Easy Ways to Cut Home Energy Costs Today

Looking for some simple ways to cut energy costs this year? Here are a few tips and techniques that can help you reduce energy bills, help the environment and improve your home’s resale value.

Heating and Cooling

Do you have furniture positioned by your vents or radiators? By moving furniture away from these locations, warm or cool air can circulate through your home more effectively. At what temperature is your water heater? Did you know that for every 10 degrees you drop the temperature, you can reduce your power bill by 3-5%? Try lowering your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and watch the difference. Check your furnace filter. Cleaning or replacing it regularly can help cut energy costs as well. Finally, consider installing a programmable thermostat. This will help you closely monitor the temperature in your home.

Insulation

Air leaks in your home can form in a number of places, but about one-third of the escaped air comes from openings in ceilings, walls and floors. Is your home well insulated? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, only 20% of homes built before 1980 are well insulated. Insulation is vital when it comes to retaining hot and cold air in your home, but it’s also great for diminishing noise and energy bills.

Water

Looking for a few simple solutions for cutting back on your water bill? Start by take shorter showers instead of baths, and washing full loads of clothing and dishes. Get leaks fixed promptly. One easy way to check your toilet for leaks is by putting food coloring in your toilet tank. If it leaks into the bowl, then you have a leak that needs to be addressed. Find and install a toilet that uses less than 1.6 gallons per flush. In the bathroom, it’s also smart to install water-saving showerheads.

Save water outdoors! Don’t cut more than one-third of the height of your grass blades. This allows for stronger roots, which help absorb water runoff. Water your plants and grass either in the morning or in the evening because water won’t evaporate as quickly.

Electricity

Aside from the basics—turning off lights and electronics when they aren’t in use—there are several easy ways you can cut your home electricity costs. First, switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. Even changing just the five most frequently used bulbs in your house can save you $100 per year or more. When it comes to appliances, look for the Energy Star label. These appliances will be 10 to 50 percent more efficient than appliances without the label. Utilize power strips when you tap into an electricity source. Power strips cut down on “vampire electricity,” which is the electricity used while appliances and electronics are plugged into an outlet, but not in use. By flipping the “off” switch on a power strip, you’ll quickly put a stop to this.

By maximizing your home’s energy efficiency, you can increase its resale value while saving money at the same time. For more information on going green at home, consult the U.S. Department of Energy or check out RealLiving.com/green.

Getting Ready for the Big Move

You sold your home, and now you’re approaching moving day. The hardest part is over with, so now you can collect your belongings and transition to a new space with some tips to help keep your possessions organized.

Cleaning, De-Cluttering and Packing

If you’re 4-6 weeks away from the big move, then don’t hesitate to start packing some of your less essential items. Seasonal tools, decorations, clothing and other items can be packed right away. Place in clearly labeled boxes with specific directions as to where they go in the new home. Start cleaning your closets and start discarding or donating items that you no longer need. This will help cut down on packing time. Organize closets and storage spaces for quick packing as well. The key is to de-clutter, pack and then clean the area after all possessions have been removed.

Discontinue Services

Do you employ a gardener, lawn care or pool maintenance service? Then make sure you contact them well in advance of your move. If you feel that they did a particularly good job, then leave their business cards out for the new owners of the home. Contact the U.S. Postal Service to reroute your mail. Pick up all items from the tailor or cleaner, and return all borrowed DVDs and books. These are commonly overlooked ends to tie up before moving day.

Moving Companies

If you’re hiring a moving company to help you transport possessions between locations, then get moving estimates early. I recommend talking to at least 3-4 moving companies before you make a decision. Set a moving date with a company well in advance, and then confirm that date once again a few days before the move. On moving day, make sure the movers have a detailed map of how to get to the new location. In addition, you should diagram where you want all major pieces of furniture as well as boxes to be dropped off. Be there to supervise movers when they move your possessions into your new home—just in case anything is placed in the wrong location. Finally, compensate the movers with the form of payment they requested ahead of time. In addition, if they did a good job moving, have a cash tip ready for them. I recommend giving $40-$80 to a group of two—depending on how well they performed. If they went above and beyond their job description, then compensate them accordingly. If you felt it was a particularly difficult move, then you may want to tip a little higher in that instance as well.

Tax Deductible Moving Expenses

Did you know that you can deduct your moving expenses if you moved because of a new job location or because you started a new business? Check out Publication 521, Moving Expenses, at www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc455.html to see if you qualify for this tax deduction based on moving distance and number of hours per week you work.

If you have any additional questions about how you can prepare for moving day, contact your local agent today.

How to Prepare your Home before Vacation

Summer vacations can be the perfect time to kick back and relax. And you don’t want you have to worry about the safety of your home while you’re away. To ensure that your home is well protected and cared for, pre-vacation prep is a must.

Nobody likes returning home from a relaxing vacation to find, dead plants, over-stuffed mail boxes or even worse, burglary. Here are some things that can help ensure your peace of mind when you’re away on vacation.

Security is top priority

Security is probably the first issue people think about when going on vacation. Purchasing light timers is a cheap, fast and easy way to create a home security system. Be sure the timing is staggered so that your lights don’t come on at the same time each day. If you do have a home security system, it may still be necessary to use light timers. Also, alert your security company of your absence. If you are leaving cars behind while vacationing, park them in the driveway to give the illusion that somebody is home. And of course tell your neighbors. They will keep an extra watchful eye on your home while you’re away.

Maintaining Your Property

A yard will stay well maintained for about seven days before it begins to look overgrown. If you’re on vacation longer than that, make sure you hire someone to care for your lawn, flower and vegetable garden—even if it’s just the neighbor boy looking to make some extra summer money.

Managing the mail and newspapers is also important. If you’re going away for an extended amount of time, you may want to request that the post office halt the delivery of your mail altogether. Otherwise, have a friend or trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers.

Vital Odds and Ends

Make it a point to turn off the stove and unplug the dishwasher, coffee pot and other small appliances before you leave. Also, make sure to unplug larger appliances like your television and computer so that a potential storm doesn’t cause your electronics to power surge and start a fire.

If you have pets at home, make sure you have secured a spot at the vet for them or friend who is willing to play with them and let them out daily.

And of course, close and lock all windows.

Looking for a New Build?

The thought of building a home that you can customize to highlight your personality is exciting, but it can also be intimidating to start from the ground up.

Visualizing Your New Home

Keep your thoughts organized by writing them down and keeping them in a “new home” binder. First, write down the features that you need in your house (example: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms), then the things you want (example: granite countertops, wood floors, etc.).

When it comes to a floor plan, make sure it fits your specifications. Check local building codes, which may require you to include certain features. Some developments allow you to pick from a few plans which your builder can provide, while others allow for more customization. For a custom floor plan, look through magazines, books, and online to find a plan that you like. If you want something significantly modified, you will need to hire an architect. Find examples in magazines of features and designs that you like, as well as paint, flooring, and other samples. Having all of these things in your new home binder will help you organize your ideas and make the building process much smoother.

Choosing a Builder

Choosing the right builder is vital to a good construction experience. Start by getting recommendations from friends, real estate agents, and contact the local builder’s association for a list of builders in the area. Research different builders to find out which types of homes they specialize in, and their corresponding price ranges. Set up appointments with a few builders. Check with past clients. Ask if they were satisfied, and whether they would build with that company again. Drive by homes the builder has completed, as well as some current construction sites. Look for quality—not just whether or not you like the design. Finally, make sure you feel comfortable with your builder, and that you can communicate effectively. They need to understand your vision, and you must understand how and when things will be completed. It is imperative to establish a working relationship that is both beneficial to you and the builder. Most importantly, consult a real estate agent for advice, and to handle all negotiations.

For more information on new construction, contact your local real estate agent or check out RealLiving.com’s New Construction portal.

Real Living Offers Mortgage Payment Protection for Home Buyers

Real Living is proud to announce the Peace of Mind Plan, a mortgage payment protection plan for home buyers in the Central Ohio, Dayton, Cincinnati and Louisville Metro areas beginning June 1, 2009. We believe “home is where the heart is,” and financial stability provides peace of mind. So if your heart is set on a new home, but you’re stressed about buying with the economic realities we now face, Real Living has your answer.

