7 Tips for Saving Energy in the Laundry Room

Understanding your laundry room appliances is part of a smart plan to help you save energy in your home.

Good laundry room habits, including some occasional minor maintenance, can save energy and shave nearly $300 off your annual utility bills. That's because you can curb the biggest energy culprit: the cost of heating water.

Washing machine
The bulk of a washing machine's operating costs-around 90%, says Energy Star, go to replacing the hot water in the home's hot water tank. Reduce the amount of hot water the appliance uses, and you'll significantly shrink its associated utility bills. By washing fewer loads and doing those loads in cooler water, you can save around $200 per year.

1. Use cold water. Switching from hot wash to cold, according Michael Bluejay, also known as Mr. Electricity (http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/), who specializes in electricity savings, can shave up to $215 per year off your electric bill. If you have a high-efficiency washer or gas-fueled water heater, assume savings of about half that figure. Cold washes are generally as effective in getting clothes clean as hot.

2. Only wash full loads. Discounting the energy required to heat the water, it costs around $60 per year in electricity to run the washer, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (http://www.doe.gov). Because it takes just as much electricity to wash a small load as it does a full one, you'll save money by only washing full loads. By reducing the number of overall loads by one-quarter, you can save $15 a year.

Clothes dryer
Because it's essentially a "toaster with a fan," says Amanda Korane of The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (http://www.aceee.org), a nonprofit focused on advancing energy efficiency, the clothes dryer is a difficult appliance to make green. But that doesn't mean there aren't ways to lessen its impact on your utility bill to the tune of about $80 per year.

3. Spin it faster. Good dryer efficiency starts in the clothes washer. Setting the maximum spin speed in the washer will reduce the amount of time-and energy-it takes to get clothes dry. Many of today's high-speed washer spin cycles can cut dry times by as much as half compared with older models. If an average electric clothes dryer costs about $80 per year to operate, according to the DOE, savings can approach the $40 mark.

4. Clean lint filter and exhaust. Dryers have to work harder and longer to dry clothes when air doesn't freely flow. Cleaning the lint filter before every use and doing the same for the exhaust line once a year will help maintain maximum efficiency. Also, check that the duct hose is free from tight bends and obstructions. These small chores not only will save a few bucks per year, they will reduce the risk of fire.

5. Activate energy-saving features. If the dryer has an automated moisture-sensing device, use it. Setting the timer can cause the dryer to run longer than necessary. But a moisture sensor will automatically shut off the machine when it senses clothes are dry. This feature can save $8 to $12 a year.

6. Dry like with like. Lighter items, such as T-shirts and blouses, dry much quicker than heavy items like towels and blankets. Therefore, when these items are combined in the same load, some of the clothes continue to tumble long after they're dry. This extends the dry time of the bulkier items, in turn wasting a few bucks every month.

7. Skip it. Every load in the dryer costs around $0.35, according to Bluejay. Hanging clothing to dry on a line outside or rack inside costs nothing. Racks run about $25 to $90 at online retailers. So, by giving the dryer a break even occasionally, savings can add up. Not only will the practice reduce utility bills, it will help extend the life of both the clothes and the appliance.

Article From HouseLogic.com
By: Douglas Trattner
Published: August 28, 2009
Douglas Trattner has covered household appliances and home improvement for HGTV.com, DIYNetworks, and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. During the 10-year stewardship of his 1925 Colonial, he's upgraded almost every household appliance. After lengthy deliberation, he recently replaced an aging top-load washing machine with an energy-efficient front-load unit.

Looking for new appliances? Let Nothnagle's Home Services help!

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

Nothnagle Makes Finding Your New Home Easier!

Nothnagle Realtors offers multiple ways for buyers to find information about properties for sale throughout the 25 county region that makes up much of Upstate New York. Through our affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Nothnagle is also your global connection....across the nation and around the globe.

Our exclusive 4-Sale Line makes shopping for a home easy, 24 hours a day. Just call 1-800-295-2797 and enter the 4-Sale Line property code or select the area you are searching in to hear brief descriptions of the home.

Does your cell phone have internet capabilities? Capture the power of Nothnagle.com right in the palm of your hand with Mobile.Nothnagle.com.

In the Rochester area, visit over 50 homes in 30 minutes with our Sunday Showcase of Homes airing every Sunday on WROC Channel 8 at 10:30 a.m. Missed the program? View this week’s show online. In all regions, Nothnagle.TV allows you to create your own custom TV show.

