Handy Hints
It's just about time to turn on the air conditioner again. Did you know approximately one-third of a home's energy is lost through its doors and windows and this is when they are closed? You can save money and energy by simply insulating and checking your weather-stripping.
To check for leaks in a door, open it and place a piece of paper in the doorjamb. Close the door and try to pull the paper out. If it comes out easily, there is an air leak. Try the same thing on your windows.
If you need to purchase new weather-stripping, get one that's easy to install and comes with a warranty. To insulate an exterior door, apply weather-stripping to the door-jamb and to the top and bottom of the door frame.
For a double-hung window, cut the weather-stripping to size and peel off the backing.
Apply the weather-stripping in the channel, which is the groove in the window frame on the bottom of the sash on the lower window and in the channel on top of the sash on the upper window. Then apply the weather-stripping into the middle channel of the vertical jambs on both sides of the window.
Now you will keep all that cool air inside your house and the hot air outside!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
As reported on the St. Charles County Association of Realtors website: "The number of pending sales, homes under contract, in St. Charles County jumped 26 percent in March. “This strong increase over February numbers is an indicator of increased market activity in St. Charles County and across the nation,” commented Karen Vennard, 2009 St. Charles Association President.These numbers reflect the reports we are getting from brokers all across the county who are seeing an increase in property calls, showings and general business activity, reported Vennard.Brokers point to the $8,000 tax credit for first time buyers, record low interest rates and stable prices as the reasons for the increase in activity.“People are realizing that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to buy a home,” added Vennard. “Interest rates haven’t been at this level since the 1950s and if you are a first time buyer, Uncle Sam is giving you $8,000 in free money, so why would you not buy now, “concluded Vennard.These incentives have helped to keep housing affordability at record high levels. In March, the national housing affordability index stood at 166.7 percent. An index of 100 means that the family making the median income could afford the median priced home. In March that family making $61,100 per year could afford a home valued at $291,600. The index assumes a 20 percent down payment.“The market is rebounding and there may not be a better time to buy in our lifetime,” concluded Vennard".
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Going Green May Clinch the Sale
Green is the hot color right now and should be your color too
when you sell or buy a home. Becoming attuned to the current eco-
movement will make a huge difference. As a seller, you will boost the
value of your home with eco-friendly improvements and give your
real estate agent more features to highlight that will set your home
apart from the rest.
Buyers are much smarter about their home purchases and
want lasting value for the money; an energy efficient system
that saves on utilities; and a clean, healthy place to live.
Given the current real market, a buyer has the upper
advantage and green may very well clinch the sale.
Here are some smart eco-improvements that will attract
buyers and sell your house faster.
Breathe Easy
Applying a fresh coat of paint is a standard way of freshening
up a home, but you really don’t want that “fresh paint” smell.
To make it more comfortable and physically healthy for
potential buyers, use paint low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
This paint is readily available and comes in a wide array of colors.
The Hogs In The Kitchen
Two rooms attract the most attention from buyers–the
kitchen and the bathroom. Here’s where you can really shine
and show buyers you care about their utility bills. Upgrade old
appliances with new Energy Star certified models. While this
may seem expensive on the front end, the replacements will
more than pay for themselves on the back end and increase
traffic.
Don’t Take It For Granited
While we’re in the kitchen, take a look at those countertops.
But here’s the deal; don’t automatically assume that granite
is the way to go for replacement. Granite countertops may
still impress some buyers, but true trendsetters will be on the
lookout for kitchens that incorporate some of the hottest new
materials. So, what about paper? That’s right, paper.
Compressed post-recycled paper sealed with resin makes an
extremely durable countertop. It’s less expensive than
granite–which is not a renewable resource–and has a warm,
sleek feel. Maintenance is low too. A yearly application of
mineral oil will keep the countertop looking fresh and new.
Drips Are Out
Leaky faucets, showerheads and old toilets are not selling
points. Now’s the time to install low-flow faucet aerators and
showerheads. Did you know that showers account for 22% of
the individual water use in North America? That racks up
really big water and utility bills and rates will continue to rise.
Take a look at that toilet too. It’s the biggest water user in
the house. By installing a low water usage unit, you can save
around 2,000 gallons of water a year.
It Makes Scents
Potential home buyers get a feel for a property as soon as
they arrive. To give your visitors a preview of what’s inside,
arrange fresh plants new the front door. Especially effective
are scented geraniums and herbs that offer an aromatic
experience. To spruce up your landscaping, support your
state and choose native Missouri plants that grow well in local
soil and weather conditions. Inside, remove any chemical
room fresheners and display herbs, especially in the kitchen.
