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Real Estate Blog
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Wednesday, November 16 2011
November is a great month the holidays are fast approaching, we get to visit more often with family and friends, and colder weather makes us feel like getting cozy in our homes. Since you'll want to keep warm in the coming months, we are including a list of tips for you this month that will help you to save money on your energy bill, while still staying warm and cozy!
We hope these tips help you as much as they've helped me. If you have any home or real estate questions, please feel free to call Rolando at 499-9234 or Kathy at 499-0246 at any time or visit our Web site at: www.TheTrentiniTeam.com
FIVE WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY IN THE COLDER MONTHS
· Set the timer: Program your thermostat to reach lower temperatures while you're sleeping or out of the house. This simple action can save you a lot of money and will ensure that your house stays at a comfortable temperature at all times.
· Open and shut: During daytime hours, keep your blinds, draperies and other window coverings open. This will enable your home to absorb the warm afternoon sunshine and will effectively add heat to the entire house. Close all window coverings at night to keep the heat in!
· Installation time: If you have a window or two that feels drafty no matter what you do, consider installing tight, insulating shades to those particular windows. You'll be surprised what a little bit of extra insulation can accomplish!
· Light a fire: A fireplace is an easy solution to add extra heat to your home without adding to your energy bill. Capable of warming the entire room, you and your family can relax at home while keeping the thermostat at a lower temperature.
· No leaks allowed: Check doors and windows for drafts and places where air might escape. Weatherizing windows and doors is a simple task that you can perform; your local home improvement warehouse will have all of the materials you need! improvement warehouse will have all of the materials you need!
Tuesday, November 15 2011
Tankless water heaters cut energy bills but aren’t the right choice for everyone. Here’s how to figure out if going tankless makes sense for you.
If you’re a hot water multitasker who washes clothes, dishes, and yourself at the same time, a low-capacity tankless water heater could serve you a “cold water sandwich” or leave you high and dry. But tankless water heaters, which heat water only on demand, are more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters, which warm water whether you need it or not. What’s the best way for you to get into hot water? Read on.
Traditional vs. tankless water heater
Traditional hot water heaters typically live in your basement and provide gallons of hot water at one time: an 80-gallon tank heats enough water to shower, run a dishwasher, and do a load of laundry simultaneously. But standby energy loss is significant with hot water heaters, and once you’ve exhausted the hot water supply, you’ll wait 20 to 60 minutes for the heater to cook up more.
A tankless water heater produces hot water only when you need it. When you turn on the faucet, water is heated on the spot as it flows through capillary-like pipes heated by either a powerful gas burner or electric coils. (There are no oil-fired on-demand water heaters on the market.)
Gush to a trickle
Although a tankless water heater can pump hot water all day, it can’t produce a large amount all at once. And it can snap you out of a hot shower bliss with the “cold water sandwich effect,” a sudden splash of cold water that results from turning the hot water faucet on and off repeatedly.
A traditional tank heater puts out 7.5 to 9.5 gallons of water per minute (GPM), enough to shower, run the dishwasher, and do a load of laundry all at the same time. The typical tankless water heater, however, puts out only 2.5 to 5 GPM, enough to handle only two uses at a time.
Be warned: Not all flow rates are calculated the same. Energy Star measures GPM based on a 77-degree increase in water temperature for the incoming supply, while some companies list their GPM flows at 35- and 45-degree rises. The more heat the water requires to reach the desired temperature, the slower the flow rate.
High upfront costs
A gas-fired tankless water heater system costs $1,500 to buy and install, nearly double the price of a conventional gas water heater, and $575 more than a high-efficiency tank model. In addition, while a conventional water heater typically uses a half-inch gas line, a tankless water heater requires three-quarter-inch pipe. That plumbing change costs from $25 to $40 a foot, potentially adding many hundreds to initial costs.
On the bright side, your new energy-efficient unit may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $300 on purchase and installation through 2011.
An electric tankless water heater costs as little as $400 installed. But it doesn’t qualify for a tax credit because it is less efficient than gas and is better suited for point-of-use applications, such as instant kitchen hot water, rather than a whole-house system.
