It can be costly to upgrade your insulation, replace windows or buy energy efficient appliances. In the long run, it's worth the money and you should try to set aside money to make these upgrades to your home. Between tax credits and money saved on energy bills, it's worth the investment. However, in these tough economic times, here are some tips that will help you save money without spending any money.
- Set thermostats to 78 degrees in summer and 68 degrees in winter.
- Close window coverings in the summer to maintain cooler temperatures.
- Open window coverings in the winter to allow the sun to heat your home.
- Do not block registers and vents with furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Set the temperature on your water heater no higher than 120 degrees.
- Not using a light - Turn it off!
- Unplug small appliances when not in use.
- Keep refrigerators full - it takes more energy to cool an empty fridge.
- Only run dishwashers and clothes washers when full.
- Wash laundry in cold water. If you must wash in warm or hot, always rinse with cold.
- Adjust water level in washing machine if you must wash a smaller load
- Don't let the water run while shaving or brushing your teeth.
- Clean the lint trap of the dryer before each load.
- Don't overload the dryer (I'm guilty of this one!!)
Try these out and see the difference!
Labels: energy efficient, free, save money, tips
- Keep moisture out of the basement: Make sure water flow is kept away from the home. Gutters & downspouts need to be in good working order and clear of any debris to keep rainwater away from the base of the home. Also, invest in a dehumidifier for the basement. Make sure it's the right size for the space you are trying to cover.
- Furnaces need to be maintained. Watch for leaks, and update the unit if necessary.
- Install a weatherproof door between the garage and the home to keep gasoline and other odors away.
- Gas ranges should have a hood fan that exhausts outdoor air. And, if you're like me and burn things in the kitchen, make sure to open some windows to "air out" the house on those special occasions.
- Fuel burning appliances should be inspected annually to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Safety Tip: Invest in Carbon Monoxide Detectors...They're worth it!
- Leave interior doors between rooms open for better air cirulation.
- Make your home a "smoke free" environment.
- Keep the clutter to a minimum. This prevents dust from accumulating.
- Replace carpet with hard floor (wood, laminate, tile, etc...) and use area rugs that can be washed easily.
- Exhaust fans in bathrooms are good to get rid of the fumes from those harsh chemicals we tend to use when cleaning bathrooms.
- Clean often, but try and use "green" cleaning products.
- Inspect and insulate duct work in your attic.
Labels: basement, bathrooms, garage, Home, indoor air quality, tips
1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.
2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.
3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get pre-qualified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.
4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.
5. Decide your moving timeline. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? All of these factors will help you determine when you should move.
6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.
7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.
8. Get help from a real estate agent. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s reps are usually paid out of the seller’s commission payment.
Contact our team at
Vanderhoff Real Estate today. We want you to feel good about the entire home buying process, and we are here to help!
Labels: buying a home, home search, tips, vanderhoff real estate
