[Lisa Jones]

Banks have the best rates. Renovation Loan Options

In case you already have a first mortgage of 3% on the primary home and want to get a loan for repairs, there are various alternatives for you. Let us now look at some of them and outline their requirements and terms.

1. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

Overview: A HELOC gives you access to funds that can be borrowed against the equity in your home. It allows gradual withdrawal based on individual’s needs.

Interest Rate: These are usually floating rate loans with interest rates that could be lower than personal loans, credit cards etc.

Interest-Only Payments: Some of these lines require borrowers to only pay interest during draw periods.

Credit Score Required: In most instances, scores over 620 work but there may be exceptions if they meet certain criteria.

Appraisal: Drive-by appraisals are possible when there is sufficient equity in the property.

2. FHA 203(k) Loan

Overview: This is a loan originating from the government where the cost of buying and rehabilitating a house may be financed by means of one mortgage instrument.

Interest Rate: It is not unusual for such financing to be more expensive than standard mortgages, but cheaper than many other funding options available.

Interest-Only Payments: This product is not available; however, interest is charged on the entire principal amount.

Credit Score Required: While some lenders may require a 580 credit score to qualify for a 203(k) loan, higher scores will normally get better rates.

Appraisal: Although it is usual for this type of loan to have a full appraisal performed, there are lenders who can offer flexibility with these requirements.

3. HomeStyle Renovation Loan

Overview: The mortgage is very flexible as it enables one to buy property in addition to making renovations using one mortgage.

Interest Rate: Normally, they are practically as other regular mortgages and thus competitive.

Interest-Only Payments: Usually payments are not even structured this way, people pay for what they got.

Credit Score Required: A minimum of 620 score should be required and no exceptions given.

Appraisal: In most cases, thorough appraisals must be done although there are some lenders who provide other options but have limited coverage.

4. Personal Loan

Review: You might not want to refinance your mortgage but still need money for a home improvement project, in that case you can think of taking a personal loan.

Interest Rate: However, the rates are higher compared with secured loans although it is nothing excessive.

Interest-Only Payments: Banks rarely let you do this as they require any remaining value after paying interest also to be paid in the next month.

Credit Score Required: These loans are available for those who have at least 600 credit scores though each lender has his own policies.

Appraisal: There is no need to appraise it because there is nothing securing this loan.

Summary of Key Points

Interest Rates: Depending on the type of loans these can be made better, only with a note that these will likely exceed the current mortgage rate of 3%.

Credit Score: For traditional choices, shoot for a 620 score, while 580 will work for FHA loans.

Appraisals: Most lenders that provide home improvement loans require a full appraisal of the property, though some may also accept drive by appraisals for HELOCs.

For further progress, you might want to discuss your targeted goals with lenders who work with renovation loans since they can offer the most competitive rates and terms on your projects. Evaluating different options is an important step in ensuring that your renovation efforts are aligned to the right choices. If there’s anything else you need help with or have any other questions about don’t hesitate to let me know?

[Lisa Jones]

What type of metal mesh is best for patching rodent holes?

[Lisa Jones]

While dealing with squirrels and woodpeckers can be difficult, taking proactive measures towards the problem will help avoid further complications. Here are some steps you can follow:

Evaluate the Damage

Examine the Attic:

• Attempt to search the attic for indications of damage, such as droppings and possible entry points.
• Also, look for any forms of nests, insulation damage, and wood or other structural damage.

Investigate for Other Infestations:

• Check for other pests in the attic, such as rats or mice, as they can worsen the situation.

Block Access Points

Close-Off Spaces:

• Tell your friend Dan to close off the holes left by the squirrels as best as he can.
• Permanent rodent-proofing materials such as metal mesh or steel wool can be used.
• Caps and vents can also be placed over screens and chimneys to block future access.

Remove Sources of Infestation

Cut Off Tree Branches:

• If branches extend closer to the roof, cut them off to limit squirrels’ access to your attic.
• Seal all garbage pails and keep pet food indoors to prevent attracting rodents.

