Charlie Weiblen's Blog

Save Money in Your Kitchen

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:13:19 -0700

Since we already learned a few tips on how to save energy in our living room, the same can be done in the kitchen.

Much like the TV is to your living space, the refrigerator is the energy hog of the kitchen. Take a minute to evaluate your thermostat settings. The refrigerator should be set between 37-40 degrees F and the freezer between 0-5 degrees F. Maintaining a stable temperature can decrease this appliance's energy consumption by 25%. Also, cleaning the coils on the bottom or in the back of the fridge every 6 months will prevent the unit to work as hard to direct cold air. Sure, the ice make is incredibly convenient, but is it necessary? No. To save 15-20% of consumed energy, switch off that automatic ice maker and fill up some good ‘ole fashioned ice trays. Finally, do you have an extra fridge for cold drinks and freezer storage? If you can consolidate into one primary unit and disconnect your ‘beer fridge' as many call it, you'll save tons of energy. Typically, these bonus fridges are older models that constantly run and burn energy.

You can save money with your stove/oven too. We all know that even after you've turned a burner off, if you touch it, it's HOT! Put that residual heat to good use and turn off your stove or oven a few minutes before the recommended cook time. As long as your food is involved in the cool down, it will continue to cook. When you are using your stove, make sure the burner matches the pan. If you're using a small pot on a large burner, you can just see the money slipping out of your wallet, for no good reason.

One last energy waster in the kitchen is your dishwasher. The majority of energy used is to heat the water, but no matter how new and sophisticated our appliance may be, it will still use the same amount of power and water regardless of how full it is. By only running a cycle when it is full will save you money on both electric and water bills. Growing up, I was told not to put big items in the dishwasher and I abide by that rule. Hand washing pots, pans, baking sheets, chopping boards, mixing bowls, etc. is just in my nature. Turns out, it takes 1/3 less water and power to wash those items in the dishwasher than it does by hand, due to the amount of water required and heating that water. As long as your racks are full, go ahead and run that baby!

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Save money in your living room

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:03:32 -0700

Since a family's living area is a high-traffic, high-volume space that is probably used more than any other room in the house, next to the kitchen, it's easy to waste money while enjoying the amenities.

If you're in the market for a new TV, take the time to evaluate the cost difference between a plasma and LCD screen. Plasma's take much more power to operate and those energy costs are nearly 6 times what it costs to run an LCD screen. Sure, LCD screens are a bit more expensive, but multiply approximately $42 savings a year by the number of years you estimate having a TV and see if that outweighs the additional cost of purchasing an LCD over a plasma screen. If it does, spend pennies now and save dollars later.

You can also save money by unplugging those unused electronics, lamps and appliances in the living room. Just because they aren't turned on doesn't mean they aren't sucking out power. For those items, group them together on a power strip so it's easy to turn them all off with one click of a button. Of course, many of us rely on our digital cable boxes and DVR's to continuously download data so we can't unplug those, but a smart power strip will allow you to completely turn off your tv while leaving the recording device plugged in.

When you're shopping for new electronics, make sure to look at the Energy Star rated selection. These items will save anywhere from 6-75% of required energy. If you just can't live without that plasma tv, there is even an Energy Star version.

Even though this isnt' necessarily helping your electric bill, it is helping your wallet, and most importantly our environment. Transition your remote control, video game system and any other battery-required device to rechargeable batteries. They are more expensive than disposable batteries, but for every single rechargeable you use, you save 500 batteries from entering our waste system.

Finally, since you're in your living room so much, your lights are probably constantly on and sucking out power like no tomorrow. Change out your incandescent bulbs for compact florescant ones.

You always see those ads, Work from home, Make money from your living room, Your career from your couch... Well, these tips aren't one of those gimmicks. Seriously, put more cash in your pocket from living area. All it takes is a few small changes.

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com

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Homeowner's Insurance

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:14:04 -0700

It's quite a debate to decide if you're appropriately insured for your property and personal possessions. In the event of a devastating loss, you don't want to have a policy that won't assist in getting you back to your routine lifestyle, but on the other hand, you don't want to throw money away in policy premiums each year if you won't need it all. How do you get just the right amount of coverage?

Most agent recommend opting for replacement cost coverage rather than cash value coverage. This way, the insurance company will cover the expenses of replacing damaging property, rather than just giving you the value of the loss. If you have a to rebuild a home due to a fire, a cash value policy will only give you enough money to reimburse you for your 10 year old windows, roof or doors. The replacement policy understands that while your property may have depreciated and you've gotten great use of it, it will still take money out of your pocket to pay today's prices. One thing to remember with replacement coverage is to get a policy big enough to cover the entire rebuild of your house, purchase of furnishings and personal property and the land value of your property. Market value will sell you short of where you need to be in the event of a complete loss.

Additionally, another oversight is the construction costs of rebuilding. Sure you may have factored in the supply costs of every single item in your home, light switches and all, but did you remember to factor in how much you have to pay someone to do the work? If you have a recently purchased home, you know a round-about figure to give your insurance agent when decided on a policy, but if it's an older home, get a few bids from local builders before nailing down a policy.

Adjusting your policy as things change within your home is another crucial aspect. If you do a remodeling project that is 5% of the homes value, or $5,000 (whichever is less) adjust your policy to cover your upgrades. I mean, you aren't putting money in the house for nothing, right? Adjustments can be in terms of added personal property too. If you have more expensive furniture, clothing or jewelry, make sure your policy covers that as well. The amount of additional coverage will literally only cost you pennies on the dollar in premiums compared to what it actually costs to replace.

