Did you know the average family spends over $1600 a year on utility bills alone? Here are some simple steps you can take to not only save energy but also put some money back in your pocket.
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Put your thermostat to work
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your air conditioner at 74 degrees and your furnace at 68 degrees. Investing in a programmable thermostat is a good idea. Set the thermostat to be warmer or colder when you are not home. Reduce the difference in temperature between the inside and the outside of the home to help save energy and money.
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Invest in energy-efficient appliances
You may notice now that washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, air conditioners, and computers now come with Energy Star labels which mean they are energy efficient. Energy Star appliances will save you money over older appliances.
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Unplug
Computers, stereos, toasters, and other appliances draw energy even when they are turned off. A large LCD or plasma TV consumes about 400 watts of energy when in use and 4 watts when not in use. Using a surge protector will help reduce energy costs. Plug your appliances into a surge protector and turn off the protector when appliances are not in use.
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Seal it up
A well-insulated house is a way to save money on heat and cooling costs. First, start by adding insulation to the attic floor. Next, make sure to fill in any holes in exterior walls especially where pipes come in and around windows and doors. Lastly, wrap hot water pipes with insulation.
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Slow the flow
Install low-flow fixtures to conserve water on your shower, faucets and toilets. Also remember to repair leaky faucets and toilets and turn off the water when brushing your teeth and scrubbing dishes.
Seems these days everyone is telling you what to DO, but where is the DO NOT list when selling your home? Here are three easy tips on what not to do in the sale of your home.
1. Do not get emotional
That is easier said than done -this is your home after all. The more you think of the sale as a business transaction the better and thinking with your heart is not always the best route to take when negotiating a deal.
Buyers will not place the same value on your home as you do. You will have to put your emotional attachment aside. A house is worth what a buyer is willing to pay. Much to the seller’s chagrin, this means that buyers set the market. In most cases, there is a going fee for homes. The price is typically is determined by location, house style, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, lot size, and condition to name a few. What is not taken into consideration are the memories and the love you put into taking care of your home.
2. Don’t go it alone
Real estate professionals are skilled to showcase home selling qualities. They are also skilled negotiators who know how to get you the best deal. According to the 2010 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, homeowners that sold on their own property typically received $59,000 less for their home than an agent-assisted home sale.
It can be very difficult for a seller to show and close the deal on their own home. It is usually very awkward for buyers viewing a home while homeowners are still there. It may discourage them from commenting, criticizing things, or even looking as thoroughly as they normally would. A buyer is leery about trusting and working directly with the seller. Negotiations typically break down without the real estate professional’s expertise.
3. Don’t choose the agent who gives you the highest price
Many sellers get caught up in what an agent will say the house is worth. Refer back to number one on this list. The house is worth what the market will bear. Often times an agent may entice you with a higher list price to get the listing, only to drive down the ultimate selling price of your home because it has sat on the market for too many days. Choose an agent based on their reputation, marketing strategy, and one you can trust. You may want to even throw in a gut feeling on the choice. Remember you will have to work with this person so a good relationship is important.
Buying a home can be a scary and confusing process. It is easy to get confused by all of the homes, locations, and what is truly important to you when buying a home.
First you will want to determine what you can afford. To do that you will want to get preapproved. That means a bank; mortgage broker or credit union will determine how much of loan you qualify for based on your income, debt and credit score. They will give a pre-approval letter stating how much you can afford.
Now it is time to pick a real estate professional to help you find the right home, negotiate on your behalf and help you navigate through the process. It is important that you choose an agent that is reputable; you have interviewed to find a good fit and is willing to listen to your needs.
Many buyers often confuse their needs with their wants. Making a list of what you actually need and what you want or your wish list is very helpful when looking for a home. Buying a home is typically a process of elimination. Many home buyers often dismiss homes that perfectly fit their needs in search for one that has their wants. This doesn’t mean you can have your wish list, but home buying is more often defined by your budget than wish lists.
To help with this process it is typically helpful to make a list of needs and wants.
| Examples of NEEDS | Examples of WANTS | |
| Reasonable square footage for comfortable living | Paint, carpet, counter tops, accessories. | |
| Bedrooms to accommodate your family | Pool or Jacuzzi (unless for medical reasons) | |
| Adequate number of bathrooms | Wood floors | |
| Eat-in kitchen | Bay windows, skylights | |
| Garage or basement for storage needs | Entertainment centers, moldings, decks and patios | |
| Lot size to accommodate children’s play area | Upgraded lighting fixtures | |
| Adaptation for Handicapped | View | |
| Proximity to a specific school | ||
| Single floor living for health reasons |
Each individual will have a different list of needs and wants. Your own list will help you evaluate homes as you go through the process. Sharing this list with your real estate professional will also help narrow down your search. The goal is to find a house that includes all of your needs and meets as many of your wants as is practical in your budget.
This property features 5 total rooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath, 2 bedrooms, and is currently available for $169,900.
For complete details click here.
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