Spell out unfamiliar words.

You may know what you’re talking about but the person at the dictation
service may not. This is why you must spell out every unfamiliar names
or words. You should also make use of the “A for apple” technique to
confirm the letter you’re spelling and prevent any confusion.

Eliminate noise

It might not be a problem for you to dictate in the middle of a football
match, but the person at the other end may confuse your dictation with
soccer fans noise. Eliminate any background noise when you’re dictating
no matter how small.

Dictate like you’re talking.

You can get the best out of dictation services by talking to the
operator like you’re talking to the person you know. Use a generic name
like “operator” to describe the person at the other end.

Take it easy

Slow down your pace even if you are a natural fast talker, to allow the
operator some space to catch up with you. Don’t assume they are
professionals and so they should be able to adjust. There is no way they
are going to deliver a good job when you have jammed all the words
together.

Make your speaking clear.

Speak directly to the microphone and avoid doing other things like
cooking, breastfeeding, shuffling through paperwork or typing on your
computer. Give your full attention to the dictation and enunciate your
words.

Provide editing instructions

Once you’re through with your dictation, provide specific editing and
formatting instructions to the transcription personnel. Tell the person
exactly what you want, margins, underline, centralizations and/or
capital letters.

We purchased our dream home, a 1925 bungalow.  By purchasing an older home it came complete with all of the little problems you would expect, dry rot, termites, and broken glass. But it also came with details that would be non-existent in an affordable new home. Along with the termites we received; wood frame windows, French doors, solid interior doors, six inch base boards and loads of crown molding. We have a porch with a swing, and built in bookcases.  We pulled the carpets and found Georgia pine floors that just needed to be sanded. With a few coats of polyurethane, I now have solid wood floors through the house that have character and look fabulous.

At Lowes I found replacement antique style glass door-knobs, and lighting options that blended well with our “old” new home.  I have always liked Lowes for their lighting, cabinets and finishing touches. They just seem to care a bit more about style and quality.  There are tons of sales and you can also find a lowes coupon that can amount to big savings when doing a renovation.

For tile we choose Italian porcelain which sounds fancy, but it actually was simple plain tiles that we put down in an interesting pattern.  By using quality materials in a creative way we saved hundreds on the renovation.  

Companies are struggling, unemployment is high, and the housing market is down. So all of this renovating may sound crazy in this market, but it did pay off for us.  Although like many people, my husband was transferred to another state, but we were able to rent the house out at the top of the market.  Competing with hundreds of houses for sale and for rent we have no problem keeping our home rented at a profit.

So while the “news” on real estate may drone on, I am glad we took the chance. I believe our home rents because we put the details in that make a difference. Whether you are a renter or a buyer we all want to live in a place that feels like home. Don’t be afraid to splurge on making your home wonderful, the worst that can happen is you enjoy your life in a great home.  Or like me, you will be the first to find a buyer or renter should you need to.