Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Downtown Ann Arbor celebrates Halloween!
On Halloween the downtown Ann Arbor library will have storytellers from 9:30 am- 10 am and again from10:30-11 am. From there, children are encouraged to join the treat parade downtown. Many Ann Arbor merchants are prepared and happy to pass out candy to children in costume between 11 am and 5 pm. It is a sight to behold, so even if you don't have kids, it's worth a trip downtown to have a look. For participating stores, see the Main Street Association's web site at http://www.mainstreetannarbor.org/newsdetail.asp?id=45 . And have a Happy Halloween!
Monday, October 20, 2008
10 ways to cut energy bills this fall
The Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors just sent out this information and I thought it was well worth passing along....
When the leaves start falling, you know that the heating bills are about to start rising. But keeping your home warm and cozy on chilly autumn nights doesn't have to break the bank.The U.S. Department of Energy offers these simple tips and relatively inexpensive home improvements that will help ensure cold gusts stay out and your furnace doesn't have to work harder than it should.The goal: Conserve energy and keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket.Share these ideas with customers and use them for your own house. After all, who doesn't need to save a little money these days?1. Plug air leaks with caulking, sealing, or weather stripping. Save 10 percent ($190 per year) or more on energy bills. Focus on windows, doors, outlets or switch plates on exterior walls.2. Properly maintain the heating system. Heating accounts for half the average family's energy bill (approximately $950 per year). Make sure the furnace or heat pump receives professional maintenance each year. The small cost (about $75-100 for most service calls) will pay back in better performance all year long.3. Install a programmable thermostat. Programming the thermostat from 72ºF to 65ºF for eight hours a day while no one is home, or everyone is tucked in bed, will cut the heating bill up to 10 percent ($90 per year), paying for a basic unit in less than a year.4. Seal and insulate heating ducts. A system can lose up to 60 percent of its warmed air before it reaches the register (wasting $570 in warmed air per year) if ducts are not properly insulated in unheated areas such as attics and crawlspaces.5. Insulate, insulate, insulate. Adequate insulation in the attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawlspaces can save up to 30 percent on home energy bills ($630 per year). Focus on the attic. (Heat rises.) Most homes should have between R-30 and R-49 insulation in the attic. Learn more at www.eere.energy.gov/consumer. 6. Close fireplace dampers when not in use. When in use, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window about an inch, close doors to the room, and lower thermostat setting to 50-55ºF.7. Let the sun shine in. Open curtains on south facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.8. Stay out of hot water. Water heating accounts for 15 percent of household energy use. Reduce water heating costs by lowering the water heater’s thermostat setting. Each 10ºF reduction can save between 3-5 percent in energy costs. Also insulate the hot water heater and hot water pipes.9. Install storm windows over single-pane windows or replace them with Energy Star qualified windows. Storm windows reduce heat loss by 25 to 50 percent, and storm windows with low-e coating that reflect heat back into the room during the winter months save even more energy. Look for the Energy Star label to maximize savings. Energy Star qualified windows reduce heating and cooling bills by an average of $345, but could be higher in cold and hot climates, compared with uncoated, single-pane windows. Can’t afford new windows just now? Tape clear plastic sheeting to the inside of window frames if drafts, water condensation, or frost are present.10. Net big savings with a little label. When replacing appliances, light bulbs, electronics, or heating and cooling systems, cut energy bills by up to 30 percent ($600 per year) with Energy Star labeled products. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in place of comparable incandescent bulbs. Find retailers at www.energystar.gov.These and other improvements that impact the energy efficiency of a home can save home owners money in the short term and serve as a selling point to potential buyers later. Be sure to save receipts, documentation, and manufacturer’s information.Not sure where to begin? Try the Department of Energy's online energy audit tool at www.hes.lbl.gov. In the long run, a whole-house energy audit is a fool proof way to make a plan to address wasted energy and make a home operate efficiently for years to come. Visit www.natresnet.org to find a qualified auditor in your neck of the woods.
