H O M E W A R R A N T Y P L A N S F R O M F I R S T A M E R I C A N

News on the HouseJune, 2014 - Monthly Newsletter

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Check the big move off the moving to-do list with ease

When you’re planning the big move, you’ve probably created a

lengthy to-do list of everything that needs to be packed, planned

and previewed. While you’re likely excited about your move,

stress can create a bit of an emotional upheaval as well.

By staying organized and adopting a schedule that has served

professional movers very well, you can check your big move off

your to-do list with ease. If you follow this simple timeline and

valuable advice, any move can be quick, easy and organized:

Service, value, integrity, and a little peace of mind.

A HOME WARRANTY SERVICEfrom First American Home Buyers

Protection Corporation

1984-2014

Three to four weeks prior to move day 1. Estimate how large a rental truck you’ll need. In general,

allow 150 cubic feet of truck space for each fully furnished room.

For example, a 12-foot truck offers 450 cubic feet while a 26-foot

truck offers 1,400 cubic feet for your items.

2. Round up all the packing supplies you’ll need. Save time by

ordering your moving supplies like boxes, labels, bubble wrap

and packing tape online now. Sometimes you can collect boxes

at work or ask your local grocery store if they have any you may

take.

3. Start packing. Begin with out-of-season and non-essential

items. Remember to label boxes clearly. This is also a good time

to lighten your load. If you haven’t worn or used it in a year,

donate it to charity or hold a garage sale to garner a little extra

spending cash.

4. Utilize technology. Did you know you can use your

smartphone to quickly and easily rent a moving truck with Penske’s

new mobile rental option? Simply access PenskeTruckRental.com

from your smartphone and the site automatically becomes an

easy-to-use mobile version. A few clicks and you’ll reserve the

perfect moving truck for your moving day, saving you time and

headaches.

Two weeks prior to move day 1. Change your address with the post office. Remember to

update your address with other important contacts such as banks,

credit card companies, magazines and professional associations.

2. Call service providers and utilities to discontinue cable TV,

trash collection, water, gas and electricity. Consider scheduling

cut-off for a day or two after you move, just in case there is a

delay and you still need those services.

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News on the HouseJune, 2014 - Monthly Newsletter

3. Ask for help. Get a crew of family and friends to save the

date to help on moving day. You’ll need some strong folks to help

move boxes and appliances, and some others who are willing to

watch children and pets so they don’t get in the way.

One day prior to move day

1. Finish any remaining packing. Pack all your essentials into a

suitcase as if you were traveling. This will be the last item you pack

and likely the first one you open at your new destination. Include

items like checkbooks, credit cards, IDs, glasses, prescription

drugs, house keys and other necessities.

2. Pick up your truck rental the day or evening before the move

to save time on moving day. Penske professionals will get you

familiarized with your vehicle and help you verify the best driving

directions to your new home. They’ll even check the upcoming

weather and give you any necessary driving advice.

Move day

1. Pack the truck. Put the heaviest items on the truck first.

When loading and unloading, be sure to bend your knees and lift

with your legs, not your back. Work diligently, but be sure to take

breaks and stay hydrated.

2. Leave early in the morning. You’ll run into less traffic and

you’ll leave yourself extra time to unload at your destination. Take

turns driving and take breaks once every two to three hours.

3. Get help unpacking. After a long drive you’ll appreciate

assistance unloading the moving truck. If possible, have friends

or relatives ready to help at your destination.

By using this schedule, you’ll have an easy and smooth move

without headaches so you can enjoy your new home and look

forward to the future.

Article provided by Brandpoint - formerly ARAcontent.

Reprinted with permission.

Smart ‘green’ options that help homeowners save green

With the average American household spending more than

$1,000 on heating and cooling expenses each year, more

homeowners are seeking smarter, green options to reduce the

strain on their wallets. Incentives through the U.S. government’s

Energy Star program and other state and federal programs have

made it easier for homeowners to create an energy efficient and

greener home.

While it may be tempting to take advantage of every incentive

program available in your local area, experts recommend taking

the time to assess your home’s overall performance. A home

inspector or certified Energy Rater can inspect your home and

provide cost-effective recommendations that provide immediate

and long-term savings and efficiencies.

First American.Your home warranty provider.

800.444.9030

1984-2014

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News on the HouseJune, 2014 - Monthly Newsletter

For example, one area homeowners often overlook is their

home’s envelope - that is the walls, windows, ceiling and floors.

Gaps and cracks within the building envelope can add up to the

size of a basketball. While that may not seem sizeable, the U.S

Department of Energy Savers suggests that air leakage from

these areas can account for up to 40 percent of the energy lost

by your home. Air leakage could potentially cost thousands of

dollars annually.

Homeowners can reduce air leakage in several ways. Ensuring

your home has a polyolefin plastic house wrap is one common

method to minimize air leakage. Caulking and sealing is another

simple, common and quick approach that provides some relief to

rising heating and cooling costs. Another consideration for

homeowners is high-efficiency windows. The U.S Department

of Energy Savers says that air leakage through windows equates

to around 10 percent of the energy lost in the home. High-

performance, low-emissivity, double-glazed windows can help

homeowners conserve energy, reduce heating and cooling bills,

and add value to their home.

