It seems that this summer we have have seen more 100+ degree days than usual. I am pulling out our portable air conditioner and blasting it for over 12 hours. My family wants to sit by it, eat by it, and sleep by it. Our house is over 100 years old...and well the attic isn't venilated. Somehow I think it is time to do that. Our PG&E bill the past couple of months is higher than ever. I decided to check out some energy saving tips at the U.S. Department of Energy's website.(http://www.eere.energy.gov/) I found so many helpful tips...and decided to log a few items for you for you! Enjoy!
Heating and cooling account for about 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most homes. Experts recommend keeping your thermostat at a constant temperature of 78 degrees farenheit. Each degree lower than that increases costs by 6%.
Air conditioning, whether it's central air or a portable unit, can be one of your home's biggest energy guzzlers. There are many alternatives that provide cooling with less energy use. A combination of proper insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors, daylighting, shading, and ventilation will usually keep homes cool with a low amount of energy use in all but the hottest climates.
Ventilation is the least expensive and most energy-efficient way to cool buildings. Ventilation works best when combined with methods to avoid heat buildup in your home. In some cases, natural ventilation will suffice for cooling, although it usually needs to be supplemented with spot ventilation, ceiling fans and window fans. Fans use 70% to 80% less electricity than air conditioners. For large homes, homeowners might want to investigate whole house fans.
Ventilation is ineffective in hot, humid climates where temperature swings between day and night are small. In these climates, attic ventilation can help to reduce your use of air conditioning. Ventilating your attic greatly reduces the amount of accumulated heat, which eventually works its way into the main part of your house. Ventilated attics are about 30°F (16°C) cooler than unventilated attics. Properly sized and placed louvers and roof vents help prevent moisture buildup and overheating in your attic.
To avoid heat buildup in your home, plan ahead by landscaping your lot to shade your house. If you replace your roof, use a light-colored material to help it reflect heat. Insulate your house to at least the recommended levels to help keep out the heat, and consider using a radiant barrier.
On hot days, whenever outdoor temperatures are higher than the temperature inside your house, close tightly all the windows and exterior doors. Also install window shades or other window treatments and close the shades. Shades will help block out not only direct sunlight, but also radiated heat from the outdoors, and insulated shades will reduce the conduction of heat into your home through your windows.
Cooking can be a major source of heat within a home. On hot days, avoid using the oven; cook on the stovetop, or better yet, use only a microwave oven. For stovetop or oven cooking, use the spot ventilation of your oven hood to help remove the heat from the house (this will suck some hot outside air into your home, so don't overdo it). Outdoor grilling is a great way to avoid cooking indoors, and of course, going out to eat or ordering take-out work as well.
Bathing, washing laundry, and other activities can also pump heat into your home. When you shower or take a bath, use the spot ventilation of a bathroom fan to remove the heat and humidity from your home. Your laundry room might also benefit from spot ventilation. If you use an electric dryer, be sure it's vented to the outside (for safety, gas dryers should ALWAYS be vented to the outside). If you live in an older home with a sump that your laundry drains to, drain the sump after running any loads in hot water (or better yet, avoid using hot water for your laundry).
Finally, avoid any activities that generate a lot of heat, such as running a computer, burning open flames, running a dishwasher, and using hot devices such as curling irons or hair dryers. Even stereos and televisions will add some heat to your home.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Burton Park Renovation FAQs (as of 5/22/08)
Our son is so sad everytime we drive by Burton Park in San Carlos....and says that his park has disappeared and we need to find it. I have assured him it will be back better than ever very soon. Here are the details I found regarding the progress of the new park on www.cityofsancarlos.org.
The City of San Carlos, along with the Parks and Recreation Foundation, Advocates for Accessible Recreation and the Burton Park Playground Committee has formed a successful partnership that is launching the community toward the first fully inclusive playground in San Mateo County. Many people in the community have worked very hard for a very long time to bring this project to fruition.This document is intended to answer questions that have arisen regarding the project and its scheduled completion date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did we need a new playground?
We had received many complaints about the school age and toddler playgrounds. The existing playgrounds in Burton Park were aged, past the manufacturer’s recommended lifespan and in need of replacement.Several of the elements have been removed due to breakage and safety concerns. The playgrounds were becoming unsafe.
What will the new playgrounds look like?
