Short Sale Buying TipsYou may be wondering if there are advantages to buying a "short sale" home.
First, here is a definition of what a "short sale" home is.
"If a home is being sold for below what the current seller owes on the property, and the seller does not have other funds to make up the difference at closing, the sale is considered a short sale. Many more home owners are finding themselves in this situation due to a number of factors, including job losses, aggressive borrowing against their home in the days of easy credit, and declining home values in a slower real estate market.
A short sale is different from a foreclosure, which is when the seller's lender has taken title of the home and is selling it directly. Homeowners often try to accomplish a short sale in order to avoid foreclosure. But a short sale holds many potential pitfalls for buyers. Know the risks before you pursue a short-sale purchase."
Buying a short sale home is not for everyone. You must have flexibility on your time frame for moving and patience as you wait for the final bank approval for the sale.
The Realtor.org website offers the following tips on if you are a good candidate for a short-sale purchase:
You're very patient. Even after you come to agreement with the seller to buy a short-sale property, the seller’s lender (or lenders, if there is more than one mortgage) has to approve the sale before you can close. When there is only one mortgage, short-sale experts say lender approval typically takes about two months. If there is more than one mortgage with different lenders, it can take four months or longer for the lenders to approve the sale.
Your financing is in order. Lenders like cash offers. But even if you can’t pay all cash for a short-sale property, it’s important to show you are well qualified and your financing is set. If you're preapproved, have a large down payment, and can close at any time, your offer will be viewed more favorably than that of a buyer whose financing is less secure.
You don’t have any contingencies. If you have a home to sell before you can close on the purchase of the short-sale property, or you need to be in your new home by a certain time, a short sale may not be for you. Lenders like no-contingency offers and flexible closing terms.
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"Staged Homes sell faster and for a higher price",
says Terry Scattergood ASP
(Accredited Staging Professional)
Click to see the 20/20 video.
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Need Extra Space? Try Storage
By Team Scattergood
Prudential Verani Realty If lack of space for your belongings is an issue for you, off-site storage may be the right solution. You don’t have to be a pack rat to find yourself needing extra space. You could be renovating a room and need somewhere to house the contents. Perhaps you need to move into smaller quarters temporarily while you’re waiting to move into a new home. Or you may need to create a spacious look for your home while it is on the market. Renting storage space is a pretty simple process, especially when you plan ahead. Here are helpful tips for choosing a facility and protecting your property: Shop around to find the facility that best meets your needs such as storage size, price, accessibility and security. When shopping for a storage facility, you will need to know what size unit is required to hold your possessions. Typically you can choose a space from as small as 5’x5’, which is the size of a small closet and holds between 10-15 boxes, to 10’ x 25’, which is about the size of a single-car garage. The facility’s representative can help decide what is the best size for you. You also want to make sure that your items will be secure. Ask questions such as: Is there a guard on duty? Video surveillance? Alarms? Do you need to provide your own lock? Is the area well lit? In addition, don’t assume that the facility, or your homeowner’s or renters insurance, covers your belongings in case of theft or damage. Most storage centers assume no responsibility for your items, so talk with your insurance provider. You also want to have reasonable access to your belongings. Find out the facility’s hours of operation and the name of a contact person. Before signing any agreement, inspect the facility and your storage unit for cleanliness and signs of proper maintenance. Is the area well protected from rain, snow or humidity? Make certain that you understand the rental agreement and get a copy of the contract. Are you renting on a month-to-month or a six-month basis? Is there a deposit? Does termination of the agreement need to be in writing? How much advance notice do you have to give? Before moving your possessions to the storage unit, take actions to protect them from damage or theft. While packing, label boxes on each side by numbers rather than content. Make a master inventory list so that you know what is in each box, as well as furniture and other unpacked items. Don’t use newspaper as packing paper because it may smudge off on your items. Prepare your unit by placing plastic on the floor. If you will be moving in large furniture, lay down blankets or sheets as well. Then store your most valuable possession first, toward the back. Store frequently used items at the front. Make sure that you leave a walkway so you can access your belongings. In addition, leave a small space between the objects and the storage unit’s walls. No matter what the reason, using an off-site storage unit is a good solution for your short-term space challenge. Just make sure that you understand the terms of your agreement and that your belongings are secure. 
