How to Lower Your Home's Heating Bill- Tips for Fairfield County CT Homeowners

Without costing a penny, there are a number of things that an educated homeowner can do to lower their heating costs, and you don't even  have to be handy to accomplish them.

Remember that these items do add up- so don't discount what you think may not make a dent in your bill. That would be the costly error.

Here are some of our favorite  FREE ways to lower your bill.

First, turn down the thermostat. Sounds like the basics, but consider this-  "The rule of thumb is that you can save about 3% on your heating bill for every degree that you set back your thermostat" full time, says Bill Prindle, deputy director for the nonprofit American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). 

For example, if you turned down the thermostat 10 degrees when you went to work, and the once more when you went to  bed, that could add up to approximately  16 hours a day -- and THAT  can save you up to 14 percent on your heating bill!

Turn down the water heater. If you lower the temperature of water in the water heater to 115-120 degrees, it will reduce power consumption, and you may not even notice a difference in the hot water.

Use curtains wisely! Opening curtains and shades on south-facing windows during the day will allow solar radiation to warm that area. When you close the curtains at night, it helps to retain the heat in the room.

Make sure that the fireplace damper is closed.  Remember to limit use of that fireplace, too.  Fires actually suck heat from a room.

If you have drafty doors, you can always roll up  a large bath towel and place it at the foot of the door to stop that cold air from coming in.

Please stay Safe and Warm.

"When You Deserve the Best, You Deserve Judy"

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 The Featured Home of the Week is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home at 20 Hickory Drive, Westport  for just $549,900. See the virtual tour HERE 

 .....or better yet, call Judy to schedule an appointment to see it!

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 Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like: Find out more about Judy here

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Connecticut Financing Update and Today's Mortgage Rates 11/22/13

Rates have come back down from a sharp short term rise during the middle of the week.  The 10 year treasury is at 2.76%.  In recent months rates have been going higher and higher since early May.  Anyone looking to close within the next short term period then you might be better off locking into a rate now as rates have bounced back a bit in the last couple of weeks.

Today's Mortgage Rates

Conventional 30 year fixed          4.625%     APR 4.682%

Conventional 15 year fixed          3.625%     APR 3.719%

The above rates are based on a loan amount of $417,000 for a single family home, a borrower’s middle credit score of 780 and a 20% down payment.  If you would like a customized rate quote for your own specific loan scenario then please feel free to email me at nima@primeres.com or call me directly at 203.913.6016. 

 

As a lending professional, Nima Rezvan meets a wide range of real estate lending needs, whether it be a first time purchase, second home purchase, or refinance. He welcomes the opportunity to serve your needs with quick and accurate real estate financing advice. With his expertise and knowledge, he will make sure you understand the features associated with the loan program you choose and that it meets your unique financial situation.

With more than 10 years of mortgage lending experience, Nima specializes in  Conventional Mortgages,  Jumbo Loan Financing, Refinance, First Time Home Buyers and Federal Housing Administration/Veterans' Administration (FHA/VA)

782 Clinton Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06604

Phone: 203.913.6016

Email: nima@primeres.com

"When You Deserve the Best, You Deserve Judy"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 The Featured Home of the Week is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home at 20 Hickory Drive, Westport  for just $549,900. See the virtual tour HERE 

 .....or better yet, call Judy to schedule an appointment to see it!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like: Find out more about Judy here

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

A Few Thousand Reasons to Sell Your Home in November and December

You've decided that you're ready to move, BUT the holiday season is fast approaching, and you think you should wait.  TIP: The reasons to list now far outweigh the reasons not to.

1. Buyers who are out looking now are committed to the process and  serious- some still want to close by year end if at all possible, and are willing to pay a premium for it.

2. Inventory is traditionally lower now, and your home won't have the fierce competition that it would in the Spring. In fact, the inventory of available homes in Fairfield County is lower NOW than it has been for years. take advantage of it.

3. Corporate transferees have more time to shop for a home now... and incidentally,  most transferee closings occur in late January and February- meaning they are buying NOW. If your home isn't on the market, this very important buyer pool won't know about it.

4. Interest rates remain low.

5.  You could "net" thousands more between lack of competition, carrying costs, and unanticipated maintenance.

Bottom Line- Marketing your home now does not have to be an inconvenience.

Our "Holiday Home Marketing Program" includes the following:

Your home is only shown by appointment.
We can exclude signage and/or property address online and in print, if you so desire.
We can restrict lock box usage, or not have a lock box at all.
Public open houses and Broker tours are not mndatory, and will be at the owner's discretion.

Would you like to find out more? Call me (203)257-5892. We can tailor a plan specific to you.

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See a Tour of The Featured Home of the Week - a 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home at 20 Hickory Drive, Westport  for just $549,900.  

 .....or better yet, call Judy to schedule an appointment to see it!

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like:

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Interested in That House? Here are a Couple of Great Negotiating Tips

First, take off the boxing gloves. Negotiations should be a win-win if at all possible.

When you are buying a home, the more you can find out about the home sellers and their motivation, the better for you. Having additional knowledge can help to negotiate the lowest possible price.

I always do a bit of digging to see what I can find out for my buyer-clients, and it has easily saved them thousands of dollars. If the owner is present at the home during the showing, I will ask a few seemingly innocent questions directly, which will help you but at the same time won't be inappropriate to inquire about.

1.) Where are you moving to?

2.) Are there any special assessments or easements?

3.) What is (or is not) included in the sale?


Additional questions (that can also help in negotiations- and that out of protocol, should not be addressed to the directly to the homeowner.)

Why is the homeowner selling? That could prove to valuable in helping to  determine an offer. For example, if the sellers have already bought another home, they may be under the gun to sell the property,

Have there been any offers? That would tell us a few things-  it may even tell us that that the price we are willing to pay might be more than the sellers would accept. We could go in lower and actually save you money!

Were there any deals that fell apart, and if so, why? It's usually a building inspection or financial issue. Eitehr way, it's important to know.

The best negotiating advice is to have as much information about the other side as possible. With me as your agent, I will do the research and do my very best to get the best deal for you. :)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

See a Tour of The Featured Home of the Week - a 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home at 20 Hickory Drive, Westport  for just $549,900.  

 .....or better yet, call Judy to schedule an appointment to see it!

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like:

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

This Week's Edition of National Real Estate News 11/18/2013 (Video)

This week's national real estate news update -Consensus- home prices will continue to rise. Expect a 6.7 percent gain in 2014, focal points for decorating ideas,  fixed rate vs. adjustable rate mortgages, and "pocket" listings. Click to see more- about moving, home buying strategies and interest rates.

Click here for this months newsletter and our video news channel.

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like: Find out more about Judy here

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY