Completeing Your Dream Home with the FHA 203K Loan!

Another challenge with the existing home inventory on the market is the condition of the property.  Whether it is REOs, foreclosures, short sales, or not, less people are presenting homes for sale in pristine condition.

The FHA 203k loan can help. The 203k can give the buyer the ability to have one loan to purchase and renovate their home at the same time.

Similar to a traditional mortgage with a construction loan added on top, the 203k can be used for the following:

• Remodeling bathrooms and kitchens (even built-in appliances) 
• Replacing a roof, gutters and downspouts
• Adding a second story, afamily room,another bath, etc.
• Completing a basement or attic
• Upgrading plumbing, heating, air conditioning or electrical service
• Installing new siding, energy efficient windows and doors
• AND MUCH MORE!

It is important to hire a general contractor that is familiar with the 203k process and requirements.  Advanced Restoration Corporation, a 203k contractor, was recently featured on NBC News4 New York regarding 203k loans, along with Continental Home Loans.

For more information on 203k loans in New York, please contact the following:

203k Contractor:
Company:  Advanced Restoration Corporation
Contact:  Gary Matzelle
Phone:  (516) 903-4107
Email:  gmatzelle@advancedrestoration.com

Mortgage Banker:
Company:  Continental Home Loans
Contact:  Robert Flower
Phone:  (917) 584-9292
Email:  rflower@cccmtg.com

Looking for REO/Foreclosures?
The REO People
Thomas Becker (Licensed Real Estate Salesperson)
Phone:  (631) 873-8150
Email:  tomsellinghomes@aol.com

Time to Light the Fireplace!

The holidays are just around the corner, and that means families will be entertaining around their fireplaces.

Fire safety is a primary ingredient to enjoying the holiday season.  Some firepalce tips include: 

Installation & Use

•Check the fireplace to make sure it complies with
the local building codes.
•Use protective devices like glass doors or a screen
which stops sparks.

•Install a removable cap on the chimney.

•Avoid using flammable liquids or garbage to start a fire.

•Clean out all flammable materials near the fireplace.

•Use only seasoned hardwood and approved fire tools.
Cleaning

•Make sure the previous ashes are cleaned out before starting a fire.

•Use non-combustible containers to remove ashes and remove immediately from the home.

•Fireplaces require annual inspections and cleaning by a certified chimney sweep.

•Regular maintenance is needed to remove obstructions and creosote.
Safety

•Only close the damper when the fire has completely gone out.

•Never leave a fire burning unattended.

Green Drinks Babylon Next Event

Participate. Educate. Connect.

The next Green Drinks Babylon Event will be held on November 17th, 2009 at Horace and Sylvia's Publick House from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. There will be a $5 donation at the door.


Green Drinks Babylon is a monthly gathering of like-minded individuals committed to shaping our future and making Long Island a greener community. Come out and charge your eco-spirit and make some new connections.

We have a lively mixture of people from NGOs, academia, government and business from all over Long Island. Come along and you'll be made welcome. Just ask, "Are you green?" and we will introduce you to whoever is there. It's a great way of catching up with people you know and also for making new contacts. Everyone invites someone else along, so there’s always a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organising network. These events are very simple and unstructured, but many people have found employment, made friends, developed new ideas, done deals and had moments of serendipity.

Fall Maintenance Around Your Home

Many areas have already had a taste of fall weather, and it’s not far behind for most others. Now is the time to make sure your house and heating system are ready for winter. Here is a brief checklist to guide you through some basic tasks before it is too late:



GROUNDS
Check window wells, dry wells and storm drains for debris or blockage.

Repair any driveway cracks and/or heaved or settled walkways.

Trim all trees and shrubs that are too close to the house.

Check (ideally during a rainstorm) for rainwater drainage away foundation.

Clean and put summer furnishings away.

Drain and store garden hoses.


EXTERIOR SURFACES
Check weathertightness of all exterior surfaces and components.

Check for deterioration of painted or finished areas. If too late for a full paint job, prime and touch-up bare wood surfaces.

Caulk and seal all joints in siding, around windows and doors.

Check and seal any foundation cracks.

Improve weatherstripping at exterior doors and windows as needed.

Reset storms and screens where required.

Look for any signs of insect or pest activity around the foundation and at wood components close to the ground.

ROOF (Use binoculars or hire a professional.)
Check for loose, damaged or missing roofing.

Check eave areas for signs of moisture build-up or damage.

Check the condition of chimneys.

Check flashings for signs of lifting or damage and repair as needed.

Check and clean all gutters (eavestroughs) and downspouts.

ATTIC
Check ventilation openings for nests or other blockage.

Check the position and condition of insulation for uniform coverage.

Look for any signs of excessive moisture or heat buildup.

INTERIOR ROOMS
Check all areas for signs of roof or plumbing leakage.

Have any fireplaces or wood stoves and flues checked and professionally cleaned.

Reset automatic timers for the change in daylight hours.

Check all smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if over a year old.

Test Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI’s) using built-in test buttons.

HEATING/COOLING SYSTEMS
Clean all elements of the cooling system.

Remove (or winterize) room air conditioners.

Follow manufacturer instructions for the maintenance of your heating system.

Change or clean heating system filters on warm air systems (now and regularly).

Check heating and cooling systems for any evidence of water leaks.

If present, clean and test the humidifier.

Have your heating system serviced annually by a qualified heating serviceperson before the heating season to keep it functioning efficiently and properly.


PLUMBING
Drain exterior water lines and open taps (in cold areas).

Insulate water lines that are subject to freezing.

Check the condition and temperature setting of the water heater. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the temperature setting.

Check the plumbing system and fixtures for any evidence of water leaks or blocked drains.

Confirm proper operation of any sump pumps and free flow of the drain line.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at http://www.longisland.housemaster.com/ or contact Matthew Kaplan at (800) 805-1122.
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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

When disasters strike, Advanced Restoration is ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.