Any loss can be devastating and a long-lasting headache, but having complete coverage will at least minimize your chaos.

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The time is now!

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:12:22 -0700

The time is still right for buyers. With the home prices remaining steady and the stabilizing economgy, it's not just a good time to buy a house...it's one of the best times to buy.

1. Low mortgage rates serve as an equity shock absorber. When buyers borrow at today's record-low rates, they start building equity as soon as they close. That means they have a little give to absorb a few ups and downs as the still-recovering housing market gains traction.

2. Houses are in move-in condition. Homeowners have continued to spend on maintenance and repairs. Homeowners who have been holding back, kept their houses in good shape while they waited. As those houses enter the market, they are in marked contrast to tattered foreclosures.

3. Terrific houses are coming on the market. Foreclosures are finally starting to clear the system-and this is just the opportunity that owners of many desirable properties have been waiting for.

4. Appraisal regulations are finally aligned with market realities. Fannie Mae has adjusted its appraisal guidelines, giving appraisers more flexibility to set values that reflect the current market. This ensures that today's deals will make it over the finish line.

5. Plenty of programs. Homes are more affordable than they have been for years, but communities have stuck by "workforce housing" programs that encourage middle-class families to buy houses. Buyers who qualify can get a big boost by combining one of these programs with today's low mortgage rates.

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com

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Making your house a home

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:27:38 -0700

I couldn't wait to get all my things settled once I purchased and closed on my first home. I was too wrapped up in being a first-time home buyer that there were so many things I overlooked. What I had thought was a significant amount of 'stuff' turned out to be scraps when I moved everything in and saw how bare the place looked. I think many new buyers end up being in the same boat. It may be a lack of preparation, possibly a lack of financial funding, or sometimes people just like to design and add as they go. As it turns out, as much as I try to plan and organize and in advance, the shopping as you go was pretty rewarding. Once I was in my home and knew all the nooks and crannies, if I was out somewhere and saw a particular piece I really liked, I would then know exactly where I could put it. It kept every outing adventurous and gave me time to save up a little money.

Typically, homeowners spend an average of $7,400 on their home, with more htan 50% of that amount being spent within the first year after purchase. Many people haven't accounted for this type of spending but there are a few specifics that can get you by with maintaining a home, and not just a house. The rest is just details you can add later.

Once ‘kids' are have outgrown their parents hand-me-downs, the most popular items to purchase are sofas, dining sets and new bedroom sets. This can personalize your style and set the tone when you walk in each room. By shopping around and buying furniture during sales holidays, you can really find some excellent bargains on quality furniture. Typically, mattress sales are at their peak during the summer holidays.

Instead of spending a ton of money on a fine piece of art, there are easier ways to spruce up your walls. Window treatments is a cost-effective way to ‘fill the walls' and also provide a sense of privacy and security. Finally, now that you are no longer renting, you can also paint those walls any color your heart desires. A fresh coat of paint adds tons of personality. If your paint and linens match, that leaves less of a need to purchase complimentary accent pieces.

I'm fairly certain there are plenty of new buyers out there that totally disregard the fact that they now have to take care of a lawn. Of course, having a plush flower bed to welcome guests is always desirable, but that can come with time and money. For starters, you can maintain a home with a freshly-cut lawn, so don't forget to invest in a lawnmower. A hose and shovel will also come in handy for little maintenance projects.

One of the biggest items new homeowners invest their money in is a flat-screen tv. I'd put money on the bet that nearly every potential new buyer walks into a property and starts talking about where they'd put the tv. It's no wonder such technology is at the top of the purchasing list. Also, it's important to take inventory of what appliances are already in the house. Typically a dishwasher, stove and microwave come equipped in a home. Occasionally a refrigerator or washer and dryer set may be left behind, but usually you need to buy your own. These items needed to be accounted for well in advance or it makes actual day-to-day living in your home very difficult.

This may seem silly, but a basic tool kit will take you a long way. Are you trying to hammer a nail into the wall with the heel of your boot? Having essential tools and hardware will help your move and decorating much easier. This is a fairly inexpensive purchase that will save you time, headaches and trips back and forth to the hardware store.

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com

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Hot Weather? Hot savings!

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:28:49 -0700

Temperatures aren't the only numbers on the rise during the summer months, so are energy costs. On average, cooling costs are around $400 a year per homeowner, but let's be real honest - I know for a fact I have spent a significantly greater amount than that. I'm always looking for ways to keep my costs to a minimum, and what I've found are methods that can be applied to both central air systems and window units.

SIZE:

In terms of window units, the size is measured in Btus and the amount of energy required is dependent upon the size of the room. Getting an over-sized window unit will cool the room faster but then will turn on and off more frequently, which defeats the purpose of saving energy. The EnergyStar website will provide a standard chart on the number of Btu's recommended for various room sizes, but then you have to evaluate your own specific factors as well. Remember, a sunny room will need more power while a darker room could still be comfortable with a smaller unit.

If you're dealing with a central air system, you aren't left entirely to your own resources for guidance, as you will probably work with a contractor. One thing to remember is that central air units come in multiple parts, so make sure your contractor is using pieces that compliment each other for maximum savings on energy, rather than piecing together a random unit. A rule of thumb to follow is if your unit is more than 15 years old, even if it's still ticking along, thing about investing in a new system. The money you will save in efficiency is certainly going to be worth shelling out the initial cost. And don't forget that you can opt for the $1500 tax credit if you purchase a new unit before the end of the year!