If you're on this blog then you're part of the 80%+ of buyers who begin their search on the Web. Thank you for visiting the region's #1 Real Estate site www.Nothnagle.com.....the only real estate web site you need!

• Search for thousands of homes available for sale throughout 25 counties in Upstate New York.

• Locate one of our premiere real estate professionals. A Nothnagle Agent has the knowledge, training and experience to help you through the buying and selling process.

• Create your own personal page at MyNothnagle. Receive new listings daily by email, save properties, rate listings, stay in contact with your agent.

• Need help? Click on our Live Chat feature.

• Learn more about our Home Services program, available before, during and after your move.

Nothnagle Home Services Welcomes our Newest Partners!

Nothnagle is proud to welcome our latest partners to our Home Services program. Nothnagle Home Services is a one-stop service for our clients. We assist you with home-related products and services before, during and after your move. Time is money and Home Services works hard to save you both.

Kitchen Thyme Design Studio
You know that cute little red house in Bushnell's Basin? Fantastic complete kitchen design, redesign & installation in all price ranges.

Uncle Bob's Storage
GREAT DEAL!! Remainder of first month free, "name your own price" second month,
free use of moving van, $25 gift certificate.

INDE Intuitive Design StudioAbsolutely everything you will ever need for home remodeling or design, from the outside in. Stunning displays and showroom, impressive and unique. For all of your projects - kitchen, bath, flooring, fixtures, siding, custom closets.

A.C.E.S. Renewable Energy Specialists
Geo-thermal, Solar and Wind Professionals. Certified and experts in installation, sales and tax incentives.

Nothnagle Insurance Agency Ranks 2nd in Rochester Region

After only one year in business, the Nothnagle Insurance Agency is currently 2nd in the Rochester Region of Allstate for homeowners' insurance sales.

With Nothnagle Realtors’ inclusion of homeowner, auto and life insurance services, clients can save valuable time and money as well as eliminate stress. The Nothnagle Insurance Agency has an experienced representative on-site ready to work for you. The new insurance program is offered to our clients through Nothnagle Home Services. Home Services assists clients seeking home-related products and services before, during and after the move.

There are many components to a successful real estate transaction and when you choose a Nothnagle agent, you GET MORE services and more convenience. To receive your complimentary quote or review, call 785-5558 today!

Nothnagle to Host Grand Opening in Dansville

Nothnagle Realtors will be hosting a grand opening celebration on Thursday, August 26, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Dansville branch located at 202 Main Street.

Last month Nothnagle Realtors announced the merger with The Edmond Agency, giving the company a third location in Livingston County and the first in Dansville. The company has completed the transition and currently has nine agents on-site at the branch to service the real estate needs of Dansville and surrounding areas.

Refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres will be served and the community is invited to stop in to meet the team, which includes Daniel Edmond, Karie Frisiras, Terry Kelley, Tina Kelley-Clancy, Gaylord Luce, Karen Luce, Judy Ann Rauber, Robbin Smith, Meg Sullivan, Branch Manager Andy Kachaylo and Senior Branch Manager Michelle Schlossel.

Important Information About Finished Basements

When converting a basement into a living area, town building codes specify that a finished basement must have an emergency egress - either an egress window or door large enough to allow people to easily exit the space, and for rescue crews to gain access in case of fire or other emergency.

Unless you have a "walk out" basement with a full-size door to enter and exit the space, the least expensive option is to install an egress window. Installation requires cutting a hole in your basement wall. If your basement has solid concrete or concrete block walls, the job will require the services of a skilled mason or basement remodeling specialist. The process is relatively straightforward for a skilled professional, as is the placement of the window and any finish work involved.

If you have a sloping yard, it may be that your new egress window can be installed completely above grade. If your foundation walls barely peek above the soil line, however, you’ll have to excavate down and provide a window well. The size of a window well also is determined by building codes to allow a person to easily climb out of the window and exit the house. If your egress window requires a window well, be sure to call first to have all buried utilities marked so that you won’t run into any electrical, gas, cable, water, or sewer lines.

According to the most current residential building codes, if your basement retreat includes one or more “sleeping rooms,” such as a dedicated spare bedroom, each of those rooms must have an egress window. In addition, a single egress window must be furnished for “common-use” areas, such as a TV room, game room, or home office. Occasional-use spaces, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and utility areas, don’t need emergency egress.

