Monday, February 23, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Utility Bills on the Rise!
Many Americans are struggling to make ends meet these days. When cooler weather arrives, most people are tempted to turn up the heat to stay warm. However, with energy costs rising around the country, taking some cost saving measures can have a big impact on your wallet. Making sure your home is properly winterized will reduce warm air from escaping your home. Provided below are some winter tips to help you stay warm in an energy efficient manner:
1. Set your thermostat to conserve energy. Every degree above 68 adds 4% to your utility bill. By setting your heat to come on at a slightly lower temperature, you can reduce the number of hours that you will need either gas or electricity to adjust the climate in your home in any given month. At bedtime, lower the temperature of your thermostat and add extra blankets to your bed. When you are away from your home for more than 4 hours, lower your thermostat. For best results install a programmable thermostat. The energy that you save will directly translate to financial savings. Central heating air filters should be changed every 30 - 90 days to keep your furnace operating efficiently.
2. Take advantage of daylight hours to heat your home at no cost. To conserve the heat during evening hours or to block out the heat, keep your shades closed.
3. Use less water throughout the day. You can reduce the amount of water that you use by taking steps such as shortening your showers and turning off the water while you brush your teeth. You can also reduce the amount of water that you use by fixing any leaks in your home, no matter how small they may seem initially. A leaky faucet wastes as much as 2,700 gallons in a year! Retrofitting your faucets is also a good idea. Try a low-flow shower head in your bathtub to reduce water output. These inexpensive gadgets can reduce your water flow from 3 to 4 gallons per minute to as little as a half gallon.
4. Wash your clothes and dishes during off peak hours. During off peak hours, electricity is less expensive. You can also save money by air drying your clothes or dishes.
5. Turn off electric appliances when they are not in use. Running your computer or leaving your television turned on can not only increase your electric bill directly, but can also generate additional heat in your home.
6. Switch to energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs. These light bulbs consume less electricity while you are using them, letting you save money on your home utilities. They also last significantly longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs and generate less heat.
7. Adjust your hot water heater usage. Turn your water heater thermostat down to 120 degrees F. If you have a water heater that was built before 2004, cover it with a Thermwell insulating blanket. This should lower your water heating bill by about 10 percent per year. And you can save another 10 percent on your heating bill if you have your furnace serviced about every two years.
8. Add insulation to your home if necessary. Check insulation levels in attics and crawlspaces. By having adequate insulation, heating and cooling costs will be decreased and comfort will be increased.
9. Doors and windows can be a major source of energy loss. To help block the drafts go around all sills and look for cracks, separations, etc. Fill these gaps with some silicone-based caulking to help seal out the elements and conserve energy in your home. Put weather-stripping around your doorframes should save you about $30 per year.Install ceiling fans. Ceiling fans are relatively inexpensive and are typically easy to put in. They help circulate warm air and keep it from all escaping through the ceilings in the winter, while helping cool air circulate in the hot months. They use very little energy.
10. Install ceiling fans. Ceiling fans are relatively inexpensive and are typically easy to put in. They help circulate warm air and keep it from all escaping through the ceilings in the winter, while helping cool air circulate in the hot months. They use very little energy.
1. Set your thermostat to conserve energy. Every degree above 68 adds 4% to your utility bill. By setting your heat to come on at a slightly lower temperature, you can reduce the number of hours that you will need either gas or electricity to adjust the climate in your home in any given month. At bedtime, lower the temperature of your thermostat and add extra blankets to your bed. When you are away from your home for more than 4 hours, lower your thermostat. For best results install a programmable thermostat. The energy that you save will directly translate to financial savings. Central heating air filters should be changed every 30 - 90 days to keep your furnace operating efficiently.
2. Take advantage of daylight hours to heat your home at no cost. To conserve the heat during evening hours or to block out the heat, keep your shades closed.
3. Use less water throughout the day. You can reduce the amount of water that you use by taking steps such as shortening your showers and turning off the water while you brush your teeth. You can also reduce the amount of water that you use by fixing any leaks in your home, no matter how small they may seem initially. A leaky faucet wastes as much as 2,700 gallons in a year! Retrofitting your faucets is also a good idea. Try a low-flow shower head in your bathtub to reduce water output. These inexpensive gadgets can reduce your water flow from 3 to 4 gallons per minute to as little as a half gallon.
4. Wash your clothes and dishes during off peak hours. During off peak hours, electricity is less expensive. You can also save money by air drying your clothes or dishes.
5. Turn off electric appliances when they are not in use. Running your computer or leaving your television turned on can not only increase your electric bill directly, but can also generate additional heat in your home.
6. Switch to energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs. These light bulbs consume less electricity while you are using them, letting you save money on your home utilities. They also last significantly longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs and generate less heat.
7. Adjust your hot water heater usage. Turn your water heater thermostat down to 120 degrees F. If you have a water heater that was built before 2004, cover it with a Thermwell insulating blanket. This should lower your water heating bill by about 10 percent per year. And you can save another 10 percent on your heating bill if you have your furnace serviced about every two years.
8. Add insulation to your home if necessary. Check insulation levels in attics and crawlspaces. By having adequate insulation, heating and cooling costs will be decreased and comfort will be increased.
