Diagnosing Appliance Fault Codes

From the FamilyHandyman.com

Solve appliance problems with fault codes

Oven controls
Electric devices often flash a fault code to signal a problem.

Do you have an appliance flashing some weird cryptic message on its digital display? Is your oven saying F3, or your dishwasher announcing that C5? These short repeating messages are actually fault codes—your appliance telling you what's wrong with it—and they're found on many newer appliances. For instance, F3 on a Maytag oven display means the oven temperature sensor needs to be replaced. A GE dishwasher that says C5 has low water pressure and probably needs a new water inlet valve.

When you see a code number flashing, look it up in the owner’s manual or at the manufacturer’s Web site, or check the online appliance repair sites below. You can also usually find a list somewhere in or on the appliance (see below). Armed with a diagnosis and a make and model number, you can purchase the right part from a supplier and make the fix yourself. Or at least save some time on the service call by letting the repair service know what they’ll need to bring along to make the fix.

Locating fault code instructions for a computerized appliance

Many newer appliances include computerized touch pads and control boards. You may think they’re too complicated to repair yourself. Wrong. They’re actually easier to work on because the computer does all the diagnostic work for you. Once the computer detects a problem, it stores a fault code in memory. All you have to do is put the computer into readout mode and consult the fault code chart to discover which part failed. Fortunately, most manufacturers pack the code retrieval procedure and code translation information right inside the machine.

The trick is to find them. The diagrams here show typical locations. Remove the cover panel and look for the fault code instructions in a plastic bag. Follow the instructions to put the computer into code retrieval mode, then count the blinks or read the fault code from the display. Once you learn which part failed, copy the model and serial number off the tag and buy a replacement part.

Find the model number and the fault code
sheet on a refrigeratorHere are the typical locations on refrigerators. The following diagrams show where to look on
different appliances. (You may need to remove a cover panel to find them.)

Dishwasher locations
Fault codes for dishwashers may be . behind the bottom panel.

Oven location

Codes for an oven may be in back

Top-loading washer locations
Look behind the front panel. for codes for a top loading washer.

Conventional dryer locations
Fault codes in conventional dryers. may be in back or under the front panel.

Front-loading washer locations

Look around the bottom for codes fora front-loading washer

Front-loading dryer locations

Look around the bottom for codes for a front-loading dryer

Exploring the Sub prime Mortgage

From the Superpages.com

For buyers with poor credit histories (having a rating of 600 or less) a subprime mortgage is available from some lenders. Because the poor credit rating poses significant risk to lending institutions, subprime mortgages often assess interest rates well above the prime lending rate.

Subprime mortgage structure

In most cases, these loans are structured as adjustable, or variable, rate mortgages (ARM). This type of loan charges an initial interest that is reset at certain predetermined intervals to match the prevalent economic conditions. Depending on those conditions, the interest rate may either increase or decrease.

ARMs for these loans are designed to reset after either two or three years, depending on the contract. The rate is based on the prime lending rate with other fees, rates, and risk factors included.

Lending institutions

Subprime lenders may either be independent or affiliated with typical lending institutions. The best way to identify subprime lenders is to look at their rates, which are significantly higher than traditional institutions.

Advantages

One advantage to a subprime loan is that it makes home ownership available to those who are not able to qualify for conventional mortgages. Also, insurance and tax escrow is not required, which may provide some relief on monthly payments. However, these items must still be paid for.

The way that subprime mortgages are structured can also be a benefit to the borrower. The initial fixed rate time period gives the borrower an opportunity to build the credit score back up. If successful in this endeavor, the buyer may then be able to refinance the loan under more conventional terms.

Problems

The circumstances associated with subprime loans and their borrowers creates and difficult and risky situation. The low credit rating of the borrower is an indicator that financial issues exist; add that to the fact that subprime loans tend to reset higher, with accompanying increases in monthly payments, and there is a formula for disaster. The default and foreclosure rate on subprime loans is exceptional

If you are considering buying a home, there are many ways to finance this purchase, and many programs available to help. The best way to accomplish your goal is to speak with several lenders. With their guidance, you will be able to get an exceptionally clear picture of your financial situation, and where you stand in relation to your goal.

Anne Hathaway Re-lists Loft-Sized ‘Closet’ in Brooklyn

AUTHOR:EMILY HEFFTER
ZILLOW

Source: IMDb

Anne Hathaway’s Brooklyn condo has 11-foot loft ceilings, views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline, and a newly renovated home office. But Hathaway reportedly used the 2,592-square-foot apartment literally as a closet to store her clothes while she and her husband, Adam Shulman, lived in another unit in the building.