When the leaves start falling, you know that the heating bills are about to start rising. But keeping your home warm and cozy on chilly autumn nights doesn't have to break the bank.The U.S. Department of Energy offers these simple tips and relatively inexpensive home improvements that will help ensure cold gusts stay out and your furnace doesn't have to work harder than it should.The goal: Conserve energy and keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket.Share these ideas with customers and use them for your own house. After all, who doesn't need to save a little money these days?1. Plug air leaks with caulking, sealing, or weather stripping. Save 10 percent ($190 per year) or more on energy bills. Focus on windows, doors, outlets or switch plates on exterior walls.2. Properly maintain the heating system. Heating accounts for half the average family's energy bill (approximately $950 per year). Make sure the furnace or heat pump receives professional maintenance each year. The small cost (about $75-100 for most service calls) will pay back in better performance all year long.3. Install a programmable thermostat. Programming the thermostat from 72ºF to 65ºF for eight hours a day while no one is home, or everyone is tucked in bed, will cut the heating bill up to 10 percent ($90 per year), paying for a basic unit in less than a year.4. Seal and insulate heating ducts. A system can lose up to 60 percent of its warmed air before it reaches the register (wasting $570 in warmed air per year) if ducts are not properly insulated in unheated areas such as attics and crawlspaces.5. Insulate, insulate, insulate. Adequate insulation in the attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawlspaces can save up to 30 percent on home energy bills ($630 per year). Focus on the attic. (Heat rises.) Most homes should have between R-30 and R-49 insulation in the attic. Learn more at www.eere.energy.gov/consumer. 6. Close fireplace dampers when not in use. When in use, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window about an inch, close doors to the room, and lower thermostat setting to 50-55ºF.7. Let the sun shine in. Open curtains on south facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.8. Stay out of hot water. Water heating accounts for 15 percent of household energy use. Reduce water heating costs by lowering the water heater’s thermostat setting. Each 10ºF reduction can save between 3-5 percent in energy costs. Also insulate the hot water heater and hot water pipes.9. Install storm windows over single-pane windows or replace them with Energy Star qualified windows. Storm windows reduce heat loss by 25 to 50 percent, and storm windows with low-e coating that reflect heat back into the room during the winter months save even more energy. Look for the Energy Star label to maximize savings. Energy Star qualified windows reduce heating and cooling bills by an average of $345, but could be higher in cold and hot climates, compared with uncoated, single-pane windows. Can’t afford new windows just now? Tape clear plastic sheeting to the inside of window frames if drafts, water condensation, or frost are present.10. Net big savings with a little label. When replacing appliances, light bulbs, electronics, or heating and cooling systems, cut energy bills by up to 30 percent ($600 per year) with Energy Star labeled products. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in place of comparable incandescent bulbs. Find retailers at www.energystar.gov.These and other improvements that impact the energy efficiency of a home can save home owners money in the short term and serve as a selling point to potential buyers later. Be sure to save receipts, documentation, and manufacturer’s information.Not sure where to begin? Try the Department of Energy's online energy audit tool at www.hes.lbl.gov. In the long run, a whole-house energy audit is a fool proof way to make a plan to address wasted energy and make a home operate efficiently for years to come. Visit www.natresnet.org to find a qualified auditor in your neck of the woods.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
It's official! Trillium Real Estate is moving!
Trillium Real Estate's Future Home!
It's official! We are moving to the absolute best place in town: Kerrytown! Trillium is purchasing this beautiful home on Braun Court. Braun Court is a lovely pedestrian area, just off Fourth Avenue. Farmer's Market and Kerrytown shops are just across the street and Zingerman's is barely a hop, skip and a jump away. I am very excited. We plan to move between Christmas and New Year's to minimize disruption to our business. Please come take a peek and visit us in late December! We welcome walk-ins from old friends and new ones.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
I am now an e-pro!
I would like to share with you my excitement about just having received my second real estate certification. In addition to being a REALTOR, I obtained my ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) certification in 2006. This year I achieved my goal of becoming an e-pro. What is an e-pro, you ask?
In e-pro's own words:
The REALTOR e-PROÒ certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.
With more than 70% of consumers beginning their real estate research on the Internet, e-PRO certified agents have the experience and expertise to meet the demands of today’s buyer and seller.
