7 Ways to Get Your Modular Home Office in Order
April 22, 2011
These days even though you may work away from home most still have a home office. This office may not only be for work related items but also for personal use. These tips will help you effectively organize this space and your time in this office.
Store documents online. Scan, upload, digitize, or e-mail your docs to SlideShare, Posterous, or Google Docs. You’ll never have to worry about computer crashes. Also try Microsoft OneNote.
Minimize distractions. Your office space should be dedicated only to things that help make you money, practice your profession and organize your personal business items. This space should not be used as a storage area for boxes, clothes, etc.
Find technology that does double duty. Save space with multifunction or ‘all-in-one’ equipment that prints, copies, and scans. The smaller footprint of these machines makes them ideal for most space-challenged home offices.
Prevent stacks & piles. A business or life in general can generate an enormous amount of paper, so you need to figure out what to keep and where to put it. Determine its importance and do one of three things- in the trash, storage/filed, or delegate it.
Maintain your files. Constantly update your paperwork keeping the most urgent or current items close to you.
Set up an area suitable for guests. If you are going to have clients or friends in this space set up some chairs and a small table.
Don’t get sidetracked. When you’re doing work at home, there are so many other things calling for your attention. Designate a break period every so often to take care of items that need your attention outside of the office.
The Minnesota Modular Home Makes the Perfect Farm Home
April 20, 2011
Many words come to mind when I think about the perfect farm home and the only type of home is the modular home. There are many benefits a modular home provides to those who feed our country.
The focus on main level living is important and makes daily living easier. Items such as the washer and dryer on the main level, large utility rooms with adjoining bathrooms for clean-up, and minimal steps to the home are special features offered in modular housing. After a long day on the farm these are great comfort features.
Cost and length of construction is always a concern and modular housing excels in both of these areas. Usually within two months a modular home project can be completed and generally cost 20-30% less than site built homes. This short construction period requires very little time away from the daily responsibilities on the farm.
Finally, efficiency is important and energy star rated products are used in every modular home. Products such as Pella windows, Moen faucets, Owens Corning shingles and insulation and many other efficient products keep those pesky monthly utility costs down.
Corn prices are high, but there is no reason to spend all your profits on a new home. Keep some of that money by building a modular home.
Uncle Sam Wants Minnesota & North Dakota Modular Homeowners to Use Alternate Heating/cooling Systems
April 19, 2011
The focus on alternative energy producing systems is still on the mind of the government. The residential energy efficient property (REEP) tax credit slashes 30 percent off the cost of geo-thermal heating/cooling systems, solar energy systems and small wind turbines. This could potentially save you up to $4,500, but this tax credit expires in 2016.
I have a geo-thermal system in my home and have been extremely pleased with it. This was eight years ago and I received some rebates but nothing like the government is offering now. It is definitely time to considering one of the systems.
Make Your Banker Smile When Inquiring About a Modular Home Loan
April 10, 2011
Most people need to acquire a mortgage loan when they plan to buy a home and there are many items needed to get your pre-approval and full commitment from the bank. Below is a list of items you should have ready when you go in to talk with your bank.
Last two years of W2’s
Last two paystubs with year to date
Last two years (if self-employed)
Last two month of bank statements
401K-stocks-bonds (copies of statements)
Homeowner’s insurance information
Gift letter
Bankruptcy papers (if applicable)
Divorce decree (if applicable)
Child support agreement (if applicable)
Pension and social security award letters
Property abstract
Twelve months cancelled checks
Each loan situation is different for each individual, so this whole list may not be required. By having this information ready you may witness a big smile on your loan officer’s face.
April-Modular & Manufactured Homes- Did You Know?
April 3, 2011
Did you know?
Our Modular/Manufactured Homes are built in a controlled environment safe from the wind and rain. Next time you drive by a construction site on a rainy day, think about all that water seeping into the floors and walls. It takes a long time for that water to dry up – if it ever does.
Our Homes are built in an enclosed environment and the elements will never reach the inside of your home. In fact your home won’t even know what a rainy day is until the room is on and the windows are sealed.
Our Featured Home
Another Satisfied Homeowner
Pinger Manufactured Home- Ham Lake, MN
“After living in a small home (28X26) and raising 4 children in it we are finally in a home that we can enjoy the whole family in it. Our family now numbers 20 and at holidays it is nice to have them all here. Our house sits on 2 acres with a sprinkler system. So [...]
