yourself asking as a business owner. A big part of business ownership ad building management is ensuring everything is in good working order. This is where ac repair service providers can step in and make at least HVAC services easier to manage.

When you need maintenance or repair work done on your AC console unit or your heating furnace setup, it is important to call in the local pros. Staying local is always a good idea. They best understand the seasons’ challenges and pressures your heating and cooling system will face and can therefore provide the tailored services you need.

Whether you need cooling servings, AC furnace service work, or some other aspect of HVAC service and maintenance, contact your local heating and cooling expert today. Let them come and do an on-site evaluation and provide the services you need. Be ready for whatever the new season has in store!

St louis heating and cooling

When you call a professional for home air conditioning repair, it’s understandable to want to know how long the repair job will take. If you live a busy life, you may not have time to stick around while heating and cooling contractors work on your home air conditioning systems. And if the weather is hot, you have even more reason to want home air conditioning repair to wrap up as quickly as possible.

As with any heating and cooling repair job, the time frame largely depends on the complexity of the repair and the systems involved.

For example, if you’re just low on refrigerant, a home air conditioning repair contractor can just add some refrigerant and leave after a few hours. Low refrigerant is usually signaled by a gurgling sound in your air conditioning system, or a sudden loss of cooled air.

Replacing an old fan belt can also be pretty quick, usually taking only a few hours. Fan belts start squealing as they age, so if that’s the problem you’re experiencing, you probably won’t have to worry about a lengthy, drawn-out repair.

A lack of sufficient cooling could mean there’s something wrong with your compressor. If your compressor is broken, that might take a little longer. Different components of the compressor might break, like the motor or the capacitor, and the length of the repair is all about the parts.

If your HVAC contractor has a replacement part on hand, the repair will probably take about a day. But if they have to order the part for the repair, the job will take longer.

As for total air conditioning replacement, you’ll have to be willing to wait. You need to pick out a new AC system that will actually work in your house, find an HVAC contractor who can install it, and then wait for the installation to be complete. This can take a few days to a week.

Be up-front if time is an issue for your repair and talk to your HVAC contractor to get a tentative end time or date for any repair.

Links like this.

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Three Things You Need to Know About Throwing a Wedding Brunch

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One of the best things about getting married is planning the parties. There’s the engagement party, the bridal shower, the bachelor and bachelorette parties, and the reception — at least. If you’re looking for an easy option for any of these, wedding brunches are becoming more and more popular. With the rising popularity of Sunday brunches, it’s not hard to please guests and they’re a pretty cost-effective and simple event to throw. Here are a few things you should know.

1. Why throw a wedding brunch?
Since you’re already throwing a bunch of other parties, it might be nice to have a smaller event that’s a people pleaser and will be easy to plan. Brunch is a pretty versatile kind of event, so it works if you’re aiming for a formal or casual event. You’re still gathering a group of people for a meal and you’re still having a party, so why not? Additionally, since brunch is more of a morning affair you shouldn’t have a problem with attendance.

2. Who should be invited?
This largely depends on the reason you’re throwing the brunch. The most common cause for a wedding brunch is to thank the wedding party — the bridesmaids, the groomsmen, and the couple’s parents. Brunch can be as big or as small as you want, since the size of the meal and brunch dishes are easy to make for any number of people.

3. What should be on the menu?
Part of the fun of throwing a wedding brunch is planning the menu. Since brunch is a combination of breakfast or lunch, you can do pretty much whatever you want. A brunch buffet is probably the easiest thing to do, especially if you’re hosting a large group. As far as drinks go, brunch is famous for cocktails like Bloody Marys, mimosas, and bellinis.

Do you have any tips for throwing a wedding brunch? Feel free to share them with us in the comments section below. Continue reading here.

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Four Tips for Investing in a New Property

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Although most homeowners plan to remain in a new home for at least two years, average adults buy and sell properties several times throughout their lifetimes. Whether you are considering moving residences, buying a seasonal or second home, or buying an investment property to yield a lucrative future reward, knowing your stuff when it comes to buying real estate is the key to a sweet deal and a happy home.

Know the Location

For people looking to buy luxury homes or affordable homes, choosing and researching the right area is an important first step. Compare current listings for luxurious residential properties across neighborhoods or create a spreadsheet of investment properties for sale so you will be prepared to spot a great deal when you find one. Important statistics to keep in mind are the average and median prices of properties in the area you are considering.

Hire a Professional

As a liaison between buyers and sellers, a real estate agent can show you multiple real estate sites to discover property sold by different agents. People who have always wanted to buy luxury homes can ask important questions to their real estate agent to find out how to make their dream a reality. Forming an alliance with an insider in the business will help you narrow your search and optimize the property buying process.

Get your Facts Straight

While 42% of prospective home buyers think that only first-time buyers qualify for mortgages insured by the Federal House Administration … or FHA loans, several different types of FHA loans are available to suit buyers in many different circumstances. Know what’s fact and what’s fiction as far as your financing options are concerned.

Crunch the Numbers

Banks look for buyers to make down payments because this helps protect the mortgage lender. While a down payment on a property increases your out-of-pocket expenses initially, a down payment results in the buyer gaining equity, or owning part of the property. If you choose the right property to invest in, it is possible to start earning returns on your investment property in very little time.

Whether your heart’s desire is to buy luxury homes, purchase investment property, or move across the globe, share your real estate related ambitions here.

Read this website for more information.

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Five Easy Ways to Stop Your Dog from Chewing on TV Remotes

Replacement remotes for tv

There are few things that dogs love eating more than television remote controls, and many dog owners will go through several TV remote replacements trying to curb their dog’s appetite for small infrared devices.

Of course, most people would rather nip the problem in the bud instead of spending money on endless replacement television remote controls. Here’s how to stop your dog from chewing on television remote controls in a few simple steps.

  1. Hide Your Remote

    The simplest solution is to just keep your remote hidden. Put it in a high cabinet with a closed door or close the dog out of the TV room using a gate.

  2. Distract Your Dog

    Pay attention to your dog and wait until he goes for the remote. As soon as he starts chewing, make a loud sound (clap your hands, for instance) and say something like “No chew.” Usually, your dog will be startled enough to stop chomping on your remote. While he’s distracted, show him a bone or chew toy that he can play with instead, and praise him when he takes it from you. Eventually, he may associate dropping the remote with being rewarded.

  3. Bribe Your Dog

    If you’re dog has the remote control, tell him to “give” and show him a treat. Your dog will usually figure out that he has to let go of the remote to get the treat. Over time, your dog will start to associate the “give” command with dropping items in his mouth to get a treat.

  4. Exercise Your Dog

    Your dog should have plenty of mental and physical activity throughout the day. When dogs are bored, they start to chew. The more you take your dog outside to walk, run and play, the less he’ll be interested in TV remote controls. You can also keep your dog mentally stimulated with training exercises and food-stuffed toys.

  5. Replace Your Remote

    This one is a little sneaky, but still effective. If you’ve already purchased replacement remotes for your broken ones, take one that’s not working anymore and spray it with a taste deterrent made for dogs. Leave it out and let your dog discover that remotes don’t taste very good.

One of these tips should work for you, but if they don’t, it might be time to take your dog to a professional dog trainer; or just buy a whole box of remote replacements.
Continue your research here.

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Why Does My Dog Keep Chewing My TV Remote?

Philips remote control replacement

Many dog owners go through several TV remote replacements while trying to get their dog to stop eating them. Replacement remotes don’t cost that much, but programming a remote over and over can get tedious, and obviously most pet owners would prefer to avoid that hassle altogether.

But before you can get your dog to stop viewing television remote controls as chewtoys, you need to get to the bottom of what makes them chew in the first place.

Most dogs are born with a natural tendency to chew. They may consider it an enjoyable way to pass their time. Dogs often think of activities as a path to a reward, and when they chew on something, they’re performing an activity (chewing) and getting rewarded at the same time (with more chewing).

For many dogs, the impulse to chew actually comes from a very affectionate place: it’s reassuring to dogs to chew something that smells like the family that takes care of them. Since remotes and replacement remotes are handled so often, they collect plenty of great smells for your dog to enjoy.

For other dogs, chewing can be a way to relieve boredom, nervousness or separation anxiety. This is especially true of dogs who only chew destructively while you’re away at work: most of the time they’re just looking for a way to sooth themselves, and chewing offers a calming, repetitive outlet, much like eating comfort food.

Chewing can also be a symptom of lack of exercise. If a dog is pent up inside for much of the day and doesn’t get a chance to burn off energy, they may try to burn energy by chewing. This is another reason why dogs that are left in the house all day tend to be the biggest chewers.

If none of these seem to apply to your dog, it’s entirely possible that the remote is just shaped too much like they’re dog bone chew toys. Puppies and younger dogs often find remotes to be just the right size for chewing.

If you want to stop buying replacement remotes every month, try to identify why your dog is chewing and gently train them to stop, or provide them with an alternative. In the meantime, you should train yourself to keep remotes somewhere that the dog won’t be able to reach them. Helpful links.

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Three Important Reasons to Donate Clothes to Military Families and Veterans

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The excitement and chaos of the holiday season may seem like a distant memory as the first month of the new year comes to an end, however, the work for organizations that help military families and veterans has just begun and is far from over.

While the winter holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is the busiest time of year for veteran and military charities and the time in which they receive the most donations, it’s important to remember that military families and veterans need help all year round.

Like many Americans, you may be eager to donate or find a way to give back to the military and veteran community but due to hectic work and personal schedules, find it difficult to find the time to do so.

In fact, the majority of organizations that accept clothing donations offer used clothing pick up services. Simply coordinate a time with your local charity, place your clothing outside your home or business, and the used clothing pick up service volunteer will scoop up your clothing donation from your home or work.

Gently used clothing donations are one of the most convenient and beneficial ways to give back. Here are three of the top reasons why clothing donations are so important.

Stay warm

The first month of the new year brought record breaking bitterly cold temperatures. As such, cold weather clothing donations such as jackets, gloves, hats, scarves, and sweaters are in high demand, especially for children. Winter clothing donations help keep military families and veterans warm while also warming your heart.

Professional edge

Military families and veterans often face challenges that are unique to military lifestyle. For example, did you know that veterans experience higher rates of unemployment compared to civilians? Business casual and professional attire can be expensive, so gently used workforce-ready clothing can give military spouses and veterans a competitive edge.

Eco-friendly

Did you know that nearly 99% of all clothing that is discarded could have been reused or recycled? Donating clothes significantly reduces the amount of waste and pollution in landfills.