Old House? New House? Weighing Your OptionsWritten by Neda Dabestani-Ryba
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Maintenance. With older homes, upkeep could be more expensive because of older appliances, plumbing and electrical systems—not to mention roof—may need to be replaced. A turn of century home may have outdated knob-and-tube wiring, and even a recently built home may have an inadequate fuse box-style panel that falls short of energy demands of 21st century families. But new homes generally come with warranties that will cover cost for most major problems. Price. Older homes are usually less expensive per square foot. In addition tax structure is more predictable because neighborhood is already established with amenities that newer neighborhoods are still in process of gaining, such as schools, police and fire services, and infrastructures (roads, sidewalks, etc.). However, with restoration costs a possibility for older homes, your dollars may very well be spent on back-end rather than upfront. If charm and beauty of an old home wins your heart, hire an inspector to evaluate home for lead paint, insect and water damage, lead and/or galvanized pipes, outdated wiring, foundation problems and energy efficiency, including windows as well as heating/cooling systems and insulation. After you get all-clear, you have one last consideration: Does home fit your lifestyle or would conveniences of a newer model suit you better? Only you and your family have answer.
Neda Dabestani-Ryba is a licensed Realtor in Maryland. She is a member of the President's Circle of Top Real Estate Professionals. She can be reached at (800) 536-3806 or visit her website for more information: http://neda.dabestani.pcragent.com/ Prudential Carruthers REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity
| | Have you fixed the broken window?Written by Martin Day
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A corporate internet is ideal delivery mechanism. By linking through to an online survey website such as http://www.surveygalaxy.com a company can regularly conduct surveys so they become part and parcel of daily operations. With an online survey’s ability to produce results in real-time mood of employees can rapidly be gauged and concerns highlighted both on a collective and individual level. Using survey results companies can quickly identify problem areas and follow-up surveys can be used to target specific concerns. With good information managers are able to get to root of specific problems and prepare a considered response. A major advantage of regular surveys is that it allows a company to address small problems in a timely manner avoiding 'the straw that broke camels back' syndrome where a relatively insignificant incident unleashes a torrent of pent up concerns. And don’t forget that majority of employees appreciate being consulted so asking their opinion is not a sign of weakness but an indicator of good decision making. It’s unusual to find, but there it is – sometimes management problems can be solved with something that is quick, easy and won't break bank.
Martin Day is a Director of Survey Galaxy Ltd a web site that allows anyone to create, design and publish online surveys. For more information please visit http://www.surveygalaxy.com
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