HOMEOWNERS CALL FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADES

“It’s no surprise with rising energy prices and other costs draining the piggy bank that homeowners want to maximize home performance with green remodeling options,” said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Lonny Rutherford, CGR, CAPS, CGP, a professional remodeler from Farmington, N. M. “Professional remodelers provide the solution for making the 125 million existing single-family homes in the United States more energy-efficient.”

The group responsible for compiling data about green energy systems is the National Green Building Standard,™.  This organization includes the only consensus rating system for remodeling. This standard provides a roadmap for green remodeling and assures consumers that remodelers know how to plan and complete authentically green remodels.

Remodelers have installed a number of efficiency-enhancing products in recent months, including:

- Windows—73 percent of surveyed remodelers installed more energy-efficient windows that are insulated to prevent outdoor heat exchange.

- Insulation—65 percent made upgrades such as insulation replacement and spraying foam or fiber insulation into enclosed walls and roof cavities, while 27 percent insulated foundations and 52 percent installed insulated exterior doors.

- High-efficiency HVAC systems (56 percent)

- High-efficiency kitchen appliances (47 percent)

- Water-saving faucets and fixtures (46 percent)

“Newer technologies are also quickly gaining in popularity,” saysRutherford.

“Thirty-five percent of remodelers reported installing tankless water heaters, which save on energy costs by heating water on demand instead of continuously eating energy.”

There are a multitude of ways we can learn to conserve our energy, and many homeowners are doing this as they remodel existing homes, or move to newer homes which already have many of the energy saving systems.

Many In The Palm Springs Desert Area Are Learning How To Go Green and I’d love to hear how YOU are using green energy saving techniques in your homes.

Energy Efficient Building

Energy Efficient Home

Would you like to make a comment on this article? It’s a great place for you to “let YOUR thoughts be known on the various articles written. Be My Guest………I‘d love to hear from you! Others would too! To comment just scroll down and leave a reply.

IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the Palm Desert Area, try searching properties on the same Desert Area MLS Realtor’s use, or give me a call….or visit my website at Palm Springs Homes and Estates. I will be happy to give you or your referral my “red carpet service.” After the sale, I will send you a $50 Gift Certificatetowards dinner in a fabulous Palm Springs Area Restaurant so you can celebrate!

Brought to You By Your Favorite Realtor,

Nancy Hankin

KEEPING SIGHT OF YOUR GOALS

I think I can! I think I can! With the tendency of the news media to tell us everything that’s wrong with our economy, it’s easy to lose sight of the good stuff.

There are many reasons why you may need or want to sell your present home in the Palm Springs Desert Area, or surrounding areas. But is it impossible, given today’s real estate climate? Absolutely not!  It is possible! It is a matter of making smart decisions, including marketing, pricing and amassing the right team of expert help.

The days of ‘house flipping’ for easy money have come to a screeching halt. And that is a good thing. Wisdom holds that we were in an unrealistic situation that needed a correction. But that doesn’t mean the rest of us have to roll up in the corner and play dead. Don’t let the naysayers stop you from realizing your dreams. It may take a little more effort and time but yes, you can!

Buyers may have a mental list of what they want in a home, but their decision is usually made in the first few seconds. They will naturally look for the negative aspects so make sure they have no reason not to choose your home.

Repair, repaint and remove! Fix those broken hinges and leaky faucets. Paint everything a fresh, neutral color and get rid of all clutter, even in the hidden spaces.

5 ways to get more space; make small rooms look bigger.

 

When you are ready to sell your home, you and I become Partners. I have over 20 years of experience in selling properties in the Coachella Valley.

 What can YOU do to help? 

• Be open to suggestions that come with experience in marketing and the expertise to get the job done. This isn’t always easy to do when you are competing with Foreclosures and Short Sales, but IT IS possible in today’s market when your home is PRICED TO SELL and it SHOWS at its very best!  I SOLD 2 homes in 8 days in February 2010!
• Patience is also needed. Buyers are taking their time to make the final decision because there is so much to choose from. Make sure your property “stands out” from all others and you will have a better chance of selling in today’s marketplace.

Just give me a call or email me and we will get started on selling your home!   I’m here to help any way I can.

