With low interest rates, a plethora of financing options and companies angling for your business, you too can now relax in your own swimming pool or add one to an investment property.

But before you start slapping yourself on your soon-to-be sunburned back over the good news, you’ll have to decide what shape your water wonderland will take. Not counting kiddie wadding pools there are two basic types: above-ground and in-ground.

Usually costing a third of what an in-ground pool would run, above-ground pools set up on level ground (hence the name) and consist of heavy-duty liners fit over some type of supporting structure made of wood, aluminum or steel. The more popular shapes are round, oval or rectangular. Some, including recent versions constructed of rubber, can be taken down or moved once drained and disassembled. Just like their in-ground cousins, these are fully functioning pools with electricity, pumps and filters.

Before opting for this version, check with your local home-owner’s association covenant, as they are sometimes not allowed in certain neighborhoods. At the same time, above-ground pools are usually not taxed as property improvements. 

There are at least three popular options when it comes to digging a big hole in your property. Ones with vinyl liners are reinforced by a supporting framework that is built into the ground. They are the least expensive version but the liners may need to be replaced within 10 years with good upkeep. Another option is a fiberglass variety that is built off-site and dropped into a hole and then fitted with piping. The most expensive version is a gunite pool in which concrete is sprayed over a basket framework made up of steel rods and wire mesh and then textured with a paintable white plaster.

There’s more to owning a pool than just having a really cool pocket of water to jump in to. Whether you go with an above- or in-ground variety, you will probably need to invest in the following:
    • Filter system and skimmers to keep the water clean
    • Steps or ladders (unless they are built into the design)
    • Heating equipment if you live in a predominately cold climate
    • Decking (either wood for above-ground or concrete/stone for in-ground)
    • Pool cover for retaining heat and keeping out debris
    • Some type of fencing (with latch) to keep children and pets from falling in
    • Housing structure to keep the pumps safe from elements and hazards
    • Hand rails, diving boards and lights, which are not necessary but can add to the look

Live & Absolute Home Auction

When: June 20, 2009
Where: Tulsa, Okla.
Auction Time: 3pE/2pC
What's The Deal?: Over 60 homes will be sold absolute without reserve to the highest bidders during a live, televised auction conducted by Auction Network in partnership with Williams & Williams. Interested buyers from around the globe can bid in person, online or over the telephone on single family homes in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and many other states across America. The live event coverage will be broadcast nationally on ION Television Network on Dish Network Ch. 217 and DIRECTV Ch. 347 and on Golden Eagle Broadcasting (GEB) locally (in Tulsa) on KGEB 53, Cox Cable 23 and online at auctionnetwork.com. Buyers planning to bid remotely via the Internet are encouraged to pre-register at auctionnetwork.com. Bids can also be placed over the telephone during the live event by calling 1.866.231.8011. The Live Absolute Home Auctions event presented by Auction Network and Williams & Williams will also take place in front of a live audience at the Golden Eagle Broadcast Center located at 81st and Lewis in Tulsa, Okla. Doors will open at 1p CDT and interested bidders should register on site 30 minutes prior to the start of the auctions. Registration is free.
Register: Click here
View Catalog: Click here      

Let’s be honest, not many of the 60 plus homes available this weekend in the Live & Absolute Auction are ready for immediate move in and house warming party. There’s work to be done first. I mean come on, no matter how bad the economy is you’re not getting a ready-made dream house with no reserve and starting bids of a couple thousand.

And while most of the repairs aren’t going to break the bank, a new roof, if needed is a substantial investment. So here are a few tips if you going to need to price out a new lid for your bargain bungalow.

While most roof systems are designed to provide adequate service with minor repairs for up to 20 years (some types, such as copper, slate or clay tile may actually last longer), sooner or later you’re going to have to pay for a complete replacement or a re-cover of the existing system. With the steep price tag attached to either service, it’s in your best interest to hire wisely. Before letting the neighborhood handy man climb up on your roof in a pair of spiked golf shoes, bid out the job to at least three qualified contractors.

Things to keep in mind while evaluating each professional roofer are:
• Don’t take a contractor’s word that he carries plenty of insurance. Ask to see a Certificate of Insurance. The policy should provide protection for both liability and workers’ compensation. Make sure that the coverage period extends far enough that your roof will be repaired or replaced before expiration.

• Each state is different (check with your local Department of Professional Regulation) regarding licensing of contractors. If your state requires specific licensing, make sure the contractor is in accordance.

• If possible, select a contractor with a proven track record. Ask for a referral list and call a couple of previous clients for remarks. A good rule of thumb is to contact clients whose work was done at least three years prior. It also can’t hurt to ask about a contractor’s financial situation. Contact the local Better Business Bureau (BBB) for any red flags or complaints. Find out if the contractor belongs to any regional or national industry associations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (1-800-872-7663).

• Ask how much of the job the contractor will be handling and how much will be subcontracted.

• Get every aspect of the job in writing. The proposal should be detailed and explain what work will be done, how much it will cost, when it will be completed and what warranties are included for the price. Take extra time to read all the provisions of the warranty as some can be voided based on a number of factors. A good warranty should cover any defects in materials on a repair for three years and up to five years on a new system.

• When the project is completed, make sure that, before making the final payment, your contractor will provide you with a lien release. This will cover you if one of the contractor’s subs or vendors claims it wasn’t properly compensated for services or materials.

Live & Absolute Home Auction

When: June 20, 2009
Where: Tulsa, Okla.
Auction Time: 3pE/2pC
What's The Deal?: Over 60 homes will be sold absolute without reserve to the highest bidders during a live, televised auction conducted by Auction Network in partnership with Williams & Williams. Interested buyers from around the globe can bid in person, online or over the telephone on single family homes in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and many other states across America. The live event coverage will be broadcast nationally on ION Television Network on Dish Network Ch. 217 and DIRECTV Ch. 347 and on Golden Eagle Broadcasting (GEB) locally (in Tulsa) on KGEB 53, Cox Cable 23 and online at auctionnetwork.com. Buyers planning to bid remotely via the Internet are encouraged to pre-register at auctionnetwork.com. Bids can also be placed over the telephone during the live event by calling 1.866.231.8011. The Live Absolute Home Auctions event presented by Auction Network and Williams & Williams will also take place in front of a live audience at the Golden Eagle Broadcast Center located at 81st and Lewis in Tulsa, Okla. Doors will open at 1p CDT and interested bidders should register on site 30 minutes prior to the start of the auctions. Registration is free.
Register: Click here
View Catalog: Click here