Delaware County, Pennsylvania Real Estate Blog: Doug Durren and Gloria Todor - South Eastern Pennsylvania (Century 21 Absolute Realty )

You can save money and the environment by conserving electricity.  Here are four easy ways to start conserving electricity and saving yourself money today:

1. Don't just turn off; unplug.  Just because an appliance or device is turned off, doesn't mean it isn't using electricity.  Devices that are plugged into an electrical outlet are responsible for approximately 5-10% of your monthly electrical usage.  When you are not using your hair dryer, toaster, cell phone charger, etc., turn them off and then unplug them until you use them again.
2. Replace incandescent bulbs with CFLs.  Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) lasts 10 times as long as regular incandescent light bulbs, use about 75% less electricity, can save $30 over the lifetime of the bulb and ends up paying for itself within six months.
3. Energy Star.  While the Energy Star appliances may be a little pricier up front, over time, they actually save you money thanks to their efficient use of electricity.  An Energy Star appliance uses 10-50% less electricity than standard appliances and they help reduce air pollutants and emissions.  Also, many utility companies as well as government agencies offer rebates when you purchase a new Energy Star appliance to replace an old, outdated appliance.  Check with the salesperson and your local utility company for more info.
4. Daytime use.  If your house is empty during the day, you should set your thermostat higher (like 85 F).  Set your programmable thermostat to go off approximately 30 minutes before you typically get home so that the house will be cooled off before you get there.  If you are home during the day, you may want to open all the windows as soon as possible to help cool off the interior of your house naturally.

By following these simple rules, you can save money and the environment by conserving electricity.  Do your part for the environment and your pocketbook. 

Yvonne Martin, The Martin Team, Let My Family Bring Your Family Home to Hammond Real Estate

Upon Departure, How Clean Should You Leave Your Vacation Rental?

I occasionally get this questioned asked by others, and although each situation is unique and each vacation rental has its own standards, the general consensus I have found in the industry is to "leave the home in the same condition as found". 

Vacationers should not be expected to spend their precious vacation time cleaning hours on end mopping the floors, scrubbing the bathtub and toilets, etc. on short stays, such as a weekly rental.  However, there are some common courtesies that should be considered, and if in doubt, be sure to ask the Homeowner or Property Manager their expectations prior to renting.

On my personal rentals, I don't expect the guests to make the bed when departing, because I know my local Caretaker is going to be washing the sheets shortly after.  What is appreciated though, is that upon departure, the home is basically picked up with everything in place as found, and there are no crumbs and trash left behind to attract island bugs.   It is recommended to do the dishes and laundry (towels)  the night before so that the cleaning person does not have a lot of extra work to do.  This is particularly important if there is a turn-around guest coming in later that departure day, as the laundry takes the most time for the Cleaner in-between guests.

If you don't want to clean during your stay, many vacation rentals have optional housekeeping for an additional fee that can be arranged.

Some Property Owners/Managers will have a clause in their rental agreement that advises if the unit is left abnormally dirty and if the Cleaner has to do additional cleaning, that this additional fee may be billed to the Guest, or deducted from the security deposit. 

It's a win-win situation for all when common courtesy is followed, and everyone is happy.  Many homeowners take pride and joy in sharing their home with guests, and hope guests will feel the same way in caring for the rental.  My experience is that most owners don't expect clean pristine perfection upon departure as they want their guests to enjoy themselves, but would still like guests just to take a little bit of time to keep the place fairly tidy to make it easier for the transition to the next guest.   The homeowners and their cleaning personnel always appreciate the respectful renters, and they are always welcome back!

 

Tamara Camden, Licensed Vacation Rental Agent

Specializing in Florida Vacation Rentals (and some in the Caribbean)

All Rentals 2 Remember, inc.

ph (305) 293-0856

http://www.AllRentals2Remember.com

 

 

 

 

 

This is just the funniest video you have seen!     This deer and dog must really be having the time, and especially those who got the opportunity to see this!    Not an every day site!      I know my two kitties would not be doing this!     That deer does not act like a DEER!    Just absolutely hilarious!

(THANKS Charita for helping me!)

 

 Joan Cox, GRI,ABR,CRS, CNE,e-Pro      Denver Real Estate

A Denver Metropolitan Realtor       Search for Homes in Denver

                   

ENJOY!!  I'll post the KEY in a few days!! 

 

ACROSS 1   A specific type of real estate 4   A specific type of real estate 5   Three little letters that mean so much to Wall St. 7   Organization founded in 1901 8   Home buying helper 9   21st century version of 'walk-away' 11   Manner of pay 14   The price is right 15   Caution: they might have a dog 16   Loan secured by property 17   Takes a while to sell 20   They've moved on 22   Some things to think about 26   Highly successful real estate network 28   Person in charge 30   Principal, interest, taxes, insurance 31   Legal agency relationship 32   Trust loyalty accounting 33   It's king 34   Has nothing to do with SS Act of 1935

DOWN 2   Lenders' number 3   No agency relationship 6   A closing must have 10   A lender tease 12   A year in review 13   Ownership from wall to wall 18   Created by a Cuomo 19   Real estate mantra 21   Court ordered 23   No listings for you 24   Cause of the "meltdown" 25   What motivates some 27   A government lie 29   Not all real estate agents

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~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

(503) 810-7192 / Carla@CarlaHomes.com

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS! 

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