Charlotte, Waxhaw and Fort Mill, PLOWMAN BLOG: North Carolina Real Estate Listings & Houses for Sale

Plowman Properties Blog

June Fast Fact

June 29th, 2009 1:11 PM

U.S. households spend an average of $100 per year to power electronic devices when they are in “power mode.”

Source: www.energy.gov

Posted by Ryan Plowman on June 29th, 2009 1:11 PMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog

Is It Time to Upgrade Your HVAC?

June 22nd, 2009 4:32 PM

Is your home too hot or too cold during the year? Is your boiler constantly breaking down, or are the systems too noisy? Certain telltale signs indicate when it’s time to replace heating and cooling equipment, or upgrade the entire system. The experts at EnergyStar.gov suggest calling a professional if the following conditions occur:

· The heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old.

· The furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old.

· Your cooling and heating equipment needs frequent repairs, and your energy bills are high.

· Some rooms in your house are too hot or too cold due to duct problems, inadequate insulation or improper equipment operation.

· You don’t have a programmable thermostat, and no one is home for long periods of time during the day.

· Your home has humidity problems; the air is too dry in the winter or too humid during the summer.

· Your home has excessive dust.

· The heating and cooling systems are noisy.

Addressing HVAC problems sooner rather than later can save time, money and hassle in the long run.

Posted by Ryan Plowman on June 22nd, 2009 4:32 PMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog

Treat Windows Right

June 15th, 2009 1:19 PM

Windows are one of your home’s best features, and the right treatments can really make them stand out. With so many varieties and styles available — from sheer, embroidered curtains to shutters and woven wood shades — finding one that suits your home and fits your budget may be a challenge. Experts offer these tips for finding the right treatment for your home.

Set a budget. Treatments can be pricey, so be realistic about what you can afford. Visit retail stores and Web sites to check costs of fabric, blinds, shutters and ready-made draperies. If you know how to sew, you can create your own treatments to save money.

Set priorities. Experts suggest dressing the windows in the living room and bedrooms first since those are the most-used rooms. Then set a schedule for the remaining rooms.

Consider your lifestyle. How you live will determine what treatments are needed in certain areas. For example, if you cook a lot, avoid delicate fabrics in the kitchen where they might get splattered. For high traffic areas, choose more durable, washable materials, such as cotton, nylon or acrylic.

Think about function. Do you want your window treatments to control sunlight or noise, provide privacy or insulate against heat or cold? For example, to control light, vertical blinds and shutters are a versatile choice since you can tilt slats or louvers to let in the right amount of light.

Find your style. If you

are not sure what your

style is, get ideas from

books and magazines.

Or browse the

Encyclopedia of Window

Fashions, which has

hundreds of examples

and charts.

Before installing, measure

the window area more than

once. Draperies should be

hung at least four inches

above the window frame

and should overlap the

frame two to four inches on either side of the window.
Using decorative hardware can add personality to a room.

Posted by Ryan Plowman on June 15th, 2009 1:19 PMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog

Kitchen Heat

June 8th, 2009 1:10 PM

Stainless steel appliances. Granite countertops. Not long ago, these were the hottest kitchen features. But now they’re expected and practically come standard. What are the next major trends to keep an eye on?

According to a recent National Kitchen and Bath Association survey of more than 200 kitchen designers, cherry and maple cabinets, quartzite countertops and custom-paneled appliances are hot. Where oak cabinets were once the must-have, more than 75 percent of survey participants now report using cherry and maple, followed by paints and exotic woods. And although nearly all designers believe stainless steel is still the most popular appliance finish, 77 percent say that custom paneling on appliances is becoming more common. Granite is still the most frequently used countertop material, but 65 percent of designers report using more quartzite, another durable stone material.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the trend toward bigger, more open kitchens that accommodate more than one cook and serve as more than just a place to cook. In incorporating these bigger kitchens, the traditional “work triangle” — the path between the refrigerator, food prep area and cooking area — is being replaced with work zones. As kitchens get bigger and even more functional, it seems certain that a trend toward specialization will grow as well.

Sources: National Kitchen and Bath Association

Posted by Ryan Plowman on June 8th, 2009 1:10 PMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog

Exterior Home Improvements Fast Fact

June 1st, 2009 3:39 PM

Exterior home improvements, including wood deck additions and siding replacement, can return more than 80 percent of project costs upon resale.

Source: 2008-09 Remodeling Cost v. Value Report

Posted by Ryan Plowman on June 1st, 2009 3:39 PMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog

A Lending Hand

May 27th, 2009 8:33 AM

Home renovations can be daunting, but financing them doesn’t need to be. Homebuyers considering a fixer-upper and homeowners thinking about doing major rehab work might want to consider an FHA 203K loan.

Often called rehab or renovation loans, 203K loans differ from traditional mortgage loans. Buyers who want to purchase a home in need of repair usually have to secure a loan to buy the property, get additional financing to complete the renovation and then get a permanent mortgage to pay off the interim loans. 203K loans, however, are made based on the after-repair value and include an escrow account, in which the money is dispersed in draws as the necessary renovations are being completed.

Renovation loans can be used in three ways: to purchase an existing home (and the land attached to it) and renovate it; to pay off existing debt on a current residence and renovate it; or to purchase an existing property and move it to a new piece of land. The types of improvements allowed on 203K loans are extensive — painting, room additions, decks, bathroom and kitchen remodels, and even going green. Luxury items and improvements are generally not eligible.

