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Self-Employed? A Guide to Financing a Home or Investment Property

Being your own boss does not automatically prevent you from qualifying for a mortgage. Business owners, freelancers, independent contractors, and other self-employed borrowers can become homeowners. The process often requires additional documentation to show stable, ongoing income.

If you’re thinking about buying a home or purchasing an investment property, understanding the paperwork and approval process can help you prepare.

What do lenders look for?

Lenders evaluate your ability to repay the loan by reviewing your income history, business stability, debts, credit, and available funds. For many conventional home mortgages, lenders generally review a two-year earnings history. Shorter self-employment histories or fewer tax returns may be acceptable when specific requirements are met.

Business income reported on your personal tax return isn’t always money you’ve received or have available to spend. When you use self-employment income to qualify, lenders evaluate how much reliable income is available to support your loan payments without weakening your business financially.

Commercial investment financing follows different requirements. In addition to reviewing the borrower’s finances, lenders typically evaluate the property’s income, operating expenses, and ability to cover loan payments. Requirements vary by lender, loan program, and property type.

What paperwork should you gather?

Your checklist will depend on your business structure, loan program, and the property you’re purchasing. Common requests include:

  • Personal federal tax returns, including all schedules.
  • Business tax returns, when applicable.
  • Recent personal and business bank statements.
  • A year-to-date profit-and-loss statement and, if requested, a balance sheet.
  • Proof of business ownership or operation.
  • Statements showing savings and other assets available for the purchase.
  • Details about outstanding personal and business debts.

For investment or commercial properties, lenders may also request leases, rental payment information, and property income and expense statements. Your lender may request authorization to obtain IRS tax transcripts or ask you to explain large deposits and changes in income. Speak with your mortgage professional and tax preparer early to understand what you’ll need. Keeping your records organized and current can help avoid delays.

Start preparing before you start shopping

You don’t need a traditional paycheck to begin exploring property ownership. You do need a clear picture of your finances and documentation that supports it. Keeping business and personal finances organized, maintaining current financial statements, and responding promptly to document requests can make the process easier.

Self-employed and ready to explore your next move? Contact EB Mortgage to discuss your goals, understand the paperwork, and learn which financing options may fit your situation.

*Loan availability and documentation requirements vary by lender, program, property type, and borrower qualifications. All loans are subject to underwriting and approval.

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EB Mortgage is a locally owned mortgage company specializing in home purchases, refinancing, and commercial loans. Our competitive wholesale rates are hard to beat. We offer more products, more options, and more solutions to help you find the financing that’s right for you. Our 3C Process makes getting started easy: Complete your pre-approval request, Consider loan options that fit your needs, and Choose the financing solution that’s right for you. Call or e-mail us today! 

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

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Cyber Insurance & Managed IT: How They Work Together

A suspicious email. A stolen password. A computer suddenly locked by ransomware. A cyber incident can interrupt your business in minutes, and the costs can continue long after your systems are back online.

Cybersecurity insurance can help businesses manage the financial impact of certain incidents. But having a policy is only one part of protecting your business. Strong security practices and dependable IT support matter before, during, and after an attack.

Here’s how cyber insurance and CPS’s managed IT services fit together.

What is cybersecurity insurance?

Cybersecurity insurance, often called cyber insurance or cyber liability insurance, helps cover certain financial losses and expenses resulting from covered cyber incidents. Depending on the policy, coverage may include:

  • Investigating a breach and restoring affected data.
  • Lost income from a covered interruption to business operations.
  • Notifying affected customers and providing credit monitoring.
  • Legal defense and liability costs related to exposed information.

Coverage varies. Deductibles, exclusions, limits, and reporting requirements all affect what a policy will pay. The Federal Trade Commission recommends reviewing both coverage for your own business’s losses and coverage for claims made against your business. Learn more from the FTC.

Why insurance and IT security belong together

Think about the relationship between property insurance and a building’s locks, alarms, and fire protection. Insurance helps address covered losses. Preventive measures help reduce the likelihood and severity of those losses. Cyber insurance and cybersecurity work in much the same way.

