SBG Real Property Professionals-1% Realty

Spring Lawn Care Part 2

2011-05-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

This article on Spring Lawn Care tips, originally published by David Beaulieu on About.com, discusses ways to improve your lawn.

Spring Grass Care Tip #1:Applying Preemergent Herbicides

If you know that you have a problem with the annual weed, crabgrass, then fertilization in spring should go hand in hand with the application of preemergent herbicides. As their name suggests, preemergent herbicides address weed control not "after the fact," but before their seedlings can even emerge. Preemergent herbicides accomplish this by forming something of a "shield" that inhibits seed germination. Don't undertake the core aeration task discussed on Page 1 after applying preemergent herbicides: to do so would be to "puncture" this shield, thereby decreasing its effectiveness.

Crabgrass begins its assault on lawns in spring, when its seeds germinate. In fact, my suggestion on Page 1 that overseeding be carried out in autumn, rather than spring, is based in part on the threat posed by a spring crabgrass invasion. "So why not just begin bykilling the crabgrass first with a preemergent herbicide?" perhaps you ask. Well, the trouble is that most preemergent herbicides work against not only weed seeds, but grass seeds, as well!

You can appreciate the dilemma here. Overseeding is incompatible with the application of most preemergent herbicides. Yet, faced with competition from crabgrass in spring, you may find it difficult to establish your new grass. So while it's still possible to overseed in spring, it's simply easier to do so in fall. There will be no competition from crabgrass then, because the fall frosts kill off crabgrass.

If you must overseed in the spring, look for a product called, "Tupersan." Unlike other preemergent herbicides, Tupersan will not damage germinating lawn grass seed. But if you're committed to staying away from chemicals altogether in your spring grass care, postpone overseeding till fall.

Spring Grass Care Tip #2: Applying Postemergent Herbicides -- Or Pulling Weeds

Keep an eye out for the emergence of the perennial weed, dandelion during the spring season, unless you find the presence of their cheerful yellow flowers in your lawn desirable. At the very least, you'll want to snap off their flower stems before they produce seed. If you're more ambitious, you can dig them out by the roots. Spraying dandelion weeds with postemergent herbicides is more effective in fall than in spring. If you do choose to spray, select an herbicide for broadleaf weeds.

If you prefer weed control without chemicals and have consistently practiced organic landscaping, you can harvest these "weeds" as dandelion greens and eat them!

Besides proper spring grass care, there's more you need to do to get ready for a summer filled with lawn mowing. Don't neglect preparations concerning the lawn mower itself.

No other power equipment is as intimately associated with and essential to landscaping as is the lawn mower. You need to have a lawn mower that will consistently get the job done without any hassles throughout the lawn mowing season. And you should also know how to use the lawn mower to your best advantage. Consequently, the final three of my ten tips focus on caring for, selecting and using lawn mowers.

Tip #3: Tuning Up Existing Lawn Mowers

Mowing the lawn all summer can be tiring enough, right? Why make it more difficult on yourself by putting up with a lawn mower that doesn't start up immediately? When a lawn mower is stubborn about starting up, that can be a sign that it needs a tuneup. Although it’s often possible to get by without one, it is recommended that you have a lawn mower tuneup each year. Don't put it off till summer or pay someone else to do it. Learn how to tune up a lawn mower yourself using the following resource and have your machine ready to go for summer:

Tip #4: Buying a New Lawn Mower

Or perhaps you're fed up with your old lawn mower? Time for a change? This Q&A resource for consumers will help you decide on which type of lawn mower is best for you:

Tip #5: Reviewing Lawn Mowing Strategies

"What's there to know about lawn mowing?" perhaps you ask. "You just push the lawn mower and it cuts the grass, right?" At the most basic level, Yes. And if lawn mowing is merely a mindless chore that you perform to satisfy other people (and you really don't care much about the health of your lawn), then you needn't know any more about it.

However, if you do care about the health of your lawn, there's a bit more to lawn mowing than just keeping your grass short enough to prevent the neighborhood from thinking your house has been abandonned! Spring is a good time to learn (or review) lawn mowing strategies -- before it becomes so hot outside that it's hard to think!

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Spring Lawn Care

2011-04-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

This article on Spring Lawn Care tips, originally published by David Beaulieu on About.com, discusses ways to improve your lawn.

First the bad news: if you neglect spring lawn care (and related concerns pertaining to your mower), you could end up paying for it the rest of the year. Now the good news: spring lawn care doesn't entail nearly the amount of work that you'll have to invest in mowing alone throughout the summer months.

In fact, most of you will need to implement only about half of the following ten tips for spring lawn care, depending upon your own unique circumstances. Furthermore, I point out in a few instances below that the task in question is better performed as part of your fall lawn care, if you can wait that long.

Spring Lawn Care Tip #1: Raking

Raking will be your first task of spring lawn care. Okay, I can hear the groans coming from all lands near and far, wherever grassy carpets are cultivated: "But we already raked leaves in the fall!" Sorry, but raking is for more than just removing leaves: it's for controlling thatch, too. A thatch build-up of more than 1/2 inch is considered excessive.

Thatch is the reason why I recommend that, when you rake leaves in the fall, you make the effort to rake deeply. Don't just skim the surface, so as to remove the leaves. A deep raking will remove thatch, too, allowing you to kill two birds with one stone. Even if you followed this advice in fall, I still recommend a spring raking: it will remove grass blades that died over the winter -- dead blades that are just waiting to become thatch!

But there's often another good reason for a spring raking. As you survey your lawn in spring, see if there are any matted patches, in which the grass blades are all stuck together. This can be caused by a disease known as "snow mold." New grass may have difficulty penetrating these matted patches. But a light raking will be sufficient to solve this problem.

Just when you should perform any of these spring lawn care tasks will depend upon the climate of your own region. But Mother Nature provides palpable cues in some cases. For instance, when you're pretty sure the snow season (if you have one) is over in your region, begin raking. Applying preemergent herbicides should be done sometime between the time the local forsythia bushes stop blooming and the time the local lilac bushes begin blooming.

Spring Lawn Care Tip #2: Check for Compaction

If your lawn is subjected to high levels of traffic year after year, it may eventually start to show signs of decline. In such cases, your lawn is probably suffering from compaction. For instance, the presence of moss plants signals compaction (among other things).

Lawn aeration is the remedy for compaction. The good news is that lawn aerators can be rented at your local rental center. The bad news is that the experts recommend postponing lawn aeration until fall. But if, during your "spring lawn checkup," you become aware of compaction, at least you can plan on setting aside some time in the fall to take care of it.

Spring Lawn Care Tip #3: Liming

Besides compaction, the presence of moss plants also signals acidity. But grass likes a neutral soil pH. You can solve this problem by liming your soil. But don't expect a quick fix: the effects of liming are slow to take place.

But first send a soil sample to your local county extension to determine the extent of your soil's acidity. The county extension will also be able to advise you on how much lime per square foot you'll need. Apply the lime using a lawn spreader.

But if your lawn has been doing fine and shows no signs of suffering from acidity, don't apply lime. Liming is only a corrective measure, not a preventive measure. A soil that is too alkalinewill also cause your lawn problems, so too much lime is as bad as not enough.

Spring Lawn Care Tip #4: Overseeding

Is your lawn riddled with bare patches due to dog spots, heavy traffic or neglect? If so, you may need to apply grass seed to fill in those bare patches. This solution is known as "overseeding lawns." Apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer when you overseed. Five weeks after the grass germinates, apply a quick-release nitrogen fertilizer.

However, spring isn't the very best time for overseeding lawns. Fall is the preferred time, when the new grass won't have to compete with crabgrass, which is killed off by autumn frosts. So postpone overseeding until fall, unless your situation is dire.

Spring Lawn Care Tip #5: Fertilizing

Lawns can be fertilized organically by using compost and mulching mowers. But for those who prefer chemical fertilizers, Scotts provides a lawn fertilizing schedule. Many experts, however, recommend a lighter feeding in spring and a heavier one in late fall for cool-season grasses. Too much fertilizer in spring can lead to disease and weed problems. And if you have, indeed, already fertilized in late fall, your lawn is still "digesting" that fertilizer in spring.

Check back next week for more tips!

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

5 Tips to Create a Green Neighborhood

2011-04-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

This article on ways to make your neighborhood greener, originally published by James Glave on Houselogic.com, discusses ways neighborhoods can come together to help the environment.

Around the country, loosely organized alliances of green-leaning friends and eco-conscious neighbors are comparing notes and sharing resources. These resource-smart coalitions are forming carpools, splitting bulk purchases, and liberating vacant lots to plant community gardens.

So grab a clipboard at your next block party, collect e-mails, and Facebook each other about turning your neighborhood into a green community. Here are ideas to get you started.

Tip #1: Share your soil

Satisfy your eco-conscience and use your green thumb by tending a patch of neglected earth.

You can work a plot in an established community garden, although openings sometimes are scarce. Or you can join a match service that pairs gardens in need of tending with gardeners in need of soil.

Urban Garden Share matches property owners with would-be sharecroppers in several cities, including Seattle, Louisville, Atlanta, Boise, and Santa Cruz. These green shares are not limited only to soil and seeds. A Louisville beekeeper recently searched for a garden to host a beehive so her “girls” could have a productive season.

Tip #2: (Un)Forbidden fruits

Join a group that promotes the gleaning of fruit from neglected or overlooked urban fruit trees.

Fallen Fruit offers online maps showing locations of publicly accessible fruit trees in cities around the world. A map of a San Francisco neighborhood, for instance, shows where bananas, blueberries, and plums are ripe for the picking. The group also promotes “Public Fruit Jams,” canning parties to share the taste, savings, and hard work of preserving peaches, plums, blackberries, apricots, and other fruits.

Neighborhood Fruit lets you to type in your ZIP Code to pull up public fruit trees in your area. A recent search for McLean, Va., discovered public persimmon trees in nearby Rockville, Md.

Tip #3: Build a community coop

Don’t limit your sustainable food quest to fruits and vegetables. Neighbors in Seattle are building a community chicken coop. Organizer Elise Koncsek says the seven households involved expect to keep a dozen laying hens, and will share the labor, startup costs, and eggs.

Keen to follow their lead?

Start with just a couple families, and develop a plan for scale, location, building, and financing. Koncsek kept startup costs to $500 by relying on donations and reclaimed materials. Your egg-laying chickens, which can be ordered as chicks for about $2 apiece, require as much care as the family pet; though you’ll never get five eggs a week from your golden retriever.

Tip #4: Take the wheel

On average, U.S. car owners spend almost $900 per month financing, maintaining, and insuring a car. Considering most of us use a car for only a few hours a day—if that—car sharing with neighbors makes financial and ecological sense.

You can share cars with neighbors informally, or your can draw up contracts that state who drives the car when. Car insurance can be an obstacle, but a frank discussion with your agent should yield a solution.

Or, you can join one of the many car-sharing networks (such as Zipcar) that have more than 10,000 cars throughout North America. Cars are parked in lots throughout a city. And for an annual membership fee, typically around $50, and a per/hour cost of about $10, you can drive on demand.

The organization covers insurance (usually the state minimum) and gas.

Tip #5: Swap ‘til you drop

Swapping stuff, from clothes to tools to garden tomatoes, reduces the energy consumption that goes into developing and purchasing more stuff, says Debra Berliner, the climate action coordinator for Berkeley Ecology Center in Berkeley, Calif. Swapping also diverts waste from landfills, helping to create a more sustainable economy.

Arrange and attend neighborhood swap meets. It will cost you time: 10 to 12 hours to organize the swap. But purging your house of unwanted and unneeded stuff—and getting a great hammer free—is priceless.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

5 Spring Time Home Maintenance Tips

2011-04-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

This article on Spring home maintenance, originally published on whooknoo.com, discusses some basic steps to keep your home in shape this Spring.

March is the month where the cold and darkness of Winter time finally starts subsiding and the warmth and sunshine of Spring really begins. Unfortunately, a long and harsh Winter can often cause a lot of damage and trouble for your home. Spring is a great time to address any problems your home may have before they become a severe problem. Follow these five tips to help get your damaged home ready for Summer.

1. Give your home’s chimney a brief inspection to determine if there is any damage that needs to be repaired. Additionally, it might be a good idea to have a professional chimney sweep done.

2. Inspect all of your electric and gas powered lawn care equipment and make sure it is ready for the months ahead. Nothing is worse than having a long lawn ready to be cut, only to find that your lawn mower has fallen into disrepair. Get your appliances ready way ahead of time to avoid these problems.

3. Dig your ladder out of the garage and give your gutters some (probably) much needed attention. After months and months of holding hefty snow and ice, your gutters will undoubtedly need a little bit of TLC.

4. Make sure all of your outside faucets and spigots are in working order. If you can stop the water from flowing through a faucet with just your thumb, chances are a pipe is damaged somewhere a long the way. It’s best to catch these problems as soon as possible – damaged pipes can easily result in a disastrous flood.

5. Hire a professional heating and cooling specialist to clean your air conditioning unit and make sure it is in good working order before you start cranking it to beat the heat.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

10 Home-Maintenance Tips for Spring

2011-04-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

This article on essential Spring home maintenance tips, originally published by Dwight Barnett on HGTV.com, discusses simple maintenance ideas for the season.

After a long, dark winter, spring's bright sun and warm winds are, well, a breath of fresh air. The only downside? All that sunshine spotlights your leaf-filled gutters, cracked sidewalks and the dead plants in last year's flower beds. Dwight Barnett, a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors, shared this checklist to help you target the areas that need maintenance so you can get your chores done quickly, leaving you time to go outside and play in the sunshine.

• Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.

• Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.

• Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.

• From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.

• Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.

• Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home's foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.

• Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure.

• Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you're at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.

• Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.

• Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yardwork easier.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

The Value of Home Maintenance

2011-04-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

This article on ways how maintain property value through home maintenance, originally published by John Riha on Houselogic.com, discusses the role routine maintenance has on your home's value.

If you think home maintenance is an unavoidable series of weekend-eating chores, remember the age-old advice of Benjamin Franklin: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The fact is, proactive maintenance is essential to preserving the value of your home—without it, your home could lose 10% of its value. Regular, routine maintenance enhances curb appeal, ensures safety, and prevents neglected upkeep from turning into costly major repairs.

“It’s the little things that tend to trip up people,” says Frank Lesh, former president of the American Society of Home Inspectors and owner of Home Sweet Home Inspection Co. in Chicago. “Some cracked caulk around the windows, or maybe a furnace filter that hasn’t been changed in awhile. It may not seem like much, but behind that caulk, water could get into your sheathing, causing mold and rot. Before you know it, you’re looking at a $5,000 repair that could have been prevented by a $4 tube of caulk and a half hour of your time.”

Maintenance affects property value

Outright damage to your house is just one of the consequences of neglected maintenance. Without regular upkeep, overall property values are affected.

“If a house is in worn condition and shows a lack of preventative maintenance, the property could easily lose 10% of its appraised value,” says Mack Strickland, a professional appraiser and real estate agent in Chester, Va. “That could translate into a $15,000 or $20,000 adjustment.”

In addition, a house with chipped, fading paint, sagging gutters, and worn carpeting faces an uphill battle when it comes time to sell. Not only is it at a disadvantage in comparison with other similar homes that might be for sale in the neighborhood, but a shaggy appearance is bound to turn off prospective buyers and depress the selling price.

“It’s simple marketing principles,” says Strickland. “First impressions mean a lot to price support.”

Prolonging economic age

To a professional appraiser, diligent maintenance doesn’t translate into higher property valuations the way that improvements, upgrades, and appreciation all increase a home’s worth. But good maintenance does affect an appraiser’s estimate of a property’s economic age—the number of years that a house is expected to survive.

Economic age is a key factor in helping appraisers determine depreciation—the rate at which a house is losing value. A well-maintained house with a long, healthy economic age depreciates at a much slower rate than a poorly maintained house, helping to preserve value.

Estimating the value of maintenance

Although professional appraisers don’t assign a positive value to home maintenance, there are indications that maintenance is not just about preventing little problems from becoming larger. A study by researchers at the University of Connecticut and Syracuse University suggests that maintenance actually increases the value of a house by about 1% each year, meaning that getting off the couch and heading outside with a caulking gun is more than simply a chore—it actually makes money.

“It’s like going to the gym,” says Dr. John P. Harding, Professor of Finance & Real Estate at UConn’s School of Business and an author of the study. “You have to put in the effort to see the results. In that respect, people and houses are somewhat similar—the older (they are), the more work is needed.”

Harding notes that the 1% gain in valuation usually is offset by the ongoing cost of maintenance. “Simply put,” he says, “maintenance costs money, so it’s probably best to say that the net effect of regular maintenance is to slow the rate of depreciation.”

How much does maintenance cost?

How much money is required for annual maintenance varies. Some years, routine tasks, such as cleaning gutters and changing furnace filters, are all that’s needed, and your total expenditures may be a few hundred dollars. Other years may include major replacements, such as a new roof, at a cost of $10,000 or more.

Over time, annual maintenance costs average more than $3,300, according to data from the U.S. Census. Various lending institutions, such as Directors Credit Union and LendingTree.com, agree, placing maintenance costs at 1% to 3% of initial house price. That means owners of a $200,000 house should plan to budget $2,000 to $6,000 per year for ongoing upkeep and replacements.

Proactive maintenance strategies

Knowing these average costs can help homeowners be prepared, says Melanie McLane, a professional appraiser and real estate agent in Williamsport, Pa. “It’s called reserve for replacements,” says McLane. “Commercial real estate investors use it to make sure they have enough cash on hand for replacing systems and materials.”

McLane suggests a similar strategy for homeowners, setting aside a cash reserve that’s used strictly for home repair and maintenance. That way, routine upkeep is a snap and any significant replacements won’t blindside the family budget. McLane’s other strategies include:

• Play offense, not defense. Proactive maintenance is key to preventing small problems from becoming big issues. Take the initiative with regular inspections. Create and faithfully follow a maintenance schedule. If you’re unsure of what needs to be done, a $200 to $300 visit from a professional inspector can be invaluable in pointing out quick fixes and potential problems.

• Plan a room-per-year redo. “Pick a different room every year and go through it, fixing and improving as you go,” says McLane. “That helps keep maintenance fun and interesting.”

• Keep track. “Having a notebook of all your maintenance and upgrades, along with receipts, is a powerful tool when it comes to sell your home,” advises McLane. “It gets rid of any doubts for the buyer, and it says you are a meticulous, caring homeowner.” A maintenance record also proves repairs and replacements for systems, such as wiring and plumbing, which might not be readily apparent.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Invest a Tax Refund in Your Home: $3,000 Projects

2011-04-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

This article on ways to use your tax refund to improve your home, originally published by John Riha on Houselogic.com, discusses ways to use your refund check to increase a home's value.

When it comes to your 2010 taxes, you’ll probably be happy with the national average refund of about $3,000. Sure, you deserve to celebrate. But before you go buy a bushel of lottery tickets, invest your refund in your home.

Boring? Hardly. Upgrading and maintaining your home preserves its value, giving you a nice return on your investment. Plus, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labors every day.

With summer on the horizon, here are four outdoorsy ideas for spending your refund.

Add Outdoor Lighting

Show your house in its best light, even in the evening, with an outdoor lighting scheme. You’ll enhance your home’s architectural features and play up landscaping details, plus you’ll be adding safety and security to your property.

Here’s a quick price check on a professionally installed system:

• 7 LED outdoor lighting fixtures to illuminate 100 feet of walkway: $2,275.

• A transformer to convert household current into low-voltage: $400.

• Two motion-detector security lighting fixtures: $300.

• Total: $2,975

Install a Patio

A backyard patio is an inexpensive way to add some sweet living area to your home.

For a professionally installed brick or concrete paver patio that’s 12 by 16 feet—plenty of space for a table, chairs, and barbecue equipment—you’ll pay about $15 per square foot, or $3,000 total. Expect a payback of 30% to 60% on your investment (plus many hours of great outdoor living).

Other paving materials include limestone, slate, and granite. Concrete is a less expensive option that costs $6 to $12 per square foot, installed.

