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Thursday June. 28, 2018
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
3 areas to insulate that will save you money on energy bills (BPT)
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o you cringe each month when your utility bills arrive?
The annual energy cost for a typical single family home in the U.S. is more than $2,000, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. If you can think of a thousand things you’d rather spend your hard-earned money on than electricity and natural gas, the solution to saving on energy costs is easier than you think. While you might assume the numerous electronic gadgets you own drive your high utility bills, the real cost culprits are your furnace and air conditioner. Space heating and cooling account for 42 percent of home energy costs – double what the typical home spends running its electronics and small appliances. What’s truly unfortunate is much of the money spent on heating and cooling homes is wasted, as heat leaks out of your home in winter and comes in during the summer. The reason? About 90 percent of U.S. homes are under-insulated, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. Ending your suffering from high energy bills can be as easy as tackling a few, simple, do-it-yourself insulation projects. Key areas to insulate are your home’s attic, basement, crawl space and garage. Read on for tips on insulating these spaces to improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort, while putting money back in your pocket. 1. Attic As heat rises and many attics are un-insulated or poorly insulated, the attic is a good place to start for making your home more cozy and cost-effective. Insulating your attic is “a DIY project you can tackle in a weekend, and the savings you’ll get add up every year,” said Tom Silva, general contractor for the popular “This Old House” TV show. Many contractors and homeowners use loose-fill insulation or fiberglass batts in attics. Although these materials are easy to work with, it is difficult to ensure they do not leave gaps through which heat can escape. And, since they are designed to fit between the joists in the attic floor, they leave the joists un-insulated, which provides many places for heat to transfer from the home into the attic.
An alternative that is also easy to work with, and that provides continuous insulation, is rigid foam panels. Among the rigid foams, expanded polystyrene (EPS) provides the highest insulating power per dollar. EPS panels are simple to cut to size, without creating mess, are recyclable and can be installed throughout your home. One of the EPS brands available at home improvement stores is Insulfoam R-Tech insulation. 2. Basement and crawl space
In addition to insulating your attic, it’s important to make sure the bottom part of your home is energy-efficient. For most of the U.S. other than the hot Gulf Coast region, “it’s cost-effective and wise to install basement wall insulation,” wrote Martin Holladay on his “Musings of an Energy Nerd” blog. As in the attic, rigid foam insulation boards can readily be cut to size and installed on basement walls. While insulation can be applied to the inside or outside of a basement wall, for existing homes it is typically much easier to install it on the inside wall. This avoids having to move dirt away from the foundation and back-fill once the insulation is in place. While you’re insulating your basement, be sure to also insulate any crawlspaces, including both the walls and ceiling of these areas. 3. Garage door “Garage doors notoriously are un-insulated,” said David Stassi, field technical support manager at Insulfoam. “Fortunately, readily available DIY insulation kits allow homeowners to insulate their garage door in less than an hour, for less than $100.” Even a beginning DIYer can do the job, as you simply cut the insulation panels to size with a knife and straightedge, and flex the panels into place between the garage door’s horizontal rails. The panels remain firmly in place without messy glues or awkward tape. For step-by-step instructions on installing garage door insulation or EPS insulation in basements, crawl spaces and attics, visit the Insulfoam YouTube channel. With a few simple DIY insulation projects, you can save hundreds of dollars every year. Instead of spending too much on heating and cooling, you’ll have extra money for fun things like eating dinner out or taking a well-deserved vacation.
Stay agile: 5 tips for easier aging in place
(BPT)
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hile many of us may dream of retiring and moving away to a beach-side resort or cabin by the lake, the reality is that most Americans look forward to remaining in their own homes so they can continue to enjoy familiar comforts, activities and loved ones. In fact, an AARP survey recently found that 87 percent of U.S. adults 65 and older and 71 percent of those 50 to 64 wish to stay in their current houses as they get older.
controls, lever-style handles, and adapted tubs and showers can be planned over time to help with budgeting. Housecleaning services: Hiring a professional company to regularly take care of routine housework can take away a huge burden, freeing you up for more enjoyable activities while ensuring your home stays clean, tidy and welcoming to friends and family. Hiring a trusted service provider like Merry Maids ensures a comprehensive cleaning every time. Merry Maids can customize home cleaning plans to accommodate any needs.
Fortunately, it’s becoming easier for seniors to maintain their independence and stay at home longer thanks to the increasing range of services offered to this fast-growing market. This is great news, considering that by 2035, one in three American households are expected to be led by someone 65 or older.
