Our new podcast featuring All Things Nashville Real Estate is now live! Some of the Nashville Real Estate industry's hottest professionals are interviewed and queried by the shows host – our founder, CEO, and Principal Broker, Laura Dahl. Plus on each episode, you'll get to hear from Laura herself as she shares bites from her nearly 25 years of real estate experience.

Set those reminders, because you can anticipate a new episode released each Friday!

How do I listen in?

Our Broker Bites podcast is now live on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

What's the podcast about?

In the introductory episode, Laura answers a few questions from Trent Denson (Spread The Positive Podcast Host) about the overall purpose of the podcast and a little bit of Laura's background. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast for all things Greater Nashville Real Estate. We promise you'll get hooked.

In future episodes you can expect to hear about...

• Interviews & stories with industry professionals
• Hot listing spotlights
• Vendor spotlights
• Nashville real estate news
• Amazing tips and marketing practices that you can apply to your real estate business
• ...more!

How can I support Broker Bites?

Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, leave us a rating, and tell the your sphere about our new show on Facebook, Linkedin, and Instagram. (We’ll let you know each week when new episodes are live!)

Buying a home can be a rather daunting task. There is so much more involved than just packing your bags and finding your dream home. But, with preparation and dedication, becoming a homeowner can be a reality! Home buyers, especially first-time home buyers, wonder what they need to do to buy a house?

Undeniably, one of the most important aspects when buying a home is your credit. By reaching out to a REALTOR®, they can advise you or direct you to the appropriate professionals to help you prepare your financials for your home-buying journey. Although it is always important to defer to an expert to address your specific situation, here are some of the most important, agreed upon aspects to building, repairing, and maintaining good credit:

Improve Your Credit

A good to excellent credit score is key to finding the best deals on the market. No credit or bad credit? No worries. It is more than possible to build or repair your credit. Just remember, the road to improving your credit and achieving financial freedom is a marathon – not a sprint. There are several factors that determine your credit score. Focusing on these is a great way to help your score.

On-time Payments

Do you pay your bills on-time? Do you currently have delinquent accounts on your credit report? The greatest portion of your score, 35%, comes from making your payments in a timely manner. 

Credit Utilization

It's easy to get carried away with that shiny new credit card. Be careful to not max out your limit -- or even approach it -- if you want to keep your credit in pristine shape. Your usage makes up a whopping 30% of your score. The recommended credit utilization is no more than 30% of your total credit allowance. However, a lower utilization percentage around 10%-15% is preferable.

Quick Breakdown. If you have a limit of $1000 and your balance is $500, you're utilizing 50% of your credit. This impacts your score! Watch how much you swipe and try not to carry a balance from month-to-month. If you must carry a balance, pay down your cards mid-billing cycle to lower your average daily balance. This can help you save on interest.

History

15% of your score is attributed to how long you've had credit lines. You can't control time, but make sure to start building credit as soon as possible. A credit card from a reputable bank is a great way to get started.

Inquiries

Watch out how often you apply for credit. 

Many times banks or other lenders will initiate a hard credit report inquiry when you apply. A few inquiries on your report won't affect your score. However, if you start to accumulate numerous inquiries, especially in a short period of time, your score will likely take a ding. Lots of inquiries make you seem risky. 10% of your score comes from this category.

Thankfully, inquiries will disappear from your credit profile after two years, automatically giving your score a tiny boost.

Credit Mix

Do you only have credit cards? Or, what about a wallet full of department store cards? (Eeekk!) The final 10% of your score depends on what your credit mix looks like. In addition to cards, various loans (like student loans, car loans, personal loans, etc.), and mortgages contribute to your credit mix. Improve your score by adding variety of accounts to your credit history -- just make sure you handle them responsibly by taking care to follow the above factors, like utilization and making on-time payments.

Your credit is the most important factor in the road to homeownership. Use your credit lines responsibly to build and maintain a healthy credit score -- and eventually you will achieve the coveted 700+ score that will land you the best deals on the market.

