Real estate investing can be profitable for anyone with drive. But, that will only occur once they've spent the time to find out how the process works. The advice below is a compilation or tips that can be used today to begin a successful real estate investment career. Marketing will be crucial to your success. Marketing is what generates your leads. Without solid leads, you are not going to find good deals on properties. Therefore, if something is not working in your investment plan, turn to your marketing strategy first to see what is going on and what can be adjusted. As a real estate investor, it is important to create an LLC. That way, you will be protected. Additionally, you'll be able to take advantage of some tax benefits. Be careful about choosing properties with strange room layouts. You may personally find it interesting, but many people don't like these strangely developed properties. They can be extremely hard sells. Picking one up without a potential buyer in mind can lead to it sitting in your inventory for months, if not years. Try not to overextend yourself. Don't get overeager. Start small and work your way up. Don't just assume that you can spend a great deal and make that money back. That's an easy way to back yourself into a corner. Wait until your smaller investments can fund some of your more ambitious ones. Become educated on real estate investing basics before spending money on properties. If you don't stay mindful of your choices, you risk making some expensive mistakes. Investing in the training needed is something you should do to be sure you're protected. Always evaluate the neighborhood as a whole before you invest in any property there. Desirable neighborhoods will always hold their value, whereas depressed neighborhoods may not give you as good a return. A property's value is very important, but the location can often be even more important. http://pdxrenovations.com/ ...read more

  Air Duct Cleaning by DUCTZ of N.Alexandria/C.Fairfax reminds you that February isDryer Vent Safety Awareness Month!!! It’s February!And like me, I’m sure the first thing you think of in February is your clothes dryer vent.    That’s right it’s Dryer Vent Safety Awareness Month. What you might not know is that according to the latest studies done by the US Fire Administration, each year clothes dryers are responsible for over 12,000 fires. It’s bad enough these fires cause $88 million in damages to property annually.  However, the real tragedy is that dryer fires are to blame for an estimated 300 injuries and 15 deaths each year.  The majority of these incidents occur during the coldest months of the year. The number one cause of dryer fires is an excessive build up of lint. So, how can you possibly know when your dryer is becoming dangerous? Signs you may need dryer vent cleaning include: · Loads of laundry taking longer than normal to dry· Clothes not being fully dry after a normal cycle· Clothes being hotter than usual after a drying cycle· Condensation on the vent pipe Some simple maintenance can greatly reduce the likelihood of you suffering the devastation of a dryer fire. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides the following recommendations to help maintain a safe dryer vent. · Once a year have the lint cleaned out of the vent pipe· Do not operate the dryer without a lint filter· Clean the lint filter before or after each use· Rigid or flexible metal vent pipe should be used(no vinyl)· Avoid overloading the dryer· Make sure the exhaust vent pipe is open and has no obstructions when the dryer is operating· Never leave a dryer running when you leave home or go to bed DUCTZ is trained and qualified to maintain your dryer vent. Hotels, nursing homes, apartment complexes, pet hospitals and countless home owners have trusted DUCTZ to clean their dryer vents. If you notice any of the warning signs listed above or if you have not had your dryer vent cleaned in the past year, please call DUCTZ of N.Alexandria/C.Fairfax at 703.780.3828 to schedule a professional dryer vent cleaning service today.  It’s an inexpensive way to keep you and your loved ones safe. Happy Dryer Vent Safety Awareness Month from DUCTZ of N.Alexandria/C.Fairfax   DUCTZ of N.Alexandria/C.Fairfax is a member in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association). ...read more