One of the most effective methods to eliminate air leakage

and live greener is replacing your home’s traditional fiberglass

insulation. Traditional insulation types are prone to sagging,

leaving gaps as well as absorbing moisture which can have

significant health impacts on occupants. Replacing your home’s

insulation with a high-performance material such as spray foam

insulation will both insulate and air seal the entire home and lead

to major cost savings. Insulation experts from Icynene suggest

that quality spray foam insulation can noticeably reduce heating

and cooling costs, in some cases by up to 50 percent.

A growing number of building professionals are recommending

spray foam insulation as a valuable, cost-effective solution.

Suitable for any climate, spray foam insulation helps retain

the conditioned air within the building, allowing the heating

and cooling equipment to work more efficiently rather than

excessively. As a result of the improved energy consumption,

heating and cooling costs are kept down and air leaks become

a thing of the past. Homeowners can learn the five easy steps of

selecting the right insulation for their home on icynene.com.

Article provided by Brandpoint - formerly ARAcontent.

Reprinted with permission.

The recipe for indulging in Italian comfort cuisine at home

Looking for a hearty dish to warm up your table this season? Look

no further than Tuscan Lasagna al Forno.

Inspired by DaVinci® Wine’s popular Storyteller Experience, this

dish brings the authentic flavors of Tuscan food and wine right

to your dinner table. In its third year, the Storyteller Experience

has sent 12 creative individuals to the picturesque vineyards of

Tuscany to experience the people and place behind the 50-year-

old wine cooperative that produces the wines.

Culinary Arts Storyteller and food blogger Karista Bennett, of

Karista’s Kitchen, created this lasagna after tasting the distinct

flavor at a Florence restaurant during the Storyteller Experience.

Bennett was delightfully surprised at how this version differed

from lasagna traditionally enjoyed back home. Featuring buttery

lasagna pasta sheets with rich bechamel, parmesan, pecorino and

Bolognese sauce, or as they call it in Tuscany - sugo.

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News on the HouseJune, 2014 - Monthly Newsletter

First American Home Buyers Protection Corporation makes no express or implied warranty respecting the information presented and assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. First American, the eagle logo, firstam.com, and First American Home Buyers Protection are registered trademarks or trademarks of First American Financial Corporation and/or its affiliates.

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Perfect for gathering around the table with loved ones, this recipe

pairs nicely with a glass of DaVinci Chianti or Chianti Riserva. For

authentic Italian recipes, wine pairing ideas, and to see all of the

Storytellers’ creations, visit www.Facebook.com/DaVinciWine.

Tuscan Lasagna al FornoSugo Ingredients:

3/4 - 1 lb ground beef or ground Italian sausage

1 red onion, diced

1 carrot, small diced

1 rib of celery, small diced

1-2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup DaVinci Chianti

2-3 cups tomato sauce

Pinch dried oregano

Pinch of allspice or pumpkin pie spice

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:In a heavy bottom skillet, heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil

over medium high heat and saute the onion, carrot and celery

until nicely golden brown, almost caramelized. Add the ground

meat and garlic to the soffrito (diced veggies) and cook until

done, breaking up any big pieces. The meat should be small and

somewhat minced.

Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the wine, scraping up the

bits of good stuff (fond) on the bottom of the pan.

Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano and allspice or pumpkin pie

spice and a pinch or two of salt and pepper. Put the skillet back

on the heat and bring to a low simmer. Let the sauce simmer

while you prepare the bechamel.

Bechamel or White Ragu Ingredients: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 tablespoons flour

3 cups warm whole milk

Pinch of nutmeg

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:In a large sauce pan melt the butter over medium heat. When the

butter is melted, whisk in the flour. Then slowly whisk in the warm milk.

Continue whisking until your milk comes to a simmer and begins

to thicken. Turn the heat down to prevent burning the sauce and

continue whisking until the sauce thickens.

Stir in the pinch of fresh grated nutmeg and season to taste with

salt and pepper.

You will want this bechamel (white ragu) thicker than a bechamel

that you might toss with pasta. So if it feels heavy or thick that’s

OK. It’s perfect for the lasagna.

Lasagna Ingredients:Fresh lasagna sheets, cooked

(enough to fill a 9x13 baking dish)

3-4 cups sugo

3-4 cups bechamel

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

1/2 cup shaved pecorino Toscano

Chopped fresh Italian parsley for garnish

Directions:Pre-heat the oven to 350 F.

Ladle a little sugo in the bottom of the baking dish and line with

pasta sheets. Ladle the pasta sheets with bechamel, sprinkle of

parmesan and pecorino. Continue alternating the bechamel and

sugo until you’ve created 5-6 layers or used all your pasta sheets.

Be sure to save a cup of sugo for the top of the lasagna.

Sprinkle the lasagna with the remaining cheese, cover with foil

and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the sides are bubbly.

Raise the heat to 400 F. Remove the foil and cook the lasagna

until the top is toasty and cheese is golden brown, another 10

minutes or so. You may wish to put it under the broiler for extra

color.

Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will

allow the bechamel and cheese to firm for slicing.

Serve with a side of extra sugo and grated Parmesan if desired.

Article provided by Brandpoint - formerly ARAcontent.

Reprinted with permission.