A policy cannot stop an employee from clicking a malicious link, install a missing security update, or restore files by itself. Those tasks require technology, planning, and people who know your systems. Insurers may also require specific security measures as a condition of coverage. Be accurate about your security measures when applying, and keep those protections up to date. Learn more from the NAIC.

How our Managed IT services fit in

At Creative Programs and Systems (CPS), our role as your IT partner is to help you understand and manage the technology side of protecting your business. A cyber insurance conversation is an opportunity to review your current safeguards, identify gaps, and decide what needs attention. That review should address several key areas:

Account security: Multifactor authentication adds another layer of protection beyond a password. Reviewing user access also helps ensure employees have access appropriate to their roles.

Software updates: Keeping operating systems, applications, and security tools current helps close vulnerabilities attackers could exploit.

Employee awareness: Employees need to recognize suspicious emails, unexpected requests, and other warning signs, and know how to report them. These are among the core practices highlighted in CISA’s small business cybersecurity resources.

Backups and recovery: A backup is valuable only if it can be used when needed. Reviewing backup protection and testing restoration helps a business prepare for recovery.

Incident planning: Knowing whom to contact and what to do first can make a difficult situation easier to manage. CISA recommends both protected backups and preparation for responding to ransomware incidents. Read CISA’s ransomware guidance.

Applying for or renewing cyber insurance?

Bring your IT provider into the conversation early. An insurance application may ask about multifactor authentication, backups, security tools, remote access, and other technical details. Guessing, or assuming a feature is enabled everywhere, can create problems.

Reviewing those questions with CPS helps connect the application to what is actually in place. Your insurance agent or broker can then explain how those answers relate to eligibility, policy terms, and coverage. Strong IT practices do not guarantee an approved application, lower premiums, or payment of a claim. They do help build a more informed conversation about your business’s security.

What happens if an incident occurs?

Your IT team and insurance provider have different, connected roles. The IT response focuses on understanding the incident, limiting its spread, and recovering systems. Your insurer determines how the policy applies and may direct you to approved response specialists.

That makes coordination essential. Your response plan should include your insurer’s reporting instructions, required contacts, and any approval requirements for outside services or expenses.

Protect your business before you need your policy

Cyber insurance can help with covered financial losses. Managed IT helps maintain the systems and safeguards your business relies on every day. Together, they support a more complete approach to managing cyber risk.

*Coverage questions should be reviewed with your licensed insurance agent or broker. CPS provides IT services; coverage and claim decisions are determined by your insurer and policy terms.

Applying for cyber insurance or reviewing your current protection? Contact CPS to discuss your IT security, identify gaps, and plan your next steps.

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Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems provides comprehensive business technology solutions, including commercial IT support, server builds, secure data backup, custom software development, business phone applications, website development, and digital marketing services. To learn more, call (810) 224-5252 or email info@cpsmi.com .

Written by CPS Digital Marketing: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

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Rodent Removal: Protect Your Home from Mice and Rats

Mice and rats may be small, but a rodent infestation can create significant problems for your home or business. From contaminated areas and unpleasant odors to damaged insulation and other property damage, rodents can cause issues that become more difficult and costly to address the longer an infestation continues.

If you suspect you have a rodent problem, contacting a professional pest control company as soon as possible can help prevent further damage and protect your property.

Signs You May Have a Rodent Infestation

Rodents are often active in hard-to-see areas, including attics, wall voids, crawl spaces, and areas beneath insulation. Because they can remain hidden, it’s important to recognize the signs of an infestation. Common indicators are:

  • Droppings around food sources, walls, or hidden areas
  • Gnaw marks on wood, wiring, insulation, and other materials
  • Scratching or scurrying sounds, particularly at night
  • Nesting materials in secluded areas
  • Unusual odors
  • Grease or rub marks along frequently traveled paths
  • Tunnels or trails through attic insulation

Finding one or more of these signs doesn’t necessarily indicate the size of the infestation. A professional inspection can help identify where rodents are entering, nesting, and traveling throughout the property.

