Patio (Photo credit: Shepenupet)

It’s kind of like “having your cake and eating it too,” when it comes to adding a patio to your home.  Or, you might even consider a sidewalk winding through the garden, flower boxes or curbing, decorative stone that encloses your grill and, if you want to top it off, add a pergola for some shade and accent to really gain an advantage with increasing the value of your home.  Eating your cake too?  Well, you get to enjoy it all with your family and friends whether you’re trying to sell during the housing rebound or simply adding value for the future.

Español: Patio cordobés. Córdoba (España) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The sky is truly the limit when it comes to the type of Oasis you can create in your own yard!  A little landscaping, perhaps a pond and the next thing you know, you’ve created a dream yard that will not only allow you to enjoy it, but will also be the envy of home buyers when they’re considering which home to purchase, yours or the other one?

Patios add value to your house

Jim Lowenstern, broker and owner of Castles Unlimited in Newton, Mass., says that a well-designed, constructed and maintained patio may make your house more appealing to potential buyers.

“They consider it a bonus living area that will not be taxed heavily, doesn’t need to be heated or cooled and is easy to manage all year long with all of its associated benefits,” Lowenstern says.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/06/29/want-to-boost-value-your-home-add-patio/#ixzz2SCDpqwxz

New patio roof is about a third done 03.30.2008 (Photo credit: bossco)

Again, there are many benefits to adding a patio or stamped and decorative concrete to yard.  Think about the family get together you host during holidays, or the neighborhood parties.  Patios can extend your living space for entertaining guests or simply relaxing after a hard day at the office.

There are certainly things to consider when having a patio installed.  Realtytimes.com published a recent article which contained some dos and don’ts when considering putting a patio in your yard:

“So, what if you have a backyard but no patio; is it worth investing in one? The answer depends on your financial situation but there’s no doubt that having a patio or a deck – a space outdoors to relax – is a plus.

However, here are a few tips about creating that patio space. If you have a small backyard, you don’t necessarily want to take up the entire space with a concrete patio. The reason? Greenery is also appealing. Basically, you want to have the patio proportionally sized to your yard. So you don’t want to have a huge yard and tiny patio nor the opposite.

Your patio should be located close to an entryway to the home, typically the kitchen. This is so that if there is grilling or eating outside, people can easily access the kitchen as opposed to walking through some other room in the house first.

Patios also should be located in areas where there is some level of privacy. A patio is most appealing when you can sit back, relax and enjoy a good meal, book, or conversation without feeling like you’re being watched. So the backyard is usually the best location.

Buyers often c http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20130315_patioappeal.htmonsider a well-built and maintained patio a plus and may create a higher selling price for your home.”

Patio cordobés (Córdoba, España). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“You dream it, we’ll build it” is our motto.  Take a stroll through your yard and let your imagination be the leader on this one.  Do you like running water?  Ponds, fountains or streams might be just the setting.  Or, maybe a peaceful place to relax, read a book or entertain?

Yes, it does cost money and the bigger the dream, the bigger the budget. Jeremy Hull, our patio and landscaping designer at JD Hostetter & Associates can offer you some ideas on how to accomplish your dream oasis without breaking the bank.  He has the ability to listen to what you want as opposed to telling you what you

should have.  Then, with his creativity, he can help you plan your dream project and offer suggestions that will keep your budget on track.

So, have your cake and eat it too, by enjoying your creation and increasing the value of your home at the same time.

Related articles

• Concrete Your Way Completes Commercial Decorative Concrete Flooring Project At Toronto Area Restaurant
• The best services for Stamped concrete Minneapolis
• Stylish and Functional Small Space Patio Sets

Logo of the National Association of Realtors. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Should I stay or should I go?” is the compelling question from the lyrics of the band, The Clash on the album “Combat Rock.”  YouTube video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqH21LEmfbQ

You might be wondering why I would be referencing a Punk Rock Band’s song about a questionable relationship and the quest for searching out the answers to whether or not this fellow should leave or stay.  But truthfully, with all of the data over the past few months on housing starts, mortgage applications and housing inventory, headline news agencies can become a bit confusing from a day to day reporting basis.

If you are still trying to figure out whether now is the time to sell or buy, I can assure you that you are not alone.  There is however one theme of data that seems to be consistently bringing the curtain down; the housing rebound has indeed taken traction!