Upgrade Your Deck
Make your deck more livable with upgrades that add shade, increase privacy, and provide convenience.
Shade sails provide soft, diffuse shade for areas not covered by trees and building overhangs. They’re made of weatherproof materials that never need maintenance, and come in various shapes. Professional installation of a 12-foot triangular sail costs about $3,000, including the sail and support posts.

• Cable railings are thin stainless steel cables stretched between posts. They open up views and add a contemporary feel. Expect to pay $70 per linear foot for the railings plus pro installation.

• Built-in planters add visual texture and help define separate areas of your deck. Integrate their construction with built-in benches to add seating. You’ll spend $150 to $250 per lineal foot for cedar or redwood planters and benches, including materials and installation.

Repair Your Air conditioner

Hoping the old unit holds on for another year? New central air conditioning units require 30% less electricity and lower energy bills by 30% more than AC units made just a few years ago. You also may qualify for a $300 energy tax credit. Prices for a new energy-efficient central air conditioner start around $3,000.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Saving Electricity: Reduce Standby Power Consumption

2011-04-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

This article on ways to reduce standby energy, originally published by John Rebchook on Houselogic.com, discusses ways to save on energy cost by following a few simple steps.

You’re already paying a bundle every month to your cable and Internet providers. Why fork over even more money to the power company for the standby power consumption that TVs, computers, and cell phones eat when they’re plugged in but not in use?

Standby or “vampire” consumption accounts for about $100 of your electricity bill annually, says Energy Star. But you can save at least some of that money by using a few simple tactics, if you’re willing to form new habits and do a little investigative work.

Buy a portable energy meter

A great first step: Identify the biggest energy vampires in your house. A portable energy meter—$22-$100 online (some super-precise meters can cost big bucks) from such retailers as Amazon.com—can help you pinpoint hot spots and pay for itself in less than a year. Some libraries may even loan them. These devices measure voltage, electricity cost, and electric consumption. They can tell you how much it costs to operate everything from your refrigerator to your computer—both when using standby power and when operating at full blast. They’ll even calculate the expected payback time when you replace older equipment with more energy-efficient models.

Madison Gas & Electric Co., a public utility in Madison, Wis., followed a three-member family in Madison, who used a monitor to track 29 electrically powered devices in their home. The family calculated that vampire consumption cost them at least $134.97 annually. The single biggest culprit was a high-definition cable TV box, sucking up 20.7% of their standby electricity.

Other devices that the family found were heavy standby energy users:

Standard cable TV box, 11.8%

Computer, 10.5%

VCR, 8.9% for one and 4% for the other

Stereo subwoofer, 6.6%

Make it easy to manage standby consumption

Once you know your energy culprits, start unplugging items routinely. Make that easier by plugging devices close to each other— such as computers, monitors, printers, and desk lamps—into a power strip or surge protector.

Homeowners Gary Kenigsberg and Marsha Koschik of Pittsburgh put their TV, VCR, DVD, stereo system, two computers, and all of their peripherals—such as a scanner and an electric microscope—on surge protectors. When they’re not using the devices, they turn off the strips. More than six months after they began using the power strips, Gary says his monthly electric bill payments have dropped into the $40s; before they had been in the $60s and $70s.

You can also invest in smart-power strips—about $20 to $40 through online retailers. When you power down a primary device, such as a home computer, the strip automatically shuts down related peripherals. The strips include “always on” outlets for devices that you don’t want to turn off completely, like TiVo, so you don’t miss your favorite show. And if DVRs/TiVos and satellite or cable boxes stay on, you won’t wait for them to reboot. Depending on how many devices you attach, you could recoup your cost in a few months.

Like most people, you probably leave your cell phone charging over night. But most charge in about 90 minutes, amounting to about seven hours of lost energy. You might not feel guilty if you know that charging each unit longer than necessary costs only a few cents per year. But if blowing any money makes you cringe, remember to unplug them or charge them in your car’s cigarette lighter.

Bottom line: You won’t pay for that vacation to Cancun by reducing standby consumption, but you might save the equivalent of three or four tanks of gas each year. And you’ll know you’re doing your part to help the environment. Without vampire electricity, the U.S. could shutter 17 power plants and eliminate 27 tons of carbon dioxide in the air, according to Lawrence Berekely.

Alternatives to saving on standby energy

If battling standby consumption seems like more trouble than it’s worth, there are alternatives for saving energy.

Opt for Energy Star appliances, if you’re in the market to buy new. They’re 10% to 50% more efficient than standard appliances.

Wash clothes in cold rather than hot water.

Buy compact fluorescents rather than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Use rechargeable batteries.

Better use and maintain your kitchen appliances.

Take charge of your home office power consumption.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

More Smart Strategies for Kitchen Remodeling

2011-04-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

This article on more tips on planning a kitchen remodel, originally published by John Rhia on Houselogic.com, discusses important considerations for people planning to remodel their kitchen.

Light your way

Good kitchen lighting helps you work safely and efficiently.

• Install task lighting, such as recessed or track lights, over sinks and food prep areas; assign at least two fixtures per task to eliminate shadows. Under-cabinet lights illuminate cleanup and are great for reading cookbooks. Pendant lights over counters bring the light source close to work surfaces.

• Ambient lighting includes flush-mounted ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, and track lights. Pair dimmer switches with ambient lighting to control intensity and mood.

Be quality conscious

Functionality and durability should be top priorities during kitchen remodeling. Resist low-quality bargains, and choose products that combine low maintenance with long warranty periods. Solid-surface countertops, for instance, may cost a little more, but with the proper care, they’ll look great for a long time.

If you’re planning on moving soon, products with substantial warranties are a selling advantage.

“Individual upgrades don’t necessarily give you a 100% return,” says Frank Gregoire, a real estate appraiser in St. Petersburg, Fla. “But they can give you an edge when it comes time to market your home.”

Add storage, not space

Here’s how you can add storage without bumping out walls:

• Install cabinets that reach the ceiling: They may cost more—and you might need a stepladder—but you’ll gain valuable storage space for Christmas platters and other once-a-year items. In addition, you won’t have to dust cabinet tops.

• Hang it up: Mount small shelving units on unused wall areas and inside cabinet doors; hang stock pots and large skillets on a ceiling-mounted rack; and add hooks to the backs of closet doors for aprons, brooms, and mops.

7. Communicate early and often

Establishing a good rapport with your project manager or construction team is essential for staying on budget. To keep the sweetness in your project:

• Drop by the project during work hours: Your presence broadcasts your commitment to quality.

• Establish a communication routine: Hang a message board on site where you and the project manager can leave daily communiqués. Give your email address and cell phone number to subs and team leaders.

• Set house rules: Be clear about smoking, boom box noise levels, available bathrooms, and appropriate parking.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Smart Strategies for Kitchen Remodeling

2011-04-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

This article on tips on planning a kitchen remodel, originally published by John Rhia on Houselogic.com, discusses important considerations for people planning to remodel their kitchen.

Home owners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project, according to the Home Improvement Research Institute. And with good reason. Kitchens are the hub of home life, and a source of pride.

A significant portion of kitchen remodeling costs may be recovered by the value the project brings to your home. Kitchen remodels in the $50,000 to $60,000 range recoup about 69% of the initial project cost at the home’s resale, according to recent data from Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.

To make sure you maximize your return, follow these seven smart kitchen remodeling strategies.

Establish priorities

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends spending at least six months planning your kitchen remodeling project. That way, you won’t be tempted to change your mind during construction, create change orders, and inflate construction costs. Here are planning points to cover:

• Cooking traffic patterns: A walkway through the kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide. Work aisles should be a minimum of 42 inches wide and at least 48 inches wide for households with multiple cooks.

• Child safety: Avoid sharp, square corners on countertops, and make sure microwave ovens are installed at the proper height—3 inches below the shoulder of the primary user but not more than 54 inches from the floor.

• Outside access: If you want easy access to entertaining areas, such as a deck or patio, factor a new exterior door into your plans.

A professional designer can simplify your kitchen remodel. Pros help make style decisions, foresee potential problems, and schedule contractors. Expect fees around $50 to $150 per hour, or 5% to 15% of the total cost of the project.

Keep the same footprint

No matter the size and scope of your kitchen remodel, you can protect your budget by maintaining the same footprint: Keep the walls, locate new plumbing fixtures near existing plumbing pipes, and forget bump-outs.

Not only will you save on demolition and reconstruction costs, you’ll cut the amount of dust and debris your project generates.

Get real about appliances

It’s easy to get carried away during your kitchen remodeling project. A six-burner commercial-grade range and luxury-brand refrigerator may make eye-catching centerpieces, but they may not fit your cooking needs or lifestyle.

High-priced appliances are worth the investment if you’re an exceptional cook. Otherwise, save thousands with trusted brands that receive high marks at consumer review websites.

Check back later in the week for more kitchen remodel tips.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Radon Test: DIY or Professional?

2011-04-01T15:19:00.000-07:00

This article on types of home radon tests, originally published by Jan Walker on Houselogic.com, discusses home test vs a professional test.

One in 15 homes has unacceptable radon gas levels. To find out where your home ranks, radon test your basement, the main level, and the second story. You can easily and accurately perform a test on your own, or hire a company to do the testing for you. Here’s what you need to know.
Radon test: Levels to look for

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that’s emitted as uranium decays in water, soil, and rocks. In the open air, radon gas dissipates harmlessly. Allowed to seep into your home where it builds up, however, and it becomes dangerous.

Excessive radon levels may be found anywhere that your home contacts the ground, such as a first level on a concrete slab or in a basement—especially near sump pumps, cracks in the foundation, and gaps in framing.

If your test results indicate radon gas levels at or above 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter of air), you’ll need to explore options for reducing radon gas. You can view a map of possible radon gas levels in your area.

Home radon test kits

If you are radon testing to evaluate potential risk, a home test kit will do the job, says Brian Hanson, radon specialist at Kansas State University.

Look for test kits online or at home centers and hardware stores, with prices ranging from about $9 to $140. You can also contact your state radon office to find out if they offer a low-cost or free test kit.

Follow instructions carefully for use of the test kit. Typically:

• All doors and windows should be closed for 12 hours prior to testing.
• Place the detector in the lowest livable area of your home and leave it undisturbed for 48 to 96 hours.
• After the appropriate time period, immediately send the detector to its lab, which will deliver the results back to you.

Professional radon test

If you’re in the process of selling your home or want confirmation of radon levels detected by your home test kit, select a professional radon testing service. A testing service ensures that procedures are completed by an impartial professional who’s nationally- or state-trained and certified. To find a qualified company, contact your state radon office.

If testing is done as part of a home inspection, expect to pay an additional $150 above the home inspection cost. If you opt for a radon test separate from the home inspection, you’ll pay about $250 and up.

Counter intelligence

Recently, it’s been noted that some types of granite countertops emit unacceptable levels of radon. You may want to test any areas of your home where stone countertops are present.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Remove Stains From Walls Before You Paint

2011-03-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

This article on ways to inspect you home for water and air leaks, originally published by Pat Curry on Houselogic.com, shows easy ways to remove stains before you repaint your walls.

Painting instructions often warn: Remove stains from walls before painting. But they never say how. Any cleaning rookie can wipe off dust and cobwebs. But it takes a cleaning pro to scour grease stains, watermarks, and kids’ crayon and ink wall art.

Dirt and grime

Dirt and grime are part of everyday life. The oil from your hands gets onto walls, cabinets, doors, and door frames. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser ($3 for 4 pads) easily cuts through these stains. Wet the sponge and rub gently to avoid taking bits of paint off with the stain.

Or try this: Mix 1 cup ammonia, ½ cup white distilled or apple cider vinegar, and ¼ cup baking soda with one gallon of warm water. Wipe the solution over walls with a sponge or cloth, and rinse with clear water. The solution won’t dull the painted finish or leave streaks.

Grease

Grease is an occupational hazard of cooking; it covers cabinets and walls and attracts dirt and dust. Any good dish soap can remove grease stains on walls. For small stains, mix ¼ teaspoon of soap in a cup of warm water, and wipe. Rinse with clean water, and blot until dry. Clean stubborn grease stains with solution of 1/3 cup of white household vinegar with 2/3 cup of water.

Crayons

Wall erasers work like a charm on crayon marks. If they don’t do the trick:
Rub marks with toothpaste (not gel).
Erase marks with an art gum or a pencil eraser; use a circular motion.
Swipe marks with baby wipes.
Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and scrub marks.

Permanent marker

Permanent markers are tough to remove from walls. Soak a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and dab the stain. Or spray marks with hairspray, then wipe drips.

Ink

Ballpoint ink, which is oil-based, often succumbs to foaming shaving cream, dry-cleaning solvent such as Carbona, or nail polish remover. Make sure you open windows when using cleaning solvents and polish remover.

Mildew

Mildew is a fungus that eats soap scum and body oil. To remove from walls, spray with vinegar water: 1 tablespoon white vinegar to 1 quart water. Also, try an enzyme laundry detergent; follow the pre-treating directions on the label. Blot it on the stain, and then rinse thoroughly with water.

Water stains

After you’ve solved the problem that caused the water stains, rinse with a solution of 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water to prevent mold and mildew from growing. Thoroughly dry with a hairdryer or fans. If bleaching doesn’t remove water stains, you’ll have to repaint. Prime the walls with a stain-killing primer, such as Kilz Paint.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

How to Inspect Windows, Doors to Stop Air and Water Leaks

2011-03-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

This article on ways to inspect you home for water and air leaks, originally published by Lisa Gordon on Houselogic.com, shows easy ways to keep you home well maintained.

Take a look at windows, doors and skylights to stop air leaks, foil water drips, and detect the gaps and rot that let the outside in and the inside out. You can perform a quick check with a home air pressure test, or do a detailed inspection. Luckily, these inspections are easy to do. Here’s how to examine the barriers that should stand between you and the elements.

Big picture inspection

A home air pressure test sucks air into the house to reveal air leaks that increase your energy bills. To inspect windows and other openings:

• Seal the house by locking all doors, windows, skylights, and shutting all vents.
• Close all dampers and vents.
• Turn on all kitchen and bath exhaust fans.
• Pass a burning incense stick along all openings—windows, doors, fireplaces, outlets—to pinpoint air rushing in from the outside.

Windows and the outside world

Air and water can seep into closed widows from gaps and rot in frames, deteriorating caulking, cracked glass, and closures that don’t fully close.

To stop air leaks, pinpoint window problems.

• Give a little shake. If they rattle, frames are not secure, so heat and air conditioning can leak out and rain can seep in. Some caulk and a few nails into surrounding framing will fix this.
• Look deep. If you can see the outside from around—not through—the window, you’ve got gaps. Stop air leaks by caulking and weather stripping around frames.
• Inspect window panes for cracks.
• Check locks. Make sure double-hung windows slide smoothly up and down. If not, run a knife around the frame and sash to loosen any dried paint. Tighten cranks on casement windows and check that top locks fully grab latches.

Door doubts

• Check doors for cracks that weaken their ability to stop air leaks and water seeps.
• Inspect weather stripping for peels and gaps.
• Make sure hinges are tight and doors fit securely in their thresholds.

Inspect skylights

Brown stains on walls under a skylight are telltale signs that water is invading and air is escaping. Cut a small hole in the stained drywall to check for wetness, which would indicate rot, or gaps in the skylight.

To investigate skylight leaks, carefully climb on the roof and look for the following:

• Open seams between flashing or shingles.
• Shingle debris that allows water to collect on roofs.
• Failed and/or cracked cement patches put down the last time the skylight leaked.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Fit a Small Office in Your Small Home

2011-03-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

This article on ways to fit a small office into your home was originally published by Terry Sheridan on Houselogic.com.

Yes, you can! Squeeze a small office into your small home, that is. But that doesn’t mean you have to take over one of the kids’ bedrooms—just look for under-utilized space.

After that, it’s decision time: How much to spend, how big to make the office, and how you’ll use it.

Here are five solutions to consider:

1. Kitchen helper. From a $400 store-bought island for bill-paying to a breakfast bench nook with file drawers built in under the seats (cost: $5,000 to $15,000), your kitchen is a treasure trove of small office possibilities. Even a slide-out cutting board (about $500 in a cabinet package) can serve as a nifty desktop.

2. Closet conversion. Get rid of unused stuff or consolidate it in another area, and a 3- to 8-foot-wide closet accommodates a built-in desk, shelves, and lighting. Make a nearby chair do double duty for your desk.

With doors and wiring for lighting and a phone, and possible added drywall, your new small office would cost $2,000 to $4,000. Keep in mind that the more floors and walls that wiring has to travel through, the costlier it gets.

3. Porch possibilities. Convert that long, narrow space on the side of your small home that gets only seasonal use to a year-round office for about $15 per square foot. Use plug-in space heaters and fans for your HVAC system.

Use inexpensive, freestanding shelves to provide storage space. Cost: About $70 for a 30-by-80-inch bookshelf.

4. Those out-of-the-way spaces. Alcoves, lofts, stair landings, basement and garage corners, and bedroom nooks qualify as potential office space. Use freestanding shelving units and bookcases. Plants or privacy screens can “wall” the area without making it feel smaller.

You can build a bench for visitors with storage space inside for about $130. Want a craftsman to build it for you? Add another $300 to $400.

5. Under-used dining rooms. Formal dining rooms can be overrated. If yours isn’t being used regularly, convert it to a small office. You’ll be close to your main entry, making it easy to receive clients and business associates. If a nearby kitchen or other busy household area is a noisy distraction, install French or sliding doors as acoustic barriers.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Americans Confident in Recovery of Real Estate Market

2011-03-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

This article on the outlook of the housing market, originally published on Houselogic.com, shows Americans are gaining confidence in the housing market recovery.

The majority of America’s potential home buyers and sellers—68%—believe that the real estate market and property values will recover in the next year or two, according to a survey released today by Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc., a Prudential Financial, Inc. company.

That’s way up from last April, when only 47% of people who answered a similar survey thought home prices would recover that fast. Despite the market volatility of the past few years, 86% of Americans believe real estate is a good investment.

The Prudential Real Estate Outlook Survey reveals that six in 10 respondents are more interested in buying real estate (58%) and are optimistic about buying given the momentum of the economic recovery (59%).

It also shows that although the price of many Americans’ homes declined during the recession, 89% recognize they can also buy a new house at a lower price.

“A key takeaway from the survey is although consumers recognize that it is a good time to buy, they are concerned about their ability to sell their homes. This is one of the reasons the market is still struggling to recover,” said James Mallozzi, chief executive officer of Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc.

For those on the fence about buying, uncertainty about selling an existing home (77%), concern about getting a fair price for the home (67%), and emotions (58%) are holding them back.

Despite the tough market, 78% of Americans who sold a home were satisfied with the sale. Of these, 32% were very satisfied with the final price of their home and 46% were grateful they were able to sell given market conditions. A relatively small number, 22%, were disappointed or resentful about the price they received for their home.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Loyalty, An Archaic Term in Lending

2011-03-18T06:43:00.001-07:00

Loyalty, An Archaic Term in Lending

I work with more Buyers who are unable to qualify for financing on their next home purchase. Typically, the scenario is set up this way; I show them a few houses, then we find the house they can’t live without, the house is within their budget and all that is needed before an offer is made is a pre-qualification letter from “their” bank. More and more frequently, a couple or individual returns to me disappointed and discouraged. The bank that they have sent all their business to for years is now telling them that the loan they are applying for is going to be rejected.

What is the most common problem? Is it their debt to income ratio? Bad credit? Falsified income? No. The most common problem is something the banks and lending institutions are not telling my clients. While loyalty is still a heralded characteristic for any individual, it is no longer in the vocabulary of those who lend money. What banks and lenders fail to tell you is that they do not want all of your business. Sure, they want your checking and savings account, but they want as little debt, and thusly liability, on any one individual as possible. In the wake of the recent Mortgage Lending Crisis, banks are tightening up their policies on debts and liabilities. As a result, my clients are being the ones affected.

