Feeling the breeze from a ceiling fan just may be a step you can take toward greater energy efficiency this winter.

You can save as much as 40 percent on the cost of cooling your home because a fan creates airflow that cools the people in the room, reducing the need for air conditioning, says Leslie Killingsworth, director of purchasing for Progressive Lighting/Lee Lighting stores.

In the winter, she says, ceiling fans recirculate the warm air at the top of the room, which raises the temperature in the living space below (if fans are switched from running counter-clockwise in the summer to running clockwise in the winter). Using ceiling fans can trim heating costs by 10 percent, according to Casablanca Fan Co.

Fans have become an extension of decorative lighting, with people returning to traditional styles with plated finishes or choosing a rustic style for a more casual look, Killingsworth said. Other fans have more natural materials, also fitting with the desire for a greener look and feel in homes.

Ceiling fans with new DC motors (instead of the traditional AC motors) enable homeowners to use less electricity, says Phil Sherer, vice president of sales at Masterpiece Lighting.

Some motors are virtually silent, and since the motors are smaller, the fans are lighter, he says.

The fate of the mortgage interest tax credit seems to be on everyone’s mind at the moment. I get asked about it pretty much everywhere I go these days, from business meetings to media interviews – even casual discussions at holiday parties. People are afraid of this happening, though not everyone sharing their worries seems to fully grasp what losing this credit might mean beyond what it might cost them personally.
In an attempt to avoid careening off the dreaded fiscal cliff, the government is reconsidering many of the things Americans have traditionally considered sacred – this tax credit being one – and essentially putting them all on the bargaining table. From my perspective, eliminating or dramatically reducing the mortgage interest tax deduction is the exact opposite of what would be best for the economy right now. Though some view this tax credit solely as a benefit for so-called wealthy homeowners, it has become a fundamental economic benefit to homeownership for tens of millions of Americans, and is a crucial component to maintaining stability within the housing market.

How significantly changes to the mortgage interest tax deduction will affect the health of the housing market really depends on how deeply the government decides to cut. If the tax credit is eliminated entirely, the impact on the real estate market could be devastating. Right now, the “move up” market is weak, and people who benefit from the tax credit comprise a good portion of that market. Eliminating the financial benefits of the tax credit, combined with tax hikes likely to be imposed on “wealthy” families may very well drive tens of thousands of potential homebuyers out of the market completely. Without the credit, home prices at the upper end of the market will undoubtedly fall, which will have an effect on pricing throughout the housing ecosystem, depressing prices just when the market is finally beginning to recover from a multi-year downward cycle.

While I doubt we’ll see the tax credit eliminated entirely, it seems likely there will be lower caps imposed on what can be deducted, as well as more stringent limits on what properties and loans a borrower can claim interest credit against. If these changes are significant, I suspect we’ll experience some softening in the market as well as the economy as a whole. After all, a weakened housing market will contribute to adverse conditions in related markets such as construction, building materials, home appliances and the like.

So even if we don’t go over the fiscal cliff, burdening the upper middle class and high-income households in this way can only hurt the real estate market. Considering that it’s been the housing market that’s pulled the U.S. out of virtually every recession since World War II, it seems like we should be shifting our focus to stimulating it in any way we can rather than doing anything that might knock it down. Doing the latter – by way of eliminating the mortgage interest tax credit or otherwise – could very well stall economic recovery. Nobody – regardless of their socio-economic class – wants that.

For many homeowners, decorating is one of the most exciting and tradition-driven parts of the holiday season. Lights, candles and other bright decorations can all be great ways to make your home look festive for the holidays, but faulty wires and open flames can quickly lead to disaster if precautions aren’t taken. There are several steps you can take to holiday-proof your house in order to prevent accidents and ensure that your family and home remain safe—and festive—all season long.

Lights and Electricity

Purchase lights and equipment from a reputable vendor and check labels for safety certification. If you’re taking old décor out of storage, inspect all lights and cords for damage before plugging them in. If a string of lights has broken bulbs or exposed wires, throw it out. Invest in a light timer or set a schedule to ensure you never leave lights on too long, and make sure to unplug everything before leaving the house or going to bed. Avoid overloading outlets or extension cords with too many plugs. Not only is this a potential fire hazard, it can cause electrical damage that could leave you with a hefty repair bill.