Installing multiple units
One solution to the limited output problem is to install multiple on-demand units. Because it’s small—about the size of a carry-on suitcase—you can place a tankless water heater along any stretch of pipe—in the attic, basement, closet, or crawlspace. You can install two or three units to serve different parts of the house, or even dedicate a unit for a particular use, say a washing machine.
Multiple on-demand units increase overall energy efficiency. By bringing hot water close to where it’s needed, you reduce energy loss and increase efficiency by 50% over a conventional hot water tank system, about $165 in annual savings for an average household.
Energy and money savings
- According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, a tankless water heater is more efficient and uses less energy than a conventional water heater, providing a $25 to $107 in annual savings.
- If your hot water use is low (less than 41 gallons per day), a tankless water heater will be 24% to 34% more efficient.
- If your hot water usage is high (about 86 gallons per day), a tankless water heater is 8% to 14% more energy efficient.
- Installing an on-demand unit at each hot water faucet gives an energy savings of 27% to 50%.
Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/water-heaters/tankless-water-heater-right-you/#ixzz1dPb6WNbp
Monday, November 14 2011
EVANSVILLE - More small-business owners are turning to Evansville to open up shop. As the downtown area develops, the Chamber of Commerce Southwest Indiana said more people are taking an interest in the River City.
The business development division at the Chamber of Commerce is seeing more action this year. The small business development center, located on Main Street, has advisors that help people turn their ideas into business plans. They see around 200 clients a year and help people put together a financial case, understand the cash flow, and find a banker. Advisors at the Chamber of Commerce said more small-business owners are coming to Evansville, because of the supportive infrastructure and skilled workers in the area. Restaurants and manufacturing jobs are experiencing the most growth.
Kim Howard, Vice President of Economic Development at the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana, said, "We're seeing a lot of people who are very interested in exploring the idea. We've had more people that have contacted us about putting together a business plan, trying to understand the market here and what might be an opportunity. People are looking at franchises now more than they had in the past"
Information on The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest IN - Business Development division:
812-425-8147
318 Main St. Ste. 401
Evansville, IN 47708
http://www.ccswin.com/busndev/
Source: http://www.news25.us/story/16002243/small-business-growth-in-evansville
Friday, November 11 2011
Installing a wood-burning, gas-burning, gel-fuel, or electric fireplace to your house costs $400 to $10,000, depending on the type of fireplace you select.
Installing a fireplace with a brick-lined hearth and a custom mantel can easily cost $10,000 or more. It’s also possible to get a similar look for thousands of dollars less. Just shop for a ready-made unit and watch what you spend on the fireplace surround.
If your budget is really tight, a free-standing gel-fuel or electric fireplace eliminates installation costs. But be aware that some bare-bones alternatives don’t completely succeed in mimicking a real wood fire.
Check local building codes for possible restrictions on the types of fireplaces that can be installed in your area.
Costs of a wood-burning fireplace
An open-hearth, wood-burning fireplace—like the ones you see in mountain resort hotels—requires the help of a skilled, professional mason and a budget approaching (and often exceeding) $10,000.
For an existing home, considerable renovation work is required, including a foundation to carry the weight of the firebox and chimney, and the cost of the chimney itself.
Expect to pay $7,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Cost saver tip: Go for a drywall surround and a simple, wall-mounted mantle.
Costs of a gas-burning fireplace
A fireplace unit that burns natural gas or propane runs about $2,000 for the basic materials package. Installation and finishing typically add $2,500.
- Cost saver tip: Switch to a simpler surround and mantle, and get a direct-vent fireplace so you don’t need a chimney. Or, opt for a vent-free gas fireplace for $400 or so. Hiring a professional to install a gas line or a connection to a propane tank adds about $1,000.
Your least-expensive option
A gel-fuel fireplace or an electric fireplace starts under $400. With a portable unit, that’s the total cost since the fireplace is ready to use once you remove the packaging.
Because there’s no flue or chimney, it’s easy to install TVs or other electronic gear directly above an electric fireplace. If you include a mantel package, expect to pay $800 to $1,600. One perk available: sound effects that mimic the crackle and pop of a real fire.