Getting Your Home Ready for the Market
By Team Scattergood
Prudential Verani Realty As a seller, your No. 1 goal is to sell your home as quickly as possible at or near the listing price. In today’s market, where there is much more competition for buyers, it is important to put your best foot, or in this case, home forward because first impressions are vital.
Many of today’s prospective homebuyers have busy lifestyles and are looking for properties that don’t require a lot of work. Therefore a home in move-in condition is much more attractive. Before placing your home on the market, you may want to invest in making needed repairs.
To get started, inspect both the inside and outside of the home. Take inventory of practical and aesthetic repairs. You may want to apply a fresh coat of paint on the walls, doors, and shutters. Clean the carpet and buff and polish wooden floors. Tighten and polish hardware. Repair cracks in sidewalks and driveways, and clean any stains on them. Replace missing or warped roofing. Clean or re-grout kitchen and bathrooms. Repair dripping faucets and drains or plumbing fixtures that aren’t operating.
Fix sticking doors and replace old locks and doorknobs. Replace old bulbs and broken electrical sockets. Replace cracked windows and torn screens. Repair broken fencing and reseal the deck. Clean up stains on the tiles and countertops.
Some experts also recommend hiring a certified home inspector to thoroughly and impartially evaluate the property. (For a list of inspectors in your area, visit the American Society of Home Inspectors website, www.ashi.com, or ask your real estate professional for recommendations.) A standard report will review the condition of the home’s heating system, central air conditioning, plumbing and electrical systems, the roof, attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, the foundation, basement and visible structure.
If there are recommendations for improvement, consult with your real estate professional in prioritizing the list of repairs.
Depending on your goals and budget, you may want to repair only items that could cause significant deterioration to the home, such as a leak. In addition, your local market conditions may dictate how extensive your repairs need to be. Let your budget and your real estate professional guide you.
However, be careful about major repairs. Sellers rarely recoup money on major remodeling projects, and you may want to save funds for your new home.
A home in good condition demonstrates pride of ownership. Taking the time to make small repairs to your home can go a long way in making sure that your home is presented to potential buyers in its best possible light. They also just might make the sale. Top derry agent top listing agent derry homes derry realtor |
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Try our NEW "Power Search" VeraniNH.com
This new website makes searching for your new home so much easier, give it a try!
Discover many new features for added listing exposure and highlights.
Top 10 Must-Know Real Estate Trends for 2010
Posted by Joe Scattergood on December 23, 2009
Signs of improvement make 2010 a promising year, but more challenges are yet to come #10: Cash Is King
If you plan on buying a home in 2010, especially a low-priced foreclosure or short sale, be prepared for competition. Demand is high for these properties, so it's not uncommon for bidding wars to break out over them. Real estate investors are particularly tough for regular buyers to contend with: Many investors are making all-cash offers, and banks -- who are often more concerned with making a speedy sale than with getting the highest price possible -- are accepting these offers over higher-priced offers where loans are involved. To stand out from the competition, make your offer as attractive as possible. That means saving up a sizable amount of cash for a down payment and making an offer that's close to -- or even above -- asking price. #9: Smoother Short Sales
In 2009, short sales, or sales in which the seller's proceeds are less than his outstanding mortgage debt, earned a reputation as being a slow -- and often unsuccessful -- process. After waiting months for lender approval only to hear "no" as an answer, many buyers have left the short-sale process frustrated and no closer to owning a home. Meanwhile, the seller is still stuck with a home he can't afford and may have to face the painful process of foreclosure. In 2010, this problematic process should become much smoother. Lenders and real estate professionals alike are working on ways to streamline the short-sale process. More real estate companies are training their agents to do these specialized sales, and lenders will be more open to processing them.
