Home Resolution Tips for 2016

The beginning of the New Year always seems like a good time to renew our efforts to improve further our homes. Now is a good time to get rid of the stuff you haven’t used in a long time and probably won’t be using in the future. It is much easier to get organized if you only need to organize the stuff you need.

Get Organized
A good way to start is to pick a room and go through the drawers and the closets to find anything that you can discard. It is easy to accumulate clothes that you no longer wear, but a charity can put these to good use for people who do not have enough clothes. While you are going from room to room, look for ways to stash items that you use, but that look more like clutter. By clearing clutter, your home will look bigger, cleaner and brighter.

Check Your Home’s Gutters
Gutters are often overlooked because homeowners do not look up very often, but the unseen part of gutters can become a dangerous problem. Leaves and other debris can fill up the gutters and prevent the water from draining properly. The consequences of improper drainage are problems that can affect the structure of the home. Roofing material will rot and the water will eat away at the soffit and the facia. Water will overflow the gutters and travel down the side of the home causing foundation problems. The weight of the wet eaves and the debris can cause the gutters to fall away from the home.

Make The Cleaning Process Easier And More Efficient
Cleaning the home can be a time-consuming and tedious process, but it doesn’t have to be this way. The first step in making the process better is to organize all of the cleaning supplies in one carry-all container that can be carried from one room to another. You will not have to stop to find something that you need. Plan to do one room each day, and if you have to do all of the cleaning on the weekend, enlist the entire family by giving each person a task. Using this method, you can accomplish a lot in one hour.

Put Some Thought Into The Entry Way
The entry way is the space that welcomes the family home. It should be a space that sets the tone for the rest of the home. Add some pictures and other decor items that will represent your personality. A storage bench for hats and gloves is a useful addition to the space. Install coat hooks for the family and guests. A mirror will give the illusion of extra space.

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

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Installing Home Solar Panels With An HOA

If you have a homeowner’s association (HOA) for your property, you’re probably aware that you need to get permission for certain renovations and alterations to your home. In many cases, HOAs require that you get approval for solar panel installations. This isn’t always easy – some homeowners report that their HOA denied their request for aesthetic reasons.

Luckily, many states have solar access rights that protect your right to install a solar energy system on your home. If you’re considering solar panels but have an HOA, it’s important to be aware of your solar rights as a property owner.

What Solar Access Rights Look Like

There are two major types of solar access right that protect a citizen’s rights to go solar: solar access laws and solar easements. Both protect your ability to generate solar electricity for your home, but each addresses a different roadblock for homeowners.

Solar Access Laws

Solar access laws are state-level laws that prohibit or limit restrictions on solar installations. If you live in a state that has a solar access law, your HOA cannot legally prohibit you from installing solar on your property. That being said, while solar access laws protect property owners from being denied the right to install solar on their roof, they vary from state to state. In most cases, HOAs still have the right to placerestrictions on how you install solar on your property.

Historic districts may have similar rights to restrict certain solar installations in the name of historic preservation. While installation restrictions at historic properties can vary depending on the district or property in question, they typically include stipulations to protect both the structure and the aesthetics of the historic property.

Some of the common restrictions that HOAs and historic districts put on solar installations include requiring flush-mounted panels, prohibiting ground mounted solar panels, requiring that rooftop installations aren’t visible from the public right-of-way, and using equipment that matches the color of the roof. These sorts of restrictions can make it difficult, or costly, for a homeowner to go solar.

Solar Easements

While solar access laws protect your right to install solar on your roof, solar easements provide a legal avenue for homeowners to protect their home’s access to sunshine. In states with solar easements, property owners can negotiate with their neighbors to protect their right to sunlight and prevent obstructions, such as trees or structures on a neighbor’s lawn, that cast shade on their panels.

