Saving Money via Saving Energy
February 19, 2010
If you listen to the news even once in awhile you have heard the words “global warming” and “air pollution”. Whether you believe in global warming or not, you have to see that air pollution is a bad thing that can and does make people ill. Saving energy will reduce the demand for what is called fossil fuels like natural gas, coal, and oil. When you burn less fossil fuels, there will be lower emission of carbon dioxide, which is a major pollutant, thus reducing air pollution.
Today, there are many ways you can save energy without giving up comfort by way of using new household products created to actually save energy. This may be hard to imagine, but every American creates close to 40,000 pounds of CO2 every year. When that is broken down, it shows that Americans use right at a million dollars worth of energy each minute. By utilizing a few changes in your home, you can greatly reduce the amount of CO2 you produce as well as save money on your utility bills.
Start with your heating and cooling systems. You should set your thermostat at 68 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night during the winter months, whereas in the summer the thermostat should be set at 78 degrees day and night.
Clean or replace the air filters is a good way to save energy. When the filters are dirty, the heating or cooling unit has to work harder to keep the house warm or cool.
Now on to home appliances. Refrigerators are electricity hogs and use close to 20 percent of the electricity used in homes across America. Keeping the thermostat at 37 degrees for the refrigerator and 3 degrees for the freezer is best. If your refrigerator has an energy saver switch, make sure it is turned on. All seals on your refrigerator and freezer should be clean and tight.
Instead of washing clothes in hot water use warm or cold water.
The dishwasher should be full and the energy saving setting should of course be used and let the dishes air dry. By not using the drying cycle of the dishwasher, you are saving on your electricity bill.
Your water heater thermostat should be set at 120 degrees instead of 140 degrees. Just this small change can save 600 pounds of CO2 each year if you have an electric water heater or if you have a gas heater 440 pounds.
When you are searching for new appliances look for the most energy efficient models with the Energy Star Label. This label ensures the product will save energy and prevent pollution.
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Increase the Value of your Home
February 14, 2010
If you are contemplating selling your home, but want to make a few extra dollars than what you expect you can receive, there are a few things you can do to increase the value of your home. Just a few upgrades as well as home projects can add more value to your home without in most cases costing more than you will receive at the closing.
Today, more and more homebuyers are searching for an open floor plan. If it is possible for you to open up the kitchen to the living room making a more open floor plan, do so. This allows the cook to still be with the family while preparing meals, which is also great when guests are invited to the home. This open floor plan is one that is selling homes faster than you might imagine.
When it comes to the master bedroom, most home buyers are looking for an adjourning bathroom and of course, at least one walk-in closet, if not two. If your home does not have a master bathroom or walk-in closet, this would be a great option for a quick sale. If this is too much of a task, you can always add such things as dual sinks, Jacuzzi tub, and a walk in shower to increase the value of your home.
Home offices are very popular today, with more people working out of their home. Creating an area in your home that can be used as a home office will certainly add more value. In this area, be sure that you have ample outlets and phone lines for office equipment and computers.
Women often check out the kitchen and bathrooms before any other rooms in the home. If you do not wish to completely give your kitchens and baths a complete makeover, you can do a few small projects that will give the rooms just the right touch. Install a new backsplash, countertops, and change out those old cabinet knobs. Stainless steel appliances are always a great touch, as well.
A fresh coat of paint is always a good idea for every room in the house. This will give your home a new feel. Do not use colors that are wild, quiet colors or white are always best.
Replacing old windows with new energy efficient ones of course will be an added benefit. You may not realize this, but the first thing home buyers notice when they pull up to your home are the windows and the front door. You do not want potential home buyers to see old stained windows and a drab front door. You can install new windows or at least clean the windows inside and out. Paint the front door and even add a bit of color such as a wreath.
Now, for the front lawn, which may not cost a thing to improve, only rid the lawn of debris and dead plants. Make sure there are no bare patches in the grass and the hedges are trimmed.
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Flood Insurance for Tulsa Home Owners
February 10, 2010
Many residents of Oklahoma may not even consider purchasing flood insurance however, there are all kinds of areas that suffer from repeated flood damage and this is true in the Tulsa area. You may think that if your home or property is not listed in a designated floodplain then you do not need flood insurance, but this is a misconception. Many of the areas around Tulsa suffer from flood damage when heavy rains pour down.
