Month: March 2016

Minnesota Real Estate Complaints

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Complaints in real estate transactions are normal in all the states of the union. They usually arise as a result of the failure of one or both the parties to a transaction to adhere to the agreed terms. It is important for investors in real estate in Minnesota to be aware of their rights when it comes to resolving real estate complaints.

Sellers and buyers of real estate are usually called “principals” and the sale and real estate agents are referred to as “agents”. A real estate agent commonly fills out a “Real Estate Contract.” A contract typically contains the final agreed terms such payment schedules and other important conditions which are binding to all the parties signing the contract. The contract also puts down the steps to be taken in case the stated terms and conditions are not adhered to at any time during the tenure of a contract. Contracts also usually detail the procedures involved in the appointment of a mutually acceptable arbitrating agency to resolve the disputed issue/s.

In the unfortunate circumstances that either or both the parties fail to stick to the agreement contract conditions, a dispute arises. If the parties fail to resolve the disputed matter in an amicable way through mutual understanding, then the parties can approach a previously appointed arbitrating agency. It is usually necessary for a complaining party to inform the other party to the contract and also lodge a formal complaint along with full details, to the arbitrating agencies.

By law, the decision by an arbitrating agency is not binding on the disputing parties. In case, either of the parties is not satisfied with the opinion of the arbitrating agency, they have the right to approach the courts and initiate legal proceedings in order to redress their grievances. The court takes serious cognizance of the arbitrating agency’s report on the disputed matter. In addition, the court examines the legal validity of the contract document, to ascertain that it conforms to the statutory provisions of the state and federal laws while considering the disputed matter. The judgment delivered by a court can be appealed at a higher court if the disputing parties are still not satisfied with the verdict of the court.

10 Things You Have To Know About Wooden Garages

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Wood structures are pretty much the hottest fad in the real estate world right now. Log cabins are growing in popularity, backyard sheds made of lumber are hot ticket items and gazebos are an obsession. Even wooden garages are a big hit and you may be considering getting your own to take advantage of the many benefits it can provide.

Here are ten things you should know about wooden garages before you buy.

You Have To Regularly Keep It Clean – This is a big deal and one too many people ignore. Dirt may just slide off of metal siding but it can cause damage to wood. When you get a wooden garage you are committing to keeping it clean and maintained. That will keep pests out of the corners, or from burrowing into the lumber.

Staining Is Necessary – Another element to maintaining your wooden garage is staining it. This has to be done every three to five year to maintain the integrity and health of the lumber. If you don’t do it the logs will crack, blanch and possible let in pests like termites. The wood may also become warped or even rot from the inside. Luckily it isn’t an expensive investment, is simple to do yourself and there are many environmentally friendly chemicals to choose from for the tasks.

It Is Prone To Pests – As mentioned above, wood is attractive to pests. Termites, spiders, ants, rats, mice, even racoon..they like the wood. For the most part this won’t be an issue as long as you stain your wood, keep the garage clean and look out for cracks. But if you find a hole you should fill it as quickly as possible to avoid an infestation.

Materials Can Be Expensive – Looking at the cost of building a wooden garage you may be shocked by the discrepancy in cost when compared to metal structures. The other side to that argument would be how sturdy lumber tends to be, as well as how attractive it is. People who buy wooden structures are essentially investing in the property. When you look at it that way you will see why the cost can be worth it.

Pre-fabs Are More Cost Effective – If the price tag on a custom built wooden garage is a deal breaker it may be time to consider an alternative. Pre-fabs are much more inexpensive, fitting into most budgets. They come in multiple sizes with various features, such as automatic doors, or even manual double doors for a more rustic look. These will average between $1500 and $5000 for most models, though more complex garages can be more.

You Can Fix Them Yourself – This is a big plus for a lot of folks who don’t want to have to turn to a contractor to fix future problems. Wood is easier to work with than metal and you can replace whole logs if you have to. Any lumber seller, from hardware stores to wood based recycling centers, can help you find the right size, color, shape and weight to make a repair. But in many cases you can just to small patch jobs to take care of problems. If you maintain your garage properly it might never even come up. On the other hand, if you do need someone to come and fix it for you it isn’t hard to find contractors who can deal with wood. Metal repairs can cost more.

Damp Can Ruin The Wood – It can’t be said enough, you have to stain your wooden garage regularly! Staining seals the wood and keeps moisture out of the lumber. When the stain begins to breakdown it will no longer repel water. The damp will push its way into the logs and start to rot it from the inside. Warping will form, pushing the logs out and causing gaps where the wood has shrunk. Heat will make it expand again, exacerbating the problem. Cracks will form in the surface, letting in more damp and in some cases various pests. All it takes is a bit of rain when the garage isn’t properly fitted and you will have to replace full logs. Make sure you prevent it!

They Can Be Used as More Than Garages – Some people are choosing these structures, but not for their cars. Wooden garages make great sheds, extra rooms and even guest houses. Depending on the size you select (and that of your car) you might be able to share the space for multiple purposes. All it takes is a bit of imagination and you can turn it into anything you like. Because of the low price it might also act as an alternative to more expensive structures you were considering putting on your property.

They Improve The Look Of Your Property – Let’s face it, metal garages are ugly. They take up too much space, make weird noises in storms and are just an eyesore. Wooden garages look great, have a classic feel and are popular for a reason. If you want to make your property look as good as possible, especially if you are considering a sale in the future, this is a great step to take. Throw that metal garage in the trash heap where it belongs.

They Can Increase The Value Of Your Home – This is one of the biggest reasons people choose to go with wooden garages. There are many different upgrades you can do to increase the value of your home. Some people put in swimming pools, others go with guest houses in the backyard. Others put in a rock garden or install solar panels. Wooden garages are a practical upgrade the looks good while being fully functional. That gives it an edge to many of the other improvements, especially given the lower cost.