Author: Shannon

Selling your home when it’s hard to let go

Letting go can be brutal. Often, we have no choice, such as when it’s time for our kids to leave the nest, or we decide to leave a relationship that has soured.

It is often the same for homeowners when they decide to sell their homes. For some, letting go of a home isn’t just divesting themselves of a structure, but also from the lifestyle it represents, the memories made under that roof – all that life lived in it.

Selling a home can be an emotionally-charged transaction, but it doesn’t have to be. If you can put your emotions aside for a time and realize that the sale of your home is a business transaction —and stay in that mindset— you’ll avoid the pitfalls we see some home sellers contend with.

Those pitfalls

There are several commonalities among home sellers who are attached to their homes. The first is that they tend to overvalue it for the market.

It’s important to keep in mind that what you feel the home is worth may not be the same as the value the buyer puts on it. Then, there’s the appraiser’s valuation.

Depending on the type of market we’re in, be prepared for buyers coming in with lowball offers. These buyers aren’t intentionally insulting you, but treating the transaction for what it truly is, a business deal.

Ditto when buyers appear to be criticizing your taste in décor, such as by asking you to remove the wallpaper in the kitchen or for new carpet.

No home is ideal for everyone, not even yours. When you approach the sale with less emotion, you’ll be better able to let these unintentional slights roll off your shoulders.

Vow to be flexible

If your attachment to your home is strong, it’s easy to talk yourself into little ways that may sabotage the sale.

Take showings, for instance. We’ve seen some sellers who become completely unreasonable when an agent requests a showing.

Yes, we know how very challenging it is to keep a home spotless while “real life” carries on (kids to get to and from school and lessons, pets, etc.).

Remind yourself that as busy as life is, if you want to sell the home you must be accommodating to buyers. Take some deep breaths, straighten the chaos and take the kids to the park.

An offer is just an offer, not an insult

There is a reason you may be intensely emotionally attached to your home. Whether it’s because of the memories it holds, the hard work it took to get it to its current condition or something else, this attachment can cloud your judgment.

Seldom is this more evident than when entertaining offers from buyers. As mentioned earlier, many homeowners who are attached to their homes treat a simple request, such as for new carpet or a minor repair, as a personal affront.

Remember, your home is perfect for you, but it may not be for everyone. The buyers certainly don’t mean to be insulting.

Even lowball offers can cause defensiveness. Keep in mind that an offer is just an offer and selling your home is a business transaction.

And, by the way, in a tough buyers’ market, a lowball offer may be worth negotiating. Put on your business hat so we can work together on a solution.

Additional coping strategies

“Sure, this house was perfect, but the home selling and buying process isn’t [about] finding ‘the one’ that sticks around forever,” suggests Catrina Sun-Tan at homelight.com.

“It’s more about finding the home that fits your needs best, based on your current situation,” she concludes.

She goes on to suggest that you keep your focus on your ‘why.’ That may be a particular lifestyle you crave, living closer to your children and grandkids or to have a snappier commute. Keep that ‘why’ top-of-mind.

Take photos of the home, especially those areas where you spend the most time and have built the most memories.

Some homeowners will take a plant or even soil from the garden to plant at their new home (let me know if this is your plan because we’ll have to move the plant to a pot before the home goes on the market).

Then, change your focus. Focusing on the future during the sale process is one way to alleviate that panicky feeling many get when they begin dwelling on the loss of their home.

Look to the future instead – where you’re going next, how you’ll furnish and use your next home.

Get excited about what lies ahead.

Is it time to replace your windows?

From humans to rocks, everything ages. The average life expectancy for a water heater, for instance is between 8 and 12 years, according to the experts at Lowe’s.

Fortunately, the windows in our homes have a much longer life span–up to 20 years, depending on how they’re maintained, what they’re made of and weather, among other factors.

So, how do we know when our windows are about to bite the dust? We consulted the pros; read on to find out what they have to say.

Do they leak?

The best time to check the windows for leakage is while it’s raining or immediately after the rain stops. If the water intrusion has been persistent for some time, however, you may be able to spot evidence of it on a sunny summer day.