Tulsa homeowners should consider purchasing flood insurance and when looking to purchase a new home talk with your Tulsa Realtor to learn if the home or area is prone to flooding.
Tulsa County during the 1970’s and 1980’s actually had more federal disaster declarations than any other location in the United States. In 1984 alone, a flash flood was the result of 14 deaths and a total of $180 million in damages. Tulsa has been since that time working on flood projects and many have been finished; however, more are in the works. The new flood program has been used as a national model and the risk of flooding of course has been reduced significantly. Tulsa homeowners, on the other hand, must remember that even though the risk has been reduced, does not guarantee that flooding will not occur.
One thing that Tulsa homeowners or potential Tulsa County homeowners must remember is that all of the creeks and rivers in the area periodically have flash floods. Flood damages have occurred along the Arkansas River and many of the creeks in the area including Bird, Bigheart, Coal, Crow, Cherry-Red Fork, Dirty Butter, Elm, Flat Rock, Fred, Fry, Hager, Harlow, Haikey, Joe, Mingo, Mooser, Nickel, Perryman, Park View, Oak, Valley View, and Vensel.
The good news is that flood insurance is available for all properties in the Tulsa area. The majority of homeowner’s policies do not cover any losses due to flooding; therefore, homeowners need to protect their home and their belongings by learning more about the National Flood Insurance Program.
For more information regarding Tulsa homeowners flood insurance, news, articles and commentary on homes sales, farms and commercial property in the Tulsa Real Estate market please re-visit or subscribe to our RSS Feed on our Tulsa Real Estate Mall Blog.
Protecting your Tulsa Property from Flood Damage
February 7, 2010
The City of Tulsa has had its fair share of floods and over the last few years has implemented various flood control projects to help protect the city; however, it is impossible for Tulsa to be 100% free from flooding. Due to this, Tulsa homeowners should learn what they could do to help protect their property in case of flooding.
You can request a free flood zone determination, which is detailed floodplain boundary map by contacting the Mayor’s Action Center and providing them with your address and the legal description of your Tulsa property.
Even if your property is not deemed to be in a flood area, you may still want to take some precautionary measures such as:
- Retrofitting buildings
- Regrading your yard
Retrofitting buildings or regarding the yard is nothing more than elevating those buildings above flood levels and then installing backflow preventers, which will ensure that your floors are protected from damage of sewer backups, which is always a problem during flooding. You may even consider creating structural barriers such as floodwalls or levees. If you do wish to add a structure to your property to help protect your Tulsa home from flooding, you will need to get a building permit.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency better known as FEMA has published a pamphlet, “Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House from Flooding”. This publication will provide Tulsa homeowners information on protecting their property as well information regarding financial assistance.
Temporary Measures
Spring is just around the corner and this is the season that the majority of the flooding occurs in the Tulsa area. Being prepared is the best way to protect your property if only for a temporary time period.
Before spring arrives, have a plan of action. Know how and where you place your belongings out of the way of the rising water if it reaches your home. Keep specific materials on hand such as lumber, plastic sheeting, sandbags, and plywood. Ensure that all brush and debris has not collected in storm drains or ditches, this only adds to the water coming onto your property.
If you are considering a building structure, you should speak with a qualified Tulsa city staff member at the Permit and Licensing Center. Since flood control is a city-wide problem, you do not want to build a structure that will save your property but may cause the water to flow into other areas and cause damage. Talking with city staff to learn your options and receive qualified help to build a safe project while complying with the floodplains set forth by the City of Tulsa will be your best bet.
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Using Feng Shui to Sell a Home
January 31, 2010
Feng Shui many may believe is a new fangled way to sell a home and that only special realtors understand this secret concept. However, that would be a misconception. Feng Shui has been around for centuries; the only difference is that the concept has now been westernized, so to speak.
Feng Shui is nothing more than living in harmony with the environment. The concept is that once a person is one with the environment, fascinating or magical things happen. The concept is that if all elements are in place or in balance, the outcome will be the creation of harmony, balance, and peace to attract a buyer.
Chi better known as positive energy flows gently when all elements are in accord or harmonious. When elements are out of balance Chi will either stop or disappear completely.
