Archive for June, 2011
Don’t Just Upgrade, GREENgrade!
Alright, you’re thinking about upgrading your home. But along with those new faucets, fresh paint, and vinyl tiles, did you ever consider all the eco-friendly improvements that will add pizzazz to your property and boost the health and well being of our planet? These days, the possibilities for GREENgrading your home are virtually limitless. 
The choices fall into three budget categories. Here are a few suggestions from each category –
LOW COST
- Use CFC or LED light bulbs – Far more energy efficient than conventional bulbs
- Insulate hot water heater – Can reduce standby heat losses by 25%–45%
- Install motion sensors in offices and other common use area conference rooms to turn off lights when not in use
- Install water efficient restroom fixtures – Reduces water use and saves you big bucks
- Provide recycle bins
MEDIUM COST
- Tune up HVAC – Improves both efficiency and comfort
- Replace hardwood flooring with bamboo or cork floors – Will keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
- Insulate attic and other areas
- Buy recycled office products and equipment
- Provide on-site bike room to encourage environmentally friendly commuting
HIGH COST
- Buy ENERGY STAR appliances – Lower utility bills, better performance, and greater durability.
- Replace roof with reusable/recyclable materials
- Replace cabinets with sustainably harvested wood and low-VOC finishes – This type of wood comes from a certified wood harvesting site, not an unsustainably logged region, which can have a negative impact on the environment. Low VOC substances have less odor and impact on air quality.
- Implement super energy efficient transformers – Reduces energy use and CO2 emissions.
- Implement on-site water reclamation system – Save water and money on water bills.
Those are just a few of the GREENgrading options you can take advantage of. Hopefully you have some of your own eco-friendly tips. We’d love to hear about them. Just fire off your ideas below. Or tweet @weeksteam with #green.
And be sure to reach out to us if you have any questions. You can connect with our green team at 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com, @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Summer Savings
We asked one of our friends in lending to give us the sizzling summer deals. Here’s an option for option for safely getting more home for less from Barry Zanck. “I give away money” is my common reply when queried about my profession. Well, there is of course a hitch being that we take your house as collateral and, if you don’t pay us back..… Okay, my favorite loan program is a 10/1 adjustable rate mortgage that has a fixed rate for the first ten years. The advantage? Almost 1.5% below the 30 year fixed rate and still a Fannie/Freddie loan with no prepayment penalty. Since the average loan is kept only 4.3 years and you are allowed to prepay all the principle you want, this loan can offer some real interest rate savings. For example at $400,000 30 year fixed at 4.5 % (4.622%APR) has a 30 year payment of $2026.74. A 10/1ARM has a 10 year set payment of $1740.83 3.25% (3.421%APR) for a savings of $285.91 monthly! Now, throw just a little more than half that savings into principle reduction and you 10 year loan can be a 15 year fully paid off loan!
Call me, I have other ideas that work just as well.
Barry E. Zanck
Americap Direct Funding
DRE Brk #01082108 NMLS #243592
(949)910-4445
Owning Laguna Hills Real Estate May Take Some Creativity
“As Orange County realtors with specialization in Laguna properties, the Weeks team has been successful at helping folks just like yourself actualize your dreams and own a piece of Laguna Hills real estate. It is always recommended that you consult a financial advisor when it comes to a large purchase, but don’t be surprised if you find out that you may qualify as a candidate to own Laguna Hills real estate!” – “Laguna Hills Real Estate – Creative and Savvy Ways to Own”, OC METRO.
Though many people don’t see themselves as potential homeowners, most people with somewhat decent credit just need to think outside the box a little to get into a home. Whether its sharing payments with roommates, using another property as leverge, or having a family member co-sign, it may take creativity to get that Laguna Hills real estate you’ve always wanted. Find out what some creaive homeowners did to afford their Laguna Hills real estate!
Click here to read the full article, entitled, “Laguna Hills Real Estate – Creative and Savvy Ways to Own”.
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Orange County Real Estate Success 