For instance, IndyStar.com reports “home sales jumped 20.4 % over March of last year, to 2,334 , in the 13 county area, according to the Metropolitan Indiana Board of realtors.” http://www.indystar.com/article/20130422/BUSINESS/304220040/Indianapolis-March-home-sales-rise-20-percent

CNBC’s Diana Olick points out that housing inventory in the under $100,000 range has been pushed to an historic low, down 16% as a result of investors coming in and buying up lower valued properties.  The benefit to these investors buying up the lower valued properties for renter investment has provided an uptick in homes valued over the $500,000 priced market.  Quoting Lawrence Yun, chief economist for The National Association of Realtors:

“The housing shortage is going to continue,” claimed Yun, who says the builders need to ramp up housing starts by 50 percent. He admits that is unlikely to happen due to land, labor and supply constraints.

Weak supplies are pushing home prices up far faster than wage growth, which is keeping first-time buyers especially on the sidelines. These buyers made up just 30 percent of the market in March, compared to the historical norm of 40-45 percent. They just can’t compete with all cash investors.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/100660999

Dr. Steve Sjuggerud pointed out his thesis in his newsletter, Steve Sjuggerud Daily Wealth newsletter his thoughts:
My thesis is that housing is in the early stages of an incredible boom fueled primarily by low interest rates…

I believe house prices in America will soar beyond what anyone can imagine.

Getting back to this supposedly “bad” news reported yesterday… Yes, it’s true; specifically the NUMBER of previously owned homes that were sold fell by 0.6%. But that’s less than a percent… no big deal.

The more important thing is what is happening to the PRICE?

“The median price of an existing home rose 11.8 percent, the most since November 2005,” Bloomberg reported yesterday… “to $184,300 last month from $164,800 in March 2012.”

This wasn’t a one-off price improvement. According to real estate data provider CoreLogic, house prices have increased on an annual basis for 12 consecutive months. This is a real trend.

To me, the housing recovery trend is unquestionable. And it’s about to get much crazier…

You see, we have a “perfect storm” in place for higher housing prices…

I understand that you can never know the future. But these conditions are as good as it gets for a rise in home prices.

Yes, the data will fluctuate… It won’t be a straight line higher. You will have data like Bloomberg yesterday, where you will see a down month. It’s just like stock prices – even in a roaring bull market, stocks will still have down months.

I believe we are in the early stages of a roaring bull market in housing.

So, the question remains, should you stay in your home and wait for the housing prices to continue to increase, or should you take advantage of the historical low interest rates and make the go move now?  Obviously each person’s scenario is different and that decision must be made out of your own research, professional counseling and personal desires.

The fact however seems to confirm month over month figures that the housing recovery has indeed taken traction and if you are ready to ride the tide on the upswing, your dream move may just be starting to help you find the surf we have all been waiting for.

JD Hostetter & Associates would like to know your thoughts and experiences if you are attempting to buy or sell.  Your comments and insights will help your fellow Hoosiers and countrymen and women as they are trying to reach their full potential to capitalize on the housing recovery that seems to be fueling some very strong activity.

Related articles

• “Bad” News in Housing Yesterday… Should You Worry?
• Housing “Stuck” Due to Short Supply
• Sales of New Homes in U.S. Climb 1.5% to 417,000 Rate
• What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 22, 2013

Indianapolis Skyline | OneAmerica | 110908-1366-jikatu (Photo credit: jikatu)

As I pen this article on April 10, 2013, Fox 59, WRTV6 and WISH 8 news are already reporting golf ball size hail (1 ½”-2” in diameter) in Carmel and the greater Indianapolis, Indiana area.

http://fox59.com/2013/04/10/severe-thunderstorm-watch-issued-for-central-indiana/#axzz2Q6NBLwd9

http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/video/video-wish-tv-storm-coverage

http://www.theindychannel.com/news/photos-your-spring-2013-storm-pics

Most homeowners find the insurance claim process very confusing and frustrating when it comes to having their homes repaired after a hail storm.  Fortunately for our customers, we are able to help minimize those frustrations due to the fact that I spent 17 years in the Insurance Industry before moving over to the contracting side of hail storms.

I would like to offer you some advice and procedural help if you have experienced damage to your home from the storm that is moving through tonight or, for any future storms that may affect you.  So, if you have a pen and paper handy write down these steps or copy/paste and print them out.