The flow of Chi is very important to the comfort and well-being of those living in the home and potential buyers. These individuals pick up balance and imbalance. The idea behind the concept of Feng Shui is to create an environment that is harmonious to the both the seller and the buyer. This includes the ability to support the health and good fortune in the way in which objects are placed in the home, the colors used the landscape, and the use of the five elements, which include fire, earth, metal, water, and wood.
The idea behind Feng Shui is to use all five elements to welcome the buyer. This means from the very moment a person walks up to the door they should be greeted by all five elements. If you wish to sell your home, you must have things in balance. The best way to put a buyer at ease is to ensure that you are making them comfortable and the Chi is flowing in each and every room and not running out the door when the door is open. This means if the room is bare the chi will more or less escape. You can have all five elements at the front door but with nothing to stop the positive energy when the buyer walks in the Chi will soon be out the next door. Place items strategically in the rooms and especially in long hallways.
Remember, balance is everything. If you have all five elements in each room of the home, you will be balancing the home and your buyers will be more apt to linger and fall in love with the home.
Thank you for visiting our Tulsa Real Estate Blog. If you are looking to sell your home, you should take the opportunity to speak with a RE/MAX Agent to help you prepare your home for potential buyers. To keep current on the Tulsa market and local event please subscribe to our free RSS Feed.
Termites in Winter?
January 30, 2010
If you live in Oklahoma or any other state in America, you may be concerned about termites in your home. Termites live in your home and outside as well, where there is wood there are termites, period. Yes, even in the cold wintry months there are termites.
Cold weather does slow down termites and during extreme cold, termites will hibernate, but they are still around. The only true way to know if you have termites, living in your home is with a termite inspection. When you purchase a new or even used home, you should talk with your Tulsa real estate agent about your concerns of termites. They can ensure that a termite inspection will be done prior to you purchasing the home. In practically all cases, home inspections do not include termite inspections and will be done separately for an addition cost.
What to Expect
A termite inspection is a visual inspection of all accessible areas of your home or the home you are considering purchasing. This visual inspection will consist of looking for evidence of wood destroying insects and wood destroying organisms. Since this is true, the inspector is not only looking for evidence of termites but also ants, bugs and fungus. The inspector will check all areas of the home including crawlspaces, basements, attics, and the exterior of the home. The inspection normally takes around 30 to 45 minutes according to the size of the home and the accessibility of the areas that need inspected.
The Termite inspector is not actually looking for the insects themselves but for termite pellets or fecal matter. This oblong light gray to very dark brown two to three millimeters long matter can be found on surfaces or even in spider webs that are close by the eaves of the attic.
Treatment for Termites
There are several different treatments available for Subterranean termites, which includes chemical treatment. The chemical treatment is normally a type of barrier that is placed between the termite’s home, which is in the soil, and your home. The chemical is placed in the soil on all sides of the foundation. The technician will create holes around the foundation at around 16 inch intervals. Then the chemical will be placed into the holes and create the barrier.
Another treatment method is known as in-ground baiting systems. This baiting system is made from a wood material in which the worker termites will of course want the rest of the colony to know there is food available at this location. He will leave a scent at the baiting station. The bait station will then be replaced with a chemical inhibitor that will stop the molting process in termites and they will be unable to grow. Of course, the inhibitor will be taken back to the colony so all termites will eventually die.
For more information regarding Tulsa news, articles, and commentary on homes sales, farms, and commercial property in the Tulsa Real Estate market please re-visit or subscribe to our RSS Feed on our Tulsa Real Estate Mall Blog.
How to Prevent and Eliminate Mold
January 26, 2010
Mold is a health hazard, period. Learning how to eliminate mold that is now growing in your home and how to prevent it from returning are imperative. Mold can cause all kinds of health problems with respiratory issues at the top of the list, preventing mold before it ever starts is always the best, however, eliminating once it has started growing will work just as well.
The very first thing you must in order to prevent mold from growing in your home is to keep things dry. The indoor humidity level should stay between 30 and 50% and use dehumidifiers when necessary. Not sure what your humidity levels are, a simple and affordable hygrometer will give you the answer. New homes normally require dehumidification more often than older homes and on a regular basis for at least up to one year.
Stale air is a major contributor to mold. Moisture is a breeding ground for mold and stale air is the counterpart this occurrence. Ventilating all areas of your home that can be humid such as bathrooms, attics, and even such necessary appliances as the clothes dryer can be a cause of moisture and stale air in the home. Circulating the air in your home will help prevent mold. Use ceiling fans, air conditioning, and open the doors and windows as much as possible. Mold spore counts are usually higher indoors than outdoors so let that fresh air in.