What is my advice? I am telling all of my clients that they should be as loyal to their bank as their bank is to them. Do not hesitate to get a quote from a handful of banks. There is money to lend; you just have to know where to find it. Local banks are often limited by their assets. While there is appeal to keep your money local, there is only so much your local bank can do. Secondary market lenders have money to lend; however their requirements to obtain that money are far stricter than that of local banks. Let each bank that you talk to know that they are not the only lender you are seeing; that may help insure that you are getting the best rate or lowest closing costs. Collect information on everything that they offer. Do your research to ensure you understand one of the biggest purchases of your life. Ask someone for advice if you are confused or have questions (try to seek an independent third party; remember, if someone has something to sell you, they have an agenda). Do not make a decision without understanding the pros and cons of each option. Knowledge is power; that has never been truer than in this situation.

This article was written by Michael Stanger, Realtor® with SBG Real Property Professionals, LLC. He is also a licensed Associate Appraiser and has experience as a Property Manager and Project Manager. Over the past few years, Stanger has proven to be one of the most aggressive, young representatives in the real estate field in Western Kentucky.

More Tips for Adding Curb Appeal and Value to Your Home

2011-03-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

This article on ways to boost your home's curb appeal, originally published by Pat Curry on Houselogic.com, shows some more easy ways to boost your home's value.

Add a color splash

Even a little color attracts and pleases the eye of would-be buyers.

Plant a tulip border in the fall that will bloom in the spring. Dig a flowerbed by the mailbox and plant some pansies. Place a brightly colored bench or Adirondack chair on the front porch. Get a little daring, and paint the front door red or blue.

These colorful touches won’t add to the value of our house: appraisers don’t give you extra points for a blue bench. But beautiful colors enhance curb appeal and help your house to sell faster.

Glam your mailbox

An upscale mailbox, architectural house numbers, or address plaques can make your house stand out.

High-style die cast aluminum mailboxes range from $100 to $350. You can pick up a handsome, hand-painted mailbox for about $50. If you don’t buy new, at lease give your old mailbox a facelift with paint and new house numbers.

These days, your local home improvement center or hardware stores has an impressive selection of decorative numbers. Architectural address plaques, which you tack to the house or plant in the yard, typically range from $80 to $200. Brass house numbers range from $3 to $11 each, depending on size and style.

Fence yourself in

A picket fence with a garden gate to frame the yard is an asset. Not only does it add visual punch to your property, appraisers will give extra value to a fence in good condition, although it has more impact in a family-oriented neighborhood than an upscale retirement community.

Expect to pay $2,000 to $3,500 for a professionally installed gated picket fence 3 feet high and 100 feet long.

If you already have a fence, make sure it’s clean and in good condition. Replace broken gates and tighten loose latches.

Maintenance is a must

Nothing looks worse from the curb—and sets off subconscious alarms—like hanging gutters, missing bricks from the front steps, or peeling paint. Not only can these deferred maintenance items damage your home, but they can decrease the value of your house by 10%.

Here are some maintenance chores that will dramatically help the look of your house:

• Refasten sagging gutters.
• Repoint bricks that have lost their mortar.
• Reseal cracked asphalt.
• Straighten shutters.
• Replace cracked windows.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Tips for Adding Curb Appeal and Value to Your Home

2011-03-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

This article on ways to boost your home's curb appeal, originally published by Pat Curry on Houselogic.com, shows easy ways to boost your home's value.

Homes with high curb appeal command higher prices and take less time to sell. We’re not talking about replacing vinyl siding with redwood siding; we’re talking about maintenance and beautifying tasks you’d like to live with anyway.

The way your house looks from the street—attractively landscaped and well-maintained—can add thousands to its value and cut the time it takes to sell. But which projects pump up curb appeal most? Some spit and polish goes a long way, and so does a dose of color.

Wash your house’s face

Before you scrape any paint or plant more azaleas, wash the dirt, mildew, and general grunge off the outside of your house. REALTORS® say washing a house can add $10,000 to $15,000 to the sale prices of some houses.

A bucket of soapy water and a long-handled, soft-bristled brush can remove the dust and dirt that have splashed onto your wood, vinyl, metal, stucco, brick, and fiber cement siding. Power washers (rental: $75 per day) can reveal the true color of your flagstone walkways.

Wash your windows inside and out, swipe cobwebs from eaves, and hose down downspouts. Don’t forget your garage door, which was once bright white. If you can’t spray off the dirt, scrub it off with a solution of 1/2 cup trisodium phosphate—TSP, available at grocery stores, hardware stores, and home improvement centers—dissolved in 1 gallon of water.

You and a friend can make your house sparkle in a few weekends. A professional cleaning crew will cost hundreds—depending on the size of the house and number of windows—but will finish in a couple of days.

Freshen the paint job

The most commonly offered curb appeal advice from real estate pros and appraisers is to give the exterior of your home a good paint job. Buyers will instantly notice it, and appraisers will value it.   Of course, painting is an expensive and time-consuming facelift. To paint a 3,000-square-foot home, figure on spending $375 to $600 on paint; $1,500 to $3,000 on labor.

Your best bet is to match the paint you already have: Scrape off a little and ask your local paint store to match it. Resist the urge to make a statement with color. An appraiser will mark down the value of a house that’s painted a wildly different color from its competition.

Regard the roof

The condition of your roof is one of the first things buyers notice and appraisers assess. Missing, curled, or faded shingles add nothing to the look or value of your house. If your neighbors have maintained or replaced their roofs, yours will look especially shabby.

You can pay for roof repairs now, or pay for them later in a lower appraisal; appraisers will mark down the value by the cost of the repair. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2010-2011 Cost vs. Value Report, the average cost of a new asphalt shingle roof is about $21,500.

Some tired roofs look a lot better after you remove 25 years of dirt, moss, lichens, and algae. Don’t try cleaning your roof yourself: call a professional with the right tools and technique to clean it without damaging it. A 2,000 sq. ft. roof will take a day and $400 to $600 to clean professionally.

Neaten the yard

A well-manicured lawn, fresh mulch, and pruned shrubs boost the curb appeal of any home.

Replace overgrown bushes with leafy plants and colorful annuals. Surround bushes and trees with dark or reddish-brown bark mulch, which gives a rich feel to the yard. Put a crisp edge on garden beds, pull weeds and invasive vines, and plant a few geraniums in pots.

Green up your grass with lawn food and water. Cover bare spots with seeds and sod, get rid of crab grass, and mow regularly.

Check back later in the week for more tips!

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Plant Trees To Save Energy and Grow Value

2011-03-07T14:05:00.000-08:00

This article on how trees can save on home energy cost, originally published by Brad Broberg on Houselogic.com, shows the impact planting a few trees can make.

Trees don’t ask for much—dirt, water, sunlight. Yet they provide a wealth of benefits: They improve the air you breathe, cut your energy bills with their shade, provide a home to wildlife, and add beauty and value to your home.

But every year, 3.2 million acres of forest are cut down, according to the Nature Conservancy. Several million more acres are lost to fire, storm, and disease. That’s why planting new trees and protecting the ones we have is so important. You can do your part by:

• Caring for the trees in your yard

• Supporting tree-planting activities in your community

• Donating to organizations, such as The Nature Conservancy, which works to preserve the world’s trees and forests, and American Forests, which offers a unique way to take action. First, use its online Climate Change Calculator to determine your carbon footprint. Then, make up for your emissions by donating to a forest restoration project.

Why should you care about trees? Bankable benefits

The most tangible bang from your bark comes from energy savings. Three properly placed trees could save you between $100 and $250 a year in energy costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Trees save energy two main ways. Their shade cuts cooling costs in the summer. In winter, they serve as windbreak and help hold down heating costs.

The National Tree Calculator estimates that a 12-inch elm in an Omaha yard can save $32.43 a year on your energy bills; the same tree in Atlanta would save you $11.89 annually. The calculator also breaks down other dollars and cents benefits of your tree, like decreasing storm water runoff, removing carbon dioxide from the air, and increasing property values.

In our elm example, the 12-inch tree adds $40.23 to the Omaha home’s value and a $57.33 to the one in Atlanta. And as trees grow larger, they can add even more value.

A 2002 study by the USDA Forest Service pegs the value a single tree adds to a property of about $630. Of course, tree value depends on size, species, location, and condition.

Adds Frank Lucco, a real estate appraiser with IRR-Residential in Houston, “On a $100,000 home [in my market], as much as $10,000 of its value could be associated with mature trees.”

That’s peanuts compared with the role trees play as the lungs of the planet. A report by the Trust for Public Land estimated that one mature tree takes 48 pounds of carbon out of the atmosphere each year and returns enough oxygen for two human beings.

Plant your tree in the right spot

To get the full benefits from your trees, choose the right one and put it in the right location. Planting a deciduous tree on the west side of a house provides cooling shade in the summer. In winter, after it loses its leaves, the same tree lets in sunlight that cuts heating and lighting bills. On the other hand, an evergreen on the west side blocks sun all year long, making a home colder and darker in winter. Rather plant evergreens, a great choice for blocking icy winter winds, on the north side of your home.

If you’re planting a new tree, think about its fully grown size and shape before you dig. Branches from a tree located below power lines can cause outages as it grows. Roots from a tree located too close to a home can damage the foundation or block sewer lines. The wrong tree in the wrong place could actually lower your home’s appraised value if it’s deemed hazardous, says Frank Lucco, a real estate appraiser with IRR-Residential in Houston.
Tree costs

Expect to pay $50 to $100 for a 6- to 7-foot deciduous tree, such as a katsura or evergreen. The same tree at 15 feet will cost $100 to $200, according to Brad Swank of Molbak’s Nursery in Woodinville, Wash. The Arbor Day Foundation sells saplings for as little as $8-$15, or less if you’re a member.

Since trees cost money, be cautious about any home construction work. “Tree failure can happen seven to 10 years after construction, primarily because the root system fails when the soil is compacted,” says Thomas Hanson, a member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists from Kirkland, Wash. Also watch for diseases or pests that can threaten trees in your yard and community.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Making Your Kitchen Striking

2011-03-03T16:52:00.000-08:00

This article on easy ways to better stage your kitchen, originally published on Staging101.com, shows easy ways to improve your home's chances of selling through home staging in the kitchen.

Socializing and family life has shifted to the kitchen. Where buyers’ picture themselves talking with friends and preparing gourmet meals.

Kitchens have now become the Center Stage for home life and entertaining. No longer a closed off room where food is prepared and then brought out to another room.

Lifestyles have changed, as well as, buyers expectations. Stage your kitchen properly and you will be surprised how beautiful it will be, regardless of age. You will not need to spend tons of money or remodel your kitchen to make it Center Stage.

3 Steps to Creating Fabulous Kitchens

The first step, involves making the kitchen appear larger; that it has more room than it presently appears to have. This involves, reducing clutter and items on the counter tops, as well as removing extra pots, pans, and other stored items in the cabinets.

The second step is the proper cleaning the kitchen. Windows, floors, countertops, appliances and cabinets. This is the least costly, but most critical of the three steps.

The third step is adding the Wow. Staging the kitchen. flowers, fruit bowls, and new kitchen towels. Add a little Sex Appeal to entice your buyers.

Develop focal points that buyers’ will remember later. Distinguishing your home from others.

Beautiful and Enticing Tablescapes

After completing steps 1 and two, you're now ready to set the stage. Create a beautiful table setting for two. Choose how complex you wish this setting to be, based on whether you will be setting a beautiful dining room table and how often you have family sit down meals at the existing kitchen table. If the kitchen table is where you feed the kids ever morning and have all your evening meals; then you want to choose a sample tablescape that is easy to put aside when you having your meals and reset (stage) after your meals. Simplicity is the key to this type of setting.

Centerpiece

The centerpiece of this focal point may consist of a nice floral arrangement or a decorative piece such as an attractive fruit bowl.
• Naturally, you will have new place mats, linen napkins with napkin rings raffia tied around them. Perhaps a rose placed in the napkin fold.
• Glistening glasses and polished silverware.
• Flatware may consist of a salad plate in-set into the dinner plate. Be adventuresome.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Energy Monitors: Seeing is Believing – and Saving

2011-03-02T16:43:00.000-08:00

This article on monitoring home energy usage, originally published by Les Shu on Houselogic.com, shows easy ways to better understand how much energy your home uses.

We’re taught from an early age to turn off the lights when we’re not in the room, but conserving energy today is really complex—thanks to our wired-up homes and our always-on electronic gadgets and appliances.

Thankfully, energy monitors take the guesswork out of watching heating and cooling costs. Sure, it’s yet another gadget, but energy monitors are strangely fascinating. They provide exact details of how much juice your house is consuming, and they actually make managing energy consumption enjoyable.

The Prius Effect in your living room

Researchers have shown that the well-known hybrid car saves energy for two reasons: It efficiently uses both gasoline and electric power, and it also provides a display screen that lets drivers track their real-time MPG efficiency.

Various environmental reports have suggested that home-based energy monitors have the same effect—keeping an eye on the display screens encourages savings of up to 10% of a home’s heating and cooling costs.

Do-it-yourself monitoring

Energy usage monitors are readily available and affordable. A system like TED—The Energy Detective ($120 to $455)—has a measuring unit connected to your home’s circuit breaker panel. Data, such as energy consumed in watts and dollars, is sent to another unit called the Gateway, which delivers energy usage info to your computer or wireless dashboard. TED stores up to 10 years of data.

Similar systems are available from Blue Line ($100) and the upcoming EnergyHub.

Smarter meters

Utility companies are starting to replace analog electricity meters with digital smart meters that offer two-way communication, allowing utilities to regulate energy distribution more effectively. Smart meters transmit info via a secure radio frequency network so that utility workers don’t have to brave growling dogs and muddy side yards to read your meter.

If your home is one of the early adopters, you can track your hourly energy usage through your utility’s web-based application. That way, you can discover when in the day is electricity the cheapest, and schedule laundry and other power-hungry tasks for that time. In addition, your utility can send you a detailed electricity bill instead of an estimate of charges.

Smart meters also can transmit data to indoor display units that work like off-the-shelf energy usage monitors. A smart meter also can include details on gas usage.

Note that smart meters require professional installation by your utility, so call to find out if your home is on their roadmap.

Google your savings

If you want more use out of the real-time data, Google’s free PowerMeter is an advanced web-based graphical application that works with your home’s smart meter or energy monitor to track usage over time, set energy savings goals, and predict your energy bill based on usage.

The software can help you tailor your usage to bring down costs. It’s available through devices such as TED and utility companies such as San Diego Gas & Electric.

Affordable portables

If outfitting your entire home for energy monitoring isn’t feasible, you can still track the energy use of household items with the small, portable Belkin Conserve Insight ($30). It can tell you an appliance’s usage in dollars, carbon dioxide emitted, and watts consumed, and it offers monthly and yearly estimated costs.

Similar devices from Kill A Watt EZ include an energy usage monitor power strip, and range from $16 to $60.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

More Americans Confident About Home Ownership

2011-03-02T12:49:00.001-08:00

More Americans Confident About Home Ownership

Americans are more confident about the stability of home prices than they were at the beginning of 2010, according to Fannie Mae's latest national housing survey, conducted between October 2010 and December 2010.. And when it comes to home ownership, younger Americans are particularly optimistic, the survey finds.

Nearly 80 percent of all respondents, including home owners and renters, surveyed said they thought housing prices would hold steady or increase over the next 12 months--which is up from 73 percent in January 2010. In fact, survey respondents expressed more confidence over the stability of home prices than they did about the overall strength of the economy. Sixty-one percent said the economy is heading on the wrong track.

Young Americans, Hispanics, and African-Americans were the most positive about their views on home ownership among the general population, according to the survey. Nearly 60 percent of Generation Y respondents (those between 18-34 years old) say that buying a home offers a lot of potential as an investment. Also, more than one-third of Hispanics and African Americans say they plan to buy a home within the next three years, compared to one in four of the general population.

“We are also seeing encouraging signs in the positive attitudes toward home ownership among younger Americans, despite the severe impact of the housing crisis on Generation Y,” says Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae’s chief economist. “But most respondents to our survey continue to lack confidence in the strength of the economic recovery, and they are less optimistic about their ability to buy a home in the years ahead. This sense of uncertainty is weighing on the housing recovery today and reshaping expectations for housing for the future.”

Source: “Fannie Mae’s Latest National Housing Survey Shows Key Changes in Americans’ Attitudes Toward Housing and the Economy,” RISMedia (March 1, 2011)

Home Security Cameras: Peace of Mind While You’re Away

2011-03-01T12:12:00.000-08:00

This article on home surveillance, originally published by Les Shu on Houselogic.com, shows three easy methods of installing cameras to keep you home safe and secure.

Camera surveillance was once available to business owners and the ultra-rich, and required professional installation. Thanks to Internet-based web cameras, adding home security cameras is an affordable weekend project.

Security cameras offer peace of mind. They let you log in remotely and view what’s happening at home, like keeping tabs on an elderly relative, the babysitter, and your pets. They also let you monitor your home while you’re away on vacation. These cameras can help deter break-ins, and you may get a discount on home owners insurance, depending on the system you’ve installed.

Network cameras

Internet-based network cameras are a quick solution in setting up home surveillance. They connect to your broadband connection and don’t require difficult wiring or mounting.

Logitech’s Alert lets you view either real-time or recorded footage—with audio—of the inside and outside of your house through your iPhone, Android, or BlackBerry smartphone, and the system is expandable by adding additional cameras. You’ll get text or email notifications on your phone or computer if the camera’s motion sensor is triggered.

Panasonic’s BL-C131A goes one step further by giving you remote pan and tilt control from your smartphone or computer, allowing you to view in eight different positions.

The Alert 750i Master System starts at $299.99. (A similar device from D-Link costs $119.99.) The Panasonic BL-C131A costs around $300.

Riding the Z-Wave

If you have a Z-Wave-based home automation system installed, you can add wireless cameras to create a security network inside and outside of your house.

ADT’s Pulse is a complete home alarm system that uses Z-Wave cameras for home monitoring from your iPhone, BlackBerry, or Android. ADT Pulse service plans start at $48 a month, not including installation and cameras.

Schlage’s LiNK offers its Z-Wave Wireless Camera as an option to its electronic locks. Like ADT’s Pulse, you can also perform additional home management functions with compatible Z-Wave products like thermostats. Schlage LiNK starter kits cost around $300, and the Wireless Camera costs around $150.

Similar wireless security cameras are available for X10 home automation systems.

DIY camera

You can turn a basic computer webcam into a surveillance system using free downloadable software from Yawcam and EyeSpyFX. You’re required to have your computer remain on, but once set up you can log in remotely from another computer—say, at work—and view streaming video of your home. Just position the camera at what you want to monitor.

Yawcam offers motion detection and can send a snapshot to your email when triggered, while EyeSpyFX lets you view footage from dedicated iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry apps.

An affordable webcam like Microsoft’s LifeCam VX-2000 costs about $30 or less.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Motion Sensor Lighting: Safety and Security Indoors and Out

2011-02-25T15:34:00.000-08:00

This article on outdoor lighting, originally published by Les Shu on Houselogic.com, shows how ways outdoor lighting can improve your home's safety and security.

Motion sensor lights are eager helpers and good little guardians. They illuminate the way to your front door when you pull into your driveway, light hallways when you get up in the middle of the night, and turn on lamps when you enter a room.

They also provide safety and home security, powering up exterior floodlights should someone attempt to trespass when it’s dark outside.

In addition, they watch over your budget, dutifully turning themselves off after you’ve entered your home or left a room—saving you money on energy bills. Light-sensing diodes prevent them from switching on during daylight hours.

Plug-and-play lighting solutions

Many motion sensor lights don’t require elaborate setups or wiring; they simply plug into any wall outlet. Battery-operated types can be mounted onto your walls using adhesives, magnets, or screws.

Sylvania’s LED Motion Sensor Light runs off batteries, is easy to install in any room, and is especially handy for small spaces, such as closets. Cost: $13.

Put a sensor on anything

Have a lamp in your living room you want to turn on automatically when you walk in? The SensorPlug Motion Sensor Outlet Plug from Andev plugs into any standard wall outlet. In addition to lamps, you can use it with equipment that doesn’t exceed 500 watts, such as fans and radios.