Flaunt It
When you go green to sell your home, make sure that
potential buyers know about your efforts. Discrete signs here
and there, noting low VOC paint, Energy Star appliances, low
water usage products and native plants show that you care
about your environment and that of the new owner.
For sellers who use eco-friendly techniques, your property has
an edge on the competition. Take advantage of these smart
tips to be green and earn more green!
when you sell or buy a home. Becoming attuned to the current eco-
movement will make a huge difference. As a seller, you will boost the
value of your home with eco-friendly improvements and give your
real estate agent more features to highlight that will set your home
apart from the rest.
Buyers are much smarter about their home purchases and
want lasting value for the money; an energy efficient system
that saves on utilities; and a clean, healthy place to live.
Given the current real market, a buyer has the upper
advantage and green may very well clinch the sale.
Here are some smart eco-improvements that will attract
buyers and sell your house faster.
Breathe Easy
Applying a fresh coat of paint is a standard way of freshening
up a home, but you really don’t want that “fresh paint” smell.
To make it more comfortable and physically healthy for
potential buyers, use paint low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
This paint is readily available and comes in a wide array of colors.
The Hogs In The Kitchen
Two rooms attract the most attention from buyers–the
kitchen and the bathroom. Here’s where you can really shine
and show buyers you care about their utility bills. Upgrade old
appliances with new Energy Star certified models. While this
may seem expensive on the front end, the replacements will
more than pay for themselves on the back end and increase
traffic.
Don’t Take It For Granited
While we’re in the kitchen, take a look at those countertops.
But here’s the deal; don’t automatically assume that granite
is the way to go for replacement. Granite countertops may
still impress some buyers, but true trendsetters will be on the
lookout for kitchens that incorporate some of the hottest new
materials. So, what about paper? That’s right, paper.
Compressed post-recycled paper sealed with resin makes an
extremely durable countertop. It’s less expensive than
granite–which is not a renewable resource–and has a warm,
sleek feel. Maintenance is low too. A yearly application of
mineral oil will keep the countertop looking fresh and new.
Drips Are Out
Leaky faucets, showerheads and old toilets are not selling
points. Now’s the time to install low-flow faucet aerators and
showerheads. Did you know that showers account for 22% of
the individual water use in North America? That racks up
really big water and utility bills and rates will continue to rise.
Take a look at that toilet too. It’s the biggest water user in
the house. By installing a low water usage unit, you can save
around 2,000 gallons of water a year.
It Makes Scents
Potential home buyers get a feel for a property as soon as
they arrive. To give your visitors a preview of what’s inside,
arrange fresh plants new the front door. Especially effective
are scented geraniums and herbs that offer an aromatic
experience. To spruce up your landscaping, support your
state and choose native Missouri plants that grow well in local
soil and weather conditions. Inside, remove any chemical
room fresheners and display herbs, especially in the kitchen.
Flaunt It
When you go green to sell your home, make sure that
potential buyers know about your efforts. Discrete signs here
and there, noting low VOC paint, Energy Star appliances, low
water usage products and native plants show that you care
about your environment and that of the new owner.
For sellers who use eco-friendly techniques, your property has
an edge on the competition. Take advantage of these smart
tips to be green and earn more green!
Around St. Charles County
- Saturday May 2, Garden Tour and Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to noon, Saint Charles County Master Gardeners, University of Missouri Extension Center, 260 Brown Road, Saint Peters, Free
- Friday, May 8, American Cancer Society Relay For Life St. Charles: 6 p.m.-6 a.m., St. Charles West High School Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, 2009
- Saturday, May 9, St. Charles County Spring Garage Sale: Family Area parking lot, 8:00 am - noon, $5 per car
- Saturday, May 9, Lewis and Clark Heritage Days, Frontier Park, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday/9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Lewis and Clark Louisiana Purchase encampment reenactment, Crafts, food, museum tours, period music, children’s games, Fife and Drum Corps parade, Free
- Saturday, May 16, Charity Auction begins at 9 am, Harvest Ridge Elementary School Parking lot - 15 year anniversary Garage Sale of The Woodlands, Whispering Ridge, Heatherbrook, and Nantucket Place neighborhoods
- Saturday, May 16, Great River Rendezvous, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Canoe and kayak race on the Mississippi River, Begins in Grafton and ends at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, West Alton, Small registration fee donated to the Treehouse Wildlife Center of Madison County
- Saturday, May 16-Sunday, June 7, Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire: Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Rotary Park, 2577 W. Meyer Rd., Foristell, Adults-$12; seniors and students, $9; children $6
- Wednesday, May 20, 2009 thru September 16, Music on Main: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Food, drink and live music, Free
- Saturday, May 30, Helmet Safety Check for Kids: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Children’s Hospital professionals, St. Charles City-County Library District, Middendorf-Kredell Library, Free
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