#8: Tricky Appraisal Rules
Ridiculously inflated home prices in many markets contributed to the housing crisis, motivating the federal government to pass the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) -- a set of rules that determines how appraisals should be made -- in May 2009. The law aims to distance appraisers from the real estate transaction so they can provide an unbiased, objective analysis of a property's market value. But real estate agents argue that the system is flawed and deals are falling through because of the ever-changing, lengthy maze of rules. Long story short: With the new rules in place, appraisals now take longer, are more expensive and are often conducted by appraisers unfamiliar with the local market. The National Association of Realtors has called for a moratorium to address the shortcomings of the HVCC, but until these rules are ironed out, expect them to hinder deals in 2010. #7: A Conflicted Construction Market
According to McGraw-Hill Construction's Construction Outlook 2010 report, new construction is expected to climb 11 percent next year. However, in October 2009, housing starts unexpectedly plunged to the lowest level in six months, leaving many wondering if construction activity is really in recovery. The low number of housing starts in October suggests that many builders cut back on new projects while waiting to hear if the first-time homebuyer tax credit would be extended. With the credit extended, we may see housing starts climb again in 2010, but because lenders are still reluctant to finance new construction projects for builders and new condo purchases.for homebuyers, inventory will continue to be a problem. #6: Rising Mortgage Rates
In 2009, the Federal Reserve bought up a massive amount of mortgage-backed securities, keeping mortgage rates at historic lows for much of the year. However, the Fed is scheduled to end those efforts in March 2010, meaning mortgage rates could jump as much as a full percentage point next year. If you're considering buying a home, now would be the time to take advantage of historically low interest rates. If you're a current homeowner thinking about refinancing, act now. #5: Lending Standards Still Tight
According to the Federal Reserve, fewer banks tightened their lending standards in the third quarter of 2009. However, that doesn't mean lending standards have gotten looser, either. In 2010, banks will continue to keep the subprime mortgage debacle in mind and require extensive documentation and stellar credit from borrowers. If you plan on applying for a loan in 2010, take steps now to get your finances in order and boost your credit score. #4: Stabilizing Home Values -- in Some Places
According to the Standard & Poors/Case-Shiller Home Price Index released in November 2009, U.S. home prices have improved for two quarters in a row. The national index rose 3.1 percent from the second quarter to the third quarter of 2009. Likewise, the National Association of Realtors recently reported that median home prices have risen for two consecutive quarters. NAR's chief economist, Lawrence Yun, also predicted that home prices will grow 4 percent next year. Reports like these paint an improving national picture, but locally, many markets still have a ways to go before home values recover. According to the Case-Shiller Index, Minneapolis and San Francisco showed the greatest increases in values, while values in Cleveland, Las Vegas and Tampa continued to decline. #3: More Foreclosures to Come
Home values may be stabilizing in some markets, but challenges still lie ahead. Between rising unemployment rates, a backlog of homes already in the foreclosure process and many adjustable rate mortgages scheduled to reset next year, more foreclosures are expected to hit the market in 2010. For a housing market that's finally starting to show some signs of improvement, a new wave of foreclosures would be a huge setback. In an attempt to mitigate the effect of these new foreclosures, Fannie Mae has come up with a potential solution: The mortgage giant will allow some people losing their homes to foreclosure to lease those properties back for up to a year at market rental rates. The agency hopes this program will help stabilize neighborhoods by keeping more people in their homes. #2: More Buyers Entering the Market
In 2009, the federal government's $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers was a huge topic in the real estate world. The credit was met with mixed reactions: Some said it had little impact on the housing market, while others claimed the credit encouraged thousands of on-the-fence buyers to finally purchase their first homes. The National Association of Realtors, for example, estimates 350,000 homes nationwide were sold to first-time buyers who probably wouldn't have bought a home if not for the credit. The group also reports that about 47 percent of all home sales in 2009 will be to first-time homebuyers, up from 41 percent in 2008. Hoping to spur the housing market's recovery, the federal government extended the credit -- which was set to expire on Nov. 30 -- and gave buyers until April 30, 2010, to secure a purchase contract. The credit was also expanded to include some existing homeowners, plus buyers with higher incomes. If the original tax credit brought more first-time buyers into the market, the expanded credit should motivate current homeowners to trade up. #1: Still a Buyer's Market
For homebuyers, 2010 will likely be another year of low prices and a large inventory of homes on the market. Conversely, for home sellers, 2010 will be another year of low sales prices and fierce competition from other sellers. Plus, if a wave of new foreclosures hits the market next year, sellers will still have plenty of competition from bank-owned properties at bare-bones prices. Fortunately, home sellers have many strategies at their disposal to stand out from the crowd. Today's homebuyers are looking for move-in ready homes, and many foreclosed homes are not in the best shape when they hit the market. Preparing your home for sale -- which can include cleaning, making repairs, making upgrades and staging -- can help your home stand out from the foreclosure down the street and get you a higher sales price.