When Hathaway listed the condo last fall, for $4.5 million, it looked kind of like a huge closet: empty rooms with beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, and great views. It didn’t sell.

As reported by Curbed, Hathaway is again searching for a buyer, and has redone the space at 1 Main Street #9B and staged it, with furniture. She has dropped the price, too, asking $4.25 million.

Her listing stresses that the unit has walk-in closets, even though if the reports are true, it actually was her walk-in closet.


The loft is part of a 1988 condo-conversion of the DUMBO neighborhood’s historic Clock Tower building. Hathaway bought her loft on the 9th floor in January 2013 for $4.1 million.

Fix Lawn Spots - Problem: Dog spots on grass

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

An ounce of prevention

1. Soak your pet's favorite areas in your lawn to get the salts out of the root zone before they kill the grass.

2. Fertilize your lawn in the spring to boost the overall color and mask the darker green dog spots.

3. Train your pet to urinate in a designated area. Replace or repair the grass in this area annually or cover it with mulch.

4. Keep your pet well hydrated to make its urine less concentrated.

5. Become a cat person.

Photo 1: Soak
Soak the patch until the grass is sopping wet to dilute the urine acids and
 salts and wash them deeper into the soil, beyond the grass roots.

Photo 2: Scrape
Scrape up the dead grass with a hand rake and remove it.
Rough up the area to loosen the soil 1/2 in. deep. Seeds germinate better in soft soil.

Photo 3: Sprinkle
Sprinkle on a 1/2-in.-thick layer of topsoil, then pepper it with grass seed.
Cover with a pinch of new soil and press it to firm it up. Keep the area moist until the new grass is about 3 in. high.

Symptoms: Dog spots are round patches about 4 to 8 in. in diameter with dead grass in the middle, encircled by dark green grass. They’re most apparent in the early spring when dormant grass first begins to turn green again.

Cause: Dog urine contains high concentrations of acids, salts and nitrogen, which burn (dry out) the grass roots and kill them. As rain washes the area, the urine is diluted and the nitrogen spreads, causing the grass surrounding the spot to grow faster and turn greener.

Remedy: You have to replant your grass; it won't come back on its own. But first you have to dilute or remove the caustic urine from the soil (Photo 1). Thoroughly soak the area with lots of water. Let the hose run for at least three minutes. Then you can start the replanting process (Photo 2). Add a half inch of new soil to help absorb any remaining urine (Photo 3). Then you can spread new seed, as we show, or use a commercial yard patch mixture (available at most nurseries or home centers) or even sod. In any case, the secret of good germination is keeping the seed moist. And keep the area moist until the new grass is about 3 in. high.

When you're watering new seed, moisten the soil daily and keep it damp—but don't soak it. Overwatering is a common mistake.

Recovery time: Four to six weeks.

CAUTION!

Call your local utility provider or 811 to mark your underground utility lines before you dig.

Fourth of July guide: Where to watch fireworks in South Florida on July 4

By Amy Reyes | MiamiHerald.com

Want to catch the pyrotechnic displays? Here are the best places to park your lawn chairs in South Florida this Fourth of July.

MIAMI-DADE

Biltmore Hotel 
Celebrate the Fourth of July in style at this iconic hotel's Fireworks Spectacular with a Stars and Stripes BBQ Dinner featuring traditional favorites including all-beef hamburgers and hot dogs, St. Louis style ribs, and All-American apple pie plus an open bar until 9:45 p.m. As an added bonus, the Biltmore is offering Florida residents a special “Stately Staycation” perk featuring 20% off the best available rate as well as complimentary valet parking at the hotel.
6:30-8:45 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables; Hotel guests $150 for adults and $45 for children 12 and under, members $120 for adults and $40 for children 12 and under; 855-666-1727.  

Fire on the Fourth Festival
This year's official City of Miami Beach Fourth of July celebration moves to North Beach for an all-day festival with food trucks, live music (Spam Allstars and Marshall Brothers Band), yoga, DJs and more. Shuttles available between North Shore Bandshell Park and 42nd Street/Sheridan Avenue. 
9 a.m.-10 p.m., fireworks North Shore Park Bandshell, 73rd and Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; www.miamibeachfl.gov

Juvia
Reserve a space atop this popular Miami Beach rooftop to catch the fireworks and enjoy the blend of the regional cuisines of Asia, the flavors of South America and classic French techniques in the form of ceviches, tiraditos, fresh seafood and prime meats. 
Dinner seating begins at 6 p.m. 1111 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach; Reservations at 305-763-8272; www.juviamiami.com.