Contractors will typically charge anywhere from $2500 to $5000, depending on the complexity of the project and extent of the work required. There are "do it yourself" kits available but beware - cutting through the concrete wall in your basement is a major task. Before starting any renovation project, it is best to consult with the municipality code enforcement or building inspection department to find out all of the requirements. Typically you must present your plans, get a permit to begin the work, followed by an inspection. Once the town inspector signs off on the work, you will be issued a "Certificate of Compliance."

New Report: Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing

The National Association of Realtors recently published a research paper titled, "Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing."

Research has consistently shown the importance of the housing sector on the economy and the long-term social and financial benefits to individual homeowners. The economic benefits of the housing market and homeownership are immense and well documented. The housing sector directly accounted for approximately 14 percent of total economic activity in 2009. Household real estate holdings totaled $16.5 trillion in the first quarter of 2010. After subtracting mortgage liabilities, net real estate household equity totaled $6.3 trillion.

In addition to tangible financial benefits, homeownership brings substantial social benefits for families, communities, and the country as a whole. Because of these societal benefits, policy makers have promoted homeownership through a number of channels. Homeownership has been an essential element of the American Dream for decades and continues to be so even today.

The purpose of the paper is to review existing academic literature that documents the social benefits of homeownership. Furthermore, the paper examines not only the ownership of homes, but also the impact of stable housing--as opposed to transitory housing and homelessness---on social outcomes, looking specifically at the following outcome measures:

•Educational achievement;

•Civic participation;

•Health benefits;

•Crime;

•Public assistance; and

•Property maintenance and improvement.

Click here to read the paper in its entirety.

It's a Great Time to Consider a Career in Real Estate!

Nothnagle Realtors is hiring! Have you ever considered a NEW CAREER in Real Estate Sales? Have you already taken the licensing course and don't know what to do next? You've come to the right place!

If you're thinking of real estate as a career, we invite you to find out more about the licensing process and what Nothnagle has to offer you at one of our upcoming Career Day seminars. The seminars are free and there's no obligation, no pressure...just a source for information gathering.

What are some of the benefits of a career in real estate?

• Offers unlimited earning potential.

• Flexibility! As an independent contractor, you make your own hours.

• You are the boss of your own business…..we give you the support and guidance, but it’s your business.

Nothnagle has training and unprecedented support to ensure your success in a new career. If you already have your NYS salespersons license, learn about our exclusive Fast Trac training. New sessions are being added. Call 585-624-3370 x. 223 for dates and for registration information.

Our Fast Trac course offers comprehensive training on every aspect of real estate sales. Attendees graduate from Fast Trac and are prepared to hit the ground running. This course will teach you not just the fundamentals but will give you the confidence you need to be successful.

All real estate companies are not the same....Nothnagle can make the difference! See what our agents have to say about us.

Beware of Rental Scams on Craigslist

The FBI and various news outlets have been warning people to beware of a scam involving rentals posted on Craigslist. If you are using Craigslist to find rental property, please make sure that you are in contact with a real person in real life.

Craigslist posts a warning on all of the real estate pages:

Avoid scams and fraud by dealing locally! Beware any arrangement involving Western Union, Moneygram, wire transfer, or a landlord/owner who is out of the country or cannot meet you in person.

Typically the scam artist will only communicate via email and uses a story that they are currrently doing missionary work in Africa and therefore can't meet in person. They will request that you fill out an application and send a deposit and/or first and last month's rent via Western Union. They then indicate if you are approved, they will mail you the key. The key never arrives and the money is gone.

Many of the postings on Craigslist are "hijacked" listings taken from other local and national real estate websites and the Seller has no idea there home is being used to advertise the fake rental. The postings use a photo and provides basic info about the house so it looks legitimate. Often the monthly rent is way below market prices - remember, if it seems too good to be true, it usually is!

People have lost money in this scam! If you have been a victim or if you know of someone who has, please direct them to the scam section Craigslist has set up that includes links to the FTC and Internet Fraud Complaint Center.

New York's Finger Lakes Region

Make the Finger Lakes region of New York State your next getaway destination, and you won’t be disappointed. No other region has such an abundance of natural beauty and amazing attractions. From the pristine lakes, gorgeous waterfalls, and magnificent parks to the charming villages, one-of-a-kind museums, and unique shopping opportunities, the Finger Lakes has something for everyone to enjoy in all four seasons of the year.

Interested in buying or renting in the Finger Lakes? We have listings! The Finger Lakes offers tremendous opportunities for vacation homes, primary residences and investment property.