The SensorPlug Motion Sensor Outlet Plug costs between $10 and $20.

Sun power

If your home gets ample sunlight during the day, install a solar-powered light and avoid the need to do any wiring. Designed for the outdoors, the Solar Security with Motion Detector from Concept helps you save money by not tapping into your home’s electricity.

It uses 32 long-lasting LED lamps, providing bright illumination for places like your driveway and front door. Since only sunlight is needed to recharge the battery, you can attach it anywhere on your property, such as the far end of your yard.

The Concept Solar Security with Motion Detector is available through Amazon at $49. The Solar-Powered 80 LED Security Floodlight, an even brighter light with 80 LED lamps, costs $105 from Smart Home Systems.

Overhead detection

You can easily add a motion sensor to an existing overhead light fixture by adding adaptive devices, such as the Motion Sensing Light Socket from First Alert.

Simply screw the motion-sensing light socket into an existing wall or ceiling fixture and add a 25- to 100-watt light bulb. Some motion-dection light sockets won’t support energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs, but for rooms that are infrequently used, such as an unfinished basement, it’s a quick solution. The First Alert Motion Sensing Light Socket sells for $25.

Home automation sensors

Home automation systems, such as those based on X10 and Z-Wave technology, are great for controlling your thermostat and home entertainment center, but they also are useful for home security purposes. Linked to motion sensor lights, your home automation system can send a signal to have lights turned on when triggered by a timer or by your smartphone.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Red Flags: How to Spoil a Home Description

2011-02-24T06:41:00.000-08:00

Red Flags: How to Spoil a Home Description
by Michael Estrin
Tuesday, February 22, 2011

When you sell a house in a buyer's market, a lot of things work against you. Your real estate listing shouldn't be one of those things. Find out what buyers and their agents typically see as a red flag in a listing and how to avoid them.

Red Flag: No Photos

Including photos in the listing should be a no-brainer, but sellers routinely list properties without pictures, and they do so to their detriment, says Don Tepper, a Realtor with Long & Foster in Burke, Va.

"One red flag in many buyers' eyes is the lack of photos for a listing," Tepper says. "There can be some legitimate reasons for few (or no) photos in a listing: The sellers want privacy, or they have valuables they don't want in the photos. But many would-be buyers -- rightly or wrongly -- assume that there's something wrong."

Tepper says it's a good idea to have about a dozen photos. But that number isn't a hard and fast rule. You want to convey a good sense of the property by ensuring the pictures match the description and showcase the features you highlighted. If the listing emphasizes a great view, it pays to have a photo of the view.

Red Flag: Lack of Transaction Details

In the last few years, buyers have had a crash course on buying distressed properties, whether short sales or foreclosures. But that experience hasn't always been good, and according to Karl J. Trommler, business development manager for PenFed Realty in Reston, Va., a big red flag is a distressed property listing without transaction details.

"When the listing says it is a short sale, but does not address whether or not the lender has been informed and approved of the price, it can be a big red flag," says Trommler, who cautions against getting involved when the listing language refers to third-party approval, but fails to identify that party.

Simply put, the more parties involved in the transaction, the more complicated. Short sellers who are able to be upfront about the deal stand a far better chance of attracting the right buyer at the right time, Trommler says.

A listing that claims to offer the very best property on the market might not do the seller any favors, says Ziad Najm, a broker at Cedar Real Estate in Mission Viejo, Calif. He cautions against outlandish and hyperbolic claims.

"While creativity should be maximized to market a listing, these claims can be highly subjective and can be interpreted in many ways by different buyers," Najm says. "Some buyers may be turned off to begin with and some will inevitably be disappointed if the claim doesn't live up to their expectations."

It's a fine line, but according Najm, sellers do well to stay away from superlative claims. So rather than describing the house as "the best," a more sensible strategy is to focus on adjectives that are flattering, but leave room for other opinions.

Red Flag: Price Too Good to Be True

A low price sounds like a great way to attract buyers, but if you go too low, there's a chance your strategy can backfire. When a seller's agent suggests such a strategy, the homeowner should be on guard.

"Typically, multiple buyers will be attracted to the low asking price and eventually the sales price will climb close to market value as competing offers bid up the price," Najm says. "However, the strategy is not without risk in that some buyers will be alienated by a potential bidding war."

[Houses For the Price of a Car]

Even more worrisome is the possibility that a low price will attract unqualified buyers looking to snatch up a bargain. If that happens, the house won't sell at all, and the seller will have devalued the property with a low listing price.

So if you're going to gamble on a low listing price, Najm says, "it's very important to have a solid knowledge of market conditions before using this kind of high-risk, high-reward strategy."

Red Flag: The Flipper

Believe it or not, phrases such as "newly remodeled" and "recently updated" can be red flags to some buyers because they could indicate that the seller is out to flip the house. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but sellers should work to highlight any improvements while being careful not to present the home as a flip, according to Vince Clingenpeel, whose Clingenpeel Properties in Falls Church, Va., inspects homes on behalf of buyers.

"The biggest fear I have for buyers is the flip," Clingenpeel says. "In my experience, one out of 20 is properly executed with proper permits."

While a lack of proper permits might mean a headache for a buyer, Clingenpeel reports that buyers of flipped homes sometimes find that the quality of the work done is "horrendous." So if you're selling a newly remodeled home, make sure to emphasize that the work was properly permitted and executed at a level any homeowner would be happy with.

Red Flag: "As Is"

Selling a property "as is" isn't all that unusual, and it shouldn't be a deal breaker. But when you see the term in a listing -- especially these days -- it can be a reason for caution, says Diane Conaway, a San Diego broker with Re/Max United.

[America's Foreclosure Hotspots]

These days, "as is" can mean "previous owners stole everything including the kitchen and bathrooms," Conaway says. "Our contract states 'as is' anyway, but some agents restate that in the listing, which is a disservice to their sellers."

While listing a property's shortcomings has its drawbacks, Conaway believes it's better to include obvious improvements a buyer will want to make, rather than saying "as is." If it's clear that the house needs new carpet, Conaway says it's better to just say so because any serious buyer will likely use that as a negotiation point anyway. But if you list the property "as is," you could make the buyer think the worst.

___

Common Mistakes Made by Sellers

2011-02-21T12:24:00.001-08:00

Common Mistakes Made by Sellers

In our aggressive approach to real estate, we have encountered a plethora of mistakes made by individuals that find themselves in the market to buy or sell a home. Detailed below are those mistakes and some recommended remedies.

Not Listening to the Advice of a Professional
One of my pet peeves is when someone asks my opinion or advice about something and then seemingly ignores my response. If your mind is set on what you are about to do, don’t bother asking me. This extends into my practice of real estate. My job, in part, is to offer my opinion to those who want to buy or sell a home. I get paid to aid people in selling their home. I would like to think that my opinion matters. Trust the advice of any professional you have a working relation with concerning the sale of your home. It is important to note here that advice is like anything else; all advice is not equal. Seek out those professionals who are active and aggressive in your local market. Most real estate brokerages offer the exact same service; however, how your house is marketed in todays’ real estate market is the largest determinate in how fast, or if, your house sells.

“Sweat” Equity
In the Post-Mortgage Lending Crisis period that we now find ourselves, it is important to remember what the focus is when selling your home. Many homeowners are in the position where they need to/have to sell their home. Most of those homeowners have made repairs and updates recently, and, in an effort to save money, many times those improvements were done by the homeowners themselves. Now, more than ever, potential buyers are not willing to pay as much as they used to for those updates. That being said, the sweat equity (that is, work and improvements done on the home by the homeowner) is now worth as little as ever. If you are in the position where you have to sell your home, you may find it most beneficial to price your home assuming a loss on those recent updates. At least, be reasonable in your opinion of those updates.

Uneducated in the Home Buying/Selling Process
Any financial or investment advisor will tell you that education is biggest part of what they do. Most people have a very limited understanding of investing. Therefore, they utilize someone to guide them through investing their money. My job description is very similar. Real estate agents play the part of educator as much as they do salesperson. As often as new regulations are changing in the real estate world, consulting a professional is a wise and necessary part of selling your home. Make phone calls, read about your local market, and trust that a professional has your best interest at heart.

Not Working Together with their Realtor®
Buying or selling your home is a joint effort. You are partnering with a Realtor® to sell your home. There is only so much that your real estate agent can do for you. The newest and most effective marketing package can be developed and executed to perfection, but if you, the seller, is not doing your part, your home may never sell. The first impression people will get of your home is when they pull in the driveway. Help sell your house by keeping the yard and landscaping well maintained. Keeping your house clean is another foundational staple in a good marketing plan. Buyers want to know that the home they are about to buy has been taken care of; the first way they will judge that is by the cleanliness of the home when they see it.

Not Making Needed Repairs
Selling a home can be a tricky thing. I tell my Sellers that the goal in the presentation of a home in its’ simplest form is to make Buyers notice as little as possible while seeing everything. What I mean by that is most Buyers have a preconceived notion, most probably from horror stories they hear from friends and family, that there is something wrong with every house they see. I want them to walk through every room of the house and not notice anything that they will have to fix as soon as they move in. Needed and necessary repairs are a must to sell a home. The fewer things that a Buyer can leverage in their negotiations, the better position any Seller is in.

Assuming National News Applies to Your Market
The worst possible thing that potential Sellers can do is assume that the stats on the nightly news apply directly to where they live. Murray, KY has never been affected by the housing market the way the lead stories portray; in either booming or glooming markets. Murray is not completely self-sufficient, but has large employers that help stabilize our local economy, and thusly, our local housing market. Murray State University is a thriving higher education institution; Murray-Calloway County Hospital is expanding; while Briggs & Stratton, Morningstar, and Pella offer a manufacturing foundation to our local economy. While marketing times have slowed slightly, the local housing market is strong. Now is a good time to sell, if you have the right Team on your side.

This article was written by Michael Stanger, Realtor® with SBG Real Property Professionals, LLC. He is also a licensed Associate Appraiser and has experience as a Property Manager and Project Manager. Over the past few years, Stanger has proven to be one of the most aggressive, young representatives in the real estate field in Western Kentucky.

No Sweat: Programmable Thermostats Save on Energy Costs

2011-02-21T08:45:00.000-08:00

This article on the value of programable thermostats, originally published by Les Shu on Houselogic.com, shows how this simple device can lower your energy bill.

It’s no secret that heating and cooling account for the bulk of a home’s energy usage—an average of over $1,000 annually. Switching from a manual to a programmable thermostat is one simple way to save as much as $180 a year.

The most basic programmable thermostat can be self-installed in an hour, and comes with preset temperature settings for different times of the day.

Some of the latest models offer greater control, easy programming, sophisticated displays, and even communication with you via the Internet. Here is a look at some of these smart units.

High-def, high-tech settings

You wouldn’t think of spending much time in front of your thermostat, but the newest advanced models—with their colorful touchscreen displays—are an engaging, interactive experience. They offer separate programs for each day of the week, and can even alert you if service is required.

With its high-definition screen display, Honeywell’s Prestige Comfort System resembles a mini-computer more than a traditional thermostat.

In addition to indoor temperature, the Prestige’s graphical user interface can display outdoor conditions and humidity with an add-on sensor. An onscreen wizard interviews you about your usage based on simple questions, and then sets a program accordingly. A portable controller lets you adjust settings from any room in the house.

The Prestige is priced from $250 and up.

If you can live without a fancy display, an advanced programmable thermostat from HAI costs around $300 to $400, while a simpler seven-day programmable model from Hunter costs $99.

Control from afar

What if you’re on your way to a long vacation, and you suddenly realized you’d forgotten to turn down your home’s thermostat?

If your home is equipped with the Smart Thermostat from ecobee, you can tap into the system through a personalized web portal anywhere there’s Internet access. Log in to check on your HVAC’s performance and make adjustments on the fly. The unit sells for $469.

Manage your home’s HVAC via a home automation app from Control 4. The sophisticated system allows you to change thermostat settings from your smartphone, pad, and PC. In addition, you can control the lighting, music, window treatment motors, and a wide range of Control 4 devices.

Know the price before you turn it on

Pilot programs for installing smart thermostats that display “time of use” pricing information are underway in regions like Florida and California. These thermostats receive a wireless signal from the utility company, and adjust the temperature according to the price of electricity during different times of the day.

With costs for air conditioning at about 70 cents to $1.20 per hour, reducing AC usage only an hour per day would yield a savings of $65 to $110 over the course of a summer.

Check with your utility company to find out if such a program is available in your area .

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area

Man Dupes Real Estate Agents in Scam

2011-02-16T07:41:00.000-08:00

Man Dupes Real Estate Agents in Scam

A man who pretended to be a real estate agent sold a building, which he did not own, twice to two separate real estate agents. The man told the agents he was Edward Blake, a New York real estate agent.

Kassiem Miley, 36, was arrested in Maryland last week and charged with two counts of identity theft and one count each of first-degree larceny, second-degree forgery, third-degree larceny, and criminal impersonation.

Police say Miley first approached a real estate agent in 2003 at Longwa Realty Co. and offered to sell a building for $22,000. While the other agent was suspicious of the low price, he agreed to the deal and provided a $2,500 advance down payment on the property, according to police. The agent told police that Miley failed to show up at future meetings, and he never heard from him again.

In a separate incident, a real estate agent with ALO Realty Co. says she also was approached by Miley, who presented himself as real estate agent Edward Blake. She says he offered to sell her that same building for $10,000 cash. The ALO Realty agent found a local investor who gave her the money and turned it over to Miley to purchase the building, police say. She says Miley failed to show up at future meetings on the property to close the transaction.

Source: “Man Charged With Scamming Real Estate Agents,” Connecticut Post (Feb. 11, 2011)

Common Mistakes Made by Buyers

2011-02-15T06:31:00.001-08:00

Common Mistakes Made by Buyers

In what national headlines have described as a volatile economy, it is vitally important that anyone interested in buying a home knows and is familiar with their local market. There is no one better than a Team willing to guide you to your dream home. Mistakes made by many buyers can prove to be costly in the long run if not considered at the time of purchase.

Not Understanding Your Local Market

The housing market in Murray, KY is a far cry from the depravity that we hear about in much of the rest of the country. However, that does not go to say that it is a walk in the park without some guidance from a professional. There are a thousand and one factors that go into determining the stability, or lack thereof, of your local market. Someone that studies the trends of that market on a daily basis is in the best position to aid you in making a wise investment. Beyond unemployment rates and pending home sales indices, a Realtor® can help you determine changes in vacancy rates, new active listings, and average days on market (DOM) of similar properties, trends in owner financing and incentives, and exactly what factors to consider when making an offer on a home.

Not Interviewing a Realtor®

In an effort for sellers to save money, we have seen an increase of FSBO’s (For Sale By Owner). While looking at and buying a house are seemingly simple, that process is much more complex that it may seem. Not only does a Realtor® offer the ease of compiling a shopping list of houses that are within your budget, desired areas, age, and sizes, but also ensures that the best terms are negotiated; not just price, but terms, financing, date of possession, repairs, and personal property inclusion/exclusion. A Realtor® will also help direct and guide you to banks and lending companies that cater to your specific needs. In addition, a Realtor® can help you find detailed information about each listing; like utility history, property condition statements, and help compile tax assessments, deeds, previous mortgages, and plats of a property. Finally, a Realtor® will help close the purchase. Termite inspections, home inspections, repair negotiations, title searches, and deed preparations are all recommended prior to closing; having direction in these areas will ensure that it is done properly, legally, and, most importantly, on time.

Only Talking to one Bank

So many times I have clients come to me and tell me that they can’t buy a house because their bank told them so. I am not in the business of financial advice, so every client is different, but there is no reason to talk to only one bank when seeking your next mortgage. There are few things to consider when interviewing banks, however. First, be honest. Let them know that you plan to speak with other lending institutions. This will avoid any confusion or frustration on their part in the long run and will get you the best possible offer from the bank up front. Second, do not submit formal applications for a prequalification at each bank. One of the requirements of the prequalification is typically to pull your credit history. If that credit report is run more frequently, your score will go down and could hurt your chances of qualifying for a loan. Only verbally apply with each bank at first. Understand what terms and conditions they are offering before signing any application. Finally, do your research. Know what you are getting into. Again, banks are not financial advisors. They do not always have your best interest at heart. Find out how much HOA fees, taxes, and insurance will be before putting an offer in on any home.

Not Having a Long-Term Plan (or at Least a Mid-Range Plan)

There are so many factors that determine a good deal for one person and a potential foreclosure for another. If you do not have a plan when you approach your next home purchase, it could spell doom for your financial well-being. There are a number of questions to consider when developing your home purchase plan. How long do you plan to live in the home? Can you afford the home if the tax payment increases? Will there be needed repairs or updates before you decide to sell? Are you budgeting to make any desired updates to the home? Financing options can be customized to benefit or hinder your financial status. For example, the average person lives in their home for only about 5 years. If a person where planning to be in a home longer than that, a fixed-rate mortgage may be the best option to offer long-term security. If a person was planning to sell the home sooner, an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) may prove to be a better depending on options, terms, and conditions. In this case, seeking the advice of someone familiar with lending could benefit your planning.

Not Asking Questions

The worst thing that you can do as a buyer is not ask questions about what is going on. Make sure that you understand the process that you now find yourself in. Do not assume that a Realtor®, loan officer, closing attorney, or anyone else has your best interest at heart. Ask questions and keep them accountable. Asking questions will increase your understanding and decrease your worry and insecurities about the process.

This article was written by Michael Stanger, Realtor® with SBG Real Property Professionals, LLC. He is also a licensed Associate Appraiser and has experience as a Property Manager and Project Manager. Over the past few years, Stanger has proven to be one of the most aggressive, young representatives in the real estate field in Western Kentucky.

Cleaning and Caring for Siding

2011-02-11T12:18:00.000-08:00

This article on cleaning your home's exterior, originally published by John Riha on Houselogic.com, lists some easy ways to keep your home's siding this coming Spring.

If you’d like to prevent costly home repairs and add to the value of your house, clean your siding. With proper care and a little regular maintenance, your home’s exterior could be trouble-free for 50 years and more. Cleaning siding removes dirt and mildew that may shorten the life of your siding. A clean house protects your investment, too. “A good first appearance on a home can add as much as 5% to 10% to the value of the home,” says John Aust, a past president of the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers.

Cleaning wood, vinyl, metal, stucco, brick, fiber-cement siding

All types of siding benefit from a good cleaning once every year to remove grit, grime, and mildew. The best way—whether you have wood, vinyl, metal, stucco, brick, or fiber-cement—is with a bucket of warm, soapy water (1/2 cup trisodium phosphate—TSP, available at grocery stores, hardware stores, and home improvement centers—dissolved in 1 gallon of water) and a soft-bristled brush attached to a long handle. Divide your house into 20-foot sections, clean each from top to bottom, and rinse. For two-story homes, you’ll be using a ladder, so keep safety foremost.

Cleaning an average-sized house may take you and a friend every bit of a weekend. If you don’t have the time—or the inclination—you can have your house professionally cleaned for $300-$500. A professional team will use a power washer and take less than a day.

You can rent a power washer to do the job yourself for about $75 per day, but beware if you don’t have experience with the tool. Power washers force water through a nozzle at high pressure, resulting in water blasts that can strip paint, gouge softwoods, loosen caulk, and eat through mortar. Also, the tool can force water under horizontal lap joints, resulting in moisture accumulating behind the siding. A siding professional has the expertise to prevent water penetration at joints, seams around windows and doors, and electrical fixtures.

Inspect for damage

Right before you clean is the ideal time to inspect your house for signs of damage or wear and tear. A house exterior is most vulnerable to water infiltration where siding butts against windows, doors, and corner moldings, says Frank Lesh, a professional house inspector in Chicago and past president of the American Society of Home Inspectors. For all types of siding, look for caulk that has cracked due to age or has pulled away from adjacent surfaces, leaving gaps. Reapply a color-matched exterior caulk during dry days with temperatures in excess of 65 degrees F for maximum adhesion.