Condensation can and does cause mold to grow. This is one main reason you need to ensure that your windows are properly sealed as well as all your cold water pipes and air conditioning vents are properly insulated.
Every month you should investigate your home for the beginning growth of mold. The most likely places to look include kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and attics. Even a slight discoloration could be the beginning of mold.
If you find mold, and you will, you need to treat the area immediately. Mold left to grow will in fact grow quickly and take over an area. Then the troubles begin. You can use bleach or an alternative cleaning agent, just be sure that the cleaning product you use will remove the mold. If you have a larger area then you should contact a professional.
For more information regarding Tulsa news, articles, and commentary on homes sales, farms, and commercial property in the Tulsa Real Estate market please re-visit or subscribe to our RSS Feed on our Tulsa Real Estate Mall Blog.
Home Winterizing Tips
January 25, 2010
When the north wind begins to blow, we start putting up all of our spring and summer toys, attire, and other items we will be using for months. One important thing that many of us forget to do is winterize our home for the upcoming season. As soon as the leaves starting turning we should start getting our home ready for the winter. The following tips will ensure that your home will stay in great shape during the winter months even if you put on a few pounds over the holidays.
Of course, not everyone lives where they can expect ten feet of snow and cold north wind blowing most of the time; however, there are still things you will need to do to prepare your home for the upcoming season.
The winterizing tips include:
Inspect your furnace – In most cases, you should contact an HVAC professional to check your furnace to ensure that all is working properly. Your heat/air professional should visit your home before winter and once again before summer each year. Purchase new filters and change them. Ensure that you have not stored any flammable objects nearby the furnace.
If you have a fireplace, now is the time to have it cleaned by a chimney sweep. In the spring, if you have not already, you should have a screen on the top of the fireplace to make sure that mother robin does not choose your fireplace for her new home. Store the wood for the fireplace in a dry area and not up against the home, which can cause mold to grow and even invite snakes and rodents to move in.
Check all the doors and windows for cracks, broken or cracked weather stripping, and cracks in the caulking around the windows. While checking all areas it is a good time to remove the screens and replace with your storm windows and doors.
Check the roof and gutters. Look for any damage to the roof, which should be repaired. A large heavy snow on an already damaged roof can be a catastrophe. Clean out the gutters as well.
Check the foundation and crawl spaces. Move all debris and plants from the foundation. If you see, any cracks no matter how small seal the cracks. Mice can find a way into your home through the smallest cracks. If you have crawl spaces under your home, seal them so as not to invite animals to move in under house to stay warm.
Time to change batteries in your smoke detectors. If you do not have smoke detectors, it is time to buy a few and install them in your home. Carbon monoxide detectors are also great preventive measures to have in your home. You should install this device close to your furnace or hot water heater.
Know where your water main is, you may have to turn off the water in case of a pipe bursting. Drain all water hoses and place in storage. Insulate any water pipes that are exposed to the weather this includes air conditioner pipes.
Check for low limbs that may be too close to your home or to electrical wires, trim if necessary. Now is the time to seal such things as decks, driveways, and patios. Bring in all potted plants that cannot handle the cooler temperatures.
Clean, tune-up, and repair any tools and equipment you will not be using in the winter months such as lawnmowers and gardening equipment. Prepare winter tools such as snow shovels, snow blowers, and purchase salt and sand.
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Pets and Tulsa Cold Weather
January 1, 2010
Many pets are indoor pets and are use to the comforts just as us humans are and have the same troubles as we would if left outdoors for extended lengths of time. The Tulsa, OK area has been hit by colder than normal winter weather this year and according to the Tulsa weather forecast more is on the way. The sad news is that many people think that all animals can live outdoors and adapt to the weather just because they have fur. This is far from the truth. Our pets are not wild animals that fight and hope to make it through the cold bitter winter. Many of the animals out in wild do not actually make it through the winter months. It is our responsibility to take care of our pets.
Things you should do to care for your pets during the winter include:
- Ask your vet to check your pet to ensure they do not have any medical problems that make them vulnerable to cold temperatures
- When the weather is cold, keep pets in as much as possible
- When they must go out, go with them. When you are ready to go in bring them in as well. This way you know they are not outside in the cold too long
- If you have to leave them outside for long periods of time make sure, they have access to a solid shelter. The shelter should be constructed so the wind cannot get inside with warm thick bedding and plenty of water. The water should of course be liquid. If possible, wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and place in the shelter as well.
