1. Use fluorescent light bulbs. Yes, they're more expensive than incandescent light bulbs ($2 vs. $.50), but switch out your incandescent bulb for compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) in your house, and you could save up to 30 percent on your energy bill.
2. Keep your car in excellent condition. Of course, it's best to walk, bicycle, carpool or use mass transit for your daily commuting, but for those who must use their own vehicles, improving even the most inefficient of cars' fuel mileage is as easy as keeping your tires properly inflated and changing your oil and air filters regularly. And follow those traffic laws — your car burns less fuel when you drive slowly and obey the speed limit on highways.
3. Make sure your dishwasher and clothes washer and dryer are full before using them. The aforementioned major appliances consume large amounts of energy, so reduce their use as much as possible by only running them with full loads.
4. Wash clothes in cold water and line dry. Using cold water rather than hot in the washer saves electricity and works just as well as hot with most clothes. Line drying not only is more environmentally friendly, but it also will keep clothes from shrinking and fading.
5. Shut down and unplug idle electronics. Your computer might be asleep, but if there's a light on, it's still using energy. Turn off and unplug your computer, printer, television, radio — any electronic device that you're not using.
6. Skip the bottled water. Sure, water is good for you, but the process of harvesting the raw materials, processing and manufacturing the petroleum-based plastic water bottles and shipping them to market is extremely energy intensive. So filter your own water and fill up your own reusable bottles for water on-the-go.
7. Buy items with less packaging, and with packaging that your community recycles. It's convenient to buy snack crackers already divided into even, individual portions in plastic bags, but that creates much more waste packaging than just buying the full box.
8. Supply your own bags and leftover containers. If you're headed to a restaurant that you know serves king-sized portions, bring a small piece of Tupperware along to take home the leftovers, and keep one fewer Styrofoam container from the landfill pile. Going to the supermarket? Opt out of the paper/plastic debate and bring your own canvas tote bags.
9. Support local farmers. Food grown or produced halfway around the world didn't just appear in the supermarket — it was shipped by plane, boat, truck or rail, and no matter which method of transportation it took, greenhouse gases were emitted along the way. Pick the apple grown in your state instead of the banana grown in another country.
10. Plant a tree in your backyard, it seems simple, but just one tree can offset tons of carbon over its lifetime. If planted appropriately, it will also provide shade on a sunny day, perhaps reducing the use of energy for air-conditioning in buildings and homes. While reducing energy will cut our carbon emissions, it also is important to restore more natural 'sinks' that capture carbon, planting trees and perennials are an easy place to start.
11. Try used products first. Need a couch? Check newspaper classifieds or craigslist.com to see if you can find an acceptable used option before going to a showroom to buy a new one, which will have required both energy and materials to make and ship.
12. Ask about green power. Many utility companies offer renewable energy options, which is power generated by wind or solar energy. For those who are unable to install renewable energy equipment on their homes or businesses, many energy utilities offer programs that allow consumers to support the growth of the renewable energy markets in the United States by paying a small price premium. This is not an option for everyone, but it is one way to help spur the market for renewable energy technologies.
Jane LovedayWindermere Real Estate Agent619-519-1615 Cell http://janeloveday.comhttp://www.facebook.com/realestatesandiego
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
10 Most Forgotten Items when Moving......!
With plenty of Americans planning on moving this year, odds are even the most organised may not remember everything when moving - add these next 10 items to the top of your preparation list:
FOR THE RECORD Copies of any and all medical records,, including any veterinary records. Also your child's school records!
BURIED TREASURE If you've any hidden valuable around the house be sure to collect them before leaving, keep jewelry with you, not in the moving van.
OLD PHONE NUMBERS Pack phone books, you may think you'll remember you frequently call, more often we tend to forget!
TAKEN TO THE CLEANERS Remember to coolect all items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired, also remember to return any library books, movie rentals and anything else you may have checked out.
WHAT'S YOUR NEW ADDRESS? Be sure to let everyone know your new address, have your mail forwarded in time for your move!
SPIC AND SPAN Remember to leave our cleaning supplies for the final 'once over' before closing the door for good or make arrangements in advance for a service to clean for you.
THE OPENER Many people forget to take the electic garage door opener out of their cars before leaving, make sure it is left behind!
REMEMBER 'ROVER' ! In most cases moving companies cannot transport pets or plants, plan ahead and make arrangements for their safe transfer.
BANK ON IT It's wise to open a checking account in your new town about a month prior if you are moving to another city.
KEYS TO SUCCESS Remember the collection of spare house keys - whether retrieving from neighbors or from under the rock next to the front door, make sure to leave them all for the new owners!
For more information on moving, planning a move, thinking about moving, I am ere, I can help!
Jane LovedayWindermere Real Estate Agent619-519-1615 Cell http://janeloveday.comhttp://www.facebook.com/realestatesandiego
FOR THE RECORD Copies of any and all medical records,, including any veterinary records. Also your child's school records!
BURIED TREASURE If you've any hidden valuable around the house be sure to collect them before leaving, keep jewelry with you, not in the moving van.
OLD PHONE NUMBERS Pack phone books, you may think you'll remember you frequently call, more often we tend to forget!
TAKEN TO THE CLEANERS Remember to coolect all items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired, also remember to return any library books, movie rentals and anything else you may have checked out.
WHAT'S YOUR NEW ADDRESS? Be sure to let everyone know your new address, have your mail forwarded in time for your move!
SPIC AND SPAN Remember to leave our cleaning supplies for the final 'once over' before closing the door for good or make arrangements in advance for a service to clean for you.
THE OPENER Many people forget to take the electic garage door opener out of their cars before leaving, make sure it is left behind!
REMEMBER 'ROVER' ! In most cases moving companies cannot transport pets or plants, plan ahead and make arrangements for their safe transfer.
BANK ON IT It's wise to open a checking account in your new town about a month prior if you are moving to another city.
KEYS TO SUCCESS Remember the collection of spare house keys - whether retrieving from neighbors or from under the rock next to the front door, make sure to leave them all for the new owners!
For more information on moving, planning a move, thinking about moving, I am ere, I can help!
Jane LovedayWindermere Real Estate Agent619-519-1615 Cell http://janeloveday.comhttp://www.facebook.com/realestatesandiego
Sunday, June 27, 2010
How Low Can They Go?
The 30 year fixed interest rate for a mortgage today sits at around 4.6% - that's the LOWEST since we started keeping records back in the 1960's. Why is this important?
With our current economy and many people out of work, it is very important that interest rates across the board remain low, and with our current housing crisis, short sales and foreclosures, the banks want to encourage people to get into homeownership, and keeping the interest rates down is one giant incentive.
The rates for larger loans are also at their lowest levels - sitting around 5.5% - so imagine if you want to borrow $1,000,000 you could do so at an unbelievable rate!
It's a great time to buy, and to think about buying, prices are nudging up slightly but the interest rates are keeping it amazingly affordable for all who qualify, for more information contact me!
Jane LovedayWindermere Real Estate Agent619-519-1615 Cellhttp://janeloveday.com
http://www.facebook.com/realestatesandiego
With our current economy and many people out of work, it is very important that interest rates across the board remain low, and with our current housing crisis, short sales and foreclosures, the banks want to encourage people to get into homeownership, and keeping the interest rates down is one giant incentive.
The rates for larger loans are also at their lowest levels - sitting around 5.5% - so imagine if you want to borrow $1,000,000 you could do so at an unbelievable rate!
It's a great time to buy, and to think about buying, prices are nudging up slightly but the interest rates are keeping it amazingly affordable for all who qualify, for more information contact me!
Jane LovedayWindermere Real Estate Agent619-519-1615 Cell
Friday, June 18, 2010
7 GREAT Reasons to Own Your Home!
1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.
2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.
3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.
4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.
5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase.
6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.
7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.
Online resources: To calculate whether buying is the best financial option for you, use the “Buy vs. Rent” calculator at www.GinnieMae.gov.
Jane LovedayWindermere Real Estate Agent619-519-1615 Cell http://janeloveday.comhttp://www.facebook.com/realestatesandiego
2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.
3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.
4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.
5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase.
6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.
7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.
Online resources: To calculate whether buying is the best financial option for you, use the “Buy vs. Rent” calculator at www.GinnieMae.gov.
Jane LovedayWindermere Real Estate Agent619-519-1615 Cell http://janeloveday.comhttp://www.facebook.com/realestatesandiego
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
A Living Trust - What is it and why do you need one?
A Living Trust takes the place of a Will. If you currently have a Will prepared, you may want to consider changing that to a Living Trust. If you die, and you have a will, your estate - that's anything you own - goes through Probate. Probate is the legal process controlled by the courts to make sure debts are paid and assets are distributed according to your Will.
This is an extremely expensive, time consuming and public process. It can literally take away all your assets, it will cost you a lot of them at least.
A Living Trust however, is the recognized legal method that protects all your assets, and your heirs. It can dramatically reduce the estate taxes you'd pay, it simplifies your assets, and gives not only you but your family peace of mind.
For more information contact me, or visit http://www.NationalEA.com
Jane LovedayWindermere Real Estate Agent619-519-1615 Cell http://janeloveday.comhttp://www.facebook.com/realestatesandiego
This is an extremely expensive, time consuming and public process. It can literally take away all your assets, it will cost you a lot of them at least.
A Living Trust however, is the recognized legal method that protects all your assets, and your heirs. It can dramatically reduce the estate taxes you'd pay, it simplifies your assets, and gives not only you but your family peace of mind.
For more information contact me, or visit http://www.NationalEA.com
Jane LovedayWindermere Real Estate Agent619-519-1615 Cell http://janeloveday.comhttp://www.facebook.com/realestatesandiego
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