Other defects include wood siding with chipped or peeling paint, and cracked boards and trim. If you have a stucco exterior, be on the lookout for cracks and chips. For brick, look for crumbling mortar joints. Repair defects before cleaning. The sooner you make repairs, the better you protect your house from moisture infiltration that can lead to dry rot and mold forming inside your walls.
Repair wood, vinyl, and fiber-cement siding

Damage to wood, vinyl, and fiber-cement horizontal lap siding often occurs because of everyday accidents—being struck by sticks and stones thrown from a lawn mower, or from objects like baseballs. Repairing horizontal lap siding requires the expertise to remove the damaged siding while leaving surrounding siding intact. Unless you have the skills, hire a professional carpenter or siding contractor. Expect to pay $200-$300 to replace one or two damaged siding panels or pieces of wood clapboard.

Repaint wood, fiber-cement

Houses with wood siding should be repainted every five years, or as soon as the paint finish begins to deteriorate. A professional crew will paint a two-story, 2,300 square foot house for $3,000-$5,000. If you’ve cleaned your house exterior yourself, you’ve done much of the prep work and will save the added cost that a painting contractor would charge to clean the siding before painting.

Fiber-cement siding, whether it comes with a factory-applied color finish or is conventionally painted, requires repainting far less often (every 8-10 years) than wood siding. That’s because fiber-cement is dimensionally stable and, unlike wood, doesn’t expand and contract with changes in humidity.

It’s a good idea to specify top-quality paint. Because only 15% to 20% of the total cost of repainting your house is for materials, using a top-quality paint will add only a nominal amount—about $200—to the job. However, the best paints will outperform “ordinary” paints by several years, saving you money.
Repair brick mortar, stop efflorescence

Crumbling and loose mortar should be removed with a cold chisel and repaired with fresh mortar—a process called repointing. An experienced do-it-yourselfer can repoint mortar joints between bricks, but the process is time-consuming. Depending on the size of the mortar joints (thinner joints are more difficult), a masonry professional will repoint brick siding for $5-$20 per square foot.

Efflorescence—the powdery white residue that sometimes appears on brick and stone surfaces—is the result of soluble salts in the masonry or grout being leached out by moisture, probably indicating the masonry and grout was never sealed correctly. Remove efflorescence by scrubbing it with water and white vinegar mixed in a 50/50 solution and a stiff bristle brush. As soon as the surface is clear and dry, seal it with a quality masonry sealer to prevent further leaching.

Persistent efflorescence may indicate a moisture problem behind the masonry. Consult a professional building or masonry contractor.

Remove mildew from all types of siding

Stubborn black spotty stains are probably mildew. Dab the area with a little diluted bleach—if the black disappears, it’s mildew. Clean the area with a solution of one part bleach to four parts water. Wear eye protection and protect plants from splashes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Repair cracked stucco

Seal cracks and small holes with color-matched exterior acrylic caulk. Try pressing sand into the surface of wet caulk to match the texture of the surrounding stucco. Paint the repair to match.

Take time to inspect and clean your house siding, and you’ll be rewarded with a trouble-free exterior.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area

Fast Fixes for Common Gutter Problems

2011-02-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

This article on quick fixes for gutter problems, originally published by Pat Curry on Houselogic.com, lists some easy ways to keep your gutters maintained for the coming Spring.

Gutters are designed to do one thing—channel water away from the foundation—and they’re critical to protecting the structural integrity of your house. But in order for gutters to do their job properly, they have to be kept in shape and free of clogs, holes, and sags.

Luckily, most common gutter problems are easy for homeowners to fix themselves. And it’s worth the effort. “Gutters are one of those things where routine maintenance and inspecting them can really prevent bigger problems down the road,” says Jason Stutzman, director of home maintenance and repair for Brothers Redevelopment in Denver.

Here are the gutter problems that the pros see most often, and the recommended solutions.

Clogged gutters

This is the most common problem of all. Left untended, gutters and downspouts get so clogged with debris that they’re rendered useless. The excess weight of leaves, twigs, and standing water can also make them sag and pull away from the fascia.

Clean them at least once a year, and twice a year if you have a lot of trees nearby. Gary Mindlin, managing partner of New York City-based Top Hat Home Services, schedules gutter maintenance four times a year, with additional checks after big storms.

You can clean your own gutters if you’re comfortable on a ladder, don’t mind getting wet and dirty, and don’t have an extremely tall house. After you’ve cleared the muck, flush them with a garden hose to make sure they’re flowing properly. If you’d prefer, you can hire someone to do the job for you for between $50 and $250, depending on the size of your house.

Another option for dealing with chronically clogged gutters is to outfit them with gutter covers. These include mesh screens, clip-on grates, and porous foam. They still need regular maintenance, though, and the cost can be more than the gutters themselves.
Sagging gutters and gutters pulling away from the house

This is usually a problem with the hangers, the hardware that secures the gutters to the fascia. They might have deteriorated over time, the fasteners may have backed out of the wood, or they’re spaced too far apart to support the weight of full gutters. The cost to fix it yourself is cheap; hangers generally cost $10 or less apiece, and the fasteners run about $1 each.

Leaks and holes

Leaky gutter joints can be sealed by caulking the joint from the inside with gutter sealant, says John Eggenberger, vice president of training and corporate development for the Mr. Handyman franchise of home repair companies. A tube costs about $5. Very small holes can be filled with gutter sealant. Larger holes will require a patch. If you can’t find a gutter patching kit at the hardware store, you can make a patch from metal flashing.

Improperly pitched gutters

Gutters need to be pitched toward the downspouts for the water to flow properly. You want at least a quarter inch of slope for every 10 feet. Get on a ladder after a rainstorm and look in the gutter; if there’s standing water, it’s not pitched properly.

To correct this yourself, you’ll need to measure from the peak to the downspout. Snap a chalk line between the two and find the spots where the gutter is out of alignment. You might be able to push it up into place by bending the hanger. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you might need to take a section down and rehang it. If you have seamless gutters, call the company that installed them to correct the problem.

Downspouts draining too close to the foundation

Downspouts need to extend several feet from the house, or they’ll dump right into the basement. Gutter extensions attached to the bottom of the downspout will discharge water well beyond the foundation. They’re inexpensive and easy to install. “I like the downspout material extended four or five feet and screwed on,” says Reggie Marston, president of Residential Equity Management Home Inspections in Springfield, Va. Cost: less than $20 per downspout.

Missing gutters

If your house has no gutters at all, consider investing in a system. The cost depends on the material. Most residential gutters are aluminum, which is lightweight and durable. “Unless an aluminum gutter is damaged by something, it will last forever,” says Scott McCurdy, vice president of Jacksonville, Fla.,-based disaster repair contractor Coastal Reconstruction. Vinyl, galvanized steel, and copper also are available options.

Aluminum gutters range from about $4.50 to $8.50 per linear foot installed. On a 2,000-square-foot house with about 180 linear feet of gutters, that’s roughly $800 to $1,500.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area

Seal Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors

2011-02-07T14:22:00.000-08:00

This article on sealing air leaks, originally published by Jeanne Huber on Houselogic.com, lists some essential tips to keep your family warm this winter.

An average home loses up to 30% of its heating and cooling energy through air leaks. The most significant air leaks tend to occur around windows and doors. To stop air leaks and prevent your home heating and cooling dollars from vanishing in the wind, it’s important to seal any air leaks around windows and doors.

Check for air leaks

With windows and doors closed, hold a lit stick of incense near window and door frames where drafts might sneak in. Watch for smoke movement. Note what sources need caulk, sealant, and weather-stripping.

Seal air leaks around windows

If you have old windows, caulking and adding new weatherstripping goes a long way toward tightening them up.

Bronze weatherstripping ($12 for 17 feet) lasts for decades but is time-consuming to install. Self-stick plastic types are easy to put on but don’t last very long. Adhesive-backed EPDM rubber ($8 for 10 feet) is a good compromise, rated to last at least 10 years.

Nifty gadgets called pulley seals ($9 a pair) block air from streaming though the holes where cords disappear into the frames.

Seal air leaks around doors

Check for air leaks, and replace old door weatherstripping with new.

Foam-type tape has an adhesive backing; it’s inexpensive and easy to install. If it comes loose, reinforce it with staples. Felt is either adhesive-backed or comes with flexible metal reinforcement. it must be tacked or glued into place. It’s cheap and easy to install, but it has low durability. Tubular rubber, vinyl, and silicone weatherstripping is relatively expensive and tricky to install, but it provides an excellent seal. Some types come with a flange designed to fit into pre-cut grooves in the jambs of newer doors; check your existing weatherstripping and replace with a similar style.

Check exterior trim for any gaps between the trim and your door frames, and the trim and your siding. Caulk gaps with an exterior latex caulk ($5 for a 10-ounce tube).

Seal door bottoms

If a draft comes in at the bottom, check the condition of the threshold gasket. Replace worn gaskets. If you can see daylight under the door, you may need to install a new threshold with a taller gasket ($25 for a 36-inch door). Or, install a weather-resistant door sweep designed for exterior doors ($9). Door sweeps attach directly to the door and are easy to install.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area

Smart Tips To Home Buying In 2011

2011-02-01T07:34:00.000-08:00

If you plan on buying a home in 2011 you're going to want to read these tips to make that desire a successful one. To get other helpful tips to buying a new home today visit SBG Properties. Over the last 3 years the housing market has dramatically changed, and with it, so have mortgages. The capability to land a low interest mortgage has become harder, meaning if you plan on getting a loan - you're going to have to be smart about it.

In 2010 we saw mortgage rates rise, in as much as they did we also saw the increase in borrowers taking ARM's or adjustable rate mortgages. Why? Quite simply because more home buyers don't plan on staying in these homes for more then 5 years. If you plan on selling your home within five years of buying it - the 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage has a lower introductory rate then the 30 year fixed. Meaning this option is among your best bet in order to save you money.

We also saw in March 2010 that the Federal Reserve stopped buying mortgage backed securities, given this the effect was an increase in mortgage rates as private investors were in need of a higher rate to make up for the risk. With this knowledge in hand, getting a loan is more difficult now - so become aware of your credit score. To get the best deal on home buying you now need a credit score of 740 or higher to meet the best combination of points and fees.

To properly refinance your home is not a difficult task, so don't make it one - too many people believe that it's smart to restart back at a 30 year loan on a 30 year mortgage they've already had for 6 years. Amoritize the remaining time and pay off the new loan in 25 years.

If you're set on buying a home but only have a small down payment, you might this this is problematic as most lenders need buyers to have at least 10 percent down, and 10 percent equity for a low rate refinance. Low and behold there is another option, FHA. For those who may not have the ten percent down payment, this is the best option - you'll get an insured mortgage needing on average 3.5 percent down or that much in equity.

Remember, if you fall behind on your mortgage payments, look into foreclosure counseling - those who do are sixty percent more likely to keep their homes then those who don't. Having done this may also entitle you to lower payments and mortgage modifications.
The previous article was posted by Melissa Walters.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com/ to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Home Selling - Tips for Selling Your House

2011-02-01T07:20:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are still trying to sell your house, did you ever imagine that selling your home would become an art form? Even in the Pikes Peak region, which is considered one of the best places to live in America by many national media outlets, has suffered its fair share in the housing slump. But even with the recovery starting to take hold, homeowners whose houses have been on the market for months still need some help. To check out other great house selling tips visit our Real Estate website.

Is your home environmentally friendly? Maybe its time to invest in some solar panels or a wind turbine and turn your home into one of the few "green" houses in the area. For Prius-driving homebuyers, yours will definitely stand out.

Does your home have curb appeal? One of the oldest tips for selling your house is to spruce up the exterior. Make sure the hedges are trimmed; the gutter is cleaned, and try to see your home's entryway through the eyes of a buyer. Maybe a new door is needed, or some new plants on the walkway?

Be sure to negotiate with your broker for a lower fee. Brokers are desperate for business these days, so you may be able to press for a reduction in fees to 3% or even 2%.

Don't scrimp on ambience; hire a professional "Stager". Stagers are paid to make your home look like a showplace with very little budget. They move pictures, lights, furniture and artwork around and de-clutter your space so it shows better to potential buyers.

If your home requires major work, get it done. Not only will this help your home sell quickly and at a better price, you are likely to get your investment back in the sale of the house.

Taking these tips for selling your house will greatly improve your chances of selling it sooner without losing any of the home's value.

The previous article was posted by Todd Hawker.

Check back for more tips and information and visit SBG Property to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area or see how we can help you sell your home.

Home Staging Tips: Is Your House Ready for Buyers?

2011-01-28T14:47:00.000-08:00

This article on ways to make sure your house is ready to sell through home-staging, originally published on homestagingchannel.com, helps you get your home ready to sell.

In home staging, there are a few things to keep in mind and check often as you work to make you're going in the right direction.

Step one: Disassociate yourself from the house before you start as you want to take the viewpoint of a buyer.

Step two: Look at your house from the outside and see if your drawn in or pushed away by what you see.

Step three: Walk up to the front door and stand there for a moment. Does it make you want to enter and explore further or head for the road?

Step four: You should feel instantly welcomed when you set foot in the house. If you're not, there's more work to be done. Keep going until you feel comfortable and refreshed as you walk in.

Step five: Walk through each room in the house and take in every detail. Look at the furniture placement and see if it makes sense, if it's too cluttered or if it reflects your vision of what the room should look like. Anything that's hanging, such as pictures, curtains, bedspreads, etc., should be even and level. Crooked items make a room look sloppy and don't say much for the owner. Decorations should be simple and have a purpose. Make sure each room says what you want it to say.

Step six: Your house should look like no one lives in it, yet like it's fully ready to be lived in. This is a fine balance that can make or break the sale.

Check back for more tips and information and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area or see how we can help you sell your home.

5 More Tips to Turn Your House into a Show Home

2011-01-25T19:06:00.000-08:00

This article on ways ways to add value to your home through home staging, originally published on stagingdiva.com, shows some easy ways to improve your home's value when your trying to sell.

These 5 more low cost tips will get you started on turning your house into a "show home". This is critical because if you want to get the most money for your home and sell more quickly, you need potential buyers (and their agents) to feel it's a "hot property".

Even if you're not moving, you will find these tips also make your home more relaxing and enjoyable to live in.

6. Clean, clean and clean again.

Most mortals can't live in a spotless environment all the time. This can be one of the more stressful aspects of having your home on the market— but it's worth the effort to sell your home for top dollar. You can hire a professional service to come in and deep clean everything; then take 20-30 minutes each day to maintain it.

Appliances should sparkle even if you're not including them with the house. After all, you might throw them in later as a negotiating tool. Counter tops, taps, sinks and bathtubs should be shiny and free of water spots.

If you have a pedestal sink, don't forget the dust that collects on top of the plumbing where it attaches to the wall. If the whole sink is spotless and the taps aren't dripping, it will look new!

Dust shelves and vacuum or "Swiffer" the floors. Naturally, all beds should be made. At a recent open house for a home listed over $500,000 (and over 60 days on the market), they hadn't even bothered with these two simple steps! It made you wonder what bigger things had been neglected.

Remember clean windows let in more light and look newer. Hire a service if you have to— it's worth the investment.

If all this attention to detail seems over the top, remember that a very clean home leaves the impression that the house is well cared for. This helps put buyers at ease— especially a first time buyer who may be worried about the responsibilities of owning a house.

7. Let in some air.

Open some windows for at least 10 minutes. There is nothing worse than walking into a stuffy house or one that smells of smoke and pet odors.

8. Let in some light.

It might be mood lighting to you, but if you're trying to sell your home, keep it bright! Dimly lit rooms tend to look small and dingy— especially during the day.

If you have a particularly dark room, consider investing in a floor lamp that will bounce light off the ceiling.

If your walls are so dark that they're sucking up all the light, consider repainting. You can even buy a small can of a lighter shade of your wall color, mix it with glaze and rub it onto the wall. It will reflect light and give the room a more open feeling. This approach saves much of the preparation and clean up involved in repainting.

9. Don't forget fresh flowers.

You don't need to spend a fortune to have fresh flowers throughout your home. Even a daisy in a bud vase brightens a bathroom counter. Ask your florist which blooms last a week. You can also use potted flowering plants that are in season for a low-cost solution.

Don't use plastic or obviously fake flowers, especially in an expensive home!

10. Carefully consider music.

Soft background music can help create a soothing environment and camouflage neighbor and traffic noise. But make sure the volume is very low. Blaring TVs are definitely a no-no, but you'd be surprised how many people leave them on for showings!

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

5 Tips to Turn Your House into a Show Home

2011-01-19T14:12:00.000-08:00

This article on ways ways to add value to your home through home staging, originally published on stagingdiva.com, shows some easy ways to improve your home's value when your trying to sell. Check back for tips later in the week.

These 5 low cost tips will get you started on turning your house into a "show home". This is critical because if you want to get the most money for your home and sell more quickly, you need potential buyers (and their agents) to feel it's a "hot property".

Even if you're not moving, you will find these tips also make your home more relaxing and enjoyable to live in.

1. Consider the curb appeal.

Landscaping is nice, but not in everyone's budget. At minimum, lawns should be freshly mowed, leaves raked, or snow shoveled. Consider a hanging or potted plant for the entrance. Sweep the porch, deck and all walk ways and ensure garbage and recycling are tucked neatly away from the front of the house.

Scrub your front door, porch, outside railings and steps. This is cheaper than repainting and makes a world of difference. Once the outside entrance is clean, decide if the paint really needs a touch up.

2. Get rid of clutter!

Pick one closet or area at a time so the task isn't as daunting. Look at every item with a very critical eye and ask yourself why you're keeping it.

Forget about hanging onto items for a garage sale. Pick your favorite charity and donate it. You paid for these things long ago, why not just give them away to others who REALLY need them?

You'll probably have to edit the same closets a number of times to really whittle them down to the "essentials". If rooms and closets still look cramped, rent a storage locker.

3. Turn excess inventory into cash.

If you have a collection of items for projects you never got around to, return them. This also applies to the two-year supply of light bulbs, canned goods or paper products sitting in your basement.

Without a receipt you won't get cash, but you will have a store credit that you can use once you move. Less clutter and less stuff to pack, move and unpack again!

4. Watch where the eye goes.

There are speedy and low cost solutions to many of the little problems that together make a home seem shabbier than it needs to.

Walk along each corridor and into every room and check where your eye is drawn (better yet, ask a critical friend or family member). If the eye is drawn to the chipped white paint on the door frame, take some "white out" and fill it in. If it's those old nail holes in the wall, see if you can hang a picture to cover them.

Glue any peeling wallpaper. If it's really horrible and you can't afford the time or money to fix it properly, hang pictures and strategically place baskets. You won't cover the problem entirely (which would be wrong anyway), but you will draw your audience's attention away from the problem and onto something more visually pleasing to focus on.

5. Find a fix-it person.

Ensure cupboards open and shut and that no taps are dripping. Look in all rooms for things you never got around to fixing and decide which ones might be distracting to potential buyers. No, it's not OK for door handles to fall off, even if you have learned to ignore it!

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Tips to Add Value to Your Home

2011-01-17T19:36:00.000-08:00

This article on ways ways to add value to your home, originally published on realestate.com, gives some important ways to increase your home's value.

Hint: Start with the kitchen, master bath and the siding, and forget about the satellite dish.

Granite countertops will add value to your home. So will a deck. Brushed-nickel fixtures won’t. Neither will wiring the den for Surround Sound.

Confused? You have plenty of company – namely a few million other homeowners.

“It’s extremely difficult for sellers to put a certain value on their house,” says Shirley Smith, broker-in-charge of the RealEstate.com brokerage in Charlotte, N.C. Real estate professionals, on the other hand, generally base the value on square footage and comparable sales of nearby homes with similar features, she says.

That’s not to say that nickel fixtures, Surround Sound wiring or a security system won’t attract some buyers, she says: “People might like that better, but that doesn’t mean it adds value.” In other words, you’re making your home more appealing, which is good, but you’re not adding features that allow you to increase the asking price.