1. Contact your Insurance Agent and file a claim.  They may direct you to another phone number for the Catastrophe division.  If they do, call the number and follow their guidelines.
2. Write down the claim number they provide you.
3. You will be assigned a claims adjuster who will come out and assess whether you have damage or not.  More than likely they will contact you at a future time to set up an appointment.
4. The bigger the storm, the longer it takes for the adjuster to respond and set the appointment.  I know this is frustrating, but just know that they get busy and patience is truly the best virtue in this case.
5. Contact us or the contractor of your choice while you’re waiting for the adjuster to come out and inspect your damage.  You have the right to choose which company performs the repairs.  Some Insurance companies will send out one of their “preferred contractors” to measure for them.  However, you can use whomever you want.  Although they are not supposed to, we still hear stories of some of these “preferred contractors” telling homeowners that they are the company that does the work for the Insurance company.  Remember, that’s your choice!  We can provide a field inspection to give you our “opinion” on whether we believe your damages will be covered, but ultimately, the claims adjuster will give the final approval and determine whether or not your insurance company will pay for the damage.
6. The Insurance Industry determines the price for the repairs if they determine that you do indeed have damage that is covered under your policy terms. Most Insurance companies subscribe to a third party service that tells them what the material and labor costs are for each region of the country.  Of course, you do have a deductible and whatever amount that is (typically $500.00 to $1,000.00) will then be deducted from the total amount of your claim if it is approved.
7. If your adjuster determines that you have damage, they will cut you a check for the amount of the claim, minus the deductible and minus an amount that is referred to as “Recoverable Depreciation.”  The Recoverable Depreciation will be paid once the repairs have been completed.  They hold this amount out to make sure that you do indeed have the repairs completed instead of whisking off to Vegas or taking that dream vacation instead of using the money for what it’s meant for, i.e. repairing your home.
8. If the claim is more than $7,500.00 and you have a mortgage on your home, your Insurance company is required to make the check out to both you and your mortgage company because they have a financial interest in the property as well and want to make sure that their investment is protected.
9. Your adjuster will give you a copy of their estimate.  He or she will either print it out when they come to inspect your home or in some cases they will mail it.  If you decide to have us provide a quote for the repairs, we will need a copy of their estimate to determine if our measurements and theirs are the same. If our measurements are different or if they have missed something we believe should be covered, we can then contact them to set up another inspection time, or confirm whether or not that item should have been included?  The adjuster is not trying to take advantage of you or not pay for something that is owed to you.  They sometimes miss things and it happens frequently.  We can make sure that you are paid for everything that should be covered under your policy provisions* as well as make sure they have the correct materials listed, pricing for our area and help locate which manufacturer or supplier has the materials for your home.
10. You will need to contact your mortgage company and let them know you have damage, a check from your insurance company and they will instruct you how to send that check to them.  They will probably have you endorse the check and mail it to them.  Once they have received it, they will then mail the check back to you, or provide a portion of the amount to give to your contractor so that they can purchase the materials and get started with the repairs.  In some cases your Mortgage company will send an inspector out after a certain amount of the work has been completed and then release more funds during the process until the work has been completed, at which time; they will then send the final amount that the Insurance Company has provided.
11. Remember the Recoverable Depreciation?  Once the work has been totally completed, the Insurance Company will release that amount, usually after they receive a signed completion form from you and your contractor.  JD Hostetter & Associates has completion forms that the Insurance Industry recognizes.
12. When the Recoverable Depreciation check arrives, simply sign it and mail it to your mortgage company (if applicable) and they will endorse it and return it so you can make the final payment to your contractor.
13. Hire a local contractor!  I’ve saved this for the last item on the list, but I cannot stress how important this is.  Our license plates are from Indiana, our taxes are paid in Indiana and your warranty is right here in Indiana.  If your neighborhood is hit by hail, you will also be hit by dozens of people handing out flyers and knocking on your door.  They may have a “local cell number,” but that doesn’t mean they are from here.  Contact the BBB of Central Indiana to check out any company you are considering for the repairs.  You can follow this link to check us out: http://www.bbb.org/indianapolis/business-reviews/construction-and-remodeling-services/j-d-hostetter-associates-llc-in-greenwood-in-1001271.  If you are a member of Angie’s List, check out the company’s ratings.  JD Hostetter & Associates has won their Super Service Award® for the past 9 years and last year we won that award in the categories of: Roofing, Gutters, Siding, Exterior Painting, Windows and Patios.  If you are not a member, I would encourage you to join them.