How Rodents Can Damage Your Home or Business

Mice often travel through attic insulation in search of food, shelter, and nesting sites, leaving visible trails or tunnels. Over time, repeated activity can compress and damage insulation, reducing its effectiveness and your home’s energy efficiency while contributing to unpleasant odors.

Rodents can also wreak havoc by chewing on electrical wiring, potentially damaging electrical systems and creating fire hazards. They may gnaw on plumbing components, wiring and tubing in vehicles and other equipment, as well as stored belongings. Rodent droppings and urine can contaminate surfaces and storage areas, while gnawing and burrowing can enlarge small gaps and openings, creating additional entry points for rodents and other pests.

Professional Mouse and Rat Control

Effective rodent control requires more than simply removing the rodents you happen to see. Mice and rats can reproduce quickly and may use multiple entry points throughout a structure. That’s why professional rodent control focuses on addressing the population and the areas where rodents are active.

At Front Range Pest, our mouse and rat control services use a combination of strategically placedrodenticides and traps, along with tamper-resistant bait stations, to help eliminate rodent populations. Our technicians can identify the signs of rodent activity and develop a treatment approach based on the specific situation.

Don’t Let a Rodent Problem Get Worse

The longer rodents remain inside a home or business, the more opportunity they have to damage insulation and other materials and contaminate areas with waste. Prompt attention can limit the problem and reduce the potential for additional damage.

If you suspect mice or rats in your home or business, don’t wait—contact Front Range Pest for professional rodent control.

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Front Range Pest is your trusted, family-owned pest and wildlife control company serving central Colorado and southern Wyoming. Our certified technicians have the expertise and credentials to provide effective pest management solutions for your home or business. As your all-in-one insect and wildlife specialists, we identify wildlife entry points, safely remove nuisance pests, seal access areas to prevent future infestations, perform cleanup and sanitation services, and make essential repairs. Schedule an inspection with us today.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

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Reconditioned Electrical Equipment for Faster Lead Times

When electrical projects require hard-to-find equipment, long lead times can create costly delays. At J&P Electrical, we’re working to make it easier to get the electrical equipment you need—faster.

Our new Warren, Michigan, facility features a dedicated warehouse for reconditioning bus duct, switchgear, electrical panels, and boards. Instead of waiting for an order to begin the process, our team continuously reconditions equipment and maintains a large inventory of ready-to-ship electrical components.

J&P Electrical’s Extensive Reconditioned Equipment Inventory

J&P Electrical Company maintains an extensive inventory of electrical equipment, including:

  • Bus duct
  • Busway plugs
  • Switchgear
  • Fusible and breaker-style panels and boards
  • Transformers
  • Other hard-to-find electrical components

A Thorough Reconditioning Process

Quality reconditioning starts with a thorough process. We completely disassemble each electrical component and carefully clean and inspect every part. Components are then refinished using a high-quality acrylic enamel selected for its durability before the equipment is reassembled and tested.

Once reassembled, the equipment is tested to meet or exceed applicable manufacturer and UL certification requirements. Dielectric voltage withstand testing is performed phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground (neutral) to help ensure the equipment meets performance and safety standards.

Quality Reconditioning Using the Right Equipment

Our Warren facility has specialized tools and machinery designed to support efficient, high-quality reconditioning and fabrication. This includes a precision laser cutter for accurate steel fabrication, along with a drill press milling machine, and a computer-controlled press brake for precise metal drilling, milling, bending, and shaping. Our state-of-the-art paint booth features a built-in oven, helping provide a durable, professional finish so reconditioned equipment looks as good as new.

These capabilities allow our team to handle more of the reconditioning and fabrication process in-house while maintaining a focus on quality and efficiency.

Looking for Hard-to-Find Electrical Parts?

