• Clothes washer: $150
• Refrigerator: $75
• Dishwasher: $75
• Natural gas storage water heater: $200
• Natural gas tankless water heater: $300
• Heat pump water heater: $250
• Ductless heat pump: $750

Cash for Appliances Washington funds are limited. Rebates are available only until funds run out. Visit CashForAppliancesWA.com to view the current status of funds, review qualifications and download a rebate application.

- Jayme Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

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Featured rebate: Fuel conversion – up to $3,950

Re-Fuel and Re-Energize! If you currently heat your home or water with electricity from PSE, you may be eligible for up to a $3,950 rebate to switch your furnace or water heater to natural gas. Natural gas is reliable and affordable, and the most efficient fuel for heating. Learn if it’s the right choice for you. Visit PSE.com/Refuel for more information.

Earn Tax Credits
Making energy-efficient improvements to your home may also earn you up to $1,500 in federal tax credits – that’s in addition to PSE and Cash for Appliances rebates! To learn more, visit energystar.gov/taxcredits or consult your tax advisor.

- Jayme Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

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Published: Sunday, May 9, 2010

HeraldNet
Camilla Mclaughlin
For The Associated Press

Few things induce anxiety and frustration more than having a home sale delayed, especially when your belongings have already been loaded onto the moving truck.

Yet few paths from contract to closing are without an obstacle or two. Good real estate agents are attuned to red flags that come up, but consumers should also be aware of potential problems and how to avoid many bumps in the road.

“Purchasing a home is an intensely personal and emotional process,” says Walt Danley a Coldwell Banker agent in Phoenix, Ariz. “It is not uncommon for minor hiccups to become major issues due to the emotional nature of the transaction.”

Here are 10 of the most common red flags:

• The buyer has an existing home to sell.

Even if potential buyers have a mortgage preapproval and claim they can buy without selling their current home, when the deadline nears some of these buyers balk. Quite often, the mortgage approval disappears, says Don Bruemmer, a broker with Plumb & Company in Salt Lake City, Utah.

To troubleshoot a dilemma like this, and spare sellers the loss of valuable days on market, Bruemmer specifies a mortgage contingency requiring the buyer to apply to two mortgage companies. A refund of the deposit would only be given if the buyer is declined by both companies.

• Underground oil tank or an old septic system.

Environmental issues can muck up a deal, especially in states with strict regulations. Underground oil tanks were popular in the Northeast at one time but are now considered a hazard because of potential leaks. Typically real estate agents suggest sellers remove tanks before putting the home on the market.

Septic regulations vary by municipality and some states, such as Massachusetts, require a system be inspected and meet strict standards before the home is sold. The repair or replacement can be expensive and time consuming so sellers should get the necessary approvals ahead of time. However, they should follow the timelines and dates required by their state and/or municipality.

• The lender is unknown to the real estate agents.

Delays in approvals or last minute changes in terms can snag a deal. Experienced agents suggest having the buyers be pre-approved by a second lender, one both real estate agents work with and know can complete the work in a timely fashion. Then if a glitch comes up there will be a fallback.

• Phone calls or e-mails are not returned.

Good communication can speed up negotiations. When title companies don’t respond or when an agent dodges calls, it can slow down the process or be an indication of a brewing problem. Although there is no absolute solution, the best precaution is to be proactive.

If the seller is a bank, or the owner needs the bank’s approval (because the home is selling for less than the mortgage), the process can take much longer than a typical sale, and there is little real estate agents or buyers can do to hurry the process.

• A property disclosure statement was left unsigned.

The property disclosure informs buyers about any known problems or defects of the property and explains what sellers have done to repair or resolve them. The price offered by buyers should take the disclosure into account. Experienced real estate agents won’t allow sellers to agree to an offer until the buyer signs the statement.

• Out of town appraiser.

Appraisers who are unfamiliar with a type of property, price bracket or area are a caution flag for real estate agents. Even if there have been multiple bids on a home, banks and mortgage companies will not go above the appraised value. Buyers can still complete the purchase but will have to close the gap between appraised value and sale price with additional cash.

