COVER HOUSE

10825 LOCHARD ROAD, SIDNEY

2.4-acre setting surrounds 3-bedroom ranch

Contributing writer

On a Clear Day You Can See Forever was never a truer statement than when describing the ranch home in its country setting at 10825 Lochard Road in Sidney.

According to one current owner, you can see across open fields to buildings about 3.5 miles away, and for most city dwellers that would seem like forever.

We moved from Cleveland and we thought we would like to try country living, said the other owner. We wanted a ranch home with a basement. (This one) was being built when we found it.

Because the home was not yet finished, they were able to make a few changes in the floor plan, such as adding skylights and enlisting the help of a kitchen designer to incorporate desired amenities.

Set on an open lot of 2.4 acres, this ranch home offers about 1,790 square feet of living space, plus a full, unfinished basement.

Patty Murphy of Galbreath Realtors lists this home for $189,900.

Cool breezes flow across the front porch, where a wooden swing invites sitting in the shade surrounded by a matching wood railing. Protected by a storm door, the six-paneled front door opens into an entry with ceramic-tile flooring.

Oak casings frame the opening into the living room and the triple window that faces the front porch.

Neutral carpet extends into the open dining room, which has built-in curio shelves recessed into the wall at one corner.

At the end of the entry a skylight recessed into a deep well provides natural light at the entrance to the family room, which enjoys a gas log fireplace with ceramic-tile facing and an oak mantel with fluted posts. Wood-framed sliding glass doors open to the raised deck from which the open view can be enjoyed. Flat stones edge the landscaped flowerbeds around the deck. A short distance away from the house, another wood deck creates an easy entry to the above-ground swimming pool. Nearby is a barn-style storage shed. A fire pit sits about center of the deep green space, which ends at an open field with pines and maple trees at the edge.

Another skylight adds daylight to the kitchens U-shaped workspace, which is framed by oak cabinets, most with slide-out shelves. An appliance garage is installed at the end of the peninsular counter, which provides a separation from the breakfast room.

Conventional and microwave wall ovens are stacked together near the side-by-side refrigerator. The four-burner gas cooktop and the dishwasher were replaced about three years ago.

A boxed bay window enjoys the backyard view from the breakfast area, which has a buffet station set on the back wall with a pantry cabinet and upper glass-door display cabinets.

The half-bath is adjacent the mudroom, which offers washer/dryer hookups and access to the oversized, two-car garage, where there is a pull-down ladder to reach the upper storage space.

On the opposite side of the entry, a hallway leads to sleeping quarters and a hall bath with a tub-and-shower combination.

Another full bath with tub and shower is in a private corner of the main bedroom suite, which offers a walk-in closet and double windows with the rear nature view. All three bedrooms have paddle fans.

The full, unfinished basement offers a second set of washer/dryer hookups, a deep laundry tub and built-in storage shelves. A well expansion tank was added early this year. The sump pump, patio door and carpeting were replaced in 2015; furnace and water softener in 2014; and a new roof was installed in 2012.

This location is in the Sidney school district. Shelby Oaks Golf Course is about a mile away.

For current owners, the experiment in country living worked they have enjoyed the home for 23 years.

Its a peaceful and relaxing place to come home to, said one owner.

The other added, When our family comes to visit, they love it.

SIDNEY

Price: $189,900

Directions: Country Road 25A to Sharp Road, left on Lochard Road

Highlights: About 1,790 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 full and 1 half baths, ranch, brick facade, full unfinished basement, built 1994, oak kitchen with pull-out cabinet shelves, updated furnace and other equipment, deck, porch, above-ground swimming pool, 2.4 acres, attached 2-car garage, storage shed

For more details:

Galbreath Realtors

Patty Murphy

(937) 418-0450

http://www.pattymurphyhomes.com

See the article here:
Peaceful country view - MyDaytonDailyNews

By Alex Maxwell, Herald Democrat

With a Tudor-like exterior and a rustic Texan interior, a 5,476-square-foot home outside Sherman offers spacious, comfortable living.