SEAL & MAINTAIN: Even with an energy-efficient model, you still may be sucking out more cold air than what is necessary. If there is a leak anywhere in your home, you're just throwing dollars down the drain. Be sure to install window units accurately per the instructions so that you aren't leaving any gaps in the windows. Air filters is another factor that will change how much energy you use on air conditioning. If the filter has too thick of a film, the unit has to work harder to push air through to the vents, in turn costing you more on your energy bill.

HABITS: A final thing you can do to lower your energy bills is to tweak your living habits. Very small chances can lead to very big savings over time. Buy a programmable thermostat so that you can set the temperature to be warmer during your anticipated routine hours away from the home. If you have a window unit, get one with a built-in timer. Also, if it's not a blistering hot day - keep cool with your ceiling or area fan and add a few degrees to the ‘ole thermometer. Even keeping your home 2 degrees warmer in the summer can save you money. Also, if you have curtains or shades in your home, close them before you leave for a given period of time so the room doesn't sit there and bake. This will keep your AC unit from running full-blast just to maintain a comfortable temperature.

I know it seems almost impossible to save money and cut corners when it comes to A/C in the summertime, but just with a little thought and effort, you can keep a few extra pennies in you pocket!

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com

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Buying a newly-built home?

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:10:24 -0700

With the economy in repair, the new-home sales are also back on the rise, only this time the properties are more affordable. Just like any major purchase, it's imperative to understand what you're getting into with new construction.

When dealing with realtors, make sure to get a realtor that represents you, as the agents suggseted by the builder are paid to represent them as the seller. High-pressure tactics may be used by the builder's agent to persuade you to sign the contract and they won't discuss any drawbacks to this transaction. Your own agent will represent you, act as your fiduciary and disclose the positives as well as the negatives.

Be fully aware of all of the factors of a builder's lender before making the committment. Builders often are one step-ahead, since their lenders will keep them fully-informed of your personal progress. Also, if the actual builder owns the lending company they recommend, chances are, they aren't giving you the best deal. Sure, if they offer you 15% off the value of the home, it sounds like a great idea, but look closely and see if they require that you use their lender. Committing yourself to a single lender before shopping the market will pigeon-hole you into higher rates and closing costs. One important thing to remember is you need to know exactly what your credit report looks like and you are entitled to getting your own report before even speaking to lenders. Once you know where you stand in terms of credit and you've begun shopping around for the best rates, insist that your lender guarantee their Good Faith Estimate. If they shy away from it, take your business elsewhere - there is someone out there who really wants your business.

If one buyer has a bad experience with a builder, word can often spread like rapid-fire, but it's important to accruraltey assess the builder's history overall. Take time to check public records for any lawsuits or complaints and evaluate how you feel about their resolutions. This will give you better insight to the company's values and if you trust your investment in their product. This is not the time to be shy - speak with the neighbors in the development and see what they have to say about their experience.

Also, even though you have a brand-new product that the builders may swear by, just like buying a used home, hire your own home inspector. While new homes usually come with a 12-month wall-to-wall warranty, some of the significant problems with a house may not surface in the first year. If your selected inspector recommends calling an additional professional out, figure out if he is just not licensed to inspect a specific concern or if there is major potential problems down the line.

One final tip is to consult a real estate lawyer before signing a contract with a home builder. Standard agreements may keep you out of court, but they dont' necessarily include terms that protect you as the buyer. It is pertinent to understand you liability and commitments and to know what rights you have to cancellation or removal of contingencies. Additionally, if the contract includes a health warnring regarding the types of materials used, that's a huge red flag and it's time to go back to the drawing board.

Building a brand new home that is made just for you is a very exciting process, despite the headaches that come along with it. Being educated, asking the right questions and standing up for yourself as a buyer will eliminate many of the speedbumps along the road.

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com

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Pool Safety

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:34:12 -0700

With summer kicking into full-swing, backyard pools will be the ‘hot' hit for the next couple of months.

With about 260 children under the age of 5 drowning each year, pool owners need to take safety precautions. One method of protection isn't enough when you've got smart, dare-devil kids around. Most importantly, 100% supervision is the key to keeping your back yard pool a safe haven for children. Even though you may keep a close eye on kids at the pool, you may not be close enough to them to save them from a potential accident. Having a protective barrier around the edges of the pool will also deter such traumatic events from happening. Don't forget that automatic safety pool cover that secures over the top of the water and is sturdy enough to withstand a child's weight.

Keep in mind that barriers around the immediate area of the pool are designated to protect your children and guests, but what about those neighborhood kids that might see a pool and make a B-line for the water??? In most cases, it is regulated to have a fence around back yard swimming pools, but what kind of fence is appropriate? It is recommended that a wooden fence of at least 4 feet in height and without footholds to prevent climbing should be installed. Also, it's important to remember that if the fence has any gaps between the vertical members, they should not be wide enough to allow children to squeeze through. The gate on such a fence should be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch being high enough to be out of the reach of small children. It is important that if you plan on leaving the house for a given period of time, put a lock on that latch so nobody can enter your backyard while you aren't there to supervise.