These procedures are typically followed by most Insurance Companies.  Keep in mind that you’re Insurance Company or Mortgage Company may have different procedures in place than what I’ve outlined above and these are meant to give you a general understanding of what typically transpires when it comes to dealing with the claims process.

It is not uncommon for the whole process to take 90 to 120 days to complete once you’ve picked up the phone to call us or you’re Insurance Agent.  As you can see, there are a lot of procedures and elements involved when filing a hail damage claim.

Hopefully I’ve provided some helpful information and if you find yourself frustrated during the process, just make a cup of coffee, pour a soda or your drink of choice and refer back to the steps above.  It might not help in making the time frame shorter, but at least you will have a refresher on what all is involved while you’re waiting for everything to be finalized.

We would be more than happy to assist you with your claim and help you through the steps above and if the procedures with your claim are a little different, we don’t mind assisting you with whatever it is your Insurance Company or Mortgage Company might require.

* Please consult your Licensed Insurance Agent for any policy provisions or explanations.  Although I am familiar with Property & Casualty Insurance policies, I no longer hold a license and cannot offer any advice or explanations concerning your policy.  The information in this article is simply meant to help you understand the basic procedures and steps that usually occur when trying to get your repairs completed during the process. Your agent or adjuster can assist you with any coverage questions you might have.

Related articles

• One year later: Hail damage still unrepaired
• Insurers Handling Claims from Southeast Hail Storms
• Storm Damage Claims Denied as Deadline Looms

I was driving through Hamburg when I seen this Easter Bunny standing at the corner of 4th and State Streets. I stopped and got out to take some photos and this nice lady gave me a Reese’s Peanut Butter Egg. Happy Easter Everyone. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We would like to extend the warmest greetings and wish you a very happy Easter weekend and holiday as you celebrate this time with family and friends.  We hope that you have loved ones and friends to join in around you.

Some of you will be dressing up and taking your family to church, setting out Easter baskets for the kids or grandchildren, gathering around the dinner table feasting on your traditional ham, lamb or other favorite food, slipping in a secret recipe here or there that has been passed down through the generations and of course, hiding Easter eggs for the afternoon activities.

The families that make up the “family” of JD Hostetter & Associates will be joining in with those same activities and traditions as we take this weekend off to celebrate and pause, reflecting as individual families and observing what this holiday represents to each of us as well.

In speaking with many members of our team this week, I realized that we were very blessed and fortunate to have such wonderful people working with us.  I say working with us, because that is how we look at each and every member that not only makes up JD Hostetter & Associates, but represents our company with so much professionalism and integrity.  I’m very proud to be surrounded by so many good people.

They are all people just like you and me, working hard to provide for their families, having the same struggles in life that we all face on a day to day basis.  I’ve had the pleasure of attending weddings, sitting in waiting rooms at the hospital, anticipating a newborn or in some cases, sitting by a hospital bed while one of our members was battling a sickness or an operation.

Another realization (though not a new revelation) was the fact that Brenda and I have been so fortunate to have met our partner Mike Hull and his wife Babs a little over a year ago.  If you have called our office for a quote or had a question for Mike or myself, you very likely have spoken with Babs, as she typically answers our office line.

Partnerships can be challenging at times and good partners are even more challenging to find.  I just don’t think we could have ever found a better partnership than with these two individuals.  In order for a company to continue to expand and develop properly, it requires great leadership and talent.  Mike and Babs have brought that to our company and much, much more.

As a customer or potential customer of ours, we hope that you feel that family type of a relationship when dealing with us.  We know that when you hire us, you expect us to do what we say we will.  And, although we have to follow the Indiana contracting laws and do certain things to be in business, we also hope to stand out in the crowd when it comes to other businesses that you deal with.

With all that said, from our family and families, we truly do wish you a wonderful holiday weekend.

Happy Easter!

Kilz brand White primer in a bucket, shot while I was putting it on some replastering in our house. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We’ve all heard the old adage; “You get what you pay for” and when it comes to your home, well, let’s just say that those words couldn’t be truer today!  There’s also another truth that was spoken long ago which says; “There’s nothing new under the sun.”  Perhaps you’re familiar with it?

You see, in the exterior and interior painting business, or for that matter, siding, windows, doors, gutters, roofing, etc, we see these two truths play out almost every day.  From time to time we’ll even get phone calls from people who went with another company because of the unbelievable price that was being offered.