Unlike solar access laws, solar easements are voluntary. If you negotiate a solar easement for your home, it needs to be carried out in writing. Solar easements require a detailed description of the dimensions of where the easement will exist (i.e., the space horizontally and vertically above your rooftop), as well as height restrictions on various parts of the neighboring property. They also may include terms for the easement’s termination, any compensation being offered in exchange for creating and maintaining the easement, or even fees to be paid if the easement is violated.

How Geography Plays a Role in Solar Access Rights

In addition to solar access laws and easements, many states have additional provisions to protect your solar access rights. These laws are constantly changing. Let’s take a look at examples from two of our biggest states with hot solar markets: California and New York.

Solar Access Laws: California

California established the Solar Rights Act in 1978, which limits the ability of HOAs and local governments to prevent the installation of solar panel systems. In addition, all property owners in the Golden State enjoy solar easement rights, which they can carry out on a case-by-case basis with their neighbors. California also has the Solar Shade Control Act, which prohibits tree branches from shading solar panels (applicable if the tree was planted after the solar energy system was installed).

 

So, Can My HOA Stop Me From Going Solar?

The short answer is, it depends where you live. Luckily, as more states are realizing the benefits of clean energy and solar continues to grow, solar access rights are becoming more common. If you’re contemplating solar, the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) offers comprehensive information about state and local solar access rights. You can search by state, and then filter your results for “Solar/Wind Access Policies” to find relevant solar rights and easement laws where you live.

If you’re trying to get approval from your HOA board, reinforce the positive benefits of solar homes in the neighborhood: it helps property owners save money, it can increase your property’s value, and it decreases the carbon footprint of the neighborhood. The solar industry also help support your local economy.

You can also get other property owners in the neighborhood on board and show solidarity. If you’re still having trouble getting approval from your HOA from solar panels, look at possible technology alternatives: some might be okay wit solar shingles or other solar technologies that still help you save money.

Courtesy of: Home Advisor

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

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5 Ways You’re Losing Money On Your Home Energy Bill

Many homeowners don’t realize that they use several forms of energy, and they often don’t realize how much energy they can save. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most homeowners spend over $2,000 annually on utilities alone. It is also estimated that as much as 25 percent of this money is wasted by inefficient appliances and HVAC systems as well as leaky doors and windows. Making some easy changes can reduce your energy bill by up to several hundred dollars.

Go Low Flo

Water represents an energy cost because it is often heated for cleaning and bathing. Installing low-flow shower heads will result in energy savings by using less hot water. Most of the traditional showerheads use 2.5 gallons of water per minute, but the low flow showerheads use 1.5 gallons of water per minute.

Buy Energy Star Appliances

According to Energy Star, Energy Star-rated appliances use up to 50 percent less energy than their unrated counterparts use. These appliances are more efficient, and they will save a lot of money. Energy Star-rated products include dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, ranges and televisions. While it may not be practical to buy new appliances just for the Energy Star rating, it is a good idea to buy these when replacing your appliances.

Keep The Heating and Cooling Units Working at Peak Efficiency 

Operating these units can consume up to 50 percent of your home’s overall utility costs. Hiring a professional expert to inspect and repair these units before the beginning of their operating season will go a long way toward ensuring they will operate efficiently and when you need them. Changing the furnace filter monthly is an excellent idea. Clear the encroaching growth around the air conditioning equipment that is outside. Make sure the fins are cleaned using a professional product. Installing a programmable thermostat will save energy.

Replace Incandescent Light Bulbs With Energy-Efficient Bulbs 

Replacing the traditional bulbs with the compact fluorescent bulbs is one of the easiest energy-saving changes you can make. According to Energy Star, replacing just five of the most frequently used bulbs can save almost $70 annually.

Make Sure There Are No Areas Around The Windows That Air Can Enter or Escape

This is one of the most common problems that homeowners face when looking for ways that energy is wasted. Replace weatherstripping around doors and caulking around door and window frames. The Energy Audit Institute says that 12 percent of a home’s heat loss occurs around doors and windows. Weatherstripping needs to be replaced every few years because it cracks and wears out, and caulking drys out.