Inside the quiet, gated Woodland Hills neighborhood, the house at 42 Red Oak Court is situated on a secluded sloping lot of just under six acres. The house sits behind a tree line, and a short bridge leads to the long drive that circles in front and winds to the garages on the side. The house features four bedrooms in the main house, each with a full bathroom, and a garage apartment with two bedrooms and one full bathroom. The back of the house overlooks a luxurious pool and hot tub with a fenced-in green pasture behind.

Walking through the front, oversized, wooden door, past a front, covered patio, a grand entry room with tall ceilings greets visitors. An office is situated to the right of the staircase, and a formal dining room is on the left. A hallway next to the staircase leads past the dining room and connected bar featuring a wine cooler to the kitchen and main living room.

The kitchen, which opens to the living room, features a long bar with seating, a commercial-grade gas stove placed between stonework and a large island with a deep drawer to hold pots and pans. The kitchen also contains a built-in refrigerator, a built-in microwave, an ice maker, a trash compactor and a dishwasher.

The main living room with wooden beams running across the ceiling has a stone, gas fireplace in the corner. Homeowner Brenda Rose said the fireplace is currently outfitted with a wood-burning stove, which can be easily removed so the gas fireplace can be used. A built-in bookcase and media center is next to the stove.

On the side of the kitchen is the guest bedroom suite. The suite contains a large closet, a full-size bathroom and a separate front door that accesses the porch. On the other side of the kitchen, a mudroom and second office with a built-in desk connects to the garage.

Donna Johnson-Nora, the listing real estate agent with Virginia Cook Realtors, noted the house has plenty of storage, which is evidenced by the many closets and tucked away spaces, like the coat closet in the mudroom and the cellar under the staircase that doubles as a storm shelter.

On the south section of the house, a hallway near the entry area leads to the master bedroom suite. Off this hallway, a large laundry room thats also accessible from the master bedroom features countertop space, a full-sized sink, a cedar-lined closet and a laundry chute from the second floor.

The master bedroom has a second connected room thats currently used as an exercise room, but Johnson-Nora noted the space could make for a sitting area, study or a nursery. The room also has access to the back patio and pool area. The master bathroom features double sinks, a large walk-in shower and an oversized jetted bathtub.

The house wraps around a nearly enclosed, covered patio. The patio has a vaulted wooden ceiling that extends past the second floor and a stone fireplace is situated on the side between a built-in grill and countertop space, which can be concealed by large folding doors. The patio is just feet from the pool, which has built-in water features and well-manicured flower beds next to it. A half bathroom is also accessible from the pool area.

Going upstairs, a long landing has a series of windows overlooking the patio. The landing connects the two upstairs bedrooms, a game room and the media room. The game room has a bar in a back nook with a dumbwaiter that connects to the kitchen. The space also has a small balcony overlooking the back covered patio. Off the game room is the media/home theater room with elevated seating and a large screen and projector. A staircase on the second floor leads to a third-story deck overlooking the backyard.

The deck upstairs is beautiful you can view fireworks from it, Rose said. Its just gorgeous.

The house has two separate garages with space to park five vehicles inside. The second garage, detached from the house but connected by a covered walkway, has a full bathroom inside and workshop space with a sink. A staircase leads to an upstairs apartment with a full kitchen, a bathroom, two bedrooms and a washer and dryer. Rose noted her parents currently live in the space. Behind the second garage is a small storage building next to a vegetable garden.

It has good garage space; I have a big truck and most garages wont accommodate my truck, Rose said.

Rose said the house provides a relaxing atmosphere and plenty of privacy. With its many entertaining spaces, she said the property is perfect for a family.

Were the favorite home out of my sons friends, Rose said. All the boys come ever here; its the hangout house.

Although the neighborhood is quiet and upscale, Rose said its friendly. She said when they moved into the house in 2010, their neighbors welcomed them and brought food and gifts over. The neighborhood also holds holiday gatherings and has a community environment.

The neighborhood is extremely quiet, very friendly, Rose said. When you go into a gated subdivision, a lot of people think of it as being keeping up with the Joneses its not that way at all.

The property is listed for sale for $1.15 million.