A final method of security is to get a pool sensor that will go off if it recognizes a disturbance in the water, such as a child falling in. Two types of sensors are made, one to monitor surface waves and another to monitor subsurface disturbances. The most effective are the subsurface monitors, as they do not have as many false alarms due to weather, etc. These can also work with a pool cover, whereas the surface wave sensor cannot.

The summertime is often the most-anticipated time of the year for children and they often proceed without any caution. Even though the pool tragedies are few and far between, even just one drowning is too many.

Have a fun and SAFE summer!

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com

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Effects of Foreclosure

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:57:10 -0700

If you are still able to somehow manage your mortgage even though you may be underwater in what you owe vs. what it's worth - don't just walk away from it. Many people believe that taking a hit on their credit score is worth ridding themselves of a headache of never getting out of their property what they owe.

Many of those who actually choose to default on their mortgage believe that over a little time, if they pay all their bills on time, no worries - financing another home is a piece of cake. For those homes that are lost due to financial hardships, the turnaround time for buying another property is 2-5 years, but if you opt to walk away from your mortgage, that time can easily double.

A credit score is only a factor in the overall decision for lenders to accept your application for a home loan and underwriters will closely scrutinize every possible reason why you may have defaulted. If those reasons don't include any financial hardship or health issues, they won't be so lenient on lending to you again. For walkaways, even having a good credit score isn't a strong enough indicator of your willingness to pay your note on time. The only thing strategic defaults do is work against you.

Having said all this, it doesn't mean it is impossible to get another loan after you've walked away from a previous mortgage. There are lenders out there who still want to make interest, so they might just take a bite at a high-risk borrower. Of course, this will all be at a steep interest rate to protect the lenders in the event of a second default and a hefty down payment of around 30%.

Obviously, there are economic factors that are often beyond a homeowners' control which may devastate their financial status, forcing them to default on their home and lenders are accepting of that fact. Trying to get ahead by getting behind, on the other hand, isn't going to get you very far. This is a good rule of thumb to remember while in the situation of being upside down in a mortgage or even before you purchase a home. Sometimes what we think will help us out, ultimately does the exact opposite.

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com

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Tax Deductions for Rental Property

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Thu, 27 May 2010 11:42:04 -0700

While the stress of finding the perfect tenant and fixing up odds and ends sometimes deters homeowners from renting out their homes, the tax deductions can often sway their decision.

If you save receipts and include such expenses on Schedule E of your tax return form, many of the necessary maintenance can be written off, even if the property is vacant for a short time. Common expenses to write off are advertising, cleaning and maintenance, commissions paid to rental agents, HOA dues, insurance premiums, legal fees, mortgage interest, taxes and utilities. Less obvious deductions include expenses to obtain a mortgage and fees paid to an accountant for preparing your Schedule E tax form.

And important thing to remember that as long as there are sleeping, cooking and bathroom facilities, even a houseboat or trailer can be considered rental property.

If you have to travel to the rental property in order to show the home, collect rent or maintenance, you can write off up to $0.55 per mile. In terms of maintenance, there is a fine line between repair and improvements. You can only deduct expenses that keep your property in working condition and not changing out your old counter-tops to fancy new granite.

You can also deduce depreciation value of the home over a set number of years as well as profits/losses on rental property.

Be sure to read carefully and fully inspect all the details of what you can and cannot deduct here: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p527/index.html.

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com

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Current Outdoor Must-Dos

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:55:14 -0700

Touch up exterior paint. Peeling paint allows more moisture and sunlight to damage the existing paint, making it a tougher and more costly chore down the road. When buying exterior paint, this isn't where you want to penny-pinch. Go for the expensive label - it's worth it in the end. If you have more than just a few touch-ups, go for the full blown paint job. Professional painters won't normally come out for touch ups only but it might be in your best interest to hire a handy-man.

Mulch your yard. Fresh mulch gives a visual contrast to your landscaping, allowing the different colors of your plants to really catch the eye. Mulch promotes healthier plants by keeping the moisture and nutrients in the soil.

Seal your deck and fence. It's important to keep your wood safe from the damaging sun and moisture. Sealing the wood will extend the life of your deck/fence. It is important to get a seal with a stain in it, rather than paint. Using a paint-enhanced seal, you'll have to peel, scrape and sand each time you need to redo the job. Sealing decks and fences is one of the easiest Do-It-Yourself projects, with little room for error.

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com

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Cash-For-Caulkers Stimulus Program

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Fri, 07 May 2010 15:56:58 -0700

The Home Star bill, a $5.7 billion program for the next two years will allow homeowners to cash in on rebates for better insulation, new energy-saving windows and doors. This new stimulus, dubbed cash-for-caulkers, is separate than that $1,500 tax credit on energy from last year through the end of 2010, and will continue for the next two years. This new stimulus plan is expected to create nearly 170,000 new jobs in a a recession-hit construction industry.

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com

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Achieving a perfect exterior paint job

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Thu, 06 May 2010 17:37:17 -0700

1. Check for lead paint. The EPA has set new regulations for lead-safe regulations. Having a contractor abide by these new standards may add additional cost to your project.

2. In order for your paint to stick better, make sure all the grit and grime is washed off the exterior before painting.

3. Remove any flaking paint that may deter a clean smooth coat from being applied.

4. Sand down any rough spots for an even finish.

5. If you have an cracks or holes, fill them in before painting.

6. By first using a primer, your paint will adhere much easier to your ‘canvas.'

7. Caulking the joints doesn't only give fresh paint a finished look, it also prevents air and water leaks.

8. Water-based paints are much easier to work with than oil-based, but be careful in choosing the finish. Remember, the higher the sheen, the more protective the paint is against the sun.

