When you save energy and water in and around your home, it all adds up to money savings you can count on. And we've collected several energy and water-saving tips for you to tap into. So don't just go with the flow! Discover all there is to know, and start saving some energy and H2O! You'll soon notice the savings, and you'll be doing your part to help save the environment.
Energy-Saving Tips
Turn off appliances, lights and equipment when they are not in use.
Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they are not in use.
Turn computers and printers off at the power strip.
Replace air filters regularly.
Replace incandescent bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs).
Keep fixtures, bulbs and shades clean.
Consider three-way lamps and dimming switches to keep lighting at a minimum.
Consider task lighting (desk or table lamps) instead of whole room lighting.
Choose air conditioning units with thermostat controls and programmable timers.
Open windows and shades during the evening when it's cooler.
Use blinds, shades, and awnings to keep the heat out.
Do not place lamps or TV sets near your air conditioning thermostat.
Close off unoccupied rooms and shut their air conditioning vents.
Use your microwave - it uses approximately two-thirds less energy than your stove.
Use your dishwasher - it uses less water than washing dishes by hand.
Let dishes air-dry to save even more!
Check foods through the oven window, instead of opening the oven door.
Match your pan/pot to the surface burner. A pan that fits the burner cooks better.
Don't use an entire washing machine cycle for only a few garments.
Use cooler water in your washing machine.
Use a hand iron sparingly, and don't let it sit long in the on position.
Switch off heating when you are out of the house.
Close the fireplace damper after the fire is out.
Do not use fireplaces while your central heating system is on.
Wrap insulation around water heaters and long-run hot water pipes.
Turn the water heater thermostat down to a minimum when you're away for more than 2 days.
Water-Saving Tips
Monitor your water bill for unusually high use.
Do not leave water running when shaving or brushing your teeth.
Do not leave water running when rinsing dishes.
Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods.
Do laundry and dishes during off-peak energy hours.
Consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.
Install an ultra low-flow toilet - these use 1.6 gallons of water per flush vs. 3.5 gallons or more.
Install low-flow aerators and showerheads.
Collect water with a bucket while waiting for the shower to heat up, and use it later for other purposes.
Shorten your shower by a minute or two.
Know where your master water shut-off valve is located.
Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet.
Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.
Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets.
Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
For cold drinks, keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap.
Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water, instead of using tap water.
Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, and then reuse it to water houseplants.
Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle.
Soak pots and pans, instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
At home, or even in a hotel, consider reusing your towels.
When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
Check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing, to prevent leaking or bursting.
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk.
Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered, instead of the house, sidewalk, or street.
Water your lawn in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler, to minimize evaporation.
Collect water from your roof to water your garden.
Check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.
Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation than those spraying water into the air.
When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.
Wash your car on the lawn, and you'll water your lawn at the same time.
Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.
Water plants only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.
Be sure to check out Lennar on these social media sites:
A question was posed to me...why send them to these places when they should be hitting your site...the point is CONSUMERS should be hitting your site...no debate here BUT when I think of what we do as listing agents...our job is to market listings to anyone and everyone and if that means its not your site? It's bad and wrong????
To give a seller a fighting chance with global exposure from various places...selecting high traffic...known sources of where real estate buyers and sellers hang out regularly. It's bad and wrong?
You mean to tell me if a buyer showed up because of REALTOR.com you would not want them? You would pass that buyer along because they did not come from your site?
Real estate is a numbers game and will always be a numbers game..and sometimes the numbers on your site...are not as big as the exposure a real estate seller really needs today. Face it sometimes your site is just not enough especially if you are providing a true service for real estate sellers by marketing their properties to anyone and everyone.
If you play your cards right...and create your own social web...by connecting the dots...meaning...connecting all of your social media together...with the center point being your site....more than likely the consumers will end up on your site.
Most social media outlets allow for your web site to be promoted..including...REALTOR.com, Trulia and Zillow.
Oh...the vanity!
The way I view my services is the fact...I will market your listing to anyone and everyone...I offer global exposure...I use my online marketing...without considering my personal feelings...without being biased..but more along the lines of neutrality...
If you are new or your business is not where you want it to be..or you have a few listings that you can't seem to shake...re-examine what you are doing online. Be careful to who you listen to...your business may be different from someone else's...what works for one online may not work for all. Do yourself a favor.....
Midori Miller is a licensed Florida REALTOR, BK645709. Proud member of the Daytona Beach Area Association of REALTORS and trains real estate agents. Midori is also an Activerain Ambassador and is a real estate copywriter/SEO writer for International Web Media.
