Why air contioning costs are heating up

You might wish that summer could go on and on—until it comes time to recharge your air conditioning system. The cost of the common refrigerant R-22 (also known as Freon), widely used in residential air conditioning systems, has already increased by more than 400 percent in the past 18 months and is expected to go even higher, making air conditioning repairs more costly for many.
R-22 has been the refrigerant of choice for residential heat pump and air conditioning systems for more than four decades, but it has been identified as having a negative environmental impact, including contributing to ozone depletion. Under EPA regulations, R-22 is being phased out, with production totally prohibited after 2020.
This has added new considerations for homeowners who are considering whether to repair or replace an air conditioning unit. For instance, some refrigerant manufacturers have begun selling cheaper alternatives to R-22, often referred to as "drop-in" replacement refrigerants. But alternatives are cheaper only in the short run.
"Lennox, one of the leading air conditioning manufacturers, has conducted research that shows these cheaper alternate refrigerants are not compatible with the lubricating oil used in R-22 units," says Dave Moody, director of marketing for Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. "Recharging older air conditioners with these alternative refrigerants may actually damage the system and void your manufacturer's warranty. As a result, we've instructed our 2,500 technicians to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and use only R-22 when they recharge R-22 systems."
Moody also points out that reclaimed and recycled R-22 is expected to be available to repair existing systems after production ceases in 2020, but as the supply of new R-22 refrigerant continues to be reduced, costs of both new and recycled R-22 refrigerant will increase significantly.
All new air conditioning systems now use a more environmentally friendly refrigerant, R410A.-These newer systems offer many benefits, including greater energy efficiency, longer warranty periods and quieter operation, and may prove to be the wiser investment when homeowners are faced with repairing an older system that uses R-22 refrigerant.
"There is no one-size-fits-all answer about whether to repair or replace your R-22 AC," says Moody. "It really does depend on the individual family, their home, their lifestyle and their budget.”

Keep your home cool and save the green

5 demands to make on your real estate agent

kcmblog.com/2013/08/06/5-demands-to-make-on-your-real-estate-agent/

 

The following article is courtesy of KCM Blog

 

The KCM Crew

Are you thinking of selling your home? Are you dreading having to deal with strangers walking through the house? Are you concerned about getting the paperwork correct? Hiring a professional real estate agent can take away most of the challenges of selling. A great agent is always worth more than the commission they charge just like a great doctor or great accountant. You want to deal with one of the best agents in your marketplace. To do this, you must be able to distinguish the average agent from the great one. Let us help.
If we were hiring an agent to sell my home today, we would require that they:

1. Tell us the truth about the price

Too many agents just take the listing at any price and then try to the ‘work the seller’ for a price correction later. Demand that the agent prove to you that they have a belief in the price they are suggesting. Make them show you their plan to sell the house at that price – TWICE! Every house in today’s market must be sold two times – first to a buyer and then to the bank.
The second sale may be more difficult than he first. The residential appraisal process has gotten tougher. It has become more difficult to get the banks to agree on the contract price. A red flag should be raised if your agent is not discussing this with you at the time of the listing.

2. Understand the timetable with which my family is dealing

You will be moving your family to a new home. Whether the move revolves around the start of a new school year or the start of a new job, you will be trying to put the move to a plan. This can be very emotionally draining. Demand from your agent an appreciation for the timetables you are setting. I am not suggesting that your agent can pick the exact date for your move. You just want the agent to exert any influence they can.

3. Remove as many of the challenges as possible

It is imperative that your agent know how to handle the challenges that will arise. An agent’s ability to negotiate is critical in this market.
Remember: If you have an agent who was weak negotiating with you on the parts of the listing contract that were most important to them (commission, length, etc.), don’t expect them to turn into Superman when they are negotiating for you with your buyer.

4. Help with the relocation

If you haven’t yet picked your new home, make sure the agent is capable and willing to help you. The coordination of the move is crucial. You don’t want to be without a roof over your head the night of the closing. Likewise, you don’t want to end up paying two housing expenses (whether it is rent or mortgage). You should, in most cases, be able to close on your current home and immediately move into your new residence.

5. Get the house SOLD!

There is a reason you are putting yourself and your family through the process of moving. You are moving on with your life in some way. The reason is important or you wouldn’t be dealing with the headaches and challenges that come along with selling. Do not allow your agent to forget these motivations. Constantly remind them that selling the house is why you hired them. Make sure that they don’t worry about your feelings more than they worry about your family. If they discover something needs to be done to attain your goal (i.e. price correction, repair, removing clutter), insist they have the courage to inform you.
Good agents know how to deliver good news. Great agents know how to deliver tough news. In today’s market, YOU NEED A GREAT AGENT!

Can you do anything about encroachment?

NORFOLK, VA, Aug 06, 2013—You may be sitting there wondering what “encroachment” is; if you've
ever been in a sticky situation with a neighbor regarding property boundaries, then you're
more familiar with the term than you think.