At that point however, there isn’t a whole lot we can do except to start all over again, doing things the right way.  I honestly feel bad for people when we receive those types of calls, knowing that they have wasted their time, money and of course, the unpleasantness of going through the whole emotional cycle from their experience.

I’m not talking about mistakes here.  Let’s face it, everyone makes mistakes.  You do, I do and our company certainly does.  Mistakes are what life is made of.  They are the teacher and mentor of how to change things, do a little better the next time and learn something from them.  We all must learn to deal with mistakes.  In fact, mistakes are what builds our character and provides us opportunity to shine!

No, I’m talking about the painting contractors, roofers, siding installers, gutter cover companies, etc, who like to save a few dollars here and there.  Some of them will buy cheap materials and save a few bucks on a gallon of primer or paint.  Some of them will spot prime instead of applying a full tinted primer.  Others will spray their paint on, doing what is known as the “blow and go” procedure.

Can you get a better price when painting companies perform these little “miss steps?”  You bet you can!  When painters cut corners, they can save you all kinds of money and that’s just a fact.  Those types of painting contractors will beat our price day in and day out.  Although, they may not be there when you need a warranty?

We had the opportunity to bid on both sides of a condominium a few years back.  These were two unit condos in Carmel, IN owned by two different homeowners and sat next door to David Letterman’s mom.  Obviously, in case Dave came driving up, we wanted to shine!

We ended up contracting with one of the homeowners, while the other one went with a cheaper price.  The other company showed up to paint the side they had been awarded about three weeks before we were able to get out to paint the side that we were awarded.  And boy did that other side look well at the moment.

I told the homeowner of the unit we were painting that I had good news and bad news.  The good news I said was “Your unit is going to look so much better than your next door neighbors unit when we’re finished.  The bad news is, your unit is going to look so much better than your next door neighbors unit when we’re finished.”

She looked at me kind of strange.  So, I began to explain to her that we would be power washing, scraping, caulking, replacing any rotted boards that was necessary, brushing and rolling a full tinted primer coat and then brushing and rolling a full finish coat of PPG Porter Paints, Acri-Shield Bonding Primer and Acri-Shield finish coat.

You see, the cheaper contractor sprayed her neighbors unit and I knew that when we were finished, our paint job would look richer, deeper and have more pigmentation showing from her color choice.  I already knew this particular customer was going to be pleased, because I knew that our competition had cut corners on her next door neighbors unit.

How can we compete in this market?  Actually, it’s quite easy.  We simply do things right the first time, receive many referrals and when our customers need their house painted again, we know they will call us.  We would be honored to have you as a happy customer too!

Related articles

• How to Paint a House – Prime, Caulk and Paint
• Painting Ceilings
• Priming Walls for Painting

English: An icon from the Crystal icon theme. Nederlands: Een icoontje van het Crystal icon thema (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In a world full of financial uncertainties, it is imperative for homeowners to stay on top of their number one asset, their home.  JD Hostetter & Associates will continue to bring you monthly articles, updates and ever changing news this year from several sources to help you do just that.  And no, we will not be trying to sell you something every time we post an article.

That being said, we want to help you stay in tune this time around and take advantage of any housing moves or adjustments you might want to make, that is, while you can.  Since the damage from the financial meltdown in 2008-2009 is far from being over, we want to help our customers and friends stay alert.

The housing market was screaming warning signs for all of us back in 2006, but if you were like us, we were simply too busy with life, work and watching our home equity levels increase to even notice the tremors.  If, like us, you were unaware that our world was about to change dramatically for the worst, we want you to know that we too feel your pain.  Just like you, we are homeowners and frankly, we don’t want to get caught off guard again!

The signs of a housing rebound are truly positive for homeowners who want to sell their homes in 2013 and reposition where they live, size of home and make adjustments towards how long they plan on living in their next home.  The average time period of living in a home before the housing bust occurred was about 7 years.  People are planning and spending home equity dollars more conservative these days.

Homeowners are starting to realize that the days of using their home as an ATM machine to purchase a second home, new car, or dream vacation is not as important when compared to using their equity towards readying their home for the market.