Sellers should ensure agents can back up the list price with recent comparable sales. Although they can’t influence appraisers, real estate agents can give them this information.

• Garages turned into rooms and other additions.

Often the necessary permits were not obtained, have been lost or the municipality can’t locate the records. Usually this occurs when the owners have been in the home a long time. Real estate agents should be on the lookout for potential problems like this. Many will do the research to locate lost documents.

• Inspection opens the door to new price negotiation.

Home inspections are performed to uncover hidden defects that are not easily observable to consumers and real estate agents. Sellers should be proactive and repair everything they can and/or get estimates for any work they know needs to be done, because even minor issues can have buyers questioning the price.

Also, rather than have any repair items deducted from the price, and possibly delay the mortgage approval, some agents suggest sellers make a separate payment to the buyers.

Michelle Bellasari with Real Associates Florida Properties in Boca Raton, Fla., says she troubleshoots potential defects ahead of time, such as a roof repairs which might be a deal breaker.

Most of her first-time buyer clients have limited funds and cannot afford to waste money inspecting a home if there are obvious and expensive near-term repairs.

• A change in the terms of a mortgage.

Suddenly payments on a 15-year mortgage seem too high or high fees offset a low interest rate. Changing terms can restart the clock and delay a deal. By law, a lender is required to provide a good faith estimate of fees and rates within three days of receiving a mortgage application. Even if they are only being prequalified for a mortgage, potential buyers should ask for a good faith estimate so they understand fees and rates.

• An unknown lien is uncovered.

Old paid-off mortgages that have not been registered are the most typical title issue uncovered. In rural areas, water rights, property lines or other easements can cloud the chain of ownership and they are often not uncovered until the title is researched. Experienced attorneys who specialize in real estate can often find a solution so the sale proceeds on time.

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

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This article was published recently by the Associated Press. Author unknown.

NEW YORK — As the housing market keeps sputtering and it becomes clear you may need to stay in the same home for a long time to recover your equity, it is increasingly important to maintain it properly — at minimum cost.

Many homeowners have put off home improvements during the recession, but that’s not always wise. Here are some free or inexpensive projects that could save you hundreds of dollars or more in the long run.

Annual checks

Every home’s appliances, electrical panel and ventilation systems should be checked each year to make sure they’re functioning properly. Also replace or clean each system’s filter and vents at least as often as the manufacturer recommends.

“It’s always less expensive to maintain than it is to repair,” said Bob Mehl, a maintenance and repair expert and handyman on Sears’ ServiceLive marketplace. “Practicing good home maintenance management will save people money in the long run. That might cost me business, but I still try to educate people.”

A check by an expert can also reveal if your furnace or air conditioner is leaking gas, gathering condensation or getting clogged, all of which can interfere with its effectiveness, Mehl said.

Bonus: By washing appliance filters and vacuuming the spaces where they sit, you will lower your energy costs and help your appliances last longer.

Follow the water

Similarly, it’s important to inspect your plumbing regularly for leaks. Look under cabinets to make sure connections aren’t dripping, and turn all valves off and on to ensure the system is operating properly. Repair or replace dripping faucets right away because addressing leaks and other plumbing problems when they start is much cheaper than repairing the damage leaks can cause over time.

Bonus: Major savings on your water bill. A single faucet dripping six times a minute can waste 29 gallons of water per month, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Turn down the heat

One of the simplest ways homeowners can save money is to improve a home’s efficiency by installing a programmable thermostat, said Ron Jarvis, vice president of environmental innovation at Home Depot Inc. A programmable thermostat can also prolong the life of your heating and ventilation system by letting it work only when needed. They cost around $50 but can save you $180 a year by more closely regulating home temperature.

Bonus: You can set the system to warm up the house in winter (or cool it down in summer) just in time for your return in the evening.