The Finger Lakes are a major tourist destination in the west-central section of Upstate New York. The lakes mainly are linear in shape, each lake oriented on a north-south axis. The longest, Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake, are among the deepest in America. Both are close to 40 miles from end to end, but never more than 3.5 miles wide. These largest lakes resemble the others in shape, which collectively reminded early map-makers of the fingers of a hand. The Finger Lakes area is New York State's largest wine producing region, with over 100 wineries and vineyards. The Finger Lakes region is rich in history and is home to a number of attractions and museums.

More Moving Tips

Being well-prepared for your upcoming move will help eliminate any unnecessary stress as you pack up from one house to move to another. Here are some helpful tips and reminders.

1. For each member of the family moving, pack a suitcase as if you’re all going on a 3-day vacation, including changes of clothes, medications, eyeglasses, toiletries, etc. Keep the suitcases separated from all the other items to be moved, such as in your car, at your workplace, etc. so you’ll have everything you need for the first few days without searching through boxes.

2. Pick one or two boxes per room as "Open Me First" boxes. Put in them the things you'll need first at your new location. Then mark the sides of the boxes so you'll know which ones are which.

3. Which leads to the next tip....label everything clearly! Use wide, permanent black markers. Label by room and general contents.

4. Wherever possible, work on packing just one room at a time (instead of several all at once) to keep things focused and organized.

5. Use packing as a way to clean out belongings for donations, a yard sale, and/or the recycling center. Aim to eliminate 1/3 of your belongings. You'll save time and expense.

6. When taking apart items to be moved, such as tables, tape screws and other small parts securely to the underside of the item. You'll always know where to look and can save time putting things back together.

7. Use towels, pillows and t-shirts you’re packing as extra padding around fragile items. It will save room in your boxes.

Making Your Move Stress-Free

Most important tip -- START EARLY! Everyone has more "stuff" than they think and people typically don't give themselves enough time to pack it all up. Boxing up old books, out-of-season clothes, old mementos when you first are putting your home on the market will pay off two fold; first, it will help declutter your space and second, it will save you time as you prepare to move.

One report stated that it takes 4-5 hours to pack up a dorm room. That should give you an idea of the time it will take to pack up your entire house! Create a calendar and plan by day when each room will be completed. Delegate duties to other household members and create inventory lists - what is going to the new home and what is being discarded/donated. Track your progress against your calendar and revise your plan if you start to fall behind.

An important first step is to choose a moving option: do-it-yourself, full service or a hybrid of the two. Sometimes hiring out is closer to doing it yourself by the time you get through adding up your time and the cost of feeding your friends!

With full-service moves, local moves are usually charged by the hour where out of state moves are charged by weight and mileage. Increasing in popularity is the hybrid - companies will drop off a large container at your home for you to pack and then take it to the next location for you to unpack. These types of companies frequently offer temporary storage options as well which is helpful when you are trying to "declutter" your home for showings.

When going through Nothnagle Home Services for your moving needs, you can be assured that all of our moving/storage service partners are insured and screened for quality.

One report stated that it takes 4-5 hours to pack up a dorm room. That should give you an idea of the time it will take to pack up your entire house! Create a calendar

5 Tips for Creating Curb Appeal

In a slower market, sellers must up the ante to convince buyers that their property offers what many want most — top value for dollar spent. The key is to create curb appeal so buyers want to look inside your home. To get started, view your home from the street. Try to be objective and look at it from a buyer's point of view. Is the landscaping neat? How does the paint, shutters, front door look? Can you see the house number? What about the mailbox?

Tip #1: Keep your lawn looking beautiful and well-tended. Regularly mow and then remove grass clippings. Nothing looks worse than clumbs of dead grass laying all over the yard. "Green" up your grass by applying fertilizer every 6-8 weeks and water it regularly, especially during dry spells.

Tip #2: Maintain your landscaping by regularly weeding, pruning trees and trimming bushes and shrubs. Flower beds add color help enliven otherwise plain areas like driveways and walkways.

Tip #3: Add outdoor lighting to your landscaping. Not everyone will drive by during daylight hours. There are many options for lighting, from professional installation to do-it-yourself kits sold at home improvement or garden stores. Highlight the items you want people to see, such as a mature tree or flowering shrubs.

Tip #4: Replace anything that looks worn, outdated or rusted such as your mailbox, house numbers, door knocker. The little touches will be appreciated by prospective buyers.