Homebuyers need to work closely with their REALTOR® as well as a contractor to get a detailed statement about the extent and general cost of the rehab work and the expected market value of the property after the completion of the work. After finding a HUD-approved lender — not all banks administer these loans — and inspections and appraisals, the work can begin. For more information, go to www.hud.gov.

Sources: Department of Housing and Urban Development, 203Kloan.net

Posted by Ryan Plowman on May 27th, 2009 8:33 AMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog

Grand Entrance

May 18th, 2009 7:20 PM

The word “mud” might not sound inviting, but a mudroom can actually be a welcoming — and useful — space. Mudrooms, which serve as a transition between the outdoors and the inside of a home, are traditionally found in cold, snowy climates as a place to change out of wet clothes and shoes. But, whether large or small, they’re ideal for houses in any climate. They can minimize cleaning (no tracking dirt through the house), maximize storage and help with organization. Whether you already have a mudroom or are thinking about creating one, consider:

Location. Off the kitchen or near the back door are the most popular locations for mudrooms, but garages and utility closets are also prime spots.

Flooring. This is the one place in the house where the floors are supposed to get dirty. Choose a durable, non-slip material — tile, stone, vinyl, laminate, concrete — in a dark color. And be sure to include a few doormats: a fiber or rubber mat to clean off shoes and an absorbent, washable rug to keep dirt from getting tracked in.

Walls. Surely they will get dinged and scratched and splashed, so choose coverings wisely. Vinyl wallpaper or an easy-to-clean, moisture-proof paint should do the trick.

Seating. Although you likely won’t be spending too much time in your mudroom, a place to sit is key. A sturdy chair or bench is useful for removing wet shoes or boots.

Storage. Choose organizing accessories based on the main purpose of the space and who uses it most. If it functions mainly as a staging area for adults, be sure to prominently feature coat and key hooks, as well as a place to sort mail. If kids are the main focus, include labeled storage bins and designated areas for backpacks and after-school activity gear, such as sporting goods. No matter how the room is used, it’s a good idea to include plenty of shelving and racks for shoes

Sources: This Old House, Lowe’s

Posted by Ryan Plowman on May 18th, 2009 7:20 PMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog

Fast Fact

May 11th, 2009 4:21 PM

The best time of day to water a lawn or plants is early morning, so it has the entire day to dry.

Source: HGTV.com

Posted by Ryan Plowman on May 11th, 2009 4:21 PMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog

Catch a [Tax] Break

May 4th, 2009 4:14 PM

Catch a [Tax] Break

There’s good news for first-time homebuyers who plan to purchase a home in 2009. Thanks to some of the provisions in the recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, qualifying first-time homebuyers can earn a tax credit of up to $8,000 if they purchase a home before Dec. 1. They can claim the credit on either their 2008 or 2009 tax returns, according to the Internal Revenue Service. The best news is that the credit does not need to be repaid provided the home remains their main residence for 36 months after the purchase date. Buyers can claim 10 percent of the purchase price up to $8,000, or $4,000 for married individuals filing separately. The amount of the credit begins to phase out for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income is more than $75,000, or $150,000 for joint filers.

For purposes of this credit, you are considered to be a first-time homebuyer if you (and your spouse if you are married) did not own any other primary residence during the three-year period ending on the date of the purchase.

The new law does not affect individuals who purchased a home between April 8, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2008. For these homeowners, the maximum credit remains 10 percent of the purchase price up to $7,500 for individuals, or $3,750 for married individuals filing separately. In addition, the credit for these purchases must be repaid in 15 equal installments over 15 years, beginning in 2010.

For more information about the tax credit or to find out how the new legislation affects homeowners, visit www.irs.gov or consult your tax accountant.

Posted by Ryan Plowman on May 4th, 2009 4:14 PMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog

Low-Cost Landscaping Tips

April 27th, 2009 4:19 PM

A beautifully-landscaped property can work wonders when it comes to selling your home. The Free Landscaping Ideas Blog offers these suggestions on how to save money without sacrificing quality or beauty.

· Make a plan that includes a schedule of tasks and rough sketches of your design to help you determine what items you need. For assistance, consult with an expert at a local gardening store or home improvement retailer.

· Plan the project in phases and purchase products as money is available. The phased-in plan also helps you avoid the interest and fees associated with home-improvement loans or credit card purchases.

· Don’t sacrifice quality. Ask the staff at local specialty shops for recommendations about the best products available. If you are inexperienced with landscaping, consider spending a little extra for professional assistance.

· Carefully inspect plants for diseases and insect problems, especially if you didn’t purchase them from a nursery. Diseases and pests can spread to other plants. Also ask the gardening retailer if they offer warranties on their plants.

· If you plan ahead, you can take advantage of off-season prices. For example, buy lumber in the winter when it is cheaper and store it until you are ready to use it. Shop for trees, shrubs, perennials, mulch and soil late in the season when prices go down.

· Purchase products online or from catalogs, or join a gardening club, which may offer discount prices as well as helpful advice.

· Your municipality may have mulch and compost available. Also, try asking people in charge of construction or demolition sites if they have used stones or bricks they might give away.

Ask neighbors if they’ll share some of the costs. By pooling all your resources, you may get some good deals on items bought in bulk, and you can split the cost of renting machinery for landscaping work.

Posted by Ryan Plowman on April 27th, 2009 4:19 PMPost a Comment (0)

Subscribe to this blog