Are you looking to purchase a home in the next 6 months, year, or even a longer than a year? It is never too early to begin preparing for your purchase. In fact, the earlier the better! Building your credit and saving for your down payment can ensure that you get the best interest rate and terms possible.

Reach out to one of our Experts! With our expert knowledge of the Nashville real estate market and our vast network of lenders and financial planners, we can help you start the journey.

Picture this – you and your real estate agent are shopping for your perfect home. Aha! Finally, you've found one that is absolutely darling and meets all of your checkboxes. But, wait – there's one problem. This home already has an offer on it.

Don't lose all of your hope, though! Contracts on homes can fall through for many reasons, from financing problems to home contingencies not being met. While it is not guaranteed you will end up under contract, it doesn't hurt to exhaust all of your possible options if you are certain that you really want this home. This is when a back-up offer comes in handy.

What is a back-up offer?

Basically, when a back-up offer is made and accepted, the seller and buyer automatically enter contractual status if the primary offer happens to fall through or if the first buyer backs out. A back-up offer works the same way any other offer would, including a submission of an earnest money deposit.

Pro tip! If accepted, a back-up offer is just as legally binding as every other real estate contract. Do not submit an offer just to have a foot in the door with the seller. Only submit an offer if you are certain that you will still want to close on the home and ensure that you are offering conditions that you will be happy with in the long run. Your real estate professional can help advise and guide you.

If the original offer closes, you will be released from your contract and any earnest money will be returned to you. If the original offer does not move on to close, your offer is next in line to purchase the home and your home buying process will begin.

Should you get tired of waiting and desire to move on with your home search, it is important that your real estate agent includes a clause in your offer that will allow you to remove yourself from the back-up offer while the original offer is still active.

Making a back-up offer.

The process is about the same as submitting an original offer, and the seller will consider your offer as such. Again, if you want your offer to have the potential of acceptance, you and your real estate agent should strategize the best approach that you are satisfied with.

How much should I offer?

Because you want your offer to be appealing to the seller, how much you offer can be determined by the climate of your area real estate market. If you are in a cooler real estate market, you may be able to have an offer accepted by offering at or below list price. However, if you are in a hot market where bidding wars and multiple-offers are common (like the Nashville real estate market), you will likely need to consider making a more competitive offer. Your REALTOR® can help you decide how much to offer for the home and help you determine if you would like to offer to pay for other commonly negotiated closing expenses. 

Pros and cons of back-up offers.

Pros

• You may end up snagging the house of your dreams.
• Your dream home does not return to the market if the first contract falls through. You will not have to enter a potential bidding war with other buyers.

Cons

• Your earnest money can be tied up for an indefinite amount of time & if you decide to exit the back-up offer, it may take a while to have your money returned.
• Your home search is essentially paused, unless you want to risk entering contracts on multiple homes. Yikes.
• The first offer may have fell through for good reason. You'll want to ensure there are no issues with the house by having a proper inspection done if your back-up offer moves to home plate.

Ultimately, just like any step along the home search process, your real estate Expert can help advise you if a back-up offer is the right move. Start your home search by reaching out to one of our Music City Experts or by using our online sophisticated home search tool.

Home buying can be tricky – especially for first-time buyers. Here is a list of some of the most common mistakes made by buyers.

1. Looking for homes before you are pre-approved.

This is typically the most common mistake made by buyers. It is all too easy to get caught up in the excitement of wanting to buy a new house you to forget that you might not be able to afford exactly what you want. Getting pre-approved will help you save yourself time and disappointment by having a clear picture of what price range you can shop in. 

Having a pre-approval letter will also show sellers and listing agents that you are a serious shopper. If you are looking to start shopping for a Nashville area home, let one of us know! We can start the process for you and make it as easy as possible.

2. Talking to only one lender.

You would never just want to get a quote from one lender. Getting several quotes will ensure you're getting the best deal and the best rate – potentially saving you hundreds or thousands. Typically, we will refer our clients to several of our trusted lenders, so we've got your back.

