According to the National Association of Realtors, nearly 9 out of 10 recent home buyers said that heating and cooling costs were somewhat or very important when considering a home for purchase. Consumer demand for greener homes and features has grown considerably over the past several years. Going green has proven to be more than a trend; many people now seek out this way of living and want homes and communities that are more resource efficient and sensitive to the environment, says NAR President, Gary Thomas. “As energy savings and green building features are becoming more important to buyers, sellers and businesses, it comes as no surprise that consumers are placing a higher value on properties with those features.” It’s easy to understand why home buyers tend to favor greener houses; often the higher a home’s energy efficiency, the more money is potentially saved in monthly heating and cooling costs. NAR data show that features which directly affect monthly energy costs are important to buyers; 39 percent of survey respondents reported that a home’s heating and cooling costs were very important when considering a home for purchase, followed by energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Not surprisingly, buyers in the North and South who see more extreme temperatures placed a greater importance on heating and cooling costs than buyers in other markets. Buyers Value Environmentally Friendly Homes Real Estate Watch APRIL 2014 ISSUE 34 SERVICE If you are currently working with another agent, please disregard this offer of assistance. Jo Lyman 419-356-4131 [email protected]Jo Lyman Quality Service Commitment Integrity
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According to the National Association of Realtors, nearly 9 out of 10 recent home buyers said that heating and cooling costs were somewhat or very important when considering a home for purchase. !Consumer demand for greener homes and features has grown considerably over the past several years. Going green has proven to
be more than a trend; many people now seek out this way of living and want homes and communities that are more resource efficient and
sensitive to the environment, says NAR President, Gary Thomas.
“As energy savings and green building features are becoming more important to buyers, sellers and businesses, it comes as no surprise that consumers are placing a higher value on properties with those features.” !It’s easy to understand why home buyers tend to favor greener houses; often the higher a home’s energy efficiency, the more money is potentially saved in monthly heating and cooling costs. NAR data show that features which directly affect monthly energy costs are important to buyers; 39 percent of survey respondents reported that a home’s heating and cooling costs were very important when
considering a home for purchase, followed by energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Not surprisingly, buyers in the North
and South who see more extreme temperatures placed a greater importance on heating and cooling costs than buyers in other markets.
Buyers Value Environmentally Friendly Homes
Real Estate WatchAPRIL 2014 ISSUE 34
SERVICE
If you are currently working with another agent, please
On a national level, construction of new housing units remained essentially flat last month compared to J a n u a r y a s b u i l d e r s s t r u g g l e d t o r a m p u p construction.
The new construction data come as the housing recovery wavers slightly. Homebuyers have struggled to adjust to higher prices and mortgage rates. In addition, builders cite a shortage of skilled labor and ready-to-build lots among the reasons for the decline.
Although the starts fell overall, in the Midwest they climbed in spite of the extreme weather.
Just in time for spring, here are some tips, tricks and tools of the maid trade.
Vacuum right with the r i g h t v a c u u m . We e k l y vacuuming is key to clean carpet. And consider this 3-step approach to power-sweeping a room:
1. Clean the perimeter with the edging tool.
2. Begin at the far corner and move backward so you don’t leave footprints.
3. Va c u u m s l o w l y a n d steadily; this works better than numerous quick passes.
Cleaners prefer lightweight machines that feature HEPA filters to remove allergens. They also prefer models which come equipped with easily released attachments and long hoses that fit under furniture and reach ceiling corners.
Remove rust stains from a shower by making a paste of hot
water and powdered oxygen cleaner. Apply to walls and glass doors and let sit for 30 minutes. Scrub with a nylon scrubber, rinse with hot water and buff dry.
Remove smudges from dark granite countertops by wiping down with soapy water and buff dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
Remove dirt and debris f rom t iny crev ices wi th a toothpick.
Freshen rooms by putting bowls of white vinegar or coffee beans in a room to absorb odors.
Clear and freshen drains by pouring baking soda over the drain, then pouring vinegar. Use boiling water to rinse the bubbling mixture down the drain.
Sanitize doorknobs and other surfaces with a bit of antibacterial soap mixed with white vinegar and hot water.
Homemade Garlic Croutons
Enjoy homemade croutons on your salads this spring. Easy to make and so much better than the store-bought versions.
Ingredients 2 medium cloves of garlic, pressed 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 2 tbsp olive oil 3/4 lb bread 1/4 tsp black pepper, preferably fresh ground 1/4 tsp salt 2 tbsp butter !
Instructions 1. In a small sauce pan, combine: butter, olive oil, garlic, parsley, salt
and pepper. Heat over medium heat until butter is melted. Stir to combine then set aside and let the flavors infuse into the oil while you chop your bread.
2. Cut your bread into ¾” cubes. Transfer to large mixing bowl. 3. Drizzle the seasoned olive oil over your chopped bread and toss until
bread crumbs have an even coating of oil. 4. Spread the bread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 375˚F
for -20 minutes until they are golden brown and crunchy.