“Encroachment is when another individual builds a structure that sits on or interferes with your
land,” says Louis Eisenberg, Associate Broker REALTOR ABR SFR of Prudential Towne Realty. “Perhaps your neighbor builds a deck that creeps out onto your property line, or a shed for his new boat that sits a few feet over
the border.”

So what do you do? And more importantly, what can you do? “If the encroachment doesn't
bother you, than maybe there is no reason to do anything about it—you save the relationship
between you and your neighbor, and what's a few feet of yard loss anyway? However, when it
comes time to sell your home, you could run into some trouble,” Eisenberg explains.

Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Solidify the boundaries. Double and triple check your boundary lines so you don't start an
issue over a mistake or misunderstanding.

2. Talk with your neighbor. If it's a shed or movable structure, perhaps they can relocate.

3. Consider alternatives. “There are several things you can do to remedy this situation without
ending up in court,” says Eisenberg. One is writing the neighbor a written permission to use
your property. While this will not hold over if you sell your property, it will at least clear the air
and any confusion between who owns what. Another possibility is selling the square feet to
them, extending their property line so that their structure now sits on their land and they are no
longer encroaching. Not keen on selling the square footage? Suggest renting it. “Be sure to
contact a legal advisor and, if necessary, your mortgage lender before a property sale. And of
course, keep all documentation of the sale,” Eisenberg cautions.

4. If you aren't able to keep the situation hospitable, you may have to take the issue to court.
This can be a painstakingly long process, so Eisenberg suggests this as a last-ditch effort.

For more real estate information, please contact Louis Eisenberg, Prudential Towne Realty, 109 E. Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 at leisenberg@prudentialtownerealty.com, (757) 572-7244, or www.LouisEisenberg.com

Should you prepay your mortgage?

NORFOLK, VA, Aug 01, 2013—At first glance, prepaying your mortgage sounds like a financially intelligent move. By paying extra principal, your house will be paid off faster, and you will end up paying less interest over the life of your loan.

“You get to save thousands of dollars and shave years off the life of your loan because the additional payments made toward your monthly principal basically constitutes a partial prepayment of your mortgage,” says Louis Eisenberg, Associate Broker REALTOR ABR SFR of Prudential Towne Realty.

However, there can be some drawbacks; each mortgage has specific terms describing how and when prepayment may occur.  Some lenders impose a penalty if you repay the loan too soon.

The total savings potential also will depend on how long you plan to live in your home.  If you expect to move in the near future, do not expect to reap savings as large as those gained by people who pay ahead of schedule until they own their home free and clear.

“If you're putting additional payments into your mortgage, make sure you're also building up your retirement fund. While your home is your greatest investment, you don't want to end up house rich and cash poor in the end,” advises Eisenberg.

Another note from Eisenberg; If you plan to speed up your mortgage payments, do it on your own instead of enlisting the help from a bank, who may charge a fee.

For more information on paying off your mortgage, please contact Louis Eisenberg, Prudential Towne Realty, 109 E. Main Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510, leisenberg@prudentialtownerealty.com, (757) 572-7244, or www.LouisEisenberg.com

First quarter home ptrices strong

How to buy a group vacation home

 

NORFOLK, VA, Jul 25, 2013—It sounds like a dream; splitting the cost of a lakefront home or woodland cabin with your close friends. However, purchasing a group home can end up being more complicated, and that's before you throw in any possible falling outs or conflicting schedules. Below, Louis Eisenberg, Associate Broker REALTOR ABR SFR of Prudential Towne Realty  takes us through a variety of things to consider before purchasing a home with others.

1. Discuss finances first

Can everyone afford to do this? “To minimize complication, it's best for everyone going in on the purchase to be able to put down equal funds,” suggests Eisenberg. In addition to discussing purchase costs, go over who will pay for furnishing the home, improvements, monthly bills, taxes, etc.

“It's important to really scrutinize the financial coverage, from little things like landscaping to emergencies like a flooded basement,” Eisenberg notes.

2. Write it down

After you have a clear plan that all parties agree to, get everything in writing. This will be helpful in the future should someone forget who agreed to pay for those new energy efficient windows. “It might be a good idea to bring in a lawyer to help come up with a contract everyone agrees to,” suggests Eisenberg. A lawyer will not only help document your decisions, but also map out any additional legal concerns – like what will happen to an individual's share of property should they pass away.

Although it may be uncomfortable, you should also talk about what will happen to a property share should someone want to sell or liquidate their assets.

3. Decide how the home will be used

After you've taken care of the legal and financial issues, it's time to talk about the fun stuff: how you will enjoy your home. Will you split up visiting dates throughout the year? Will you all visit at once, reunion style? “While it might seem silly to designate days up-front, it will ease any future tension should schedules clash,” says Eisenberg. Additionally, talk about what will happen to the property as your lives progress. A group of friends purchasing a home in their late twenties will surely use the property differently than a group of friends who are now in their forties.

“After you have your basics covered, celebrate with your friends and enjoy your new vacation home!” says Eisenberg.

For more information on buying a home, please contact Louis Eisenberg, Prudential Towne Realty, 109 E. Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510, leisenberg@prudentialtownerealty.com, (757) 572-7244, or www.LouisEisenberg.com