Uncategorized • January 12, 2018

7 Signs It’s Time To Downsize

by John Hamilton

For many people, a large, sprawling home is part of the American Dream. But with additional space comes bigger utility bills and oodles of upkeep. Depending on your lifestyle, you may suddenly find yourself with more house than you actually need or want.

While the thought of moving to a modest home can be daunting, you don’t need to sell off all your belongings and join the tiny home craze to downsize effectively. Also, as you shed square footage, you’ll find that you gain a range of benefits that make a big difference to some homeowners.

Wondering if it might be time to look for a smaller abode? Ask yourself these seven questions and you’ll have your answer.

Is routine maintenance taking up too much of your time?

If you find that your weekends suddenly slip away as you attempt to keep up with your landscaping or just maintain your home’s interior, you may be ready for a little less housework. Sure, you could hire someone to take care of these tasks for you, but that’s less money in your wallet.

Do you have too much house?

Are there some rooms in your home that you don’t enter for days at a time? Even if you’re not using them, you’re still paying to heat or cool them. (And did we mention dust and vacuum them as well?) Unless you’re planning to try your hand at AirBNB and rent out a room or two, you may want to think about downsizing.

Are your house-related expenses eating away at your savings?

If your income has shrunk due to retirement or an unforeseen unemployment, you don’t want to have to tap into your savings each month just to make ends meet. A smaller house will require less maintenance while lowering your utility bills. You can also consider downsizing in an area where the cost of living is lower so your overall expenses will decrease.

Has your home appreciated substantially?

Are homes in your ‘hood fetching top dollar? This could be the time to lock in your profit and
add that windfall to your retirement savings. Or, spend a little and see the world beyond your picket fence. Vacationing is easier when you leave behind a smaller home — especially one like a condo or townhouse where outdoor maintenance is handled for you.

Are you feeling isolated?

If the kids have moved away and your neighbors have also downsized, you may feel like you’re the last man standing on your block. If the only person you recognize in your area is your mail carrier and that leaves you feeling isolated, it may be time to plan a move to a place where you’ll see some familiar faces.

Has your lifestyle changed?

Even if you once reveled in the majesty of your two-story entryway, if the thought of climbing 28 stairs to get to your bedroom now leaves you wanting to sleep on the couch in the living room, it’s time to move. As many homeowners get older, they seek the ease and convenience of one-level living. If your house has become too large for you to comfortably and safely maneuver, make a change.

Are you sick of having too much stuff?

Whether you’re looking to explore the minimalist lifestyle or just wondering when and how you’ve accumulated so much stuff, you may want to consider streamlining your belongings. Holding a garage or estate sale is a great first step when thinking about downsizing. Organizations looking for donations abound online, with many offering free pickup and removal. Living in a tighter space forces you to really take stock of each item you allow through the door. Though it seems counterintuitive, having a smaller home may force you to really stay organized and not let clutter dominate your dwelling.

Uncategorized • January 11, 2018

FIVE MONEY-SAVING GREEN UPGRADES

by John Hamilton

Going green is great for the environment, but that’s not the only benefit. When you make green upgrades in your home, it can also lead to saving a significant amount of money over time.

Solar panels: The upfront cost is big, but the long-term savings are huge. Solar panels will cost several thousand dollars to install, but ongoing maintenance costs are very low, and a typical system could save you hundreds of dollars per year. You can even sell your surplus electricity.

Wood furnace: Wood-burning furnaces are relatively inexpensive, and though the yearly savings aren’t as dramatic (about 10% on heating bills), it adds up over the long run.

Insulation: There’s a good chance your insulation isn’t very efficient, especially in older homes. Look into installing floor, cavity, wall, and loft insulation to reduce your heating bills.

Rain barrels: Rain barrels are extremely inexpensive, and provide gallons of free water to use when you wash your car or water your garden.

Geothermal system: OK, so the price tag is scary at first. A geothermal system uses the earth’s temperature to heat and cool your home, but can cost $30,000 to install. But tax credits allow you to get a lot of that money back, and the energy savings average about $1,900 per year. If you plan to be in your home for a decade or two, it’s a great investment.

Moving • January 10, 2018

PRIORITY TASKS FOR YOUR MOVE IN

by John Hamilton

Moving into a new home is an exciting time, and you’re probably daydreaming about decor and paint schemes and new furniture. But before you get into the fun stuff, there are some basics you should cover first.

Change the locks

Even if you’re promised that new locks have been installed in your home, you can never be too careful. It’s worth the money to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that no one else has the keys to your home. Changing the locks can be a DIY project, or you can call in a locksmith for a little extra money.

Steam clean the carpets

It’s good to get a fresh start with your floors before you start decorating. The previous owners may have had pets, young children, or just some plain old clumsiness. Take the time to steam clean the carpets so that your floors are free of stains and allergens. It’s pretty easy and affordable to rent a steam cleaner—your local grocery store may have them available.

Call an exterminator

Prior to move-in, you probably haven’t spent enough time in the house to get a view of any pests that may be lurking. Call an exterminator to take care of any mice, insects, and other critters that may be hiding in your home.

Clean out the kitchen

If the previous occupants wanted to skip on some of their cleaning duties when they moved out, the kitchen is where they probably cut corners. Wipe down the inside of cabinets, clean out the refrigerator, clean the oven, and clean in the nooks and crannies underneath the appliances.

Uncategorized • January 9, 2018

ORGANIC FOOD ON A BUDGET

by John Hamilton

Organic food usually tastes better, and is better for you, but it can also be very expensive compared to non-organic products. Organic food can cost nearly 50 percent more, thanks to the extra labor required to produce it and consumers’ demand exceeding supply.

So how do you get tasty organic food without spending a ton of extra money? Follow these tips to get more bang for your buck.

Shop at farmers’ markets: You can get fresh organic produce for far less at a farmers’ market than you’d pay at the grocery store. It’ll taste just as good, and you’re getting your food straight from the source.

You can still find fresh, local produce at the Winter Market at Rio Grande Depot in Salt Lake City on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm through April 21, 2018.

Choose seasonal produce: Out-of-season produce usually has to be imported, and that can really drive up the price. Focus your meals on in-season fruits and vegetables so that you don’t end up paying $6.00 for a pound of organic asparagus.

Shop more frequently, and plan your meals around bulk sales: The trick here is to only buy what’s needed for your meals, and to only plan for a week of meals at most. That way you’re less likely to throw food away, because you can use leftover produce for more meals before it goes bad.

Grow your own: A home vegetable garden will provide some extremely cheap organic produce, and gardening can also be a fun and rewarding hobby.