Jeffrey Riggs

(ARA) - Moving to a new community can be a great adventure, if you go with the right attitude and a sound strategy for settling in. Make an action plan and you’ll stay focused, organized and proactive -- just what’s needed to put roots down fast.

Before You Go
* Complete a change of address form with the post office, which can be done online at usps.com. You'll also want to send your new address to any publications you subscribe to, as it can take up to eight weeks for the change to become effective.
* Contact the local Visitor’s Bureau for materials about your new town, which should include a map. Identify important routes, such as those between your home and your office or your child’s school.
* Make initial contact with childcare facilities. Depending on the area you move to, you may need to put your name on a waiting list.
* If possible, enroll your children in school. Firm plans will reduce the stress.
* Pack a box with essentials for your first few nights, such as prescription medicine, toiletries, a telephone, clothing, towels, toilet paper and bed linen.
* You’ll also want to make arrangements to have utilities transferred to your name or turned on. In addition, you will want to set up appointments to have services such as telephone, cable and high-speed Internet connected.

Upon Arrival
* For safety and peace of mind, change the locks. You never know who has a copy of the house key.
* Locate emergency services -- police and fire stations and the closest hospital.
* Hang drapes or curtains to give you some privacy.
* Select one room, perhaps the family room, as a place of refuge. Make it a cozy space, free of unpacked boxes, empty cartons or anything else move-related.
* Stock the fridge with prepared entrees and the makings for no-fuss meals.

The First Week
* Check with the post office to see if they are holding mail for you. Finish sending out change of address to credit card companies, clubs, associations, friends and family.
* File away all documents related to the move. You’ll need them for verification of moving expenses at tax time.
* Call your waste removal company or department of sanitation for a trash collection schedule.
* Open a bank account and arrange for a safe deposit box, if needed.
* Obtain a local driver’s license and transfer the vehicle registration.
* Register to vote. Call the local Board of Elections for information.
* Take a tour of your neighborhood to become familiar with your new surroundings. Learn the routes to work, school, grocers, etc.

Help Your Children Adjust
* Maintain family routines. Kids will appreciate the continuity of family life.
* Involve the kids. Allow them to select new furnishings or decorate their rooms.
* Take your children to the local playground. If you move during the summer, it’s likely they’ll make friends there, which should ease the transition to the new school.
* Try to be home when the children return from their first day at school. Kids feel reassured when a parent is there to hear about their day.
* Watch for signs of adjustment problems. These can manifest with trouble-making friends, academic difficulties and irritability or depression.

Get Involved in the Community
* Spend time outdoors. Neighbors may greet you and come by for sidewalk chats.
* Walk your dog in an area where you see other dog owners congregating.
* Schedule an after-work coffee or dessert hour. Invite neighbors to drop by.
* Choose a place to worship and get involved; consider doing volunteer work.
* Select professional service providers such as doctor, dentist and financial and/or tax advisor.
* Find out if your community has a Newcomers Club. Your local library is a good place to start.
* Join a club or take up activities you enjoyed before the move.
* Take a job-related class to develop new professional contacts and update skills.

Don't hesitate to contact local financial and real estate professionals for more ideas or information about your new community. By re-establishing daily patterns and developing ties soon after arrival, your new environment will feel like home in no time. For more tips, visit www.prudential.com/realestate.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Have your home inspected by Jeff Riggs, Atlanta Home Inspector, before you move in at www.phisllc.com or 404-538-8512.

Are you thinking about purchasing a house, fixing it up, and re-selling it? If you are, I can help. Hire a certified home inspector to see if the home you are considering is structurally sound and find out all of the repairs that need to be completed. This will help you when you are completing repairs and when it is sold. I completed an inspection for an investor today. He is going forward and will have it on the market soon.

Call me to help you with your real estate needs. Jeff Riggs, Atlanta Home Inspector, at 404-538-8512 or www.phisllc.com.

Money is tight for alot of us these days. If you are buying a home and feel like you really can't afford to have a home inspection, please think again. You cannot afford NOT to have a home inspection. If you purchase a home without having an inspection, you may end up with a Money Pit and pay Thousands of Dollars in repairs. The information you receive will help you make negotiations in the contract. If you are buying the home "as is", you will know up front what the issues are.

Don't discover costly issues after you move in. Hire a Certified Home Inspector.

I provide Peace of Mind in knowing that the home you purchase is Safe and in Good Condition. Schedule your inspection today with Jeff Riggs, Atlanta Home Inspector at www.phisllc.com or 404-538-8512.

Asphalt Shingles -- Are They The Best Investment For Your Home?


(ARA) – During this time of economic uncertainty, you may be hesitant to invest money in your home. It is important to remember, though, that your home is a valuable asset. In order to maintain your investment, home maintenance or repair projects are essential. An important area of your home to maintain is the roof, which may provide up to 50 percent of your home’s exterior protection.

A roof repair or upgrade is one type of home investment that will likely maintain its value. Many American homeowners may be unfamiliar with the process to repair or upgrade their existing roof. Consider creating a list of goals and a budget. Then, it is important to research your options.

Asphalt shingles are a practical choice, and are one of the most widely used residential roofing materials. Asphalt accounts for more than 80 percent of all new and replacement roofing applications. Asphalt has been the most popular roofing material in North America for the past 150 years, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association.

"Asphalt shingles remain a popular choice because they’re economical, long-lasting and readily available," says Kent Blanchard, vice president of roofing manufacturing for TAMKO Building Products Inc. "There are two basic types of asphalt shingles: three-tab and laminated."

Blanchard says it is important to gain some basic knowledge of asphalt roofing products before making a purchase. To help you better understand asphalt shingles, he offers the following information on common types:

Three-Tab Asphalt Shingles

For many years, three-tab asphalt roofing shingles have been a popular choice for homeowners. These shingles are made from individual layers of fiberglass mat, an asphalt roofing base material manufactured from glass fibers that provides additional strength to the shingle. The fiberglass mat is dipped in asphalt and coated with fire-resistant granules. Classic three-tab asphalt roofing shingles generally include a 15 to 30-year warranty and are one of the more cost-efficient roofing product options.

Laminated Asphalt Shingles

Often used for replacement jobs and on new, upscale homes, laminated asphalt shingles have increasingly become a popular choice among homeowners. Also known as "architectural shingles" or "three-dimensional shingles," laminated asphalt shingles have added dimensionality because of extra layers of fiberglass mat, which create a wood shake-like appearance. Laminated asphalt shingles provide a more distinctive look when compared to classic three-tab asphalt shingles.
According to ARMA, laminates are gaining ground in new construction. When reroofing, three-tab asphalt shingles remain the more popular choice, however industry experts predict the laminate category will continue to grow.
You may want to consider a premium laminated asphalt shingle, which typically comes with a longer warranty and additional advantages that could save you money in the future. For example, TAMKO’s Heritage Vintage premium laminated asphalt shingles are backed by a 50-year limited warranty and include a Class-A fire rating.

"If you’re planning to sell your home when the economy recovers, the shingles you select could affect your return on investment," says Blanchard. "When you’re ready to make repairs or upgrade your roof, take your time, do your homework and select the roofing shingles that are the best investment for your home."

Courtesy of ARAcontent
Schedule Your Inspection at www.phisllc.com