The rest is here:
Spacious rustic house outside Sherman suited for entertaining - Nueces County Record Star

Photo: Noah Berger, Special To The Chronicle

A massive fire at a downtown Oakland construction site as seen from the Oakland Hills on July 7, 2017 at approximately 5:25 am PST.

A massive fire at a downtown Oakland construction site as seen from the Oakland Hills on July 7, 2017 at approximately 5:25 am PST.

Firefighters battle a building fire at Valdez and 23rd Streets in Oakland, Calif., on Friday, July 7, 2017.

Firefighters battle a building fire at Valdez and 23rd Streets in Oakland, Calif., on Friday, July 7, 2017.

A huge fire was burning at a construction site at Valdez and 23rd streets in Oakland Friday morning.

A huge fire was burning at a construction site at Valdez and 23rd streets in Oakland Friday morning.

The Fire Department, above, douses the smoldering remains of the seven-story building under construction that burned in Oakland on Friday morning as construc tion crews, left, begin to clean up.

The Fire Department, above, douses the smoldering remains of the seven-story building under construction that burned in Oakland on Friday morning as construc tion crews, left, begin to clean up.

An excavator rips down pieces of the smoldering remains of a seven-story building that was under construction in Oakland that went up in flames on Friday morning.

An excavator rips down pieces of the smoldering remains of a seven-story building that was under construction in Oakland that went up in flames on Friday morning.

A person in safety gear walks past an evacuated apartment building across the street from the smoldering remains of a seven-story building destroyed in a massive fire in Oakland on Friday.

A person in safety gear walks past an evacuated apartment building across the street from the smoldering remains of a seven-story building destroyed in a massive fire in Oakland on Friday.

Greg Williams watches construction crews remove debris after a seven-story building under construction in Oakland burned across the street from his bakery, Gregorys Gourmet Desserts.

Greg Williams watches construction crews remove debris after a seven-story building under construction in Oakland burned across the street from his bakery, Gregorys Gourmet Desserts.

The Oakland Fire Department douses hot spots from Fridays fire, top, as crews begin to clean up the remains of the seven-story build ing under construction, above.

The Oakland Fire Department douses hot spots from Fridays fire, top, as crews begin to clean up the remains of the seven-story build ing under construction, above.

Workers look up at the wreckage of a downed construction crane at the Alta Waverly mixed use building that was badly damaged in a major fire, in Oakland, CA, on Saturday July 8, 2017.

Workers look up at the wreckage of a downed construction crane at the Alta Waverly mixed use building that was badly damaged in a major fire, in Oakland, CA, on Saturday July 8, 2017.

People at an adjacent building watch the removal of a damaged construction crane at the Alta Waverly mixed use building that was badly damaged in a major fire, in Oakland, CA, on Saturday July 8, 2017.

People at an adjacent building watch the removal of a damaged construction crane at the Alta Waverly mixed use building that was badly damaged in a major fire, in Oakland, CA, on Saturday July 8, 2017.

Workers attach a cable to the front of a damaged construction crane at the Alta Waverly mixed use building that was badly damaged in a major fire, in Oakland, CA, on Saturday July 8, 2017.

Workers attach a cable to the front of a damaged construction crane at the Alta Waverly mixed use building that was badly damaged in a major fire, in Oakland, CA, on Saturday July 8, 2017.

Secondary cranes rise up along side a fire damaged construction crane at the Alta Waverly mixed use building that was badly damaged in a major fire, in Oakland, CA, on Saturday July 8, 2017.

Secondary cranes rise up along side a fire damaged construction crane at the Alta Waverly mixed use building that was badly damaged in a major fire, in Oakland, CA, on Saturday July 8, 2017.

An excavator pulls down a fire damaged construction crane at the Alta Waverly mixed use building that was badly damaged in a major fire, in Oakland, CA, on Saturday July 8, 2017.

An excavator pulls down a fire damaged construction crane at the Alta Waverly mixed use building that was badly damaged in a major fire, in Oakland, CA, on Saturday July 8, 2017.

Some residents return to homes following massive Oakland blaze

Residents of one apartment building evacuated due to the massive fire in Oakland on Friday were allowed to return their homes late Saturday after crews toppled a giant fire-wrecked construction crane, officials said.