Rectify Woodpecker Infestation

Recognize Places of Interest:

• Woodpeckers find the sight of insects and the sound of drumming extremely appealing.
• Do a damage inspection and treat any insect infestations.

Apply Sharpened Tools:

• A reflective object or plastic owls deter woodpeckers from pecking at your property.
• Bird spikes are also helpful.

Temporary Adjustments

In the Attic:

• Please start with the attic to ensure it is well secured.
• If it is contaminated, demolition, insulation, and structural adjustments must be made during stabilization.

Catching Arrows:

• If the structure is exposed to the environment, putting in blocks where the squirrels and woodpeckers have caused damage can effectively stop further destruction.

Ongoing Maintenance:

• Trim trees and remove potential food sources to keep squirrels and woodpeckers away.
• Taking swift action to repair the damage squirrels and woodpeckers cause to your home will increase the likelihood of minimizing the damage.

Focus on self-repairs and preventative measures now, and plan for the bigger renovations come spring. Proper action can mitigate the damage while maintaining proper living standards.

[Lisa Jones]

This is a deep dive into the history of dogs: The History of Dogs Origins

Domestication:

• It is estimated that dogs were domesticated from wolves approximately 20,000-40,000 years ago.
• The details regarding where and when exact domestication occurred are still under investigation, but it likely took place in Europe, Asia, or the Middle East.

Mutual Benefits

Wolves and early humans likely formed a symbiotic relationship in which wolves helped themselves to the food within human habitations while receiving protection, hunting, servitude, and aid in gaining food from the humans.

Early Roles

Hunting Companions:

• Early dogs were used primarily for hunting and herding.
• Their keen sense and ability to work in packs made them valuable allies for early humans.

Guardians:

• With time, dogs evolved and served humans as security for the settlements or livestock they started to amass.
• They served to safeguard humans against potential predators or rival humans.

Evolution and Breeding

Selective Breeding:

• With the advent of societal structures and agriculture, dogs started to be bred selectively to possess certain traits.
• Various breeds were created over time, suited for specific deeds such as herding, hunting, guarding, or companionship.

Cultural Significance

With all these provisions, different cultures started to appreciate dogs for these myriad differing facilities, thus forming domesticated fur companion pets.

Dogs have always served valuable roles in ancient civilizations, particularly in Egypt, where they were revered alongside goddesses like Bastet. They were also prevalent in China as symbols of loyalty.

Throughout history, dogs have been captured and depicted in various art forms. Due to their importance in society, dogs have worked their way into mythologies globally. They were often considered a sign of protection, companionship, and loyalty.

Various breeds of dogs that we know today were created in the Middle Ages by herding, hunting, and guarding specific dogs. With the rise of the feudal system, dogs were also used for protection in castles and estates. In time, dogs became more loved, and dwarfed breeds became commonplace among nobles.

The 19th century marked the peak of dog breeding, which the establishment of kennel clubs brought forward. The first dog show was recorded in England. 1859 finally marked the tipping point when dogs were no longer seen as working companions but as ordinary family pets.

Modern Day Functions

Service and Therapy Dogs:

• Currently, dogs serve not just as pets but also as service animals, therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, law enforcement dogs, and military personnel working dogs.

Cultural Icons:

• Dogs continue to be celebrated in popular culture, including movies, books, and social media, due to their unabated value as symbols of loyalty, affection, and friendship.

A man’s love for dogs is intricately linked to his history, which covers eons as a man’s wild friend, pet, and family member. Dogs’ roles have expanded over millennia, reflecting changes in society, culture, and the human-animal bond. A dog is a great friend who suits one’s functional needs, but much more than that, he is a companion, a source of unwavering loyalty, and emotional support.

[Lisa Jones]

Everything I Do (I Do It for You Everything), Bryan Adams Summary And ReviewBackground

Release Date:

• It was made available on July 18, 1991.

Album:

• It was featured in the soundtrack of the movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and also featured in Bryan Adams’s album Waking Up the Neighbours in 1991.

Writers:

• Bryan Adams
• Michael Kamen
• Robert John “Mutt” Lange.
• The song was a collaborative effort between the three.

