Cutting Utility Costs - 02/22/10 09:00 PM
Did you know that heating and cooling account for 44 percent of the average home's energy use?
Insulating your home is your best protection against high heating and cooling bills.  It's also the best way to keep your home comfortable in very season.
Start by adding insulation to any unfinished attics and crawl spaces.  Then consider insulating the ceilings and walls between your living space and an unheated basement or garage.
Finally, don't forget that windows and doors can be some of your home's biggest energy wasters.   Make sure the weather-stripping is in good condition at all times.  Install storm windows … (14 comments)

2010 Census ~ Do Your Part - 02/12/10 11:44 AM
This month, 2010 Census forms will be mailed to every resident in the United States and Puerto Rico. Under the U.S. Constitution, a national census must be completed every 10 years in order to get a clear picture of changes in the nation's population and demographics. The goal is to count everyone residing in the United States, including both citizens and non-citizens, and every household is required to account for everyone living there as of April 1, 2010.Census data is used to determine the number of seats each state occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives. It also helps to determine … (3 comments)

Pending Sales Leveling Off - 02/05/10 11:31 AM
Pending home sales rose slightly in December, increasing 1.0 percent from the previous month, according to NAR. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) was 10.9 percent above December 2008. In November, the index had fallen 16.4 percent after several months of surging activity.
The index in the Northeast rose 2.3 percent in December and was 14.9 percent higher than December 2008. In the Midwest, the index increased 5.2 percent and was 8.7 percent higher than a year ago. In the South, pending home sales rose 2.2 percent and were 5.5 percent higher than December 2008. In the West, the index fell … (0 comments)

Get Your Finances in Shape for 2010 - 02/01/10 11:15 AM
Key points
• The new year is a great time to reevaluate where you stand financially.
• Consider these five resolutions to reshape your finances in 2010, including tips on budgeting, estate planning and more.
• Helpful information for everyone, regardless of age or income.
It wouldn't be the new year without resolutions. But whether it's trimming your waistline or firming your financial profile, the key isn't making the list, it's sticking with it! That's particularly true now, given the recent bear market and economic downturn.
Here are five steps to get you started. You don't have to do everything at … (2 comments)

 

Find CA real estate agents and Fremont real estate on ActiveRain.