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Thursday March. 29, 2018
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
5 projects that can be stress-free (BPT)
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wning your own home is a life accomplishment for many adults, and keeping it looking sharp and adding your personal touches brings a sense of pride. It seems there are always things you want to improve, so don’t let a limited budget or lack of know-how hold you back from dreaming. There are plenty of ways to enhance a room or remake a space without breaking the bank, along with many resources out there to show you how.
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How many miles per gallon does your home get?
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veryone wants the inside scoop on how to get the best deal. Ironically, consumers will do a bunch of research over a $500 smart phone and relatively little for the largest purchase of their lives, their homes.
Most home buyers focus on price and payments, however, factoring in a home’s energy consumption costs could save tens of thousands of dollars over years of ownership. Comparing the performance and construction quality of one home to another is often not apples to apples. Newly built homes tend to be more energy efficient than older homes, but total performance is also influenced by the builder and design, said CR Herro, a building scientist and vice president of environmental affairs for Meritage Homes. Home Energy Rating Score When buying a new or resale home, buyers can use a shopping tool to help them understand the anticipated costs of a home’s energy bills. The Home Energy Rating Score, or HERS, is the industry standard for measuring a home’s energy efficiency. It was created by the not-for-profit Residential Energy Services Network (RESNet), an independent consortium of building scientists and construction experts. Think of HERS like miles-pergallon fuel economy for your car, except that a lower HERS is better: · According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a typical resale home in the U.S. rates a HERS 130 and costs approximately $200,000 in utilities over a 30-year mortgage. · Utilities for a home that scores 100 would cost 30 percent less, saving $60,000 in operating cost. · Utilities for a home that scores 65
would cost approximately half, saving $100,000 in operating cost over 30 years.
Some builders, such as Meritage Homes, design homes to capitalize on energy efficiency and can achieve HERS scores lower than the 2016 U.S. average of 62 by including high-efficiency heating, cooling, windows, lighting and insulation in all their homes. How to know the score “Knowing the HERS score of your home can be the difference between a European vacation every few years or a kiddie pool in the driveway,” said Herro. “A lower HERS score could also raise the value of your home because the rating is being added to home appraisal standards.” Proposed federal legislation also could provide mortgage borrowing advan-
With a little research and a weekend or two of elbow grease, your budget and your abilities are more than enough to take on many smaller jobs. When you’re done, the satisfaction you’ll experience from a successful DIY project will give you plenty of motivation to start the next improvement. Before you launch your plans, here are a few tips for an affordable and stress-free DIY project. 1. Map it out Prioritize the projects you’d like to tackle first. Whether it’s painting the living room, replacing the kitchen countertops or retiling the bathroom, the project will be much less stressful when you have solid planning behind it. Set a realistic schedule, gather your supplies in advance and be sure and review instructions before starting. If you’re making an improvement for a special event or out-of-town guests, give yourself ample time to complete it so you’re not adding stress to the project. 2. Find creative ways to cover costs Make a budget for your project that includes a list of expected expenses and add padding for the unexpected. Assess what funds you have available, and if you don’t have enough, consider a savings plan so you can avoid paying interest and fees on a credit card. To speed up your progress, grab your change jar and bring it to a Coinstar kiosk where you can select cash or a no-fee eGift card from retailers including Amazon.com, Lowe’s, Home Depot and Sears. You’ll be surprised at how quickly a jar of coins can add up to purchase needed supplies on your list. 3. Learn through many available resources If you’re like most DIYers, you’ll find online videos and home improvement websites are great sources for how-to tips and information. And if you’re a novice, take advantage of the vast information that’s available at your fingertips and review several sources so that you completely understand the process and are confident before your dive in. Don’t be afraid to tap friends, family members and neighbors who have completed similar projects, as they can be good advisers and may even offer to help! You can reward them by inviting them back to your newly improved home to just relax and enjoy. 4. Keep it light
tages for homes with low HERS, he added. More than 2 million homes in the U.S. have been HERS rated for energy efficiency, generating energy savings of $268 million in 2016 alone, according to RESNet. More homes are being rated as home builders increase their participation in the HERS program and post the ratings for the homes they build. To find the HERS for a home, a list of participating home builders and tips for improving the energy efficiency of your home, go online to: http://www.hersindex.com/ knowthescore/.
Doing DIY projects with a spouse or a family member can be fun if you take the right approach. When working alongside each other, it’s all too easy to take a frustration out on each other. Two-thirds of those surveyed in a recent Coinstar survey said they do projects with others in their household, and 65 percent said they got into a disagreement during a home DIY project. Minimize tension by creating clear expectations and give everyone a defined role. Take needed breaks and acknowledge accomplishments along the way. Keeping things calm and positive ensures everyone feels good about their contribution. 5. Permission to make mistakes Most homeowners are not professional contractors and projects can and do go wrong. If you make a mistake, do your best to correct it and don’t beat yourself up. Focus on the fact you’re making progress in getting your house just the way you want it and saving money by doing it yourself. Next time, you will be that much more proficient! According to the survey, 90 percent of homeowners say they feel a sense of pride after completing a DIY project. Pat yourself on the back and plan your next DIY endeavor!
