winter

The winter months mean celebrating the holidays, reconnecting with family and friends and planning your resolutions for the New Year. They can also mean a sharp increase to your monthly heating bill in order to stay warm and comfortable. If you’re interested in controlling your energy expenses while maintaining comfort, the tips below will help you make sure more of your money is put towards presents than power.

* Close the doors to rooms that are not in use. Most of us remember to turn off the lights in a room we’re not using but we rarely shut the door. And we end up wasting energy because of it. Don’t waste heat on rooms that aren’t in use. Instead, close those doors and allow the heat to circulate within a smaller area. Your furnace will have an easier time maintaining the temperature and you’ll notice the benefit on your energy bill.

* Invest in a heat pump. Some rooms are simply too important to keep the door closed all of the time. If it’s a child’s play area or your office, then chances are you’re looking for a way to add a little more heat. Investing in a duct-free heat pump system is the perfect solution.

* Check for cracks and gaps around windows and doors. Today’s homes are more airtight than ever before but there is still the potential for cold air to enter your home via your doors and windows. Inspect each of these openings and seal or insulate any gaps you find to prevent the loss of warm air. You should also check for cracks and gaps around the door to the attic and at any locations where outside pipes or cords enter your home.

* Cover your windows. Small cracks or gaps in your windows can create drafts and cold air hits your windows and leaves them cold to the touch, transferring those frigid temperatures inside. Prevent that cold from coming into your home by sealing your windows. This simple procedure takes only minutes and will have a dramatic effect on your heating bill. And don’t forget that heavy weight curtains can also help keep drafts out.

* Check your insulation. Many homes, especially older homes, are vulnerable to cold temperatures because they lack sufficient insulation. Insulation is commonly found in the attic but it also exists in any outer wall. If you are concerned your home may be poorly insulated, you can check the insulation levels yourself or you can hire a qualified home energy auditor who will check your insulation as part of his overall energy assessment.

The colder months are coming but that doesn’t mean you have to feel it inside your own home. Prepare for winter with the tips included here and you’ll be ready to enjoy a warm and festive winter holiday season.

If you are looking for a new home or wanting to sell your current home,  please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2013. All rights reserved.

Since September was National Home Furnishings Month, let’s take a look at some of the hottest trends in home furnishings for the fall and winter.

Lifestyle blogger Amy Henderson says keeping things eco-friendly is a growing trend as more people look to reduce their carbon footprints. Henderson says look for furniture composed of repurposed materials to limit the amount of waste you’re contributing to the planet.

She notes that the farmhouse look is falling back into style among many homeowners, but combining different decor is still a popular theme among professional interior designers. Whether you want to go more rustic in your contemporary kitchen or insert vintage decor into your modern bedroom, Henderson says take this concept to heart as you work.

Then there is the color – she says the right hues can instantly transform your space from looking dated to fresh. That being said, bright and vivid colors are the name of the game.

Specifically, she says, these tones are being seen in furniture – not just wall paint – which gives flair and visual interest to living areas that could use it. Henderson says before you dismiss paint swatches in bright blue or mellow yellow, think about what these hues could do for your home.

When it comes to furnishings, the folks at Stony Creek Furniture say smaller scaled furniture is very hot right now. And while it’s small on size, it’s huge on style and functionality.

They are also loving accent chairs – and advising clients to go a little wild on the pattern – maybe a dramatic black and white graphic. Designer Comer Wear of Century Furniture told Furniture Today magazine earlier this year that today’s market offers an accent chair for every setting.

“Chairs are a perfect way to include a fabric that you don’t want to show in a big way,” he said. “We style and put together our showroom settings so our dealers feel comfortable with mixing and matching, but we also push the envelope at market to show unusual pairings of fabrics and frames.”

Office furniture and desks, are also very popular since so many people work at home need a functional and stylish desk. The marketplace has answered with myriad choices in every style imaginable.

If you’re looking for a fabulous new home of your own, call a professional NEW HOME RESOURCE agent today at 702-365-1000!     Joanna Piette, Denise Moreno Thrasher, Evelyn “Beng” Kern, Lance Partin, Jessica O’Brien and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

By John Voket

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2013. All rights reserved

Hello all,
While summertime offers us a great opportunity to make the most of our
Hot hot hot sunny Saturdays, you might find yourself with some extra free time.
What to do? Why not take a little time each weekend to give your beautiful new or older home a little extra care? One of the best things about owning a home is the
pride and satisfaction derived from making it look as beautiful as possible!

With this letter, I’m including a list of some practical summer to-do’s that will
help to keep your home and garden in wonderful shape. Enjoy! And if you
need any further information, or would like to discuss any real estate
questions, please feel free to call me at 702-238-8285.

SEVEN TIPS FOR EASY SUMMER HOME CARE
1. Get rid of the green: Harsh summer heat is brutal on lawns and ups the ante on costs and water waste when it comes to caring for your lawn. Take a look at the many different alternatives to live green.

2. Fire it up: Get a head start for the upcoming winter and clean out your wood-burning fireplace and chimney. You’ll have one less winter task to attend to!

3. Carpet care: Now’s the perfect time to have your carpets professionally
cleaned, which will protect your carpet and make it last even longer.
Want to save a few bucks? Rent a quality carpet cleaner and do it
yourself!

4. Touch-ups: Inspect your home—inside and out—and touch up any paint
where necessary. This can be done quickly and easily, and will prevent
future peeling!

5. Lock and key: Check all of the locks on your windows and doors and
ensure that everything is working properly. Being proactive about safety
is always a smart move!

6. Oil it: Anything squeaking? Add a squirt of WD-40 or similar product to
door, cabinet and window hinges to keep them in top repair.

7. Park the car: If your garage is filling up with an abundance of stored
items, take a day to reorganize and get rid of unwanted clutter. Give
your unneeded items to charity, or have a fun summer yard sale!