Typically when the rest of the country is freezing, the Winter in Florida is perfectly comfortable....no snow, no ice and no warming up your car for 5 minutes in your driveway before heading out.
This time of the year is the reason I live in Florida; you can finally keep your windows open every day and enjoy a cool breeze, and you can enjoy outdoor dining and exercising without passing out from the heat and humidity. It is certainly a nice break that I always miss as we get closer to the summer, when the thermometer is stuck at 90 degrees, the humidity is at 100% and you wonder how the meteorologist still has a job when forecast has not changed in 6 months. And don't even get me started about my frizzy hair once the humidity sets in (ladies, you know what I'm talking about).
I did some research, and compiled this energy-saving list that is sure to save you money on your next electric bill. These are simple things you can get stated on today, to create new habits that will last a lifetime:
1) Motion detector lights in the kid's room: You can't get them to shut off the lights, so you might as well have the light do it for you!
2) Shut off the lights in the rooms you are not using, and shut off outdoor lights if you are home.
3) Close the vents in rooms that are not being used.
4) Take shorter showers to save on hot water.
5) Wash your clothes in cold water: Also, make sure you are washing FULL loads of laundry. Throwing just a few items in the wash can waste up to 50 gallons of water!
6) In the summer, raise the a/c. In the winter, throw on a sweater and lower the heat. Adjusting your thermostat just a few degrees can save a ton of money!
7) Use energy efficient light bulbs: Be sure you dispose of fluorescent light bulbs properly. They have small traces of mercury contained inside of them. Mercury is toxic! Visit this web site for more information.
8) Replace higher wattage light bulbs to lower watt bulbs.
9) Turn off your computer when you are not using it.
10) Unplug appliances that you are not using (including cell phone chargers.)
11) Don't fall asleep with the TV on: Your TV uses a lot of power. Fall asleep reading a book instead.
12) Install ceiling fans in your home to help circulate air and keep rooms cool without a/c.
13) In the summer, keep your blinds closed to keep your home cool.
14) Shut off the water while you brush your teeth.
15) Clean/change your air filter each month.
You can also contact your local electrical utilities web site and request a FREE home energy evaluation to see how energy efficient your home is.
Beth Hobart
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Down with the dumps.
Did you throw something out today and ask yourself...should I recycle this?
For example... sneakers. Do you just toss them in the garbage bin? What about batteries or aerosol cans... or compact fluorescent light bulbs that have a small amount of mercury in them which is toxic. What should you do with all of these questionable items?
Thanks to the "Green" movement that is sweeping the country, many people are now recycling and conserving more that ever. And quite frankly, I love it.
We are starting to move away from being a "throw-away" nation, and becoming a "conserve-nation." (I just made that up, but it works, right?)
Do you have a jet ski, trailer or RV that you want to get rid of? Visit junkmycar.com and they will take it off your hands for FREE and recycle the materials.
Do you have a computer that you don't want any more? Did you know that you can return it to the manufacturer for recycling, or donate it to a charitable organization?
And don't even think about tossing your old cell phone, because there are organizations like calltoprotect.com that refurbishes old phones to give to domestic violence survivors.
For more information, check out this A to Z guide to learn how to dispose of many household items or donate them to organizations that need your help.
If each of us does our part to make a change, just think of all the good we can do.
Beth Hobart
For example... sneakers. Do you just toss them in the garbage bin? What about batteries or aerosol cans... or compact fluorescent light bulbs that have a small amount of mercury in them which is toxic. What should you do with all of these questionable items?
Thanks to the "Green" movement that is sweeping the country, many people are now recycling and conserving more that ever. And quite frankly, I love it.
We are starting to move away from being a "throw-away" nation, and becoming a "conserve-nation." (I just made that up, but it works, right?)
Do you have a jet ski, trailer or RV that you want to get rid of? Visit junkmycar.com and they will take it off your hands for FREE and recycle the materials.
Do you have a computer that you don't want any more? Did you know that you can return it to the manufacturer for recycling, or donate it to a charitable organization?
