Showing posts with label home value. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home value. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Chill Out with Ceiling Fans
In 24 hours, a standard central air conditioning unit can burn through a great deal of electricity. In the same amount of time a ceiling fan’s electric expense is less than a dime. Running a ceiling fan at medium speed for three hours costs just a penny! In fact, most ceiling fans only use about as much power as a 100W light bulb.
Air conditioning accounts for more than 15 percent of the energy use of the average home. Using ceiling fans—especially during hot summer months—can conserve energy and save money.
The spin on savings. Fans work like wind chill: they help your body stay more comfortable in higher temperatures. Using fans to stay cool in the summer allows you to set your home thermostat higher without sacrificing comfort, allowing you to save up to 40% on cooling costs.
Installing and maintaining. Ceiling fans are relatively inexpensive (some models sell for less than $50). Many homeowners find fan installation an easy DIY project, especially if an electric ceiling box is already present. For maximum energy savings, be sure to keep your fans in good working order by cleaning the blades regularly. You can also eliminate wobbling and squeaking by keeping your fan well oiled and balanced. Then, sit back and enjoy the breeze!
Fan smarts.
• Ceiling fans will only cool you, not the room, so don’t leave fans running in empty rooms.
• In the summer, make sure fan blades are turning counterclockwise, which will circulate cool air downward.
• Fans will only save you money if you set your thermostat higher as a result of fan use. Running ceiling fans and the air conditioner at full blast will only increase your energy bills.
Want even more information on how your ceiling fan can save you money? ENERGY STAR has great advice that can help you with just that.
From American Home Shield. If you would like to get more information about buying a home, please contact me at 615-777-4663 or contact me via email at george.margrave@migonline.com
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
6 Myths of Buying a Home
Beware these 'truths' if you are in the market for a house.
FOR MANY first-time homebuyers, owning a home is a dream come true. But oftentimes, they come into the process with some unrealistic expectations and high emotions. If you're looking to buy, don't let your heart control your head. When it comes down to it, a real estate purchase is still a business transaction.
Beware of these myths:
1. "The perfect home is out there." Many buyers tend to focus on the one thing that's wrong with a home rather than the nine out of 10 things that are right. But buying a home is essentially an exercise in compromise. Don't expect to get everything on your wish list. Rather, decide which items are true deal-breakers.
2. "The House has to speak to you." Buyers often get caught up in how the home "feels" or "speaks" to them. But remember, real estate agents and stagers are paid to prepare the home so it evokes pleasant emotions from house hunters. Unless you're buying the furniture that's there, imagine your own belongings and look at the house with a critical eye.
3. "The listing information is always accurate." When it comes to listing sheets and real estate agents, don't take their work for it. If you're looking for specific square footage, bring a tape measure. Count the number of closets, cabinets and electrical outlets in your current home and compare it to homes you are looking at. If the show sheet says "finished basement," verify that it is truly finished.
4. "You should buy as much house as you can get." In real estates heyday, it was normal to see two people living in a 4,000-square-foot, five bedroom home. These days, it doesn't make financial sense. Buy a home based on what you need so you can live comfortably, not excessively.
5. "If your offer was accepted right away, it was too much." Buyer's remorse is common, especially in an uncertain market. But if you were comfortable with the offer you made before you saw the seller's reaction, then there's no point in second-guessing yourself. In any business deal, the goal is to make everyone feel like a winner.
6. "The value of the home will increase." If we learned anything from the housing crisis, it's that homes are not cash cows. Unless you're an experienced flipper, don't expect that $200,000 condo to be worth $300,000 in two years.
ANNALISA BURGOS, senior editor of HGTV's FrontDoor.com; USA WEEKEND, March 18-20, 2011
You can reach me via telephone at 615-777-4663 or email at George.Margrave@MIGOnline.com
FOR MANY first-time homebuyers, owning a home is a dream come true. But oftentimes, they come into the process with some unrealistic expectations and high emotions. If you're looking to buy, don't let your heart control your head. When it comes down to it, a real estate purchase is still a business transaction.
Beware of these myths:
1. "The perfect home is out there." Many buyers tend to focus on the one thing that's wrong with a home rather than the nine out of 10 things that are right. But buying a home is essentially an exercise in compromise. Don't expect to get everything on your wish list. Rather, decide which items are true deal-breakers.
2. "The House has to speak to you." Buyers often get caught up in how the home "feels" or "speaks" to them. But remember, real estate agents and stagers are paid to prepare the home so it evokes pleasant emotions from house hunters. Unless you're buying the furniture that's there, imagine your own belongings and look at the house with a critical eye.
3. "The listing information is always accurate." When it comes to listing sheets and real estate agents, don't take their work for it. If you're looking for specific square footage, bring a tape measure. Count the number of closets, cabinets and electrical outlets in your current home and compare it to homes you are looking at. If the show sheet says "finished basement," verify that it is truly finished.
4. "You should buy as much house as you can get." In real estates heyday, it was normal to see two people living in a 4,000-square-foot, five bedroom home. These days, it doesn't make financial sense. Buy a home based on what you need so you can live comfortably, not excessively.
5. "If your offer was accepted right away, it was too much." Buyer's remorse is common, especially in an uncertain market. But if you were comfortable with the offer you made before you saw the seller's reaction, then there's no point in second-guessing yourself. In any business deal, the goal is to make everyone feel like a winner.
6. "The value of the home will increase." If we learned anything from the housing crisis, it's that homes are not cash cows. Unless you're an experienced flipper, don't expect that $200,000 condo to be worth $300,000 in two years.
ANNALISA BURGOS, senior editor of HGTV's FrontDoor.com; USA WEEKEND, March 18-20, 2011
You can reach me via telephone at 615-777-4663 or email at George.Margrave@MIGOnline.com
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