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5 Ways You Can Get To Know Your New Neighborhood

After you have unpacked all of the boxes and you are settled into your new home, it may be time to learn more about your new neighborhood or the city you now live in. Sometimes, this can seem to be a daunting challenge, but it really is very easy. We have put together 5 ways you can get to know your new neighborhood.

1. Talk With Your Realtor About Your New Neighborhood

Often, your realtor is the best source for the important information about your new neighborhood. Chances are they have been working in the area a long time, and they have acquired a thorough knowledge about the events and life in the neighborhood and the city that would be very useful. They may have information in pamphlet form or know of websites that would be informative. You will not find better sources anywhere than a well informed and experienced realtor.

2. Join A Community Organization

The organizations that are based in the community are places where like minded people can work on any number of civic projects. These include charitable projects that can add a measure of value to your life as well as being a way to meet people. You can quickly feel a part of the community by becoming a member of a community service organization.

3. Use The Library

The library is a great place to volunteer, and it is also a great place to learn about book clubs, lectures, and other events that bring people together. Current events discussion groups, often sponsored by the library, can be a way to meet people and to learn about your new city and your neighborhood.

4. Visit The Chamber Of Commerce

The chamber of Commerce is an organization of not only local businesses, but it is also a place where you can learn about your community and events that are taking place in it. You can also learn about volunteer activities that may be interest you. There are not many, if any, organizations that know more about your neighborhood and city. This organization is often a wealth of information about festivals, fairs, concerts and other events that bring people together.

5. Read Everything You Can Find About Your City and Your Neighborhood

The internet is a wealth of information. Your new city most likely has a website that contains information about the city and even about neighborhoods. You may even find a city data site that is provided by a non-government source. You will also find websites on the shopping and restaurants in the area as well as medical facilities.

For more information regarding real estate tips, visit Kathy McCarthy’s website or Facebook page!

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5 Ways To Save On Home Heating This Winter

Heating your home in the winter months is often more expensive than it needs to be. Homes that are not prepared for the cold weather will waste energy and money, but you can take steps now to make your home more energy efficient. You can save money while keeping the temperature indoors at a very comfortable level. Here are 5 ways to save on home heating this winter:

1. Make Sure You Weatherproof Your Home

Cracks and gaps around your doors, windows and chimney will allow warm air to escape and cold air to get in. Purchase a sealant at your local hardware store that is made for sealing these openings. Make sure the sealant is formulated to withstand exposure to the outside air. Sealants will go along way toward saving energy and keeping your home more comfortable. Also check the thresholds of the doors to make sure there is no air gap. Usually, there are adjusting screws to raise the threshold. Check the weatherstripping around the doors to make sure it is not worn. Another energy saving step is buying an inflatable balloon device to prevent warm air from escaping through your chimney.

2. Set The Thermostat At A Lower Temperature

By just setting your thermostat one or two degrees lower, you will save a significant amount of money. Consider lowering the temperature more than a few degrees for the period of time when you are not home or even when you are sleeping. You can always add an extra blanket. Installing a programmable thermostat which can be set to lower the temperature when you leave for the day and to raise the temperature just before you come back home. It can also be programmed to make similar adjustments after you go to bed and just before you wake up.

3. Add More Insulation

Check the insulation in the attic. You may find that it is necessary to add more insulation. Insulation can be purchased in pre-cut sheets that only needs to be put between the rafters. You can take a sample of the attic insulation to an insulation supplier and ask for advice about what kind of additional insulation you need.

4. Maintain Your Furnace

The routine maintenance of your furnace will find the problems that can be fixed to make sure you are not wasting energy. Often, adjusting the burners or making sure the high limit switch is working will prevent the waste of energy. Fan belts should be tightened. These are just some of the furnace parts that determine how much energy the furnace uses.

5. Use The Heat Provided By The Sun

Open the drapes and blinds on the windows that get direct sunlight, so that you can take advantage of this free heat to warm your home.

For more information regarding real estate tips, visit Kathy McCarthy’s website or Facebook page!

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