Emergency alert services: Think about signing up for a personal emergency response system that can immediately call for medical or police assistance at the push of an (often wearable) button. Many now offer GPS tracking, activity monitoring, fitness tracking, fire and carbon monoxide detection and other advanced features.
Unlike previous generations who were often forced to leave their homes due to keeping up with home maintenance, personal care and healthcare needs, businesses today offer solutions to these challenges and more.
Transportation services: If you’re nearing the point at which you’re unable to drive, you may wish to research other ways of getting you where you wish to go. Depending on your budget, your options might include a service such as Uber, a private car service, a dial-a-ride service, traditional public transportation or paratransit.
If you’re an aging adult or have parents or other loved ones who are getting older, here are some important services and options that can make aging in place easier. Universal design: Making your home more easily navigable will make a huge difference should mobility become an issue. Modifications such as ramped or no-step entrances, wider halls and doorways, lowered electrical
Grocery delivery: Fortunately, many grocers are now competing to remain relevant in their industry by offering low-cost delivery services. That pays off for seniors who want to continue to choose their own foods but find shopping or travel physically challenging. Many services even allow you to pick out specific cuts of meat or pieces of produce online.
Page 2D • Thursday, June 28, 2018
Real Estate
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Paint like a pro in 5 easy steps
(BPT)
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pros. Use painter’s tape to protect window sills, molding,
othing transforms a home quite like a fresh coat of
baseboards, door hinges and the ceiling perimeter, taking your
paint. In fact, painting your own house is one of the
time to ensure that every corner is properly protected. These
smartest and easiest DIY upgrades a homeowner
areas are also prone to gaps and cracks. Remove any loose or
can accomplish on their own.
“Summer is the ideal time to tackle a painting project,
as the warmer temperatures lead to faster drying times, and
cracked caulking from windows, doors and trim, and apply a fresh bead of sealant for a smooth, sealed surface. Alex Flex Premium Molding & Trim Sealant is specifically formulated for use on molding
you can comfort-
and trim applica-
ably leave the
tions. The sealant is
windows open for
paintable in just 30
better ventilation,”
minutes with latex
said Megan Youngs,
or oil-based paints,
Product Manager
saving time and
at DAP. “Just re-
resulting in a seam-
member, a little bit
less, more profes-
of preparation goes
sional finish.
a long way toward creating a profes-
Fill It Up: Now
sional look that will
it’s time to tackle
last for years to
the main surface.
come.”
Cracks, holes and
dents will mar the
Before reach-
finished project, so
ing for a paintbrush,
apply spackle to
follow these paint
fill in these areas.
preparation tips
Open a container of
from the experts at
pre-mixed spack-
DAP.
ling compound and
Clean Up Your
scoop up a small
Act: Paint adheres
amount with a putty
better to a smooth,
knife. There’s no
clean surface. While living room walls may only need a dry
need to pile it on. Instead, start with a small amount, and with
dusting, kitchens and bathrooms, where dirt, grease, oil or
a shallow knife strike, spread the compound over the hole or
mildew can build up, need extra attention. Wash surfaces with
crack in a smooth, downward motion. Repeat until the hole is
soap and water, rinse well and allow them to fully dry. For
completely filled in. Want to get rid of those stubborn recurring
bathrooms, remove mildew by applying a solution of one-part
cracks? Reach for Alex Flex Flexible Spackling, which pro-
bleach to three-parts water and allow the solution to sit for
vides maximum flexibility and moves with the repaired surface
20 minutes. Then scrub the mildew with a soft-bristle brush,
as problem areas expand and contract with changes in weather
rinse the surface and allow it to dry. Be sure to wear safety
and humidity. It’s also easy to sand to a smooth, feathered-
glasses and rubber gloves when working with this bleach-and-
edge finish and is paintable for a seamless repair.
water solution.