9. Doors and windows can be a major source of energy loss. To help block the drafts go around all sills and look for cracks, separations, etc. Fill these gaps with some silicone-based caulking to help seal out the elements and conserve energy in your home. Put weather-stripping around your doorframes should save you about $30 per year.Install ceiling fans. Ceiling fans are relatively inexpensive and are typically easy to put in. They help circulate warm air and keep it from all escaping through the ceilings in the winter, while helping cool air circulate in the hot months. They use very little energy.
10. Install ceiling fans. Ceiling fans are relatively inexpensive and are typically easy to put in. They help circulate warm air and keep it from all escaping through the ceilings in the winter, while helping cool air circulate in the hot months. They use very little energy.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Cold Front
Are you ready for the coldest months of the year? As the season sets in, your home's durability will really be out to the test. Roofs must hold against rain and snow, windows and doors must stop the cold, and fireplaces must keep our bodies warm. Follow these steps before the winter season blows in, and you won't be caught out in the cold.
Inspect your roof. Look for any cracked spots, missing shingles or other open places, which might cause leaks. Most simple repairs can be done yourself using roofing cement.
It's also important to check your home's gutters and siding. If the gutters are clogged with leaves or debris, clean them yourself or hire a gutter specialist. Blocked gutters may lead to basement flooding or leaking. Also be sure the siding does not have any cracks or damage.
Before lighting a fire in your fireplace, sweep the chimney of creosote buildup, which can cause chimney fires if not removed. Be sure to hire a professional chimney sweep to do this.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Selling Your Home thru the Holidays!
When you look at your November and December calendars you may find the months already overloaded with seasonal obligation—shopping, entertaining, decorating the house, and so much more. If you are also trying to sell your home, you are under extra pressure to keep your home in “show time” condition. And that could be the last thing you need before the holiday spirit is broken.
It is understandable why you would be tempted to take your home off the market during the holidays. And the list of justifications is long. BUT WAIT! Taking your home off the market during the Christmas season is a mistake.
Consider the following points:
It is understandable why you would be tempted to take your home off the market during the holidays. And the list of justifications is long. BUT WAIT! Taking your home off the market during the Christmas season is a mistake.
Consider the following points:
- Buyer activity appears to slow down; the buyers who are actively looking during the holidays are that much more serious.
- Buyers deliberately choose to shop for a home after the busy spring and summer rush. They know it will be easier to look, and that negotiations will be less stressful.
- Relocating families often don’t have a choice in when they can leave for their new destination. Typically they want to be settled by the first of the New Year.
- At Christmastime, our culture focuses on family and the home. Preparing for the indoor activities of winter is one of the most enjoyable periods of family life. Allowing buyers to view your home during this most hospitable of seasons lets them better picture their own family life in the attractive environment you have created.
- When is your home ever more beautiful and inviting? You have cleaned and decorated, and your home looks like a picture postcard.
- With reduced inventories and motivated buyers, you will have all the members of the MLS on your team. You may find you have more showings than you would if your marketed your home during a busier time of year.
Since most markets are beginning to experience increases in inventory, you’ll probably be better off selling now than waiting till the spring, when you have to compete with the rest of the world.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Short Sales
Short Sales are not a new thing to Real Estate. Although they are much more popular now with the changes in the market. I did my first short sale for a client back in 1985. Since they are becoming more popular I wanted to give you some brief information about Short Sales.
What is a short sale? A short sale in real estate occurs when the outstanding obligations (loans) against a property are greater than what the property can be sold for. Short sales are a way for homeowners to avoid foreclosure on their homes and still be able to pay off their loan by settling with the lender.
What is the procedure? First you will need to list your property with us and we market it just like a normal listing. You will complete a hardship package and we do whatever it takes to get an offer.
Do you need to be behind on your mortgage payments? Yes, the lenders require that you are behind on your payments before they will consider negotiating the possible short sale terms.
Will selling your home as a short sale affect your credit? Yes, and it will keep you from being able to purchase a home for a minimum of one possibly even two years after the short sale property has closed. Once your credit has been cleared of late mortgage payments and as long as you can qualify in other ways, you should be able to purchase a new home within a 1-2 year timeframe.
If you know someone that is in Real Estate distress, please give them my number so I can help before it is too late! 801-278-0999.
What is a short sale? A short sale in real estate occurs when the outstanding obligations (loans) against a property are greater than what the property can be sold for. Short sales are a way for homeowners to avoid foreclosure on their homes and still be able to pay off their loan by settling with the lender.
What is the procedure? First you will need to list your property with us and we market it just like a normal listing. You will complete a hardship package and we do whatever it takes to get an offer.
Do you need to be behind on your mortgage payments? Yes, the lenders require that you are behind on your payments before they will consider negotiating the possible short sale terms.
Will selling your home as a short sale affect your credit? Yes, and it will keep you from being able to purchase a home for a minimum of one possibly even two years after the short sale property has closed. Once your credit has been cleared of late mortgage payments and as long as you can qualify in other ways, you should be able to purchase a new home within a 1-2 year timeframe.
If you know someone that is in Real Estate distress, please give them my number so I can help before it is too late! 801-278-0999.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Welcome to Cindy Wood Realty!
Welcome to the Cindy Wood Realty blog! Here you will find tips and articles for both buyers and sellers alike, as well as news about what's going on here at Cindy Wood Realty. Check back soon for more news and updates!
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