Attic Insulation Saves You Money

By: Jeanne Huber
Published: September 21, 2010

Add attic insulation to lower heating and cooling costs by as much as $600 per year.

Save about $600 per year by boosting the amount of attic insulation from R-11 to R-49. Depending on the type of materials you use, figure on paying an insulation contractor about $1,500 to insulate an 800-square-foot attic, which pays back your investment in three years. You’ll spend about half that to do the job yourself.

Do you need more attic insulation?

A good, quick way to check if you need insulation is to look across your attic floor. If the existing insulation comes up just to the tops of the joists, then you probably need to add insulation. If you can’t see the joists and the insulation is well above the tops of the joists, you’re probably okay and you won’t recoup the cost of adding more.
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Dos and Dont’s of Homebuyer Incentives

Evaluating Homebuyer IncentivesBy: G. M. Filisko
Published 2010-09-01 08:57:14

Homebuyer incentives can be smart marketing or a waste of money. Find out when and how to use them.

Incentives such as a new grill out on the patio can set your home apart from the competition. Image: Weber-Stephen Products Co.

Be sure you’re sending the right message to buyers when you throw in a homebuyer incentive to encourage them to purchase your home.

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5 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale

By: G. M. Filisko
Published 2010-02-10 11:12:47
Working to get your home ship-shape for showings will increase its value and shorten your sales time.

Many buyers today want move-in-ready homes and will quickly eliminate an otherwise great home by focusing on a few visible flaws. Unless your home shines, you may endure showing after showing and open house after open house—and end up with a lower sales price. Before the first prospect walks through your door, consider some smart options for casting your home in its best light.
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Fielding a Lowball Purchase Offer on Your Home

By: Marcie Geffner
Published 2010-06-10 09:53:36

Consider before you ignore or outright refuse a very low purchase offer for your home. A counteroffer and negotiation could turn that low purchase offer into a sale.

When you receive a low offer on your house, the best response is to counter with a price you’re willing to accept.

You just received a purchase offer from someone who wants to buy your home. You’re excited and relieved, until you realize the purchase offer is much lower than your asking price. How should you respond? Set aside your emotions, focus on the facts, and prepare a counteroffer that keeps the buyers involved in the deal. Continue reading

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7 Homeowner Tax Advantages

By: G. M. Filisko
Published 2010-03-11 16:56:17
When you’re evaluating how much home you can afford, make sure you factor in the tax advantages of homeownership.

Owning your home not only allows you to build wealth through appreciation, but it can also reduce the amount of income tax you pay every year.

Here are seven tax benefits for homeowners.
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