3. Rushing through the process.

Home buying is no small life event. It can get particularly tricky! It's important to have a solid plan in place to guide you through your home buying journey. We recommend starting very early, perhaps a year prior to trying to get pre-approved. Use this time to improve your credit, pay down debts, and save as much money as you can. Doing this will put you in a much better place come home buying time. You will likely get a better rate and be approved for a higher amount.

4. Don't drain your savings -- you don't always need to put 20% down.

A lot of times, buyers will drain their savings account to pay for closing costs or for their 20% down payment. Although you will not have to pay for mortgage insurance if you put 20% down on a conventional mortgage, if you don't have at least a three to six month blanket of savings, don't put as much cash down. There are loan options that allow you to put as little as 0% to 3% down, instead of the long-held 20% belief. It is too risky to drain your assets like that just to get a lower mortgage payment.

5. Leave your credit alone.

Aside from taking steps to improve your report, don't touch that credit! Home buyers all too often sabotage their closing by adding a new loan, credit card, or increasing a balance on an existing account on their credit report. The slightest change in your credit can completely derail your closing plans. Sometimes, even paying off a loan early can slightly lower your score. So, be sure to consult your lender before you do anything that could impact your credit report – they know best & can give you a detailed plan to keep your credit on the right track.

6. Making emotional decisions.

When you buy a home, you're making one of the largest investments of your life – you want to make sure it is the right decision! It's easy to get attached to a home you find – so much so you overpay and stretch your budget.

Remember, going beyond budget will only hurt you in the long run and could possibly affect other aspects of your lifestyle. Make logical, financially smart decisions after your emotions have cooled. 

7. Waiting for the 'perfect' home.

Don't bypass a solid choice in hopes of finding your 'perfect' home – it's possible that home may never hit the market and you will regret not purchasing a previous option. After all, once you purchase your home, it's yours. Make memories in it while making it perfect for you.

8. Miscalculating the cost of owning a home.

While owning a home is an amazing feat, there are hidden costs that you should be prepared for. Rest assured, as long as you are aware of them and are prepared for them, there is nothing to be nervous about. In addition to your monthly principal and interest payment, you should be prepared to pay some or all of these: mortgage insurance, homeowners insurance, hazard insurance, repairs, maintenance, utilities, and etc.

9. Going at it alone.

Buyers think they can handle it all and dive head first into a real estate transaction. Your REALTOR® will be able to advocate for you and negotiate on your behalf – thus saving you money, frustration, and time.

There are a lot of steps and potential mistakes to avoid along the home buying journey. That's why it is a great idea to have a licensed real estate professional help you and guide you in the right direction. Did you know, as a buyer, most of the time you aren't paying any commission for services?

What are you waiting for, let's get in touch!

Buying a home is one of the most exciting feelings ever. Moving all of your belongings in to your new home or moving out of your previous home... ehh, not so much. We don't often hear words "moving" and "fun" used together in the same sentence. 

While moving may not ever exactly be "fun," we have put together a list of ten tips that will tell you how to make your next move as fun, easy, organized, and stress-free as possible.

1. Make a checklist & schedule.

Sometimes the basics just work the best. It's way too easy to fool yourself into thinking that you have it all under control. Before you know it, moving day is approaching and you enter panic mode. Well before your move, you should make a checklist and schedule of what is to be packed and when. On that note...

2. Pack an essentials bag or an "Open First" box.

Before you start packing essential items (like toiletry items, a change of clothes or two, undergarments, cell phone chargers, etc.), pack a bag or box with a few items just in case you have difficulty finding what you need or your move gets delayed. Make sure your box or bag is easily found and does not get loaded onto the moving truck.

3. Smaller boxes are the way to go.

While you will need a few larger boxes for your move, small boxes are much easier to manage and stack. Although you will end up with more boxes, they will be easier move around as you are going through the unpacking process. You'll also be able to pack your belongings into more specific categories, thus making unpacking less overwhelming since you will be able find exactly what you are looking for in a single box. Plus, you'll unpack boxes quicker giving yourself a constant sense of satisfaction.