Here’s what to look for:

  • Water leaking into the home’s interior from around the windows
  • Discoloration of the window sill
  • Swollen sills
  • Musty smell
  • Signs of mold
  • Signs of moisture between panes in dual-paned windows

Moisture intrusion typically means you’ll need to replace the windows, or, at the least, the glass.

How’s that trim?

Harsh weather over the decades can take its toll on a home’s windows. In fact, if left too long, the damage may be too extreme to repair, according to Justin Bartley at nextdoorandwindow.com.

Inspect the windows from the outside, looking for cracked or rotted trim. Dark spots may be an indication of rot.

Chipping and decay are two other important signs to look for.

Operate properly?

You shouldn’t have to fight with your windows to open and close them. If you do, you may need to replace them.

“Most aging windows develop balance issues, which lead to jamming and sticking,” according to Bartley. “The formation of rust, rotting, or mold may also factor into this, indicating that your existing windows are nearing the end of their service life.”

Drafty?

If you feel drafts when near the home’s windows, or your heating and cooling bills seem higher than normal, check the window’s seals. If they are damaged, you may need to purchase new windows.

The experts at Lee’s Glass in Pensacola, Florida suggest that you take a look at “… the points where your window meets the wall and the sash meets the frame. If you can see gaps or light coming in, there is a good chance your seals have failed.”

The typical American homeowner can save up to $583 per year on heating and cooling when replacing single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR Certified Products, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Do you like how they look?

This is an important consideration, especially if you are planning on selling your home in the near future. Not only are energy-efficient windows attractive to homebuyers, but they can dramatically improve the home’s curb appeal.

Although window replacement is expensive, it does have advantages.

4 reasons to sell your house a.s.a.p.

If you’ve toyed with the idea of moving up, downsizing or just craving a change of scenery, you may want to consider selling your home a.s.a.p.

In pockets across the country, the housing market is showing signs of change. Yes, in June we saw record high median home prices nationwide. But there are hints of change coming that you should be aware of if you hope to make maximum profit from the sale of your home.

Read on to find out why.

1. Homebuyers may start rethinking their decision to buy

Battle-weary homebuyers are starting to reconsider purchasing a home right now. In some areas of the country, they’ve chosen, “ever so slightly,” to rent a home while awaiting better opportunities for buyers, according to Rick Palacios, director of research for real estate research firm, John Burns.

In fact, the high home prices resulted in a 6% decrease in mortgage applications in mid-July. This represents a decrease of 18% over this time last year.

Selma Hepp, deputy chief economist with data analyst firm Core Logic feels that “There are signs that the hottest days of the market are behind us.” She predicts an increase in housing inventory for the remainder of the year.

Yes, the market is still red-hot for home sellers, but if you’re waiting for it to get even hotter before placing your home on the market, you may be disappointed.

Take advantage of the current pool of homebuyers to get the most money for your home.

2. What will interest rates do?

Some economists are predicting rising mortgage rates throughout the latter half of 2021, cooling off the housing market.

In late July, “The average rate for 30-year fixed loans increased slightly to 3.11% after two weeks of declines,” according to Diana Olick at cnbc.com.

“So far, the increase in rates has come with ups and downs marked by a gradual rise over time,” Stauffer claims. As this incremental rise continues “as some experts have forecasted,” he adds, the market will cool, even if it’s just slightly.

3. You’ll have little competition from other homeowners

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, the inventory of available homes in June increased 1.4%, month to month.

“We may have turned a corner on inventory,” the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors tells Olick. “There is some softening in the demand.”

When the inventory of homes for sale increases, expect home prices to soften. When this will happen is anyone’s guess, so keep an eye on housing market news. Or, give us a call; we’re happy to share with you what we’re seeing in the market.

The bonus for you as a home seller right now is that you’ll have little competition from other sellers. A well-prepared home in a decent area can easily become the belle of the local market and receive multiple offers from qualified homebuyers.

Don’t try to time the market. By the time it turns a corner for sellers, it will be too late; you will have missed the top of the market.

4. Money, money, money

Chances are good that you’ll be surprised how much equity you have in your current home.