Would you like to make a comment on this article? It’s a great place for you to “let YOUR thoughts be known on the various articles written. Be My Guest………I‘d love to hear from you! Others would too! To comment just scroll down and leave a reply.

IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the Palm Desert Area, try searching properties on the same Desert Area MLS Realtor’s use, or give me a call….or visit my website at Palm Springs Homes and Estates. I will be happy to give you or your referral my “red carpet service.” After the sale, I will send you a $50 Gift Certificatetowards dinner in a fabulous Palm Springs Area Restaurant so you can celebrate!

Brought to You By Your Favorite Realtor,

Nancy Hankin

WHY BOTHER WITH DUCT CLEANING?

 

Cooler weather means it’s time to check out your home’s heating system. And that includes the air ducts.

With allergies and air pollution a growing concern, it might be time to take a look at what you can do to improve the quality of the air in your home. Your heating and cooling system is constantly circulating the air in your home. The air in your home can become contaminated with dust or mold, which could then jeopardize the system as well as the home’s occupants. Those with compromised immune systems, allergies, heart or breathing problems are particularly susceptible to pollution whether indoors or out. For some, duct cleaning may be helpful.

CLEAN AIR

So, what is ‘duct cleaning’ and how is it done? Duct cleaning is a process that cleans the heating and cooling components along with the supply and return air ducts, registers, grills and diffusers, cooling coils and drain pans. Some companies even clean the fan motor and housing along with the air handling unit housing. The thinking is that thorough scrubbing will ensure that contaminants are not re-introduced into the system. Chemicals may be used that are designed to kill contaminants and seal the surfaces. You’ll want to make sure you are fully informed about what is being used and what is involved.

A simpler but less effective process is to blow out the air ducts and collect the debris in containers which are then disposed of.  As usual, prevention is the best cure. To keep dust, mold and allergens at bay, use the highest efficiency air filter recommended by the manufacturer for your cooling and heating system. And don’t forget to change filters regularly. You can also vacuum in and around the air intake each time you dust your home. A high efficiency vacuum works best.

If you’re doing any type of construction or remodeling that involves dust, such as sanding, be sure to seal off the ducts. Several years ago I did some extensive remodeling. I not only had the ducts sealed during construction, but after the job was completed, I had all the ducts cleaned as a precaution. Equally important, don’t forget to keep any humidification equipment clean. You and your home will breathe easier.

 

Remodeling? Don’t overdo it.

Tips on an Energy Efficient home

Would you like to make a comment on this article? It’s a great place for you to “let YOUR thoughts be known on the various articles written. Be My Guest………I‘d love to hear from you! Others would too! To comment just scroll down and leave a reply.

IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the Palm Desert Area, try searching properties on the same Desert Area MLS Realtor’s use, or give me a call….or visit my website at Palm Springs Homes and Estates. I will be happy to give you or your referral my “red carpet service.” After the sale, I will send you a $50 Gift Certificate towards dinner in a fabulous Palm Springs Area Restaurant so you can celebrate!

Brought to You By Your Favorite Realtor,

Nancy Hankin

Great New Year’s Resolution!

Life Is Too Short,
Break The Rules, Forgive Quickly,
Kiss Slowly, Love Truly,
Laugh Uncontrollably,
And Never Regret Anything
That Made You Smile.
Life May Not Be The Party
We Hoped For,
But While We’re Here, We Should Dance…

Don’t Die With Your Music Still In You

Create Yourself a Wonderful 2012.  What is your New Years Resolution?

How I Learned to SIMPLIFY My Life In The World of Technology!

Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody

Would you like to make a comment on this article? It’s a great place for you to “let YOUR thoughts be known on the various articles written. Be My Guest………I‘d love to hear from you! Others would too! To comment just scroll down and leave a reply.

IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the Palm Desert Area, try searching properties on the same Desert Area MLS Realtor’s use, or give me a call….or visit my website at Palm Springs Homes and Estates. I will be happy to give you or your referral my “red carpet service.” After the sale, I will send you a $50 Gift Certificate towards dinner in a fabulous Palm Springs Area Restaurant so you can celebrate!