South Beach Lady
Cruise Biscayne Bay and catch stunning views of both Miami and Miami Beach while enjoying fireworks, a live DJ, open bar and a barbecue dinner.  
Boarding 7-8 p.m. at Hyatt Hotel dock, 400 SE Second Ave., Miami;www.southbeachlady.com; $90, $65, $42 children under 12.

Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
If you were considering becoming a member of PAMM, this is the time because the gorgeous new museum's perch on Biscayne Bay is prime fireworks watching real estate. Plus the chosen few will enjoy live entertainment and have food and drinks available for purchase. The gallery will be open until 9 p.m. to keep things high brow.  
6:30-10 p.m. 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; www.pamm.org. Membership $55-$95.  
 
Black Point Park and Marina
Spend an all-American day at the park enjoying the bike and jog trails, fishing, boating, and food at Black Point Ocean Grill and top off the day with a fireworks display. 
Park opens at sunrise, fireworks at 9 p.m. 24775 SW 87th Ave., Cutler Bay; 305-258-4092; free.

Bayfront Park
America's Birthday Bash takes over Bayfront Park with a kids' zone, food, Samuel Adams Beer Garden, live music, lawn games, giveaways and more. 
Park opens at sunrise, beer garden open 2-9 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. 301 N. Biscanyne Blvd., Miami; 305-358-7550 or bayfrontparkmiami.com; free.

North Miami
Celebrate the Fourth of July at FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus on the grounds of the Koven Center with music courtesy of NoMi Musical Nights and fireworks over Biscayne Bay at sundown. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. 
7 p.m., fireworks at sundown, 3000 NE 151 St., Miami; 305-895-9840 or www.northmiamifl.gov/northmiamifl/celebrate; free.

Key Biscayne
Be prepared for some awesome homemade floats in the Key Biscayne's 55th annual Fourth of July Parade which takes place along Crandon Boulevard to West Enid. Anything goes in this contest of creativity with a $1000 purse to the winning team. The fireworks will follow later on at sunset on Village Green  
Parade at 11 a.m., see fireworks at Galen Drive and Crandon Boulevard after sunset;www.kb4.org; free.

Homestead
Homestead-Miami Speedway hosts the fifth annual "Race to the Fourth" festival and fireworks show with live music by Mojo Scoundrels and Main Highway, food vendors, kids' rides, games and a fireworks show. 
6-10 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. One Speedway Blvd., Homestead; 305-224-4570;www.cityofhomestead.com; Free, Champions club access $10-$20.

Palmetto Bay
There will be fun for the whole family with a Zumbathon, live music, fun zone, beer garden, hot dog eating contest, vendors and a fireworks display. 
5-9:30 p.m., Palmetto Bay Municipal Center, 9705 East Hibiscus Street, Palmetto Bay; 305-259-1234 or www.PalmettoBay-FL.gov; free.

Hialeah
The City of Hialeah celebrates Independence Day with live entertainment, kids zone with children's activities, fireworks, games, food and more.  
5-10 p.m., Milander Park, 4700 Palm Ave., Hialeah; www.hialeahfl.gov; free.

Doral
Bring blankets and chairs and picnic baskets to celebrate in the city of Doral with live entertainment and a brilliant fireworks display.
6-9 p.m. JC Bermudez Park, 3000 NW 87th Ave., Doral; www.cityofdoral.com; free.

Jungle Island 
Spend the day line dancing, chowing on barbecue and watching country stars Casey James and Craig Campbell perform before catching a glimpse of the fireworks over Biscayne Bay. 
2-9 p.m., 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami; $34.95 adults, $26.95 for children, $75 VIP.

Will Call
Head to Uncle Sam's Slam Rock & Roll Fourth of July BBQ with live music by The Coathangers, Lying Thieves, The Riot Act and many more plus food and drink specials and fireworks at 9 p.m. 
2-10 p.m. 700 NE Second Ave., Miami; 305-577-5900; $10.

Bal Harbour Beach 
9 p.m. fireworks display at the north end of Bal Harbour Beach, which is located north of 96th Street and Collins Avenue.

BROWARD

Davie
Pine Island Park offers live music, rides, bounce houses and free cake (while supplies last).  
3 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. 3801 S. Pine Island Rd., Davie; Free; www.davie-fl.gov.

Sunrise
Enjoy children’s rides, food and beverages and music by the Jacob Jeffries Band and the Grammy Award-nominated Spin Doctors followed by a fireworks display. 
5-10 p.m. BB&T Center, 1 Panther Pkwy., Sunrise; Free; www.thebbtcenter.com.