Last year, American homeowners, on average, gained $33,403 in equity. Let that one sink in a minute. That figure represents a nearly 20% increase from the previous year, according to the number crunchers at Core Logic.

Summer appears to be heralding yet another hot real estate market for sellers. Give us a call to find out how much your home is worth.

3 reasons to never garden without gloves

We recently read a Facebook gardening group post asking “Who else loves to garden bare handed?” We were shocked at the responses, most of which agreed that they do the same.

“I need to feel the soil in my fingers,” said one response.

While garden soil may “feel” good to some, it may also contain toxins that can cause grave illnesses and even death.

Older gardeners and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk of picking up an infection while gardening.

Thankfully, you can avoid these nasties. But first, an introduction.

Sporotrichosis

Commonly known as “rose gardener’s disease,” sporotrichosis is caused by Sporothrix, a fungus that thrives in plant matter and in soil.

Although most of the gardeners who’ve suffered a bout with this nasty critter contracted it by a thorn puncture, it can also enter our systems via inhalation, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

The first sign of an infection, a bump on the skin, may not be apparent for up to 12 weeks, but may show up as early as one week.

“The bump can be red, pink, or purple, and usually appears on the finger, hand, or arm where the fungus has entered through a break in the skin,” according to the experts at the CDC.

“The bump will eventually grow larger and may look like an open sore or ulcer that is very slow to heal. Additional bumps or sores may appear later near the original one.”

This disease may result in infections in other parts of the body, such as joints, nervous system and lungs. Diabetics are at an increased risk for contracting sporotrichosis, according to the New York State Department of Health.

Legionellosis

The most common cause of Legionnaires’ disease is the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. Most cases of the disease are from the water-borne bacterium, however the Mayo Clinic says that “A few people have contracted Legionnaires’ disease after working in a garden or using contaminated potting soil.”

The disease is a form of pneumonia

Although rare for gardeners, the CDC claims that “… transmission from potting soil has occurred …” in the U.S.

CDC experts recommend that gardeners wear gloves and a dust mask when handling compost and potting mix.

Sepsis

Manure is great for our plants but not so much for us.

“Bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, and Listeria monocytogenes are often present in gardens as a result of using cow, horse, chicken or other animal manure,” according to Mark Blaskovich, senior research officer at the University of Queensland in Australia.

Infections with any of the aforementioned can lead to sepsis, a serious blood infection.

In fact, Blasovich refers to a case in England, “… where a 43-year-old solicitor and mother of two died five days after scratching her hand while gardening.”

Again, the use of gloves can go a long way in avoiding this disease.

Additional gardening safety recommendations include:

  • Apply a wound dressing to cover scrapes, cuts or other open lesions on your arms and hands
  • Always wear gardening gloves when working with soil and plants.
  • Purchase puncture-proof gloves, elbow length, when working with and around roses.

 

DIY tips to increase curb appeal

What happens – or doesn’t – between the curb in front of your home and the home’s front door is known as curb appeal. It makes or breaks the potential buyer’s first impression.

It’s that important.

But, it’s the area around the front door that’s considered the focal point of the exterior of the home. While they may not be conscious of it, this area will be the potential buyers’ first impression.

Many homeowners are quite successful taking the DIY route to staging this area for maximum appeal. We’ve gathered some tips from the experts to help you get started.

Understanding landscape design is important

One of the principles of landscape design, according to the experts at Environmental Landscape Associates (ELA), a Doylestown, PA landscape architecture firm, is to ensure the landscaping near the entry area matches the home’s architecture.

For instance, while a free-flowing cottage garden in the home’s front yard may be the perfect choice for a Tudor cottage, when planted in front of a modern home it creates confusion and appears chaotic.

“Is your home a traditional colonial or a casual contemporary? The style of your home should trump your personal style preferences for the greatest curb appeal,” caution the pros at ELA.

Staging the exterior of the informal-style home

Informal-style homes, such as bungalow, ranch-style, Craftsman and cottage demand informal landscaping. Here, you can be creative in your use of hardscaping and plants. The aforementioned cottage garden works well.