Trees

If you buy a real tree, be sure to keep it watered at all times. A dry tree will catch fire much faster than a well-hydrated one, and in heated rooms, trees lose water rapidly. For those who prefer artificial trees, make sure to choose one labeled “fire-resistant.” In addition, use non-flammable ornaments and tree trimmings for maximum protection.

Candles

Never leave candles unattended. Keep open flames out of the way, where small children and pets can’t knock them over. Be sure to extinguish candles before leaving the house or going to bed, and take care to ensure that wax drippings don’t damage flooring or furniture.

Outdoors

Test your home’s ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to make sure they are working properly—they are the first line of defense against electrocution. Ensure that all decorations and extension cords are designed for outdoor use and keep electric objects away from snow and water. Inspect all equipment for damage before use, and take proper safety precautions when using ladders and power tools.

Everything Else

Test all fire and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they work correctly. If a rogue candle or faulty wiring leads to a fire, you want to be alerted as soon as possible. On a similar note, prepare an emergency plan for fires or other disasters, and make sure your family and house-guests know what to do in the event that something does happen. Keep fabrics and other flammable materials a safe distance (three feet is a good rule of thumb) away from heaters and vents, and consider childproofing electrical outlets.

By following these tips and sharing them, you can ensure a happy, healthy and safe holiday for all.

Providing championship service and great results.

At the Demopolis Team, we strive to help our clients cover all the bases and partner with winning professionals that provide championship service and great rates. Michelle is pleased to work w/ Craig Krenzel and AKL Insurance Group because they know how to deliver great results. Contact Michelle or Craig today if you have any real estate or insurance questions!

Who doesn’t love a new pair of shoes??? For the month of September, we are giving away a $50.00 gift card to D.S.W. to one of our lucky Facebook or Twitter supporters. All you have to do is like and/or follow us and you will be eligible to win. Our Facebook link is http://www.facebook.com/thedemopolisteam and our Twitter handle is @demopolisteam. Remember The Demopolis Team for your Central Ohio real estate needs!!!

Beautiful home for sale in Westerville Schools with a delightful backyard – fully fenced, large deck and mature trees await your BBQ’s!

The Demopolis Team has just learned of a company that specializes in helping people navigate the negative issues on their credit reports and we are very excited about the options this will open up for people.  Sometimes potential buyers are just told NO, without being told how to turn that no to a YES. Through the help of this company, a specialist will explain everything on the report and prioritize actions for you. While there is not a magic wand to make things go away, a lot of misinformation is often found on credit. You may have options to buy that house you want after all! Call the Demopolis Team today to get more contact information. 740-362-2400, ask for Michelle Demopolis

I am often asked this question and I am always glad to answer it. The #1 thing is TRUST – you HAVE to be able to trust your Realtor and be honest with them, or they will not be able to help you. Next, they need to be experienced in the area you wish to do business, and they need to have experience with the type of property you are buying or selling.  Please don’t be afraid to ask them questions about their experience and results. Any professional, full time Realtor will now their numbers and be able to answer your questions, or know where to get the answers. Call the Demopolis Team today to get more information. 740-362-2400, ask for Michelle Demopolis.

The lending world continues to change and evolve, and circle back and change it’s mind! From bank to bank, from month to month the options change. At the Demopolis Team, we begin the process with our buyer’s by listening to what their needs are – what are their goals and objectives? Then after that, we can discuss what type of properties may meet these needs.

Many options exist for lending currently – from work equity programs at new builds (where you do work in exchange for the builder paying your down payment), to grant programs and even 100% financing in certain circumstances.

We have many lenders we can put you in touch with to discuss each of these options today! So for further information or to ask any questions, please give us a call at 740-362-2400.

Do not automatically rule out selling your home because of what your neighbors are doing. When it comes to purchasing a bank owned home, a foreclosure, or even a short sale, as compared to a home owned by an owner-occupant, the process is completely different and therefor appeals to different types of buyers. Many buyers are opposed to things such as repairs, dirt and damages that accompany many distressed sales. The other big factor in a buyer’s decision to choose an owner occupant home over a distressed home is time – there is a long process to go through in order to successfully close on a short sale and often times a foreclosed property. In contrast, you may be able to successfully sell and close on your home in 30 days or less. Plus you can present clean carpets and a move in ready home to the new buyers! That has value.

If you would like information about your specific neighborhood and how the distressed market may have affected your home, please give us a call at 740-362-2400.