4. Clearly label all of your boxes.

As you're unpacking, you likely won't get everything situated in your new space in a quick afternoon. You'll probably need to randomly find and unpack the box with the wine opener in it sooner rather than later. If you forgot to clearly label the box it was in, we both know that won't be a fun hide and seek match. ;)

5. Keep it simple.

If you don't have to box something up, don't. For example, secure the drawers of your dresser and keep your clothes in it. For hanging clothes, don't pass them off to the movers. Consider moving them yourself by keep them on the hangers and stacking them in the order you took them off of the rack in your personal vehicle. This way, you'll know where everything is in your dresser and the order of your hanging clothes will remain the same.

6. Only move what you need and want.

Moving is a great opportunity to clear out unnecessary or unwanted clutter. Bringing only what you want to take with you will make the unpacking process easier and quicker.

7. Schedule your utilities termination or transfer well in advance.

As soon as you know you will be moving, call to sort out your utility transfer or termination of service. This small but very important step is very easy to forget when you are in the heart of moving chaos. It is best to just get it over with.

8. Create a moving playlist.

Make your move more enjoyable by creating a playlist filled with your favorite jams.  

9. Change your address a week ahead of time. 

By changing your address in advance, you ensure all of your mail will arrive at your new home without delay.

10. Hire a professional moving company.

Eliminate the hassle of moving your belongings from point A to point B. Hiring professional movers helps make sure your valuables are transported safely and without damage. It might be a good idea for your back, too. :)

Hey there, homebuyer! After you find out what you are pre-approved for, the next step is house hunting with your Music City Experts real estate agent! There are many decisions to be made along the home buying journey. Undoubtedly, the biggest choice is, "Which house is perfect for me among the thousands on the market?" When purchasing a home, you can either go for a brand new home or you can buy an existing home. There are benefits to each. It all boils down to which fits your personal preferences and situation.

Let's take a look at the benefits between buying new construction vs. resale homes.

Buying New Construction

• New homes are built with new & modern materials that are built for longevity
• Usually come with new appliances, with the exception of a refrigerator
• Safety features like upgraded fire and intruder alarms
• Many potential health and safety hazards are eliminated since they comply with today's building codes
• Feature modern architecture and layouts -- often larger, more open concept, walk-in closets
• Built to be energy efficient
• Easier to customize during the building process
• Untouched, be the first resident

Pro tip! It is in your best interest to be represented by a REALTOR® when purchasing new construction. When selling new homes, the site agent represents the builder and will always have the builder's interest in mind. Bring your real estate agent every time you are looking at a new build. It is your agent's job to ensure you get the best value for your money by negotiating extras, financing options, and proper inspections on your new home.

Buying An Existing Home

• Typically allows for easier negotiation in the buying process
• Sometimes resales have more land, especially in urban areas (in comparison to urban new construction)
• They are almost always part of a established neighborhood
• Existing homes tend to be closer to the core of urban areas
• Resales tend to be less expensive than new construction and come with things that might cost extra in a new build. For example, window blinds.
• Traditional, cozy layouts
• Existing homes have a recognizable character and charm
• Allows for creative renovation

As you can see, both types of homes have substantial benefits. Our Nashville Real Estate Experts can make your home-buying process as easy and as stress-free as possible. Let one of them help you navigate your real estate transaction!

Say hey to us!

Nashville -- long recognized by and known for its lively music scene, honky-tonks, museums, full-scale replica of The Parthenon, and growing food scene, is quickly becoming the it city of the South. It's becoming more difficult to spot a native among all those who have decided to move to Nashville and make it home. Nearly 100 people move to Nashville every day. Why? For one, Nashville offers an undeniable charm. Along with that charm, comes a new and growing sense of luxury. This a beacon for many individuals and big-name companies.