And don't even think about tossing your old cell phone, because there are organizations like calltoprotect.com that refurbishes old phones to give to domestic violence survivors.
For more information, check out this A to Z guide to learn how to dispose of many household items or donate them to organizations that need your help.
If each of us does our part to make a change, just think of all the good we can do.
Beth Hobart
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Look before you leap, or you're sure to flop.
I was talking to my colleague, Michael Gonick, today about my new year exercise routine. Basically it consists of driving (or if I'm feeling especially urban, taking my bike, Lola) to Lake Eola, and doing 4, run/walk intervals around the lake....which I hear is .9 miles and therefore easy for me to keep track of during my "training."
I recently signed up for my first 5K. My first run ever. It may seem like small potatoes to you, but to me, the fact that I can do this and not die will be a major accomplishment. I am not a runner, but I have always wanted to be one. I just think it's amazing that someone can run 26.2 miles, equalling around 4 hours of running (maybe less if you are really fast), and not have something burst in their brain. I would like to be able to achieve such a feat. But I think maybe a half marathon may suffice as my goal for now.
As Mike and I were talking, he was telling me that I really need to arm myself with information and do it right; talk to runners, get the right shoes, and eat right. He really stressed that I should do some more research before diving into uncharted waters. And he was right. The last thing I need to do is tear or break something and have this running thing end before it ever really began.
I started thinking of real estate, as always, and how jumping in without a plan or a professional helping you could lead to disaster.
A first-time home buyer I was working with came to mind. He was looking for fixer upper in Winter Park. I went over the details regarding how things typically work in a transaction....from offer to acceptance to the inspection period and beyond.
A large part of my focus was on the inspection period. Even if you are buying an As-Is property (meaning the seller will not pay for any repairs) you still want to know what you are getting into BEFORE you buy.
It's better to pay for a termite inspection and a home inspection and find out the facts first, because if there are major problems with the home, you may not be able to handle all the repairs AND the mortgage for months at a time...especially if you are buying an investment property.
Sometimes, walking away from a home after you did the inspections, and losing several hundred dollars, is better than buying a home that turns into a money pit where you lose several hundred thousands.
Here are some tips and information on home inspections and choosing a home inspector that will help you while buying a home.
I will continue to run, get advice, do my research and do it right. And with real estate, if you are in the market for a home, don't go it alone. Having a real estate professional in your corner, taking you through the process and helping you avoid pitfalls, is always better than treading water and barely staying afloat.
Beth Hobart
I recently signed up for my first 5K. My first run ever. It may seem like small potatoes to you, but to me, the fact that I can do this and not die will be a major accomplishment. I am not a runner, but I have always wanted to be one. I just think it's amazing that someone can run 26.2 miles, equalling around 4 hours of running (maybe less if you are really fast), and not have something burst in their brain. I would like to be able to achieve such a feat. But I think maybe a half marathon may suffice as my goal for now.
As Mike and I were talking, he was telling me that I really need to arm myself with information and do it right; talk to runners, get the right shoes, and eat right. He really stressed that I should do some more research before diving into uncharted waters. And he was right. The last thing I need to do is tear or break something and have this running thing end before it ever really began.
I started thinking of real estate, as always, and how jumping in without a plan or a professional helping you could lead to disaster.
A first-time home buyer I was working with came to mind. He was looking for fixer upper in Winter Park. I went over the details regarding how things typically work in a transaction....from offer to acceptance to the inspection period and beyond.
A large part of my focus was on the inspection period. Even if you are buying an As-Is property (meaning the seller will not pay for any repairs) you still want to know what you are getting into BEFORE you buy.
It's better to pay for a termite inspection and a home inspection and find out the facts first, because if there are major problems with the home, you may not be able to handle all the repairs AND the mortgage for months at a time...especially if you are buying an investment property.
Sometimes, walking away from a home after you did the inspections, and losing several hundred dollars, is better than buying a home that turns into a money pit where you lose several hundred thousands.
Here are some tips and information on home inspections and choosing a home inspector that will help you while buying a home.
