The Best Ways to Conserve Water and Save Money

It’s easy to take fresh water for granted. But as our water bills continue to rise, here are some simple steps you can take to conserve this precious natural resource:

• Turn off the tap. A running faucet wastes 7 gallons of water every minute. Shut off the faucet while you brush your teeth to save at least 1000 gallons of water a year. When washing dishes, turn off water to apply soap, then rinse.

• Fix leaks: Household leaks account for 13% of all home water usage. A single dripping faucet can waste 2700 gallons a year.

• Buy water-thrifty appliances: When you replace your old appliances look for energy efficient appliances. An Energy Star washing machine can save up to 7000 gallons of water per year.

• Rethink the need for a water-hungry lawn and garden. Plants with succulent or leathery leaves usually need less water and most conifers require less than deciduous shrubs and trees.

• If you do have a yard, water it in the early morning or at dusk. Use a water timer to precisely measure the amount you use.

A beautiful yard or potted plants on a deck can provide you with hours of enjoyment and enhance curb appeal when it is time to sell. Please call or email us with any real estate questions or needs.

IRS Clarifies What's Needed to Claim Tax Credit

The Internal Revenue Service has clarified which documentation taxpayers need to submit to claim the first-time and move-up homebuyer tax credit.

While the IRS is still requiring the filing of Form 5405, it is not demanding that all parties’ signatures be on the HUD-1 settlement document in areas where requiring both the buyer and the seller to sign the document isn’t common.

The IRS clarification says: "In areas where signatures are not required on the settlement document, the IRS has clarified that it will accept a settlement statement if it is completed and valid according to local law. … The IRS encourages those buyers to sign the settlement statement prior to attaching it to the tax return.”

For repeat buyers, the IRS is seeking documentation that home buyers have lived in the previous property for a consecutive five of the past eight years. Proof can include property tax records, home owner insurance records, or mortgage interest statements.

Source: Washington Post (02/20/2010

Easy Ways to Make a Move Less Stressful on Your Pets

Because we are so close to our pets, they often become very sensitive to our stress levels. When we are packing to move or even take a vacation, our pets will be more stressed than usual. When packing, it helps to remove pets from the area to minimize stress, fear and possible harm.

Here are some tips for traveling to your new destination with your pet:

• Carry your pet's current health certificate and rabies tag

• Make sure your pet has a collar with current contact identification

• Have any of your pet’s medications handy and make sure it is protected from fleas and ticks

• Bring your pet’s bedding, food and water bowls, a litter box and favorite toys

• Keep fresh water available at all times

• Maintain good air circulation; use your air conditioner if necessary

• Stop for an exercise and potty break at least every three hours

• Never leave your pet alone in the car on a warm day

Call or email us if you have any questions. We are always happy to help you, you family and friends with any real estate related needs.

How to Make Rooms in Your Home Look Larger with Lighting

A bright and well-lit home can dramatically change the mood of your home and help you feel relaxed and comfortable all year long. Here are some tips to lighten up your home and make the rooms look big and inviting:

• Choose different types of lighting to avoid the expense of installing windows or skylights. Lamps or other accent lighting can make a dull room appear elegant or small rooms seem larger.

• If you have a room with a dark wall or a narrow, dark hallway, hang a group of pictures and light them with adjustable halogen track lighting to create the effect of a photo gallery.

• Paint ceilings a light color to avoid making them seem lower than they are and give the room a cramped feel.

• Use color to add cheer to a room. Pink and green tones have a calming effect while darker colors, such as red, tend to cause agitation. Neutral wall tones create a harmonious environment. Bright colors should be used as accents in pillows, artwork or flowers.

• When selecting paint, tape large color chips together on a wall to get a better idea of the shades you like. When you’ve narrowed your choices down, buy a quart of 2 or 3 colors and paint 1 or 2 foot squares next to each other on both shaded and brightly lit walls. Choose the color that looks best in both kinds of light.

Call or send us an email if you’d like the names of decorators, contractors, or other service providers.

A Different Kind of Garage Sale

Instead of having a traditional garage sale, perhaps you should consider putting your garage sale online. Free online classified ads like Craig’s List or fee-based auction sites like eBay make it easy to do. Here’s how:

Take your time: The beauty of an online garage sale is that you don’t need to sell all your unwanted belongings at once. Instead you can post them online as soon as you decide to get rid of them.

Price it right: Search online to learn prices of comparable items and price yours to sell if you don’t want to be stuck with them later on.

Use pictures: Use a digital camera to take shots of your items. One picture is worth hundreds of words of description. Provide written descriptions, including dimensions and be sure to indicate any defect or areas of wear or damage.

Payment: Items listed on local classified sites like Craig’s List are usually paid for as cash at delivery on a first-come, first-served basis. Winning bidders on auction sites like eBay use PayPal to pay with their credit card. Setting up an account with PayPal is free and easy.

Shipping: Auction sites let you specify a flat rate for shipping or allow buyers to compute and pay for shipping costs. Craig’s List buyers will pick up their purchase from you once you’ve both agreed on the price so there are no shipping costs at all.

By getting rid of unwanted items through an online garage sale you’ll make your home feel more spacious and have fewer items to pack if you decide to make a move.
Please call or send us an email if we can answer any real estate related questions. We appreciate the opportunity to be your real estate resource.