Home Improvements That Still Get a Bang for Your Buck

Not too long ago, homeowners were adding onto their homes or doing complete remodels to add value to their home.  However, now those improvements have changed.  Homeowners are still doing home improvements to help improve the value of their home, just in different ways. 

Instead of adding a new room or completely remodeling a room, homeowners are now doing smaller upgrades, such as replacing countertops with granite, re-facing cabinets, adding hardwood floors, laying ceramic tile and up even upgrading their appliances.

Homeowners are not trying to go bigger and better anymore, but they are now trying to improve upon what they already have. 

Many reasons for these types of home improvements are because of tight budgets, strict lending standards and many people are “going green”.   

The most popular rooms for home improvements are the kitchen and bathrooms.  Improving these rooms really pays off.  Other popular home improvements to help increase the value of your home include upgrading the windows, replacing siding, adding decks, improving curb appeal and adding energy-efficient appliances.

Many homeowners have begun looking at adding solar panels to help cut the cost of energy bills.  This will also make the homeowner eligible for government tax credits. 

Although many home improvement projects are small in comparison to what they once were, some homeowners still find themselves splurging, which is okay to do as long as you know what you are doing.  Splurging on the right things that will add the most value to your home can make all the difference when it comes time to sell.

HGTV has some really great tips and advice for home improvement on their website.  Keep up with the latest trends and styles and learn how to do it all on a budget.

Realtor® Liz Miller  ~  Lake Havasu City Real Estate

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Take the Stress Out of Moving With These Time-Saving Tips

Moving can be stressful for many people, especially if they’re on a time-crunch.  With these moving tips, your move can be stress-free, fast and efficient.

* Make a moving schedule using a week-by-week checklist that will help keep your moving process on track.  Keeping to a schedule will prevent many last minute headaches.  Your time is important.  Be diligent in sticking to your schedule and check off each task as it is complete.

* Stock up on packing supplies so you won’t run out.  You will need plenty of boxes, packing tape, markers, bubble wrap, newsprint and box cutters.  Always use materials you have on hand first.  Wrap your fragile items in towels, scarves, blankets, pillow cases, sheets, etc.  This is a “green” way to pack.

* Pack like the professionals do by coming up with a packing system.  Label boxes clearly with markers so you and anyone helping will know exactly what each box contains.  On moving day, show any of your helpers your floor plan so they will know exactly where each box will go.

* Hire a professional moving company to help take the stress out of the move and to let them do all the heavy lifting.  Be sure to hire a quality moving company with good credentials.  Check them out with the Better Business Bureau or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

* Pack a moving survival kit that contains items such as medicine, toiletries, snacks and other necessities that can go in the car with you.  This will prevent you from having to dig through boxes later.

* Put in a change of address by completing a change-of-address form.  You can get the form from your local post office.  This will prevent you from having any late bills, service lapses, etc.   Also, be sure to schedule the disconnect of utilities and new service of your utilities on the proper dates.

Good luck with your move.  These tips are sure to help it be the least stressful move you’ve ever had.

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Newest Trend in Real Estate is Green Living

Spring is the time of year our minds think of renewing our homes and landscaping.  If you are considering making improvements to your home, keep the color green in mind.  The newest trend in real estate is green living homes.  Recent studies find that buyers are drawn to homes with green living standards.  Homes which feature green living standards receive more showings, are on the market for a shorter period and bring in a higher sales prices than competitive homes.
 
Some buyers are asking sellers about their utility costs.  Making a few lifestyle change and upgrading electrical appliances can reduce your electricity bill, which may influence a buyer’s choice when deciding which home to purchase.
 