By Shannon Petrie, FrontDoor.com Joe's Top 5 Selling Tips...
1. Select the right agent. Any agent can list your home, but few can sell it with a minimum of fuss and a level of marketing expertise that matches the fee they charge. Trust, negotiation skills, ability to listen and local knowledge are more important than most vendors realize. 2. Get the price right from day one. Match your circumstances and your home to the correct method of sale and you’ll win every time. If your car is worth $20,000, would you advertise it at $35,000? 3. Get the presentation right. First impressions can make or break a sale. Homes with major negatives will sell if a buyer feels good once they’ve been inside. 4. Get the marketing right. You can’t sell a secret. Great wide-angle photography, a guided video tour, upgraded internet listings, an eye catching sign, a great heading, tempting copy or a buyer your agent met yesterday at another listing? Appropriate marketing doesn’t cost, it pays! 5. Tap into a large pool of buyers. Marketing to a large network of NH & MA agents and buyers will. Team Scattergood relies heavily on cutting edge & unique marketing strategies. A major player like Prudential Verani Realty will always recommend marketing - then add value with the largest buyer/agent network in New Hampshire.
$8,000 First-Time Home
Buyer Tax Credit 
Congress Enacts Bigger and Better
Home Buyer Tax Credit A tax credit of up to $8,000 is now available for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before April 30, 2010. Unlike the tax credit enacted in 2008, the new credit does not have to be repaid.
Call Team Scattergood at 603-537-5333 and
we'll help you find your new home. Click here for $8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance TEAM SCATTERGOOD... PRUDENTIAL TOP 12 for
JULY & SEPTEMBER out of 300+ agents! Team Scattergood
now on YouTube!
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Downsizing your home…
Posted by Joe Scattergood on September 15, 2009 10 ways it will increase the quality of your life. If you look deeper,
a smaller home might be a blessing in disguise. 1. More disposable income: It is very likely that downsizing your home grants you a smaller payment and less maintenance costs. Just think a smaller roof means it will cost less to re-roof, and less floor area equals less material to replace it. 2. Less cleaning: Nobody likes cleaning! Well, some say they do but let’s
be honest. We can easily think of 100 things we would rather do. A smaller house has less surface area which necessitates less time spent on chores and more time spent playing, learning and laughing with your loved ones. 3. Less maintenance: Should one be spending weekends checking off fix it lists or enjoying life? A smaller house affords you a more manageable maintenance list. Less drippy faucets to deal with equals more time for long walks. 4. Better quality products: Less space means less space to fill and having more disposable income allows you to fill it with better quality furnishings. Quality products translate to less upkeep and more pride of ownership. 5. Healthier home: Maybe you will invest in a better quality heating system. This will result in less energy use and maintenance cost, which is better for you and the environment. A home is only as healthy as the products it is made of. This includes for example, choosing materials without VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that don’t pollute the indoor air as well as protecting your family by ensuring a healthy Building Envelope. 6. There is special meaning to all items: In a smaller space there typically isn’t room for filler items, so every piece of artwork, vase or side chair is specially selected to be in that room. Grandma’s refinished rocking chair doesn’t just sit in the corner; it now is used every day. 7. More pride of ownership: Every detail of a small house is evaluated and reevaluated so there is a place for everything and everything is in its place. With such care in planning and detailing, much pride is felt in the end product. 8. Less separation: We’re speaking about families being able to interact with each other in one room. In many of these large homes there is a separate room for child activities, teen activities and adult activities. In a smaller house all of these rooms have to be skillfully integrated into one “great room” where everyone can go about their activities and still remain together. 9. More reason to be outdoors: Of course a small house can translate to less room to run around and play which means getting out of the house is even more enjoyable. 10. Less worry: That just about sums it all up. The key to a long, happy life is less worry and stress. These are just a few reasons why we believe owning a smaller home can improve the quality of life but we would like to hear your ideas. If you’re thinking of selling, please let us show you how our aggressive real estate marketing system can get you top dollar for your home in today’s market. Call Terry & Joe Scattergood, REALTORS®, eCertified - Direct Line: 603-537-5333 - Email: joe.scattergood@verani.com
Cleaning Tips & Tricks
Posted by Joe Scattergood on August 21, 2009 - When you dust, start at the top and work down.
