Make Your Home Cold-Weather Ready

If the nights are getting nippy and you find yourself scraping frost from your car windows every morning, it’s time to winterize your home. Danny Lipford, host of the weekly home improvement show Today’s Homeowner, says a little weekend work can save you money. Here are five tips:

1.Inspect the insulation. The single most effective way to save on heating is to have adequate attic insulation. If you don’t know if you have enough, look for your ceiling joists. If you can see them, you need more insulation.

2.Plug the gaps outside. Cracks around windows and outdoor faucets can let in a tremendous amount of cold air. Inspect the exterior of the home and apply caulk wherever you see any cracks, gaps or holes.

3.Stop leaks inside. Cracks around windows, on perimeter walls and around electrical outlets can rob your home of warm air. Applying caulk to any areas where you can see a crack or gap or feel a draft will provide a more airtight envelope around the home. Once you have sealed up the cracks, turn your attention to drafty, inefficient windows. If new windows are not in your budget, consider window insulation kits, which are easy

2007 Risa's "Thank You for Being my Client" party is this month!!! Sure hope you are joining us for the best party ever!! Pics will be posted at Risas Party in February.

This months joke:

Question:Why did the man put his money in the freezer?

Answer: He wanted cold hard cash!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

All About Refrigerators
Your refrigerator is one kitchen appliance that you cannot survive without. If you’re planning to make an investment in a new refrigerator, here’s a little guide to help you find the one that best suits your needs.
There are four types of refrigerators: bottom freezer, top freezer, side-by-side and built-in. The most popular and least expensive units are the top-freezer refrigerators. They range from $300 to $1,300. To avoid bending, a bottom freezer may be better since it places more commonly used perishables at eye level. These cost from $850 to $2,000. Refrigerators come in various sizes as well. Depending on the size of your family or the amount of cooking you do, you’ll want to pick a unit that matches your lifestyle.
Today’s trend is toward investing in high-end brands such as Sub-Zero®. A sleek look that blends seamlessly with your kitchen cabinets is very popular. High-end refrigerators cost from $3,000 to $5,000

Question:Is the price right?

Answer: If the thought of putting your house on the market leaves you seeing dollar signs around every corner, you may want to slow down.

Sellers intent on cashing in may hinder their chances by pricing their home too high. A price that is deemed too high can discourage potential buyers from even viewing your home and can set high expectations for those who do come to check it out.

Taking a realistic and objective approach when valuing your home isn’t always easy, but it may save you heartache and disappointment in the long run. Be sure to consult your REALTOR® and listen to their advice. Consider what other homes in your neighborhood have been listed at — not what they’ve sold for. And weigh the costs and benefits of your final listing price with your own circumstances. Is your house in as good condition as other homes in your area? Are you in a hurry to sell? Can you afford to offer other incentives to potential buyers? These are just some of the issues that your REALTOR ® will use to help you price your home at the right dollar figure.

Have questions? email Risa at questions@risa.net or call her at 1-800-699-4901

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Volunteer Opportunities in Orlando, FL related to Everything

Use This Moving Truck for FREE      

RE/MAX Town & Country Realty has a moving truck (pictured above) that our clients can use FREE for their local (inside the Metro-Orlando area) moves. When Risa helps you buy or sell a home, just let her know that you would like to use the RE/MAX Moving Truck. Then Ray, the Moving Truck Coordinator, will coordinate your reservation to use the truck for a 24 hour period and outline all of the details for the truck’s use. Tell Risa early on in your transaction that you’d like to use the truck to make sure that you can reserve the best time for your move! We’re glad to be able to offer this additional service to our clients. Risa Saltman wants to help make your moving process as smooth, enjoyable and efficient as possible.

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