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Efficient Home Cooling this Summer

By Jeff Adolph

Home Finances

As summer heats up and homes become harder to cool, many home owners often find that their energy bills become expensive and harder to manage. And, in this age of high petrol prices and living costs it makes sense to minimize on our expenses and save where we can so that our money can be better spent elsewhere. Plus, by being more energy conscious you are also helping to reduce your carbon footprint and minimize the impact you have on global warming.

Here are some cost saving tips to keep you cooler this summer:

1) Turn Off Any Electrical Equipment - such as computer monitors and computers rather than leaving them in stand-by mode, and also turn off lights when not in a room. As, the extra heat these generate add significantly to the drain on your air-conditioning and other cooling devices, making your home warmer and harder to cool.

2) Clothes Dryers -  use a vast amount of electricity and also contribute to the heat within a home. If you must use a clothes dryer make sure the lint filter is cleaned out regularly to ensure the machine is efficient and use during the cooler times of the day.

3) Off-Peak Energy - if you have to use electrical equipment that uses a lot of energy, then use these devices during off-peak times to reduce your power consumption and minimize your energy costs.

4) Water Temperature - use cold water instead of hot or warm to wash your clothes as this reduces the cost of heating the water for washing and it also prevents heat from generating in the laundry area of your home, which may disperse into other areas and reduce your cooling efficiency.

5) TV's and Lamps - make sure that televisions and lamps are not located near air-conditioning thermostats as the heat they generate will often confuse your air-conditioner and it will stay on for longer trying to cool the room.

Source: McClatcy Tribune News Service (2008) Cooling Your Home Without Going Broke; available online  at http://www.seattletimes.com

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By Jeff Adolph

Home Finances

As summer heats up and homes become harder to cool, many home owners often find that their energy bills become expensive and harder to manage. And, in this age of high petrol prices and living costs it makes sense to minimize on our expenses and save where we can so that our money can be better spent elsewhere. Plus, by being more energy conscious you are also helping to reduce your carbon footprint and minimize the impact you have on global warming.

Here are some cost saving tips to keep you cooler this summer:

1) Turn Off Any Electrical Equipment - such as computer monitors and computers rather than leaving them in stand-by mode, and also turn off lights when not in a room. As, the extra heat these generate add significantly to the drain on your air-conditioning and other cooling devices, making your home warmer and harder to cool.

2) Clothes Dryers -  use a vast amount of electricity and also contribute to the heat within a home. If you must use a clothes dryer make sure the lint filter is cleaned out regularly to ensure the machine is efficient and use during the cooler times of the day.

3) Off-Peak Energy - if you have to use electrical equipment that uses a lot of energy, then use these devices during off-peak times to reduce your power consumption and minimize your energy costs.

4) Water Temperature - use cold water instead of hot or warm to wash your clothes as this reduces the cost of heating the water for washing and it also prevents heat from generating in the laundry area of your home, which may disperse into other areas and reduce your cooling efficiency.

5) TV's and Lamps - make sure that televisions and lamps are not located near air-conditioning thermostats as the heat they generate will often confuse your air-conditioner and it will stay on for longer trying to cool the room.

Source: McClatcy Tribune News Service (2008) Cooling Your Home Without Going Broke; available online  at http://www.seattletimes.com

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Home Finances

As summer heats up and homes become harder to cool, many home owners often find that their energy bills become expensive and harder to manage. And, in this age of high petrol prices and living costs it makes sense to minimize on our expenses and save where we can so that our money can be better spent elsewhere. Plus, by being more energy conscious you are also helping to reduce your carbon footprint and minimize the impact you have on global warming.

Here are some cost saving tips to keep you cooler this summer:

1) Turn Off Any Electrical Equipment - such as computer monitors and computers rather than leaving them in stand-by mode, and also turn off lights when not in a room. As, the extra heat these generate add significantly to the drain on your air-conditioning and other cooling devices, making your home warmer and harder to cool.

2) Clothes Dryers -  use a vast amount of electricity and also contribute to the heat within a home. If you must use a clothes dryer make sure the lint filter is cleaned out regularly to ensure the machine is efficient and use during the cooler times of the day.

