Anytime a person buys an older home, it is only logical to assume that some lead-based paint is on the premises. Typically, this is not much of a concern unless the paint is flaking off or if a major renovation is planned.

If purchasing a home built before 1982, a buyer might expect it to contain some lead in the paint that was used over the years. The manufacture of lead-based paint was discontinued in 1978; however existing product was used in homes through 1982, when supplies were depleted. The general guideline is to expect at least a strong probability of lead-based paints in older homes. This information applies to exterior and interior painted surfaces. Inside the home, lead-based paint was more common for trim than on the walls.

Lead-based paint is not considered to be a problem as long as the substance does not become airborne or easy to access (no flaking off — so a child could ingest pieces). Maintaining all siding, exterior trim, interior trim, walls and woodwork in a well-painted and covered state minimizes possible exposure to lead. If a buyer has a special concern about lead based paints, easy and affordable lab tests are available to positively identify these products. When renovating or remodeling, a number of safety precautions should be followed if lead-based paint is present. An online search for “lead-based paint” will quickly provide the consumer with a full range of safety tips as compiled by numerous government agencies and other industry professionals.

Eric Badgely
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/lead-based-paint-what-a-buyer-should-know-361141.html

If so, then there are several things that you need to consider. The tropical climate is one of the benefits of living in Florida, but it does present unique challenges when it comes to buying or building a new home. Also, older homes may have hidden repair and remodeling costs that the buyer has not considered. The educated buyer would do well to take all of these factors into consideration when deciding on whether to purchase an existing home or have a new home built.

Purchasing an existing Florida home

At this time, there are a flood of existing houses for sale in Florida. Market conditions now heavily favor the buyer, and many Florida home buyers are looking to take advantage of these conditions by finding a great deal on an existing home. However, buyers must take into consideration some of the repair and remodeling costs that may come with an existing home.

The buyer may think that they are getting a new home at a great price, but in reality, they could end up spending a great deal of additional money before the home is ready for occupancy. Older homes are especially prone to needing costly repairs. On average, a Florida home begins to require major repair and remodeling after twenty years. Electrical and plumbing systems age, wood frame homes are often susceptible to wood rot and insect infestation, and appliances wear out after years of use.

Many older homes were built before lead paint restrictions were put into place, or were built without central air conditioning and heat. Older furnaces are often unsafe and are expensive to remove, and it is difficult (not to mention costly) to install central heat and air in homes with out-dated electrical systems.

Building a new Florida home can save you money

Building a brand-new custom home may be more affordable than you think, and will alleviate several of the home buying worries that come with an existing home. If you consider the fact that you will not have to spend a penny on repairs or remodeling, a brand-new home will likely end up saving you money in the long run. There is no need to worry about replacing outdated electrical, plumbing, air conditioning and heating systems. There is no fear of wood rot, water damage or insect infestation. Everything is brand-new, and often under warranty.

Hurricane protection is another area where you can save money by having a new home built. Many existing Florida homes were built before stricter hurricane building codes were put into effect, and even newer homes may not be built to withstand a strong hurricane.

Today there are home builders in Florida who are offering homes built to withstand a Category 4 hurricane. These builders use solid concrete construction, additional roof truss straps, and impact resistant glass to provide the highest level of hurricane protection for your home. In addition, these above code homes can save you money on homeowner’s insurance premiums. Many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who purchase homes with these protective features.

No need to spend time and money on messy remodeling projects

When you decide to have a custom Florida home built, your builder should provide a wide array of style and décor options. You choose the floor plan, interior and exterior colors, flooring, cabinetry, and lighting for your custom home. This means that you get the home you want: a home that reflects your personal taste and style.

In a brand-new home, floor plans are often more airy and spacious than those found in older existing homes. Appliances are up-to-date and top of the line. The homes are usually pre-wired for ceiling fans, cable and internet, and there is an increased number of electrical outlets in every room. These are all features that you would likely have to pay to add to an older existing home

Purchasing a new home from a builder saves on commission costs

Finally, you can save money on a brand-new custom built home by purchasing your home directly from the home builder rather than acquiring a realtor to negotiate your purchase. If a home builder does not have to pay a 3-6% commission to a realtor, they will often pass these savings on to you by reducing the price of the home or adding additional features and upgrades free of charge.

In the long run, purchasing an older existing home, even in the current buyer’s market, may cost you more money than you think. It may be much more affordable, not to mention less stressful, to build a high-quality custom home instead.

G Beaty
http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/4-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-new-home-in-florida-25186.html

Peoria is a great city in which to buy older, historic homes. These homes may not be as old as some found in Boston, New York or Philadelphia, but some date back to the early 20s. These houses have plenty of character and detail, something that’s often lacking in today’s modern homes.

Historic homes can also be a great value. They often let you put a little sweat equity into a possibly undervalued home. Unfortunately however, sometimes these historic homes are hiding some potentially big problems. A little information can keep you from making a costly mistake, so be sure to do some research before you buy.

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can cause huge health problems, most significantly lung cancer. It enters homes through cracks in the foundation. Radon can be detected fairly easily with a contractor’s help. Fixing the problem can be inexpensive if it merely requires sealing the basement, although it may cost big dollars if you have to tear up floors, put in a new foundation or replace plumbing.