Page 2D • Thursday, March 29, 2018
Real Estate
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
10 reasons to plant a tree this spring
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make your home and yard more beautiful.
id you know planting a tree is one of the easiest and most powerful things you can do to have a positive impact on the environment? It’s true. Trees clean the air, prevent rainwater runoff, help you save energy and even combat global warming. And they’re a snap to plant! No horticultural degree required. With Arbor Day just around the corner in April, there’s no better time to give Mother Nature a little TLC by planting a tree.
You’ll attract birds (and critters)
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Trees provide nesting sites, food and shelter for your bird friends. Hang a feeder in one of the branches and enjoy the birdsong all year long. Squirrels love to make their homes in trees, too, and watching their antics is a great way to spend a lazy summer afternoon.
From the single homeowner in Nebraska planting a maple in her backyard to the 250 Comcast employees volunteering in communities devastated by hurricanes, fires and Emerald Ash Borer infestation by planting hundreds of trees on Comcast Cares Day (the nation’s largest single-day corporate volunteer event), people nationwide are getting their tree on this spring. Here are 10 reasons why you should join them: Trees fight climate change Wish you could do more than recycling and reducing your carbon footprint to combat climate change? Trees have you covered. Through photosynthesis, trees absorb harmful carbon dioxide, removing and storing the carbon and releasing oxygen back into the air. Trees clean the air and help you breathe Trees don’t just absorb CO2. They also absorb odors and pollutants like nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone. It’s estimated that one tree can absorb nearly 10 pounds of polluted air each year and release 260 pounds of oxygen. Trees prevent soil erosion and rainwater runoff During heavy rains, water runoff finds its way to streams, lakes and wetlands, creating the potential for flooding. It also picks up and carries pollutants along the way. The EPA and the Center for Watershed Protection are recognizing the importance of trees in managing runoff. Leaf canopies help buffer the falling rain and their roots hold the soil in place, encouraging the water to seep into the ground rather than run off. Planting trees is easy Gardening can be intimidating for newbies because there are so many variables. Which plants and flowers should you put next to each other and which should you separate? Which bloom in the summer and which bloom in the fall? When you’re dealing with trees, there’s none of that. Just choose a spot in your yard and you’re good to go. Here’s a video showing you all you need to know about planting your young trees: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5FiqoypXfo. You’ll save money Trees conserve energy in summer and winter, providing shade from the hot summer sun and shelter from cold winter winds. With trees standing between you and the elements, you’ll spend less on your energy bill to heat and cool your home. Trees increase your home’s value Studies of comparable homes with and without trees show that, if you have trees in your yard, your home’s value increases by up to 15 percent. It’s all about curb appeal, and trees
Trees are good for your mental and physical health A view of trees in urban areas has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety and even the crime rate. Tree-filled gardens on hospital grounds speed healing in hospital patients. You’ll be giving your descendants a gift Trees can live hundreds of years, so when you plant one, you’re giving a gift to your children and grandchildren. It’s a symbol of your commitment to the environment and the beauty of the world around you that will live on far beyond your own lifetime. Free trees! Join the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation for $10 and they’ll send you 10 trees selected for the region of the country where you live, at the right time to plant them. You’ll also get planting instructions and other information. The trees are guaranteed to grow or the Foundation will replace them. Visit www. arborday.org to join. An ancient Chinese proverb states: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” To find out more about planting trees, visit the Arbor Day Foundation at www.arborday.org.
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Real Estate
Thursday, March. 29, 2018 • Page 3D
Spring lawn care is easier than ever
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he snow has melted, flowers are beginning to bloom, and you wake to the sound of birds chirping: all signs that spring is here. Spring means time to give your
lawn the TLC it needs, but most of us dread the thought of weekends spent occupied by yard work. Luckily, in 2018, getting that perfectly green grass and enviable garden does not have to be hard. · Prevent disease and pests: Disease and pests can be stopped before they strike. At the beginning of the season, use your yard rake to remove any dead grass shoots. By
· Water on time: Consistency in watering is an easy way
removing this debris early you can prevent disease and
to keep your grass green and lush. Maintain a schedule to
pests while also giving your lawn sufficient time to re-
prevent your grass from drying out and browning. Sprin-
cover.
klers and outdoor timers will ensure that your grass does
· Simplify mowing: Cutting the grass no longer requires preparation and setup. With innovative options like the
not miss a watering session. · Shape hedges: Anyone can create the perfect hedge
Greenworks 60-volt self-propelled lawn mower, you do
shape. Now that your grass is healthy, freshly cut and
not need to worry about gassing up your mower or find-
weed-free, it is time to focus on the rest of your yard. Try
ing the nearest outlet for the extension cord. The mower
a cordless, battery-powered product like the Greenworks
can run up to 60 minutes with a fully-charged battery,
60-volt hedge trimmer. The lighter weight and strong
so it is ready to go when you are, and you never have to
power allow you to trim your hedges without wearing out
smell like gas again! The mower’s smart-cut technology
your body. Whether your hedges are up high or running
adjusts the power based on the thickness of your grass,
along your fence, no place is out of reach.
extending the run time and improving cutting performance.
