10 Tips for Making Sure Your Contractor Measures Up...

10 Tips for Making Sure Your Contractor Measures Up...

1. Hire only licensed contractors.
    
2. Check a contractor's license number online at www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752).
    
3. Get at least three bids.
    
4. Get three references from each bidder and review past work in person.
    
5. Make sure all project expectations are in writing and only sign the contract if you completely understand the terms.
    
6. Confirm that the contractor has workers' compensation insurance for employees.
    
7. Never pay more than 10% down of $1,000, whichever is less. Don't pay in cash.
    
8. Don't let payments get ahead of the work.
    
9. Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project, including all payments.
    
10. Don't make the final payment until you're satisfied with the job.

You can never be too sure that you are hiring a CREDIBLE contractor..well, unless you choose Bristol Restoration.  These ten tips are from the California State License Board and should be included in every decision you make when hiring a contractor to do major AND MINOR repairs on your home or property.  The consequence for hiring an unlicensed contractor isn't just for the regular Joe Shmoe. You are at risk as well, and you should be taking these tips seriously. Or just make it easy on yourself and call us....

http://www.cslb.ga.gov

Could Refinance Plan for Mortgages help the current economy?

According to unidentified members of the Obama administration,  a proposal is being considered to allow homeowners with government-backed mortgages to refinance at today's roughly 4% rates.

There are a number of proposals in the air right now including but not limited to changes to previous refinancing programs to increase the number of homeowners taking part, as well as working on a home rental program that would exist to prevent mass foreclosed homes.  

Refinancing could save close to $85 billion a year for homeowners; however, aside from the low interest rates, a large number of homeowners haven't been able to refinance their homes because they now owe more than the home is worth or their credit is poor.

These refinancing plans are merely up for discussion right now.  The changes that could and most likely would happen are dramatic and could cause an uproar with it being so close to the 2012 election.  With government-backed mortgages being at the lowest point since 2009 and the election coming up it is risky business messing with such a proposal as this.

The market won't see many economic increases before the 2012 election, and we can only hope to see a light at the end of the tunnel, after it.  What could this proposal mean if it actually happens?

People Make Mistakes...and a Mistake is a Problem that is Admitted.

We all know that we are in fact fallible humans that make mistakes.  In my opinion, a person can wrongfully do something but it becomes a mistake once it is admitted.  Admitting the mistake is the hardest part, though.  In the business world, we are working to please others in whatever the product or service category may be.  A client is a client that needs what we have to offer.  We know as business men and women that we can't guarantee 100% satisfaction though often times we claim to.  Someone, somewhere might have a problem with what we offer even if it was simply a mistake.

Admitting your mistake to a client may not ensure their business again, but it will help build the reputation your company wants and needs.  If your company is mistake prone, you don't want to use "I'm sorry" as an excuse to be lazy or unfocused.  Just as in any relationship, the best thing for your company to do, is admit fault as quickly as possible, and do your best to help the client out in any way that you can, and work to avoid making the mistake again.

It doesn't matter what the mistake is...if the client is unhappy and you want your business to succeed...then "the customer is always right" applies.  Bristol Restoration works to fit the needs of our clients 110%.  We have a tight knit family that works together to ensure the best service we possibly can.  Knowing that mistakes will occur, we restlessly work to strengthen our business practices so that we can avoid any future "mistakes".

(661) 294.1812

If Stocks Are Down...Where Should You Be Putting Your Money??

While we have seen incredible changes in the Real Estate industry over the last few years, Realtors--now is the time to push your property listings more than ever! With mortgage rates nearing their all-time lows, and stocks crashing, consumers are scrambling to save what is left of their invested money.  As a vendor for Freddie Mac ourselves, we are interested to hear that this weekend hits the lowest reported mortgage rate in 50 years!

Consumers--It is being said that mortgage rates should remain low for now, but if you are financially in the market to buy a new home and your credit is willing, then this is a great time to buy a house with that money you have pulled out from the stock market.  Also, with rates at an all time low, and you are interested in buying a house, then why not increase the mortgage by just a few more dollars a month, on that brand spankin' new home that you or your client wants, and customize it to exactly what you (or your client) has always dreamed of??

A few mornings ago, on my way to work, I was listening to the radio news as they were talking about people frantically running to hide their money in random places around the home.  Instead of hiding your money in a cereal box or in the mattress, why don't you invest it into a beautiful, brand new, all "you" home? At Bristol Restoration, we will help you find exactly what you want, and will work with your Realtor (or client) to bring a beautiful home for your family in just a few days, and just a few dollars extra.  With low rates right now, what are you waiting for??

Do you thing the mortgage rates are going to continue to decrease? Stay the same? Increase?  What do you think the crashing stock market might mean? Do you think that the combination of the two will bring a rush to the Real Estate market?

What do you think?