Lead

Lead can be a huge problem and cause major health problems. Unfortunately there are a number of areas where lead may rear its ugly head.

Lead Pipes: Lead pipes were commonly used in plumbing up until the 1940s. Even later, lead was used in the solder used on copper pipes as recently as in the mid-80s. It can be expensive to replace entire plumbing systems, depending on how much of the home must be demolished to get the work done.

Lead Paint: Theoretically, lead paint isn’t always a problem since it only raises a health issue when ingested. Unfortunately, if you have children, you can count on them finding ways to eat the paint. Also the paint may flake or chip and the chips can easily contaminate soil or get into foods or drinks. It really isn’t worth taking the risk. Getting rid of lead paint may mean stripping all the old paint from the house, or even replacing its siding.
Asbestos

Asbestos was commonly used as insulation in furnaces and boilers, and even in water pipes leading to radiators. Some vinyl and linoleum, and even certain ceiling treatments also incorporated asbestos. Asbestos must be removed by specialists, which can of course be expensive.

No problem is insurmountable, but you may find the solution budget breaking. Historic homes in Peoria have great potential, but be sure that you carefully evaluate before committing. With a little work, you can have a home that pays off big time.

Reg Gustin
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/peoria-homes-everything-old-is-new-again-63960.html

America’s annuity agents have spoken. LeadZILLA, a direct mail annuity lead program offered by Life Sales, wins the Readers’ Choice Award in a survey of independent annuity producers polled by Senior Market Advisor Magazine. The votes are in, but after mailing out 44,800 pieces in 224 separate drops, do I see LeadZILLA as king of the jungle or a big bag of gas?

No doubt I was thrilled to read about LeadZILLA taking top honors for best direct mail annuity lead program in the Senior Market Advisor Readers’ Choice Awards. After all, I am a principal AFMO in the marketing organization, Life Sales, the lead program’s proprietor. And knowing the votes were cast by independent annuity agents nationwide made the victory even sweeter. But having invested thousands of my own dollars into LeadZILLA to generate leads for my own general agents to use, I’ve learned a few lessons along the way.

The numbers speak for themselves. My first mail drop was on September 23, 2005 and, as of this writing, I have used LeadZILLA continuously for the past fourteen months. I have mailed out 44,800 pieces in 224 drops and received 1,295 direct response cards back in the mail. This is a response rate of 2.89% and an average of 5.77 lead cards for each 200 piece drop.

Life Sales boasts an average of 6 lead cards returned for every 200-piece drop. My average of 5.77 cards is close enough that I’m not going to whine over the .23% difference. As we in the insurance industry know, pools of statistics paint with a broad brush. I’ve seen return rates ranging from zero cards back to 20 back, each from 200 pieces mailed out. Individual return rates are one of those mysteries of life, but I always advise my agents to select zip codes on the outskirts of town and away from affluent neighborhoods.

The good news is that LeadZILLA is part of Life Sales’ Marketing Allowance Program (MAP), which makes it free with production. For every (roughly) $40,000 in annuity premium issued by one of its four carriers—Allianz, American Equity, Sun Life Financial, and ING—Life Sales gives the agent a 200-piece mail drop. On average, each piece of business leads to six additional hot prospects, which in turn leads to more business and more prospects in a self-perpetuating cycle.

But this cycle is quickly broken when the agent tries to take the lazy way out. Do not (I repeat, DO NOT!) destroy a perfectly good direct response lead by picking up the telephone and becoming a cold-call telemarketer. You’ll be lucky to set an appointment with one in six prospects, and you’ll quickly join the ranks of the 90% of insurance agents who fail. Instead, route out your cards, get in your car and spend an afternoon using the Drop-By System.

Here are the steps to remember with the Drop-By System. Park your car directly in front of your prospect’s home or in their driveway. Leave the engine running and the door open. Get out of your car, turn and wave at the front window as if someone saw you drive up. (In case someone did see you drive up, they’re busted!) Knock on the door and stand sideways a few feet away. When your prospect comes to the door, glance at your watch and say, “Hello, may I speak with Mr./Mrs. (Name on card)? I’m (Your name) and I only have a minute, but I was passing by your street and thought I might stop by to set up an appointment to go over this information you requested (show them the lead card they filled out and signed). Is Thursday morning at 10 good, or is Friday morning at 9 better?” Let the conversation go where it will. Some of my biggest annuity sales started out discussing Mr. and Mrs. Prospect’s cat.

They can’t very well hang up on you. They can, however, see that you are a living human being with “evidence” in your hand, a smile on your face, and a simple duty to fulfill their request for information. You’ll set appointments with four out of six prospects. What’s more, when you return for the appointment you won’t be a stranger. Odds are you’ll leave with deal in hand.

Call me for more information. LeadZILLA is, after all, one of the best direct mail annuity lead programs I have used in my decades of direct sales. Popular vote says it’s the best. Who would argue with the king of the jungle?