Take a swimming pool – please. Although some buyers won’t even look at homes without pools, many more see themselves being drowned in upkeep costs. Swimming pools can even reduce the value of a home, especially if they’re in poor good condition. And Smith says satellite dishes are only attractive to buyers who specifically want a home with a dish.

Projects that add square footage generally add value. So do kitchen renovations; a major renovation adds the most value, but Smith says shiny new, upgraded appliances alone can add value. Bathroom upgrades and extras, especially in the master bath, also add value, Smith says. And guess what? Regular preventive maintenance also adds value to a home, she says.

But don’t overestimate the value added by home improvements. The bible on this topic is Remodeling magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report, which looks at the average cost of popular renovations and upgrades in 60 cities across the country and the return for the dollar on each.

The magazine notes that the return on investment varies from market to market, but it does break out national averages. In its 2006 report, Remodeling says that the cost of renovations has steadily increased nationwide, while the value added fell to 2002 levels. Basically, you’ll pay more for remodeling but get less back on resale these days.

It’s rare that a remodeling project returns 100 percent or more of the cost at resale, the magazine says – although it can happen in certain markets. In today’s more steady market, a typical project normally returns 75 percent to 80 percent on the dollar at resale, the report says.

Nationwide, on average, putting up vinyl siding is the most cost-effective renovation, returning 87 percent of the investment at resale. Major kitchen renovations, bathroom remodeling projects and replacement of wood windows are close behind, at 85 percent, according to the report.

The least cost-effective renovations at resale? Remodeling a home office, with a 63 percent return, and sunroom additions, at 66 percent.

Smith says it also makes a difference how long ago the renovation was completed. In general, you shouldn’t expect to get full value at resale three years later, she says.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

How To Save Energy Using Timers Around the Home

2011-01-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

This article on ways simple timers can save you energy, originally published by Linda Hightower on howtodothings.com, gives some important considerations when purchasing a home.

It has always been a challenge for a lot of households to cut energy expenses. Though there are some that succeeds, there are still a lot of homes that fail not matter how hard they try. The good news for you is that there is one thing you can do to ensure you will save energy around your home. This is as simple as using timers at home. Here is how you can successfully save on energyusing timers:

• Check out your whole house and identify things you usually forget to turn off. No matter how hard you try, there are a lot of chances that you will leave some fans and lights at home turned on after you use them. You can check out bathroom and closet lights, ceiling fans, and the like.

• Determine the fixtures that you can control using a timer. Now that you have identified the things that you always forget to turn off, examine which among them are controllable with a timer.

• Install outlet timers in certain things inside your home. There are several kinds of timers that you can install at home to control certain things. There is a digital timer, permanent wall timer, wall switch timer, and the like that you must use accurately. No matter what your option is, make sure you install the timer correctly. Get the help of an electrician if you do not know for sure the proper way of installing the timer.

• Know where to use a permanent wall timer. You can use this kind of timer if you want to control bathroom fans, closet lights, and utility closet fans.

• Know where to use digital and wall switch timers. Digital timers are best used for the bedside lamp. On the other hand, wall switch timers are perfect for room lights. Wall switch timers work differently because you need to push a button in the switch to tell when the light needs to go off. You can set if for 10 minutes to as long as an hour.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Home

2011-01-07T14:22:00.000-08:00

This article on tips for finding the perfect home, originally published by Amy Brantley on Associated Content by Yahoo, gives some important considerations when purchasing a home.

Finding the perfect home doesn't happen over night. Many people spend months looking for the perfect home only to eventually settle for a house that isn't exactly what they wanted. While there's a good chance that you won't find everything you're looking for, there is a chance that you can still find the perfect home if you follow these tips.

Consider What You Want

Before looking for the perfect home, consider what you'd like to have. Look at several magazines, watch several TV shows, like House Hunters, and consider your needs. What size of a kitchen would you like? How many bathrooms do you need? Do you want a pool? Should the home be on several acres or would you like for your house to be located in a subdivision? There are several things to consider before trying to find the perfect home.

Decide What You Can Live Without

After you consider what you'd like to have, consider what you would be willing to live without. Do you really need a pool or is this something you could add later on? There will be items that you won't be able to find. For example, it may be hard to find a pool in colder states or a fireplace in warmer states. If there are items you know you might like to have, consider their importance and consider whether or not these are additions you could make after purchasing the property.

Visit Realtor Websites

Realtor websites are a wonderful way to find out what types of homes are available. After all, ads in a newspaper only give you so much information, while a realtor website may have pictures, virtual tours, and very detailed descriptions on various properties. Finding the perfect home is much easier when you take time to look at these websites. Websites like this allow you to avoid homes that aren't what you're looking for.

Look at Several Different Homes

Finding the perfect home requires a lot of foot work. If you want a house that truly meets you needs, you must be willing to look at several different properties. Deciding to choose between five homes may result in a poor choice. Instead take the time and look at any properties that come close to meeting your needs. This ensures that you come closer to finding the perfect home.

Make Folders

When you go to realtor websites print out any information on homes that you might be interested in. When you go to look at a property, take pictures of features that you really like and those that you hate. Also jot down any notes on features you like or dislike. After you have compiled all of this information, make folders for each property. Be sure to include the price of the home along with other important information like the year it was built, the number of rooms, etc. These folders will make finding the perfect home a snap.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area

2011-01-05T13:09:00.000-08:00

This article on evacuation and communication plans, originally published by Wendy Paris on Houselogic.com, lists some essential tips to keep your family safe.

Let’s face it—contemplating catastrophe can be stressful. Some people even feel like they’re courting a disaster by planning for one. That’s a natural response, but it’s not in your best interest as a homeowner. “Denial is a pretty strong emotional mechanism for trying to put yourself at ease,” says Rick Bissell, Ph.D., a professor of emergency health services at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. But, he cautions, “if you deny that a crisis will ever occur, you won’t invest the time or energy in preparing to respond and protect yourself, and you’ll likely be out of luck.” Part of that preparation should include an evacuation and communication plan.

Think about escape routes in advance

It’s hard to think clearly when the floodwaters are rising. That’s why you need to plan how to safely exit your house now, not when you’re panicking during an actual emergency. The particulars of your plan will vary depending on what kind of house you have and whether you live in Tornado Alley or quake-prone Los Angeles, but here are some general guidelines:

• Have two ways to escape every room. Buy escape ladders for upstairs windows, then practice using them.

• Check with local and state officials for regional evacuation routes. Learn the safest way out of town, and keep maps handy.

• Designate a meeting place if family members are scattered. If the rendezvous point is your house, also pick a second location, such as an office or relative’s house, in case home is off-limits.

• Figure out how you’ll transport Fido; a house that’s unsafe for you is also hazardous for your pet. Some communities designate a Pet Protector, a person responsible for retrieving and/or caring for animals if owners can’t. The Humane Society is a good source of information on disaster planning for your pet.

• Obtain a copy of your office or school’s emergency plan. If one doesn’t exist, you could volunteer to create it, helping safeguard your family and your community.

Designate a “communication commander”

An emergency can knock out telephone and cell service, so it’s important to have a “communication commander” who can receive and relay messages between family members. Choose someone out of your area whose phone service is less likely to be disrupted, and give that person cell phone, office numbers, and email addresses for everyone in the family. Each family member should carry the communication commander’s contact info, too. Program it into your cell phone address book and label it “ICE”—in case of emergency. If you’re disabled, an emergency responder will search your phone for ICE contacts.

Use technology to stay in touch

Even when some communications methods don’t work, others might. For instance, text messages can often be sent when other cell service is down; the government and private companies are currently working on a nationwide text-based Emergency Notification System. Here are some other technology workarounds that could help in an emergency or power outage:

• Hook your Internet router to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to keep online service running long enough to send out emergency notifications. You can buy one for under $100 that will keep the computer running for about 15 minutes after the power goes out.

• Keep a corded phone at home. In a power outage, cordless handsets are useless. You can also buy a hand-crank or solar cell-phone charger, such as the Sidewinder crank from Gaiam or the Brunton Solaris portable solar panel.

• If you get separated from your family but have Internet access, you can let others know where you are with the Red Cross’s “Safe and Well” program. On the homepage of redcross.org, click the “List Yourself Here” button. “One of the staples at shelters now is providing computers so people can get online and let people know they’re okay,” says David Riedman, a public affairs officer with FEMA.

• Keep a battery-operated or hand-crank radio in your emergency preparedness kit to get news and instructions.

Having a disaster plan does more than just keep your own family safe. It also serves your community. “When an individual is prepared to handle an emergency themselves, that alleviates a lot of the pressure on emergency response teams,” says FEMA’s Riedman, freeing up emergency workers to deliver help to those who need it most.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area

Investing in Real Estate: A Case Study

2011-01-03T14:57:00.000-08:00

This article originally published by SBG's sister business My Retirement Account Service on their blog, demonstrating how real estate can be used to further your retirement.

What are your investment options in a self-directed IRA?

We recently had this discussion with Tom, a client, who we met through an online discussion forum. His story may sound familiar or similar to yours. He was invested in traditional stocks and bonds through a long time friend and broker. Over the past two years, his account had not preformed badly considering the economic conditions; however, he wanted to take some of his retirement portfolio and diversify into some non-traditional assets.

You may be asking yourself, what is a non-traditional asset?

Great question!

A non-traditional asset could include, but is not limited to: Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, Promissory Notes, Precious Metals, and Real Estate.

Tom was interested in using his retirement account to purchase real estate. He was very familiar with the real estate market in his area. While he was comfortable with the real estate market in his area, the idea of using his retirement funds for real estate investments was completely new to him.

We discovered Tom’s questions about the process on a discussion board. We were glad to take time to answer his questions and eliminate his concerns.

Simply put, the process is no different than buying real property personally.

Tom opened an IRA with MyRA and moved $225,000.00 from his brokerage account to his newly established MyRA self-directed IRA.

Tom had been working with a local real estate agent to find rental property. He made the decision that he would like to have a multi-family unit. His real estate agent located a few different duplexes and quads for Tom to consider.

During the review of the cash flow, location, and conditions of the units, he discovered a duplex that was a must have. The owner had to sell the property. One unit was vacant and one was rented for $700 per month.

Tom discovered that with $5,000 to $10,000 he could make improvements to the units, and, based on the market, both could be rented at $900 to $1,100 per month.

Tom, excited at the possibility, discussed this opportunity with his real estate agent and determined that the asking price on the duplex was $206,000.00. Knowing that improvements were going to be needed, he instructed his agent to offer the seller $190,000.00.

After negotiation, Tom and the seller agreed on a price of $195,000.00, but Tom had to close in 10 days. No problem, thought Tom. His IRA was set up and funded. His $225,000.00 was just waiting for this deal.

He sent a copy of the purchase agreement to MyRA and instructed us to execute the agreement and send the down payment of $5,000.00. At the same time Tom located a local contractor to complete the property improvements. Tom is very capable of completing all the improvements on his own, he is a contractor as well, but he learned through his conversations with the staff at MyRA that he is not able to perform these improvements since this property is held inside his IRA. The updates are quoted at $7,500.00.

Two days prior to the closing date, Tom provided MyRA with all the needed documents and instructed MyRA to fund the remaining amount of $190,000.00. On closing day, MyRA had the closing documents signed and faxed to the closing agent and wired the remaining amount of $190,000.00.That was it!!!! Tom now owned his first piece of property inside his IRA.

Tom’s contractor began the needed improvements and in one month Tom was able to rent out the remaining side of the unit. He kept the rent at $700 for the existing renters and rented the second unit for $1,000 per month. He has every intention of raising the rent for the occupied unit but decided to do it in small increments.

Tom received the invoice for the improvements and sent that into MyRA with instructions to pay the invoice. Tom is excited to review his transaction.

Purchase amount: $195,000.00

Improvement cost: $7,500.00

Total Investment: $202,500.00

Monthly Rent Proceeds: $1,700.00

Property Management Fee: $170.00 (10%)

Monthly Expenses: $510.00 (30%)

Net Monthly Income: $1,020.00

Annual Income: $12,240.00

Annual ROI: 6%

6% returned backed by real estate is not bad at all in a tax-deferred account. But Tom converted his Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. His financial advisor and he decided that this was a good time for him to convert. Because he converted in 2010, Tom will be able to split the tax burden over two tax years, 2011 and 2012.

His 6% is not tax-deferred it is now growing tax-FREE.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.
Learn more about self-directed IRAs and your retirement by visiting http://www.getmyra.com.

Winter Maintenance Chores

2010-12-29T13:51:00.000-08:00

This article on winter maintenance suggestions, originally published by Jim Sulski on Repair-Home.com, lists some ways you can keep your home in great shape throughout the winter.

Winter weather can be tough on your home. But if you undertake some preventative maintenance tasks each winter you can stretch your big-ticket maintenance costs.

The following do-it-yourself chores may take a couple of hours to complete, but they'll help keep your home in top condition throughout the cold months.

December

Each year when you dig out your holiday decorations, take some time to make a visual inspection of your attic. First, check the roof and gable vents to make sure they are clear because the screens can act like lint traps. These vents are paramount because they keep the attic cool during summer. You don't want to get stuck checking these vents in the summer, when temperatures can soar into the 100s. And unobstructed vents allow moist air to escape from the attic in cold weather, lessening the possibility of condensation and mildew in the attic.

While you're up there, check for wasp nests and other signs of pests. During the winter months, wasps are dormant and their nests are easier to remove.

January

This is the time to make sure all the doorknobs in your home are working properly. Often, doorknobs can loosen to the point that they no longer function. A doorknob that pulls off can trap an individual inside a room.

Once a year, tighten the retaining screws that hold a doorknob to its spindle. Also, the screws in the faceplate (on the doorknob) often loosen and need tightening. If the screw hole is larger than the screw, fill it with wood putty. And check the strike plates and latch plates for loose screws.

While checking each doorknob and latch, lubricate each with a bit of chemical lubricant. Don't use household oil because it can gum up the hardware.

February

Though temperatures can fall below freezing during most of this month, the spring rains are not too far away. Hence, this is a good time to inspect your home's sump pump, if it has one. During a rainstorm, water around a house is diverted via pipes into the sump pump pit then ejected into the sewer system by the pump. If the pump isn't working, your basement can flood.

Remove the sump pit's cover and make sure the bottom of the pit is free of debris. Then, test the pump by pouring water into the pit until it rises about eight inches or so, raising the pump's ballcock. The pump should then vacuum the water out of the pit via a vertical pipe.

If the pump isn't working properly, it's probably less expensive to replace it rather than fix it.

Also, check the exhaust pipe for leakage. And, if your home has window wells around the basement windows, check to make sure that the drains in those are clear of leaves or other debris. Otherwise, water can enter through the windows.

Year Round Tasks

Make sure you change the batteries on all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home at least twice a year. Fire Department officials recommend that this is done in the spring and fall when we reset our clocks and "fall back" and "spring ahead".

Although most homeowners think of it as a spring or fall job, check your gutters for debris every other month. A clogged gutter can cause water damage to a home when rainwater backs up over the gutter and washes over the side of a house.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Wood Fireplace: 9 Tips for Safety and Efficiency

2010-12-28T09:08:00.000-08:00

This article on wood fireplace safety, originally published by Wendy Paris on Houselogic.com, lists some essential tips to keep you warm and safe this winter.

Ready for the colder months? You will be if you follow these simple guidelines to keep your wood fireplace burning brightly—and safely.

1. Only burn dry, cured wood—logs that have been split, stacked, and dried for eight to 12 months. Cover your log pile on top, but leave the sides open for air flow.

Hardwoods such as hickory, white oak, beech, sugar maple, and white ash burn longest, though dry firewood is more important than the species. Less dense woods like spruce or white pine burn well if sufficiently dry, but you’ll need to add more wood to your fire more often, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

2. Burn firewood and only firewood! Crates, lumber, construction scraps, painted wood, or other treated wood releases chemicals into your home, compromising air quality. Log starters are fine for getting your wood fireplace going, but they burn very hot; generally only use one at a time.

3. Close the damper when not using your wood fireplace to prevent warm indoor air—and the dollars you’re spending to heat it—from rushing up the chimney.

4. Keep bifold glass doors open when burning a fire to allow heat to get into the room. On a factory-built, prefab wood fireplace with a circulating fan, keep doors closed to prevent unnecesary heat loss.

5. Have a chimney cap installed to prevent objects, rain, and snow from falling into your chimney, and to reduce downdrafts. Caps have side vents so smoke escapes. A chimney sweep usually provides and can install a stainless steel cap, which is better than a galvanized metal one because it won’t rust. Caps cost $50 to $200.

6. Replace a poorly sealing damper to prevent heat loss. A top-mounted damper that also functions as a rain cap provides a tighter closure than a traditional damper for your wood fireplace.

7. Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors in your house—near your wood fireplace as well as in bedroom areas.

8. Get your chimney cleaned twice a year if you burn more than three cords of wood annually. A cord is 4 feet high by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long, or the amount that would fill two full-size pickup trucks.

9. To burn a fire safely, build it slowly, adding more wood as it heats. Keep the damper of your wood fireplace completely open to increase draw in the early stages. Burn the fire hot, at least occasionally—with the damper all the way open to help prevent smoke from lingering in the fireplace and creosote from developing.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?

2010-12-22T07:39:00.000-08:00

This article on tankless water heaters, originally published by Joe Bousquin on Houselogic.com, lists some essential items to keep you safe and prepared regardless of the weather.

If you’re a hot water multitasker who washes clothes, dishes, and yourself at the same time, a low-capacity tankless water heater could serve you a “cold water sandwich” or leave you high and dry. But tankless water heaters, which heat water only on demand, are more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters, which warm water whether you need it or not. What’s the best way for you to get into hot water? Read on.

Traditional vs. tankless water heater

Traditional hot water heaters typically live in your basement and provide gallons of hot water at one time: an 80-gallon tank heats enough water to shower, run a dishwasher, and do a load of laundry simultaneously. But standby energy loss is significant with hot water heaters, and once you’ve exhausted the hot water supply, you’ll wait 20 to 60 minutes for the heater to cook up more.

A tankless water heater produces hot water only when you need it. When you turn on the faucet, water is heated on the spot as it flows through capillary-like pipes heated by either a powerful gas burner or electric coils. (There are no oil-fired on-demand water heaters on the market.)

Gush to a trickle

Although a tankless water heater can pump hot water all day, it can’t produce a large amount all at once. And it can snap you out of a hot shower bliss with the “cold water sandwich effect,” a sudden splash of cold water that results from turning the hot water faucet on and off repeatedly.

A traditional tank heater puts out 7.5 to 9.5 gallons of water per minute (GPM), enough to shower, run the dishwasher, and do a load of laundry all at the same time. The typical tankless water heater, however, puts out only 2.5 to 5 GPM, enough to handle only two uses at a time.

Be warned: Not all flow rates are calculated the same. Energy Star measures GPM based on a 77-degree increase in water temperature for the incoming supply, while some companies list their GPM flows at 35- and 45-degree rises. The more heat the water requires to reach the desired temperature, the slower the flow rate.

High upfront costs

A gas-fired tankless water heater system costs $1,500 to buy and install, nearly double the price of a conventional gas water heater, and $575 more than a high-efficiency tank model. In addition, while a conventional water heater typically uses a half-inch gas line, a tankless water heater requires three-quarter-inch pipe. That plumbing change costs from $25 to $40 a foot, potentially adding many hundreds to initial costs.   On the bright side, your new energy-efficient unit may qualify for a 30% federal tax credit up to $1,500 on purchase and installation through 2010.

An electric tankless water heater costs as little as $400 installed. But it doesn’t qualify for a tax credit because it is less efficient than gas and is better suited for point-of-use applications, such as instant kitchen hot water, rather than a whole-house system.

Installing multiple units

One solution to the limited output problem is to install multiple on-demand units. Because it’s small—about the size of a carry-on suitcase—you can place a tankless water heater along any stretch of pipe—in the attic, basement, closet, or crawlspace. You can install two or three units to serve different parts of the house, or even dedicate a unit for a particular use, say a washing machine.

