Water is one of our most precious natural resources. Clean water is a luxury that many people worldwide don't have. The recent water crisis in Georgia has caused all of us to think twice when we turn on the faucet. Water restrictions impact everyone in the Atlanta real estate industry from landscapers to homeowners. Conserve Water Georgia! is a Georgia[...]
If you're looking for ways to save money on taxes as the end of the year approaches, think about upgrading the energy efficiency of your home or business. Details are spelled out at the ENERGY STAR site. You'll save on more than taxes; you'll enjoy lower energy costs throughout the year.[...]
As you're getting ready for Thanksgiving company, take a moment to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient by changing your air filter. You'll keep your systems from working so hard to heat or cool all the relatives, and the air your family and friends breathe will be cleaner. You're saving on your utility bills, too. Filters should be[...]
Only if you turn your thermostat up a little while you're using them. Ceiling fans don't actually lower the temperature in the room, but they cool you while you're in it. That's why it's also important to turn the fan off when you leave. Haven Properties homes stay more comfortable year-round while saving on energy costs. Check with us before you[...]
Then it may be an energy hog. Inefficient office equipment creates waste heat. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when choosing computers, printers, fax machines, and any other equipment that makes your home office run smoothly. Make sure your home PC is using its power management capabilities, too. The screen saver does not save energy, but an enabled ENERGY STAR[...]
Outdoor living has become a huge selling point for developers and builders. As homeowners seek ways to connect to nature and each other in an effort to roll back the clock to simpler times, several Atlanta area communities offer outdoor fireplaces where homeowners gather to make smores, roast hotdogs or watch the stars. A firepit at Sharp Residential's Parkstone in Forsyth[...]
Atlantans love their pets. A big back yard or fenced area for the beloved dog is often a major consideration in purchasing a home. Many Atlanta developers and builders have taken the happiness of the family pet into consideration and offer dog parks, walking trails and other dog friendly amenities in new home communities. The newly launched Atlanta Petz magazine recently[...]
Gen X wants walk-in closets and a high-tech kitchen. Julie Janovsky's article on HouzingZone will give you all the details. Gen X, now age 30 - 42, spends more of their income on their first home that previous generations. Additionally they spend a lot of time and money on remodeling too. Specifics on what Gen X seeks: open floor plans light[...]
Homeowners are adding outdoor spaces to their homes that are much more like indoor living areas. From outdoor kitchens to outdoor living rooms, buyers are spending time outdoors with friends and family while entertaining. Angelo Surmelis, host of 24 Hour Design on HGTV says, "Homeowners are creating spaces outdoors even in cool clients, and finding ways to use them all[...]
The trend toward green building seems to be garnering further support and momentum. Nation's Building News, the official online weekly newspaper of NAHB, sites statistics on the importance of energy efficiency to homeowners. They site the 2006 Energy Pulse survey by the Shelton Group. This study finds that 86-percent of Americans would choose a home based on its energy efficiency. Interestingly[...]