One advantage of J&P Electrical’s approach is that we don’t wait for an order to get started. Our team continuously works through inventory, inspecting, reconditioning, fabricating, and preparing equipment so more products are ready when customers need them. From bus duct and switchgear to fusible and breaker-style panels and boards, J&P Electrical maintains a broad inventory of electrical equipment and continually reconditions components to help provide fast turnaround.

Looking for a specific electrical part or equipment? Contact J&P Electrical to check availability and request a quote.

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance. 

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

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One Technology Partner, Fewer Headaches: The Benefits of Integrated Technology Solutions

Today’s businesses rely on technology for nearly every aspect of their operations—from software and website development and digital marketing services to IT systems, cybersecurity, backups, troubleshooting, and more. But when multiple providers handle these services, keeping everything connected can get complicated.

Working with one technology partner can simplify the process, improve communication, and help ensure your systems work together—not against each other.

What Are Integrated Technology Solutions?

Integrated technology solutions connect the digital technologies and services your business relies on, helping them work together efficiently and support your overall business goals. Rather than managing software, data, and IT separately, an integrated approach allows these technologies to communicate and share information.

For example, consider e-commerce. An online store can connect its website to its inventory system, payment processor, and customer database through integrations that allow information to flow automatically. When a customer places an order, the website sends the order details to the payment processor, updates inventory, and records the customer and purchase information in the database. This reduces manual data entry, minimizes errors, and helps keep business operations running smoothly.

Another example is how IT and cybersecurity systems can work together to protect a business. Security software can monitor network activity and identify potential threats, while automated backups help safeguard important business data. IT systems can also manage employee access, ensuring staff have the appropriate permissions to access the information and applications they need. When these technologies work together, businesses can strengthen security, safeguard critical data, and respond more efficiently when issues arise.

The Benefits of One Technology Partner:

Better Communication – When multiple technology providers are involved, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for what or who to contact when an issue arises. With one technology partner, you have a central point of contact and a team that understands your technology as a whole. This simplifies communication, reduces confusion, and helps ensure issues are addressed more efficiently.

Systems That Work Together – One of the biggest advantages of technology is its ability to collect, organize, and share data—but only when systems are set up and managed effectively. An integrated approach can eliminate disconnected systems, reduce duplicate data entry, and streamline inefficient processes. Custom software, websites, and other business systems can be designed to work together, allowing information to flow seamlessly and giving your business the tools it needs to operate more efficiently.

Improved Efficiency -The right solutions should make your job easier—not create more work. Integrated systems can automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and reduce the time employees spend moving information between applications. This allows your team to focus less on administrative tasks and more on serving customers and growing the business.

Stronger Security and Backups – Apply cybersecurity and data protection across your entire IT environment. Taking a comprehensive approach to your IT infrastructure, software, and data makes it easier to identify potential vulnerabilities, strengthen security measures, and establish reliable backup strategies. This helps protect critical information and gives your business greater peace of mind.

Technology Shouldn’t Create More Headaches

As your business grows, your systems and technology needs will evolve. Working with one experienced provider makes it easier to plan for future changes, upgrades, and new solutions while keeping your systems connected, secure, and running smoothly. At Creative Programs and Systems, we provide custom software, websites, digital marketing, and IT solutions tailored to your business. With more than 30 years of experience, we help businesses build and maintain solutions that work together today and are ready for what comes next.

One technology partner. Fewer headaches. Better-connected business solutions. Learn more and schedule a free consultation.

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Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems provides comprehensive business technology solutions, including commercial IT support, server builds, secure data backup, custom software development, business phone applications, website development, and digital marketing services. To learn more, call (810) 224-5252 or email info@cpsmi.com .

Written by CPS Digital Marketing: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

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8 Bathroom Renovation Trends for 2026

As homeowners rethink how they use their bathrooms, several renovation trends are standing out in 2026. The best designs combine style, comfort, storage, and functionality to make everyday routines easier. From larger showers and streamlined storage to statement tile and accessible features, these ideas can help create a space that looks beautiful and works better for years to come.

