Here are some areas in which a modest investment now could be a significant savings later on.

Real Estate News

Lighting –
Replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights is a simple way to save on electric bills.  The cost initially of the bulb is higher, $4-$15, but the savings over the life of the bulb is $25-$30.

Windows and Doors
Contributors to high heating and cooling bills are leaky windows and doors.  The Energy Information Administration reported that in 2007, home heating costs rose almost 10 percent.  Replacing windows and doors is expensive, but a home’s efficiency may improve as mush as 70 percent saving the homeowner thousands of dollars over the usable life of the new windows and doors.

Heating and Cooling Systems
Install a programmable thermostat.  This allows you to regulate the heating and cooling for different times of day.

Insulation
Upgrading insulation will require some expense but not necessarily a lot.  Of homes 28 years or older, nearly 80 percent are not insulated to government standards according to the Department of Energy.  Insulation depth in the attic of 15.5 inches or less, is not enough.  This is a fix a homeowner can easily do themselves.

Visit www.EnergyStar.gov to learn more about energy-efficient home improvements.

With the recent turmoil in the financial markets, mortgage rates have fallen by a full percentage point over the last couple of days.  If your current mortgage bears an interest rate of over 6%, now may be a last best chance to refinance to a rate that’s around 5.5%.  This should not last long, so act quickly.  Call me at 303-670-6358 if you’d like the name of a reputable loan officer to contact.

Tupper

3 Suggestions for Sellers

1. Understand what “market value” actually means. As Steve McLinden of Bankrate.com notes, “It’s not what your friend sold his house for two years ago or even two months ago. It’s not the value your latest tax assessment was based on or what the appraiser said the house was worth a year ago. It is exactly what someone is willing to pay for your house today.”  (It’s also not necessarily what a website like Zillow claims your home is worth.) The bottom line: Buyers must see value in your home.
2. Don’t sell “as is” unless you absolutely have to. With a large selection of homes on the market and many foreclosed homes in poor condition being sold at auction, potential homebuyers don’t feel compelled to look for fixer-uppers in the current market. The most saleable listings are those in move-in condition. If your property needs work and you don’t want to make the improvements yourself, your price should account for the work that will need to be done.
3. Simplify, neutralize and de-clutter your home to give potential buyers the chance to envision their own belongings and lives in your house. Consider hiring a staging firm to help present your home in optimal condition. Call Tupper’s Team if you’d like more information on professional stagers.

Tupper’s Team went above and beyond during each stage of the buying process. They looked out for our interests and even got us a home warranty, which we have used! They were will to meet with us at odd hours because of our time crunch. Very polite and gave good advise, making the process smooth. From the initial house hunting to signing the deal, Tupper’s Team went out of their way to make the process easy. They are very professional and honest!

Don & Anne Dew

Bring new or gently used bedding to the “Make a Bed Dinner”.  This will benefit clients during the cold winter months.

Call Barb Collins for additional information: 303-670-4120

Saturday, October 4, 2008
6PM
Hiwan Country Club
EChO80439@juno.com

Zucchini Muffins

Laurie Ward, Village Gourmet

Makes 2 dozen

Mix these ingredients together in a bowl:
1 1/2 c. grated zucchini, skin and all
3 eggs
3/4 C. corn oil
2 t. vanilla
1 1/2 C. sugar

In a separate bowl combine:
2 C. + 4 T. flour
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
2 t. cinnamon
1/3 c. raisins

Mix these ingredients together, then add the
liquid. Do not over mix.
Bake at 325 for 12-15 minutes.

Another War Story From The Internet.

Here’s another article from a fellow who’s more experienced as a home seller than he wants to be…along with some advice from real estate brokers he’s talked to along the way.

Tupper’s Team once again exceeded our expectations.  The team was a pleasure to work with and could not have been more professional and hard working!  Tupper’s Team is outstanding, wonderful realtors.  We have used them both for selling and buying a home.  Everything went very smoothly.

Greg & Claire Stansberry

The Evergreen Animal Protective League invites you to the 4th annual APL Oktober Pets.  Enjoy a German-style buffet, music by John Erlandson and auctions with items such as a year’s supply of dog & cat food, gift certificates, golf & spa packages, sports tickets, gas coupons and works of art.  Visit the EAPL website for a complete list of items that will be auctioned.
Buy you tickets now at local businesses:

Chow Down in Evergreen
Bear Creek Restaurant, Kittredge
Healthy Pets in Conifer
Online at www.eapl.com or at the door the evening of the event.

Tickets - $20/person 

Dont’ miss this special event!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
5pm to 9pm
Location: Bear Creek Restaurant, co-sponsors of the event,  on Hwy 7 in Kittredge.

Call 303-674-6442 for more information.

The Evergreen Garden Tour 2008 was a huge success visit the Evergreen Garden Club website to find out more about how to garden at altitude. A new year starts in the fall and membership is for a full gardening year and includes many great programs.

Evergreen Garden Club Garden Tour 2008