The City of Monterey in Monterey, CA has what I think is the best programs for kids, seniors, and people of all ages. I personally have benefited from many of these programs. My kids love them. They are well run, well attened with highly professional staff and teachers.
Ask any professional home stager and they're sure to tell you that their after photos of their home staging projects are perhaps one of the most critically important components in their marketing arsenal. They know and understand that prospective clients will be reviewing their photos and reviewing those of their competitors to make a decision as to whom they'll hire.
Fortunately, there are many opportunities to ensure you've captured the perfect picture.
I'll use the following picture, taken last week for a home staging project I completed in Atlanta, to show you some of things I should have done.
Study what's in your view finder - Had I done this very thing, I would have noticed that the napkin on the right wasn't right. I likely would have moved the wine glasses as the one on the left is directly in front of the faucet. Sure, these are minor. However, picture those changes made.
Check your lighting - Home stagers know the importance and benefits of bringing as much light as possible into the home. The same opportunity applies to your photos. Ensure all lights are on (including theoften-missed under cabinet lighting).
Capture different angles - You're going to be amazed at just how big a difference capturing different angles can make in how the room appears. Try a variety; from getting on your knees to using a step-stool, chair or ladder.
Sweat the small stuff - Ever return from a home staging project, upload your pictures only to find that the pillows on the sofa were askew or that bed skirt you spent hours ironing isn't laying right? These small things can be irritating and ruin a great shot. Study your room before you even grab the camera as these are simple things that can help create the perfect shot.
Perhaps the best advice I can provide is to give yourself ample time at the end of your home staging project. In doing so, you can be further ensured that the project you've just spent an incredible amount of time on will come out picture perfect.
About the Author: Kathy Nielsen, a nationally recognized leader within the home staging industry, offers affordable home staging solutions to help sell your home more quickly. Kathy can be reached via email at info@homestagingatlanta.com or by phone at 678 522 8392. Their Atlanta Home Staging services offer a variety of options to accommodate all budgets. For more tips on how to showcase your home, visit our AtlantaHomeStagerInfo blog.
When is the last time you received a READABLE offer?
I love new technology and I embrace it and if you know what you are doing, it actually works. You can get a READABLE copy of an offer or contract from A to B in no time with no hassle. If you do not know what you are doing and you cannot get a READABLE copy from A to B then PLEASE go back to the basics and snail mail or hand deliver it. What on earth is so complicated about that? Sorry I am venting, but for the last few months I have hardly seen a good copy of a document.
Somehow the other agent manages to shrink it to death or fax it so many times that it comes in as a huge mess of black lines or they scan it and it is so light that you cannot figure anything out or it has so many initialed changes that you don't know what on earth they finally agreed upon...........
Am I the only one complaining?
Am I taking this too serious?
Is my expectation too high?
Do I need to get new reading glasses?
Should I ask my doctor for a Xanax refill?
Should I start my day with a Brandy instead of coffee?
I hate when a buyer is too picky to ever find their dream home.
2) I love when a seller receives a good purchase offer.
I hate when a seller rejects a good purchase offer out of emotion, spite or need for conflict.
3) I love when a buyer/seller chooses to work with me.
I hate when a prior client lists their home with a different Realtor.
4) I love when I have a closing and get a fat commission check.
I hate when I work with a seller/buyer for a long time and get jack sh*t.
5) I love when a prepared buyer flies into town and gets a home under contract within a few days.
I hate when a buyer flies into town and wants me to play tour guide of several Sarasota houses and does not buy - ever.
6) I love when a buyer comes to town to see if they like Sarasota before they look at property.
I hate when a buyer comes to town and wants to see houses prior to finding out if they like Sarasota.
7) I love when a seller is realistic about the value of their home.
I hate when a seller is unrealistic about the value of their home and ignores logic as to the reasons why.
8) I love when a seller realizes that open houses aren't that useful for selling homes.
I hate when a seller thinks an open house will somehow counteract their high asking price.
9) I love when a buyer doesn't spend too much time in a house they know they won't buy.
I hate when a buyers knows within the first few minutes of seeing a home that it won't work for them, however they spend the next 15 minutes visualizing placement of their furniture or critiquing the house.
10) I love when a buyer says, "I don't want to look at any short sales."
I hate when a buyer says, "I'm only interested in short sales."
11) I love when a seller thinks that a competing home for sale in their area is better than theirs when it really is.
I hate when a seller thinks they have the absolute best property for sale in the area when it isn't even close.