- Take all your cleaning tools, avoid unnecessary trips back and forth.
- Clean as you go! It takes a lot less time to remove new dirt than old.
- Leave baking soda on carpeting over night will absorb musty odors
- Make a checklist of chores to get organized first.
- Wash walls from the bottom up, to avoid streaking.
- Use old socks as mitts for cleaning difficult wood work.
- Wash small knickknacks instead of dusting.
- To removing heel marks , take pencil eraser and rub them off.
- Don't mix cleaning products. Ammonia and bleach are toxic.
- Remember common cleaners such as windex and comet meet this don't do rule.
- Allowing cleaners to set for several minutes will ease the cleaning job.
Interior Walls - Wall cleaner, mix 1/2 c. ammonia, 1/4 c. white vinegar, and 1/4 c. baking soda to 1 gal. warm water.
- For cleaning textured walls use nylon socks instead of a sponge or cloth to avoid leaving material chunks behind.
- To dust wall paper, tie a dustcloth over your broom and work from the top down.
- To remove pencil marks & other non-greasy spots from non-washable papers, use an art-gum eraser .
- To remove greasy spots or crayon, apply a paste of cleaning fluid and fuller's earth and cornstarch. Let the wall dry and brush off residue. Repeat the treatment until the spot is gone.
Exterior Walls - Use a water hose to spray the outside of your house. This will remove siding cobwebsand dirt.
- Textured siding ? Attach a car-washing brush to the hose to remove dirt.
Windows - Make your own spray cleaner. Fill a spray bottle with 3 tablesoopns ammonia, 1 tablespoon vinegar & the remainder with water.
- Dust blinds by wrapping a cloth around a ruler. Spray cloth with a dusting spray and run the flat end across each blind.
- Shine windows using old newspaper.
- Clean windows on an average temperature, preferably overcast day to avoid streaks.
- Dry windows outside in one direction then inside in the other direction. If you see a streak, you will know which side is the ofender.
To clean window sills, pour diluted rubbing alcohol on a cloth and rub the entire surface.Then dust off the sill with a clean cloth. Bathrooms - Rubbing alcohol can remove the dull haze from mirrors.
- Use rubbing alcohol to remove spots from bathroom fixtures.
- Glass shower doors will sparkle if cleaned with white vinegar.
- To clean the shower, use a solution of 1/2 cup vinegar, 1 cup ammonia, and 1/4 cup baking soda added to one gallon of warm water.
- Lemon furniture oil will remove water spots on metal frames.
- Rusty tile marks can be removed with kerosene.
- Running the shower on hot for five minutes will steam the dirt loose.
- Grout need cleaning? Wash with 2 tablespoons chlorine bleach in one quart of water. Dry thoroughly, then apply several coats of lemon oil. Let dry one hour between coats.
- Dull walls will shine when washed with vinegar and waterand plished with a dry cloth.
- Lighter fluid will remove most stains from porcelain sinks and bathtubs.
Kitchen - Pour club soda on counter and clean with a soft cloth, rinse with water then wipe dry.
- Baking soda or club soda will clean and shine stainless steel sinks easily.
- Remove stubborn water spots from a stainless sink with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.
- Spots on stainless steel also can be removed with vinegar.
- Rub stainless steel sinks with lighter fluid if rusty .
- For a sparkling white porcelain sink, place paper towels across the bottom of your sink and saturate with household bleach. Let sit for 8 hour & rinse. Never use bleach in colored sinks.
Refrigerator - An open box of baking soda will absorb odors for a month or so.
- A few drops vanilla extract on a piece of cotton placed in the refrigerator will eliminate odors.
- Wipe refrigerator with vinegar to prevent mildew.
- Use your vacuum on the front of the coils and motor to remove dust and dirt
Appliances - Stop yellowing of white appliances. Mix 1/2 cup bleach, 1/4 cup baking soda and 4 cups of warm water. Apply with a sponge and let set for 10 minutes. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Wax large appliances with car wax to make them shine and to remove small scratches.
Wood Floors - Floor cleaner is a solution of 1/2 cup of white vinegar in 1 gallon of warm water. Damp mop with a mop squeezed nearly dry. It is safer to mist the mop with the cleaner than to apply to floor. Do a section at a time and throw an old towel on the floor and scoot back and forth with foot to dry and prevent streaks. Standing liquid from mopping, spills, and pet accidents can damage floors.