9. Believe it or not, there is such a thing as too many layers. The thicker the paint, the easier it will be to chip and flake off down the road. An extreme changing in colors may require 2 coats, however if it's a slight adjustment, you probably only need one coat.

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com

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The Why's and How's of Home Maintenance

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:48:41 -0700

There are several common problems with homes that seem to always need to be taken care of at one point or another. It could be odors, noises, aesthetics...but whatever it is, we don't want it to happen and when it does, we want to know how to fix it stat!

Pealing paint: Caused by moisture under the paint, either caused by leaks or a steamy bathroom. Catch the source or moisture as quickly as possible to prevent serious damage, such as rotting walls. Quick fixes are scraping off the paint, prime and just repaint that area. Cheap. Easy. Done!

Flickering Lights: If it's just one light bulb, it may be loose in the socket or might just need to be replaced. If lights dim when other appliances are used, your circuit may be overloaded. If groups of lights flicker, it may be that your electrical panel is loose, which can be very dangerous and can likely start a fire. Tighten loose connections with switch boxes. If you're too nervous to mess with the electrical wires and connections yourself, always play the smart card and call a licensed electrician to come take a look.

Noise inside a wall: Bugs. Yuck! If you suspect something may be making a home within your home, tap on the walls and then put your ear to it to see if you can hear little things scurrying around in there. How to fix this? Call pest control!

Loud knocking: Do you hear a loud noise when you turn off the water? It's the fast-moving water coming to a sudden halt without having an air chamber to catch the shock waves. If this happens when your furnace turns on/off, the metal ducts are expanding/contracting due to the change in temperature. The water issue - call the plumber. The duct noises - sorry, Charlie - it's how it goes sometimes.

Toilet tank refilling on its own: Is water continuously trickling through your toilet? First try to untangle or loosen the flapper so that it doesn't seat completely. If that doesn't work, you may just have some worn out parts that need to be replaced, but fortunately, this is a cheap repair.

Musty odors: It's probably mildew, caused by humid indoor air allowing moisture to form on cold surfaces. You can keep the air moving wtih a small area fan or purchase a small dehumidifier to take some of the moisture out of the air.

Smelly running water: Either there is bacteria that causes a rotten-egg smell is growing in your plumbing or there are water heater problems. To help detect, pour a glass of water and step away from the sink. If you can't smell anything odd in the glass of water, it's like the bacteria is in your drain rather than your faucet. Pour a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution in your drain to get rid of the bacteria. If the smell only occurs when you're running hot water - you know it's a problem with the heater. A plumber can disinfect your heater. If all the water in your home smells funny, contact the city utility services or health department.

Bad-tasting tap water: Certain sources of water may be higher in mineral content than others, altering the taste of water. This can also be a result of too much chlorine in the water. If chlorine is your issue, call the city's water department - they may have done too good of a job disinfecting. An under-the-counter water purifier will help remove minerals, odors and bad tastes from water.

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com

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Enhancing Curb Appeal: Quick Tips!

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:25:14 -0700

I've said it before, it's no big surprise - curb appeal is a HUGE factor in making your home more marketable and sets the tone for how potential buyers feel when considering your property. Let's make this quick and simple, here's your key improvements to give your home's exterior a major boost!

Paint exterior siding, shutters, posts, etc. 'Nuff said.
Before painting, give the house a good scrub. Pressure washers are amazing! Don't forget to clean the windows and get rid of unsightly cobwebs.
Give your landscaping a quick face-lift by snipping excess shrubbage, pulling weeds and getting your grass in tip-top shape!
Add a ‘wow factor' with use of color. It could be as simple as a unique mailbox, a sharp planter with bright flowers or even a new coat of paint on the front door.
Get fancy with your mailbox and house numbers. Make your address stand out!
Clean up the roof-line, including any wind-blown leaves, debris, etc. A big must is to replace any distressed looking shingles.

...and there you have it. Just a few and cost-effective ways for your house to offer a great big warm welcome to lookers.

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Patio Weather!!!

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:03:20 -0700

It's nearly prime season to sit out on your back patio and enjoy the awesome spring weather. What? You don't have a patio?!?! It's definitely a good time to evaluate your yard for what potential patio space you have. Plus, having a nicely done outdoor living space is a major plus for resale. On average, deck/patio additions create a 45% return on investment, but that other 55% spent can be accounted for in terms of enjoying your outdoor space and the money you save by hosting an event rather than going out on the town.

Outdoor living projects are becoming more and more popular and is a great way to expand your living space at a much lower cost than remodeling or adding on to your interior space. With home construction costs averaging about $95 per foot, decks and patios range from $15-33 a foot. Make sure to but your ambitions, spontaneity and impulsiveness to the side and really study your space. In choosing the perfect placement for your patio, you want to consider these factors:

Sun exposure. Are you going for a sunny space to catch some rays or are you looking more for a relaxing, shady spot.
Neighbor exposure. Do you really want all your ‘dirty laundry' to be convenient for snoopy neighbors? You know that kid that always kicks the ball over the fence and into your yard? Would your guests' heads be possible target for that ball? Patios are often meant for a relaxing alternative to indoor living, but if the location is poorly planned, it may not be all that relaxing.
Crowd. On average, how many people would you typically entertain using this space? This will definitely help you plan out the amount of space you want to use.
Convenience. Is the location suited for your ideal patio in terms of not only sun exposure and size, but in terms of convenience to the kitchen or main living area for entertaining?
Stuff. What kind of furniture, patio accessories will you have out there? Table, chairs, grill, outdoor bar? Make sure there is enough room for all the amenities and for people to move freely.
Regulations. Very important!!! It's necessary to check with your local neighborhood and HOA bylaws about zoning and and any regulations that will affect the construction of your patio.