According to a recent Bloomberg news article;  Home Depot Inc. plans to add more than 80,000 temporary workers ahead of its busiest season, about 14 percent more than a year ago, as a housing rebound spurs spending on remodeling and landscaping. http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-06/home-depot-plans-14-increase-in-seasonal-hiring.html

When jobs are created and housing prices increase due to demand, the setup of a rebound confirmation is welcomed news for every home seller.

“While investors may still be leery of hopping back into the market, housing starts, prices and confidence are on an upward trend and the tide may be turning this year to favor home sellers.

Homebuyers can expect a more competitive market in 2013, and should start the mortgage lending process at least three months before they plan to start seriously looking because experts expect the process to take several months under new lending standards. House hunters should be ready to deal right away as inventory is expected to remain at low levels throughout the year.

Home sellers are shifting into the driver’s seat with experts expecting bidding wars to break out in certain markets due to the low inventory. While homes will sell quicker this year, they still have to be priced right.” –Kathryn Buschman Vasel-
Read more: http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2013/01/17/housing-market-in-2013-what-to-expect/#ixzz2KvsKMBmr

We would like to hear from you regarding your thoughts and experiences this year concerning this housing rebound.  Whether its advice, an opinion or anything you have to offer relating to the home buying and selling process, keep in mind that other readers will benefit tremendously from your stories and comments.

Related articles

• With Rising Home Values, the Return of Home Equity Lines
• Americans Are Tapping Their Homes For Cash Again
• Pending Home Sales Fall Due to Supply

Central Canal and Indianapolis skyline (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you are a business owner, sales representative, fund-raiser, SEO or website developer, blogger, marketing manager or simply work for someone else who would appreciate receiving free leads and new customers for your company, we would like to invite you to participate in the JD Hostetter Punt.

You see, we have the privilege of serving hundreds of customers each and every year, whom, like you and me, work for themselves or work for another company or organization.  In other words, our customers just like your customers, work somewhere and need new leads for their company too.  So, If you have hired us and own a company, let us help you!

Most people would rather do business with someone they know and have past experience with, or with someone who was referred to them and knows the quality of work they perform.  It’s hard to find quality companies and when you stop and think about it, it’s also hard for companies to find quality customers.

Let’s face it; most of us are Angie’s List members who search the various categories of services we need in order to see who has the best ratings.  Brenda and I are Angie’s List members and we search out companies when we are in need of hiring a service company.  Also, we check out a prospective company with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints on the company, as well as check out their BBB ratings.

Marketing and advertising can quickly cut into a company’s operating budget and when it comes to the ROI (Return On Investment) of any marketing campaign, I can’t think of a more cost-effective approach than sharing a meal once each month with a group of other business owners and representatives who are there to help your business grow.

Why do we call it the JD Hostetter Punt?  Instead of being in a football game, business owners, sales representatives and organizations find themselves in a different kind of game.  They are in real life game of survival that is based upon succeeding in business, sales and growth.  Their families, employees, suppliers, etc, are all counting on them to succeed.  We want to punt some leads their way to help them find that success.

We want to help others succeed!  We believe that if we can provide the opportunity to help other businesses succeed through a networking lunch forum once each month, we can build a group of like minded business associates who will help drive one another to a greater level of success and satisfaction.

The unemployment numbers are not satisfactory to us.  We also want to hire more employees each year and another motive for this group is to help each company participant achieve the next level of success so that they too will need to hire more workers and help drive down the Indianapolis, Indiana area unemployment numbers.

There are no dues or fees to participate, other than the cost of your lunch of course.  The membership is limited in that we can only allow one industry representative participate.  Examples would be one attorney, one auto mechanic, one accountant, etc.

We ask that each member of the group agree to two requirements, which are; attend the lunch meeting each month and bring at least 3 referral leads to the group.  The referral leads can be for three different members or two leads for one member and one lead for a second member.  Any combination is acceptable, but please be willing to find three leads through the course of the month to share with other members.

If you would like to participate in the JD Hostetter Punt, please email us at:  info@jdhostetter.com.  We are not providing a phone contact due to the nature and activity of the web.  In the subject line, simply type “Punt.”  Please provide your contact information including a phone number that you approve to contact you back, along with the industry that you will be representing.  If your industry is already represented, we can discuss the procedure of getting you in when a seat becomes vacant.

We look forward to hearing from you as we punt towards your success!