Spring is just beginning and now is the time to get a jump start on your lawn. To learn more about the tools that can make lawn care easier this spring, visit www.greenworkstools.com.
Page 4D • Thursday, March 29, 2018
Real Estate
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
4 simple swaps when planning a kitchen refresh
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Enhance simple walls pring is in full swing, which means it’s time to reinvigorate your kitchen with a new look! When planning your refresh, consider these simple, stylish swaps that
don’t require investing tons of time or budget.
Play with textures to create a more intriguing space.
Replace flat wall paint with a backsplash made from unique materials, such as faux-brick, salvaged wood or stainless-steel subway tile. A textured surface touting quality and distinction
Upgrade your kitchen fixtures
lends a design-forward aesthetic without breaking the bank.
Embrace the unexpected
Faucets often serve as the centerpiece of the kitchen.
Replacing an outdated model is an easy way to give your space a facelift. Choose a piece that’s as functional as it is fashionable such as the Delta Allentown Faucet, available at The
Home Depot. This faucet offers an industrial, versatile design and tech-savvy appeal for every modern homeowner. Complete with TempSense Technology, the faucet will notify you when water has reached your desired temperature through coded LED light colors. Liven up your cabinets
Small changes can make all the difference. Replacing
Replace traditional décor with curated accents to elevate
the space and delight the eye. Incorporate a plush patterned rug or paint cabinets with an on-trend hue of blue, gray and green,
such as Behr’s Color of the Year titled, “In the Moment.” Most importantly, remember to let your personality shine by adding items that have special meaning. Whether it’s a set of vintage bronze candlesticks you found at a local antique shop or artwork purchased on vacation, unanticipated personal pieces often create storytelling moments and receive the very best of compliments.
outdated cabinet knobs and drawer pulls can give your space
For more design inspiration, visit DeltaFaucet.com/design-
a fresh streamlined look with minimal effort. Dated accesso-
innovation/inspiredliving.
ries can weigh down the aesthetic of the entire room. Instead, replace with hardware in a bold bronze or sleek matte black finish.
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Credit tips for buying an investment property
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f you love the idea of being a landlord, and don’t mind being on duty around the clock, buying an investment property may be the wealth-building option for you. Property values have enjoyed a steady increase over the decades. That’s why real estate has earned its reputation as a sound investment that builds wealth and credit. Most people, however, don’t have the quantity of cash on hand to purchase a house or apartment building outright. Still, if becoming a landlord means taking out a 30-year mortgage, the monthly payments from the tenants should be enough to service the loan and build equity for you, while leaving some cash flow so you can maintain the property. If buying investment property sounds like a step you’d like to take, here are some credit considerations every investor needs to know. 1. Be mindful of the inquiry stage Once you decide to purchase an investment property, it’s important to do everything you can to make sure your credit score stays as high as possible until the loan is approved and signed. Your goal is to land the best possible interest rate, because even half a percentage point can add tens of thousands of dollars of total interest payments to a 30-year loan (and affect your wealth-building abilities). During this time, things like continuing to make on-time payments on your existing loans can be helpful in maintaining your credit score. However, sometimes people unintentionally lower their credit score when they’re actually trying to be fiscally responsible. For example, when shopping around for the best mortgage rate, keep in mind that multiple inquiries can have a negative effect on your credit score, especially if you don’t have a long credit history. Fortunately, many credit bureaus recognize that you may be comparison shopping, so make sure you do this within a defined time frame of 30-45 days. 2. Keep credit utilization low When maintaining a property, having access to credit can be helpful because it lets you make repairs and keep things in good living condition for your tenants. One thing that can affect your credit score is the amount of credit you’re using. Unfortunately, keeping a higher balance could result in a lower credit score. As a rule, keep your credit utilization at 30 percent or less. For example, if your credit card has a $5,000 limit, the balance should not get any higher than $1,500. Throughout the billing cycle, keep an eye on the balance, and pay it down when you can. 3. Keep a cushion of cash It happens. You get that call about a water leak, and before you know it, you’re spending your Saturday evening pricing plumbers, searching for one whose overtime rate is only in the range of mildly outrageous. Being a property manager means expecting the unexpected, and one of the best ways to be ready is to have enough cash at the ready to take care of these problems. Build an emergency fund in your savings account, and keep your credit paid down so you always have that cushion to fall back on during any crisis. 4. Beware of low and no-interest financing deals When it’s time to replace the oven range or a refrigerator, one of those “no payments, no interest for 18 months” deals can seem like a lifesaver. It sounds like a great deal, but these alluring promises are designed to play a psychological trick on you. Because you don’t have to pay yet, it doesn’t really feel like spending money when you’re making the purchase. However, once the interest-free promotional period is up, a double-digit interest rate often kicks in. If you don’t have the cash to pay off the balance or make payments, you could end up with penalties that can affect your credit score. Before you sign on, always read the fine print. Before you invest, do your research on credit scores and know your pros and cons. More than 8.5 billion credit scores compiled by VantageScore Solutions were obtained and used in the U.S. between June 2016 and July 2017.
Real Estate
Thursday, March. 29, 2018 • Page 5D