No longer does one have to move to New York City or Los Angeles to enjoy the lap of luxury. As the average home sale price continues to climb in Nashville, we've complied a list of the areas with the highest priced homes in Metropolitan Davidson Country. Welcome to Nashville, the LA of the South.

1. Green Hills / Forest Hills

Photo credit Mansion Global

37215 2019 Average Sale Price $1,033,166

With an average sale price over one million, the Green Hills & Forest Hills area is the priciest pocket of Nashville to purchase a home in. Green Hills is home to many large, luxurious homes with much character. The area also sports a luxury shopping mall and many places to dine.

2. Belle Meade

Photo via Wikipedia

37205 2019 Average Sale Price $936,721

With an average sale price of around one million, Belle Meade is the second most expensive area of Nashville to purchase a home in. Situated right next to the Green Hills zip code, the area is filled with history, charm, and is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

3. Oak Hill

Photo via TN State Parks

37220 2019 Average Sale Price $892,033

Located here are countless large, yet quaint homes. The neighborhood is also home to Radnor Lake State Park. In Oak Hill, you're just a short drive away from a peaceful water-front walk or a delicious meal in one of the nearby restaurants or coffee shops in 12 South -- the next area on the list.

4. 12 South

Photo via Nashville Guru

37204 2019 Average Sale Price $785,262

We move closer to the heart of Nashville for the remaining high-dollar neighborhoods in Music City. 12 South is home to lots of small boutique shops, restaurants, and large homes. While there are many adorable original homes in the area, good luck turning down a street without a modern tall-and-skinny on it. If you're looking for an area to live in that has got it all, 12 South is a winner.

5. Hillsboro

Photo via Nashville Guru

37212 2019 Average Sale Price $775,891

Not too far from 12 South, Hillsboro Village is a very similar area. All along the main strip of the neighborhood, 21st South, there are walkable restaurants, shops, cafes, and the iconic Belcourt Theatre. Hillsboro Village is sandwiched between two of Nashville's largest universities, Vanderbilt and Belmont.

Other neighborhoods quickly climbing in price

West End

37203 2019 Average Sale Price $574,634

The sixth most expensive area to purchase a home in Nashville is home to the urban areas of The Gulch, Edgehill, and West End.

East End

37206 2019 Average Sale Price $438,629

The seventh most expensive area to purchase a home in Nashville is the eclectic area of East Nashville.

Are you looking into selling your home? We can help you sell your home fast and at the highest price-point possible. Or, if you are interested in purchasing a home, there is never a wrong time to buy. Whatever your Nashville real estate need, one of our Experts would be so happy to help.

Say hey to us & let's see how we can assist you!

Are you thinking about moving to Nashville? If you are thinking about making the leap to Music City, there are a lot of things you should know! Although music is a big part of who we are, there is definitely much more to Nashville than music.

1. You're not the only one moving here.

Nashville is a really unique city. That's why you want to move here, right? So does everyone else. While we're not quite like San Francisco or Los Angeles, Nashville's population is nearing 700,000 and increases by about 100 people each day. You'll likely run into some competition for a home or apartment. There's obviously reason so many people are coming to us, -- we're super cool.

(PS, we definitely are the LA of the South.)

2. Fun sporting events.

Nashville has pro football, pro soccer, and pro hockey -- the Titans, Nashville SC, and the Predators. Our residents are obsessed! In addition to our professional teams, we have a minor league baseball team, the Nashville Sounds, that plays at First Tennessee Park. 

3. You will have to drive.

Nashville has made improvements to public transit, however our city is set up for drivers. It is pretty safe to plan on driving nearly everywhere. On the plus side, our roads are rather easy to learn, and it is relatively easy to get from one side of Nashville to the other. Just stay out of rush hour traffic and you'll be golden.

4. There is music everywhere.

You'll hear live music pouring out of restaurants and bars all over the city -- especially on Broadway. Plus, there are many venues to hear an amazing concert, too.  The Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Area, Marathon Music Works, Exit / In, and our outdoor venue -- Ascend Amphitheater. Just to name a few. And, there are multiple concerts every night!