One of the consequences of not cleaning the gutters is that leaves & such accumulate. This forms humus, a precursor to soil.(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As the snow begins to melt and the icicles that once hung from the branches of the trees are replaced with brand new buds, the hint of spring will once again produce freshness throughout the foliage in our yards.  Soon, the grass will turn green, flowers will awake from the dead of winter and the leaves from the Poplar, Sycamore, Dogwood and all of our magnificent Central Indiana trees will open up like umbrellas, providing shade and beauty.

Indeed, we are certainly blessed with the diversification of nature in our area of the country.  We also know from experience that the rains, hail and storms will wreak havoc as the season turns.  The winds will blow in their damage and before we know it, fall will be upon us and throughout all of those months that provided the beauty of our trees; unfortunately, there will be a continuous battle to protect our roofs, soffits, trim boards and gutters from the damaging leaves that have swirled throughout nature’s path.

Some of us will climb ladders several times, armed in gloves, carrying buckets and rakes.  Others will hire someone to come out and go to battle for them.  The one simple fact remains however; the leaves must be cleaned in order to keep the damages from occurring to our home.

The box stores, such as Lowe’s, Home Depot and Menards offer screens as covers and though that may appear to be an economical way of combating this leaf enemy, most of those who have tried that remedy find themselves frustrated in a very short time frame, having watched their efforts collapse beneath the weight of wet leaves and debris.

So, back to the drawing board with some new research from the web, product comparisons and perhaps Consumer Reports articles lead the way to discover the “best” product search.  Of course, there’s the contractor search as well and, that in and of itself, can be very frustrating!

The BBB and Angie’s List ratings are the best place to start before contacting gutter cover companies in order to obtain a quote.  Often times we hear the following statement from our customers; “I contacted 5 other companies and you are the only one who took the time to follow up with us.”  Seriously, this has to be frustrating.

Believe me; we understand the confusion when it comes to gutter protection products.  Once certain patents expired in the market place, hundreds of various versions of gutter covers began to pop up and our company receives solicitations from dozens of these “new fangled” contraptions each year.  It’s no wonder the consumer gets confused.

That being said, I would like to share with you the 3 versions of gutter covers that we use.  Each of these products have been tried and proven by our installers over the years.  These companies stand behind their warranties (which are to guarantee that your gutters won’t clog) and they are the most price competitive products on the market.

1. Gutter RX:  http://www.gutterrx.com/index.html
2. Leaf Relief:  http://www.alcoa.com/building/en/news/news_items/leaf_guard.asp
3. LeaFree:  http://leafree.com/index.html

Gutter RX and Leaf Relief are very similar in concept and design.  They are attached with hangers and screws, lay flat within the upper portion of your gutter and are not visible from the street as the dome versions are.  Both of these products have proven to our company and our customers that they do what they say they will do.  That’s very important!  And, they offer the least out of pocket investment, bar none.  They can be installed on your existing gutters and are offered in both 5” and 6” sizes.

For those who prefer the dome look; we recommend the LeaFree product.  It is available in many colors, designed of course to match your existing gutter color.  In some cases, the colors offered may not be a match, but we have found that blending shingles or trim colors can actually offer an accent effect or even a complimentary trim color when desired.  In any event, these too are designed to fit your existing gutters.

Of course, if your existing gutters are in need of replacement, we can also install each of these 3 versions when replacing your existing gutters.  However, if your existing gutters are in good working condition, there is no need to pay for a complete gutter system.  There are versions out there which require replacing your existing gutters, but if that is not needed, why pay the additional costs?

Unlike some of our competitors, JD Hostetter & Associates does not charge a set up fee.  We have heard of some companies charging as much as $700.00 to $1,200.00 additional in what they describe as “set up” fees.  That seems a bit odd to us!

Each house is different which means that some accessories are required on certain layouts and other times they are not required at all.  Since this can affect the price, we are more than happy to swing by during the daytime without requiring you to alter your schedule, measure your home and email a quote back to you, with no hassles, no gimmicks and the quote is free of charge.

As you enjoy your trees and foliage in the coming years, let us take away the ladders, gloves, buckets and rakes so you can enjoy your surrounding beauty, worry free, knowing that your home is no longer being damaged with wet leaves and heavy debris.

For Sale (Photo credit: Ian Muttoo)

If you are like most people who have been waiting for the housing market to rebound so you can finally list your home and put it on the market, you’re time may have finally arrived.  The housing market has indeed improved and most experts agree that there is some genuine traction taking place with this rebound.