1. Larger, More Open Showers -Showers continue to take center stage in bathroom remodeling. Many homeowners are replacing traditional tubs with larger showers or creating more open shower areas. Curbless showers and wet-room-style layouts can make a bathroom feel more spacious while also creating easier access. These designs can be especially beneficial in smaller bathrooms or homes designed for long-term living.

2. Large-Format and Low-Maintenance Tile – Tile remains one of the most important design choices in a bathroom, but today’s homeowners are looking for options that are both attractive and easier to maintain. Large-format tile and designs with fewer grout lines create a cleaner, more streamlined appearance. Rectangular and geometric tile shapes remain popular for shower walls and floors, while textured or patterned tile can add visual interest.

3. Storage-Focused Vanities – Better storage is one of the most practical bathroom design ideas for any renovation. Deep drawers, built-in outlets, medicine cabinets, linen storage, and shower niches can help keep everyday essentials organized and countertops clear. Wood-look and wood-faced vanities are also gaining popularity, adding warmth and character to bathrooms while providing much-needed storage.

4. Smarter Bathroom Layouts – Sometimes the biggest improvement doesn’t come from adding space – it comes from using the existing space more effectively. Changing a door swing, adjusting clearances, relocating fixtures, or replacing a bulky tub with a shower can make a bathroom feel dramatically more functional. A thoughtful layout can eliminate awkward traffic patterns and make better use of every square foot.

5. Layered Bathroom Lighting -Good lighting can completely change how a bathroom looks and feels. Instead of relying on one overhead fixture, homeowners are incorporating multiple layers of light. Recessed lighting, sconces, ceiling fixtures, and lighted mirrors can provide better illumination while reducing shadows around mirrors and work areas. The right lighting plan can also make smaller or windowless bathrooms feel brighter and more inviting.

6. Comfort-Driven Shower Features -Today’s bathrooms are increasingly designed around comfort and convenience. Thermostatic shower controls, multiple shower outlets, handheld fixtures, and other specialty features can make the shower experience more personalized. These upgrades are especially practical when plumbing walls are already being opened during a larger bathroom renovation.

7. Heated Floors and Accessible Features – Small comfort upgrades can have a big impact. Heated bathroom floors provide a warm surface underfoot, making them particularly appealing in colder climates and basement bathrooms. Homeowners are also incorporating accessible features such as curbless showers, comfort-height toilets, and strategically placed grab bars. When thoughtfully designed, these features can blend seamlessly into the overall style of the bathroom while making the space easier to use at any age.

8. Statement Tile and Intentional Design -Bold tile is another popular bathroom renovation trend. A patterned, colorful, or textured tile can serve as a focal point without overwhelming the room. The key is balance. A statement shower wall or accent area can provide plenty of personality while more neutral finishes throughout the rest of the bathroom keep the design cohesive.

Planning Your Bathroom Remodel

The best bathroom renovations start with the way you use the space—not simply the latest design trend. Whether you’re looking for more storage, a larger shower, better lighting, or a complete layout transformation, thoughtful planning can help ensure every element serves a purpose.

At JFC Remodeling, we can help you create a bathroom that combines the style you want with the functionality your home needs. From design and layout considerations to finishes and installation, a well-planned renovation can make your bathroom more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable for years to come.

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JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call or email us to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

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Mortgage Rates Near 7%: What Michigan Buyers Should Know

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in Michigan, you’ve probably noticed one number showing up frequently in the headlines: 7%. Mortgage rates have been trending higher, with Michigan’s average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at approximately 7.02% as of September 17, 2026. Nationally, Freddie Mac reported an average 30-year fixed rate of 6.76% for the week of September 10.

So, what does that mean if you’re hoping to buy a home? The short answer: It means it’s more important than ever to understand your financing options and know what fits your budget. A mortgage rate is only one part of the homebuying equation.

What Does a 7% Mortgage Rate Mean for Homebuyers?

A mortgage rate directly affects your monthly principal and interest payment. Generally, a higher interest rate means a higher monthly payment for the same loan amount.