Musical Style

Genre:

• The song focuses on power ballads because of its violent, emotion-laced lyrics and overwhelming tunes.

Instrumentation:

• The song features heavy orchestral arrangements alongside the traditional rock instrumentation of electric guitars, drums, and strings.

Themes and Lyrics

Love and Devotion:

• Relentless love and devotion are endless themes within the lyrics.
• They describe the extremes that an individual can achieve for their loved ones.

Sacrifice:

• The phrase “I do it for you” expresses selflessness associated with love.
• It ultimately highlights the themes of sacrifice and commitment.

Chart Performance

Commercial Success:

• The song has been commercially successful, topping charts in various countries, such as the United States, where it was number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed in that position for a record-setting seven weeks.

International Recognition:

• Canada, the UK, Australia, and many others also top the charts.

Reputation and Recognition

Nominated for Grammys:

• The song single-handedly won several awards and was nominated for multiple prestigious accolades, such as the Grammies for Best Song For Motion Pictures and Television.

Song Status:

In the long run, it is one of Bryan Adams’s most popular songs and is considered among the best love songs ever.

Impact on Society and Culture

Film Relations:

Its association with Robin Hood:

• Prince of Thieves helped popularise the song, as it was used at the movie’s emotional high points.

New Versions:

• Several musicians have recorded their song versions, which shows how much it’s accepted in popular music.

Promotion and Advertisement

Concert Favorite:

Everything I Do I Do It for You remains a huge fan favorite at Bryan Adams concerts.

Emotive Cover Versions:

• Adams’s rendition highlights the emotion and poetics of the song.
• Love and devotion are perfectly captured in the timeless ballad “Everything I Do (I Do It for You).”

This is a defining song in Bryan Adam’s career and a classic in the music world because its powerful lyrics and orchestral arrangement have made it memorable.

Its legacy still resonates, making it a staple in romantic music playlists.

[Lisa Jones]

Many important laws have changed dog breeding, focusing on animal welfare, controlling breeding, and managing puppy mill problems. Some examples are;

The Animal Welfare Act of 1966 (AWA)

Summary:

• AWA is a federal law that controls how various animals are treated within a scientific environment during research, exhibitions, transportation, or even by dealers.
• This law serves as the first step towards protecting animal rights at a federal level.

Effects on Dog Breeding:

• This act mandates that breeders selling animals be properly licensed and provide basic standards of care, such as housing, feeding, and veterinary attention, to avoid negligence and mistreatment in commercial breeding operations.

Pet Animal Welfare Statute (PAWS) of 2006

Summary:

• This law expanded pet protections while amending AWA by increasing the standards of care in breeding facilities for dogs and other animals.

Effects:

• The law is a positive step towards protecting animal rights by mandating socialization, proper space for breeding, and children’s veterinary checkups.

California Puppy Mill Law, 2017

Summary:

• California has become the first state to restrict the sale of dogs, cats, and bunnies in pet retail shops without being sourced from shelters or rescue organizations.

Impact:

• This law intended to decrease the need for puppy mills by promoting adoption and discouraging breeding for profit from substandard breeders.

Breeder Licensing Laws

State and Local Provisions:

• Dog breeding licensing laws on the state and municipal levels require dog breeders to be licensed with specified minimum standards of care and management.
• Although the laws vary widely, they all have the same objective.
• To ensure that animals used for breeding are treated humanely and live in acceptable conditions.

Impact:

• It helps to control the breeding industry and decreases uncontrolled and abusive breeding tendencies.

The Animal Cruelty Statutes

Overview:

• As in other states, these laws provide for the definition and punishment of animal cruelty, which encompasses neglect, abuse, and inhumane breeding.

Impact:

• Such legislation enables the authorities to act against the abuse of breeding facilities, eventually leading to some form of welfare for the dogs in question.

The Pet Animal Care Facilities Act (PACFA)

Overview:

• PACFA, as enacted in many states regarding animal care, encompasses provisions regarding the care given by any licensed facility, including breeders, to pets or animals under their care.

Impact:

• It requires facilities to be licensed and subjected to routine inspections and creates better safeguard conditions for dogs kept in the breeding business.