Clean the gutters

Regularly scooping accumulated leaves and other material from gutters is the best way to avoid water and weather damage to your home’s roof and walls. It also makes the gutters last longer. And by doing it yourself, you can save the $200 or so you would spend hiring a service. Just make sure you have a tall enough ladder and tools to clean the gutters safely, such as gloves, a garden trowel or plumber’s snake and a hose.

Bonus: No unpredictable downpours from the spots where overflowing gutters are leaking.

Bright idea

Install dimmers in the rooms you use most, suggests Lowe’s spokeswoman Abby Buford. Beyond the dining room, each dimmer in a bedroom, kitchen or living room can save about $30 per year compared with a standard switch because dimming lights 25 percent cuts electricity costs about 20 percent.

Bonus: The option of setting a calming (or romantic) mood in almost any room.

Get insulated

Add insulation to your attic and walls, and recaulk doors and windows this spring when you want to have them open for a while anyway. In addition to saving most homeowners big money on energy, insulation also can reduce wear on heating and cooling systems because it keeps the home at a more constant temperature.

Bonus: Constant temperatures throughout the house — no drafts.

Buy energy savers

Whenever you need to replace an appliance, make sure to choose from the most energy-efficient options. For instance, in a large household, a high-efficiency clothes washer can pay for itself in a year or two.

And replacing a single toilet installed in the 1980s or earlier with high-efficiency low-flow model ($300 and up, including labor) can cut your water bill by hundreds of dollars over several years. (In new construction, they’ve been mandatory nationwide since 1995.)

Bonus: Federally funded rebates on many energy-efficient household appliances are part of the economic stimulus program. For details, check http://tinyurl.com/yec8mgg.

“It’s a good year look into appliances and furnaces,” because of the rebates, Mehl said. “If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it is a good time to inspect it and take advantage of a new higher-efficiency one.”

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

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Sign up with Energy Efficient Now to participate in The Free Lightbulb Initiative and receive two free Compact Fluorescent (CFL) Lightbulbs!

These low-consumption lightbulbs are environmentally friendly, using only 25% of the electricity consumed by incandescent (traditional) lightbulbs. Save the environment and save big money on your electrical bill at the same time (Approximately $30 per bulb – you’re saving $60 in addition to the cost of the lightbulbs!)

To receive your free bulbs, simply enter your shipping information on the website. The cost of shipping is included for free.

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

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By House Doctors
Mar 15 2010

As homes sit on the market, many people are finding themselves staying in their current residence for longer than originally expected. As a result, this spring is a perfect time to make those home improvements that you’ve been putting aside. But how do you know you’ll get your money back when the housing market finally stabilizes?

Here are some tips.

Give your kitchen and bathroom a face-life

A minor kitchen remodel – painting, refinishing surfaces and upgrading appliances – will return more than a full revamp. Consider cosmetic upgrades in your bathroom such as new plastic laminate counter tops and new toilet seats. Kitchens and bathrooms should have modern lighting as well as new faucets, cabinet hardware and cabinet door faces. These key spaces should look bright and clean. (Jayme Tip… Choose materials which are not toxic; check out the ecohaus storefront for ideas!)

Replace damaged shingles

Replace any roof shingles that are missing or damaged. Deteriorated shingles or other roof coverings are one of the first things home buyers and home inspectors notice. If the elements underneath the shingles are moist or rotted, repairs must be made. If possible, insert a water repellent layer under the shingles. A functional roof is one of the most essential parts of a home.

Add a bedroom or bathroom – if necessary

These additions should be done in relation to other homes in your neighborhood. For example, if houses in your neighborhood have an average of 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths and you have 3 bedrooms and 1 bath, adding ½ bath will definitely pay off. If all the homes in your neighborhood have at least 3 bedrooms and you only have 2, it will put your home at a disadvantage. Adding another bedroom will translate into a higher return on investment. (Jayme Tip… Don’t forget to apply for the necessary permits!)