Ongoing costs
Estimate your energy costs by using a fuel cost comparison calculator. Gel fuel, not included in the calculator, costs $3 per 13-ounce can, enough for three hours.
For a wood-burning fireplace, figure on $100 to $200 a year for chimney cleaning. Gas fireplaces need an annual service check ($100 to $150) plus a chimney inspection. Gel-fuel and electric fireplaces don’t need regular maintenance.
Tax credits for fireplace inserts
Through Dec. 31, 2011, you may qualify for a federal tax credit for up to $300 in costs, if you install a biomass (wood-or pellet-burning) fireplace insert that’s at least 75% fuel-efficient.
Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/fireplaces-chimneys/fireplace-addition-costs/#ixzz1dLQ7Xywj
Thursday, November 10 2011
Its the tenth anniversary of the Veteran's Invitational Soccer Tournament and it's currently underway in Evansville. The event, put on by the Evansville Soccer Club brings in more than 4,000 soccer players from 8 different states. Along with the many teams that benefit from the tournament, the city of Evansville and surrounding areas receive a huge economic boost. The annual tournament is the largest youth sporting event in Southwestern Indiana.
The Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau reports the two weekend tournament brings an estimated 5 million dollars to the local economy. Organizers say that more than 250 teams are competing in this weekends tournament, which brings nearly 10,000 families from across the Midwest. Evansville Soccer Club President, Jim King says this event is a boost for local businesses. The tournament brings 4,000 players and referees from Chicago, Tennessee, Louisville, Ohio and a host of other states. Officials say with this event, the Evansville area scores big! King says the tournament has sold out every hotel within 60 miles of the complex, Teresa Bowman from Tennessee says its best to plan ahead.
Referee Matt Curtis says in addition to the attractions, the facility itself makes people want to come back. The spacious fields, convenient location and estimated 5 million dollar boost for Evansville makes this facility an ideal catch. This weekend is the girl's tournament and the event concludes next weekend as thousands of boys soccer teams take the field.
For more information about the tournament-- visit www.visitevansville.com
Source: http://tristatehomepage.com/fulltext?nxd_id=316537
Wednesday, November 09 2011
In less than three minutes, a house fire can become uncontrollable. In 1975, house fires tended to not become uncontrollable until an average of 17 minutes, according to a report by the National Institutes of Standards and Technology.
Despite better smoke alarms, home fires are spreading faster nowadays, studies show, so why are blazes spreading quicker?
Certain home furnishings may be one of the biggest culprits of home fires burning faster, some fire experts say. For example, upholstered furniture contains flammable polyurethane foam, which can potentially increase fire hazards. Also, fire experts note in an AOL Real Estate article, homes nowadays are constructed with more open floor plans and building materials, such as wallboard, that can contribute to faster spreading fires too.
Source: “Hot Stat: Today’s Homes Burn Faster Than Ever,” AOL Real Estate News (Nov. 7, 2011)
Wednesday, November 02 2011
Toyota today announced plans to begin exporting U.S.-built Sienna vehicles to distributors in South Korea.
The Sienna is produced at Toyota’s manufacturing plant in Princeton, IN. A top seller in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, this is the first time the vehicle will be exported outside of North America. Shipments are scheduled to begin in early November.
Toyota began exporting U.S.-built vehicles in 1988. These exports increased 30% in calendar year 2010 to about 100,000 units. With the start of these shipments to South Korea, Toyota will now export U.S.-assembled vehicles to 19 countries around the world.
Other export vehicles include the Georgetown, KY-produced Avalon sedan, the Princeton, IN-produced Sequoia SUV and the San Antonio, TX-produced Tacoma and Tundra pick-up trucks. Combined, these three U.S. plants directly employ more than 12,500 team members. They are also responsible for an estimated 65,000 other U.S. jobs at vendors and suppliers.
“Toyota’s North American operations are constantly working to identify and expand new export opportunities for the vehicles we produce here, building on our extensive investments in auto production, research and development in the U.S. and helping to maintain a strong, stable base of jobs,” said Yoshimi Inaba, president and COO of Toyota Motor North America, Inc. “With this development and other possible achievements in the future, we hope to continue boosting exports from our North American operations.”