The greatest damage done to wood floors is from grit. Mats at doors are necessary - to collect grit and it's important to keep these clean. Frequent dust mopping in high traffic areas to collect grit is the best prevention. This should be done based on the amount of traffic, which may require dust mopping several times a day in an active household. The brush attachment of a vacuum can be used (no beater bars). Felt and furniture protectors should be installed on furniture. Never scoot furniture on wood.
- Put a piece of waxed paper under your dust mop. Dirt will stick to the mop and the wax will shine your floors.
- Use a paper bag over spilled candle wax then lightly iron
- Removin Stains
- Water Stains
- Rub the spot with No. 2 steel wood and rewax. For more serious water stains, lightly sand with fine sandpaper, clean the spot with No. 1 or 00 steel wool and mineral spirits or floor cleaner then refinish and wax.
- Cigarette Burns
- If not severe, the burn can be removed by rubbing with steel wool moistened with soap and water.
- Heel and Caster Marks
- Rub vigorously with fine steel wool and floor cleaner. Wipe dry and polish.
- Ink Stains and Other Dark Spots
- Use No. 2 steel wool and floor cleaner to clean the spot and surrounding area. Thoroughly wash the affected area. If the spot remains, sand with fine sandpaper, re-wax and polish. Stubborn stains may require that you replace the affected area.
- Chewing Gum and Wax Deposits
- Ice until the deposit is brittle and crumbles off. Pour floor cleaner around the stain so the fluid soaks under and loosens it.
- Alcohol Spots
- Rub the spot with liquid or paste wax
Vinyl Floors - Sweep then damp mop using a gallon of water and a dash of dishwashing detergent.
- No-wax floors eventually need waxing, this will help to prevent further deterioration.
Cleaning Carpets - To clean dry spots, loosen soil and vacuum away prior to moistening it.
- When taking out stains, always use a white cloth.
- Wax dropped on carpet or upholstery? Set a clean, absorbent cloth over the wax stain and hold a hot iron on it. Then remove the cloth.
- Coat mildly greasy stains with aerosol shaving cream, use a hair dryer to speed dry. Then vacuum.
- Sprinkle a greasy stain with baking soda, cornstarch or talcum powder. Leave on at least 8 hours, then vacuum.
Did you know that Bounce, the stuff you use in the dryer has many cleaning uses? - Bounce to keep dust from resettling.
- Dissolves soap scum from shower doors. Clean with a used sheet of Bounce.
- Freshens the air in your home. Place an individual sheet of Bounce in a drawer or hang one in the closet.
- Prevents thread from tangling. Run a threaded needle through a sheet of Bounce to eliminate the static cling on the thread before sewing.
- Eliminates static cling from pantyhose. Rub a damp, used sheet of Bounce over the hose.
- Prevents musty suitcases. Place an individual sheet of Bounce inside empty luggage before storing.
- Freshens the air in your car. Place a sheet of Bounce under the front seat.
- Cleans baked-on food from a cooking pan. Put a sheet in the pan, fill with water, let sit overnight, and sponge clean. The anti-static agents apparently weaken the bond between the food and the pan while the fabric softening agents soften the baked-on food.
- Eliminates odors in wastebaskets. Place a sheet of Bounce at the bottom of the wastebasket.
- Collects cat hair. Rubbing the area with a sheet of Bounce will magnetically attract all the loose hairs.
- Eliminates static electricity from venetian blinds. Wipe the blinds with a sheet of Bounce to prevent dust from resetting.
- Deodorizes shoes or sneakers. Place a sheet of Bounce in your shoes or sneakers overnight so they'll smell great in the morning.
Cleaning Marble "MARBLE IS TRICKY, USE AT YOUR OWN RISK" - For heavier stains on marble, take three or four cakes of Ivory soap, cut them up and dissolve in hot water until you have a "slurry." Paint this on the marble and let it sit for five days or so. If the gunk starts to dry during that time, wet it down. At the end of the period, wash it all off.
To remove lighter stains, sprinkle salt on a fresh cut lemon. Rub very lightly over stain. Do not rub hard or you will ruin the polished surface. Wash off with soap and water. ©2009 An independently owned and operated member of the Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. Prudential is a service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America. Equal Housing Opportunity. |
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Green Homes 101
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Making your home a greener place is a commitment – to yourself, your family, your community and the world. But more than that, it is a learning process. As exciting new technologies, products and scientific breakthroughs constantly emerge, staying educated on the hows – as well as the whys – of maintaining a green home is the best way to ensure your efforts are as effective and beneficial as possible.
Green Home Defined
A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources, creates less waste and is healthier for the people living inside compared to a standard home. It’s as simple as that!
A home can be built green, or you can make it green later. A green makeover can happen all at once, or it can be a gradual process. But what it all comes down to is a new way of thinking – and a new way of living. From a more energy-efficient kitchen to a tree-filled backyard paradise, your home can be green top to bottom, front to back, inside and out. And it doesn’t matter whether you rent or own, live in an apartment or single-family home, or live in the city, the suburbs or the country.
The Benefits of a Green Home
There are many very real benefits to living in a green home, and every day, more and more Americans are discovering those benefits. That’s why green homes are expected to make up 10% of new home construction by 2010, up from 2% in 2005, according to the 2006 McGraw-Hill Construction Residential Green Building SmartMarket Report. Owning or renting a green home is good for your health, your wallet and our environment.
A Healthier Home
Green homes’ use of toxin-free building materials helps combat indoor air pollution, which can be much worse than outdoor pollution. Unhealthy air inside can pose serious health risks for residents, including cancer and respiratory ailments like asthma. Such non-toxic materials include wheat-derived strawboard, natural linoleum made from jute and linseed oil, paints with little or no volatile organic compounds and toxin-free insulation made from soybeans, recycled paper or even old denim. Green homes have far fewer problems with mold or mildew. Natural ventilation in green homes, as well as use of mechanical ventilation systems to filter and bring fresh air inside and vent stale air outside, keep residents breathing easy.
A Cost-Efficient Home
The net cost of owning a green home is comparable to – or even cheaper than – owning a standard home. If upfront costs are higher, it is often because many architects, homebuilders, engineers, plumbers and other industry professionals just don’t have the knowledge and experience to cost-effectively plan, design and build a green home. Finding a professional familiar with green-building techniques will save you money and ensure you’re getting the best-quality work possible. Month to month, people who live in green homes save money by consuming 40% less energy and 50% less water than standard homes. Over the years, that adds up to big savings. A healthier home means fewer expensive doctor’s visits and fewer days of missed work. Soon, it will cost less to insure a green home than a standard home. The Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company already offers a 5% discount to LEED-certified commercial buildings. A green home is more durable than most standard homes because of its high-quality building materials and construction processes, requiring fewer repairs. The value of a green home is typically higher than that of a comparable standard home, and the market demand for green homes continues to rise. The Solaire, a green residential high-rise in New York City, brings in rents 10% to 15% higher than market rates, and in Rocklin, Calif., the LEED-certified homes in the Carsten Crossings development outsold the competition 2-to-1. Local, state and federal governments are increasingly offering tax breaks and other incentives for building LEED homes or adding green features to your home.
An Environmentally Friendly Home
Residential cooling and heating alone make up 20% of the United States’ yearly energy use. Throw in household lighting, appliances and other electronic equipment, and homes are clearly a major source of energy consumption. Most of that energy comes from greenhouse gas producers like oil and coal, contributing to global climate change. Green homes use 40% less energy than comparable standard homes.
Some green homes further reduce our dependence on conventional energy sources as they generate some or all of their energy needs through alternative energy sources like the sun, wind, geothermal energy and biomass.
Efficient plumbing and bathing fixtures, drought-tolerant landscaping and water-conserving irrigation systems help green homes use, on average, 50% less water than standard homes.
Far fewer natural resources are used in the construction of a green home. Many green building materials have significant recycled content. Some companies, for example, now make carpets and floor tiles from recycled tires and bottles. Green homes can also be constructed with salvaged materials from demolished buildings. Green homes use materials made from rapidly renewable materials, like bamboo, hemp, agrifibers and soybean-based products. And the use of wood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council helps promote socially and environmentally beneficial forestry practices.
Building a standard 2,500-square-foot home creates approximately 2 tons of construction waste that ends up in landfills. Construction of a green home, however, generates 50% to 90% less waste.
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