Oakland Fire Battalion Chief Erik Logan announced the reopening of the Grand Apartments at 100 Grand Ave. shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday.

In the event the removal of the crane is successful you will be able to return to your homes today, management of the Grand Apartments at 100 Grand Ave wrote in a letter to residents earlier in the day.

Residents of 100 Grand Ave. were back inside by 10 p.m., several said on Twitter.

On Sunday, Oakland Fire Department officials expect to enter the burnt-out husk of what was supposed to be the Alta Waverly apartment complex 196 market-rate units with ground floor retail.

They will be joined Monday by federal investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which is dispatching personnel from around the country to help.

On Saturday, fire crews continued to shoot water at hot spots in the charred wreckage of the building, which caught fire around 4:30 a.m. Friday, sending flames and smoke above downtown Oakland before being contained a few hours later. No one was injured.

Workers knocked down much of the scaffolding surrounding the building as people watched from nearby streets.

The teetering crane, which was damaged in the fire and in danger of collapsing, caused fire officials to order the evacuation of residents in the surrounding areas. Officials worked Saturday morning on plans to remove the crane.

The developers of the burned building, along with their contractor, rotated the crane and pulled it down into an empty parking lot on Valdez Street on Saturday evening, according to Oakland Fire Department officials. Though the plan had been designed to avoid hitting any buildings, police officers went through the evacuated buildings to make sure all civilians were out of the buildings Saturday afternoon, officials said.

The crane was toppled safely shortly after 7:30 p.m.

City inspectors had not been able to enter nearby buildings to evaluate whether they remained structurally sound Saturday, said Sean Maher, a spokesman for the city of Oakland. Once the crane was removed, the plan was to fast-track those inspections.

Our goal is to return residents to their homes as swiftly as possible, but only once we've conducted these inspections to confirm it is safe for them to do so, he said.

Some neighboring buildings were damaged by the high heat, smoke and water, according to fire officials.

Residents such as Hernan Carrillo, a 50-year-old AT&T technician who lives in an apartment building next door to the charred construction site on Waverly Street with his wife and young son, are staying with friends as work at the fire site continues.

Carrillo was able to return to his apartment for a few minutes Friday night to gather belongings and assess the damage.

The roof has a bunch of holes, theres water damage in the bedrooms our bed is ruined, he said.

I was lucky to have a friend who had a space, he said. Otherwise Id be really worried about the housing situation. I wouldnt be able to afford anything at this time.

Carrillo has lived in his rent-controlled apartment for 12 years.

The seven-story Alta Waverly development was set to open next spring at 23rd and Valdez streets, according to a project website.

The Oakland architectural firm Pyatok designed the building for the Wood Partners development firm, and the construction was being done by Andersen Construction.

A group of displaced residents met with Angela Robinson Pion, a spokeswoman with the Oakland Fire Department, at the St. Vincent de Paul center Saturday afternoon to discuss future assistance and when they could potentially return to their homes. The center opened as a shelter for those who had been evacuated.

Samantha Pham, 55, was part of the group watching Pion on Saturday afternoon. Pham lives in an apartment building next door to the construction site with her husband and 14-year-old son. They had stayed at a motel Friday night, but their future housing plans were unclear.

I dont know whats coming next or where Im going to go, she said. Where do I stay? I have no answer.

Chronicle staff writer Rachel Swan contributed to this report.

Hamed Aleaziz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: haleaziz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Haleaziz

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Some residents return to homes following massive Oakland blaze - SFGate

Miami Herald

Miami is getting lots of new apartments, but you may not be able to afford them Miami Herald Several new studies show that despite the number of new multifamily (i.e. apartment) buildings under construction and condo towers that have been converted to rentals, there still won't be enough inventory to meet snowballing demand over the next 10 ...

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Miami is getting lots of new apartments, but you may not be able to afford them - Miami Herald

If you want an idea of how justice works or maybe doesnt consider the saga of the neighborhood transient repeatedly charged with harassing members of Mark Zuckerbergs security detail outside the Facebook moguls San Francisco home.