Paint with Precision: Make the job go easier and faster by
Scrape and Sand: Now that the surface is dry, smooth down
having a variety of brushes and rollers on hand. Rollers are
the surface with a bit of fine-grit sandpaper. This is particular-
great for covering large, wide surfaces, but for a professional
ly important if painting over a glossy finish, as paint applies
look around edges and corners, you’ll need smaller brushes
more evenly to dull surfaces. In addition, going over the area
for the right amount of detailed work. Moisten rollers and
with sandpaper will help uncover any cracks, holes or dents
brushes in water beforehand, as this will help the paint glide
that could diminish the final look of your project. Another pro
more smoothly onto the surface. Allow the first coat of paint to
tip is to shine a bright light at a low angle across the surface
completely dry, and then apply a second coat to ensure smooth,
to spot any problem areas. After you have sanded or scraped
even coverage. Once the second coat is dry, carefully pull up
the area, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust
any painter’s tape and voila! Your space is transformed!
or residue. Don’t Forget the Details: Anyone can paint over a wide, smooth surface, but it’s the attention to detail around windows and doors that truly separates a mediocre job from the
For more information on DAP products for your next
DIY project, visit DAP.com.
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Real Estate
Thursday, June. 28, 2018 • Page 3D
3 simple ways to create the party deck of the summer
(BPT)
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ookouts, barbecues, family reunions and more are upon us, and as the coolest neighbor on the cul-de-sac, hosting the summer fun is a no-brainer. Throughout the colder seasons it’s easy to forget about your special role of summer party host, and maybe the dirt and grime on your deck is piled a little bit higher than you had expected. Worry not, for we’ve compiled three simple ways to have your deck and yard ready to go, so you can play host to the cookout of the year. 1. Make your deck and patio shine After you remove the leaves from the surface of your deck or patio, dirt and stains remain. Luckily, Greenworks Tools has released the unbelievably easy-to-use 2000psi Pressure Washer. This light, powerful and gas-free machine will ensure that you have an easy time making your deck or patio look brand-new, impressing your guests. Talk about a win-win situation. 2. Give your deck a makeover A great summer cookout on the deck is never a reason to complain, but taking your deck to the next level visually will enhance the experience a hundredfold. Look into outdoor string lights to hang across the deck, instead of relying on porch lights, to set that summer mood. This is also a great time to invest in new lawn and deck furniture if your current set is beginning to show its age. 3. Pamper your yard While the barbecue may not leave the deck, your guests should be impressed with the high-quality mowing lines and perfectly trimmed hedges in your backyard. To make the job easier and save you time, Greenworks Tools has you covered once more. With a complete lineup of lithium-ion batterypowered outdoor equipment, Greenworks eliminates the mess, hassle and noise of gas-powered tools without having to sacrifice any of the power to get the job done, ensuring that your yard will be the talk of the party. You’re just three simple steps away from a great summer on your patio, so don’t hesitate to get started – summer weather is finally here! For more information on some of the tools listed to get your deck cleaned and yard trimmed to perfection, visit http:// www.greenworkstools.com.
Page 4D • Thursday, June 28, 2018
Real Estate
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Top tips to help first-timers navigate the housing market
(BPT)
Across the U.S., the housing market is picking up pace moving into the peak of the summer homebuying season. In city after city, home prices are on the rise, up 2.3 percent on average between April 2017 and 2018, according to the RE/ MAX April 2018 National Housing Report. And there are fewer houses on the market to choose from, with total housing inventory down by 11.3 percent. Based on home sales in April 2018, the national supply of inventory was at 2.5 months, making it a strong seller’s market. (A 6-month supply of inventory historically indicates a market that is balanced equally between buyers and sellers.) What’s fueling the demand? More members of the millennial generation entering the housing market, among other factors. If you’re ready to stop renting and start enjoying the benefits of home ownership, finding the perfect house within your price range can seem daunting, especially in a seller’s market. Keep these things in mind to find and close on that special home. 1. Keep an eye on your credit score The interest rate of your mortgage matters a great deal. Even a fraction of a percentage can add (or subtract) thousands of dollars over the life of a 30-year loan. One thing that can influence your interest rate is your credit score – it’s just one way for the lender to determine how likely you are to repay the loan. Well before you begin browsing properties online, take steps to get your credit score in the strongest possible position. Review your credit report and report errors immediately. Make on-time payments and put off opening new credit accounts until after the mortgage is finalized. 2. Work with a full-time, experienced real estate agent Plenty of online services claim you can save money by completing the process without a real estate agent. But as many buyers discover, the savings don’t always come through as promised. In fact, going through this complex process without professional guidance can definitely lead to costly problems later. If you work with an agent, you’ll get to work with a pro who’s in touch with the local market and can lend a helping hand every step of the way. Their expertise can help you find that perfect house and help you craft the right strategy for your offer. Visit remax.com to find a professional agent in your area. 3. Play to your strengths When you find the right house, you may not be the only one making an offer on the property. That can be intimidating. But keep in mind it’s not always about coming in with the highest dollar amount. Buyers have different motivations to sell. Some may be in a situation where they want to close and move out as soon as possible. They’ll be less likely to work with buyers who have their own houses to sell, making first-time buyers more attractive candidates. Buying a house is a big step, and in the heat of a seller’s market, it takes extra patience and perseverance. Find the right real estate agent to help you through the process, and moving day may arrive sooner than you expected.
5 home-buying tips for first-timers and old-timers (BPT)
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hether you are buying a home for the first time or you are just looking for an upgrade, it is never a bad idea to arm yourself with tips that can make your search go from overwhelming to enjoyable. Rather than learning the hard way about hidden expenses and difficult neighbors, there are things you can do to feel more confident as you begin your search. With a seller’s market in many parts of the country, these tips are even more important as you battle other buyers for the home of your dreams. The more efficient and straightforward you are in your search, the better chance you’ll have to hear “offer accepted.” Consider all the costs When starting the home-buying journey, the first thing to consider is the cost and expenses. When pre-approved for a mortgage of a certain amount, keep in mind that number is not a target - it is a maximum. While a seller’s market often means little wiggle room on price, your best bet is to find a property below that number so you have a financial cushion when negotiations happen. It is important to remember the mortgage is not the total cost of your home. It usually only covers principal, interest, property taxes and homeowner’s insurance premiums. Homeownership involves many other expenses like closing costs, home repairs and potential yearly increases in property taxes. Last, and something few people think about, if you have a life insurance policy, be sure to review it to make sure your coverage takes into account the mortgage debt on your new home. This ensures that if something happens to you, your family is financially secure. Be flexible but firm Finding the right home requires a delicate balance of flexibility and finesse. At the same time, you want to stand firm when it comes to your nonnegotiables in your new home (price, school district, a second bathroom). This is where having a real estate agent can be of enormous benefit. Agents have the expertise and time to devote to your search that allows you to flex when opportunity arises and get a home that doesn’t break your budget. Finding the right agent is a lot like finding the right home – you need to do your research. Get referrals for accredited agents and have meetings with two or three of them before deciding who to hire. Make sure they have experience working with homes in your price point and are familiar with the areas you are looking to buy in. Lastly, do not sign an exclusive broker agreement unless you are certain you have found the right agent for you. There are many resources available to help you find an agent that understands your individual needs, such as USAA’s Real Estate Rewards Network. Meet the neighbors While location is important, many factors feed into a great neighborhood. From disputes over pets and parking to personality clashes, neighbors can have a big impact on your happiness as a homeowner. Before committing to a neighborhood, take time to walk the street and gauge compatibility with the neighbors you meet. Talking with the neighbors may also reveal hidden quirks about the home you would not have known otherwise, such as a basement that constantly floods or an ongoing dispute about a property line. More house is more work Television shows have glamorized home renovation. Before deciding on a “fixer upper,” make sure you have a full understanding of what it will take – and how much it will cost – to make the house match your vision. Construction projects often take longer than anticipated and can reveal other problems that end up costing more money. If your home is a complete renovation you also won’t be able to live there during construction, so you need to ask yourself, can you afford to pay for two homes for several months? Similarly, a larger house means more time and money spent on upkeep. A house with a big yard may have great curb appeal but will you truly use all that space? Be realistic, because the money for maintenance on a bigger house is money in your pocket at a smaller house that has many of the features you want. Lastly, remember that no home improvement project will change your commute or how noisy the nearby traffic is. Use your head, not your heart One final piece of advice – do not let your emotions take over the process. Choosing a home can be stressful and overwhelming. It is important to keep a level head. No decision this big should be made on an impulse, so take your time and think through every aspect of the process. To learn more tips and tricks to buying a home or to find a trusted agent near you, visit USAA’s Home Learning Center.
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Real Estate
Thursday, June. 28, 2018 • Page 5D
Products to improve your home in 2 hours or less noise) and can be installed without reframing. When you
(BPT)
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he words home improvement usually conjure up images of major undertakings like tiling your bathroom or kitchen or tearing down a wall, tak-
ing hours and hours to complete the project. The fact is there are some meaningful home improvements you can do that can be accomplished in under two hours.