Here are some energy and money saving green living tips:

    * Change light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs (up to 25% energy savings).
    * Upgrade your tube-based TV to an LCD flat panel (30% energy savings).
    * Replace your desktop computer with a laptop (75% energy savings).
    * Use cold water when washing clothes (80%+ energy savings).
    * Only use your dishwasher when full and air dry your dishes.
    * Install ceiling fans (up to 40% energy savings and you will feel 5 degrees cooler).
    * Paint your walls and ceilings with insulating paint (up to 30% energy savings).
    * Weatherize your windows and doors with caulk and/or weather stripping.
    * Set your refrigerator to 37 degrees F and your freezer to 3 degrees F.
    * Replace appliances with Energy-Star rated appliances.  Compare ratings for best savings.
    * Replace your washer with a front loading washer (60%+ energy savings).
    * Set your AC to 78 degreesF.  Clean your system and replace filters.
    * Wrap your water heater.
    * Replace your shower head with a low-flow shower head.
 
Lake Havasu homeowners can also take advantage of a tax credit being offered by the government for larger green living improvements.  There are two tax credits available for certain home improvements.
 
Tax credit of 30% of the improvement cost with a cap of $1,500 until 2010:

    * Windows and Doors
    * Insulation, Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)
    * HVAC, Water Heaters (non-solar)
    * Biomass Stoves
 
Tax Credit of 30% of the improvement with no cap until 2016:

    * Geothermal Heat Pumps
    * Solar Panels
    * Solar Water Heaters
    * Small Wind Energy Systems
    * Fuel Cells
 
Even in a recession, some Lake Havasu homeowners will consider purchasing a new car for the family.  The government is also offering a tax credit for green living hybrid cars (or trucks).  The tax credit is capped at $7,500.
 
Every little bit helps when it comes to green living; whether you are making a few simple lifestyle changes, upgrading appliances, making some simple home repairs or making larger improvements which qualify for a tax credit, you can make Lake Havasu a very green place to live.

More Energy Related Information Sources:
Summary Of Tax Credits For Homeowners
Tax Credit Home Improvement – FAQ
Power Scorecard – Grading Electricity Products
Alliance to Save Energy http://www.ase.org/
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy http://www.aceee.org/
U.S. DOE – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN) http://www.eren.doe.gov/

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Homeowners Turning to Feng Shui

Over the past two years, Feng Shui practitioners have seen a huge increase in their business.  Many homeowners are looking to enhance and increase their flow of wealth through their homes.  Businesses have even been known to use the services of Feng Shui practitioners in recent years, too.  Therefore, I thought it would be a great time to give some tips to increase the energy support for the prosperity of your home using the Feng Shui method. 

·         Plants are a life force.  Therefore, bringing live plants into our homes brings beauty and clean air.  They also help absorb electromagnetic fields, which many people don’t know has a negative impact on the human health.  Jade and bamboo are the best wealth-enhancing plants.

·         The kitchen is an area of wealth and health.  Many people believe that the better you eat, the healthier you will be.  Therefore, the healthier a person you are, the more productive you will be and the wealthier you will become.  Stove burners represent wealth.  Keep them clean at all times and alternate when cooking on them.  Also, keep your refrigerator full of healthy foods.  This brings an abundance of health.

·         The entrance of your home is very important.  This is your Ming Tang.  Therefore, place a rug or mat at the entrance of your front door and tape three lucky Chinese coins to the back of the rug or mat.  Now, everytime someone walks across it, they are symbolically bringing you money.

·         Toilet seats can let all your money go right down the toilet.  Keep your toilet seats down at all times when not in use or all your money could disappear.

·         Get a goldfish for your home.  Goldfish bring life, energy and wealth into the home.  They are also relaxing to watch.  For maximum luck, fill your tank with eight goldfish for luck and one black fish to keep away bad luck.

·         Anyone working from a home office should have their back to a wall and face the door.  Also add a water feature in your home office.  Water features with water flowing upward brings wealth.  The sound will help keep you relaxed throughout your day.

While the Feng Shui method may not be for everyone, many people who do abide by it have found it to be successful for them.

Realtor® Liz Miller   ~  Lake Havasu City Real Estate

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