How Bridgewater Homeowners Can Lower Their Electric Bill

June 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment
 

If you have a home in Bridgewater you know that summer is coming up fast and that means lots of electric for air conditioning and fans.  If you want to save some money on your electric bills here are five ideas that can really make a difference this summer!

  1. Check the filters in your home.  If you have replaceable filters you are looking at about $5 from Home Depot or Lowes for a new filter and it will really make a difference in the air circulation in your home.  The better the circulation the less the AC runs and the more money you save.  If you have filters that can be cleaned by all means take them out and wash them.  Same idea as replaceable filters.  Air flow saves you money and keeps you cooler.  The long term benefit is that the system will last longer on the whole so you save money by not having to replace the AC unit.
  2. If you have rooms that you do not use on a regular basis, close the vents.  No reason to pay for cool air you are not going to use. Keep the vent and the room to the door closed all day.
  3. Many electric companies vary their rates for off peak hours to encourage people to use energy when there is a better supply.  Consider doing things like the laundry after 7 at night or early in the morning and use cold water whenever possible.
  4. When I was little my father would always tell me, “Turn off lights!”  As an adult now I know what he meant.   I am not saying live in the dark but the extra energy from those bulbs costs a fortune.  It is not just light bulbs; unplug things that are not in use.  Lots of equipment these days have instant on capability so it is available instantly.  This is a big waste.  Consider your cell phone chargers and how you probably leave them plugged in so you can hook up when you get home.  All day they use trickle energy and cost you money.
  5. Switching to new energy efficient light bulbs is a big start.  The initial cost is a little more but they burn with less heat and energy so they save you money two ways.  Generally they last as much as 7 years.

In addition to the tips here, you can save money in New Jersey by switching to a discount energy supplier.  I am saving 12% on my electric bill by switching a couple years ago.  If you would like a list of companies that can save you money in Central New Jersey, send us an email with the word ENERGY in the subject line to mike@mikedowner.com and we will send you a list.

 
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Top Three Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Bridgewater Home

May 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
 

As spring comes to Bridgewater, so does the need to take a look around your home and begin the Spring Cleaning Rituals.  Here are three tips to make certain your home is the best it can be over the next few months.

Your home has been closed up and winter germs need to go!

Your furnace has done a great job all winter keeping your home warm but one of the things it does  is it traps the dust, pet hair and tiny particles in the filter.  Make sure you change your air filter as soon as possible.  For a few bucks at Home Depot or Lowes you can pick up a new filter and get a head start on the spring.  If you are going to the hardware store consider taking the current filter with you so you get the correct replacement or at minimum write down the measurements or the current one.  It will save you a trip back to the store.  As an added bonus, your furnace will run more efficiently which will save you energy.

Pest control

Spring brings out the best in home pests.  A moist spring like the one we are having in Bridgewater means the bugs will be out in force.  If you have blankets and quilts that you will be putting in storage make sure you wash and dry them well before putting them in sealed containers such as space bags.  This will keep moths and bugs out of your valued things.

It Might Be Mold

Take a look around your home, particularly the basement and areas around the air conditioning units.  To keep yourself and your family healthy you have to eliminate as much mold and mildew as possible.  The warm weather this time of year means the temperature and humidity are going to produce the perfect conditions for mold build up in basement and attic areas which are not well ventilated. In addition to the health problems mold can cause, there are structural issues to consider.  Mold can eventually damage wood and the foundation of your home if not checked.  If you tend to have a lot of moisture in certain areas of your home consider getting a dehumidifier for those areas.  Outside mold should be addressed by using a power washer at least once a year and spring is the perfect time to get this done.

If you would like more tips on spring cleaning or getting your home prepared for selling in the spring market, just drop us an email with the word CLEANING in the subject line and we will get back to you with more great ideas.

 
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How to Get the Best Value with a Contractor

May 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
 

In Central New Jersey Real Estate it is important to not only get the best price on a contracting job but the best value in the job. If you are thinking of putting your home up for sale you want to make certain that you get the best price while not making the contractor angry that you are beating them over the head about the price.  If they are not on board with you as far as the job and price they may cut corners to get the job done at the estimate you agreed to originally.

So what are the top five ways to negotiate on a job and not have to sacrifice quality?  Here are some suggestions:

1 – It is an oldie but a goodie, get three estimates for the job.  Tell each contractor that you are doing this so they know they need to give you a competitive price.

2 – Do your homework before you ask for an estimate.  Make certain they are pricing apples to apples.  Go to home improvement stores such as Lowes or Home Depot and get an idea of what you want for countertops, tiles, fixtures, hardware, etc.  The less the contractors have to guess at what you want the tighter the pricing can be for the job.  Each contractor should be able to itemize their bid so you can get an idea of where any discrepancy exists.

3 – Consider asking if you can pay the subcontractors directly or if you can pick up any of the materials yourself. Many times it is a win win situation since the contractor does not have to lay out as much money and you do not have to pay a markup on the materials.

4 – Unless you are putting your home on the market immediately, consider putting your job off until a convenient time for the contractor.  Exterior work such as painting or landscaping is usually cheaper in the fall while interior work such as decorating or kitchen remodeling is usually less expensive in the January through April time frame.

5 – Treat your contractor as part of the team.  Ask them questions about how they can give you good quality and maybe save some money.  Treat them as a professional and respect what they do for a living and you will be surprised at how well they will treat you.  Many contractors have access to different grades of materials that may work for you if you just ask.

Choose the contractor who is best for the job and then talk money. It shows you respect value in a job and will make them more likely to give you that little extra effort.

 

If you would like a list of the contractors we recommend in the Somerset and Middlesex County areas drop us a line at mike@mikedowner.com and put the word CONTRACTORS in the subject line.

 
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7 Things That Make Your Home Worth More Money

May 2, 2012 By 3 Comments
 

If you are thinking of selling your home in the Central New Jersey Real Estate Market you should consider the list below to help you get the most out of your property.  These are cost efficient, easy to do, and offer the most bang for the buck when it comes to home improvements!

1 – Consider refinishing your hardwood floors or replacing worn tiles.  This usually adds thousands of dollars to your home’s value and costs just a few dollars and a few hours of your time. You can rent the needed equipment and do the work yourself to save even more money.

2 – Space – Space – Space – If you have a large bedroom, think about using some of that extra room to create a walk-in closet. In the garage install some heavy duty shelves and racks for storing sports equipment, lawn maintenance supplies and tools.

3 – Curb appeal – The first impression of your home is everything for potential buyers.  A fresh coat of paint for the front door can make a big impact on those buyers. Remember to take a look at the street view of your home.  Are the lighting fixtures broken, leaning or rusted?  Even a new doormat at the front door can make a big difference.

4 – Get a new mailbox – The mailbox may not seem like a big deal for your home, but a new mailbox and or post does a great job of creating that first impression.

5 – Handles, Pulls and Knobs – Oh my!  Your kitchen and bathrooms can get a new pop to them with this simple fix.  To remodel an entire kitchen or a couple bathrooms may be beyond your budget but this is a nice update that does not cost a bundle.  Kitchens and baths really do sell homes.  If you decide to go to Home Depot or Lowes for these items don’t forget to look down when you find the area that carries these items.  Both companies usually put the most expensive option at eye level.

6 – A deck or patio adds extra space to a home for entertaining and relaxing.  Look around your neighborhood.  Does the competition have a patio or deck?  If they do and you don’t then you are at a disadvantage.  If they don’t and you do then you can offer something they do not have.  You would be surprised how inexpensive you can get a patio or deck done depending on the time of year.

7 – Add a little color.  Fresh flowers, a few new shrubs and bushes and some mulch for the beds can add color and curb appeal.  Once again, the first impression made by your landscaping can make all the difference for buyers who right now have lots of options on which home they choose.

When selling your home, the goal is to make intelligent, inexpensive upgrades. Enhancing the existing features of your home is one of the best ways to make sure you get the most money for your home in the shortest period of time.

 
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The Seller’s Secret?

April 27, 2012 By 1 Comment
 

Recent surveys indicate that over 80% of all new potential home buyers in Bridgewater check out the internet first for their home search and then actually do a drive by of the home even before they contact a REALTOR or the owner for a showing. If you are thinking of selling will anyone even want to see your property? Take a quick look at these tips and then ask yourself if your home would pass the curb appeal test.

Think PICKY!  Buyers will not want to see junk lying around the yard, recyclables overflowing the bin, and weeds all over the yard.

Selling a home means a lot of nagging in some cases.  You need to stay on top of kids who wash the car and leave the hose and bucket on the driveway; little ones in and drop sports equipment and bikes by your front door instead of putting them away properly.

While these things are temporary, you have to also consider any permanent items that should be addressed.

Where do you keep your trash cans? They should be kept out of sight from the street while you are selling your home.  Inconvenient?  Yes but it will get you more money for your home in the end.

Take a look at the front yard.  How does it look? Is it green, well mowed and nicely edged along the curb and sidewalk?  If the grass looks a little bare you need to put a few bucks into some grass seed and maybe a couple shrubs.

Make sure you park your cars in the garage and keep the garage door closed. People can see the whole house when they drive by.  It will always look bigger without the cars blocking the view.  It also tells people you have enough storage room for their things without having to use the garage.

Install a warm glowing light bulb at your front door; this way your home will look welcoming and inviting to a prospective buyer.  Remember you never know when the potential buyer is coming to see your home.

These are just a FEW of the things you need to consider when selling your home. A quick trip to Lowes or Home Depot can help you get any of the items mentioned.  If you would like a more complete list of things you should consider, just send us an email with CURB APPEAL in the subject line to mike@mikedowner.com and we will send you the list of curb appeal suggestions.

 
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April Showers Bring May Flowers But They Can Bring Problems

March 29, 2012 By 1 Comment
 

As the saying goes: April showers bring May flowers!  In Central New Jersey we have had great weather and a little bit of a drought as we approach spring.  While it may be nice to not have to worry about snow and rain so far, your gutters may need some attention before it rains again.

 

While we have some sunshine it is a great chance to take a look a t your gutters to prevent water from running over the edges and deteriorating your foundation or causing water to leak into your basement.

 

While we have a list of companies who work in the Bridgewater and Somerset County areas of Central Jersey, the do it yourself option can save you some money and is not as hard as you might think.  Here is a quick list of simple things you can do to get this task done quickly and easily.  Rain is coming if for no other reason than it always has beforeJ

 

 

FIVE TIPS FOR CLEANING YOUR RAIN GUTTERS

 

1.  Regular Maintenance is a big deal: In a perfect world, your gutters should be cleaned twice per year.  (Once in the fall and once in the spring) This maintenance will help you avoid potential drainage problems that could potentially lead to more costly repairs.

 

2.  Get on top of it:  Good equipment is a worthwhile investment (assuming you do not have neighbor with good equipment they can lend you) Borrowing (or investing in) a good, sturdy ladder is important to your personal safety as well as getting the job done.  No matter how sturdy the ladder never use the top two rungs and always make sure that you place the ladder on a sturdy flat surface.  If at all possible have someone steady the ladder for you as you climb.

 

3.  Basic safety equipment is a must: Gutters often have sharp edges and may be rusty in places.  Make sure you have some thick heavy gloves so you do not cut your hands and fingers.  A good pair of safety glasses is also a good idea.

 

4.  Rooftops can be slick: If you have a flat roof this is not as big a deal but many of us have Colonial Style or Cape Code Style Homes with pitched roofs.  In this case you are going to need non slip shoes to make sure you do not fall off the roof when you are trying to get to the upper gutters. 

 

5.  Toss and test: Once you’re ready to start cleaning, follow a basic pattern or tossing the debris from the gutter either to the ground or carry a trash bag to collect the material.  After you clean out the gutters go back and run a hose into them so you can detect leaks and flush out the remaining small debris.  Patch nay leaks with a quick sealer available at Home Depot or Lowes.

 

If you need any additional tips or would like a list of professional gutter cleaners in Somerset County, please feel free to call me at 732-302-1771 or email me at mike@mikedowner.com.

 
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Keep NJ Green and Clean

March 26, 2012 By 7 Comments
 

New Jersey has its own Clean Energy Program.  It offers financial incentives, programs and services for New Jersey residents.

If you are buying a new home today make sure a home is energy-efficient, just look for the government-backed ENERGY STAR label. An ENERGY STAR qualified home can help you save about $200 to $400 a year on utility bills, adding up to thousands of dollars over the years you live in the home. I like to use nontoxic cleaners when I’m cleaning my home. Having three children I didn’t want to expose them to any harsh household cleaners, especially those with strong fumes. Chemicals pollute the air that we breathe and the water we drink.

Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out. You can find these bulbs at Home Depot, Lowes and any local department store. They last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs and CFLs use 1/3 the electricity. Which means in the long run you can save money!

Check with your town to see if they have any community clean-up programs and become involved in keeping your community clean. We have one in Dunellen which gets together once a month to clean up the main streets.  It also gave me the opportunity to meet my neighbors.

In New Jersey, all residents and businesses are required to recycle by law. Disposal of waste costs money. Your local community pays about $75 per ton of trash to dispose of this waste at a landfill or incinerator. You are paying for this disposal through your local taxes or through private companies. By reducing the amount of waste and send materials for recycling, you not only reduce the waste disposal costs for your community but your local town profits from the sale of these materials to recycling companies. Now your town has more money to spend on local schools and other services.

Check with your community for a list of environmental organizations and get involved to keep NJ Clean and green!

 
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Tips to Help Get More People to Your Open House

March 23, 2012 By 2 Comments
 

In central New Jersey, winter never quite got here. The weather has been unusually warm.  It hasn’t rained much here in Somerset County.  As they say, April Showers Bring May Flowers, it also means the beginning of the Spring Real Estate market. As a professional Realtor, I am seeing more and more people looking at houses due to the good weather. If you are considering having an open house, here are some tips for making it a success.

  1. Consider printing flyers. Distribute them to your neighbors, a few days before your open house, or even posting it at your local grocery store. You would be surprised how often your neighbors might know someone looking to move into your great neighborhood.
  2. You may want to run an ad in your local newspaper. The large Real Estate offices, such as Coldwell Banker, Century 21 and others, run their ads in the newspapers; yours could be next to theirs so you get added publicity.
  3. Put open house signs up, directing them to your home. You may find these signs in Home Depot or Lowes, or even a local hardware store.
  4. Another way to grab attention is to go to your local dollar store and pick up a bunch of balloons and attach them to your directional signs.
  5. Post your Open House on the internet sites, such as Craigslist, Trulia, and Zillow. Be sure to add the directions and the hours in your ads. These are free sites.

If you would like more tips on how to get people to your open house, give me a call at (908)-930-2408 or email me at dawn@dawnruete.com.

 
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