The Animal Welfare (Sentencing and Offences) Bill (UK)

Overview:

• This legislation increased the punishment for animal cruelty.
• It established a legal duty of care for pet owners and animal breeders in the UK.

Impact:

• The new rules have tightened restrictions on breeding practices and made breeders more responsible for the welfare of their animals.

Laws on dog breeding were developed and refined to reflect the growing concern for genuine animal care, breeding control, and the eradication of puppy mills. These pieces of legislation are meant to protect the breeding and raising of dogs and foster responsible ownership and breeding in the industry.

[Lisa Jones]

With the societal shifts, advances in breeding practices, and the establishment of organizations, dog breeding practices changed in the 20th century like never before. Here are the key changes:

Systemization of Breeding

Kennel Clubs:

• Kennel clubs emerged in the early 20th century, forming the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1884 and the FCI in 1911.
• These institutions created norms for dog breeds and controlled dog competitions to ensure the existence of pedigree dogs only.

Breed Norms:

• Considerable modifications on categorization included defining the physical and behavioral components constituting each breed, leading to more unified and regulated breeding systems.

New Age of Purebred Breeding

Specialization:

• The intense media marketing of certain dog breeds escalated the demand for goldens and bulldogs, which resulted in breeders focusing on those specific breeds, thus increasing the number of purebreds.

Specialized Breeding:

• The middle class and the notion of pets as companions greatly increased, causing a further boom in specialized breeding.

Consequences of World Wars

Preserving Rare Breeds:

• Working-class breeds declined due to World War I and the economic turmoil.
• During this time, there was a focus on saving and restoring the often abandoned breeds.

Military Use:

• Some breeds, such as German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers, became popular because of their service in the military and police, which affected their breeding.

New Methods of Breeding Innovations

Genetics and Health Testing:

• Improvements in genetics during the last quarter of the 20th century allowed for an understanding of inheritable diseases.
• Breeders started implementing health screening for genetic disorders.

Selective Breeding

Selective breeding, along with more advanced breeding methods, was increasingly used to achieve ideal characteristics, ultimately resulting in the mutilation of some breeds (e.g., boxers and bulldogs with flat faces).

Increase In Popularity And Availability Of Mixed Breeds

Crossbreeding is the practice of breeding two purebred dogs with different watched show traits to produce “designer dogs” such as Labradoodles and Cockapoos, which are made of well-known breeds like the Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel.

Market Trends:

• The new crossbreds gained acceptance because many consumers had new expectations for nonallergenic pets.

More Advocacy Work Done In The Community

Animal Welfare Concerns:

• In the second half of the century, concern for animal welfare grew, and certain breeding practices were scrutinized.
• Many activities, such as puppy mills, did not have any laws and were termed unethical and inhumane.

Legislation:

• Some territories implemented laws meant to regulate the breeding of farm dogs to improve their welfare, which affected the work of breeders.

Changes in Attitude Towards Ownership

From Working Dog to Family Pet:

• Dogs are no longer viewed first and foremost as laboring animals but as adored pets.
• This shift affected breeding practices, focusing more on family-oriented, temperamental, and behavioral traits.
• The 20th century was a remarkable period for dog breeders, as the industry experienced formalized dog breeding practices, purebred and designer dogs, and the rise in animal welfare activism.

These events created numerous dog breeds today, demonstrating the changing human-dog relationships.

[Lisa Jones]

The implementation of affordable housing legislation can encounter several challenges, such as:

NIMBYism (Not In My BackYard)

Opposition from Residents:

• Citizens can object to changes like new housing due to the fear of increased traffic, damage to their area’s aesthetics, or overly aggressive gentrification.
• This opposition can cause changes and delays in development.

Funding Limitations

Psychological and Decision-Making Barriers:

• While the community can support the initiative, executing the proposed initiatives is often challenging.
• This is because funding from federal, state, and local sectors is hard to come by during political and economic instability.

Limited Resources:

• Other initiatives, such as education and health care, can take priority over affordable housing and completely utilize public funding, resources, and financial aid.

