Energy Savers

I wanted to provide some helpful information about using energy efficiently.

Making your home energy efficient may cost a little bit up front, but the extra effort and expense can save you a lot of money in the future. Here are some energy-saving tips to try:

* Replace your old thermostat with a new digital one
* Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents
* Replace the old seal on your refrigerator door
* Get a furnace “tune-up”
* Install a ceiling fan

Many utility companies offer free energy audits by trained representatives who come to your home and point out areas where energy is being wasted.

I hope you find these tips helpful.

Fire Safety

I thought I would provide you with some valuable information about home safety.

As busy as we all get, it's sometimes easy to overlook fire safety and other home maintenance.

Remember to replace the old batteries in your home's smoke alarms regularly. While you're at it, dust each alarm and test it to make sure it is properly functioning. Make sure you have installed enough smoke alarms for the size of your home--at least one per floor, especially near bedrooms.

It's also a good idea to periodically check your fire extinguishers. Many models are useful only for a certain number of years before they must be serviced or replaced. Check your model to determine the time period. Each home should have at least one extinguisher in the kitchen and the garage.

Finally, because overloaded circuits are the cause of many home fires, you should take a few minutes to scan your home's power outlets and replace any cords or plugs that have cracks or other visible damage.

These easy tasks can make your home a safer place for everyone.

Homeownership Improves Lifestyle

Just a short note to share some information from an interesting article I recently read.

According to a “Home Ownership Survey” by Neighborhood Housing Services, home ownership enhances the quality of life and financial positions of most homeowners.

The reasons for this are:

* Increases in home value
* Interaction with neighbors
* Better conditions and amenities in the new neighborhood than in the previous one

I hope your experience is similar.

Market Trends

One of the biggest changes in real estate today is the emergence of the Internet as an increasingly valuable tool for home buyers and sellers.

According to the most recent research:

* 75% of home buyers have searched for real estate information online.
* 70% of home buyers and sellers agree that it's important for their agents to be Internet-savvy.
* The Internet is replacing local newspaper classified ads as the definitive resource for prospective home buyers.

Top 10 Places to Live!

Here are the top 10 places to live according to Relocate-America.com:

"The population of Asheville (NC) is only about 70,000, but this mid-size city ranked No. 1 on a list of the most popular places to live in 2007. Asheville made its second appearance on Relocate-America.com's annual top 10 list, compiled each year since 1998. The site attracts visitors in the process of relocating and is aimed at helping people research cities before making a move. The Web site is a service of HomeRoute, a Howell, Mich.-based company that also connects consumers to Realtors.

Below are the top 10 cities on Relocate-America.com's "America's Top 100 Places to Live for 2007:"

1. Asheville (NC)
2. Traverse City (MI)
3. Ithaca (NY)
4. Chicago (IL)
5. Cary (NC)
6. Portland (ME)
7. San Francisco (CA)
8. Stevens Point (WI)
9. O'Fallon (MO)
10. Spencer (IA)

To assemble the list, the site starts by asking visitors for nominations, which describe some of the characteristics of the cities, including people and neighborhoods, the beauty of the area, schools, activities, economic health and environmental health. The editorial staff then considers education, crime, employment and housing statistics for the past year in order to rank the cities, the company said in a news release."

Source: Real Trends Magazine (5/4/07)

I think Minnesota got shafted. We should nominate our cities to this site for consideration. What do you say?

$5 Ideas for Making a House More Appealing

Here are some ideas from a real estate expert in California.

"Real estate professionals in Sacramento, Calif., say it only takes a $5 investment to do some quick makeovers to attract potential buyers.

Here are five under $5 ideas:

1) Give the trim around the front door a fresh coat of paint, covering up fingerprints and dings.
2) Fertilize the grass so it looks bright green.
3) Hang a small flag that says “Welcome.”
4) Place a big pot of yellow marigolds in the foyer — yellow makes people feel comfortable.
5) Dribble a few drops of vanilla on the oven door and turn it to low (it’ll smell just like cookies are baking)."

Source: The Sacramento Bee, Jim Wasserman (05/04/07)

May Home Tips

* Clean and lubricate hinges, locks, and moving parts in window and door hardware once a year to maintain ease of use.
* Keep furniture, and other items that children may climb, away from windows for safety.
* Test the auto-reverse functions on your garage door monthly. Check the balance yearly. Familiarize yourself with the door's release system in case of emergency or power failure.

Home Safety

I wanted to discuss safety and security for you and your family. As always, I have your best interests at heart.

Safety and security are part of the comforts of home. There are some simple steps you can take to keep your loved ones safe.

Walk through your home and check the following items:

* Check that handrails and banisters on all stairs are in good repair. Install handrails where needed.
* Replace burned-out bulbs in or near stairways.
* Replace faulty wiring immediately.
* Install smoke alarms and check the batteries twice a year.
* Secure your home with quality door and window locks.
* Trim shrubs and trees close to the house
* Avoid an unoccupied look when you go away on vacation. Leave a light or radio on, using an automatic timing device if possible.
* Stop deliveries of mail and newspapers.
* Have a trusted neighbor or the police check your home. Contact your local police department about a “vacation house check” service.

Feel free to forward this information on to anyone you know who could benefit from this information.