One case went up in smoke after questions were raised about some of the details members. It turns out that three of the Zuckerberg guards who were due to testify had checkered records from their days as Oakland cops, which prosecutors worried could be damaging to the case.

And the latest case has the ring of deja vu but first, the backstory.

Facebook lawyers sought a restraining order in 2015 on behalf of 15 guards working round the clock outside the Dolores Heights home where Zuckerberg lives with his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan. The guards said William Gordon Kinzer, a transient living in his car down the street, had repeatedly threatened them and made racist rants.

When Kinzer violated the order, he was sent to jail for three months. Once out, he continued to mix it up with Zuckerbergs security crew, authorities alleged. He was arrested in September and charged with felonies that included stalking, making criminal threats and violating his earlier stay-away order.

When lawyers from the public defenders office representing Kinzer started poring over the prosecutions witness list, they discovered that three of the guards were ex-Oakland cops with disciplinary records including for excessive force.

Prosecutors, fearing the ex-cops testimony might do more harm than good, responded by dropping them from the case. They wanted Kinzer to take a plea deal that would put him into counseling.

Kinzers lawyers rejected the deal, and in April, prosecutors blinked and dropped the charges. Kinzer, who had spent seven months in jail, went free.

End of story?

Hardly because on June 14, Kinzer, now 65, was arrested again this time after he allegedly drove his car menacingly toward Zucherbergs protective detail, then sideswiped a moving vehicle before speeding off. He is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail on suspicion of a series of misdemeanors that include disobeying a stay-away order, hit-and-run and driving without a license.

Guards in sport utility vehicles patrol outside the home of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Dr. Priscilla Chan in San Franciscos Dolores Heights in 2015.

Guards in sport utility vehicles patrol outside the home of...

Two of the former Oakland cops with troubled records are still providing security for Zuckerberg. And as luck would have it, they were on duty when the latest incident took place, according to authorities.

As a result, just like last time, were told they wont be asked to testify if the case goes to trial. Prosecutors hint that other witnesses will be called to describe what happened.

But then, we know how that worked out the last time.

Incidentally, Zuckerberg spokesman Ben LaBolt said information about the security detail was confidential and that the Facebook boss had no comment.

Smoldering: Fridays fire at a seven-story apartment and retail complex under construction near downtown Oakland has put the spotlight on the expanded use of wood-frame construction in residential buildings.

In 2008, the states codes were rewritten to allow buildings under eight stories tall to use wood framing, over two floors of concrete. The construction method generally is much cheaper than the old way, which required noncombustible exterior walls typically, concrete and steel studs from top to bottom.

But experts tell us all that wood makes the buildings especially vulnerable during construction, before sprinklers and flame-resistant drywall are in place.

That proved to be the case in 2014, when a six-story, 124-unit apartment complex under construction in San Franciscos Mission Bay went went up in flames. The fire was later ruled an accident.

Similarly, a five-story apartment building under construction in downtown Emeryville, on the Oakland border, burned twice in the past year though in both those cases, investigators have concluded it was arson.

Nadia Lockyer could face battery charges in Tuolumne County.

Nadia Lockyer could face battery charges in Tuolumne County.

Sad saga: The roller-coaster marriage of former state Treasurer Bill Lockyer and wife Nadia whose sex and drug scandal cost her her job as an Alameda County supervisor has taken another downward plunge.

Nadia Lockyer, 46, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misdemeanor battery of a spouse after she allegedly went on a drunken rage inside a vacation home in the Sierra foothills town of Twain Harte, according to Tuolumne County sheriffs officials.

Bill Lockyer suffered an undisclosed minor injury in the incident, authorities said. Sheriffs officials say they received a call from the house at about 10:55 a.m. about an intoxicated woman yelling and throwing things, though they did not identify the caller.

Authorities said Nadia Lockyer had a blood alcohol level of 0.22 percent when she was arrested well over the legal limit for driving. She was held for several hours before she was released on $5,000 bail, a Sheriffs Department spokeswoman said.

This is obviously an extremely difficult time for the family, and as they work through it, privacy is imperative, said Tom Dresslar, a spokesman for Bill Lockyer. Bill is focused on his kids well-being and his wifes health.

