Green remodeling can pay off — not only in lowered utility bills, but also in buyer appeal when the property is sold.Here are some green things to consider.
Site selection. Prefer infill development instead of a new subdivision in a far-flung new suburb that gobbles wetlands and displaces animals.
Energy-efficient products. Choose Energy Star appliances, double-paned windows, low-flush toilets, and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Spray foam insulation. Seal the home with insulation that doesn’t let the heat or cooled air leak out.
Sustainable wood flooring. Select flooring certified by Forest Stewardship Council, which protects forests by managing the amount of wood harvested annually.
Locally made products. Buy products made less than 250 miles away to reduce transportation costs. Granite, for instance, is generally imported from afar.
Nontoxic paint. Use paint that is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — chemicals that evaporate into the atmosphere. Look for Green Seal certified brands.
Source: St. Petersburg Times, Susan Thurston (12/28/07)
Friday, January 4, 2008
How to Increase a Home's Value
5 Simple Ways to Increase a Home's Value
Good home maintenance is key to creating and preserving a home’s value. Not to mention, it also impresses potential buyers. Here are five basic steps that every home owner ought to take — before spending money on dream bathrooms or gourmet kitchens.
1. Safety. Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and in good working order. Check fuel-burning appliances to make sure they are properly vented and no gas connections leak. Make sure the electrical system is adequate. Flickering lights and popping breakers are the sign of a problem. Anchor handrails and grab bars adequately.
2. Preventive maintenance. Repair any leaks in the roof, seal gaps in the siding, paint bare wood, replace damaged decking, patch cracks in concrete, and caulk around tubs and showers.
3. Conserve energy. Install a programmable thermostat, weatherstrip doors and windows, fix leaking faucets, upgrade insulation, and replace leaky windows.
4. Go green. Consider environmentally friendly materials for windows, doors, siding, decking, fencing, roofing, flooring, and insulation.
5. Improve comfort. Get rid of clutter, open up spaces, update window treatments to allow in more light, and organize closets and storage.
Source: The Associated Press, James and Morris Carey (12/29/07)
Good home maintenance is key to creating and preserving a home’s value. Not to mention, it also impresses potential buyers. Here are five basic steps that every home owner ought to take — before spending money on dream bathrooms or gourmet kitchens.
1. Safety. Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and in good working order. Check fuel-burning appliances to make sure they are properly vented and no gas connections leak. Make sure the electrical system is adequate. Flickering lights and popping breakers are the sign of a problem. Anchor handrails and grab bars adequately.
2. Preventive maintenance. Repair any leaks in the roof, seal gaps in the siding, paint bare wood, replace damaged decking, patch cracks in concrete, and caulk around tubs and showers.
3. Conserve energy. Install a programmable thermostat, weatherstrip doors and windows, fix leaking faucets, upgrade insulation, and replace leaky windows.
4. Go green. Consider environmentally friendly materials for windows, doors, siding, decking, fencing, roofing, flooring, and insulation.
5. Improve comfort. Get rid of clutter, open up spaces, update window treatments to allow in more light, and organize closets and storage.
Source: The Associated Press, James and Morris Carey (12/29/07)
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Real Estate Market Report for 2008
According to NAR [National Association of Realtors] Research, there is significant pent-up housing demand that will begin to be unleashed into the marketplace in 2008. Many markets will see rising home sales and strengthening home prices. We believe that the worst of the credit problems are behind us. Great news for consumers!
"Season" is upon us. The New Year starts with our 'snowbirds' arriving and staying for the next few months. More cars, more people in the restaurants and stores. We love having you!
It's wonderful living in the best place to be, in the winter, in the United States....no HUMIDITY!!
Enjoy the weather and think about buying a place in Sunrise Villas. Please feel free to contact me to buy, sell or invest in Real Estate, here or anywhere in the Valley.
"Season" is upon us. The New Year starts with our 'snowbirds' arriving and staying for the next few months. More cars, more people in the restaurants and stores. We love having you!
It's wonderful living in the best place to be, in the winter, in the United States....no HUMIDITY!!
Enjoy the weather and think about buying a place in Sunrise Villas. Please feel free to contact me to buy, sell or invest in Real Estate, here or anywhere in the Valley.
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