The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change over the past several years. A majority of consumers are taking the time to conduct their own research prior to contacting an agent. In turn, real estate professionals must be knowledgeable of how technology can assist them in serving the needs of the buying and selling public.
The exclusive REALTOR e-PROÒ certification course is presented entirely online and certifies real estate agents and brokers as Internet professionals. Because of its innovative design, students are able to complete the course at their own pace, when and where they want, via any Internet connection. The course is designed to help REALTORSÒ stay at the leading edge of technology and identify, evaluate and implement new Internet business models.
Once completed, the e-PRO certified real estate professional joins the ranks of a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained professionals who provide high quality and innovative online-based real estate services. Consumers can identify the e-PRO through the exclusive e-PRO Internet Professional logo.
Both the content and the delivery platform were created by San Diego-based technology company InternetCrusade®. The course instructs participants in the professional use of e-mail, the development of an interactive Web site, and the use of online research tools. Graduates use the skills they've acquired to provide clients information on properties for sale, local communities, and the local real estate market.
I'm thrilled to have gained this certification and I think I have a lot to offer as a result of, not only this certification, but my ongoing commitment to continue to learn and grow.
In e-pro's own words:
The REALTOR e-PROÒ certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.
With more than 70% of consumers beginning their real estate research on the Internet, e-PRO certified agents have the experience and expertise to meet the demands of today’s buyer and seller.
The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change over the past several years. A majority of consumers are taking the time to conduct their own research prior to contacting an agent. In turn, real estate professionals must be knowledgeable of how technology can assist them in serving the needs of the buying and selling public.
The exclusive REALTOR e-PROÒ certification course is presented entirely online and certifies real estate agents and brokers as Internet professionals. Because of its innovative design, students are able to complete the course at their own pace, when and where they want, via any Internet connection. The course is designed to help REALTORSÒ stay at the leading edge of technology and identify, evaluate and implement new Internet business models.
Once completed, the e-PRO certified real estate professional joins the ranks of a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained professionals who provide high quality and innovative online-based real estate services. Consumers can identify the e-PRO through the exclusive e-PRO Internet Professional logo.
Both the content and the delivery platform were created by San Diego-based technology company InternetCrusade®. The course instructs participants in the professional use of e-mail, the development of an interactive Web site, and the use of online research tools. Graduates use the skills they've acquired to provide clients information on properties for sale, local communities, and the local real estate market.
I'm thrilled to have gained this certification and I think I have a lot to offer as a result of, not only this certification, but my ongoing commitment to continue to learn and grow.
Monday, October 13, 2008
The "Big House on a beautiful day
After not having attended a University of Michigan football game for more than 20 years, I took my son to the game on Saturday. It was a gorgeous 75 degrees and sunny. What a wild time! It just so happened that we ended up two rows directly in front of "Superfan" (above left). This picture captures him taking a break, but most of the game he was enthusiastically beating on his cow bell and firing up the crowd. Thankfully we had had enough fun and left while the score was still tied 10-10. We listened to our team lose on the radio on the way home, but not before stopping at Dairy Queen for our last visit of the season. We are enjoying another lovely day today...Ann Arbor is simply gorgeous this time of year, despite having lost to Toledo on Saturday.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Open House, 10/5, 1-3 pm 2111 Delafield in Ann Arbor
Come see me tomorrow at this lovely home! The original 2 bedroom has become a sprawling 3 bedroom ranch w/open floor plan & plentiful common space. The result is a lovely mix of original, unique features along w/additions w/high ceilings. Unique features include real oak parquet, tongue & groove redwood paneling, sunroom w/slate floor, & charming built-ins. Family room overlooks the large, private yard. Master suite, 1st floor laundry & slopes instead of steps make this home largely handicap accessible or easily modified.
Time is of the essence!
As always in real estate, time is of the essence! Not only are prices at rock bottom, but the interest rates are great! If that's not enough to persuade you to buy your first home, how about this...the federal government is offering a $7500 tax credit for first time homebuyers. Don't dawdle...you have until July 1, 2009 to take advantage of this terrific deal. For more info go to http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/ .
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