3) Off-Peak Energy - if you have to use electrical equipment that uses a lot of energy, then use these devices during off-peak times to reduce your power consumption and minimize your energy costs.

4) Water Temperature - use cold water instead of hot or warm to wash your clothes as this reduces the cost of heating the water for washing and it also prevents heat from generating in the laundry area of your home, which may disperse into other areas and reduce your cooling efficiency.

5) TV's and Lamps - make sure that televisions and lamps are not located near air-conditioning thermostats as the heat they generate will often confuse your air-conditioner and it will stay on for longer trying to cool the room.

Source: McClatcy Tribune News Service (2008) Cooling Your Home Without Going Broke; available online  at http://www.seattletimes.com

Picture Source: Microsoft Clipart Online

Retirement Trends

By Jeff Adolph

Retirement

As Baby Boomer's become older and begin to retire they are setting the precedent for a more active and fulfilling retirement. The Boomer's known as the 'active generation' are enjoying mountain biking, jogging, golfing and snowboarding, and are 'said to be starting a new trend called 'Retirement 2.0.'

According to experts retiring Baby Boomer's are looking for places that can satisfy their addiction to fun. Retirees are now searching for resort styled towns and complexes that offer many outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowboarding and hiking. And, many places like Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire are offering this type of lifestyle as retirees downsize their corporate lives and homes, and opt for something that is more me-centric.

Undoubtedly, this trend is going to see more resort styled retirement complexes built in the future that are surrounded by National Forest and other areas of the wilderness.

Main Story Source: PrWeb.com (2008) Trend: Retirement 2.0, The Boomer Generation is Redefining the Golden Years; available online at http://www.prweb.com

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Retirement

As Baby Boomer's become older and begin to retire they are setting the precedent for a more active and fulfilling retirement. The Boomer's known as the 'active generation' are enjoying mountain biking, jogging, golfing and snowboarding, and are 'said to be starting a new trend called 'Retirement 2.0.'

According to experts retiring Baby Boomer's are looking for places that can satisfy their addiction to fun. Retirees are now searching for resort styled towns and complexes that offer many outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowboarding and hiking. And, many places like Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire are offering this type of lifestyle as retirees downsize their corporate lives and homes, and opt for something that is more me-centric.

Undoubtedly, this trend is going to see more resort styled retirement complexes built in the future that are surrounded by National Forest and other areas of the wilderness.

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Home Owners Insurance: What You Need to Know

By Jeff Adolph

Home Finances

When you own a home it is important to have insurance that protects your investment from hazards, such as fire, and other potential threats that can reduce the value of your property significantly. Every year thousands of home owners neglect to invest in home owners insurance and this results in millions of dollars of damage being left un-repaired, and can even result in home owners losing their asset completely.

In order to save you money when taking out home owners insurance here are some excellent tips:

1) Increase Your Deductible - by raising your deductible by a few hundred dollars your premium will be reduced, and in many cases this will mean that you make a significant saving;

2) Home Safety Fixtures - often a home with safety features such as dead-bolt locks, smoke alarms, storm shutters and a security system are cheaper to insure, so be sure to mention these features if you have them when insuring your house;

3) Ask About Age Discounts - when a person is over 55 years of age usually discounts apply to their insurance and if your insurance company hasn't offered you an age discount then ask about one;

4) Content Insurance - if you rent then take out your own content insurance as it is highly unlikely that your landlord has any other insurance but property, where the house and fixtures are insured, and in the event of a disaster your goods and personal belongings will not be insured;

5) Insure Only the House - The land that the home sits on does not have to be insured as it remains after a disaster.Therefore, if you own a property you need only insure yourself for the replacement value of the home.

6) Ask About Flood and Earthquake Coverage - often floods and earthquakes are not covered by standard home insurance, therefore it is important that you consider these if you believe that you are likely to experience these natural disasters. Remember if you are in a flood prone area to take advantage of the National Flood Insurance Program; and

7) Make Sure You Have Enough Cover - often home owners neglect to change their cover once they have taken out a policy and this means inflation and higher building costs are often neglected. Therefore, when it comes to making an insurance claim many home owners find that their insurance is inadequate to rebuild the same home that they originally had. To avoid this situation always take out a 'replacement value' policy to ensure that you can rebuild your home.