Nadia Lockyer resigned as an Alameda County supervisor in 2012 after a meth-fueled affair with a South Bay man, who allegedly assaulted her in a motel room and tried to blackmail her with an X-rated tape he had shot of the two.

Nadia Lockyer subsequently was in and out of drug rehab, and the couple appeared headed for certain divorce. That is, until two years ago when they reconciled and began making a new life for themselves in Southern California capped off when Nadia Lockyer proudly announced on her Facebook page that she had given birth to twin boys. The couple have one other son.

But just a couple days before her arrest, Nadia Lockyer sent out a more ominous Facebook message a complaint about the state of her 14-year marriage in which she declared, With a huge broken heart and bruises, Im filing for legal separation.

San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call (415) 777-8815, or email matierandross@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matierandross

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Mark Zuckerberg's SF security detail under siege - San Francisco Chronicle

Charlotte Observer

NC's 3 costliest ZIP codes for apartment renters? They're all in Charlotte Charlotte Observer This won't surprise anyone who's been shopping for apartments in Charlotte lately: The city is home to the top three most expensive ZIP codes for renters in North Carolina, according to data from rentcafe.com, a website that tracks renting prices ...

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NC's 3 costliest ZIP codes for apartment renters? They're all in Charlotte - Charlotte Observer

We Specialised

The wiring in your home is the main way of power that feeds every electrical appliances in the home. When years gone by, over the times, things it starts to break down and may need to replace at some points.

The insulation dries out and begins to crumble, causing the inner wire to be exposed. The cloth insulation around the wire deteriorates with age and eventually becomes dangerous. If your home has these older versions of wiring, Id recommend changing the wiring and updating the amount of outlets in your home.

Your house is wired with different types of wire. Each has specific use to accommodate the load and its conditions. The circuit breaker box is the master of power where the electricity from the grid connects to your house. From here your breaker box divides up the electrical source to different rooms and location.

If your house wiring is more than 10 years and above, electrial wiring is getting old and the wiring itself give you some problems, it is better and more safe to redo and rewire it. You should consider Electrical improvements in your house for you and your family safety.

1. Wiring Work for 3 room HDB flat 2. Wiring Work for 4 room HDB flat 3. Wiring Work for 5 room HDB flat

-> Install Ceiling Fan to keep the air circulating at home.

-> Only wash full load of clothes and in cold water.

-> When your lights are on, your electrical circuits trip often.(Generally caused by the looping of too many light points)

-> You require the use of too many power extension plugs.

-> Do not tap power from your water heater points

-> Do not tap power from your air-con point

-> Ensure your electrician conceals your wires in the trunking properly.

-> Ensure your electrician has the EMA licence.

Read the rest here:
Electrical Wiring | Powering your home electrical wiring

LOCKPORT An electrical issue in a home on the 21000 block of W. Cypress Cir. in Lockport caused every appliance in the home to become energized, shorting the wiring and causing damage to the home Thursday, Lockport Fire Chief Dave Skoryi says.

Skoryi said the Lockport Fire Department, assisted by the Romeoville Fire Department, received a call about the electrical issue at 5:30 p.m. Thursday night.

"There was an electrical issue with the home that caused the wiring in the home to short out, and that created smoke in the house," Skoryi said.

There was one resident and an electrician inside the home when the wires shorted out. Skoryi said the electrician was there because the residents had previously been having electrical issues, but once the electrician arrived he was the one to call the fire department. Firefighters from both units waited for ComEd to shut off power as the wires burned up throughout the home.

"The damage to the house is significant," Skoryi said. "All the wiring needs to be checked and replaced."

No one was injured during the incident.

Read more from the original source:
Faulty wiring causes extensive damage to Lockport home - The Herald-News

Gone are the days when a films opening credits would blow out house speakers, prompting homeowners to head to the movie theater.

With streaming services replacing DVD stacks, and other technology increasing audio and video quality, cinemas are competing with households for the best theater experience.

The summers biggest box office hit can be at your remodeled home office or spare bedroom with the guidance of local home entertainment gurus.