The new playgrounds will feature sand and water play and swings in both the school age and tot lots and a water spray play area between the two playgrounds. The school age area will have new trees, turf and shade structures.New inclusive play structures will be installed, along with new seating areas and a water fountain with an accessible drinking spout for youth and adults and a lower water bowl for dogs to enjoy.An inclusive playground is one designed to allow access to and on the play structure and interactive activities for all children regardless of ability or disability.
When will be playground be built?
A construction contract has been awarded.We are waiting for the contractor to give us a construction schedule which we anticipate will begin in early June.Construction is expected to be completed in two months.
Why the delay between demolition and construction?
C.W. Wright Construction and Peninsula Hauling & Demolition donated their services for the demolition.This saved the project $30,000.Because this was a volunteer effort, demolition needed to be completed before finishing construction documents, for bidding the project, to ensure no surprises in the ground.One surprise was found, a deeper than expected cement curbing.This adjustment was then made in the construction documents and the project was put out to bid.This is unique as normally demolition occurs as part of construction but it was felt the $30,000 savings warranted the action.The leveled site is safe and accessible for foot traffic and creative play activities until the new playground construction begins.
Why do the project without full funding identified?
As mentioned above, both playgrounds were past their lifespan and becoming unsafe.If we waited until full funding was identified we may have had to remove the old playgrounds for an even longer period of time than experienced with our volunteer demolition.
What is the current fundraising status?
Total cost for replacement of both playgrounds is estimated at $850,000.The City of San Carlos has committed $415,000 from Capital Improvement Program (CIP) appropriations for this project. The Parks and Recreation Foundation of San Carlos adopted Burton Playground as their initial project.Through community and business donations the Foundation has secured additional funding.To date, $67,632 is still needed to completely fund the project.The City Council has approved funding any shortfall from the restricted CIP funds that can only be used for Parks and Recreation capital improvement projects, such as the playgrounds.
Why spend the money on the playground with the current budget problems?
The budget problems are in the City’s General Fund.The money for the playground is coming from the City’s restricted fund that can only be used for Parks & Recreation capital improvement projects and from donations specifically identified for Burton Park playgrounds.It would be illegal and unethical to use these funds in the General Fund.
Why is construction happening in the summer?
Construction in the winter is subject to delays and other issues caused by weather.
For this article and more detailed information regarding Burton park, visit www.cityofsancarlos.org
The City of San Carlos, along with the Parks and Recreation Foundation, Advocates for Accessible Recreation and the Burton Park Playground Committee has formed a successful partnership that is launching the community toward the first fully inclusive playground in San Mateo County. Many people in the community have worked very hard for a very long time to bring this project to fruition.This document is intended to answer questions that have arisen regarding the project and its scheduled completion date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did we need a new playground?
We had received many complaints about the school age and toddler playgrounds. The existing playgrounds in Burton Park were aged, past the manufacturer’s recommended lifespan and in need of replacement.Several of the elements have been removed due to breakage and safety concerns. The playgrounds were becoming unsafe.
What will the new playgrounds look like?
The new playgrounds will feature sand and water play and swings in both the school age and tot lots and a water spray play area between the two playgrounds. The school age area will have new trees, turf and shade structures.New inclusive play structures will be installed, along with new seating areas and a water fountain with an accessible drinking spout for youth and adults and a lower water bowl for dogs to enjoy.An inclusive playground is one designed to allow access to and on the play structure and interactive activities for all children regardless of ability or disability.
When will be playground be built?
A construction contract has been awarded.We are waiting for the contractor to give us a construction schedule which we anticipate will begin in early June.Construction is expected to be completed in two months.
Why the delay between demolition and construction?
C.W. Wright Construction and Peninsula Hauling & Demolition donated their services for the demolition.This saved the project $30,000.Because this was a volunteer effort, demolition needed to be completed before finishing construction documents, for bidding the project, to ensure no surprises in the ground.One surprise was found, a deeper than expected cement curbing.This adjustment was then made in the construction documents and the project was put out to bid.This is unique as normally demolition occurs as part of construction but it was felt the $30,000 savings warranted the action.The leveled site is safe and accessible for foot traffic and creative play activities until the new playground construction begins.
Why do the project without full funding identified?
As mentioned above, both playgrounds were past their lifespan and becoming unsafe.If we waited until full funding was identified we may have had to remove the old playgrounds for an even longer period of time than experienced with our volunteer demolition.
What is the current fundraising status?
Total cost for replacement of both playgrounds is estimated at $850,000.The City of San Carlos has committed $415,000 from Capital Improvement Program (CIP) appropriations for this project. The Parks and Recreation Foundation of San Carlos adopted Burton Playground as their initial project.Through community and business donations the Foundation has secured additional funding.To date, $67,632 is still needed to completely fund the project.The City Council has approved funding any shortfall from the restricted CIP funds that can only be used for Parks and Recreation capital improvement projects, such as the playgrounds.
Why spend the money on the playground with the current budget problems?
The budget problems are in the City’s General Fund.The money for the playground is coming from the City’s restricted fund that can only be used for Parks & Recreation capital improvement projects and from donations specifically identified for Burton Park playgrounds.It would be illegal and unethical to use these funds in the General Fund.
Why is construction happening in the summer?
Construction in the winter is subject to delays and other issues caused by weather.
For this article and more detailed information regarding Burton park, visit www.cityofsancarlos.org
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Same Old Story of Doom and Gloom?
It is no wonder why people are in a gloomy state of mind regarding our real estate market. Everywhere you look it is the cover page of newspapers and magazines...."Housing market in the worst slump ever!" You turn the news on in your car or on the TV at home and they are talking about it in the first five minutes right after reporting 0n the terrible news story about the cyclone wiping entire villages killing tens of thousands - you get my point. In last Wednesday's San Francisco Chronicle the front page had a headline "Prices of homes are falling faster - The Mortgage Meltdown - Bay Area values plummet 17% in February - rapid decline means the bottom is probably far off". Reading that headline of a whopping 17% drop and the first few paragraphs leaves homeowners, buyers and sellers feeling the doom and gloom of our housing market.
Rather than getting bored with reading the same old story of doom and gloom...I actually read the entire article. I got past the opening sentence of "Like a brick falling from the top of the Transamerica Pyramid, national and local home prices are rapidly accelerating on their way down, crushing hopes of an imminent turnaround." Nothing depressing about that right? To my surprise the story took quite a turn about 3/4 of the way through.
The article mentions a key factor that tends to not be mentioned in many news reports, so I thank the writer, James Temple for pointing this next fact out - "The indexes represent the overall price trend in specific metropolitan areas. Many of the cities or neighborhoods within these regions performed far better or far worse. San Francisco, for instance, eked out a median price increase in March, but the rare positive examples were more than offset by the tumbling values in outlying areas, like eastern Contra Costa County." It brings out that Alameda, Contra Cost, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties are all grouped in the San Francisco region and there are reports that there is the "sixth highest annual drop and the biggest month-over-month decline, 5 percent". That is low compared to other spots such as Las Vegas dropping 22.8%, Miami 21.7% and Phoenix 20.8%.
Scattered midway in the article, some bursts of sunshine shone through! The article brought out that homes priced above $756,420 have largely retained their value (only suffering a 6.8% fall). Many homes are in that price range on the Peninsula and San Francisco Bay Area. Whereas low priced homes under $513,218 have dropped roughly 33% since February 2006.
The article concluded on a positive note saying that "The San Francisco index was at 174.54 in February, meaning despite the recent turmoil, values are up nearly 75 percent from eight years ago." Hopefully people who started to read that article actually read all the way through...so they could get a good idea of the housing market conditions we are facing...and see why the doom and gloom daily reports from the media may not mean your neighborhood too!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Seriously, How Much Can I Afford?
Most people, especially first time home buyers, have no idea what they can actually afford when they start looking at homes to buy. They may not even know where to start. Unfortunately many people start looking at properties under what they can afford - selling themselves short or ones they can't afford and would lead them to literally be "living beyond their means". They absolutely need to know what they can afford prior to looking. By doing some research and some performing some simple arithmetic on their own prior to jumping into any lender's office, they will find themselves feeling savvy and at ease when speaking to a lender or broker.
Doing the Math
The ratio you need to figure out is your debt-to-income ratio. This is the ratio between how much you owe each month on personal debt and how much you earn. This ratio shows lenders the percentage of debt you are carrying in relation to how much money you make. It helps to show just how much additional debt you will be able to handle.
In order to make the calculation, add up your fixed monthly expenses such as your car payments, minimum credit card payments*, monthly spousal or child support, and student loans. You don't need to calculate utilities, groceries and things of that sort. Add your expected housing payments (your mortgage payments plus, for example, private mortgage insurance (PMI), homeowner’s insurance and property taxes) and divide the total by your gross monthly income.