Main Story Source: Heartland News (2008) Home Owner's Insurance Tips; available online at http://www.heratlandnews.com

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Home Finances

When you own a home it is important to have insurance that protects your investment from hazards, such as fire, and other potential threats that can reduce the value of your property significantly. Every year thousands of home owners neglect to invest in home owners insurance and this results in millions of dollars of damage being left un-repaired, and can even result in home owners losing their asset completely.

In order to save you money when taking out home owners insurance here are some excellent tips:

1) Increase Your Deductible - by raising your deductible by a few hundred dollars your premium will be reduced, and in many cases this will mean that you make a significant saving;

2) Home Safety Fixtures - often a home with safety features such as dead-bolt locks, smoke alarms, storm shutters and a security system are cheaper to insure, so be sure to mention these features if you have them when insuring your house;

3) Ask About Age Discounts - when a person is over 55 years of age usually discounts apply to their insurance and if your insurance company hasn't offered you an age discount then ask about one;

4) Content Insurance - if you rent then take out your own content insurance as it is highly unlikely that your landlord has any other insurance but property, where the house and fixtures are insured, and in the event of a disaster your goods and personal belongings will not be insured;

5) Insure Only the House - The land that the home sits on does not have to be insured as it remains after a disaster.Therefore, if you own a property you need only insure yourself for the replacement value of the home.

6) Ask About Flood and Earthquake Coverage - often floods and earthquakes are not covered by standard home insurance, therefore it is important that you consider these if you believe that you are likely to experience these natural disasters. Remember if you are in a flood prone area to take advantage of the National Flood Insurance Program; and

7) Make Sure You Have Enough Cover - often home owners neglect to change their cover once they have taken out a policy and this means inflation and higher building costs are often neglected. Therefore, when it comes to making an insurance claim many home owners find that their insurance is inadequate to rebuild the same home that they originally had. To avoid this situation always take out a 'replacement value' policy to ensure that you can rebuild your home.

Main Story Source: Heartland News (2008) Home Owner's Insurance Tips; available online at http://www.heratlandnews.com

Picture Source: Microsoft Clipart Online

Home Safety

By Jeff Adolph

Residential Considerations

Many of us are guilty of overlooking safety aspects within the home and last month the home saftey council, a not-for-profit organization, declared it 'home safety month', in order to raise home safety awareness. This is attributed to the alarming number of deaths and injuries that occur in the home nationwide, every year.

President of the Home Safety Council, Meri-K Appay said, "Statistics show that home injuries cause nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits each year."

Even though 97% of Americans feel the safest within their home, most felt that the kitchen was the most dangerous area, followed by the stairs, bathroom, and garage.

In order to prevent injuries in the home the Home Safety Council suggest that you take the following steps to ensure your home is safer:

1) If you don't have smoke alarms install them as soon as possible, and then test them regularly;

2) Never leave anything unattended in the kitchen whilst it is cooking;

3) Never leave children unattended in or near filled baths, pools, ponds or even buckets;

4) Keep stairs and paths maintained, well lit and free of obstacles, and if you have small children use barriers to prevent falls;

5) Have an emergency evacuation plan and make sure all family members know how to escape the house in the event of a fire or other emergency;

6) Set all hot water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less to prevent accidental scalding, especially if you have small children; and

7) Always mark poisonous substances accurately and remove any other labels that may confuse someone as to the type of substance within in the bottle, jar or any other form of container. And, if you have children in and around your home make sure these substances are housed in a child-proof cupboard. 

For more information on home safety please visit www.homesafety.org because prevention is always better than a cure.

Main Story Source: homesaftey.org (2008) Safety Guide; available online at http://www.homesafety.org

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© 2006+ Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

Proudly Sponsored By:

Residential Considerations

Many of us are guilty of overlooking safety aspects within the home and last month the home saftey council, a not-for-profit organization, declared it 'home safety month', in order to raise home safety awareness. This is attributed to the alarming number of deaths and injuries that occur in the home nationwide, every year.

President of the Home Safety Council, Meri-K Appay said, "Statistics show that home injuries cause nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits each year."

Even though 97% of Americans feel the safest within their home, most felt that the kitchen was the most dangerous area, followed by the stairs, bathroom, and garage.