Additional ideas to help you update the front of an informal-style home include:

  • Line the walkway with flowers or evergreen plants to help draw the eye to the front door.
  • Place lanterns near the front door.
  • Add a coordinating door mat.
  • Change the door hardware and house numbers to compliment the home’s architecture.
  • Check all the lighting to ensure the covers are clean and the bulbs function.

Tips to spiff up the exterior of a formal-style home

Popular formal-style designs include colonial, Georgian and Greek revival. To coordinate and compliment the home’s exterior, landscaping should rely on organization and symmetry.

A good example of this is a carefully staged entryway with “two of everything,” according to the experts at betterhomesandgardens.com. Identical planters holding identical plants on either side of the door creates symmetry and balance.

Consider well-manicured boxwood shrubs, grown as a hedge, to line the walkway.

The key to success with a formal home is to avoid over-staging the exterior entry area. Keep it sophisticated and simple.

There is a lot to consider when it comes to increasing curb appeal. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.

What you need to know about homeowner’s associations

A Dallas homeowners association (HOA )sent a letter to homeowner Frank Larison, a 58-year-old Vietnam veteran, threatening to have his car towed, at his expense. His crime? Displaying Marine Corps decals on the car’s bumper and in the rear window.

Jim Lane decided that the common areas in his community needed some sprucing up so he planted pansies. The HOA slapped him with a fine and, when he refused to pay it, they placed a lien against his home.

Joseph Prudente’s sprinkler system died and, subsequently, his lawn started turning brown. Prudente, 66, had fallen on hard times and couldn’t afford to repair the system and, in the Florida heat, the lawn began turning brown.

His HOA, the Beacon Woods Civic Association, requires homeowners to have lawns in the front yard and notified Prudente that he was in violation of the community’s covenants. He pleaded his case to the board, but to no avail. They filed a complaint in court, which Prudente ignored, landing him in jail.

For not re-sodding his lawn.

Say the words “homeowners association” and many Americans conjure an image of a group of meddling, power-hungry, petty tyrants. Think Elmira Gulch in “The Wizard of Oz,” and you’ll have a picture of how this group is portrayed in the media and pop culture.

The reality

Despite what we read in the media, 70 percent of Americans who live in communities governed by homeowners associations say they are satisfied with their communities, according to the Community Association’s Institute 2020 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey.

71% of those surveyed say that their HOA’s rules and regulations “protect and enhance property values.”

Whether their reputation is well-deserved or overhyped, HOAs offer both advantages and disadvantages to residents living in managed communities. One of the most obvious disadvantages are the fees or dues required of residents. Don’t pay them, and the HOA can not only slap a lien against the home, but push you into foreclosure.

Why homeowners have to pay dues

When you buy a condo or single-family home in a managed community you are essentially agreeing to share in the costs of maintaining the common areas and amenities shared by all residents.

The payments are a lot easier to swallow if you think of them as helping to ensure your property’s value.

HOA fees vary, depending on amenities and services provided by the association. “Some estimates claim these fees are between $100 and $700, with roughly $200 as an average,” according to the staff at Investopedia. Payment due dates also vary, from monthly to quarterly, semi-annually or yearly.

Where does the money go?

The HOA uses the fees collected to pay for expenses, such as the improvement and maintenance of landscaping, parks, clubhouses, pools and tennis courts. HOA responsibilities and duties vary, however and may include:

  • Paying taxes on the common areas
  • Enforcing the rules
  • Legal fees
  • Insurance for the common areas

The reserve account

The HOA also uses a portion of the fees to fund the reserve account. This money is set aside to pay for major or long-term projects, such as replacing the roof on the clubhouse, installing a new pump for the community’s pool and painting or landscaping projects.

The reserve fund will also pay for any needed natural disaster emergency repairs

Special assessments

The HOA reserve fund may not hold enough money to take care of an unexpected large expense so homeowners may be asked to pay a special assessment. Typically, the governing board will determine whether or not an assessment is required and in what amount.

The HOA board is typically required to use these funds only for the stated purpose and, if there is money left over, the bylaws should outline whether it is to be redistributed to homeowners or held in the general fund.

If you are considering buying a home in a managed community

Shortly after signing the agreement to purchase, you’ll be given a huge packet of HOA documents to look over. Filled with legalese, this paperwork isn’t light reading.

In fact, we hope that our clients will consult with their attorneys if they find anything in the paperwork that they don’t understand.

Once you sign off on your acceptance of the HOA documents, there is no turning back. If you purchase the home, you are bound by them.

Pay close attention to the following documents:

  • The Declaration of the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions — A fancy way of saying “rules and regulations,” the CC&Rs, as they are known, dictate how you can and cannot use the home. Some HOAs also issue a separate document outlining rules and regulations.
  • From pet ownership, landscaping and the appearance of the exterior of the home to whether or not you can smoke in your backyard and what color your mailbox can be painted, everything you need to know to decide whether or not the HOA is too restrictive for you can be found in these documents.
  • Financial documents – How well does the HOA’s board handle the association’s finances? You can find out in the financial documents. You should find a statement of the amount of the current dues, the history of special assessment requests, the amount of money in the reserve fund and the HOA’s budget.
  • Meeting minutes – Most HOA document packages contain copies of minutes from recent HOA meetings. Read through these with an eye toward finding frequent and repeated homeowner complaints. Repeated complaints may be an indication of an unresponsive board.

Buying a home in a managed community not only adds to your house payment each month, but it means allowing an association to govern how you use your property and, thus, impact your lifestyle.

Take your time reading the HOA documents so you go into the process with your eyes wide open.

What to consider when buying a used refrigerator

It’s the sad truth: we can’t all afford to pop into Home Depot and plunk down $3,000 for a brand new “French Door Refrigerator in Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel.” Heck, many Americans, especially right now, don’t have the $620 for the rock-bottom priced new fridge sans bells and whistles.

It makes sense, then, how so many of us take to websites such as Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, Craigslist and OfferUp before hitting local garage sales in search of a used refrigerator.

It can be a long search to find one that’s not a lemon in disguise, so let’s take a look at what you need to think about before buying a used refrigerator.

Will it fit?

If you don’t know the measurements of your current fridge, take them now and keep them with you when you shop.

You’ll need to measure length, width and depth. According to the experts at Bosch, add an extra inch to each side and the top for clearance.

Figure out how much you can spend

Since you’ve opted to buy a used appliance instead of a new one, price is obviously important. Figure out the most you want to spend and vow to keep to the budget.

It helps to do a bit of research first. Head over to the appliance section of Home Depot, Lowe’s or Best Buy and check out which manufacturer’s garner the best reviews. Make a list of them.

Now, you not only have price as a guide, but manufacturer as well.

How much is that used refrigerator really worth?

There is no formula for determining the value of a used refrigerator. Experts recommend that you first check ads for others selling similar brands in similar condition to the one you have your eye on.

Check websites of used appliance shops in the area for prices of similar models. Don’t forget to factor in features, deducting the value if the one you’re thinking of buying doesn’t include the comparable’s features and adding value if it does.

Where to shop for your “new” old refrigerator

We’ve mentioned some shopping spots earlier, but here’s a longer list.

  • Facebook marketplace. Navigate to your Facebook page and click on “Marketplace” on the left side of the page. Then, click on Home Goods in the list on the left and, finally, in the Search Marketplace box at the top of the left side of the page, type in “Refrigerator.” Refine your search further by clicking on a delivery method or local pickup.
  • OfferUp.com: Type “Refrigerator” in the search box at the top of the page. The list of options to refine the search is on the left, although you’ll find that it’s not extensive.
  • Craigslist.org: Yup, it’s still around.
  • Garage sales
  • Used appliance outlets
  • Large retailers’ scratch and dent outlets, such as American Freight (formerly Sears Outlet) and Best Buy Outlet.
  • Ask around at work.