Multiple on-demand units increase overall energy efficiency. By bringing hot water close to where it’s needed, you reduce energy loss and increase efficiency by 50% over a conventional hot water tank system, about $165 in annual savings for an average household.

Energy and money savings

• According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, a tankless water heater is more efficient and uses less energy than a conventional water heater, providing a $25 to $107 in annual savings.

• If your hot water use is low (less than 41 gallons per day), a tankless water heater will be 24% to 34% more efficient.

• If your hot water usage is high (about 86 gallons per day), a tankless water heater is 8% to 14% more energy efficient.

• Installing an on-demand unit at each hot water faucet gives an energy savings of 27% to 50%.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Make A Home Emergency Preparedness Kit

2010-12-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

This article on preparing a home emergency preparedness kit, originally published by Wendy Paris on Houselogic.com, lists some essential items to keep you safe and prepared regardless of the weather.

Putting together a home emergency preparedness kit you hope never to use may seem like a waste of time and money. But when disasters happen that are beyond your control, you can take charge of how you respond.

Items for an emergency preparedness kit

Store all items in an easy-to-carry bag or suitcase that’s readily accessible. Make sure everyone in the family knows where it is and what it contains. If you need to evacuate your home quickly, here are the essentials you’ll need for a basic “grab and go” kit:

Water: One gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation; double if you live in a very hot climate, have young kids, or are nursing. Bottled water is best, but you can also store tap water in food-grade containers or two-liter soda bottles that have been sanitized. Factor in your pet’s water needs, too.

Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishables and a can opener. Pack protein, fruit, and vegetables, but make sure they’re in a form you actually like—it’s bad enough not to have access to fresh food without also having to subsist on nothing but canned tuna. Include treats like cereal bars, trail mix, and candy bars. Store food in pest-proof plastic or metal tubs and keep it in a cool, dry place.

Flashlights and extra batteries: Candles are not recommended because there are many house fires caused by candles left unattended.

First-aid supplies: Two pairs of sterile gloves, adhesive bandages and sterile dressings, soap or other cleanser, antibiotic towelettes and ointment, burn ointment, eye wash, thermometer, scissors, tweezers, petroleum jelly, aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, and stomach analgesics such as Tums or Pepto-Bismol, and a laxative.

Sanitation and hygiene supplies: Moist towelettes in sealed packets, paper towels, toilet paper, garbage bags, and plastic ties. You might also want travel-size shampoo, toothpaste/toothbrush, and deodorant.

Radio or TV: Keep a portable, battery- or crank-operated radio or television and extra batteries to remain connected in case the power goes out, as well as an extra cell phone charger. You can buy an emergency radio online from the Red Cross.

Helpful extras: Duct tape, dust masks, a signal whistle, toys for kids.

Cash: Have at least $100 in your kit.

Tailor a emergency preparedness kit to your needs

Along with the basics like food and water, it’s important to have what you need for your particular situation. You may not need extra blankets in southern California, but you do need escape ladders in case of wildfire. And you’ll want extra blankets to survive a winter power outage in Maine.

Update your emergency preparedness kit regularly

Replace all food and water approaching its expiration date. Replace batteries. You might pick a specific time each year to check, such as before hurricane season in the south or after Thanksgiving if you live in the north.

Buy a pre-made kit

As an alternative to making your own kit, you can buy a fully stocked kit from the American Red Cross. A kit with a three-day supply of essentials for one adult costs $50 to $70.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Portable Generators: Backup Power at a Lower Cost

2010-12-17T15:24:00.000-08:00

This article on portable home back-up generators, originally published by Wendy Paris on Houselogic.com, shows another option to keep your family secure as the Winter weather season begins.

A storm has knocked out power to your neighborhood, but you need to use your computer for work today. A portable generator might be the fastest way to whirl back into action. Unlike a large, permanently installed standby generator, a portable backup unit requires less money up front—about $500 to $2,000, versus $4,000 and up for standby power. It’s also easier to get up and running. You can purchase one online, from a local lawn-equipment dealer, or at a big-box store. Then simply drive it home and store it in the garage or shed. In an emergency, wheel it out, gas it up, pull the starter cord, and you’ve got your own mini electric plant. These units are not without their downsides, chief among them that you have to be home to operate them. But if you’re in the market for backup power and trying to decide what kind is right for you, here are the questions to ask.
Is price the deciding factor? If yes, go portable

The main appeal of a portable generator over a standby is savings. You can buy a good 3kW unit for under $500, an 8kW for $1,500 to $2,000 and a 10kW for about $2,000. Prices vary depending on where you buy it and what brand you choose. Leading manufacturers include Briggs & Stratton, Subaru, Honda, and Generac.

Installation and operating costs are minimal—mostly the cost of fuel. Cheapest is “pour and plug”: You haul out the generator, pour in the gas, and plug in extension cords you’ve run from essential appliances like the computer, lamps, and refrigerator.

Slightly more expensive but more convenient is to hire an electrician to run a 220-volt line from your circuit breaker panel to a receptacle installed outside, a task that takes a couple of hours and costs a couple hundred dollars. That way, in the event of an emergency you can plug the generator into the receptacle and switch on the circuits you need.
How much power do you need? If not much, portable’s okay

Portable units for home use provide anywhere for 3kW to10kW of power. That’s enough to run some household essentials—as long as your “essentials” don’t include the plasma TV, central air conditioner, and Jacuzzi tub. “You can probably run a water pump, a heater, some lights, and your refrigerator with a 5kW to 8kW unit,” says Chris Sauer, owner of G & G Lawn and Power in Stone Ridge, NY.

You could go bigger, but operating a high-powered portable can get difficult and carries some risks. Which brings us to the next question:
How much risk are you comfortable with? If some, consider portable

A portable generator sits within extension-cord range of the house, chugging away like a little car. And like a car, it gives off smelly exhaust fumes, heat, and noise. If not properly ventilated, a portable could cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

“You’ve got to monitor the system very closely,” says Jack Minick, a field representative with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and specialist in disaster recovery. “I set mine in front of my garage door, where I have limited extension cords, and inside, we’re very careful.”
How much inconvenience can you take? If a fair amount, consider portable

Your generator’s gas tank will hold, on average, from three to six gallons, meaning you’ll need to run outside to refill it, even if it’s 10 degrees below zero and snowing. It can take 34 gallons of gas to run an average-size portable for two days.

Because gasoline can “gum up” if left standing too long, there’s always a chance that your portable generator won’t start, much like that other finicky piece of gas-powered equipment, the lawnmower. Luckily, there’s no such thing as a lawn-mowing emergency. But you’ll have to exercise your generator by starting it up a couple of times a year to make sure it will run when you need it.
Will you be around during a power outage? If not, a portable’s not for you

Unlike a standby generator, a portable requires people power, too. If you’re not home to turn it on after a hurricane, it’s just another hunk of metal in your slowly flooding garage.

Still, with all the inconveniences, a portable generator delivers just what many homeowners want—emergency backup power at a reasonable cost. “I spent $1,000 rather than the $8,000 I’d have spent on a standby unit,” says Sauer. “If the power goes out, I can just wheel it out and get it going.”

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Is a Standby Generator Right for You?

2010-12-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

This article on permanent home back-up generators, originally published by Wendy Paris on Houselogic.com, shows one option to keep your family secure as the winter weather season begins.

The next time a storm knocks out your power—again—you may find yourself thinking about a standby generator. Unlike a portable backup generator, which you store in the garage or shed and roll out during an emergency, a standby generator is permanently installed on a gravel bed or concrete pad next to your house. If the power goes out, an electronic switch automatically signals the unit to turn on, keeping essential household systems and appliances running even if you’re miles away.

Such systems, which start at about $5,000 and go as high as $40,000, recoup about 48.5% of their cost at resale, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2010-11 Cost vs. Value Report. Always-on protection doesn’t come cheap. Here’s how to decide if it’s right for you.

When permanent standby makes sense

As with any insurance policy, when you buy a backup generator there’s no telling when, or even if, you’ll need it. Whether it’s worth the investment depends on your personal situation, your tolerance for interruptions, and your budget.

If you live in an area with frequent, prolonged outages, rely on electrically powered medical equipment, or work at home and need to stay connected, a backup generator can protect you from a disruption you may not be able to afford.

If you live where hurricanes strike, a generator safeguards family members, especially children and the elderly, against the risks of sweltering heat. If you own a second home, particularly in areas where temperatures regularly dip below freezing, it can protect your property when you’re not around. “A lot of weekenders buy standby generators,” says dealer Chris Sauer, owner of G&G Lawn and Power in Stone Ridge, New York. “It’s a lot more expensive to have your pipes freeze and flood your house than it is to buy a generator.”

If you decide the benefits are worth the cost, here’s how to proceed.

Assess your power needs

Generators are sized according to wattage produced: The more watts, the bigger the unit—and the higher the price tag.

Wattage usage varies from house to house. Your generator supplier or local electrician can do a wattage assessment, or you can ballpark it yourself with an online calculator. You can also get general guidelines from national dealers such as Colorado Standby or Electric Generators Direct.

The next step is deciding what you want your generator to power. At minimum, you can run an “emergency panel” of necessities—say, a central air conditioning unit, the refrigerator, and a handful of lights and outlets. “A 17-kilowatt unit is the standard size for an emergency panel, because it has enough power for a central AC unit,” says Will Ferrigno, owner of Assurance Power in Boca Raton, Florida. If you live in a northern climate with no AC and gas heat, your emergency panel could be as small as 7kW, enough to power some lights, the fridge, and gas furnace.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is a generator with enough wattage to power your whole house. A 3,000-square-foot house with two central air conditioners, an electric range, and a whirlpool tub might require as much as 25kW to 30kW.

A third, newer option is a “load-management system,” a generator that can power everything in your house, just not all at once. Such a system could run that same 3,000-square-foot house with about 20kW, cutting power to nonessential circuits as necessary.

Consult the right professionals

Most of the time, your generator supplier will also provide setup service. That’s a good option, because you know the installer will be familiar with your equipment. A less expensive way to go—and your only option if you’ve purchased the generator online—is to hire a plumber to connect the unit to its fuel source (usually propane or natural gas, though some run on diesel) and an electrician to hook it into your house’s power supply. Both should be licensed and certified for the brand of equipment you’re installing and familiar with local codes that govern such things as how close the generator can sit to the house, how big the fuel storage tank can be, and whether you need a permit.
Calculate your costs

Prices vary by brand and location (just try buying one in South Florida after a hurricane), but an emergency panel unit of 7kW starts at around $4,500 before installation, while a 17kW unit runs from about $6,000 uninstalled to $12,000 fully set up. A 25kW to 30kW model costs from about $13,000 uninstalled to between $20,000 and $30,000 with installation. The national average for an installed system, according to the Cost Vs. Value Report, is about $14,700.

The type of fuel also affects cost. You may need to plumb for a gas line, for instance, or purchase and install a propane tank. Diesel units come with their own tanks, but diesel fuel is expensive and needs regular treatment so that it doesn’t clog the engine over time. (Even if your generator never kicks in, it will burn about 10 gallons of fuel a year in weekly self-tests.) “Talk to your plumber and your utility company before you buy a generator to make sure you can get an affordable power source,” says Brad Corgill, a technical sales rep at Colorado Standby in Colorado Springs.

Once you’re set up, you won’t have to worry about being stuck in the dark or freezing cold again. What’s more, a standby generator can add to your home’s value, which should make you feel doubly warm all over.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

2010-12-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

This article on ways to reduce your home's energy usage, originally published by Charlotte Barnard on Houselogic.com, shows how small changes can make a big difference on your energy bill.

Give your pocketbook and Mother Nature a gift this season by taking advantage of these simple, surprising ways to save energy and money.

Put Lamps in the Corners

Did you know you can switch to a lower wattage bulb in a lamp or lower its dimmer switch and not lose a noticeable amount of light? It’s all about placement. When a lamp is placed in a corner, the light reflects off the adjoining walls, which makes the room lighter and brighter.

Switch to a Laptop

If you’re reading this article on a laptop, you’re using 1/3 less energy than if you’re reading this on a desktop.

Choose an LCD TV

If you’re among those considering a flat-screen upgrade from your conventional, CRT TV, choose an LCD screen for the biggest energy save.

Give your Water Heater a Blanket

Just like you pile on extra layers in the winter, your hot water heater can use some extra insulation too. A fiberglass insulation blanket is a simple addition that can cut heat loss and save 4% to 9% on the average water-heating bill.

Turn Off the Burner Before You’re Done Cooking

When you turn off an electric burner, it doesn’t cool off immediately. Use that to your advantage by turning it off early and using the residual heat to finish up your dish.

Add Motion Sensors

You might be diligent about shutting off unnecessary lights, but your kids? Not so much. Adding motion sensors to playrooms and bedrooms cost only $15 to $50 per light, and ensures you don’t pay for energy that you’re not using.

Spin Laundry Faster

The faster your washing machine can spin excess water out of your laundry, the less you’ll need to use your dryer. Many newer washers spin clothes so effectively, they cut drying time and energy consumption in half—which results in an equal drop in your dryer’s energy bill.

Use an Ice Tray

Stop using your automatic icemaker. It increases your fridge’s energy consumption by 14% to 20%. Ice trays, on the other hand, don’t increase your energy costs one iota.

Use the Dishwasher

If you think doing your dishes by hand is greener than powering up the dishwasher, you’re wrong. Dishwashers use about 1/3 as much hot water and relieve that much strain from your energy-taxing water heater. Added bonus: you don’t have to wash any dishes.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

LED Holiday Lights: 6 Need-to-Know Tips

2010-12-10T12:25:00.000-08:00

This article on ways to reduce your home's energy usage, originally published by Charlotte Barnard on Houselogic.com, gives you important tips to ease your energy bill as you decorate for the Holidays.

Should you chuck all your good old holiday light strings and buy new LED holiday lights? Here’s how to decide.

1. LED holiday lights save you money. LED lights use at least 90% less energy than traditional holiday lights, according to the U.S. government’s Energy Star program.

That results in a $50 energy savings for the average family during the holidays, says Avital Binshtock of the Sierra Club in San Francisco.

Put it into perspective: The amount of electricity consumed by one 7-watt incandescent bulb could power 140 LEDs—enough to light two 24-foot strings, says Energy Star.

2. But LED lights typically cost more than old-fashioned holiday lights.
GE 100-bulb string of Energy Star-certified LED white lights: $18.97 at Lowe’s
GE 100-bulb string of conventional white lights: $8.97

But shop around because a growing number of retailers are offering sales on LED holiday lights and, if you can’t find a sale before the holidays, you can certainly find one after. Plus, prices will surely go down as these lights gain traction.

3. LED holiday lights last and last. LED bulbs can keep your season bright for as long as 100,000 hours, says Cathy Choi, president of Moonachie, N.J.-based Bulbrite, which manufactures LED and regular bulbs. That’s substantially longer than the life of your old holiday light strings.

4. You can string a BIG strand of LED lights. Safety wise, you shouldn’t connect more than three traditional light strings, but you can connect up to 87 LED holiday light strings, totaling a whopping 1,500 feet, Choi says. So blow your neighbor’s display away by cocooning your house in lights:
You won’t have to buy as many extension cords.

You can take your holiday lighting display further away from the outlet.

5. LED lights reduce the risk of fire. They stay cooler than incandescent bulbs, according to Energy Star.

6. How about that hue? Some people stick with their old lights because they don’t like the brighter hue that white LED holiday lights emit. But Choi says manufacturers now offer a “warm white” bulb that more closely mimics the glow of an incandescent light. Be sure to read the label to choose a bright or warm white and to ensure what you’re purchasing is Energy Star-certified.

Colored and color-changing LED holiday lights are more vibrant than conventional lights, making your display easier to see from the street, Choi says.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

2010-12-08T15:28:00.000-08:00

This article on ways to reduce your home's energy usage, originally published by Charlotte Barnard on Houselogic.com, gives you important tips to ease your energy bill as they begin to climb due to winter usage.

Lighting is one of the biggest energy gobblers in your house, eating up between 10% and 20% of your total electric bill. But it’s also one area of the home where a minimal effort can yield major returns. Simply replacing standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents can lower operating costs by as much as 75% per bulb. And in places where you can’t—or don’t want to—switch to CFLs, you can use higher-efficiency incandescents and even make your existing conventional lighting cheaper to operate. When new federal legislation takes effect in 2012, all light bulbs will have to meet tougher energy-efficiency standards. But with a few small changes, you can start saving money right now.

For the greatest savings, switch to compact fluorescents

CFLs remain the go-to choice for energy efficiency. They last longer and consume less electricity than a standard incandescent. A 13-watt CFL, for example, gives off the same amount of light as a 60-watt incandescent and burns for 10,000 hours, compared with 1,000 hours for the conventional bulb. A typical CFL saves about $30 in operating costs over its lifetime.

Early CFLs didn’t always deliver on light quality or convenience, but aesthetic performance has improved vastly in recent years. They now come in warm, neutral, and cool “colors,” and major manufacturers like GE have started enclosing the telltale spiral in a conventional bulb shape so it’s less obtrusive.

You get the biggest bang for your buck with CFLs in places where you would otherwise use incandescent bulbs: floor and table lamps and standard overhead fixtures. They last longer when they’re not flipped on and off constantly, so they’re especially good in rooms that see a lot of activity throughout the day, such as a kitchen or a playroom. A couple of caveats: CFLs can be glary, so they’re not the best choice in downward-pointing fixtures like chandeliers, and most don’t work with dimmers or timers. Because the bulbs contain mercury, they can’t be thrown out in the regular trash. If you bought them at a home center, you should be able to return them there for recycling, or log on to recycleabulb.com to find a disposal center near you.

Cost and savings: Expect to pay $2 to $15 for a CFL, versus 50 cents to $1 for a comparable incandescent, but the CFL will last at least 10 times longer and cost up to 75% less to operate.

Make your existing incandescents less expensive to run

By simply lowering the wattage of an incandescent bulb by 15 watts—from 75 to 60, for example—you can knock 15% off the operating cost. And you may not even notice the difference in brightness. “A small reduction in wattage isn’t discernible to the eye,” says Brett Sawyer, a consultant who blogs about sustainable home design. If the light is on a dimmer, for every 10% you lower the brightness, you’ll double the bulb’s life. Try this next weekend, Sawyer says: Replace your most-used bulbs with ones at least 10 watts lower. If you don’t notice the difference, then replace all the incandescents you can with lower-wattage bulbs. Combine that with CFLs in selected fixtures, and you’ll achieve a “light layering” effect that saves money without compromising light quality, and without a hefty upfront investment.

Cost and savings: For every 15-watt reduction, you reduce energy use by 15%. And a $10 dimmer, once installed, costs nothing to use.

Keep an eye on new bulb technologies

Spurred on by new energy requirements set to go into effect in 2012, bulb manufacturers are working feverishly to come up with more efficient versions of the standard incandescent. Presently, companies including GE, Sylvania, and Philips offer high-efficiency incandescent and halogen bulbs that use less energy than standard incandescents while delivering the same light quality. And research is proceeding apace on how to bring the dramatic energy efficiency of LED technology to residential products. These lights, which require very little current and last even longer than CFLs, are prohibitively expensive for home use (except in certain applications like under-cabinet strip lighting), but that’s likely to change in the coming years.

Think beyond the bulb to save on lighting costs

Changing bulbs is one way to reduce your lighting bill, but it’s not the only way.

Motion sensors: Great in rooms where the occupants can’t be counted on to turn off the light, such as a kids’ playroom. Devices cost $15 to $50 and take about an hour to install.

Door-jamb switches: Best in a pantry or closet; opening the door activates the light. As much a convenience as it is an energy saver—as long as you remember to close the door. Devices starts at about $15.

Windows: You’d be surprised at how much a simple window cleaning can instantly improve natural light.

Energy Star fixtures: Designed for CFL and LED lights, these can save up to $70 a year in energy costs. Go to energystar.gov to find links to manufacturers.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

5 Tips for Saving Energy in the Family Room

2010-12-06T15:06:00.000-08:00

This article on ways to reduce your home's energy usage, originally published by Jane Hodges on Houselogic.com, gives you important tips to easy your energy bill as they begin to climb due to winter usage.