In order to prevent injuries in the home the Home Safety Council suggest that you take the following steps to ensure your home is safer:

1) If you don't have smoke alarms install them as soon as possible, and then test them regularly;

2) Never leave anything unattended in the kitchen whilst it is cooking;

3) Never leave children unattended in or near filled baths, pools, ponds or even buckets;

4) Keep stairs and paths maintained, well lit and free of obstacles, and if you have small children use barriers to prevent falls;

5) Have an emergency evacuation plan and make sure all family members know how to escape the house in the event of a fire or other emergency;

6) Set all hot water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less to prevent accidental scalding, especially if you have small children; and

7) Always mark poisonous substances accurately and remove any other labels that may confuse someone as to the type of substance within in the bottle, jar or any other form of container. And, if you have children in and around your home make sure these substances are housed in a child-proof cupboard. 

For more information on home safety please visit www.homesafety.org because prevention is always better than a cure.

Picture Source: Microsoft Clipart Online

Gas Prices and Real Estate

By Jeff Adolph

Realistic Investment

In 2006 gas was half the price of what it is today, and many American commuters that once found commuting a viable option are now considering alternatives, such as moving closer to work, even when they love their homes and neighborhoods.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation American commuters travel trillions of miles per year, however this figure is steadily declining since it peaked in August of 2007. 

Economists predict that if gas pricing continues to rise then more people will consider moving closer to work in order to reduce their expenses, therefore living 50 miles from work will become a trend of the past.

While some residents like, Derek Benoit, a condo owner in Amesbury, who commutes 34-miles each way to work in Wilmington, daily, will sell their home in order to reduce travel costs, other home owners will make sure they find homes closer to work when they next have to move.

A Coldwell Banker survey conducted by Realtors, revealed that some 81% of prospective buyers were 'more interested in urban living areas because of high gasoline prices.' It is also predicted that more new housing developments will be built closer to U.S cities in the future.

Main Story Sources:Bierman, Noah and Blanton, Kimberly (2008) House Hunting in the Age of $4 Gas;available online at www.boston.com

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By Jeff Adolph

Realistic Investment

In 2006 gas was half the price of what it is today, and many American commuters that once found commuting a viable option are now considering alternatives, such as moving closer to work, even when they love their homes and neighborhoods.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation American commuters travel trillions of miles per year, however this figure is steadily declining since it peaked in August of 2007. 

Economists predict that if gas pricing continues to rise then more people will consider moving closer to work in order to reduce their expenses, therefore living 50 miles from work will become a trend of the past.

While some residents like, Derek Benoit, a condo owner in Amesbury, who commutes 34-miles each way to work in Wilmington, daily, will sell their home in order to reduce travel costs, other home owners will make sure they find homes closer to work when they next have to move.

A Coldwell Banker survey conducted by Realtors, revealed that some 81% of prospective buyers were 'more interested in urban living areas because of high gasoline prices.' It is also predicted that more new housing developments will be built closer to U.S cities in the future.

Main Story Sources:Bierman, Noah and Blanton, Kimberly (2008) House Hunting in the Age of $4 Gas;available online at www.boston.com

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© 2006+ Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

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By Jeff Adolph

Realistic Investment

In 2006 gas was half the price of what it is today, and many American commuters that once found commuting a viable option are now considering alternatives, such as moving closer to work, even when they love their homes and neighborhoods.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation American commuters travel trillions of miles per year, however this figure is steadily declining since it peaked in August of 2007. 

Economists predict that if gas pricing continues to rise then more people will consider moving closer to work in order to reduce their expenses, therefore living 50 miles from work will become a trend of the past.

While some residents like, Derek Benoit, a condo owner in Amesbury, who commutes 34-miles each way to work in Wilmington, daily, will sell their home in order to reduce travel costs, other home owners will make sure they find homes closer to work when they next have to move.

A Coldwell Banker survey conducted by Realtors, revealed that some 81% of prospective buyers were 'more interested in urban living areas because of high gasoline prices.' It is also predicted that more new housing developments will be built closer to U.S cities in the future.

