3 things you should avoid during a home sale

Hosting a home sale is one of the biggest financial undertakings a person can make. If it goes off without a hitch, an offer can be made within a few short hours. But for some sellers, there are mistakes that can be easy to make, especially if it's spur of the moment.

Listing your home during the winter is already a slight disadvantage, but a sale is definitely not impossible. Many homeowners know what to do, but knowing what not to do is also important. Keep the following three things in mind, filed under "never do during your home sale" for future reference.

  1. Be sure not to forget all the great perks: When you're meeting with a real estate agent or listing the highlights of your home online, be sure to not forget anything! Buyers want homes with it all and then some. Have you had a recent energy audit or have you made awesome home improvements? With this information in mind, buyers are more likely to make an offer.
  2. Don't put your foot in your mouth: A home sale can be comparable to a first date at times. There are things that should be said, and there are also hot topics to avoid. Never lead off a sentence with, "We've never had this problem" or something as general as, "Our home is in perfect condition." When buyers have the highest of expectations, simple issues can become more glaring.
  3. Never skimp on the cleaning: No buyer will be able to see themselves in a dirty or messy home. Be sure to invest in a professional cleaning service a few days before and even make touch-ups the morning of the open house.

Find more realty tips on our website!

Top 2016 tips for home buyers [Video]

If you’re just entering the home market for the first time, or are a seasoned veteran, there are some tips to keep in mind for a better buying process. As the 2016 housing forecast has been touted as especially healthy in the coming months, taking action now could be your best decision of the new year. 

 For starters, strive to be the early bird. As many potential buyers have indicated they will be purchasing during the spring and summer, taking charge now can be the difference between buyout wars and rising prices.

Also, consider a new home instead. With new home numbers rising by 16 percent already, this may be the best choice for you and your family.

 Finally, compare mortgage prices carefully for the best deal possible.

To learn more, visit our website today.

Heat your home safely and efficiently this winter

Keeping your home heated this winter is essential for both the comfort and safety of your family. A warm home lessens the severity of the outside elements, creating a cozy atmosphere that's evident as soon as you walk in the door. 

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average household spends about $2,000 a year on utilities, with half of this payment attributed to heating costs alone. Homeowners can reduce this cost without compromising safety by keeping just a few tips in mind.

  • Be sure vents are clear: The last thing that should be happening is a heating vent blockage. This most often occurs when curtain drapes or even furniture are placed too close to a source of heat. This will cause your system to work harder and can potentially cause a fire as well. Vent air should be able to flow freely at all times.
  • Check the furnace filter: The EPA recommends changing furnace filters every three months. If it's dirty or has accrued a buildup of materials, it will not run as efficiently. By not cleaning the filter, this can also cause a potential fire hazard, as these materials can become flammable when left for long periods of time.
  • Fan it out: Use the ceiling fan to your advantage. Fans should be turned on to circulate warm air downward by keeping it on low with the blade direction running backward. In addition, opening the curtains on sunny days can also make a difference, heating the home by natural means. 

For more home heating and efficiency tips, visit our website or consider scheduling an energy audit today. Alban Inspections offers a range of energy efficiency checks that ensure homeowners' peace of mind this winter.

4 business energy efficiency tips to keep in mind

Energy efficiency is an important part of the home, but it is also a vital piece of a business as well. Running a business can become a costly endeavor, especially if steps are not taken to decrease accrued costs. Some of the many costs that can build up over time include benefits, production, salaries and location.

One of the other areas owners can look to is energy efficiency. Efficiency encompasses a range of factors including heating and cooling systems, window placement and upkeep, as well as general electricity usage. Energy efficiency may seem like a simple idea, but there are less obvious issues that can arise if not thought of beforehand. Some common questions to ask yourself before making a change include:

  • How often are the lights on?
  • Is the heating system working to your expectations? What about the cooling system?
  • When was the last time the windows were replaced or resealed?

Consider making the following four changes in your business today:

  • Control the temperature: Is the temperature controlling your workspace or is the workspace controlling the temperature? Take some time to determine what the best temperature is for all employees and set the thermostat as needed.
  • Invest in Energy Star products: Energy Star products are made with efficiency in mind. By installing these products throughout the business, in both office and kitchen areas, a real difference can be made.
  • Look at the lighting: Are you wasting energy in terms of how lit the business is? If lights are left on when no one is there, or too much lighting is being used, energy is being wasted.
  • Unplug electronics that are not in use: Don't leave anything plugged in that doesn't need to be. These phantom users of energy will rack up the costs.

For more energy efficiency tips, visit our website.

How can energy efficiency be improved in your home?

As the temperatures continue to drop, your furnace may be taking a beating in terms of working overtime to keep your home warm and comfortable. In addition to higher energy consumption, energy bills will increase as well. Costs most often associated with heating and cooling the home comprise two-thirds of average energy bills.

These changes may be DIY-esque, but bringing in a professional such as Alban Inspections can also make a great difference. 

  • Caulk around the windows: Cracks of any form in the home are one of the most prevalent issues affecting energy efficiency. These can also be an entry point for moisture and water, as well as unwanted pests. By covering up these entrances, more costly repairs can be avoided.
  • Keep up with the furnace filter: Take some time each month, especially during the winter, to look at your furnace filter and ensure it is working properly. By changing it when it is clogged or dirty, it will work more efficiently without overexerting itself.
  • Replace old insulation: A poorly insulated attic or basement will release heat in large amounts. By replacing older insulation, heat will be kept inside to warm the home. This can also help prevent leaking and other unsightly weather conditions. By staying on top of insulation, the efficiency of your home will be kept in proper order.