For example, Freddie Mac estimates that a $300,000 30-year fixed mortgage would have a principal-and-interest payment of approximately $1,996 per month at 7%, compared with about $1,896 at 6.5%. These figures don’t include property taxes, homeowners insurance, or other costs.

That difference can affect how much home you feel comfortable purchasing. But there’s an important distinction between today’s average mortgage rate and the rate you may actually receive.

Your Mortgage Rate Is Personal

Mortgage rates vary based on a number of factors, including the type of loan you choose and your individual financial profile. Your credit, down payment, loan program, and other factors can all influence your available financing options and rate.

That’s why it’s important not to assume that a national or state average represents the rate you will receive. EB Mortgage can review your situation and help you understand which loan programs and financing options may be available to you.

Should You Wait for Mortgage Rates to Come Down?

This is one of the biggest questions many buyers are asking. Unfortunately, no one can know exactly where mortgage rates will be months from now. Rates can move up or down as market and economic conditions change.

Instead of trying to perfectly time the market, consider your overall homebuying situation:

  • Can you comfortably afford the monthly payment?
  • How much do you have available for a down payment and closing costs?
  • What loan programs might you qualify for?
  • How does your credit profile affect your financing options?
  • Are you planning to stay in the home for several years?
  • What homes are currently available within your budget?

The right time to buy ultimately depends on your personal financial circumstances and goals—not just one number on a rate chart.

Michigan Mortgage Options

A higher-rate environment doesn’t mean every buyer has the same choices. Depending on your circumstances, you may have access to different mortgage programs, down-payment assistance, or other financing options that can affect your upfront costs and monthly payment.

For example, Michigan’s State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) offers programs for qualifying homebuyers, including the MI Home Loan and MI 10K Down Payment Assistance Program. The MI 10K DPA program can provide up to $10,000 toward a down payment, closing costs and prepaid expenses for eligible buyers, and it must be combined with a MSHDA MI Home Loan. Eligibility requirements apply.

This is one reason getting pre-approved can be valuable. Rather than simply watching mortgage rates, you can learn what financing options may be available to you and establish a clearer picture of your potential purchasing power.

Get Pre-Approved Before You Start Shopping

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, moving to a new home, or an experienced real estate investor, understanding your financing options before you start seriously shopping can make the process easier.

At EB Mortgage, our specialists offer financing options, tools and knowledge to help guide you throughout the mortgage process. Our team has experience working with both first-time buyers and seasoned real estate investors.

Get pre-approved today and start exploring your home financing options with EB Mortgage.

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EB Mortgage is a locally owned mortgage company specializing in home purchases, refinancing, and commercial loans. Our competitive wholesale rates are hard to beat. We offer more products, more options, and more solutions to help you find the financing that’s right for you. Our 3C Process makes getting started easy: Complete your pre-approval request, Consider loan options that fit your needs, and Choose the financing solution that’s right for you. Call or e-mail us today! 

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

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Peak Sting Season: Why Are Yellowjackets So Aggressive Now?

At this time of year, you may notice more stinging insects around patios, outdoor meals, garbage cans, gardens, grills, and other areas where people spend time outside. Unfortunately, their increased activity isn’t just a nuisance—it can make enjoying your yard or eating outdoors more difficult and increase the risk of painful stings.

So, why are stinging insects such a problem now?

Throughout spring and early summer, colonies steadily grow as queens establish nests and workers raise young and gather food. By late summer, yellowjackets continue feeding their developing young protein from other insects, while adult workers rely more heavily on carbohydrates for energy.

The weather may also play a role in increased yellowjacket activity. A wet spring followed by a hot summer can create favorable conditions for mosquitoes and other insects that yellowjackets feed on. As those populations increase, yellowjackets have more food available to support growing colonies.

But as summer winds down, natural food sources can become harder to find. Flower nectar becomes less abundant, while colonies still need food and energy. Workers need carbohydrates for energy, and they may increasingly turn to sugary drinks, fruit, outdoor meals, garbage, and other human food sources.