Sienna exports to South Korea are initially forecasted at approximately 600 units annually.
Tuesday, November 01 2011
Baby boomers who plan to move for retirement are looking for smaller, affordable homes that are easily accessible to medical care and near their family, finds a new poll of more than 1,000 adults born between 1946 and 1964 conducted by Associated Press-LifeGoesStrong.com.
Baby boomers who make more than $100,000 a year are the most likely to say they plan to buy a new home during retirement. For boomers who plan to purchase a new home, the most important factors cited in a home for retirement included:
- Smaller home (40%)
- Near medical offices or hospitals (39%)
- Different climate--perhaps warmer (30%)
- More affordable home (25%)
- Being closer to family (15%)
About 10 percent of baby boomers said they will search for a new city to relocate to that offers more services for them in retirement. Only 8 percent of baby boomers surveyed say they want a larger home for retirement, the poll finds.
However, more baby boomers say they don’t have any plans to move after they retire, mostly due to a drop in their home values as well as a drop in their personal investments and retirement plans the last few years, the poll finds. About 53 percent of baby boomers polled say they plan to delay retirement until they recoup some of their investment losses. In the poll, only 9 percent of the baby boomers expect they’ll be able to live comfortably in retirement.
Source: “Many Boomers in Poll say They Won't Move for Retirement; Those who will Seek Affordability,” The Associated Press (Oct. 26, 2011)
Monday, October 31 2011
The winter months are quickly approaching, and we are hoping that you'll have a warm, cozy season in your beautiful new home! In fact, we are including with this letter some quick tips for making sure that you and your new home are ready for the winter months ahead! We hope that you find these tips to be helpful and useful. If you need anything at all, you can reach Rolando at 499-9234 or Kathy at 499-0246 or visit our Web site at: www.TheTrentiniTeam.com
FIVE QUICK TIPS TO GET YOUR HOME READY FOR WINTER
Roof repairs:
Seal it off:
Hot stuff:
Chimney sweep:
Creosote, a black substance that builds up in the chimney when wood is burned, can cause chimney fires. Inspect your chimney for creosote and call a chimney sweep to keep your fireplace safe and functional.Make sure that your heater and ventilation systems are in good working order! Clean out accessible ducts and replace filters where necessary.Inspect doors and windows to ensure that the weather-stripping is in good condition. This will keep your house warmer and cozier in the winter months.
Gutter check:
Now's the time to clean out those rain gutters again! If you want to do it yourself, make sure that you can safely access the gutters and then scoop out any debris, blast the drains clean with a high-powered hose, and repair any leaks you may find along the way.If you can safely get onto your roof to inspect for missing shingles or other factors that may lead to a leaky roof, now's the time to do it! If not, call in a professional organization and have them take care of the rooftop work for you.
Friday, October 28 2011
Home sales in the Evansville area were up nearly 15 percent in the third quarter of 2011, compared to the same period last year, with Gibson County the only county in a four-county Southwestern Indiana metro area showing a slight decline.
At the same time, Gibson County led the way with a sharp increase in median home prices, an apparent result of near-back-to-normal operations at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana near Princeton.
Median prices also rose in Vanderburgh and Warrick counties. The median increase in the four-county area was more than 10 percent better than in the July-September period last year, with a decline reported only in Posey County.
Still, the developments last quarter are part of a year where home sales in Vanderburgh and the three surrounding Hoosier counties together are lagging behind those in the first nine months of 2010. But average home prices for the year to date are up. Sales so far this year are 4.8 percent behind last year, but the average sale price is up 4.6 percent and the median sales price is up 3.1 percent.
The new quarterly statistics are "part of a period of stabilization we've seen over the past two years" in local residential sales, said Bob S. Reid, president of Appraisal Consultants Inc. of Evansville, which compiled the data. "Property values are holding, and sales are steady also," he said. The period from 2007 through most of 2009 saw a substantial decline.
Read more here: Evansville Courier-News
Source: http://www.americantowns.com/in/evansville/news/home-sales-point-to-continued-039-stabilization-039-period-7209434
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