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

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Carpet Cleaning Tips For Long Lasting Carpets

Keeping your carpets clean will make them look better, last longer and improve the hygiene of your home while keeping your home looking beautiful. Here are some carpet cleaning tips for long lasting carpets. If you clean your carpet properly and regularly, it will last twice as long.

1. Use A Quality Vacuum Cleaner
A quality vacuum cleaner will have the right amount of suction to extract dirt and other debris from the carpet. Make sure to adjust the brushes to the right height. If the brushes are too high, they will not clean the carpet. If the brushes are too low, they will damage the carpet. Replace the bags when they are three-quarters full.

2. Vacuum Once A Week
Once a week should be sufficient for keeping your carpet clean. More frequent brushing may damage the carpet fibers over time. It might be a good idea to vacuum high traffic areas twice a week. Keep in mind that two slow passes of the vacuum will remove embedded dirt more than several fast passes.

3. Leave Shoes At The Door
Shoes are very hard on carpet. The soles will wear out the carpet and dust will cause the color to dull. The life and the beauty of the carpet can be prolonged by leaving shoes at the door.

4. Remove Stains Promptly
Stains should not be allowed to set. Use a clean sponge or a clean cloth to blot the stain working from the outside edges to the inside. Be careful not to scrub the stain. While 80% of stains can be removed with tap water, you may have to use a stain remover. If this is necessary, look on the carpet backing, or in the carpet literature for a stain guide.If necessary, go online or call the carpet maker to find the stain remover that will work on your carpet without damaging it. Using the right stain remover in the correct way will preserve your carpet and prevent damage.

5. Hire A Professional Carpet Cleaner
Your carpet should be professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months by a company that is experienced and that uses environmentally friendly cleaning products. Steam cleaning is the best method, but soaking the carpet while cleaning with water is not a proper method.

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

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Tips On How To Add Value To Your Home

Adding value to your home can be an ongoing process, and this is one way to ensure that your home will get the top dollar if you want to sell it. Your home is a very important place in your life, and it reflects your lifestyle. You can raise the value of your property and perhaps even enjoy it more by following these easy tips about how to add value to your home.

Cleaning Up the House and Property

Buyers will find a cluttered home to be an unattractive home. Clearing the clutter will make more space available for living well, and this will also create a better ambiance. Experts believe that a cluttered home will sell for a 20% lower price. Clutter makes a home look smaller.

Don’t Overlook The Kitchen And Bathroom

The kitchen and the bathroom may be the most used rooms in your home. They are also the rooms that sell a house. Giving these rooms a major facelift will make the house more desirable to buyers. A major remodel is not necessary, but some minor changes can increase your home’s value by 3-5%. Changing the flooring and refacing the cabinets will increase the attractiveness of these spaces. Add some stylish door knobs and drawer pulls to further increase the attractiveness. Look at new bathroom lighting and new faucets as value-added improvements.

Improve Your Home’s Interior

A fresh coat of paint and a couple of walls painted with a unique design will give your home a sense of freshness and perhaps some style. Unique wall patterns and designs will add beauty and make the home more attractive. Clean the carpet, and put beautiful area rugs over worn carpet or replace it. Polish the wood floors or refinish them if they are heavily marred.

Buyers See The Exterior of Your Home First

Paint the front door and any window shutters with a vibrant color that makes your home stand out. Add some colorful flower pots to the porch. Make sure the landscaping looks well maintained. Don’t overlook the garage door. If it looks dirty and dingy, then wash it and repaint it if necessary. Keep in mind that good curb appeal is what makes potential buyers decide to look at the home.

Roofing Should Be In Goods Shape

Roofing shingles are tiles should not appear loose or cracked. Curled asphalt shingles should be replaced along with shingles that are not aligned properly. Nails that have popped up should be replaced. Cracked sealant around the chimney and other openings should be replaced.

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

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