*Your minimum credit card payment is not your total balance every month. It is your required minimum payment -- usually between two and three percent of the outstanding balance.
What's the Bottom Line?
It all comes down to how much income and how much debt you have. A common rule when shopping for a mortgage is that your debt-to-income ratio should be no higher than 36 to 38 percent - this includes your mortgage payment and your monthly debt. Anything above this could lead to you being denied credit or charged a higher interest rate on your loan.
The price you can afford to pay for a home will depends on a few things:
1. Your gross income
2. The amount of cash you have available for the down payment, closing costs and cash reserves required by the lender
3. Your credit history - make sure your credit has been cleaned up if necessary and your FICO score is in good shape
4. The type of mortgage you select
5. Current interest rates - which currently are great!
The most important thing you need to remember is to be sure you are comfortable with the amount of debt you are accumulating. Keep in mind, the lower your debt-to-income ratio the better, so pay down as much debt as you can before starting the mortgage process.
Please remember, this information may vary from lender to lender and each office may have their own exceptions or way of performing business. It is good to interview a few lenders before making the big jump. Stay tuned for another BLOG in the near future that may help you in your search for that perfect loan agent!
Doing the Math
The ratio you need to figure out is your debt-to-income ratio. This is the ratio between how much you owe each month on personal debt and how much you earn. This ratio shows lenders the percentage of debt you are carrying in relation to how much money you make. It helps to show just how much additional debt you will be able to handle.
In order to make the calculation, add up your fixed monthly expenses such as your car payments, minimum credit card payments*, monthly spousal or child support, and student loans. You don't need to calculate utilities, groceries and things of that sort. Add your expected housing payments (your mortgage payments plus, for example, private mortgage insurance (PMI), homeowner’s insurance and property taxes) and divide the total by your gross monthly income.
*Your minimum credit card payment is not your total balance every month. It is your required minimum payment -- usually between two and three percent of the outstanding balance.
What's the Bottom Line?
It all comes down to how much income and how much debt you have. A common rule when shopping for a mortgage is that your debt-to-income ratio should be no higher than 36 to 38 percent - this includes your mortgage payment and your monthly debt. Anything above this could lead to you being denied credit or charged a higher interest rate on your loan.
The price you can afford to pay for a home will depends on a few things:
1. Your gross income
2. The amount of cash you have available for the down payment, closing costs and cash reserves required by the lender
3. Your credit history - make sure your credit has been cleaned up if necessary and your FICO score is in good shape
4. The type of mortgage you select
5. Current interest rates - which currently are great!
The most important thing you need to remember is to be sure you are comfortable with the amount of debt you are accumulating. Keep in mind, the lower your debt-to-income ratio the better, so pay down as much debt as you can before starting the mortgage process.
Please remember, this information may vary from lender to lender and each office may have their own exceptions or way of performing business. It is good to interview a few lenders before making the big jump. Stay tuned for another BLOG in the near future that may help you in your search for that perfect loan agent!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Tips to get the highest $$ for your house!
They say we are in a buyer's market right now...true for the majority of the nation. However, pockets actually do exist here and there where we just continue on with a prevailing seller's market...i.e. San Carlos, CA. But whether we are in a buyer's or seller's market, when a seller decides to list their home on the market, they want to get the top dollar for it. In order to do that, there are some simple and economical steps that you can take!
1 - You absolutely have to make a good first impression.
1 - You absolutely have to make a good first impression.
- Make your grass greener.
- Paint your front door if need be.
- Plant cute colorful plants all along the pathway to the front door which always makes people feel at home :)
- Fix your broken doorbell and shine your door knocker.
- Clean all your outside light fixtures of those creepy cobwebs.
- Sweep and polish.
- Fill any cracks in the stairs or concrete that you can. (You don't need people tripping on their way into your house!)
- Clean the windows.
- Touch up paint where needed - inside and out.
- Trim any bushes or shrubs that may block window views and light. (Light is very important to most people).
- Replace any dark drapery with light and airy curtains to bring in all light possible and put light colored slipcovers on dark couches and chairs. (Bright and cheery homes make people happy).
2 - Remove Clutter - LESS IS MORE
- Wipe those counter tops clean in the kitchen - store small appliances like your blender and toaster in cabinets and hide all electric cords.
- Wipe those counter tops clean in the bathroom - no hairspray, q-tip jars, brushes...you get the point.