Questions to ask the seller

Make a list of all the questions you’ll ask. This might include:

  • Why are you selling your refrigerator?
  • How old is it? (A refrigerator more than 10 years may not be as big a bargain as you think. The lack of energy efficiency may create higher utility bills for you.)
  • How long have you owned it?
  • Did you buy it new?
  • Are there any problems with it?
  • If you haven’t seen photos of the fridge, ask if the seller would mind emailing or texting them to you.
  • Does it need any parts? This is an important question because even the tiniest part for a refrigerator can be pricey. If it needs a handle or shelf, research the cost before agreeing to buy the appliance. You can do this online at appliancepartspros.com or partselect.com.

What to look for when viewing the refrigerator in person

  • Plug it in to ensure that it runs
  • Is it cool? If you’ve had to plug it in, keep in mind that “Initial cool-down takes time,” according to the pros at American Appliance Repair. In fact, it can take up to 24 hours to reach the proper temperature. At least wait a few minutes to see if it’s getting cool.
  • Check the seal. “An easy way to test for air leakage is to close the door on a piece of paper; when you attempt to pull out the page, you should feel some resistance,” claim the experts at hometips.com. “A poor seal could signify a bad gasket around the door’s perimeter or hinges that need to be adjusted,” they conclude.
  • Does it stink? Reconsider purchasing it. Bad odors are exceptionally difficult to remove from a refrigerator.
  • Inspect the coils. The location of condenser coils isn’t universal, so you may have to do some sleuthing to find them. Often, they are at the bottom of the refrigerator, behind the grill. Or they may be on the back, under a covering. Look for excessive dust buildup. This is a clue that the owner hasn’t maintained the unit, and the “motor may have endured undue strain,” according to the pros with Appliance Repair Specialists.
  • Inspect the compressor. “Open the door and leave it open for a few moments to get the compressor to turn on,” instructs Nick Gromicko and Ben Gromicko at the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. “The temperature control can also activate the motor. The compressor should operate, and start and stop smoothly, without a noticeable shudder that rattles the refrigerator.” The authors offer additional refrigerator inspection tips at nachi.org.

Out with the old

Finally, recycle the old unit. Compactappliance.com offers a brilliant article on the various ways to get rid of the old refrigerator in a responsible manner.

Should I buy a new or an existing home?

One of the choices you may be faced with when you decide to buy a home is whether to buy a newly-built home in a new home community or an existing house. Sure, you can remodel an older home to suit your needs, but do you have the time and the money to do so? A new home, on the other hand, can be built to your specifications.

Building a home isn’t without its drawbacks, however. There are many decisions to be made along the way and if you aren’t careful you may end up spending more than you’d anticipated.

There is something to be said for both choices, so let’s take a look at some things to consider while making up your mind.

What you’ll spend

Although most homebuyers claim they want a brand new home, according to a Harris Research poll, few said they were willing to pay a 20 percent premium for it.

What these respondents failed to understand is that a new home may cost them less over the long haul.

Most new construction features energy efficient appliances, windows and other items. These help save money on heating and cooling bills. Then, because the home is new, maintenance won’t be as expensive as it is with an older home, at least for the first few years.

Builders often offer incentives if the buyer uses the in-house lender. If the builder offers a discount on points for the loan, the savings over the life of the loan may just be enough to offset that new construction premium.

Your lifestyle

If you need space for hobbies or if you work at home you may appreciate the perks of being able to choose how your home is laid out while it’s being built. If, on the other hand, you enjoy the charm of tree-lined streets and mature landscaping, an older home may fit the bill.

When deciding whether to buy a newly-constructed home or an existing home, it all boils down to your lifestyle. Existing homes are typically in closer proximity to city conveniences so if you enjoy walking to your favorite eatery you may want to consider an older home closer to downtown.

If the thought of an after-work dip in the community pool gets your pulse pounding, a new-home community may be your answer.

Whichever you decide, we’re happy to show you homes that fit the bill.

3 easy ways to live a greener life

Green – a word that can indicate envy or inexperience, it can conjure up a frog named Kermit, or immature fruit.

It’s also a descriptor of a lifestyle that is concerned with environmentalism.

While many Americans take this concern to the max, others adopt pieces of a green lifestyle. This way, they can do their part to help the environment while saving money in the process.

A Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) study found that more than 40% of us will purchase green products for the home. If you’re among this group, read on to learn three easy ways to make your life at home a bit greener.

1. Go green when you clean

You’ll find lots of cleaning products at the supermarket, labeled “eco-friendly” or “green.” Do they work as well as traditional cleaners?

“Indeed they do, according to according to research analyst Samara Geller with the Environmental Working Group (EWG). “They have been demonstrated to be just as effective at tackling various cleaning chores as traditional cleaning products,” she claims.

But not all so-called eco-friendly products are created equal and even the experts at EWG.org admit that. In fact, they recommend that when shopping for cleaners to use in the home, ensure that they are:

  • Certified by Green Seal or Ecologo
  • Fragrance-free
  • Free of quaternary ammonium compounds or triclosan

Go online to the Environmental Working Group’s website to find out which cleaners they recommend.

2. Save the environment by installing a new thermostat

If you haven’t read up on programmable thermostats, what are you waiting for? Basically, you program in the times you want the home’s temperature to warm or cool and to regulate what it should do when nobody is at home.

Look for a “smart thermostat,” which will “learn” your heating and cooling habits and you can control it from an app.

The folks at the U.S. Department of Energy find that you could save up to 10% on cooling and heating your home just by dialing back the thermostat 7 degrees while you’re at work.

3. Save  with this simple tip

What’s simpler than changing a light bulb? If you ensure that the new bulbs are ENERGY STAR® certified you’ll save up to 90% in energy consumption, according to the owner of the ENERGY STAR registered trademark, the EPA.

Take these three steps to a greener home to help protect your family, your pocketbook and the environment.

When shopping for a new home, consider location carefully

The real estate industry loves to harp on “location;” so much so that we repeat it three times to let you know how important it is.

Location, location, location not only determines a home’s value but the homeowner’s enjoyment of the home as well.

For instance, if you can’t tolerate noise, don’t buy a home near an airport or railroad tracks. If traffic drives you nuts, avoid looking at homes on busy streets.

We know how easy it is to focus on the homes you view and ignore the location. So we’ve come up with three things for you to consider before you sign on the dotted line of that purchase agreement.

1. “There are no homes on either side of this one!”

Yes, open space nearby is an attractive enticement, but beware. If the land isn’t a government set-aside (meaning that it’s privately owned), you’ll need to do some investigating.

A few years ago, the residents of a peaceful, 25-year-old Minneapolis suburb were shocked to find out that the open space nearby was zoned for commercial development.

They learned about it while reading news reports that the city approved construction of a 24-hour superstore directly across the street from the subdivision’s entrance.

Imagine living there after the store’s completion—the traffic, the huge trucks making deliveries in the middle of the night and glaring parking lot lights pouring through their windows.

The lesson here? Check the zoning of all vacant land in the vicinity of the home you have your eye on.

2. How’s the neighborhood?

If that adorable house you’ve fallen in love with is the only adorable house in the neighborhood, you may want to think twice about it.

The condition of surrounding homes has an impact on the value of all of them. Nearby homes with peeling paint or trashy yards drag down the value of those nearby.

Then there are the bigger impacts on nearby home values. These include homes near:

  • Foreclosed homes
  • Power plants
  • Funeral homes
  • City dump
  • Noise pollution
  • Sex offenders
  • Poor-performing schools

When you tour a home that you’re interested in, drive through the neighborhood at different times of the day, weekdays and weekends.

Then, drive around the area surrounding the neighborhood to check for anything that may impact the home’s value now and down the road when you sell. This includes railroad tracks, airport noise, dumps, etc.

3. Crime rates

Especially if you’re a single woman or a family with children, checking the area’s crime rates is critical. Even the cutest neighborhoods could be in high-crime areas.

You can find crime statistics online at various websites. Neighborhood Scout offers reports for a fee but many police departments offer them free, online.

The United States Department of Justice offers, at no charge, a way to search for sexual predators on its National Sex Offender Public Website.

Knowledge is power, especially when shopping for a home. Ensuring that the location of a new home fits your needs and desires is part of your due diligence. Neglect it, and you may be sorry.