Fort Lauderdale
Free day-long celebration with family activities, music, beach games and contests. Enjoy live music by Relyx and The Long Run, and Eagles tribute band. 
12: 30-9:30 p.m. State Road A1A and Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale; Free; 954-828-5363.

Pembroke Pines 
Enjoy rides, food trucks, live music by the Pocket Change Band and fireworks at the Pembroke Pines Recreation Center.
6-9 p.m. 7400 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines; Free; 954-435-6525.

Coral Springs
Entertainment, bounce houses, kids' crafts, food and refreshments plus fireworks. 
6-9 p.m., 10000 NW 29th St., Coral Springs; Free; 954-345-2200.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
The fun kicks off with a parade in the morning followed by activities for families in El Prado Park.  
10 a.m. parade, 9 p.m. fireworks; El Prado Park, 4500 El Mar Dr., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea; www.lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov.

Is it a Condo or a Work of Art? Both.

By Jennifer LeClaire
GlobeSt.com

The Edge on Brickell

MIAMI—You might call it a renaissance on the Miami River. The area is seeing a burst of new development activity as Miami’s commercial real estate market continues booming. Related Group recently unveiled plans for One Brickell, HCD Developers is proposing a Miami Mega Yacht there, and late last year Seasalt & Pepper Brasserie and Lounge opened.

The Edge on Brickell is the latest to join the Miami River movement as the only new luxury residential development on the riverfront. The 58-story, 127-unit residential tower will rise 631 feet in what some are already calling a work of art.

Here’s one reason why: the building will feature a 600-foot exterior mural illuminated from the inside of the work itself. Designed by Dutch artist Jan Hendrix, the mural will add a unique icon to the Miami nighttime skyline.

“The Edge on Brickell is the expression of our vision to create an art-boutique building that provides residents with an exclusive living experience overlooking the Miami River” says Rafael Aragonés, principal of Aragones Architecture and Grupo Habitat, who is developing the project with 20-year real estate development veteran Alberto Espinosa. “The Edge on Brickell will bring unique architectural creativity to the elegance of the Miami skyline.”

Located at 55 SW Miami Avenue Road, The Edge on Brickell is next to the Brickell Financial District and is within walking distance of numerous restaurants, bars and shops. The project is set to begin construction early 2015 and open its doors in Spring 2017.

The Edge on Brickell will offer two-and three-bedroom units as well as two-story penthouses. Prices will range from $648,000 to over $4 million. The development will have only three units per floor. Each unit will feature floor to ceiling windows and terraces with views of the Miami River, Biscayne Bay, and the Miami skyline.

The Edge on Brickell's amenities will include: yacht slips, robotic parking elevators invisible from the street; a 15th floor pool deck with panoramic views; a fitness center with sauna and massage room; a children’s entertainment room; and a media room. The building will also feature a ground floor signature restaurant, with a separate secured entrance.

Boom! Richard Sherman Buys Seattle-area Home from Jamal Crawford

AUTHOR:EMILY HEFFTER
ZILLOW

It’s been a big year for Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman. First, he helped lead his team to its first-ever Super Bowl victory — a crushing 43-8 win over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. On June 6, it was announced he would be featured on the cover of Madden NFL 15, a popular video game series. And lastly, he recently went home shopping and landed himself a nice deal.

Source: Wikipedia

The famously outspoken All-Pro defender has bought a $2.3 million mansion in the Seattle area from Jamal Crawford, a Seattle native and star guard for the Los Angeles Clippers. The sale was first reported in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, and the sale is recorded in property records.

Crawford lost $1 million on the 4-bedroom, 6.25-bath home in Maple Valley, WA. He bought it in April 2006 for $3.231 million.

Maple Valley is about 45 minutes from Seattle and convenient to the Seahawks practice field in Renton.

After an extension deal announced last month, Sherman is the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, with a four-year, $56 million contract.

The private, gated Mediterranean mansion has a curved staircase, “Tuscan columns,” and two stone fireplaces. A red game room has a pool table and wet bar, and three bedrooms have private decks. There’s also an indoor swimming pool and a basketball court.

Electric Stove Repair Tips

From the FamilyHabdyman.com

Step 1: Replace a bad burner or socket

Check the burner
Test the burner by replacing the burner that
doesn't work with one that you know does.

If one of your electric burners isn't heating, it could be a bad burner, a bad connection in the burner socket or a faulty switch.