Clay Brun, co-owner of Home Theaters and More in Billings, is in the business of home theaters, or media family rooms.

What sets the company apart from big box stores are the trained technicians who adhere to safety measures, ensuring equipment is properly installed and not damaged in the process.

Your box stores will not do interior wiring, or crawlspace or attic (work), Brun said.

Home Theaters and More specializes in retrofits and remodels. Seventy percent of their business is new construction, he said.

Wiring has become a mess of the past, so todays homes new and old can have hidden cords conveniently tucked away from kids, pets and other hazards. While wireless options seem to be the best in the business, Brun says cords are still the way to go.

One of the big misconceptions is how good the wireless is these days. Anytime you run a wire, its going to be better, he said, noting that sometimes wireless may be the only option.

Wireless still has a purpose, especially with home automation, which can connect a home theater to an app that controls not only entertainment, but lighting and security, too.

How much you want to do with automation, music especially, its endless, Brun said of the service that starts at $750 and expands into hundreds of thousands of dollars. Our system ties into one app. Whether you use your TV, touch screen, remote its exactly the same interface.

Most homes that Home Theaters and More automate have eight zones of audio and minor automation with an estimated value of $5,000 to $10,000. For CK Tech in Billings, a home theater consists of at least six channels of audio.

Home theater in regards to automation would refer to the ability to press a single button on a remote or with your smart phone to do things like turn on a movie, lower the blinds and set the lights to a specific level, all with a single piece of equipment that has the ability to talk to all the devices in the home, said Craig Kahnke, owner of CK Tech.

The newest format for surround sound is Dolby Atmos, which can be up to 12 channels, he said. A home theater should also have 4K resolution, which is four times the resolution of standard 1080P.

Thats four times the resolution of a Blu-Ray, said Brun.

Youve gotta be cautious on the 4K because theres a very limited amount of movies or broadcasters that are doing anything in 4K. Its very cool for the very small amount of material you can use it for, he said.

Home theaters can be a remodeled spare bedroom, basement, office or other under-utilized living space.

The amazing thing about the theater room is you can decorate it any way you want, Brun said.

And when not in use, Brun says they are great reading rooms because they are traditionally quieter.

While home theaters may be an investment, its often more worthwhile than spending an average of $100 at a cinema where you vie for seating amid sticky floors and rude customers.

(Its) easier, cheaper, more control, more intimate as compared to going to the theater, Kahnke said.

Brun adds that if parents want date night at the movies, they have to get a babysitter. Instead, youre home safe with your kids, and probably the rest of the neighborhoods kids, too.

Youre the one who knows where the kids are because everyones at your house, Brun said.

Original post:
Now Showing at a Home Theater Near You - Billings Gazette

(Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

(Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

June was National Home Ownership Month, but that does not mean scammers have moved on from trying to phish your closing costs and any other money you have linked to your mortgage account!

Home buyers should be aware of an email and wiring scam they could be a victim of when it comes time to close on that perfect house. Hackers have been breaking into consumer and real estate agents personal accounts to get information on upcoming real estate transactions.

Upon finding out the closing date, the hackers will send an email to the buyer, posing as the real estate agent or company. The fraudulent email will state that there has been a last-minute change to the wiring instructions, and tells the buyer to wire closing costs to a different account, which is actually the scammers account.

If the buyer takes the bait, in a matter of minutes, the money for the closing costs is cleared out, as well as any additional money in the account. Often times, this money is never recovered and the buyer is left in a bind.

If you are buying a home and receive an email close to your closing date with money wiring instructions, do not respond! Email is not a secure way to provide financial information, and your real estate agent and company should be aware of that.

How to Spot aPhishingScam:

Source: BBB Northern Alabama and FTC.gov

For more details, check outScammers Phish for Mortgage Closing CostsandProtect Your Mortgage Closing From Scammers.

BBB Press Release:Mortgage Closing Costs Could Be Intercepted By Scammers

To report a scam, call your BBB at 256-533-1640 or go to theBBB Scam Tracker. To find trustworthy businesses, visitbbb.org.

See the article here:
Mortgage Closing Costs Could Be Intercepted By Scammers - whnt.com