- Of course, there are some breeds that can stay out longer in cold temperatures such as Huskies and Komondors. On the other hand, dog’s breeds such as Chihuahaus and dachshunds are not winter weather dogs. Any animal that has to wade through piles of snow up to their shoulders will of course become cold quicker than taller animals. Cats may seem to like the cold, but the temperatures can sneak up on them.
The health of your pet has quite a bit to do with the length of time they can stay outdoors in the cold. Certain conditions like hormonal imbalances, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease the ability to regulate their body heat. Pets that are not in good health, older pets, and young pets cannot tolerate the cold.
Winter Precautions:
If you own cats or have feral cats in your area they will curl up against practically anything to stay warm which does include the engine on your vehicle. Before starting your vehicle, honk your horn or beat on the hood to wake up any sleeping kitties as starting your engine could be a fatal mistake.
If you have a lake or pond on your property, do not let your dog run loose. He can fall through the ice.
Electric heaters can be enticing to pets and they can and will curl up to be toasty warm. Make sure they do not have a paw or tail against the heat source.
If you allow your pet to go outdoors, you should wipe their paws with a clean cloth when they come indoors. This will make sure that they do not lick chemicals or rock salt from their paws. These types of winter products can cause an inflammation of the digestive tract.
Watch your pet to ensure they do not get frostbit. If you notice small particles of ice forming on their ears, paws, or tails they need to be taken indoors to get warm. You can soak his extremities for about 20 minutes in warm water to melt the ice and start circulation. You should take him to the vet after he is warm.
We hope you find these winter pet tips are helpful and you return for frequent updates from our Tulsa Real Estate Blog or subscribe to our RSS feed to stay current.
Winter and Holiday Home Tips
November 17, 2009
As the holidays are approaching, many of us are thinking about where we are going to put all the relatives that will be coming into town. Along with working out sleeping arrangements, we begin to look around our Tulsa home. We want everything to be perfect and in working order, especially if the in-laws are coming. There is nothing more embarrassing than when your mother-in-law walks into your kitchen and finds thinks in disarray such as knobs loose on cabinets, broken tiles, or whatever else she may find to make us look unworthy to be married to her son.
Now, is the time to start and find all those little things that might need repaired and fix them, long before anyone comes a callin’.
The following list should help you go room to room and look for obvious repairs.
Kitchen Look for:
- Loose knobs on cabinets.
- Broken tile.
- Are all appliances in working order?
- Knobs on the stove.
- Light bulbs or other lighting.
- Clear off counter tops – you do not want your kitchen to look cluttered especially if family members will be helping you fix the meals.
Bathrooms Check for:
- Faucet leaks.
- Sinks or tubs draining slow.
- Broken tile.
- Missing or stained grout.
- Light bulbs.
- Fan in working order.
- Living Room Check for:
- Dirty carpet.
- Lighting.
- Curtains and upholstery in need or repair or cleaning?
Bedrooms Check for:
- Dirty carpet.
- Dust on everything.
- Room in the closet and chest of drawers for their clothing.
- Light bulbs.
Front door and walkway:
- Be prepared to clear snow and ice from both.
- Watch the roof for hanging icicles which can be an accident waiting to happen.
- Now, that you know you are prepared for guests it is time to winter proof your home.
- Remove all hoses from exterior faucets.
If you have pipes that freeze often, remember to leave the water dripping on cold nights.
If you plan to leave, have a neighbor keep an eye on your home.
Be prepared for power and heat outages. Always know where the flashlights and candles are and have an alternative heat source such as a fireplace or a place to go in case you do not have heat.
Remember to buy batteries and have them close by the flashlight.
Keep a few gallons of drinking water just in case a pipe burst.
Do not warm up your car in the garage with the door down.
Do not use kerosene heaters in small areas.
Close the chimney damper when you are not using it.
Keep your snow shovel ready to use.
Check all windows and doors for drafts and replace weather stripping if needed.
In the attic, be sure that the insulation is not covering vents.
Now, your home is ready for guests and cold winter nights. Cuddle up, read a book, and enjoy the time you have before the guests arrive.
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