Main Story Sources:Bierman, Noah and Blanton, Kimberly (2008) House Hunting in the Age of $4 Gas;available online at www.boston.com

Picture Source: Microsoft Clipart

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© 2006+ Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

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By Jeff Adolph

Realistic Investment

In 2006 gas was half the price of what it is today, and many American commuters that once found commuting a viable option are now considering alternatives, such as moving closer to work, even when they love their homes and neighborhoods.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation American commuters travel trillions of miles per year, however this figure is steadily declining since it peaked in August of 2007. 

Economists predict that if gas pricing continues to rise then more people will consider moving closer to work in order to reduce their expenses, therefore living 50 miles from work will become a trend of the past.

While some residents like, Derek Benoit, a condo owner in Amesbury, who commutes 34-miles each way to work in Wilmington, daily, will sell their home in order to reduce travel costs, other home owners will make sure they find homes closer to work when they next have to move.

A Coldwell Banker survey conducted by Realtors, revealed that some 81% of prospective buyers were 'more interested in urban living areas because of high gasoline prices.' It is also predicted that more new housing developments will be built closer to U.S cities in the future.

The Gay Ghetto Top 10 for 2008

By Jeff Adolph

Gay Ghettos

GLBT towns, cities, villages, ghettos, enclaves, districts, quarters, and neighborhoods are referred to with various descriptive words. But they all represent blossoming pride, celebration, and reliable real estate value.

Each year we choose our Gay Ghetto Top 10 by cross-analyzing demographics against real estate sales data to discover those especially prized metropolitan areas throughout the USA that are most in vogue with the diverse GLBT community. When the number crunching is over, we usually have 10 distinct winners, individually ranked by virtue of their popularity. But for 2008 we have some unique and special surprises – including three 2-way ties and a 3-way tie. Our top 10 are so outstanding, in other words, that they rate higher than ever.

Here are our selections – ranked 1-6 to accommodate 10 championship GLBT communities:

#1 & #2 - Atlanta, GA & Portland, OR (2-Way Tie)

 

Atlanta (pictured above)

 

“Peach City” reigns as the South’s GLBT capital and continues to attract record numbers of GLBT newcomers each year. Combine Southern charm and hospitality with the exciting urban sophistication and thriving economic base of a world-class cosmopolitan city and you the unique Hot ‘Lanta cocktail. The midtown hosts a well-established gay enclave, but at least half a dozen other districts are up-and-coming GLBT ghetto centers.

 

Portland Oregon

 

The “Rose City” boasts a thriving arts scene that ranks among America’s best; and its Hawthorne District is home to one of the most concentrated lesbian communities on the continent. Portland’s Burnside Triangle is a triangular district that underwent a complete renaissance and is now thoroughly established as a GLBT enclave stretching over several energetic city blocks. The influence of Burnside spreads into nearby neighborhoods including the Pearl District (a former industrial section of old Portland that now booms with art and commerce) and the rather upscale and upbeat Northwest neighborhood.

 

#3 - Charlotte, NC

 

Charlotte

 

Charlotte is one of the largest banking centers in the world, and is second only to NYC in that respect. But the “Queen City” also benefits from a powerfully funded arts community and offers wonderful museums, entertainment venues, and an eclectic mix of 19^th century neighborhoods and sleek urban downtown architecture. Neighborhoods like South End and NODA (North Davidson Street) enjoy a thriving GLBT presence and the city has other desirable and affordable enclaves including tree-lined Windsor Park.

 

 

#4 & #5 - Raleigh, NC & Tampa/St. Pete Metro Area, FL or (2-Way Tie)

 

Raleigh

 

Raleigh is North Carolina’s capital city and occupies one section of the Piedmont region’s Research Triangle. It benefits from an expanding arts and entertainment scene and an overabundance of renowned universities and high-tech industries. Raleigh is also fast becoming a capital city for GLBT communities. Housing is affordable; upside economic and population growth potential is strong, and it is centrally located between the pristine Outer Banks coastal region and the wildly popular Blue Ridge Mountains.