At the same time, the colony is preparing for its next generation of queens, which will eventually leave the nest and overwinter. Protecting the colony and its resources becomes increasingly important. In other words, they’re focused on taking care of their colony—and they’ll aggressively defend it when they perceive a threat.

Why is outdoor eating a problem now?

One of the biggest frustrations with yellowjackets is their attraction to the foods and drinks people enjoy outdoors. As natural food sources become scarce, yellowjackets may be drawn to grilled meats, sweets, fruit, soda, sugary drinks, and food scraps. That’s why you may suddenly find them buzzing around your picnic table, patio, grill, garbage cans, or outdoor dining area.

A relaxing backyard barbecue can quickly become a battle against buzzing insects. Swatting at a yellowjacket near your food or face can cause it to become defensive, increasing the chance of a sting. Unlike honey bees, wasps and yellowjackets do not leave their stingers behind, so they can sting repeatedly. Thus, a single encounter can result in multiple stings.

Where do yellowjackets nest?

If yellowjackets are constantly buzzing around your outdoor space, especially near the same location, there’s likely a nest nearby. Yellowjacket nests are often hidden from view and are commonly found underground in abandoned rodent holes, beneath landscaping materials, inside wall voids, or under structures with an overhang.

What should I do if I find a nest?

Don’t disturb an active nest yourself.Knocking down, spraying, or trying to remove a nest can cause the colony to become highly defensive, sending numerous insects out to protect it. This can greatly increase the risk of multiple stings, especially when the nest is near areas where people frequently gather. If the nest is elevated and requires a ladder to reach, there’s also an increased risk of falling and injury.

Instead, contact a professional pest control company. A trained technician can safely identify the stinging insect, locate the nest, and determine the appropriate treatment approach.

Northern Pest can help identify and address stinging insect problems so you can get back to enjoying your outdoor space with fewer unwanted visitors. Contact us today for help. 

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Northern Pest is dedicated to protecting Michigan families like our own. We are licensed and insured to provide professional insect and wildlife pest control services. Our experienced team has the expertise to identify wildlife entry points, safely remove nuisance pests, and help prevent future infestations. As a proud member of the MDAT and the NWCOA, we are committed to providing safe, effective, and reliable pest management solutions. Whether you’re dealing with insects, rodents, or nuisance wildlife, Northern Pest is your trusted full-service pest control partner.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

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Building a Strong Surety Bond Submission

A strong surety bond submission can make a significant difference in how quickly your bond is approved, the capacity available to you, and the premium you pay. Sureties review countless submissions, and the contractors who stand out are those who provide complete, accurate, and well-organized information from the start.

The goal isn’t simply to check every box. It’s to give the surety a clear understanding of your company’s financial strength, project performance, management team, and ability to successfully complete the work you’re pursuing.

What Sureties Look for in a Construction Bond Submission

A well-prepared construction bond submission includes the financial, project, and management information sureties need to assess your bonding potential.

  • Three years of CPA-prepared financial statements — Ideally reviewed or audited, these demonstrate financial transparency, reporting quality, and the overall financial health of your business.
  • A current work-in-progress schedule — Include every active project, original contract value, costs incurred, percentage complete, and profit or loss recognized. This gives the surety insight into your current backlog and job-level performance.
  • A completed project list with references — Highlight projects that demonstrate experience with work similar in size, scope, and complexity. Strong references can help validate your track record and reputation.
  • Banking and credit information — Documentation of your banking relationships, lines of credit, and other available financing helps demonstrate access to working capital beyond your company’s equity.
  • Key personnel resumes — Experienced leadership and a strong management team demonstrate the depth needed to manage projects successfully and reduce concerns about dependence on any one individual.

Go Beyond the Numbers: Tell Your Story

Complete documentation is essential, but context is what can turn an adequate submission into a compelling one. Financial statements tell a surety what happened, but they don’t always explain why it happened or what you’ve done since.

