Patrick Walsh's Real Estate Blog | Tempe AZ | Real Estate, Foreclosures, Home Staging, First Time Home Buyers, Short Sales

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Patrick Walsh
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    CNE: Certified Negotiation Expert
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How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient and Save Money in Tempe AZ

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

Here is the least expensive idea for making your home energy efficient and it could save you big bucks….find out how.

Arizona homeowners can easily save money and increase the real estate market value of their residencies by simply sealing air leaks commonly found in many areas around the home. Sealing air leaks is one of the least costly (and least complicated) ways to begin or continue the process of “greening” a home. The task requires only a minimal investment of time and supplies, yet it yields a substantial payoff that can last many years. Sealing leaks keeps hot summer air out of circulation in the home and less air conditioner energy is needed to stay cool. Later on in the year when the cold winter air is also barred from entry, less heat is needed inside the home. This will save the homeowner money on electricity bills and will also make the home more attractive to buyers willing to pay more for an energy-efficient or green home.

To locate a leak, wait until there is wind activity outside, then hold a lit stick of incense up to any area in which a leak may occur such as doorways, windows, electrical outlets and switches. If the incense smoke moves in a horizontal, rather than vertical direction, a leak is present. Sealing windows with weather stripping and caulk will stop air leaks, as will the installation of foam gaskets behind outlet and light switch plates. And when air passes under closed doors because there is a space between the door bottom and the floor, a flexible sealing gasket can be attached to the door bottom. These really are easy fixes.

Your Tempe realtor and National Association of Realtors ® Green Designee, Patrick Walsh, is available to assist you with any step in the process of greening your home. The Tempe real estate market is warming up and if you are planning to sell, there is no time like the present to increase the energy efficiency and market value of your home through greening. Patrick Walsh can connect you with local green appliance, home improvement suppliers and contractors to help you get started on larger projects. Contact Patrick Walsh today at pwalsh@kw.com to let him know how he can be of service.

Further low-cost energy tips:

www.energysavers.gov

Oprah- Green Home Improvements

Loan Modification Can Help You Save Your Home

Monday, May 18th, 2009

If you are one of the many people struggling to save your home, then loan modification may be the life raft you are looking for.

Loan modification can help you reduce your monthly mortgage payment. While not all homeowners qualify, it doesn’t hurt to look into pre-qualification.

To qualify, you must be employed and able to demonstrate that your household income has been reduced. As your Tempe realtor, I would be happy to help you determine if you are pre-qualified for assistance – at no charge to you. No upfront fees, no charge for the results. If there is a way to help you save your home, I want to help.

The pre-qualification process can be cumbersome – having a professional assist you can make the process less overwhelming. If you are pre-qualified, you are in no way obligated to continue the qualification process with me.

Loan modification isn’t always the best solution – in some cases, a short sale is the best course of action. The loan modification process is ideal for those who are unable to make their monthly mortgage payment – but can, with a little tweaking to their budget. Short sales are the better option for those who cannot pay their bills. A short sale can even be beneficial for some, taking away a massive source of financial stress. I will help you determine which avenue you should pursue.

Before you decide to hire someone to help you save your home, be sure to do your research – there are predatory companies taking advantage of those seeking assistance. Arizona Republic Real Estate reporter Catherine Reagor reported in Sunday’s paper that families across the Valley are being victimized by scam artists who are taking advantage of the uncertainty surrounding loan modification. Reagor said if the company you are dealing with guarantees that it can get your lender to reduce your monthly mortgage payment or tells you not to seek outside assistance, you may be the victim of a scam. Some victims have reported that the scammers have offered to fill out the paperwork for them, demanded payment in advance and rushed them through the process.

If you are concerned that you have been the victim of a scam, or suspect a company of wrongdoing, you can report it to one of the following organizations:

Remember, you are not alone in this – together, we will find a solution.

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