Tip #5: Add something special and unique to help differentiate it from others - a bench, big flower pots, a beautiful wreath. It will help buyers remember your property after touring several.

Nothnagle Relocation - Moving You From Anywhere, To Anywhere

Nothnagle's in-house Relocation Department moves corporations and families to and from the Upstate region every year. Whatever your reason to move, you can count on Nothnagle REALTORS for a seamless transition. Whether it's across town, across the state, across the country or even around the globe, we can help. Our Move Managers can access information on over 10,000 communities worldwide, will help you pinpoint your exact preferences and then can carefully handpick an agent for you.

Nothnagle belongs to a network of brokers called the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. LeadingRE is a global network of 600 premier real estate firms with 5,000 offices and 150,000 sales associates in more than 30 countries around the world. Collectively, this group sold nearly 1 million homes worth $250 billion last year, more than any national real estate brand. When we place referrals through our LeadingRE network, we are confident that our partners will deliver the same quality service you've come to know and expect from your local Nothnagle agent.

For 2010 year-to-date, Nothnagle Realtors Relocation has closed 26% more referrals placed this year than in the same time period in 2009. These referrals were placed to areas all over the United States, Canada and several overseas countries.

Interested in finding out more about our services? Call 866-295-MOVE today, select our Live Chat feature or fill out our on-line Relocation form to get started.

Home Staging Tips

Everyone understands the value of de-cluttering, cleaning and refreshing a home when putting your house on the market but today getting your home to "Sold" can happen faster if the home is properly staged to appeal to potential buyers.

As a Seller you have many options when it comes to staging. There are professional stagers for hire, your agent will likely offer you some advice and suggestions or try some simple updates that can help you achieve an updated look and feel that buyers are looking for.

Tip #1: Do a technology overhaul. Old technology will date your home. Flat screen TV's, lap top computers and wireless technology have eliminated the need for large bulky entertainment centers or massive desks. Remove the bulky stereos, TVs and furniture.

Tip #2: Appealing to singles. Sleeping spaces and the living room are the important areas that singles will be looking at as reports indicate that they view these rooms as their sanctuary from the outside world. Make the rooms inviting - candles, clean lines and soft, soothing colors.

Tip #3: Appealing to Families. Young families tend to revolve around children. Items that help this demographic envision themselves living in the space include age-appropriate bedding, linens and towels, a bright rug near play areas, and strategically placed toy chests with open tops. Since kids often play or watch TV on the floor, eliminate the coffee table to create a living room that appears larger and more inviting.

Tip #4: Appealing to Empty Nesters. Empty nesters tend to seek an upgrade in quality features. Upgrading bath accessories like towel bars and toilet paper holders or decorative hanging lights to a better quality and newer style will make an impact. If the budget allows, upgrading the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher can draw in a buyer. Lighting is also a key feature for this group. Try to maximize natural light. It’s important to open heavy blinds or window coverings when showing the home.

Tip #5: Regardless of the demographic, color is a key staging component. Most sellers are instructed to use neutral colors when repainting. However, adding the right punch of color to accent walls can create depth, enhance kitchen cabinets, or bring a boring bathroom to life. Sellers can find color in simple accessories, like throw pillows, coffee table books, and decorative canisters. Neutral colors in flooring materials, upholstery pieces and window dressing work well because they enhance brighter accents.

When choosing colors, be aware of their sensory impact:

- Red is stimulating and encourages self confidence

- Orange promotes happiness and celebration

- Yellow is uplifting and light-hearted

- Blue is calming in softer tones and promotes clarity in deeper tones

- Green is the color of nature—it feels fresh and rejuvenating

- Pink is gentle and sweet

- Purple tones bring out a sense of compassion

The key to home staging is to experiment and put yourself in the shoes of the prospective home buyer. Ask a friend or relative to give you an honest opiniong before and after you start staging. You may be surprised how little changes can make a huge difference and improve the "showability" of your home.

Looking for an agent with a staging designation? We have them! Several Nothnagle agents recently completed the Accredited Staging Professional course and earned their designation.

We're Offering 8,000+ Incentives to Buy a Home Now!

The tax credit may have ended but our sellers are keeping the momentum going! Our participating sellers have REDUCED their homes by $8,000 or more and they are priced to sell! Don't delay, this is a great opportunity and these properties won't last long at these prices.

What's the catch? Nothing! No income limits, no additional paperwork, no additional eligibility requirements.

Click here to see our list of featured properties. Check back often as our list gets updated frequently.