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Helpful Tips to Save Energy

Brian Ripp — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:09:00 +0000

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Here are some suggestions to ensure that your home is energy efficient and ready for the colder winter weather.
Test your homes energy efficiency. You can perform a simple audit of your home’s energy use by following the guidelines at EnergyStar.gov. You can also have PG&E or a home inspector evaluate the home.
Turn down the heat. Save money on your heating billsby setting your thermostat to 55 degrees when you are away from home for more than 4 hours. Alter the setting manually, or for $80-$120, purchase a programmable thermostat for your heater.
Avoid drafts. Plug air leaks with caulk or weather stripping to limit heat loss in your home. Check for leaks by holding a lit candle near vents, doors, window frams and mail slots. If the flame changes direction, there’s a leak.
Water works. To save money, set your hot water heater heater at 120 degrees. Electric and gas units can be covered with an insulating jacket for about $20. The isulation can help cut heat losses by up to 45 percent.
Related articles

Energy efficiency tips for landlords (confused.com)
Easy, Low-Cost Ways To Save More Energy Around The House (connectyourhome.com)
Reducing Electricity Use in Your Home (furniturehomedesign.com)

Mistakes Home Buyers Make

Zaida Patel — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:56:00 +0000

According to the Wall Street Journal, affordable home prices and historically low interest rates have created an ideal situation for many qualified first-time home buyers to purchase a house. Despite this opportunity, some buyers may be overconfident and make mistakes during the home-buying process.

MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS

Some first-time buyers are unaware of the vast amount of paperwork and negotiations that go into purchasing a home. As a result, buyers may think they can save money by forgoing the use of a REALTOR®. However, managing the nuances of offers, inspections, financing, and other pivotal steps when buying a home often causes confusion and anxiety for buyers. Working with a REALTOR®–who is obligated to put the buyer’s best interests first–will help to alleviate buyer concerns during this process.

Online mortgage calculators can help buyers estimate the amount of house they can afford, but calculators should not be the sole source for mortgage-approval information. Buyers are advised to meet with a mortgage broker or banker prior to beginning the home search to help determine the loan amount for which they are most likely to be approved.

Although there is a large selection of homes available for sale, home buyers should not assume they can make low offers or unreasonable demands. Even in hard-hit housing markets, homes in desirable neighborhoods are receiving multiple offers.

To read the full story, please click here.

Lenders Delay Evictions – Borrowers live rent free

Zaida Patel — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:03:00 +0000

Los Angeles Times
Many borrowers in default stay put as lenders delay evictions
Despite being months behind, many strapped residents are hanging on to their homes, essentially living rent-free. Pressure on banks to modify loans and a glut of inventory are driving the trend.
To read the full story, please click here.