The Peace of Mind Plan is designed to provide the comfort you deserve and the confidence you need to make your move a reality. Here’s how it works:

One-Year Coverage*
When you are represented by a Real Living agent during the purchase of your next home, and finance through Real Living Mortgage, Real Living will provide you with one year of insurance benefits that cover a monthly mortgage payment of up to $1,500 for up to six months if you become involuntarily unemployed during the first year you are in your new home.

Many buyers who purchased a home in recent years have interest rates that exceed current rates that are available. So, additionally, if you refinance through Real Living Mortgage, we’ll also provide coverage for one year. Please refer to the terms and conditions section for more detailed stipulations.

Two-Year Coverage*
If you purchase a Real Living listing, and finance through Real Living Mortgage, we’ll extend your Peace of Mind benefits for another year (two years altogether) so you can take advantage of the up to $1,500 each month for up to six months of coverage. This means that you have coverage for up to six months of mortgage payments if you become involuntarily unemployed at any point during the two-year period.

*Please visit www.RealLivingHER.com or www.RealLivingRealtyServices.com for terms and conditions.

With the Real Living Peace of Mind Plan, state and national government incentives, a variety of home choices and aggressive prices available on the market, it is the best time to buy!

This plan is available from June 1 to Aug. 31, 2009 (closing prior to Sept. 30, 2009), so connect with a Real Living agent today for the details and to find your next home fast.

See what others are saying….
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Momentum ’09 was a Hit

Spring has arrived, summer is fast approaching and here at Real Living we are rejoicing! We are starting to see improvement in the markets for 2009 and last week at our annual conference, Momentum, we celebrated our 2008 achievements.

Momentum was a great success. Hosted at The Lifestyle Communities Pavilion in Columbus, Ohio, we kicked off the day with the highly anticipated awards ceremony, listened the ever-popular David Knox and then danced the night away with one of Columbus’ best bands, Conspiracy.

Congrats to all our outstanding bronze, brass, silver, gold, platinum and ruby winners!

Also, congratulations to our top agents and managers:

• George Smith Rising Star Award winners: Matt Beam from the Troy, Ohio, office, Helen Stepien from the Arlington, Ohio, office and Joyce Logan from the Dublin, Ohio, office

• Top Office in Core Service Support: Real Living HER Hilliard, Ohio, office
• Top Agent in Core Service Support: Nicole Yoder-Barnhart of the Yoder-Barnhart Connection in Hilliard, Ohio
• Top Agent in Volume and Sides: Sandy Raines and Ron Cadieux of The Raines Group in New Albany, Ohio
• Harley E. Rouda Manager of the Year: Gloria Rau, manager of the Northeast Regional Office

All winners will be listed on the Momentum Web site within the next month.

Keynote speaker David Knox was also a hit. He engaged agents with a back to basics message. Helping them to understand how to convert buyers into sales, Knox gave tips and advice on how to understand what the buyer really wants and how to close the deal. With multiple personality impressions, he charmed agents while inspiring them!

Thanks to everyone who came out and our wonderful sponsors!

Brokerage Spotlight: Real Living Home Team

Real Living Home Team’s mission statement is: To provide honest and extraordinary service to our clients, create and maintain an exciting, fun and productive workplace for our agents and support staff, and to be good corporate citizens of the community.

With sincere dedication and hard work, the Real Living Home Team of Mount Vernon, Ohio does just that. To ensure they live up to the mission statement, all agents are trained and qualified to be at the forefront of real estate customer service, marketing and technology. Real Living Home Team agents pride themselves on offering outstanding internet marketing, quality photography and virtual tours to all buyers and sellers. They are also active participants in many social media outlets. With the developing social media world, broker/owner Dave Culberson is excited to see his agents embrace the new technology.

“They are starting to do fun things including marketing and networking on Facebook and social media sites,” said Culbertson. “It’s fun to see them grow. I see nothing but positive growth for us.”

Real Living Home Team’s office is located in a fully-renovated, historic farmhouse built in 1829.This building represents Culbertson and his team’s appreciation and passion for homes. It also embodies the classic charm of the Mount Vernon area.

Office locations:
1485 Yauger Road
Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050
(740) 393-3777

Web site: Hometeam.RealLiving.com

For more information on Real Living Home Team or to speak with an agent, contact Dave Culbertson at Dave.Culbertson@RealLiving.com or by phone at (740) 393-3777.