I will continue to run, get advice, do my research and do it right. And with real estate, if you are in the market for a home, don't go it alone. Having a real estate professional in your corner, taking you through the process and helping you avoid pitfalls, is always better than treading water and barely staying afloat.
Beth Hobart
Monday, January 12, 2009
Hey there....Michael Gonick here at BlueStar!
Hi this is Michael Gonick from the BlueStar team. From time to time I post articles that I think might be of interest to you. I work with buyers and sellers throughout Central Florida and if I can be of service I can be reached at michael@bluestarflorida.com or 407 383 2563.
Click on the link for the latest interest rate trends which have dropped for the last 10 consecutive weeks.
Just wanted to share.
Have a great day.
Michael
Click on the link for the latest interest rate trends which have dropped for the last 10 consecutive weeks.
Just wanted to share.
Have a great day.
Michael
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Tips on buying and selling condos in FL...mortgage guidelines have changed.
Are you trying to sell or buy a condo in the current real estate market? Well, it may not be as easy as in previous years. However, if you know how to navigate the current mortgage waters, you may have an easier time.
First, here is the current issue. Due to declining values in Florida, mortgage insurance companies will no longer finance condos here. This means if you are a buyer, you must go FHA (primary residence only) or have a minimum of 20% down to be considered for conventional financing.
Even with 20% down, there are many considerations to make in the condo approval process that could eliminate the project for financing. FHA maintains an approved list of condo projects and only those projects are eligible for financing using an FHA loan. FHA provides spot condo approvals but guidelines typically eliminate the project and explain why the condo is not on the list to begin with. Typically those reasons are as follows:
● The HOA budget is suffering due to foreclosures where owners are behind on dues.
● There is a pending lawsuit.
● There is too much exposure by lenders in the project.
● There are too many investors in the project (50% or more must be owner occupied).
● Commercial space exceeds 20%.
● The owners not in control of association.
● There are weekly or monthly rentals.
● There is a front desk or cleaning service.
The bottom line...
If you are selling a condo:
Have your Realtor find out if your condo is already approved. If it's not approved, look into having your condo approved ahead of time. Speak to a mortgage specialist who has FHA experience and can help you through this process. Once you get the approval, you should advertise the approval to attract buyers.
If you are buying a condo:
FHA/VA: If you stick to the approved condo list, then you can have maximum financing. FHA is currently 3% (10/1/08) and VA is 100%. These financing options are for owner occupied properties only. Visit this website for complete list of FHA?VA approved condos.
Conventional: Due to mortgage insurance restrictions, in FL you will need a minimum of 20% down. If you are buying a primary residence, the more money you put down, the less important it is to get the condo approval. If you are buying a second home or an investment property, the buyer, as well as the condo project, needs to be approved.
Remember, this is ONLY if the buyer needs financing. If you are an owner or investor buying with cash, then you don't need to worry about these guidelines.
If you have specific questions while purchasing or selling a condo, please speak with your mortgage specialist for more details. I am not a mortgage expert.
Beth Hobart
Some information for this blog was taken from an article by Synergy Mortgage in Oviedo, FL.
First, here is the current issue. Due to declining values in Florida, mortgage insurance companies will no longer finance condos here. This means if you are a buyer, you must go FHA (primary residence only) or have a minimum of 20% down to be considered for conventional financing.
Even with 20% down, there are many considerations to make in the condo approval process that could eliminate the project for financing. FHA maintains an approved list of condo projects and only those projects are eligible for financing using an FHA loan. FHA provides spot condo approvals but guidelines typically eliminate the project and explain why the condo is not on the list to begin with. Typically those reasons are as follows:
● The HOA budget is suffering due to foreclosures where owners are behind on dues.
● There is a pending lawsuit.
● There is too much exposure by lenders in the project.
● There are too many investors in the project (50% or more must be owner occupied).
● Commercial space exceeds 20%.
● The owners not in control of association.
● There are weekly or monthly rentals.
● There is a front desk or cleaning service.
The bottom line...