Finally, be aware of other apparent issues in your home. If your bills seem to be sky high and the house is like an ice box, there is most likely something amiss. A quick scout of the area can be helpful, especially with an expert in your corner.

To learn more, visit our website. 

Winter energy efficiency tips [Video]

Keep your home warm and comfortable this winter without breaking the bank. 

Start better energy practices with a close look at your thermostat. If you’re going to be away for the weekend, you don’t need to blast the heat in an empty house. Turn it down when it’s convenient for you, but remember to turn it back up too!

Be sure to load your dishwasher completely before turning it on. Running the washer at maximum capacity can improve the efficiency of the appliance by up to 80 percent.

Finally, consider bundling up. Wearing layers in the home will make you more comfortable and keep the heat down.

Find more tips from Alban Inspections on our website.

3 steps for a faster home sale [Video]

2016 is projected as the year of the home sale. How can you sell your home faster than the competition?

For starters, price the home correctly. Based on location, nearby amenities and upgrades to the property, be sure the price is competitive, but fair for buyers. As the market becomes tighter, price will always be the number one factor when it comes to an actual sale.

Remember, staging is everything. Be sure each room is clean and allows potential buyers to imagine themselves starting a new life there. 

Finally, target a range of buyers. Catering to one generation or another will stunt the sale. Instead, showcase the home for anyone who may be interested.

Visit our website to learn more.

USDA and DOE partner to support rural communities

Urban households in the United States use a combined three times amount of total energy than rural households. Despite this, the Energy Information Administration has estimated that rural families spend more than $400 per year on energy bills.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has partnered with rural businesses and agricultural producers through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to lessen some of these high costs.

The partnership aims to construct 6,605 renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement, beginning with approval dating back to 2009. Since then, it has generated more than $213 million in grants, as well as $178 million in loan guarantees. By taking these measures, the security of energy improvements can be secured, in addition to the creation of jobs and the protection of natural air and water sources. 

When these projects are completed, they will have saved these communities 7.32 billion kWh annually, enough energy to power 68,000 household for a year.

In addition to this collaboration, the Department of Agriculture recently announced a partnership with the DOE, known as the State Energy Extension Partnership. This partnership is set to give America's farming communities and rural small businesses the energy efficiency tools, training and other resources necessary to reduce energy costs. These changes include:

  • Incorporating educational materials and technical assistance on energy efficiency and renewable energy into programs for youth and adults.
  • Providing easy access to information on tax credits and other incentives for using energy efficient means to complete tasks.
  • Supporting rural communities in energy efficiency and renewable resources to assist in job creation, expand businesses opportunities and improve local economies. 

Energy efficiency is an important part of homes and businesses. Learn more with an energy audit in yours today. Visit our website to schedule a time and date.

What areas of the home use the most energy?

Is your home taking all your energy? The answer may depend on who you ask, and where in your home you're actually looking.

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council Blog, the U.S. Department of Energy made great strides toward eliminating the waste of energy in homes across the country. During the final week of 2015, it issued rulings concerning ceiling fans and lights, as well as boilers and refrigerators.

Will this actually make a difference? Many of the standards that were implemented in 1987 did, saving consumers $60 billion on their utility bills in 2014 alone, and cutting emissions by 2.3 billion tons in the same timeframe.

The rules finalized in 2015 will only spur more energy savings and cuts to toxic emissions.

In terms of houses across the U.S., which areas or items waste the most energy?

Heating and cooling use the most energy, at 39 percent,  for items such as furnaces and boiler circulation points. The second highest use of energy, 23 percent, isn't a particular room or type of accessory, but rather a range such as cooking appliances, exterior lights and pool heaters. The third largest use of energy is water heating at 13 percent.

As appliance standards continue to emerge, the savings for homeowners are being tracked. Annual savings for households across the nation top out with the kitchen and laundry room, both a little over $9 billion.

If you're interested in making a change in your home, consider scheduling an appointment with Alban Inspections. By scheduling an energy audit, homeowners can determine what changes may be best for energy efficiency. Starting with small changes can make big differences down the road.

Learn more on our website.

4 reasons to buy a home in 2016

With the new year in full swing, many potential buyers are curious about the current state of the housing market. If you're interested in purchasing your first home, moving into a new place or just perusing the available options, right now is the best time to make a move.

According to Realtor.com, there are many incentives right now for buyers to enter the market. These include:

  1. Home prices: Stabilization is becoming more apparent throughout the market. As prices become more affordable, different types of buyers are entering the market, giving sellers a better vantage point too. The market is returning to buyers' favor, giving everyone a slight break in terms of pricing.
  2. Lower down payments: Down payments no longer have to break the bank. Although a bigger down payment is best for lower monthly payments in the future, buyers no longer have to base their realistic expectations on one requirement. For example, new Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs allow some buyers to only put down a 3 percent payment, even with low credit scores.
  3. Record low interest rates: Interest rates are currently at record lows with 30-year fixed rate loans still at about 4 percent. Although prices may be high in some markets, taking advantage of lower interest rates now may pay off in the future.
  4. Rising rent prices: If you're a renter, or were one in the past, the pain of rising prices is likely what pushed you to make a change. A recent study found that 88 percent of property managers raised their rent in the last 12 months alone, with a 8 percent hike projected for 2016.

Before you list your home for sale, be sure to invest in a home inspection or energy audit for better, competitive pricing. Visit our website to learn more.