Brought to You By Your Favorite Realtor,

Nancy Hankin

Six Critical Things You Should Never Do Before Your Loan Funds

Many buyers anxious to take advantage of today’s low interest rates and homes priced 30% to 40% lower than they were six years ago, are investing in real estate. After getting pre-approved for a loan, many buyers are also “shooting themselves in the foot” by destroying their credit beforethe sale finalizes.  Unfortunately, they aren’t even aware they are doing this until it’s too late and they are turned down by their lender, sometimes within hours of expecting to close.

I recently read an article written by a lender, warning buyers about things they should NEVER do when they apply for a loan. I wanted to share this with you:

1. Do not quit your job.  One of the worst mistakes a buyer makes is quitting their job before the loan funds. Lenders will call employers to verify employment up to the day the loan is ready to fund, making sure the borrower is actively employed.

2. Do not go on a shopping spree. Stop using your credit cards, especially on large purchases like furniture or cars, as soon as you have been approved for a loan. Lenders will go back and re-check credit before the loan funds.

3. Do not start applying for new Credit Cards. This will affect your credit negatively. Your credit score will go down.

4. Do not raid your piggy bank.  When you fill out an application and say you have $47,500 in your savings account and $10,000 in your checking account. those numbers are verified and your closing costs/down payment has to come from that. If you bring a check from some account you never told your loan officer about, that will halt the closing until those funds can be verified.

5. Do not make any large deposits you cannot provide a paper trail on. Usually deposits over $500 have to be sourced, meaning you will have to provide a verifiable paper trail of where that money comes from. The purpose of this is to show an interested party is not giving you the funds to make it happen. You can get a gift from a relative or “significant other” provided those funds are traced. In that case you need a specific letter you can get the form from your loan officer.

6. Not contacting Nancy Hankin to assist you with all your Palm Springs area real estate needs!

I hope this information has been helpful. You might also want to share this information with someone you know who may be thinking of buying a home. I’m here to help in any way I can for all your real estate needs.

14 Mistakes buyers make when purchasing a home

Understand Mortgage Insurance

Would you like to make a comment on this article? It’s a great place for you to “let YOUR thoughts be known on the various articles written. Be My Guest………I‘d love to hear from you! Others would too! To comment just scroll down and leave a reply.

IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the Palm Desert Area, try searching properties on the same Desert Area MLS Realtor’s use, or give me a call….or visit my website at Palm Springs Homes and Estates. I will be happy to give you or your referral my “red carpet service.” After the sale, I will send you a $50 Gift Certificate towards dinner in a fabulous Palm Springs Area Restaurant so you can celebrate!

Brought to You By Your Favorite Realtor,

Nancy Hankin

Giving or Receiving?

The other day I over-heard a young woman say she was not going to be giving her nieces and nephews any Christmas gifts this year.  I asked her “why” and she said it was because they had so many toys, clothes and games, and she was ashamed how greedy they were….they always wanted more. I suggested she might like to try something different this year.

“What are you suggesting” she asked.

“Why not teach them how great it feels to GIVE to those less fortunate.” I said.

She responded, “That’s a great idea, but tell me how to do this.”

I then proceeded to tell her a story I heard about many years ago and suggested she do the same. Here’s what I suggested she do.

“Take your three nieces and nephews to the toy story and tell each of them they can pick out one gift to give to a little girl or boy who doesn’t have any toys. Give them a limit of how much they can spend on each gift. Then tell them on Christmas Day all of you will visit a home where a little girl or boy lives and they will give the gift they picked out to that special child.

Tell them you will find out the names of a family that has someone they can give the gift to. Explain how happy that little girl or boy will be to get that special gift from them. Tell them how proud you are they are going to do this.” Then after all the gifts have been given out, take them all out for hot chocolate and ice cream to celebrate this special day.

Teaching our children the “Gift of Giving” early in life, will help them understand the importance of being unselfish and kind to those less fortunate as they grow older.

Wishing all of you, from all faiths, a joyous holiday with family and friends.

Holidays are what you make of them.

What’s your favorite memory of snow?

Would you like to make a comment on this article? It’s a great place for you to “let YOUR thoughts be known on the various articles written. Be My Guest………I‘d love to hear from you! Others would too! To comment just scroll down and leave a reply.

IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the Palm Desert Area, try searching properties on the same Desert Area MLS Realtor’s use, or give me a call….or visit my website at Palm Springs Homes and Estates. I will be happy to give you or your referral my “red carpet service.” After the sale, I will send you a $50 Gift Certificatetowards dinner in a fabulous Palm Springs Area Restaurant so you can celebrate!

