In This Issue

Green House At Your Fingertips A Family Affair

We are pleased to present you with the latest issue of Life@Home.  Delivered to home buyers, sellers and owners on a monthly basis, this electronic newsletter is designed to give you the real estate information that is important to you.  In each issue, you will find practical tips and articles related to buying, selling or owning a home, as well as the latest news on real estate trends.  We hope that you enjoy this issue of Life@Home.  If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Green House

Just a few years ago, making a commitment to help the environment meant recycling your plastic bags and glass bottles. But today that concept can be taken much further, to the products we buy, the cars we drive, and even the homes we live in.

Now builders have the know-how to make your home healthier, more energy-efficient and more cost-effective by using green materials and technologies. Here are some questions you may want to ask if you are interested in hiring a professional who is also committed to the cause.

1. Have you completed any special education or training courses on this topic? Some states and local agencies offer training and even certificate programs for builders who are serious about putting green technologies to work for their clients.

2. How can we use the latest technology to reduce costs and boost comfort? This could include using specific kinds of insulation, a special ventilation system, or even solar panels to supplement traditional energy sources.

3. What kinds of appliances and home systems should we use? When you think green about all parts of the home, from the toilet (water conservation) to the windows (are they energy efficient?), is when you can make the most difference. An experienced green builder should be able to recommend the products and fixtures that are best.

4. How do you reduce, re-use and recycle? Find out if the builder uses materials made from recycled materials when they are available and recommended. Also, inquire how he disposes of waste materials from the construction site..

Going green when you are building a new home is a worthwhile and serious undertaking. Learn as much as you can about the topic and the builder to ensure a smooth process and productive result. For more information on green building, visit the Green Advantage web site at http://www.greenadvantage.org

At Your Fingertips

Need to know something? Just type a few key words into your web browser. That is the logical first step for many people today. The Internet has revolutionized how we search for information and that includes the world of real estate. Here are four ways you can use the Internet when searching for a home.

1. Use it to research locations. you can learn a lot about a place online. Good sources include the township home page, the school district web site, local newspaper site, etc. While nothing can replace an in-person visit, information from these sites can help you ask better questions.

A Family Affair Teaching children to give back to the community is an important part of parenting. Make it a family affair by deciding together what causes you will support with your time, energy, talents and money. Finding out what your children care about is a good way to ensure they remain interested in volunteering.

2. Use it to pre-screen houses. So many real estate professionals use the Internet as a marketing tool by posting property photos and descriptions to their company or industry web sites. If you see something that piques your interest email it to your agent. It will give them an even better idea of what you are looking for.

3. Use it to learn about the process. Perhaps you have questions about how to apply for a mortgage. Or maybe you want to learn more about the home inspection process. Lots of information about the real estate process is available online. For instance, at www.century21.com, you can learn about buying, selling or a career in the field.

4. Use it to learn about the marketplace. Real estate is always in the news. Research trends and market patterns using the Internet. It will make you a more-informed and better-prepared buyer.