If you are selling a condo:
Have your Realtor find out if your condo is already approved. If it's not approved, look into having your condo approved ahead of time. Speak to a mortgage specialist who has FHA experience and can help you through this process. Once you get the approval, you should advertise the approval to attract buyers.
If you are buying a condo:
FHA/VA: If you stick to the approved condo list, then you can have maximum financing. FHA is currently 3% (10/1/08) and VA is 100%. These financing options are for owner occupied properties only. Visit this website for complete list of FHA?VA approved condos.
Conventional: Due to mortgage insurance restrictions, in FL you will need a minimum of 20% down. If you are buying a primary residence, the more money you put down, the less important it is to get the condo approval. If you are buying a second home or an investment property, the buyer, as well as the condo project, needs to be approved.
Remember, this is ONLY if the buyer needs financing. If you are an owner or investor buying with cash, then you don't need to worry about these guidelines.
If you have specific questions while purchasing or selling a condo, please speak with your mortgage specialist for more details. I am not a mortgage expert.
Beth Hobart
Some information for this blog was taken from an article by Synergy Mortgage in Oviedo, FL.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
New Year, New Savings Tips
With a new year comes new beginnings, and new promises to ourselves that we will make changes and stick to them. The problem is that by the 6th day of January, most of us have fallen off the wagon!
That doesn't mean that you can't make the decision to change and actually do it. People do it all the time. It just takes forming new habits and tracking your progress.
Although I am not a financial advisor, and don't pretend to be one, here are some simple money saving tips that you can use to jump start your new year and get your piggy bank filled up again (especially after all that Holiday shopping).
All it takes is going back to the basics, and keeping it simple:
● If you can't afford it, don't buy it: Leave your credit cards at home if you have to...in a safe, buried in the back yard or frozen in a block of ice in your freezer.
● Create a monthly budget and stick to it: Have you ever saved a months worth of receipts and logged your spending? It is definitely an eye-opener...and why I am staying away from Starbucks for a while.
● Live within your means: Look at your monthly bills....can you cut back on unnecessary expenses? Can you adjust your cell phone plan, or your cable or satellite plan for your TV?
● Keep up with your credit card payments: If you get behind, even by one month, you can end up paying hundreds, even thousands of dollars in interest later on.
● Car insurance and life insurance: Have you looked at your plans lately, or compared them with other companies to see if you can get the same coverage for less money? It might be worth checking out.
So, do your homework and form some new habits. Forget about past mistakes. Dwelling on the past will only cause you to become depressed and make MORE mistakes. Take one day at a time, look forward and take action. Someone once said that the journey of a million paces starts with one step (or something like that....you get the idea). So take that first step and make a change!
Beth Hobart
That doesn't mean that you can't make the decision to change and actually do it. People do it all the time. It just takes forming new habits and tracking your progress.
Although I am not a financial advisor, and don't pretend to be one, here are some simple money saving tips that you can use to jump start your new year and get your piggy bank filled up again (especially after all that Holiday shopping).
All it takes is going back to the basics, and keeping it simple:
● If you can't afford it, don't buy it: Leave your credit cards at home if you have to...in a safe, buried in the back yard or frozen in a block of ice in your freezer.
● Create a monthly budget and stick to it: Have you ever saved a months worth of receipts and logged your spending? It is definitely an eye-opener...and why I am staying away from Starbucks for a while.
● Live within your means: Look at your monthly bills....can you cut back on unnecessary expenses? Can you adjust your cell phone plan, or your cable or satellite plan for your TV?
● Keep up with your credit card payments: If you get behind, even by one month, you can end up paying hundreds, even thousands of dollars in interest later on.
● Car insurance and life insurance: Have you looked at your plans lately, or compared them with other companies to see if you can get the same coverage for less money? It might be worth checking out.
So, do your homework and form some new habits. Forget about past mistakes. Dwelling on the past will only cause you to become depressed and make MORE mistakes. Take one day at a time, look forward and take action. Someone once said that the journey of a million paces starts with one step (or something like that....you get the idea). So take that first step and make a change!
Beth Hobart
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