Energy Saving Tips

Start with a full home inspection. The cost of energy is a constant strain on everyone's budge, therefore, anytime is a good time to conduct a full home inspection and see where adjustments can be made to help lower costs.

The professionals at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation offer the following suggestions for surveying your home and making modifications to improve your utility bills.

Proper insulation. Appropriate insulation for the home offers many benefits to maintain reasonable expenditures, acting as armor against outside temperatures, both hot and cold, air leaks and moisture. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates homeowners can generally save up to 20% of heating/cooling costs (or up to 10% of total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists.

Ducts. The critical network tucked away in ceilings, walls and floors that moves air from the furnace and the central air conditioner to each room in the home can be the biggest culprit in terms of wasted energy dollars. Ducts that are poorly or improperly insulated can allow heated air to seep into unconditioned areas (space that is heated and cooled), adding significant dollars each year to heating and cooling bills. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can lose up to 60 percent of heated air before it reaches the register if ducts are not insulated and they travel through unconditioned spaces like the attic or the crawlspace.

Appliances. Major home appliances such as refrigerators, washer/dryers and dishwashers can account for as much as 20 percent of household energy consumption, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. When shopping for replacement appliances, study the federally required EnergyGuide labels on appliances. They will outline annual energy consumption and operating costs of each appliance. Also look for EnergyStar compliant products, which are more efficient than older models.

Windows. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that inefficient windows, skylights and glazed doors account for more than 25 percent of a typical household's energy bills. Those costs can decrease significantly by installing windows with double-pane insulated glass, heat-resistant coatings and/or airtight frames.

Source: 2008 http://www.energystar.gov/ and http://www.energy.gov/

Ready For Your Next Home

Dreaming about more space or the perfect retirement spot. You've probably wondered how much more home you can afford. Since the amount you can comfortably borrow and your other financial goals are relatively fixed, the answer rests in the successful sale of your current home. A strong selling price may well make the difference in reaching your lifestyle and location dreams.

Well-priced homes that are compellingly marketed sell quicker for more money. Partnering with an experienced real estate agent is the best plan to get the most value out of your current home. Email or call us at 309-657-0063 for more information.

New Signature Home in Dunlap's Stonegate Subdivision

11020 N Onyx Lane, Dunlap

Step into this SIGNATURE HOME built four bedroom, three bath ranch located in Dunlap's Stonegate subdivision. This home has over 3400 finished square feet of living space. Including a finished basement with wet bar, a huge REC room, a full bath and a fourth bedroom with egress window. The main floor is open and inviting. It has a split floor plan with double walk-ins in the master bedroom and a large master bath. A formal dining room, breakfast bar and eating area round out this amazing Custom floor plan. Get in now and make some of your own selections! $419,900 See the listing for more details. Email or call us at 657-0063 if you have questions.

Celebrate and Enjoy Easter!

We are sending you our warmest wishes this Easter. We would also like to take this time to extend our appreciation to our friends, family and clients.

Rich, Adam, and Tara

Great Job Coldwell Banker Devonshire!

Coldwell Banker Devonshire is ranked #65 in the 2008 Real Trends 500 Largest Brokerage List for transaction sides!
http://www.realtrends.com/ee_assets/2009%20REAL%20Trends%20500%20RANKING%20BY%20SIDES.pdf

Brokerages in the Peoria area include:
#65: Coldwell Banker Devonshire
#161: Jim Maloof Real Estate
#202: REMAX Unlimited in Peoria
#357: Keller Williams Premier Realty in Peoria
#419: Traders Realty in Peoria