 

Tampa/St. Pete Metro

 

If 300 days of sunshine each year along some 40 miles of beachfront appeal to you, that might explain why Tampa and St. Pete have experienced a steady influx of like-minded GLBT residents and business owners during the past decade. Downtown’s Central Avenue underwent a complete revitalization and the city hosts Florida’s biggest GLBT festival. Art enthusiasts appreciate the fact that while this metro area is a great place to buy a permanent or vacation home for equity appreciation; it also serves as the proud home to the most extensive collection of Salvador Dali paintings outside of Spain.

 

#6 & #7 - Dallas/Fort Worth, TX & Short Hills/Metuchen/Surrounding, NJ or (2-Way Tie)

Dallas/Fort Worth

 

Dallas has a relatively young population, a steady economy, a low cost of living, and one of the biggest commercial fashion and furniture districts in the USA. The “Big D” is also big in terms of GLBT communities that can be found throughout the sprawling city with a high concentration along Greenville Ave., Cedar Springs Road, and Oak Lawn Avenue. The Dallas gay Mecca converges in the gorgeous historic Turtle Creek area – home to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dallas Theater Center. Neighboring Fort Worth is a smaller city with big city GLBT amenities including its own gay film festival and rodeo.

 

Short Hills/Metuchen/Surrounding Areas

 

Natural and historical beauty, vibrant downtown venues that retain quaint charms but exceptionally innovative restaurants and shops, the nationally recognized Paper Mill Playhouse, a first-class school system, and easy commutes into the Big Apple all conspire to make this area a uniquely awesome place to live. These valuable features have not been lost on the GLBT community that thrives in this Victorian-era central New Jersey enclave of restored antique homes and outstanding real estate investment opportunities.

 

#8, #9 & #10 - Palm Springs, CA & Chicago Metro Area, IL & Austin, TX or (3-Way Tie)

 

Austin

 

Austin has a long reputation for gay-friendliness, and what was long ago a large gay underground is now a tremendously creative GLBT synergy that permeates the whole city in full view of everyone. Austin is the state capital, an important academic center, and the music industry’s newest crown jewel. Plus the city has a high-tech industry presence only rivaled by Silicon Valley. Austin offers a wide range of GLBT enclaves that are literally all over the map, and Texas is famous for low taxes and high growth.

 

Chicago

 

“Chi-town” surprises many newcomers who do not expect so much abundant and accessible green space – including many miles of public lakefront parks – in such a large American city. Better-known assets include the entire range of big city perks and activities – from major sports teams and museums to world famous restaurants and a sizzling music scene. The local GLBT celebration attracts half a million people for its annual parade, and scores of them stay each year to become fulltime residents of the numerous architecture-rich neighborhoods found in the wonderful Windy City.

 

Palm Springs

 

Ideally situated two hours from Los Angeles and San Diego, Palm Springs combines sunny days, breathtaking mountain views, exotic nightlife, an historic downtown village, and an array of galleries, gardens, museums, shops, and restaurants. These days it also offers rare affordability, as California’s housing prices have fallen from their high perch to become much more accessible. In 2008 the town offers rare opportunities for upward equity appreciation. Plus same-sex marriage is now legal. No wonder Palm Springs has emerged as one of the most dynamic and fast-growing GLBT destinations in the USA.

 

Trace the social migration of America’s GLBT population through history. What emerges is a virtual blueprint for success in terms of smart growth, savvy investment, vibrant arts and culture, robust economics, low crime, high property value, superior schools, and model communities.

 

Pick your “Gayborhood” and rest assured that the future is bright for a diversified return on investment highlighted by synergistic appreciation of assets that are both tangible and intangible.

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By Jeff Adolph

Gay Ghettos

GLBT towns, cities, villages, ghettos, enclaves, districts, quarters, and neighborhoods are referred to with various descriptive words. But they all represent blossoming pride, celebration, and reliable real estate value.

Each year we choose our Gay Ghetto Top 10 by cross-analyzing demographics against real estate sales data to discover those especially prized metropolitan areas throughout the USA that are most in vogue with the diverse GLBT community. When the number crunching is over, we usually have 10 distinct winners, individually ranked by virtue of their popularity. But for 2008 we have some unique and special surprises – including three 2-way ties and a 3-way tie. Our top 10 are so outstanding, in other words, that they rate higher than ever.

Here are our selections – ranked 1-6 to accommodate 10 championship GLBT communities: