syosset: Appliance Maintenance: HVAC
- 08/20/10 05:49 AM
Keep your HVAC systems running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine. “We recommend annual visits from an HVAC contractor each fall and spring,” says Richard Ciresi, owner of the Louisville Aire Serv franchise. In fall, the technician will clean and inspect the furnace blower, burners, and heat exchanger. In spring, he or she will clean indoor and outdoor condenser coils, verify refrigerant charge, and inspect wiring. Here’s a list of maintenance tips to keep your heating and cooling system running efficiently and reliably: Every 90 days, install a new one-inch pleated furnace filter. Families with shedding pets should replace (0 comments)
syosset: Foreclosure Couselors: What they can and can't do
- 08/20/10 05:47 AM
Foreclosure counselors can make the difference between losing your home and keeping it. Here’s how they work and how to choose one. If you’re facing foreclosure, your foreclosure counselor will be a key part of your foreclosure team. As you start looking for one, however, you need to know what exactly they do, what they don’t do, and how to choose one who’s legitimate and qualified. What a foreclosure counselor does Reviews your finances Helps you establish a budget Explains your non-foreclosure options, such as loan modification, short sale or deed in lieu of foreclosure; helps you navigate the process with (0 comments)
syosset: Appliance Maintenance: Water Heaters
- 08/20/10 05:38 AM
Keep your water heater running efficiently and reliably with this simple maintenance routine. Depending on a homeowner’s water quality, a hot water heater can be expected to last eight to 12 years, says Frank Czeronka, a licensed master plumber and Mr. Rooter franchise owner. Completing the following routine maintenance schedule, however, can greatly extend the unit’s lifespan. Here’s a list of maintenance tips to keep your water heater running efficiently and reliably: Always adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees to avoid the risk of scalding. Always maintain 2 feet of clearance around the appliance unless the manual specifically states otherwise. Annually, (1 comments)
syosset: Outdoor Appliance Buying Guide: Specialty Items
- 08/20/10 05:35 AM
Specialty appliances for outdoor kitchens are hot items, but you’ll spend thousands of dollars for the added convenience. “There is a trend away from simple barbecue islands and to elaborate outdoor kitchens,” explains Mitch Slater, president of Danver, a manufacturer of outdoor kitchen cabinetry. “Homeowners want to be able to do outdoors all the food preparation that they normally have to do indoors.” For that reason, appliances like ice makers, pizza ovens, and beer fridges are all finding their way to the backyard. However, you should carefully consider your needs and lifestyle to ensure that you’ll get your money’s worth of (1 comments)
syosset: Evaluate Your House for Basement Finishing
- 08/20/10 05:31 AM
Converting your basement into living space requires being aware of building codes and understanding special requirements. Finishing your basement into a family room, game room, or spare bedroom is a financially sound decision. In addition to increasing the usable (and enjoyable) living space of your home, a finished basement pays back a high percentage of your investment at resale. According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report, a basement remodeling project returns more than 75% of its original cost. The cost of finishing your basement into usable living space is about $100 per square foot—generally less expensive than building up (0 comments)
syosset: Stock Marktet dips Interest rates go up
- 08/19/10 07:22 AM
What could happen to interest rates with another dip? Q: If there's another drop in real estate real estate prices, would that mean that interest rates will go up? A: Interest rates tend to go down during recessionary times as the Federal Reserve lowers its federal funds rate in an attempt to stimulate economic growth. And as the demand for homes lessens and prices drop, there can be a downward pressure on interest rates. By the time the housing market recovers, mortgage interest rates, as well as interest rates for home equity lines of credit, will likely lift off of (0 comments)
syosset: Buyers Take The May 2010 Sales Data all The Way To The Bank
- 06/25/10 05:15 AM
One month after the federal homebuyer tax credit's official expiration, the New Home Sales report turned in its worst showing ever. In May 2010, for the first time in 11 months, the inventory of unsold new homes crossed the 8-month marker, posting an 8.5 month supply overall. Additionally, new homes sales volume fell to 300,000 units nationwide -- a drop of 32% and its lowest level since the Commerce Department started tracking data in 1963. Now, universally, the press is referring to the May New Home Sales report as "poor". A closer look, however, shows that may not be the case. (0 comments)
syosset: A Financial Plan for Your Home
- 06/25/10 04:53 AM
Your home is probably the biggest investment you’ll ever make. Create a financial plan that takes into account repairs, upgrades, mortgages, insurance, and taxes. You probably already have a financial plan for yourself in place. Most likely you sat down with an adviser at some point to set up a budget and diversify your investments. Or maybe you did it yourself online or at the dining room table. But what about your home specifically, probably the biggest investment you’ll ever make? Did you really take everything into account: repairs and upgrades, the mortgage, insurance, and taxes? Probably not. You need a (1 comments)