A recent article in the National Mortgage Professional seems to suggest we will continue to see a gradual increase in demand, not withstanding some challenges:  http://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news33097/housing-market-remains-rebound-2013

Some areas of the country are doing better than others, such as Florida, California and other areas that were hit the hardest during the downturn, but basically speaking, the housing rebound is finally showing positive signs with inventory levels reaching new lows, due mostly to investors who have taken advantage of foreclosures and underwater properties.  Also, mortgage rates are still at historical lows.  Regardless of the reason, it just might be time to list your home again, especially if you have been stuck because of low or negative equity.

Owning a remodeling company prior to the downturn and now during this upswing, gave me the opportunity starting in 2008 to notice more homes than usual being neglected with normal maintenance projects such as rotted wood, painting, roofing, windows, etc.  All of which, are very important when it comes to selling your home.  Yes, the economy was crashing before our eyes and many homeowners were unsure as to whether they would have a job, more less spend money on their homes during that time.

However, if you have been fortunate enough to weather the storm and are thinking about listing your home for sale, those types of projects need to be completed before your realtor begins showing your home to prospective buyers.

Let’s face it; home inspectors are still aggressively listing items that are in need of repair, thus enabling your potential buyer to negotiate the selling price outright, or loading up your  buyers form 1003 (Real Estate Loan Application), which can eventually lead to all sorts of concessions on the final purchase agreement.  Bottom line; the value of your home is reduced and the amount that you are hoping to get from the sale can be substantially less.

I am not a Realtor, so the first recommendation I would give you is to consult with your realtor concerning repairs, staging, etc.  However, as an owner of a remodeling company that has been awarded the BBB A+ rating since 2005 along with multiple awards for super service by a prestigious rating company since 2004, I would like to offer some exterior improvement suggestions that will not only help with holding your asking price, but will also provide your home with great curb appeal!

1. Exterior Painting
2. Replace rotted trim and siding boards
3. Replace old gutters and consider installing gutter covers if your house has trees
4. Install Energy Efficient windows
5. Replace older roofs or shingles that have blown off
6. Convert screened in porch to a 3 or 4 season room
7. Trim bushes and add flowers as well as landscaping upkeep
8. Power wash mildew and stains from siding and brick
9. Tuck Point brick and concrete areas
10. Repair damaged window and door screens

These 10 items can make all the difference when a prospective buyer and “their” home inspector are picking over your home with a fine toothed comb.  If you have the skills and knowledge to perform these projects yourself, the costs will be much less than having to hire a company to perform them for you.  However, even if you need to hire someone to make sure these items are up to code, it will be money well spent, or perhaps when it comes to your asking price, saved!

I’ve listed a couple of links that might help you in preparing your home for the market.  I hope you find them beneficial.  Again, please consult the professionals you hire and make sure that any advice given is right for you.  You certainly don’t want to spend any more money than is necessary!

http://www.frontdoor.com/sell/home-exterior-projects-expert-tips-and-advice-to-add-home-value/55696#

http://www.frontdoor.com/sell/home-exterior-projects-expert-tips-and-advice-to-add-home-value/55696#

JD Hostetter & Associates continues to participate in the BBB CARE program and retains the status of holding the Better Business Bureau’s “Accredited Business” designation.  http://www.bbb.org/indianapolis/business-reviews/construction-and-remodeling-services/j-d-hostetter-associates-in-greenwood-in-1001271

“We certainly make mistakes, as any company experiences from time to time when operating on a daily basis.  However, our goal is to correct any mistakes we make and do everything within our power and ability to make sure our customers get the quality products and service they deserve.  In general, most of our customers understand that remodeling projects can have challenges.  Our reputation in the market place provides an extra layer of assurance that when those challenges arise; they know we will stand behind our work.” –Mike Hull- Owner & Partner

 

“Fortunately, we have surrounded ourselves with a quality work force which helps in minimizing mistakes and warranty issues.  The bottom line; deal with those issues when they occur.  It would be nice to think that there will never be problems, but in this business, that is just not a reality and you have to anticipate there will be issues that need to be dealt with.” –Jeff Hostetter- Owner & Partner

 

If you would like to check out the ratings or read any reports on JD Hostetter & Associates, you can do so by clicking this link:  http://indy.bbb.org/Find-Business-Reviews/name/JD+Hostetter+-and-+Associates/Greenwood-IN/bbb-accredited/