Upgrade Insulation and Save Money: Granada Hills Realtor Recession Series

Image via WikipediaYour Granada Hills Realtor will tell you that the more insulation you have, the more money you save.

Insulation is measured by resistance to heat transfer and is indicated by a label stating r-value per inch. Know when to spend for more insulation to save money.

For adding insulation, look at the amount of space you have, the recommended amount you need to have subtracted from your current insulation. For attics, you can add insulation to unfinished flooring or insulate the roof.

Add insulation to walls on main floors in stud bays, if they don’t have any yet, but replace siding for those with existing insulation to save costs.

For basements, you can insulate like an attic, through the crawl spaces and floors or walls.

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Your Granada Hills Realtor will Tell You to Choose the Right Disaster Insurance

A Granada Hills Realtor will tell you that homes in different parts of the country have different insurance coverage.Image via Wikipedia

Create a home inventory with pictures as a back-up in case of emergency. Have a good emergency plan and kit ready.

Find out if your policy includes fire damage, flooding, and damage from hurricanes.

For the East Coast and Gulf Coast areas you may need to get extra coverage if your home is in a low-risk area.

For the West Coast and Midwest, know if your insurance covers earthquake damage. In California, supplemental coverage is available through the California Earthquake Authority.

For the Eastern U.S. especially the Central Plains, make sure your insurance covers tornado and wildfire damage. Check the state’s insurance commissioner for mine subsidence.

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Reverse Mortgages: Top Burbank Realtor Explains Your Options

A Burbank Realtor will advise to check options other than getting a reverse mortgage.

A REX agreement is converting a part of your home’s equity into cash giving EquityRock the Image by Rev Dan Catt via Flickroption to share a specified percentage of the home’s future value. This isn’t a loan so there are no monthly payments and interest charges. Always consult a tax advisor.

The HELOC loans an amount within a specific period where collateral is the equity in the house. Know that you have to make principal and interest payments on an adjustable rate after the first 10 years. Falling behind can mean the bank taking your home.

Consider changing lifestyle. Buying a smaller house, renting, or moving in with loved ones may mean less comfort but less burden overall.

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Understanding Your Energy Ratings for Windows and Doors: From The Top Granada Hills Realtor

A Realtor will tell you that you need the Energy Star and the National Fenestration Rating Council labels on your doors and windows to know that you have superior-standard fixtures.
Image via Wikipedia
NFRC lists five measurements to judge a window or door’s performance. U-factor means amount of heat kept in, SHGC means that the amount of radiation allowed inside, visible transmittance means amount of light allowed to pass through, condensation resistance measures amount of moisture a window or door allow to build on the surface, and air leakage.

This is important for qualifying for the $1500 tax credit. There are four energy zones defines by amount of heating and cooling required based on climate. These energy zones use the following measurements in varying degrees.

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Sustainable Living: Go Green With Help From The Top Granada Hills Realtor

A Granada Hills Realtor can also give some helpful tips for sustainable living or how to make a lifestyle change where one uses less of the Earth’s resources. Image via Wikipedia

Eat locally. Grown your own food or subscribe to a local market to cover your risk and family’s food needs for a 4-6 month term, limiting the amount of resources needed to grow and transport from elsewhere.

Buy pre-loved goods. New things aren’t necessary all the time. Create trading circles with neighbors and friends to conserve on resources and money to create, buy, and sell items.

Composting will reduce waste. Create a compost site in your yard for $50 and teach the kids, and yourself, how to segregate garbage. Nature and your budget will be thankful.

Michael Gentile is a sustainable living expert in many different fields. Call us today and we can share tips on brewing, beekeeping, gardening and many more topics.

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1. A Granada Hills Realtor says Find Out if You Need an Extended Warranty

A Granada Hills Realtor will say homeowners consider extended warranties for some appliances but these may cost as much as an appliance repair, so know if you actually need it.

A 2007 study showed that 1 in 10 consumers report a major problem within the first two years.

Image via WikipediaExamine your use then decide if you need extended warranty. Washing machines for a big family or high-end appliances with pricey parts are examples of appliances that might need coverage.

Get warranties that are comprehensive, costing not more than 20% of the cost of the appliance on warranty. Look at the coverage period. Check replacements if the appliance can’t be repaired

Consider credit cards extending the length of manufacturer’s warranty with a qualifying purchase or all-in-one warranties.

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1. Use Energy-Efficient Windows to Raise the Value of your House: Green Remodeling From The Best Granada Hills Realtor

Replacing old windows ones can save money and add value to your home, according to your Granada Hills Realtor.

Image via WikipediaChoose Energy Star energy-efficient windows that matches your climate zone and has the U-factor and SHGC both less than or equal to 0.3. Cut remodeling and energy costs through tax credit.

Glazing is the glass used in the window and can affect the U-factor and degree of insulation from outdoors.

Low-E is low emissivity which is the window’s ability to reflect heat by a thin metal coating. Look for an NFRC rating on these films.

Gas fills are usually argon or krypton glass in between glazing layers to improve insulation. Spacers improve insulation quality.

Frame materials like fiberglass or wood are important in heat insulation and energy efficiency.

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