Stage Coach

Even if your bowling trophies and older style carpet feel like home to you, they might turn off potential buyers. That’s why staging – as seen on TV – has become a popular technique to help sell houses. But home staging is more than just redecorating; it’s a way to help potential buyers feel like your house could be their next home.

It might seem counterintuitive to spend money on a home that you’re leaving, but the cost might be worth it. Accordingly, the final sale price on staged homes can be an average of 3% higher versus those that were not. Staged homes also typically spend 80% less time on the market.

Staging doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. If you don’t know where to begin, talk to Don, who has a professional stager with a college degree in Interior Design ready to send out to your house and make it ready for the sale!

Sources: HGTV.com, StagedHomes.com

Clear Choice

If you feel a draft every time you walk by your windows, it’s probably time to replace them. Likewise, windows that stick, glass that is cold to the touch, and costly energy bills despite new insulation and other homes repairs are all signs that you’ve put off replacing them for too long.

Whether you intend to buy and install the windows yourself or have a pro do it for you, do the research first. Know your window type: double-hung windows that slide up and down, casement windows that slide up and down, casement windows that swing out, awning window, etc. Then pick your preferred framing material, such as wood, vinyl or fiberglass. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, from style to price to longevity. 

You must also consider where you live; energy needs in the Northwest differ from those in the Deep South. Ratings for energy efficiency, light visibility, air leakage and other factors are available from government programs such as Energy Star, publications such as Consumer Reports and industry sources such as the National Fenestration Rating Council.

Armed with the right information, you can shop smarter. Have a target price in mind, get estimates and have the patience to wait for the best possible price.

Sources: www.energystar.gov, www.nfrc.org

Go GREEN, Save GREEN

You don't have to build from scratch to have a greener home. These quick and easy home fixes will shrink your consumption and your monthly bills.
RATE IT. Look for Energy Star-rated products. This government program helps people make energy-efficient choices, which can lead to savings of up to a third of energy costs.
SWITCH THE LIGHTS. Compact fluorescent light bulbs use up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs. Replace them in highly used fixtures such as porch lights, bathroom vanities and office lamps.
GO WITH THE FLOW. Use low-flow showerheads and consider installing low-flow toilets to reduce water usage and save on water-heating costs.
PLUG IN, TURN OFF. Use a power strip for your home office or entertainment center. Even in standby mode, consumer electronics – which account for 15% of household electricity – use a little juice, so tuen the power strip off when you can.
COOL IT. Turn the water temperature for your washing machine or dishwasher down to 120 degrees F to cut water heating energy consumption.
SEAL IT. Search for hidden air leaks in your attic, basement or crawl space, and seal them with caulk, spray foam or weather stripping. Home sealing can be an inexpensive way to cut energy consumption by up to 10%

Sources: www.energystar.gov, www.eere.energy.gov