12) I love when a buyer prefers to see houses during the week so I can take weekends off with my family.
I hate when a buyer only wants to meet on weekends (nature of the business).
13) I love when buyers drive by homes and communities before making an appointment to see a home they viewed on the internet.
I hate when a buyer makes an appointment to see a home and afterwards says, "I would never buy in this neighborhood."
14) I love when a buyer pays cash.
I hate when a prospect asks about lease options or lease purchases because they don't have enough money for a downpayment.
15) I love being able to vent and share war stories on Activerain.
I hate the need to vent about the real estate business.
Marc Rasmussen selling Sarasota real estate. Visit www.LuxurySarasotaRealEstate.com.
Home staging (or property styling as it's commonly known as on the Australian property scene) is really an art, not a science. One of the many things a professional home stager understands is that it's the house that's up for sale, not the home owner's bread baking ability or taste in music. So, from the sublime to the rediculous - here's 8 myths of staging to sell - busted!
1. Buyers can see past my stuff No - they can't. 95% of house hunters shop with a 'what you see is what you get' eye. You'll be maximising your chances of a better and quicker sale if you take the time to clean out, clean up and keep your look simple.
2. Baking bread, brewing fresh coffee and playing soft music will make a buyer fall in love with my house. Maybe once upon a time this was true - but most would-be buyers are onto that old trick. It's more likely to trigger alarm bells, with many wondering what it is you're trying to hide. Your buyers will be happy with a place that looks and smells clean.
3. I'll need to clear everything out to help buyers see themselves living here. This is only partly true. Wall to wall family photos are distracting, as is your porcelain rooster collection. These things are best put away. But don't go overboard, otherwise you'll end up with a look that feels cold and sterile.
4. If it's an original feature - it adds value. Sometimes yes - but often no. Generally a property built less than 50 years ago without being updated is more likely to appear dated, rather than classic.
5. My place isn't worth staging. All homes are worth taking the time to present in a positive light to buyers. The trick to knowing where to start and what to do is in having a good idea of what buyers in your target market will expect, along with learning more about what competing properties in your area are offering.
6. Empty rooms look bigger.
This is rarely the case. Buyers will always prefer to see how a room is used and what will fit in it, rather than be left to guess. Very large rooms can also be too intimidating for some. Even borrowed furniture can help buyers get an idea of scale and give the eye something of interest to focus on.
7. Converting a bedroom into a home gym won't be a problem. Bedrooms are one of the most valuable commodities of the 'for sale' property. Having a home gym set up in a bedroom will prompt buyers to wonder why that is. I remember once looking at a house where this was the case. When I came across the bedroom with the gym in it, I immediately began to question if a bed would even fit. Always give the rooms in your house a purpose.
8. No need to worry about wardrobes and cupboards. Home storage is a big deal to most buyers and is surprisingly valuable. Prospective buyers will open storage cupboards in kitchens and bathrooms, so keep them tidy. Keep only what you're using on a daily or weekly basis, and pack the rest away ready for the move.
Have you got a staging myth you'd like busted? Share them with me here.
Donna Ross
Great Impressions Real Estate Staging
"I love helping Sydney home owners and real estate agents catch the eye of choosy buyers with their 'for sale' listings, with fast, simple and inexpensive decorating fixes."
Currently, there is 8 homes for sale at Las Palmas Ranch..ranging in price from $290k to $900k! There are 11 homes pending sale and 24 homes have sold in the past 6 months! 1/2 of these homes were bank-owned or short-sales.
This is a wonderful place to live! I happen to be partial to it because I live here. There is such a wonderful sense of community and family here. I especially love the pool and trails!
Las Palmas Swimming Pool Facility - Located along Las Palmas Parkway between the Prominence and Legends neighborhoods, the Las Palmas Swimming Pool Facility features two pools and a spa (hot tub). The facility is open year round and includes restroom facilities, an outdoor shower, picnic tables, and a beautiful lawn area, just perfect for relaxing in the sun. Pool Facility Hours: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM (reduced hours during the winter months) Access Requirements: Your Las Palmas entrance gate "clicker" or pool card is required. The pool facility is available for small parties (i.e. birthday parties) for Las Palmas Residents. Please complete the Pool Party Request Form to reserve your date. The lap pool and spa are heated year round, and the main pool is heated from May through October.
There are plenty of parks here too!
Don't forget to give me a call if you want any information on the Las Palmas Ranch area. You can reach me at 831/406-1455.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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