Remember, a large portion of cost for such a project is the labor and there are plenty of do-it-yourself methods that might be a cheaper option for you. It's definitely worth saving hundreds of dollars to put in a few hours of your own hard work!

www.archwoodproperties.com

Top Gardening Mistakes to Avoid

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:49:20 -0700

In terms of do-it-yourself projects, sprucing up your curb appeal by planting a pretty garden is one of the easiest and usually cost-effective things to do, however there are key mistakes you want to avoid when doing so.

When the fresh Spring breeze gets you excited to work outdoors, don't go changing the entire landscape just yet. That ‘weed' you think will need to be pulled might actually turn into something nice in the Fall. Give your garden time to run it's seasonal cycle and only make small changes in the beginning until you know what really needs to be done.

If you have just planted new flowers, plants and shrubbery and if they look perfectly spaced in the beginning, they are actually way too close together. If you're like me, with a slight case of OCD, you want it to look perfect from the word go, and don't give the plants time to grow into the bare space. These plants will end up crowding each other out as they grow over time, putting them in jeopardy of insufficient nutrients, water and sunlight.

The word ‘plan' is the beginning of the word ‘planting!' It's wise to draw a bird's eye view of your garden and plan out any future remodeling, patio additions, pool, fencing, etc before planting more than just a simple flower bed. Planting deep-rooted shrubbery may be a whole chore to un-do if you'll eventually plan on moving it. Another part of the big plan is to make sure you aren't neglecting the amount of sunlight each part of your garden receives each day. Is it morning or afternoon sun, is it only partially sunny or is it a completely shaded area? While in your head, you can picture this particular flower looking great in that corner, is that really the best place for it to grow? For reference, if a plant thrives in full sun, plant it in an area that receives 6+ hours of sun a day. If it only requires partial sun, 3-5 hours of direct sunglight should be sufficient. Any part of your yard that gets under 3 hours of sunlight a day is only suitable for shady plants.

Don't rely on your sprinkler systems alone for watering newly planted roots. You'll have to assist your new shrubs as they adapt to their new home, and a simple water sprinkle on the foliage isn't going to cut it for long-lasting, healthy plants. A few times a week, place a hose at the base of the plant and let the water trickle down through the soil to the root ball for 20-30 minutes. During the hotter parts of the summer, do it more frequently. This routine during the first 12 weeks should definitely help the shrub develop strong roots. Also, misusing the settings on your irrigation system can cause disease, root rot, etc. While most people water for 20 minutes every morning, it gives the surface level a nice soak but it often doesn't penetrate deep to the roots. Longer watering periods, for about 40 minutes, but only a few times a week is your better option.

Finally, have you included a landscaping budget into your overall construction cost? When building a new house, adding additional living space or even installing a pool, construction equipment will tear up your yard and garden. Having a nice new sun room overlooking a pile of dirt isn't all that pleasant. Be sure to set aside some of your total budget to completing your project with making your yard look nice as well.

www.archwoodproperties.com

Alternative Pest Treatment

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:07:57 -0700

You don't always have to use toxic chemicals to get rid of wood-destroying insects and other pests. You can instead consider an alternative approach-"integrated pest management"-which combines common sense with prevention techniques, conventional pesticides, and green alternatives, such as natural plant extracts and minerals.

Spraying or pumping poisons became the very popular method to rid your garden and home from unwanted guests, but today, homeowners and pest-control professionals are looking for ways to reduce the amount of pesticides used by incorporating a range of treatments that are often less toxic but still effective.

www.archwoodproperties.com

Spring & Summer Maintenance

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:50:13 -0800

With the warm, sunny days peaking through and about to make their grand entrance, take advantage of such beautiful weather and perform a few maintenance tasks. While you can enjoy the fresh air from outside and before you will die if you don't have a properly-functioning AC unit, schedule HVAC check-ups. You should also head outside to inspect your home for any winter damages on your chimney and roofing. Check your gutters for debris from winter storms and make sure they're securely attached to your home. It's too nice outside to make excuses to not perform such easy, routine check-ups and it's well worth the time and effort if you don't have to pay more expenses to fix/replace at a later date!

www.archwoodproperties.com

$1000 Projects

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:29:00 -0800

Tax returns should be on their way back to your bank account and while last week we gave some $500 home investments, this week we'll suggest a few $1000 projects that you could put your tax refund towards.

Swap out your old top-loading washing machine for a front-loading high-efficiency Energy Star model. This will save on both your water and heating bills.
If you can put a nice chunk of pocket change towards the principal on your mortgage loan, you can not only pay off your mortgage in less than the loan term, but will save tens of thousands of dollars in interest.
Is your home lacking the ambiance of a nice fireplace? You can invest in an electric ventless fireplace that requires no professional installation. These units exhaust small amounts of combustion gases inside the home and can run on natural gas, propane, electricity, or flammable gel.
Enhance your curb appeal and save money on energy by replacing your old front door with a new energy-efficient one and you are eligible for a tax credit worth 30% of the door.

www.archwoodproperties.com

Invest your tax return in low-cost home improvements

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:12:25 -0800

For those who are fortunate enough to get a chunk of change back from the IRS each year, they often want to blow the wad of cash frivolously. A wiser expense would be to invest it in improving certain aspects of your home. Doing this instead of laying on a beach sipping out of coconuts will yield even more money in terms of savings! There are a few easy things you can do to your home that cost under $500.