Brought to You By Your Favorite Realtor,

Nancy Hankin

Seven Secrets of Success!

 

We recently said “goodbye to Steve Jobs, Founder of Apple….another genius. How is it that a college dropout, who landed in his parents’ garage… and who was once kicked out of his own company, became one of the world’s foremost innovators?

Here areSteve’s (7) Secrets to howSteveJobs triumphed in the face of daunting circumstances and how you can do the same.

1. Do What You Love, No Matter What It Happens to Be

“Don’t settle … as with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”

2. ‘Put a Dent in the Universe’

“Put a dent in the universe simply means that you have to have a big, bold, clear, concise vision of what you want…and go for it!

3. ‘Say No to 1,000 Things’

Simplifying his business was key to Jobs’ success. Reduce the Clutter in your life and you’ll be able to see with more clarity.  “In 1997, when he returned to Apple, Apple was close to bankruptcy. He took 300 products and condensed them to 10, within a two-year period,” he says.

4. ‘Kick Start Your Brain’ by Doing Something New

Doing new things helped Jobs, in the word’s of Apple’s own slogan, “think differently.” The inspiration for the Apple store came from the Four Seasons. That’s why when you walk into an Apple store you will not find a cashier. You’ll find a concierge. Walk to the back of the store and there’s a bar. It doesn’t dispel – dispense alcohol, but it dispenses advice.

5. ‘Sell Dreams Not Products’

Jobs famously explained that the iPhone was not just a phone but a lifestyle.  I often say I’ve never SOLD a home…I just match people, and their lifestyles to a community! The home will then sell itself!

6. ‘Create Insanely Great Experiences’

“For Jobs, it wasn’t just about selling 29 million IPads this summer but entertaining the customer at the same time.”  Whether you run a multi-billion dollar tech company or a pizza parlor, innovation, he says, “means creating an experience for your customer.”

7. ‘Master the Message’

Jobs wasn’t born a naturally gifted presenter — he was visibly nervous during his first live television interview in the 1970s — but he improved over time. “In 2007, he actually gave what I consider the greatest presentation I’ve ever seen — the introduction of the iPhone.” Others can learn from Jobs’ secrets Consider, he says, asking yourself what Jobs might do in a given situation. “When you start asking yourself what wouldStevedo, it’s a high bar to reach.” “But it’s worth reaching.”

If my readers will forgive me,

I would like to add one more secret I’ve lived by for many years.

It’s simple but so important.

 “Don’t Die With Your Music Still In You.”

Would you like to make a comment on this article? It’s a great place for you to “let YOUR thoughts be known on the various articles written. Be My Guest………I‘d love to hear from you! Others would too! To comment just scroll down and leave a reply.

IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the Palm Desert Area, try searching properties on the same Desert Area MLS Realtor’s use, or give me a call….or visit my website at Palm Springs Homes and Estates. I will be happy to give you or your referral my “red carpet service.” After the sale, I will send you a $50 Gift Certificate towards dinner in a fabulous Palm Springs Area Restaurant so you can celebrate!

Brought to You By Your Favorite Realtor,

Nancy Hankin

GOLDEN TELEPHONE

A man in Westport, Ct., decided to write a book about churches around the country.

He started by flying to Portland, and started working east from there.

 Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign which read “$10,000.00 a minute.”

Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to Heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to God.  The man thanked the Pastor and continued on his way.

As he continued to visit churches in Seattle, Austin, Michigan, Chicago,, Milwaukee and around the United States, he found more phones, with the same sign, and the same answer from each pastor.

Finally, he arrived in California.  Upon entering a church, behold, he saw the usual golden telephone.  But, this time, the sign read, “Calls: 25 cents.”

Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor.  “Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to God, but, in the other churches the cost was $10,000.00 a minute.

“Your sign reads 25 cents a call. Why?”

The pastor, smiling benignly, replied, “Son, you’re in Palm Springs California now, and it’s a local call.”

Would you like to make a comment on this article? It’s a great place for you to “let YOUR thoughts be known on the various articles written. Be My Guest………I‘d love to hear from you! Others would too! To comment just scroll down and leave a reply.

IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the Palm Desert Area, try searching properties on the same Desert Area MLS Realtor’s use, or give me a call….or visit my website at Palm Springs Homes and Estates. I will be happy to give you or your referral my “red carpet service.” After the sale, I will send you a $50 Gift Certificatetowards dinner in a fabulous Palm Springs Area Restaurant so you can celebrate!

Brought to You By Your Favorite Realtor,

Nancy Hankin

Christmas gift idea: Make a Terrarium

 

The other day I was watching a TV program on “How to Make a Terrarium.”  For starters…I happen to have a “black thumb,” not a “green thumb.” Most plants die a rapid death as soon as I try to take care of them.

The program I was watching said ANYONE can create a terrarium (now that sparked my interest), and plants inside the terrarium will live for many years.  It went on to say that terrariums are mini indoor gardens that are perfect for people who want to decorate their home or office with houseplants, but don’t have a lot of time to care for them.

It showed how terrariums can easily be made inside old mason jars, in large aquariums, and in just about anything that is made of glass. A woman on the show designed terrariums that sold between $4000-$6000 dollars!

They suggested selecting small plants that all require the same type of care. For example, use all tropical sun-loving or all drought-tolerant plants. Never mix plants with different growing requirements. In our area, the Palm Springs Desert Area, we have a lot of cacti and succulents.

I learned if I created a tropical terrarium, I would have the option of covering the jar with a lid or glass dish. This step will seal the environment and create a miniature rain forest. However, the program warned that sealed terrariums are at risk of overheating if placed near a sunny window. They said, skip this step if you used drought tolerant plants, such as cacti and succulents, as it will create too humid of an environment for them

I went on the Internet and discovered many wonderful videos showing step-by-step instructions on how to design and make a terrarium. I especially liked the idea of creating a tropical terrarium that I would NEVER have to water.

If you happen to have the same “black thumb” problem I have, your friends will surly think you grew a “green thumb” over-night after you make your first terrarium!

Would you like to make a comment on this article? It’s a great place for you to “let YOUR thoughts be known on the various articles written. Be My Guest………I‘d love to hear from you! Others would too! To comment just scroll down and leave a reply.

IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the Palm Desert Area, try searching properties on the same Desert Area MLS Realtor’s use, or give me a call….or visit my website at Palm Springs Homes and Estates. I will be happy to give you or your referral my “red carpet service.” After the sale, I will send you a $50 Gift Certificate towards dinner in a fabulous Palm Springs Area Restaurant so you can celebrate!

Brought to You By Your Favorite Realtor,

Nancy Hankin

A Beautiful Message & Tender Story

This may seem like a very unlikely Thanksgiving Day message, but after you read this article written by Katharine Herrup, Opinion Editor or Reuters and WATCH this Heartfelt Video, you will be Proud to be an American, and you will feel truly blessed to see how a group of folks (like you and me), pulled together to rescue so many people in their time of need. 

• This is a story I never heard before..
• This is a story you will not want to miss.

So on this Thanksgiving Day, give thanks to all the “blessings” you have.

• Today I woke up.
• Today I felt the warmth of sunshine as I stepped outside.
• Today I smelled the flowers blooming in my courtyard.
• Today I looked across my patio to the mountains in the distance.
• Today I heard the ducks playing in the pond.
• Today I was greeted by my loved ones…even the small furry ones at my feet.
• Today I am thankful for so many things.

Please take a few moments to watch and read this beautiful story: Just sit back, relax and click here:

http://blogs.reuters.com/katharine-herrup/2011/09/09/boatlifters-the-unknown-story-of-911/

So Much To Be Grateful For

Would you like to make a comment on this article? It’s a great place for you to “let YOUR thoughts be known on the various articles written. Be My Guest………I‘d love to hear from you! Others would too! To comment just scroll down and leave a reply.

IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the Palm Desert Area, try searching properties on the same Desert Area MLS Realtor’s use, or give me a call….or visit my website at Palm Springs Homes and Estates. I will be happy to give you or your referral my “red carpet service.” After the sale, I will send you a $50 Gift Certificatetowards dinner in a fabulous Palm Springs Area Restaurant so you can celebrate!

Happy Thanksgiving

To You & Your Loved Ones

from Nancy