You think New Year Resolutions are only for people?

New Year Resolutions

Well, your home thinks otherwise. Here are a few ideas for you to consider regarding your home.

Interest Rate

1 – Is your interest rate on your mortgage 4% or higher? A 30 year conventional mortgage currently offers a rate of +- 3.25% . I’m seeing 30 year FHA rates as low as 2.75%. Speak with a mortgage rep and see if it makes sense to refinance.

HELOC

2 – Your house wants to help you if you have significant credit card debt. Take a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) and pay off those high interest credit cards.

Reduce Energy Costs

3 – Reduce energy costs. Replace any of the old incandescent light bulbs with compact flourescent bulbs or LED bulbs. You can decrease your lighting costs by up to 80%, and the bulbs last a lot longer. These bulbs were very expensive when they first became available, but prices have come down a lot since.
Seal air leaks in the home. Using a candle on a windy day, check around the baseboard moldings and window moldings for drafts. If you find any, seal the with caulk. Check the doors, you may need to replace or add weatherstripping. Air sometimes leaks in around switches and receptacles on exterior walls. Gaskets are available to help seal those leaks. DO you have sufficient insulation in the attic? A minimum of 8″ is recommended.

Change Furnace Filters

4 – Furnace filters should be changed every month. A dirty filter causes the furnace to work harder. This can cause a furnace to fail prematurely, and can also increase the amount of dust circulating through the house. Purchase a dozen filters and get in the habit of changing them once per month. Your furnace will thank you.

Homeowners Insurance

5- Shop your insurance policies. Possibly contact an independent insurance agent and have that person do the shopping for you. You may find you’re paying more than you need to.

Questions or comments? Contact us.