- Remove all personal items such as family photos
- Remove your children's artwork from the walls and refrigerator (I know this is a tough one!)
- Attempt to have all your closet floors cleared out.
- Put some of your clothes into storage.
- Toss ugly plants that you are attempting to nurse back to health.
3 - Freshen all around
- Replace damaged burners or other appliances in your kitchen.
- Re-grout tile where needed throughout the house.
- Swap out outdated kitchen cabinet knobs, paint the cabinets if needed or replace them.
- Wax those floors.
- Get rid of old carpet if there is hardwood underneath - especially if it is in good condition.
- Fluff your bathroom towels.
- Hide your toilet brush cleaner...no one wants to see that!
- Buy a new bar of soap - no one wants to see an old out-of-shape bar.
- Spray a bit of lavender in the bathroom for a real fresh feeling.
- Fluff your bedspreads and throw extra pillows on your bed for that extra B&B feel.
- Bake cookies or have a nice vanilla or cinnamon candle burning in the kitchen for that extra "there's no place like home" feeling.
- Remove all ashtrays and smoke outside.
- Keep your garbage area clean and keep it outside to avoid any unwanted odors.
- Open some windows before buyers visit.
- Buy fresh cut flowers and place throughout the house...color adds so much.
- Add a few extra throw pillows to the couch and chairs to add some color.
Also, if you have pets, you may consider having them go on a "vacation" with friends or family for a while. Then you can eliminate the kitty box, smelly dog or cat food, and random dog chews that are not real appealing. By not having these guys at home you also have the peace of mind that they won't be let out of the house when someone comes to view it and having to make endless post-its asking to "Please don't let Fido out...he is friendly but doesn't like strangers", and that they won't scare anyone off! I have experienced both of these situations while showing homes...not fun!
Follow these tips and you will be be more likely to bring in the top dollar! Not to mention, you will also be the best B&B in the neighborhood! Your house will look so great you may have a hard time leaving!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Why wait...buy now!
Buying a home in today's market may be challenging, particularly for those who have credit problems or little saved in the bank to put towards a down payment. But there are many factors impacting the current housing market in San Mateo County that makes buying a home today a viable option. Here are 4 reasons for not waiting and buying a home today:
1. Interest rates on long term fixed loans are at a recent all time low with 30 year fixed rate mortgages falling below 6% per annum. With lower interest rates and adjusted prices overall in the resale market the affordable gap has narrowed, making your monthly payments lower and more affordable.
2. No one can put a price on the value of home ownership, it varies. In Northern California the median sales price for a single-family home has been consistently rising for several decades. In summary, housing remains a rock solid, long-term financial investment. While the current market has experienced a slow down in sales activity and pricing, historically data suggests home prices will continue to appreciate over time. The projected median home price for a single-family home in California is $553,000. By comparison, the median price in 2000 was $241,350, in 1990 the median price was $199,370 and in 1980 the median price was $99,550.
3. The length of time a home remains on the market before it is sold has increased roughly 2 to 3 weeks from a year ago. With properties taking longer to sell and with more inventory to choose from, Buyers are in a grand position to seek out the best opportunities.
4. The multi-offer frenzy that dominated the market during the last housing boom has subsided and there is less pressure to make a decision on the greatest purchase of your life not to mention guessing how many offers you will be up against.
1. Interest rates on long term fixed loans are at a recent all time low with 30 year fixed rate mortgages falling below 6% per annum. With lower interest rates and adjusted prices overall in the resale market the affordable gap has narrowed, making your monthly payments lower and more affordable.
2. No one can put a price on the value of home ownership, it varies. In Northern California the median sales price for a single-family home has been consistently rising for several decades. In summary, housing remains a rock solid, long-term financial investment. While the current market has experienced a slow down in sales activity and pricing, historically data suggests home prices will continue to appreciate over time. The projected median home price for a single-family home in California is $553,000. By comparison, the median price in 2000 was $241,350, in 1990 the median price was $199,370 and in 1980 the median price was $99,550.
(Source: The California Association of Realtors)
3. The length of time a home remains on the market before it is sold has increased roughly 2 to 3 weeks from a year ago. With properties taking longer to sell and with more inventory to choose from, Buyers are in a grand position to seek out the best opportunities.
4. The multi-offer frenzy that dominated the market during the last housing boom has subsided and there is less pressure to make a decision on the greatest purchase of your life not to mention guessing how many offers you will be up against.
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