To see if the problem is the burner, exchange the burner with one that you know works (Photo 1). If that burner won’t heat, the problem is either the burner socket or the infinite switch. (The burner prongs plug into the burner socket.) Connections in the burner socket can burn out and fail to provide power. If the prongs look burned, inspect the socket. If the socket looks charred or burned, replace it. Photo 2 shows how to replace a burner socket.

CAUTION: Always unplug your electric range before working on it.

Replace the socket
Replace a burner socket if it's charred or corroded.
Remove the screw that attaches the socket to the range.
Unscrew the wires and reconnect them
to the new socket. Attach the new socket.

Step 2: Replace the switch

Test the switch
Test the switch. Unplug the range and turn on the burner.
Remove the wire from the H1 terminal.
Set the tester to RX-1 and place the probes on the H1 and H2 terminals.
Replace the switch if the tester reading doesn't change.

The knob you turn to control the burner temperature slides over the shaft of the infinite switch. If the switch burns out, your burner won't get power. Test the infinite switch if you know the burner and burner socket are good but the burner still won't heat. We removed the back panel to access the infinite switch. Your range may be different. With the range unplugged, test the switch with a multimeter set to RX-1 (Photo 3). If the meter reading remains the same, the infinite switch is bad and should be replaced (Photos 3 and 4).

Replace the switch
Remove the knob and the screws that hold the old switch
 in place. Install the new switch and replace the screws.
You may have to install one of the included adapters so your knob will fit.

Equity Mortgage

From the Superpages.com

An equity mortgage is a second mortgage in which you have borrowed money against the equity you have in your home. The equity you have in your home is the homes’ market value minus the outstanding mortgage balance. With every mortgage payment you have made and with your homes’ appreciation as the years pass you are building equity. You can borrow this money as an equity mortgage, otherwise known as a second mortgage. Once you’ve been approved you can use this money for any purpose you choose.

The same laws and regulations that apply to your first mortgage will also apply to your equity mortgage. The interest you pay on your equity mortgage is tax deductible. You will be required to repay your equity mortgage including interest through regular monthly payments over the period of time agreed upon by you and your lender. When you apply for an equity mortgage the lender will check your credit rating and consider your ability to pay as with any other loan.

Equity Mortgage: What For?

You may want to take out an equity mortgage to consolidate bills, pay off student loans or other higher interest loans. Perhaps you have medical expenses or an upcoming wedding to finance. Consider the cost carefully as you will be paying your first mortgage as well as the equity mortgage. You need to continue paying your property taxes as well as your homeowner’s insurance of course. The more you borrow as an equity mortgage the higher your payments will be and the more years you’ll probably be paying.

The equity mortgage is a typical equity loan. The other types of the equity loan are not available in an equity mortgage. You will receive a one time lump sum of money to be repaid at a determined rate of interest over a specified length of time. Like any other mortgage you do not want to default on this equity mortgage. If you have been in your home for some time and have been paying that mortgage faithfully, chances are that your investment has enabled you to get approved for an equity mortgage.

Dr. Dre Selling View Mansion, Moving to Brentwood

AUTHOR:EMILY HEFFTER
ZILLOW

Source: IMDb

Now that hip-hop star and headphone honcho Dr. Dre has bought Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen’s mega-estate in Brentwood, he’s listed his home in the Hollywood Hills.

The gated home at 9161 Oriole Way, Los Angeles, CA has a magnificent view and almost 10,000 square feet on one of the coveted “bird streets” above the Sunset Strip, where many celebrities tuck mansions into the hillside. Dr. Dre bought the mansion in 2011 for $15.4 million and has listed it for $35 million — just $5 million less than he reportedly paid for Tom and Gisele’s super-estate.

It’s listed by Kurt Rappaport of Westside Estate Agency, who handled both sides of the Brentwood sale, as well. His listing describes Dr. Dre’s house as having “the best view estate in the city” and doesn’t offer any photos of the home’s interior.

Here’s what it does say: the home has 6 bedrooms, 9 baths, a library and media room, a guest house and wine cellar, as well as a pool and patio that offer a glimmering view of LA.

Want to buy Dr. Dre’s home? Calculating costs, here’s what your monthly mortgage payment looks based on a 30-year fixed mortgage, with 20 percent ($7 million) down: $134,549 a month.

Tips for Moving Furniture

From TheFamilyHandyman.com

Plan where it lands

Make a sketch

If you're moving to a new house, decide beforehand which furniture will go where. Before you move, sketch a floor plan with the correct measurements of each room, measure your furniture and create your layout. Then, as you move things in, you (or your helpers, if you're not there) can place your furniture in the correct spot and not have to touch it again. To make it easy on the movers, tape a copy of the plan to the wall of each room so people can tell at a glance where things go.