Paint a fresh coat

A freshly painted home – especially exterior – is more inviting. Definitely paint the front door and window shutters, and try to repaint any rooms inside the home that have cracks or stains. Painting the interior of your home is quicker than painting the exterior, and is a faster way to increase the value of your home than a full room remodel. Clean walls and trim make a house look sharp. (Jayme Tip… Choose No VOC or low VOC paint; it is available from every manufacturer and is pretty much the same cost as normal highly-toxic paint. Painting is an easy way to update rooms, however you should take your family’s health into consideration and keep toxins out of your home!)

Buy new windows

New windows can drastically change the look of a room and replacing single pane windows for high-end double pane windows not only looks better but will save you money on heating bills. If you decide to keep the current ones, however, make sure window panes and windows are clean and shiny. Dirty windows make a home look messy. (Jayme Tip… Choose windows, doors and skylights which qualify for the federal 2010 tax credit. Check out the Energy Star website for more details.)

Restore the siding

Vinyl siding is popular, because it is low maintenance and lasts a long time. In neighborhoods where vinyl siding has become more common, shiny new siding can add value to your home. If you don’t think it’s necessary to re-do the whole house, keep in mind that it is possible to replace a single vinyl panel of siding. (Jayme Tip… Stay away from vinyl! Choose natural wood siding instead. If you haven’t already seen “Blue Vinyl” check it out. It really opens your eyes to the toxicity in the product and life-cycle issues.)

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

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Interest Rates Are Low!

Now is a good time to buy!!!

Rates for 30-year fixed mortgages have fallen to their lowest levels since mid December, according to Zillow.com.

The Seattle online real estate company said national 30-year fixed mortgage rates fell to 4.79 percent from 4.81 percent a week earlier, but in Washington state, the average rate rose to 4.86 percent from 4.76 percent a week earlier.

Zillow said the rate nationally for a 15-year fixed home loan is 4.22 percent, while the rate for a 5-1 adjustable rate mortgage is 3.61 percent.

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

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Best Value Light Bulbs

I was asked recently about light bulbs and what type is best for which location. There are many options for bulbs and when it comes to cost, availability and savings compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) currently offer your best value for lighting.

Lumen Output
Jayme Tip: Most Lumens, Lowest Wattage
To maximize energy savings, choose the product that provides the most lumens at the lowest wattage. Energy Star lists common lumen equivalencies for CFL and incandescent wattages.

What Bulb Should You Buy?
Jayme Tip: Choose the Right Bulb for the Job

• Triple-tube bulbs provides high light output in small spaces, ideal for desk and reading lamps.
• Flood lamp CFLs work well for recessed and track lighting.
• Globe shapes work well in bathrooms and above vanity mirrors where aesthetics are important.
• Torpedo-shaped candelabra bulbs fit nicely in small light fixtures such as sconces and designer lamps.
• Dome-shaped CFLs, similar in look to conventional incandescents, are a better fit for lamps whose shades clip onto the bulb.

What’s A Kelvin?
Jayme Tip: Look For “Warm White” or “Soft White”
A CFL’s color is indicated by the Kelvin (k) temperature (listed on the package). Higher Kelvins, 5000k or 6000k, correspond with cooler, bluer colors, while lower Kelvins, 2700k or 3000k, give off a warm, cozy glow similar to incandescents. If the package doesn’t list the Kelvin temperature, look for descriptive phrases like “warm white” and “soft white.”

Is Energy Star Really A Big Deal?
Jayme Tip: Look For The Energy Star Logo on the Packaging
Energy Star CFLs use 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs.

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

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Change That Toilet!

Being a bargain shopper, I can’t pass up any good deal that comes my way.

Cascade Water Alliance is now offering a $100 rebate for the replacement of old tank-style toilets with new WaterSense labeled toilets. To find out more about the program, including eligibility, savings and how to recycle old toilets, click here.

To download the rebate form, click here.

- Jayme Mattson

jaymemattson.com

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