Gary Le Mon
http://www.articlesbase.com/sales-articles/leadzilla-voted-best-annuity-lead-program-73168.html

Lead paint and lead poisoning have long been known to cause a host of health problems, including hearing loss, stunted body growth and even reduced I.Q. But new research points to another danger of lead paint and lead poisoning – attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

Boys at Greater Risk

The study proved that boys are at a greater risk than girls, pointing to a specific variation in a genetic dopamine receptor (DRD4-7). Children with this genetic variation who have exposure to lead are at a greater risk of developing ADHD. The connection between lead poisoning and attention problems has long been known, and it was this connection that spurred doctors to research a potential link between ADHD and lead poisoning.

Doctors split the children studied into two groups – a high- and low-risk category of DRD4 variation. Though exposure to lead paint and other lead did not seem to increase the risk for children with the high-risk variety, the low-risk group was significantly affected by the presence of lead.

A Series of Disorders

ADHD children are not the only victims of lead poisoning – lead exposure can lead to disorders in almost every part of the body. The nervous system is a common casualty of lead exposure, with reduced strength and inability for different body parts to effectively communicate with one another. The potential for miscarriage is increased by lead exposure, and sperm production can be endangered in men who are exposed to lead paint or particles. Though there is no conclusive proof that lead is carcinogenic (cancer-causing) to humans, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that lead is a potential human carcinogen.

Protecting Children from Lead Poisoning

Children are by far the most vulnerable to lead poisoning. Children ingest lead in a number of ways – through chewing on paint chips in old houses, eating soil or dust that has been contaminated with lead, or biting ceramics or other objects that have been coated in lead-based paint. Young children are at significant risk through their ingestion habits, but fetuses and babies are at risk, too: premature birth and even miscarriage are well-known side effects of lead exposure.

In order to reduce the risk of lead poisoning for children, parents should be vigilant about what goes in their children’s mouth. They should keep close watch on children who chew or lick painted surfaces and keep cosmetics and other lead-based pigments away from children. Frequent hand and face washing can keep lead dust from getting in the mouths and mucus membranes of children. In addition, your child should be tested for lead at one or two years of age.

Legal Options for Lead Poisoning

If you or your child have been injured by lead poisoning, contact a medical professional immediately. You may be liable for damages due to your lead-based medical problems. It is best to consult an experienced lead poisoning attorney who can provide you with legal consultation and support as you litigate your lead poisoning claim. You may be eligible for compensation or damages to help pay for medical bills and pain and suffering.

Alan Haburchak
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/lead-poisoning-linked-to-adhd-other-disorders-321068.html

Anytime a person buys an older home, it is only logical to assume that some lead-based paint is on the premises. Typically, this is not much of a concern unless the paint is flaking off or if a major renovation is planned.

If purchasing a home built before 1982, a buyer might expect it to contain some lead in the paint that was used over the years. The manufacture of lead-based paint was discontinued in 1978; however existing product was used in homes through 1982, when supplies were depleted. The general guideline is to expect at least a strong probability of lead-based paints in older homes. This information applies to exterior and interior painted surfaces. Inside the home, lead-based paint was more common for trim than on the walls.

Lead-based paint is not considered to be a problem as long as the substance does not become airborne or easy to access (no flaking off — so a child could ingest pieces). Maintaining all siding, exterior trim, interior trim, walls and woodwork in a well-painted and covered state minimizes possible exposure to lead. If a buyer has a special concern about lead based paints, easy and affordable lab tests are available to positively identify these products. When renovating or remodeling, a number of safety precautions should be followed if lead-based paint is present. An online search for “lead-based paint” will quickly provide the consumer with a full range of safety tips as compiled by numerous government agencies and other industry professionals.

Eric Badgely
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/lead-based-paint-what-a-buyer-should-know-361141.html

Need to repaint rooms that have peeling paint, but concerned about sanding paint surfaces possibly that have lead paint on original surface. Don’t want to use heavy mask if don’t have to.

Please do not perform most of the ideas suggested! Lead is poison. Eating it will not give you your answer and will likely poison you if it turns out to be lead paint. Scraping without proper protection can do the same. The kits you buy off the shelf are not EPA approved but may be a first step for your own discovery process. To know for sure have it professionally tested by a certified tester. This could cost you a couple hundred bucks but at least you will know how to tackle your painting project.

If your house was built before 1940 there is about a 70% chance that you have lead paint somewhere in your home.

This is a lengthy topic and one that I would recommend you educate yourself on. A great place to start is on the EPA website. I am listing a link to a pamphlet that EPA has created to begin educating the public. This gives a pretty good overview on the topic.

Please do not get discouraged if you do discover that you have lead in your home. Being smart about it can enable everyone in your household live perfectly safe. Consider speaking to professional contractors who are certified in lead abatement or who are trained in lead safe work practices.

Steve Fountaine
President
Premiere Painting, Washington DC

Dear Glenn: I have hardwood floors in my 130-year-old house that have been painted. I would like to remove the paint and redo the floors. I am afraid lead paint may have been used on the floor. What do I need to do to safely remove the paint and refinish the floors? I have refinished other wood floors in my house, so I know how to handle that aspect. I just need to know how to handle the paint. …