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Water conservation tips
It seems you can hardly open a newspaper these days without reading the headline "Water is the new oil." But what does that mean exactly? In fact, water shortages may cause more severe problems than oil shortages: our lives literally depend on water, plus there are several alternatives to fuel but none really to water. We can technically "make" more water through techniques like rainwater catchment and desalination, but few individual homeowners have their own catchment tanks and even fewer are likely to rig up their own desalination plant. Even if such things were easy, it would still behoove us all to reduce our water usage first, not only because water is scarce, but also because we could all stand to shave a few dollars off our water bills. With that in mind we compiled the following tips to help you do exactly that.
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Eight ways to conserve water this summer
In February of this year, the Governor of California declared a state emergency due to drought. “ …California faces its third consecutive year of drought and we must prepare for the worst,” Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said. As of this writing, the state has not issued a mandatory water rationing order, but asks that the residents of California participate in a voluntary reduction. With the summer months ahead, the drought is even more cause for concern. Lawns and gardens will be watered more often, more cars will be washed; essentially the hose will replace the rain. By adjusting their lifestyle a bit, homeowners can reduce water waste -- and save a buck on the monthly water bill. Here’s how:
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Green TV
The June transition to digital TV promises improved viewing, but it also could trigger a wave of abandoned TV sets as people use the opportunity to upgrade to bigger, sleeker TVs. If you’re committed to making green choices, there are several topics to consider. They include:
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Organized Bliss
Let's face it. We are in a fast-paced environment and getting through each day is a race against the clock. Typically what gets left in the dust is our paperwork and projects at home. Here are some simple steps to help you achieve organized bliss:
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Increase Your Buying Power Today!
Have you checked your credit report lately? If not, there may be items on your credit repair that are lowering your credit sco
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Recycling codes: What they mean
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (http://www.epa.gov), in 2006, the U.S. produced more than 251 million tons of garbage -- approximately 4.6 pounds of waste per person per day. Of that, recycling diverted 82 million tons of material away from disposal. In short, Americans are putting plastics into their recycling bins.
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Green Your Home
There’s a movement underway to lessen the impact that homes have on the environment, and both new and existing homeowners alike are doing their part by taking simple steps in the right direction. If you’re not sure how to join in, here are six ways to make your own home a little greener right now:
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Tips on the art of home purchase offers
Home buyers now have more negotiating power than they have had in years. However, that doesn't necessarily make it easier to decide how much to offer.
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Buyers, get into negotiating position
Bridging the price gap between home buyers and sellers can be a challenge in today's market. Sellers, many of whom have a hard time accepting that their home has lost value, often expect to sell for more than buyers are willing to pay.
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Swapping vacation homes easier under IRS rule
Many investors are taking advantage of the like-kind exchange, which is authorized under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. These exchanges are commonly referred to as "Starker" exchanges.
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Using CFLs have both pros and cons
To many consumers, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are most commonly thought of as those squiggly light bulbs that offer energy-efficient lighting and are advertised to last at least six times longer than incandescent bulbs.
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Is buying a home to live in a good investment?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that in some markets investors are buying foreclosure properties at bargain prices. These properties are located in areas that appear to have good growth potential, and they generate enough rental income to at least offset the holding and maintenance costs. The deal needs to make sense financially regardless of whether there is a big run up in appreciation. The plan is to hold the property for the long term.
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Home sellers who understand market prosper
Buyers aren't the only ones holding back in today's housing market. Many sellers are postponing putting their homes on the market because they are convinced that now is not a good time to sell. They would prefer to wait for a better market.
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Three ways to reduce capital gains tax
DEAR BENNY: I was told by a prominent accountant that there is a loophole in the law that states that you can be exempt from paying capital gains (if you are in a home less than the two-year period) if there are "unforeseen circumstances" involved. Are you aware of this? Can you doublecheck to make sure? This accountant is well trusted by a lot of businesspeople! At the time I was going through an "unforeseen" divorce. –Patricia
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GFCI electrical outlets are lifesavers
Q: What is a GFCI electrical outlet? Are outlets of this type required in all homes, and if so, where? --Allen D.
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What makes food “organic”?
Organic food is hot and with good reason—current research shows that it does indeed live up to the hype. Recent studies at UC Davis and the Danish Institute for Agricultural Research have detected higher levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in organically farmed foods than in their conventionally produced counterparts. While this news makes their often-higher price tag easier to swallow, navigating the organic options at Whole Foods can be anything but simple. Here, a run-down of the terms so you’re ready to face the aisles:
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Recycled rays
California residents are tapping a seemingly unlimited source of free electricity.
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Attic overdue for re-insulation
Q: I would like to re-insulate my attic because the second floor is always warm in the summers and cold in the winters. There is currently loose fill insulation in there, but it barely comes halfway up the joist. I am not sure what would be the best option to re-insulate: adding more loose insulation or removing the old insulation and applying new batts?
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Detox your indoor air
Everyone seems to love that new-house smell and pine-scented air. Unfortunately, such aromas frequently are the stench of toxins being emitted by construction materials, cabinets, paint and adhesives. Formaldehyde, mold, dust mites and a multitude of other nasty bits may make up the chemical soup that you’re breathing.
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No real benefit to paying off mortgage
Q: Our condominium unit is now worth approximately $350,000, and we owe only $25,000 on our mortgage. We are from the old school, and want to own this property free and clear. We have the money, and are considering paying off the loan. Is this a good idea, and if so, how do we go about making sure that it is done correctly?
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Will shopping multiple lenders hurt credit?
It's not uncommon for home buyers to talk with several mortgage brokers or lenders to compare loan products and interest rates. One buyer who shopped around was scolded by a mortgage broker when he found out she was talking to more than one broker. He told her that she was ruining her credit score by allowing multiple credit inquiries.
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Sellers use disclosure to their advantage
Forty years ago, seller disclosures weren't part of the home-buying process. The rule of the game was buyer beware. Now most states have seller disclosure requirements, although they vary from one state to the next. Consult with a Realtor, the Department of Real Estate, or a real estate attorney in the area where you're buying or selling if you have questions about what a seller is required to disclose.
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