The fun—a video game console, TV, DVR, DVD, and stereo system—that your family room provides comes with a price. By reducing standby power, using rechargeable batteries in remotes, and replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents, you could save up to $130 a year in energy costs.

And if you’re in the market for a new TV, you can save even more energy by being flexible on the type you buy.

1. Reconsider that plasma TV. The three biggest energy hogs in the family room are the plasma television, DVR/Tivo box, and digital cable box, says the nonprofit American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, which promotes energy efficiency to consumers and government policymakers.

A typical plasma TV (less than 40 inches) consumes 441 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, according to ACEEE. That translates into about $50 (based on 11.3 cents per kilowatt hour). Next up are TiVo devices at $41 annually, followed by digital cable boxes at $27. Both devices are always fully on because they constantly receive and download data.

Opting for an LCD (liquid crystal display) TV will cost about $8 to operate annually—for an annual savings of about $42 over the plasma. Of course, weigh your decision against the cost of a new TV.

2. Reduce standby power. Vampire power—the energy that’s wasted by electronic devices that are plugged in, but not in use—represents about $100 per year in the average household’s electricity costs, says Energy Star. Assuming the family room represents about 15% of your electricity bill, you could save about $15 per year with smart standby practices.

Unplug rarely used electronics (like that karaoke machine) altogether and cluster other appliances, even adapters for cell phones and digital cameras, onto power strips ($3-$12 for a six-outlet strip). Then you can fully turn off all attached electronics with one switch.

Unfortunately, some family room electronics, such as set-top boxes and downloading devices like TiVo, can’t be turned off, because that would disrupt the digital data-gathering you’ve programmed them to do. But with a so-called smart power strip (about $20 to $40 through online retailers), you can completely turn off your TV while leaving the always-on DVR plugged in.

3. Opt for Energy Star-rated electronics. They’re anywhere from 6% (audio products) to 75% (DVD players) more efficient than non-rated electronics. Take Energy Star-rated television sets. They use about one-third less energy than their nonrated counterparts.

If you can’t live without plasma, consider an Energy Star model for which you’ll pay $18 less per year in operating costs than for a nonrated one. If you use an Energy Star-rated digital cable box (ask your provider if any are available for no charge), you could pay 30% less for energy—an annual savings of about $8.50. Energy Star hasn’t yet published data on swapping out a DVR or Tivo device.

4. Invest in rechargeable batteries. No, they won’t help you save on your electric bill. But you’ll save on the cost of batteries for your video game system and other entertainment remotes, according to PJ Stafford, founder of Green Irene, an eco-consulting company that provides energy and environmental makeovers to homeowners. You’ll help the environment, too. For every rechargeable battery you buy, you prevent at least 500 single-use batteries from entering the waste stream, Stafford says.

Consider a game system charger station, which runs about $25, or outfit your media room with 10 rechargeable batteries and two chargers for $55 to $65. (Rechargeable AA and AAA batteries cost $3 to 3.50 apiece, versus 75 cents to $1 for disposables; a charger costs $25 to $30.) That investment in rechargeable batteries and chargers, in lieu of 500 batteries over four years, adds up to about $310 to $445 in savings. Buying a charging system for your video game system eliminates the need to buy batteries for the controllers.

Call your local trash collection service to find out which batteries can be recycled or taken to a transfer station versus being thrown away. If you’re doing a major sweep-out of old batteries and appliances, consider Big Green Box, which lets you send your devices and batteries to a sustainable processing facility. Recycle old rechargeable batteries for free via programs like Call 2 Recycle.

5. Replace bulbs with compact fluorescents. By replacing one 60-watt incandescent bulb with the equivalent compact fluorescent in a family room where lights are on for four hours per day, you could save $7 per year. CFLs cost between $2 and $15.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

2010-12-03T16:26:00.000-08:00

This article on ways to reduce the energy your water heater uses, originally published by Joe Bousquine on Houselogic.com, gives you important tips to easy your energy bill as they begin to climb due to winter usage.

In the saving energy fight, your hot water heater is a born loser. That’s because most U.S. houses sport a conventional storage-type water heater. That 50-gallon tank in the basement wants to keep water hot and ready whenever you want it. But as the water sits, it naturally cools down, a process known as “standby heat loss.” When the water cools, the burner or heating element kicks on to warm it up again, in a constantly repeating cycle.

According to the Department of Energy, water heating accounts for 14% to 25% of your household’s total energy costs—more than $300 per year. Trim those hot water costs with these 5 smart tips for saving energy.

Saving Energy Tip #1: Wrap your heater in a blanket

Your water heater needs a blanket in the winter to stay warm, especially if it lives in an unheated space. A fiberglass insulating blanket can cut heat loss by 25% to 40% and save 4% to 9% on the average water-heating bill of $308, says the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

Insulating blankets are easy to install and inexpensive ($30). When dressing your tank for saving energy, be careful not to block the thermostat on an electric water heater or the air inlet and exhaust on a gas unit.

Many newer units already contain insulating foam, making a blanket unnecessary and even hazardous; it can block critical components. Check with your manufacturer.

Saving Energy Tip #2: Install low-flow fixtures

One sure way to cut hot water costs is to use less of it.

The ACEEE says a family of four uses 700 gallons of hot water per week. Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators ($10 to $20 each) and cut hot water consumption by 25% to 60%, typically $200 off the average U.S. household water bill of $475, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Also, make sure you use the “economy” setting on your dishwasher, and break the pre-washing habit. Modern dishwashers can handle a dirty dish. Scrape what’s left of dinner into the trash and then load.

Saving Energy Tip #3: Take your water heater's temperature

Your water heater probably came from the factory with its temperature set high. For every 10 degrees you turn it down, you’ll save 3% to 5% on your bill. A setting at 120 to 140 degrees is hot enough. Just don’t go below 120 degrees, which could lead to bacteria growth inside the tank.

If the thermostat on your water heater doesn’t have a numbered gauge, put it midway between the “low” and “medium” marks. Wait a day, and then measure the tap temperature with a cooking thermometer. Keep adjusting until you hit your target temperature.

Saving Energy Tip #4: Drain the sediment

Tanks naturally build up sediment, which reduces efficiency and makes saving energy a challenge.

Draining the tank and saving energy is relatively easy. Turn off the water and power to the unit (set the burner on a gas unit to “pilot”). Connect a garden hose to the spigot at the base of the tank. With the other end of the hose pointed at your floor drain, carefully lift the tank’s pressure-relief valve and turn on the spigot; water should begin to flow.

While most manufacturers recommend draining the tank once or twice a year, you don’t have to drain it completely; in fact, the Department of Energy recommends draining less water more often—just a quart every three months.

Saving Energy Tip #5: Insulate exposed hot-water pipes

Like blanketing the tank, wrapping insulation around hot-water pipes reduces standby losses. Water arrives at the tap 2 to 4 degrees warmer, which means you won’t have to wait as long for it to heat up, thus saving energy, water, and money.

While this isn’t an expensive DIY job—6-foot-long, self-sealing sleeves ($2.50) easily slip over pipes—it could take effort, depending on where your hot water pipes are located. Exposed pipes in the basement are an easy target: hard-to-reach pipes in crawl spaces or walls might not be worth the trouble.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Chimney Maintenance for Warmth and Safety

2010-12-01T14:06:00.000-08:00

This article on fireplace safety, originally published by Wendy Paris on Houselogic.com, gives you many important fireplace considerations as the weather turns cold.

The byproduct of enjoying a crackling flame is creosote buildup (the major cause of chimney fires) and soot, which can restrict air flow and damage the fireplace chimney. Even a gas fireplace chimney can become blocked by a bird’s nest or other debris. Prevent problems with an annual chimney inspection.
What does a chimney inspection cover?

An annual chimney inspection looks for buildup and blockages, followed by sweeping to remove problems inhibiting performance.

Most chimney inspectors/sweeps offer three levels of service:
A level-one chimney inspection includes a visual check of the fireplace and chimney without any special equipment or climbing up on the roof.

The inspector/sweeper comes to your house with a flashlight; looks for damage, obstructions, creosote buildup, and soot; and tells you if the chimney requires sweeping. If so, the chimney sweep will use brushes, extension poles, and a vacuum, and do it on the spot.

Cost: $79 to $200.

A level-two chimney inspection is vital if you’ve experienced an earthquake or a dramatic weather event, like a tornado or hurricane; if you’ve made a major change to your fireplace; or bought a house.

This includes a level-one chimney inspection, plus the inspector’s time to visit the roof, attic, and crawl space in search of disrepair as well as the use of video scanning and other special tools. It concludes with a sweep, if necessary, and information on what repair is needed.

Cost: $100 to $500.

A level-three chimney inspection is considered “destructive and intrusive” and can resemble a demolition job. It may involve tearing down and rebuilding walls and your chimney, and is usually done after a chimney fire.

Cost: $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the size and location of the chimney.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

2010-11-29T14:27:00.000-08:00

This article was originally published by Joseph D'Agnese on Houselogic.com with some security system considerations in case you want to take your home security to the next level.

Few events are as unsettling as coming home to a house that’s been broken into. A home security system can provide not simply a sense of safety but also genuine protection from burglars who are looking to rob a defenseless house.

What you’ll pay

A home security system’s price comes in two forms. First, there’s the equipment cost, which can vary from $250 to $700, depending on the options you choose. Some companies may offer a basic package at a deep discount just to get your business.

They make their real money on the monthly monitoring fee, which ensures that someone is keeping an eye on your home 24/7. Expect to pay $35 to $75 a month for that peace of mind.

Talk to your insurance agent about a discount

You might be able to save money. Some insurance companies will shave off a percentage of your yearly premium if you have an electronic alarm system; a few go as high as 20%.

With an average national premium of $800, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, that means a basic security system can pay for itself in as little as three years.

Prepare for light construction…

Installing a basic home security system takes a pro about three hours. If you’re building a new house or an addition, you can simply run the wires through open walls. Retrofitting an older home takes more time.

…Or go wireless

You can also go completely wireless. In this case, key components of your home security system are battery-powered and communicate with a monitor device inside your home. That monitor is in touch with a remote cellular network—the heart of your provider’s service.

Some critics point out that a wireless home security system can be disabled more easily than a wired one.

Get more than security

Sensors or detectors can be added to address just about any household danger, from fire to carbon monoxide poisoning. Elderly home owners can even get a wearable “panic button” in case they fall or need assistance.

Some home security systems are part of a larger home automation complex that will adjust your home’s temperature, turn lights on and off depending on whether a room is occupied or not, and even water your landscape plants when soil dries out. Expect to pay $5,000 or more for a full home automation system.

The key element: you

For all its bells and whistles, a home security system is useless if you don’t use it correctly and consistently. Resolve to learn how to arm and disarm your system, teach each family member, and use it daily.   And don’t forget to use those stickers and signs to broadcast your new home security system. Some security experts say their presence is the biggest deterrent of all.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Do-It-Yourself Home Security Check: 5 Essential Steps

2010-11-22T13:50:00.000-08:00

This article was originally published by Joseph D'Agnese on Houselogic.com with some home security advice so you can leave your house for your holiday getaway feeling more secure.

A professionally installed and monitored home security system is a nice addition to your home’s defenses, but it shouldn’t be step one. First, conduct your own home security check. After you’ve inspected your home’s doors and windows, make sure these essential steps are covered:

1. Keep your home well-maintained on the outside

Burglars want an easy target. Stand on the street outside your house and ask yourself: Does my property look neglected, hidden, or uninhabited? A front door or walkway that’s obscured by shrubbery offers crooks the perfect cover they need while they break a door or window. To improve security, trim shrubs away from windows and widen front walks.

2. Install motion detector lights

All sides of your house should be well-lit with motion-activated lighting, not just the front. Simple motion-activated floodlights cost less than $50 each, and installing them is an easy DIY job if the wiring is already in place.

3. Store your valuables

Thieves want easy-to-grab electronics, cash, jewelry, and other valuables, though some are not above running down the street with your flat-screen TV. Most make a beeline for the master bedroom, because that’s where you’re likely to hide spare cash, jewelry, even guns.   Tour each room and ask yourself: is there anything here that I can move to a safe deposit box? Installing a home safe ($150 to $500) that’s bolted to your basement slab is a good repository for items you don’t use on a daily basis.

4. Secure your data

While you probably won’t be putting your home computer in a safe anytime soon, take steps to back up the personal information stored on it. Password protect your login screen, and always shut off your computer when not in use (you’ll save energy, too!) Don’t overlook irreplaceable items whose value may hard to quantify, like digital photos.

5. Prepare ahead of time in case the worst happens

• Take a photo or video inventory of items of value in your home, and store the file online or in your home safe.

• Check that you’re properly insured for theft. Note that high-ticket items in your home office, such as computers, professional camera equipment, or other business essentials, may require an additional rider or a separate policy.

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Do-It-Yourself Home Security Check: Doors are First Line of Defense

2010-11-19T07:55:00.000-08:00

This article was originally published by Joseph D'Agnese on Houselogic.com with some home security advice so you can leave your house for your holiday getaway feeling more secure.

The easiest way for an intruder to get into your house is by coming through the door. All of your efforts to protect your home, including an electronic home security system, are useless if your doors aren’t secure. Before you invest in an alarm system, conduct your own home security check of the entry points to your house.

Think like a burglar

First, stand back: is your front door visible from the street, or is it obscured by bushes? A door that’s covered by shrubbery offers thieves the perfect chance to break in without being seen.

Trim back or remove shrubbery that offers cover for potential intruders.
Upgrade strike plates and deadbolts

Open all doors and check the strike plates, the metal fittings that catch bolts and latches. Chances are, they’re fastened to the soft wood of the door jamb with two screws only. Not good. Upgrade security with four-screw strike plates ($3) and 3-inch screws that bite all the way into the stud behind the jamb.

When conducting your home security check, make sure exterior doors have deadbolts that throw at least a 1-inch bolt. Ask your locksmith to upgrade to Grade 1 or Grade 2 locksets and deadbolts ($25 to $80), the most secure options.

Check garage doors

Back doors and garage doors are more likely to be attacked than the front door. If you have an attached garage, disable the automatic opener and lock the garage door before you go away on a long trip. The door leading from the garage into the house should be outfitted with the same hardware as exterior doors and kept locked at all times.

Patio doors are vulnerable

Sliding doors leading to a patio can be a home’s weak spot. To beef up security:

• Closely inspect the doors and their hardware.
• Replace any missing or broken locks.
• Consider installing locking pins to prevent the doors from sliding.
• Get into the habit of locking the doors, not just the screen, when patio doors are unattended.

Replace your entry door

Check the construction of your entry doors. Those made of steel, solid wood, and impact-resistant fiberglass are all good choices for security. If you must have glass, make sure it is tempered or reinforced for added strength. Expect to pay $1,400 to $2,300 for an exterior replacement door, including installation.

Strengthen the lock on your outdoor storage shed

Don’t ignore the doors on your outdoor storage shed, especially if you store tools there; they could be useful to a burglar. As with house doors, the best option is a secure deadbolt. If your shed doors are unable to accommodate a deadbolt, a heavy-duty slide bolt ($15 to $25) secured by a padlock is a good substitute. 

Check back for more tips and visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.

Energy Tax Credits: Beware False Promises

2010-11-17T11:43:00.000-08:00

This article was originally published by Suzanne Cosgrove on Houselogic.com with some warnings about false promises about tax credits for energy upgrades just in time for the Tax Season.

Utility savings plus a federal energy tax credit can equal a smart financial investment, not to mention a more comfortable home. But don’t rush into anything based on the guarantees of a contractor. Do your homework to ensure the energy-efficiency upgrade will deliver the promised savings on your tax bill and your energy bills.

Unless your furnace dies in the middle of a deep freeze, there’s no reason to hurry. The energy tax credit capped at $1,500, good for insulation, new windows, and the like, lasts through 2010. The uncapped energy tax credit, for larger projects such as solar panels, doesn’t expire until the end of 2016.

Understand federal energy tax credits

By now you’ve probably seen an ad on TV, in print, or online offering to help homeowners secure energy tax credits in exchange for a fee. The Better Business Bureau has fielded numerous complaints about these home-improvement contractors. Alison Southwick, national spokeswoman for the BBB, reminds homeowners that there’s no charge to claim a legitimate credit when you file your federal income tax return.

Southwick adds that a contractor touting a “tax credit special” may or may not have the best price. Evaluate the offer as you would any other from a contractor. Whether an energy-efficiency improvement qualifies for a tax credit depends on the type of upgrade and the materials used, not who performs the work.

Use IRS Form 5695 to claim a residential energy tax credit. You can fill it out yourself, or have your tax preparer handle it along with the rest of your return. (H&R Block’s average tax-prep fee is $187.) Save receipts and manufacturers’ certification statements attesting to the tax credit-worthiness of the materials used.

Energy Star ratings are no guarantee

Your tax credit, not to mention your energy savings, will be in jeopardy if you blindly follow the advice of unscrupulous (or uninformed) contractors. Spend an hour online verifying that your energy-efficiency project qualifies for a credit. Not all Energy Star products do, for example. Be wary of someone who claims otherwise.

That’s why you need to find out about the materials being used. Get details in writing, and examine the packaging before installation. For instance, only certain metal and asphalt roofs are eligible for a tax credit. Meanwhile, new windows must meet very stringent efficiency guidelines.

Assurances about what types of homes qualify also call for careful scrutiny. You can only earn tax credits for furnaces and biomass stoves installed in an existing principal residence, for example. Yet wind turbines and geothermal heat pumps qualify when installed in second homes, even if those homes are new constructions.

Ask for your bill to be itemized since labor doesn’t always count toward a tax credit. Most installation charges are eligible, with the exception of windows, doors, roofing, and insulation. In those cases only the costs of materials apply.

Actual savings will vary

Be realistic about any promised savings, as well as the time it’ll take to recoup an investment. The average household spends about $2,200 annually on home energy bills, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. You, however, will spend more or less depending on regional climate, the condition of your home, energy sources, and other factors.

Lowering energy bills by, say, 25% means a lot more for a homeowner who pays $400 a month compared with someone who pays $100 a month. Over the course of a year that’s a savings of $1,200 vs. just $300. Same goes for payback. A modest project that “pays for itself” in a couple of years may offer a better return on investment than a more ambitious and expensive project that saves more per month but requires a decade or more to break even.

Promised savings from a single improvement may never materialize if the rest of your home isn’t energy efficient. Double-pane windows, for example, may reap little reward unless you properly seal and insulate a house, and tune up your existing HVAC system, says Stephanie Folk, a spokeswoman for CNT Energy, a Chicago-based non-profit group that helps consumers cut energy costs.

Sealing and insulating a home can be done relatively quickly and inexpensively with some weather stripping and caulk. Another low-cost step is to install a programmable thermostat, says Ronnie Kweller, spokeswoman for the Alliance to Save Energy. For about $100, the thermostat should shave 10% off heating and cooling bills, likely paying for itself within a year.

Set your own priorities

Don’t take a contractor’s word about which upgrades you need. When prioritizing home improvements, weigh costs and the amount of energy consumed, says Peter Ludwig, a project manager for CNT Energy. A gas furnace or boiler generally represents the biggest energy guzzler. A new high-efficiency furnace may run $3,500, about $1,100 more than a standard furnace, but it’ll lower energy bills by 20% on average.

An energy audit is a good first step to take before buying any new equipment. Conduct your own or hire a pro. A professional energy audit involves equipment such as blower doors, which measure building leaks, and infrared cameras, which find hard-to-detect air infiltration and missing insulation. Ludwig says the cost of a professional audit for a typical 2,000-square-foot home could range between $300 and $700, depending on the extent of testing.

This article provides general information about tax laws and consequences, but is not intended to be relied upon by readers as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Readers should consult a tax professional for such advice, and are reminded that tax laws may vary by jurisdiction.

Check back for more information and be sure to visit http://www.sbgproperty.com to see newly listed homes in the Western Kentucky area.