1. Look into purchasing a low-flow shower-head. Older models are pumping out close to 5 gallons of water a minute, while new ones are conserving water and only releasing 2.5 gallons of water/minute. Even though you're showering in 50% less water, the technology behind the latest low-flow shower-heads makes it feel like there is no change.

2. Purchase an additional umbrella policy with your homeowners insurance removes restrictions of the standard homeowner policy and can also cover your cars as well. Another wise investment is adding flood insurance to your standard policy, as many insurance companies don't include flood insurance in their standard premiums.

3. Perform an energy audit to see where you're losing conditioned air to and from where the hot or cold air from outdoors is seeping in. You can do it yourself or hire a professional energy inspector and also seal those leaky spaces for minimal dollars compared to what you're just throwing away.

4. Save your electronics and appliances and invest in a whole-house surge protector. It only takes one lightning strike to wipe out tons of dollars spend on such items. A few of your electronics and appliances may be plugged into a single surge protector strip, but what about the items you don't think about protecting. A whole-house protector can be added to your breaker box and you can remove that weight off your shoulder.

5. Why are you purchasing water to maintain your outdoor living spaces and gardens when the earth will give it to you for free? A rain barrel will collect and store water outdoors until it can be later used to nourish plants or wash off your deck. There are some fancy rain barrels with all kinds of spouts, making them function just like a water faucet.

www.archwoodproperties.com

Refinancing Deadline Extended

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:20:25 -0800

For borrowers whose home values have plummeted with the recent housing market, the government has set in place a program to assist them with refinancing their loans. Originally, the Making Home Affordable program was scheduled to end on June 10th of this year, however with recent changes, it will extend until June 30, 2011. If you owe up to 25% more than what your current home's value is, you may be eligible for this program and will be able to refinance at a lower interest rate.

www.archwoodproperties.com

Change your lighthing and save energy!

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:15:27 -0800

Many homeowners are oblivious to the fact that lighting in homes can account for 10-20% of the total monthly energy bill and even more-so to how easy it is to change such lighting and save mega bucks! The government will soon regulate the energy-efficiency of light bulbs, making all products on the market more-efficient, but you don't have to wait for the new regulations - start saving on your own now! You can save 75% per bulb by switching standard incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent (CFL) ones. CFL's last longer and consume less energy and can save $30 in its operating lifetime. If you choose not to switch to CFLs, make your current incandescent bulbs cheaper for you by lowering the wattage percentage by 15%. Typically, you won't notice a difference in the the brightness of a lower-watt bulb but you will notice the pennies adding up in your wallet. Also, changing your bulbs isn't the only option to save energy with your lighting. Look into a motion-sensor to put on lights where sometimes they aren't always turned off, or door-jam switches that will flick on a light when the door is opened. This is great for pantries and closets, since once we close the door, we rarely remember we've left the light on. Remember, natural light is often under rated and by simply cleaning your windows, you can function using the earth's natural sunlight rather than having to pay large sumps of money to create such energy.

www.archwoodproperties.com

A Guide to Spring Cleaning

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:41:17 -0800

Why does a vision of Full House's Danny Tanner come with his Spring Cleaning Clip-Board in hand come to mind whenever I think of this seasonal trend? After months of stale air recirculating through the house, it's time to open those windows and take in some fresh spring air. With the variety of tools and products out there, it can be a more-stressful task than it has been in the past.

A common least-favorite room to clean is the bathroom. Scrubbing tile and toilets? YUCK! However, tackling such dirty areas doesn't mean you have to partake in full-fledged chemical warfare. Break out those lovely rubber gloves (you can even find cute ones to make the project less dreadful that much more exciting) and use a pumice stone to work out those mineral deposits and rust. If you need something a bit stronger for stubborn marks, mix baking soda with acidic vinegar - it's probably a cheaper solution and not to mention much better for your family and the environment. When working on your tile floors, stay with your standard cleaner but instead of mopping over it, use a wet/dry vac to help remove contaminants from the grout (instead of creating an adverse effect of driving germs into the grout with mopping.)

When cleaning your kitchen - there is much more involved than just removing germs from the area. People often find this room of the house one of the hardest to clean because there is just too.much.stuff. Before you bust out those sprays and sponges, take a hard look through your cabinets and drawers and see if there are things you can either get rid of or store in a better-suited place. We all know about that ‘junk drawer' that is in nearly every home! As for your counter-tops, if it's not an appliance you use every day or at least very frequently, find a new home for it permanently and pull it out when you need it. Don't forget to clean out your fridge and pantry of expired items. Now that those things are taken care of - it's time to get down and dirty! If you think using old socks and cut-up - are going to do the trick when cleaning, think again. For a minimal price, invest in a all-purpose microfiber cloth that uses it's own composition paired with a bit of warm water (or baking soda and vinegar) to pick up grease and dirt, rather than having to use tough chemicals. Remember, we prepare our food in our kitchen and while chemical cleaners get rid of bacteria, they can also leave behind a little special something in our food!