Regulatory Hurdles

Laws Relating To Construction And Zoning:

• Working around existing laws can be challenging.
• Alterations are usually very slow and controversial, so introducing such plans will require considerable time and effort to change local laws.

Queuing:

• Government institutions seldom have fast processes, which results in sluggish project approvals, funding disbursements, or overall financing pouring out because of various layers of bureaucracy.

Market Conditions

Increasing Construction Expenditure:

• Variable prices of raw materials and wages can drastically change the financial feasibility of affordable housing projects, which are already low and can create a huge burden if resources are overutilized.

Lack of Planned Spending due to Economic Crises:

• Economic unhappiness or instability can severely strain funding availability or the need for housing drastically, making long-term planning and investments more difficult.

Quality Control

Risk of Poor Construction:

• Lowering construction standards when trying to meet affordable housing targets can lead to a huge surplus of residential units that do not fulfill residents’ basic requirements.

Maintenance Issues:

• The ongoing maintenance and management of the affordable housing units present a funding problem, as maintaining these units incurs ongoing expenses.

Inclusionary Zoning Complications

Balancing Act:

• Developers often find it difficult to sustain a healthy balance between the number of affordable housing units needed and the profits derived from it.
• In some regions, having these set requirements reduces the viability of developments.

Potential Legal Challenges:

• Inclusionary zoning is a politically sensitive issue. Developers may challenge it legally, arguing that it imposes an unreasonable Standard Operating Procedure burden on them.

Political Resistance

Partisan Divide:

• Various affordable housing policies tend to be extremely politicized and result in the opposition of certain political parties, making negotiations very difficult and delaying the policy in question.

Changing Leadership:

• After an election, new leaders may have drastically different views, leading them to alter or cancel policies and funding made by the previous leaders.
• Although the affordable housing policy in question seems effective in theory to address dire housing needs in the area, it has great potential for failure.

Meeting the community’s needs and ensuring proper funding is allocated, regulations are put in place, and construction is done reasonably are the only ways to impact the challenge posed by affordable housing.

[Lisa Jones]

Following is a summary of the affordable housing legislation covered on January 22, 2025.Summary of the Bill

The proposed affordable housing legislation seeks to solve the ever-looming housing issue in the more metropolitan and suburban regions by increasing the number of affordable housing units. The initiative captures the essence of several key components to help encourage ease of business and construction.

Key Highlights of the Bill

Encouragement for Builders:

Tax Grants:

• The law grants tax credits to developers who build or restore new affordable housing units and expands the LIHTC program.

Grants and Subsidies:

• Developers got project-focused grants and subsidies that built many affordable units into their projects.

Zoning Falls

Multi-Family Zoning Consolidation:

• The bill now incentivizes local governments to abolish single-family zone zoning borders.
• Restriction-free areas will be constructed, allowing for duplexes and triplexes.

Faster and Easier Zoning Approval:

• Local governments will be encouraged to zone and issue permits for affordable housing units easily and quickly.

Inclusionary Zoning Requirements

Affordability Set Aside Conditions:

• In some active development zones, builders may be required to reserve a portion of their units as affordable housing.
• This ensures that the new construction helps in the affordability challenge.

Developer Incentive Programs:

• Developers may be awarded density bonuses for placing affordable housing units, which permits them to build at a higher density than otherwise permitted on the property.

Community Development Funding

Targeted Funding:

• The law provides non-repayable federal grants for selected portions of neighborhood revitalization, including new affordable housing development.

Assistance to Non-Governmental Organizations:

• Funding received will be used to support participatory community development projects in affordable housing on grant-making for non-governmental organizations.

Strategies for Preventing Homelessness

Supportive Permanent Housing Financing:

• Funds shall be allocated to supportive housing programs offering affordable housing plus social services to address homelessness.

Rent Subsidies:

• The legislation provides support to assist with renting during the most difficult times for tenants who are in danger of losing their homes and the economy.

The affordable housing legislation aims to resolve the housing crisis by combining developer incentives, zoning changes, and community funding. This bill is intended to increase the supply of affordable housing units and sufficient opportunities for low- and moderate-income families in the United States.