At Construction Bonding Specialists, we do more than forward your documents to a surety. We help package your submission to present the complete picture of your company, highlighting your strengths, addressing potential concerns proactively, and demonstrating why you are positioned for continued success.

That means providing the “why” behind the numbers:

  • Why was profitability lower in a particular year?
  • What changed operationally or financially?
  • What steps have you taken to strengthen performance?
  • What systems and controls have you implemented?
  • How are you positioned to maintain consistent results going forward?

Addressing these questions proactively builds confidence in your company. A well-prepared surety submission not only supports your bond request but also demonstrates financial strength, credibility, and the potential for a strong long-term surety relationship.

Construction Bonding Specialists can help position your company for greater bonding opportunities; contact us today to learn more.          

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At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a dedicated surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we strive to discover surety solutions for all types of cases, ranging from routine to challenging. Contact us online or call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

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How to Properly Close Your Pool for Winter

As summer winds down, closing your pool properly is just as important as opening it in the spring. National Pool Closing Day, observed on the third Saturday of September, is a great reminder to prepare your pool for winter.

Proper winterization helps protect your pool from algae, staining, scaling, freeze damage, and costly repairs. Taking the right steps before temperatures drop can make opening your pool next season easier, cleaner, and less expensive.

Why Proper Pool Closing Matters

Leaving your pool improperly winterized can lead to unwanted problems, including:

  • Algae and bacteria growth
  • Staining and scaling on pool surfaces
  • Damage to pumps, filters, heaters, and other equipment
  • Frozen or cracked plumbing
  • Structural damage caused by freezing temperatures

A little preparation now can help prevent significant cleanup and repair costs later.

Six Steps to Properly Close Your Pool

1. Clean the Pool -Start by removing leaves, dirt, and other debris with a skimmer or leaf rake. Brush the walls, steps, and floor to loosen dirt and disrupt developing algae, then vacuum the pool thoroughly. A clean pool gives your winterizing chemicals a better chance to work effectively throughout the off-season.

2. Balance the Water and Add Winterizing Chemicals – Before closing, test and balance your pool’s pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Properly balanced water helps protect your pool surfaces and equipment throughout the winter. Once balanced, shock the pool and add an appropriate algaecide or winterizing treatment. Allow the water to circulate for several hours so the chemicals are distributed evenly before moving on to the next step.

3. Lower the Water Level -Turn off your pool equipment before lowering the water level. The appropriate level depends on your pool type and winterization method. For fiberglass and vinyl pools, avoid draining too much and always follow your pool builder’s or manufacturer’s recommendations. Lowering the water appropriately helps protect the pool from freeze-related damage and overflow during the winter.

4. Winterize the Equipment and Plumbing -Freezing water can expand and cause serious damage to pool equipment and plumbing. Drain water from pumps, filters, heaters, cleaners, and other equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, clear pool plumbing of water and properly plug it to help prevent freeze damage. Additional winterizing products, such as pool antifreeze, may provide extra protection when used according to label directions.

5. Give Your Pool a Final Inspection -Before closing your pool for the season, take a few minutes to inspect the pool surface and surrounding areas for cracks, chips, loose coping, damaged tile, or signs of plaster deterioration. Catching small issues now can prevent them from becoming larger, more costly problems when you open the pool next season.

If you notice damage or your pool is showing signs of wear, Pound Pool Plastering can help. From pool plaster repairs and resurfacing to coping and tile repairs, our team can help restore your pool and get it ready for another season of enjoyment.

6. Install a Winter Pool Cover -Finish the process by installing a properly fitted winter or safety cover. Remove ladders, hoses, and other items from the pool area, then inspect the cover for damage before installation. Make sure the cover is securely fastened and designed for your specific pool type. A properly installed cover helps keep out leaves and debris while providing an additional layer of protection throughout the winter.

Don’t let small pool repairs turn into bigger problems. Contact Pound Pool Plastering to schedule an inspection or learn more about our pool repair and renovation services.

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Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or email us for a free estimate.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.