First, have you ever wished your home had more
daylight? Maybe you want to bring in daylight to a small place like a closet or laundry room. Or maybe you have a room with a window but still not enough light. One solution is a daylighting
open the windows with the whole house fan on, it strips out the heat from the home as well as the unwelcome smells. In summer months it keeps the house cooler and eliminates stale air in the winter. For information, visit http://www.solatube.com/whole-house-fans.
Another product that installs quickly is an upgraded
bathroom fan. It comes with a variety of options such as heaters and lights. An upgraded bathroom fan can dramatically reduce bathroom humidity and odors and run more quietly. For information, visit https://na.panasonic.com/ us/home-living-solutions/ventilation-indoor-air-quality.
system from Solatube. This product can be installed in under two hours and floods the interior with natural light. For more information, visit www. solatube.com/residential. Concerned about security? Installing a Ring doorbell takes just a few minutes and you can monitor visitors at your front door on your smartphone through an app. This is a way to add some security to your home. You can be anywhere with your phone but answer your front door and see who’s there. They have no idea where you are, home or otherwise. For information, visit https://ring.com/.
Indoor air quality can be poor. The upstairs can
often be hotter than the downstairs. Air can be humid and wet. House odors from cooking, pets, etc., can hang around. A Whole House Fan is quiet (with a light white
An easy home improvement project is to swap out
light bulbs for LEDs. Even CFL bulbs can’t hold a candle to LED bulbs, which, while more expensive, last up to 20 years or more. One source for LED bulbs is 1000 Bulbs, www.1000bulbs.com.
This gives you an idea of some ways to spruce up
your home in less than two hours. But the changes will be long-lasting!
Page 6D • Thursday, June 28, 2018
6 tips to save time, labor on yard work (BPT)
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t’s summertime, and you’ll want to spend many sun-drenched hours in the great outdoors. But while Mother Nature is flourishing, it feels like you’re wasting too many precious summer afternoons and evenings doing chores in the yard and garden. Give some of these labor-saving tips a try so you have more time for your favorite summer activities. 1. Get organized Nothing wastes time like having to search around for misplaced trowels, seed packets and garden rakes. It’s worth the time and effort to create a zone in your garage or shed that’s just for gardening and yard care tools. Use organizing tools like pegboards and repurposed containers to keep like items grouped together. A dollar-store photo album is perfect for keeping seed packets and plant care sticks organized for future use. 2. Harness perennial power Instead of planting a new set of annual flowers and plants in the ground each spring, opt for more perennials. These hardy plants will leap back to life without needing much attention. Talk to the university extension office in your area or a local nursery to discover the beautiful blooms that thrive and renew in your region. 3. Lighten your container pots Larger container pots add color and dimension to any yard or patio. Trouble is, they can get heavy and hard to move. Before planting, fill the bottom half of the empty container with packing peanuts. Then, fit a piece of landscaping fabric on top. This lets the water drain through, but still barricades soil. Fill the rest of the container with soil, add the plants, and, voila! Your containers are now several pounds lighter and much easier to move. 4. Automate your watering Watering your lawn and garden is not only physically taxing, it’s easy to forget. Between over-watering and under-watering, it can also be tough to get just right. Luckily, there’s a new generation of irrigation tools that let you customize and automate your watering schedule for the entire yard with a smartphone app. The Gro 7-Zone Controller is an easy-to-install smart irrigation system that uses real-time weather data to tailor watering schedules to your lawn’s needs. Add Gro Water Sensors to container pots and gardens to measure the moisture content in your soil; when plants get thirsty, you get a smartphone alert. Finally, Gro precision watering kits feature one-time, easy installation for hands-free watering while delivering water precisely where and when plants need it most. Even if you’re on vacation or getting through a hot dry spell, these tools will greatly streamline your watering routine while keeping your turf lush and blooms beautiful. 5. Use “instant” lawn fertilizer Emptying the grass catcher wastes precious time when mowing the lawn. Save yourself some labor and simply let grass clippings fall right onto the turf. They break down relatively quickly, providing the perfect food for your lawn. 6. Win the war on weeds If unwanted weeds start surfacing in garden beds, try this easy, chemical-free fix. Start by placing newspaper and cardboard on top of the soil, leaving a little space around the stems of the garden plants. Then, cover the entire surface with a layer of mulch. This barrier blocks weeds from emerging at the surface and lets you cross that chore off your list for the rest of the season. The summer season is all too brief. But with these tips, you can spend less time on chores and more time enjoying yourself outside!
Real Estate
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS