As the economy improves new households predicted to form

 

To understand what this will mean to your selling of buying a home just get in touch with me

Ways to Save on your heating bill

Affordable Home Heating

Approximately 1/3 of our nation’s energy consumption comes from the residential sector and about 70% of this usage is from homes that are more than 30 years old.
Whether you are heating one of these older homes or a home built more recently; saving money AND energy is important to all of us.  Here are some strategies you can employ to save on winter heating costs, help the environment, and stay warm!

• Power of Knowledge – An energy audit of your home is a great place to start.  Some utility companies will perform them for free!  This will show you exactly where most of the warm air is escaping and cold air is entering.  They can also provide detailed plans on ways to warm up your home.  A DIY method is to hold a stick of incense near windows, doors, and any other place there might be a gap; then watch for the smoke to blow inwards.  Leaks can be fixed by using caulk, insulation, or by replacing worn weather-stripping.
• Programmable Thermostat – If your home in not equipped with one, this is a great investment.  Different heating schedules for different days of the week can be easily created.  You can make sure your home is warm when occupied and saves you money when it’s empty.  Reduced heating costs can also be accomplished by keeping the temperature at a consistent level, avoiding spikes up or down.
• Insulation – Lack of proper insulation may be more of an issue in older homes, but there are ways to remedy it with relative ease. Trained installers can inject a nonflammable foam resin into existing walls.  The foam is filled with tiny air bubbles that increase its heating and cooling properties.  Older homes were built to “breathe”; make sure the professional you hire knows how to determine the correct amount of insulation for your particular home.
• Room Isolation – Don’t waste heat on empty spaces; shut the door of any room that is not being used.  Smaller rooms and bedrooms can often be heated by an electric space heater (at a much lower cost) instead of using your home’s central heating system.  Don’t heat the entire house at night when all you really need is a warm bedroom.  (Use extra care and follow all manufacturers’ instructions for space heaters)
• Fireplace/Indoor stove – When properly used and maintained, they can be efficient sources of heat for multiple rooms and/or your entire home.  Some indoor stoves can generate more heat than common home furnaces.
• Dress warmly – Wool socks, warm sweaters, slippers, and blankets can all help keep you warm, while allowing you to reduce your home’s indoor temperature.  This can also apply to your windows.  “Dressing” them with heavier drapes during this time of year can help retain heat in your home when they are closed at night.

There are many easy, economical ways to improve your home’s heat efficiency, try a few of these to see what a difference they can make!  Keep your home warm and comfy for less!

Trends in Homes

Top Home Trends – 2013

  While the word trend suggests a fleeting fancy, statistics indicate that a lot of these home innovations are here to stay.  They will continue to grow and evolve, influencing future home trends.  Here’s a review of some of the most-popular home trends consumers were willing to spend their money on this year.
Smarter Technology – With busier lifestyles and the cost of technology decreasing, it’s becoming more common  to control a home system from one single device, such as a smart phone or tablet.  Systems such as security, temperature, and lighting can be controlled from a central location in the home or from the palm of your hand while you are on the go.  Giving homeowners more control, more efficiency, and more peace of mind!


Going Green – This trend appears to be here to stay.  We will definitely continue to see an increase in all things green, environmentally friendly, and sustainable including building materials, paint, flooring options, countertops, plumbing and electrical; even home furnishings and accessories.  Efforts to conserve water and energy have also skyrocketed through the use of lower water sinks and toilets, more efficient furnaces, and improved insulation.

Outdoor Living – This trend began a few years ago and continues to inspire homeowners to think beyond terraces and decks.  With better furnishings, fire pits, curtains, and even televisions, many outdoor spaces now have the same feel and functionality as indoor rooms.  They have become the perfect spot for family time and entertaining guests.  Screened in porches have also risen in popularity; many with fireplaces, that allow this space to be used nearly year-round.


Outdoor kitchens – Partnering with the desire to spend more time outdoors is the increased interest in outdoor cooking.  This has created a need for some very elaborate outdoor food prep areas.  Some of the most popular amenities include sinks, storage, beer taps, refrigerators, countertops, even pizza ovens.  Many homeowners have carried it even further by starting gardens and growing some of the food they eat.  Gardens are great family-friendly projects and reflect our society’s growing interest in health.

Media Fever – Seems like more and more families are choosing to stay at home these days rather than travel.  This has increased the appearance and comfort level of in-home media rooms.  Designs now include more comfortable seating, tables, enhanced lighting, better televisions / projectors, and sound equipment.

Streamlining – Many consumers are opting for smaller homes with more of the high-tech, trendy features mentioned here, instead of larger homes that are harder to maintain.  Furnishings are trending along the same scaled-back lines, less bulk and fluff; many even serve multi-purposes.  Couches that convert to beds, ottomans that provide seating and storage, and coffee tables that can rise for dining purposes.

Stylish, Functional Kitchens – Renovations appear to be more popular than additions, with kitchens as the most popular room to re-do.  Kitchens are not just for eating any more.  They are being used for cooking, socializing, doing homework, and paying bills.  Design features include upscale appliances, top-notch lighting, handcrafted cabinets, expensive countertops, and closer attention is being paid to every little detail.  Bath renovations and master suites with more functionality are also top renovation choices.

Newer Neutrals – Neutrals still remain more popular than vibrant hues.  However, neutrals are no longer restricted to white, cream, or beige.  Any warm, subdued color that offers a fresh background can be considered a neutral, blue-gray is quite popular!  And little “pops of color” are still used to bring neutral decors to life.  Accent pieces and accessories in colors such as raspberry, varying shades of yellow, even orange and purple are showing up everywhere.

While these may be the current top market trends, your home improvements should still be chosen
 based on what you need, what your heart desires, and what your wallet will allow!

Good News for the Economy = Bad News for Rates

Good News for the Economy = Bad News for Rates

Today's Prices Compared to Peak

Even with a generally improving market most states have not gotten back to peak levels

Today's Prices Compared to Peak [INFOGRAPHIC]

Average Harrisburg area home prices 2012 to 2013

Here are the average prices for homes that sold in Dauphin and Cumberland counties

For an analysis of how tis applies to the home you want to sell or buy call or email me.

Buying a Home? Don't Let Fear Get in Your Way

Buying a Home? Don't Let Fear Get in Your Way

Interesting recent Survey of Sellers and Buyers

Recent Survey of what Sellers and Buyers experienced

Home sales absorption rate for Cumberland and Dauphin Counties through November 2013

14,027 Houses Sell Every Day in the U.S.!!

14,027 Houses Sell Every Day in the U.S.!!