This year is unique for home buyers and home owners. The $8000 federal incentive for qualified buyers is unprecidented.
But if you already own a home, as well as those buying now, NYSERDA has programs to provide dollars for energy smart home improvements. Go to http://www.getenergysmart.org/SingleFamilyHomes/ExistingBuilding/HomeOwner/Participate.aspx and navigate around to see which program is right for you. There is a bit of a process but these programs may benefit your pocketbook now as well as reduce your ongoing energy cost.
Sunshine and blue skies. Warm weather, sort of. With the change of season we all know to change the batteries in our smoke alarms, right? But we should take this opportunity to do a couple more, easy things.
Check your furnace filter. Unless you are truly cold nature the furnace is still running. Keep the efficiency up by changing dirty filters.
Make sure you have an up-to-date fire extinguisher in the kitchen and in the garage! Fires start in these two places 10 time more than anywhere else.
Finally, check out the old lawn mower. If it needs service, do it now. In another 3 weeks … get in line.
Whether buying or selling a home, we have to choose a home inspector. How do we do it? I think it is simple. Just choose me!
But if you need reasons to pick an inspector (like me) here are a few well regarded ideas.
download Three to Tango 1. How much experience does the inspector have? How many inspections have they done? 2. Are they full time? 3. Is the inspector affiliated with ASHI. ASHI is the oldest and most well regarded inspection association in North America.
4. See if the inspector can give some references. It might be his brother-in-law but how many brother-in-laws can he have?
5. What insurances are carried?
6. How charming is he? Seriously, does the inspector take time to listen to your questions and answer them thoroghly?
It is a start. Also see who friends, relatives and co-workers have used and how satisfied were they with the service.
Good luck and hope to see you out there.
download Italian Job, The
Surprise!
This is a great word on a birthday, anniversary or other gift occasion. We sure do not like to hear it when we take the car in for service. We sure do not want to hear it when we are selling a house. To know what is going on in our homes is always a good idea. The age and condition of the components and systems in the house allows us to make decisions and to formulate plans for our physical and fiscal health. Before putting a home on the market, consider an inspection. Then an interested buyer knows what he or she is getting. Then the offer, counter offer process does not contain a “Surprise”.
Getting ready to move involves a myriad of tasks and decisions. One that almost everyone deals with is what to do with “all my stuff”. Moving brings us face to face with things that we do not want to move. Typical solutions involve giving items to relatives, friends or what the heck , complete strangers. (Do not leave your car unlocked around someone who has the “moving frenzy”.)
Ambitious, energetic and avaricious people do garage sales. Move it, organize it, sell and still be left with unsold pieces. Back to square one. Clothes in particular are tough to sell.
But wait. Why not give things away and at least get tax credits. Local churches and rescue missions will take clothes and many other items, issue you a tax credit and then give to people who will value things you no longer need or want. In Albany and in Schenectady there are rescue missions. The Albany mission gives everthing away. Schenectady sells items at very low cost.
So simplify your move, help your pocket book and assist others. In fact, annual culling through the basement and the closets will make these big ajustments a thing of the past. Just be careful. Giving can be contagious…and rewarding on many levels.
There will be more to come, so stay tuned.