Attacking a bedroom cleaning project also involves plenty of organization and not just conventional cleaning. Flip and rotate your mattress and consider a professional cleaning service to come thoroughly disinfect your bed. Take some weight off those closet racks and store out-of-season clothing and sheets or even see if there are items you can donate. Even if you opt for a professional service to clean your carpets, which is highly recommended, don't overlook your own vacuum. Be sure to use those hose attachments to pick up debris along the baseboards, under the bed and in the window sills/blinds and while you're at it, give the curtains a nice run through the dryer on high heat to kill the dust mites.

Almost done - right after you straighten up your living areas. If you opt to hire a cleaning service for your carpets and/or mattress, go ahead and let them apply their magic to your upholstery in common, high-traffic areas. Remember how you bought that microfiber cloth for your kitchen?? Go purchase another one (don't cross-contaminate rooms by using the same cloth for different purposes.) A damp microfiber cloth can be used to wipe down mirrors, fan blades, furniture surfaces, wood paneling, windows and even plastic electronic casings. Once those to-dos are checked off your list of tasks, take a shower and a deep breathe then relax and enjoy your clean home!

www.archwoodproperties.com

Looking Ahead to 2010 Taxes

Charlie Weiblen (Archwood Properties) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:04:08 -0800

Many taxpayers wait until right before the April 15th deadline to start sorting out their taxes, but if you can get a jump start on them several months in advance, you're already off on a good foot! Mike DeSenne from HouseLogic gives us some tips on how to get ahead early in the game.

Claim remaining energy tax credits
If you haven't exhausted your full allotment of residential energy tax credits during 2009, start doing so this year so that you may claim it next April for the year 2010. Although tax credits for big projects like residential wind turbines and solar energy systems have no upper limit and are good through 2016, energy tax credits capped at $1,500 expire at the end of 2010. Eligible capped projects include new windows and doors, insulation, roofing, water heaters, HVAC, and biomass stoves.

Here's how it works with capped federal credits: You can earn energy tax credits worth 30% of the cost of qualifying improvements, but the total tax credits can't exceed $1,500 combined for 2009 and 2010. So if you only took, say, $700 worth of capped energy credits on your 2009 tax return, you're still due for another $800 in credits in 2010. Some projects include the cost of installation-a furnace, for example-while others, such as insulation, are limited to the cost of materials.

Max out tax benefits of a vacation home
Use a vacation home wisely, and it'll provide a break from taxes as well as the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The rules on tax deductions for vacation homes can get a bit tricky, but understanding and adhering to them can yield many happy tax returns.

If your vacation home is truly a vacation home meant for your personal enjoyment, as opposed to a rental-only income property, you can usually deduct mortgage interest and real estate taxes, just as you would on your main home. You can even rent out the home for up to 14 days during the year without getting taxed on the rental income. Not bad.

Now, let's say you want to rent out your vacation home for more than 14 days in 2010, but also use it yourself from time to time. To maximize the tax benefits, you need to keep tabs on how many days you use your vacation home. By restricting your annual personal use to fewer than 15 days (or 10% of total rental days, whichever is greater), you can treat your vacation home as a rental-only income property for tax purposes.

Why is that a big deal? In addition to mortgage interest and real estate taxes, rental-only income properties are eligible for a slew of other tax deductions for everything from utilities and condo fees to housecleaning and repairs. Deductions are limited once personal use exceeds 14 days (or 10% of total rental days), so get out your calendar now to strategically plot your vacations.

Take advantage of tax breaks for the military
In salute to members of the armed forces serving overseas who want to purchase a home, the IRS is extending a lucrative tax perk for military personnel. If you spent at least 90 days abroad performing qualified duty between Jan. 1, 2009, and April 30, 2010, you have an extra year to earn a homebuyer tax credit. In addition to uniformed service members, workers in the Foreign Service and in the intelligence community are eligible.

Thanks to this extension of the homebuyer tax credit, qualifying military personnel have until April 30, 2011, to sign a contract on a new home. The deal must close before July 1, 2011. Just like non-military buyers, first-time homebuyers can earn a tax credit worth up to $8,000, and longtime homeowners can earn a credit of up to $6,500. The same income restrictions and $800,000 cap on home prices apply.

Military personnel can also get a break if official duty calls and they're forced to move for an extended period. Normally, the homebuyer tax credit needs to be repaid if you sell your home within three years, but this requirement is waived for uniformed service members, Foreign Service workers, and intelligence community personnel. The new extended duty posting doesn't need to be overseas, but it must be at least 50 miles from your principal residence.

Challenge your real estate assessment
You can't do much about the rate at which your home is taxed, but you can try to do something about how your home is valued for taxation purposes in 2010. The process varies depending where you live, but in general local governments conduct a periodic real estate assessment to determine how much your home is worth. That real estate assessment figure is used to calculate your property tax bill.

You can usually appeal your real estate assessment if you think it's too high. Contact your local assessor's office to find out the procedure, and be prepared to do some research. There's often no charge to request a review of your assessment.

Look for errors. You probably received an assessment letter in the mail, and many local governments provide the information online as well. Make sure the number of bedrooms and bathrooms is accurate, and the lot size is correct. Also check the assessed value of comparable homes in your area. If they're being assessed for less than your home, you might have a case for relief.

Even if your assessment is accurate and comparable homes are being taxed at the same rate, there might be another route to tax savings. Ask your assessor's office about available property tax exemptions. Local governments often give breaks to seniors, veterans, and the disabled, among others.