Green Street News

Basic Energy Tips

2008-08-05T14:22:00.001-05:00

*Light Bulbs: Replace all your old incandescent light bulbs with new compact fluorescent light bulbs. This can cut your light bulb energy usage by 75%.

*Water Heater: Set your water heater temperature at 120 degrees. This is the fastest and easiest way that families can cut water
heating bills without sacrificing comfort.

*Air Conditioning Filter: Clean or replace your filter at least once a month. This will help keep your air conditioning unit running more efficiently and use less energy.

*Energy-Saver Switch: Check to see if there’s an energy saver switch on each of your appliances. If there is, be sure to switch it on.

*Energy Labels: Always look for Energy Star models when purchasing new appliances and electronics. These devices are designed to use less energy and will save you money.

*Dishwasher and Washer: Always make sure you’re washing full loads of dishes or clothes. Remember, each wash uses the same amount of electricity whether it is full load or not.

*Microwaves: If you have a microwave oven, use it. Microwaves use about half the electricity of a stove or oven, and cook food in significantly less time.
For more tips see www.TXU.com

Source: www.TXU.com

Tips to “Green” Your Home

2007-10-16T12:16:00.000-05:00

1. Switch to non-toxic cleaning products
2. Minimize the use of appliances with a heating element
3. Replace your washer with a front loading machine instead of a top loading machine – front loading machines use less detergent, less water and do less damage to clothes
4. Buy and install compact fluorescent bulbs
5. Buy and install an energy-saving thermostat
6. Grow your own vegetables in your own backyard
7. Install a tankless water heater
8. Install a dual-flushing toilet
9. Turn off the water faucet while you are shaving and brushing your teeth
10. Buy fresh organic produce from your local farmer’s market

Does a pool add value to your home?

2007-09-19T17:31:00.000-05:00

If you're thinking about adding a pool to your home, carefully evaluate your reason for taking the action. If you think that a pool will add value to your home, check with a local appraiser first.

Many people think that any improvement they make to their home will result in the value of the home increasing by that amount. In some cases, you do get almost a dollar-for-dollar return. But in the case of pools, you'll get only a fraction of the cost of installation.

If you're considering adding a pool, chances are that you and your family love the water, love to swim and expect to spend many happy hours both in the pool and at poolside. You probably envision pool parties and barbecues, all with the family pool at the center of the activities.

Pools can be great for families with teenagers. Especially if you've worried about your teens running with the wrong crowd, there's nothing like the lure of a crystal blue pool to entice them to stay home. They'll usually have friends along, but at least parents can keep a closer eye on them. That's important and may in itself be enough to warrant the cost of the pool.

Pools are also a great way to get exercise. Unlike running or jogging, there's no impact on knees and ankles so you don't have to worry about undue damage. There are other healthy benefits to using swimming as an exercise routine.

All these are excellent reasons to install a pool, but remember that the reasons you are considering a pool may are not shared by everyone. To some people, pools in the backyard are nothing more than a liability.

The point of an appraisal is to arrive at a market value for your house and property. Since not everyone will be excited about a pool, the market value for homes with pools - even inground pools - isn't significantly higher than the market value for homes without pools. That means that the value of your home isn't going to increase nearly as much as the cost of installing a pool.

So should you skip the pool? If your family will enjoy the pool and you can afford it, go for it. The hours of enjoyment you're likely to get from the pool is invaluable.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Lakie

Welcome to Green Street News

2007-09-06T14:06:00.000-05:00

>Welcome to Green Street News! Thanks for stopping by and visiting my brand new blog! I am looking forward to answering any questions you have or passing along valuable information about purchasing or selling your biggest asset, your home. I want to introduce you to my team. My name is Shelley Green and I have been selling real estate in Burleson and surrounding areas since 1999. I have seen many changes in our market over the years and look forward to helping you during this time. Our new Buyer's Specialist is Amy McGuire who will be joining our team next month. Amy has previous experience in marketing and her major was in journalism. Our Administrative Assistant is Dawn Green who joined our team in September. Dawn has experience in computer technology and is an asset to our team. The Green Team is looking forward to meeting all of your future real estate needs.

"Trust and integrity are foremost. Results you have counted on and expected."