5. Murals. Murals. Murals.

It seems like you find murals everywhere you turn in Nashville. They're so unique and popular with natives & tourists alike. If you're moving or just visiting, definitely check out some of the most popular ones.

6. We have jobs.

Unlike some cities in the US, with our growth, the Nashville area offers many jobs. Opportunities include big name employers like Bridgestone, Asurion, and Nissan are just a few.

7. It can be kinda (really) hot & cold.

Nashville summers can be rather brutal. Soaring temperatures with ultra-high humidity can make it feel a little bit like we're living on the equator. Then, on the other extreme, we can have long, cold, wet winters. It's nothing we can't handle, though. Our springs and falls are beautiful, and the benefits of Music City outweigh this little imperfection.

8. Expect some competition if you want to sing.

Many people move to Nashville for the sole purpose of getting into music. Naturally, there will be competition, and the music industry can be tough to get into. But, hey -- fortune favors the bold.

9. Google Fiber

Super fast internet probably will not make or break your decision to move to a new city, but it's still cool right? 

10. The food.

Nashville has a huge variety of restaurants to choose from, and they're all really good! There is something for whatever you are in the mood for. And, we're not only known for Southern comfort food  -- but also, hot chicken. Try it, you won't be disappointed.

11. The Parthenon

Located in Centennial Park, this is just one of the examples of what makes Nashville so unique. Where else can you find a replica of this ancient structure? Nowhere!

12. The parks.

There are many area parks, trails, and even lakes where you can take a stroll, kick back, and relax.

13. We're fun!

Simply put, Nashville is a fun, laid back city. Music City is continuing to grow more and more each day. Come join the fun!

Let Music City Experts help you find a new place to call home in Nashville! Give us a call, 615.815.1295 or reach out online.

If you want your home to stand out in the Nashville real estate market, it only makes sense to look into what you should do before listing your home and consider if there are updates that might help boost your sale price and buyer traction. Did you know that it's usually little low-cost details that make a home more attractive to buyers?

Of course, your Music City Experts real estate agent will help guide you through the pre-listing process, but here are a few pre-listing tips to ensure that you get the most from your home's sale.

1. Get an inspection.

Although this isn't required, sellers sometimes decide to get a home inspection to avoid any unexpected hiccups during a transaction that could derail the sale of their home. This can be beneficial no matter the age of your home.

Benefits of a home inspection

Getting an inspection can help you make more informed decisions about any issues that are beyond just cosmetic. This can save you time during the transaction. If you're going to have to replace your roof before closing, wouldn't you rather get it over with?

Additionally, you'll know exactly what is in tip-top shape, so your real estate agent can market your property more effectively. Knowing the condition of your home can give you negotiation leverage, too.

2. Work on curb appeal.

Landscaping and Cosmetic Improvements

Landscaping is one of the first things to consider when trying to improve your home's curb appeal. Your real estate agent can help refer you to a trusted professional landscaper. If you have a green thumb, you should consider mowing your lawn regularly, trimming overgrown shrubs, planting more flowers, mulching and adding tasteful touches like a fountain or bird bath.

You can draw attention to your home by repainting or replacing your front door and by adding tasteful lighting an entryway or front of the home. Consider adding outdoor rugs or potted plants in visible areas to make your home feel more welcoming. If possible, you can try to hide any unsightly parts of the home like the HVAC unit or electric boxes.

Clean and Paint Faded Areas

You should also consider the cleanliness and and appearance of your home's exterior. If needed, pressure wash your home, decks and patios, driveway, and pathways. If there are any exterior touches, like shutters or siding, that are in need of a new paint job, repaint them with an in-style color that matches your home.

3. Do a deep clean.

Consider hiring a professional cleaner to do a deep clean of your home, including any carpets.

Pro tip! Sometimes, homes develop off-putting scents overtime from cooking, furry friends, smoking, and etc. Your Music City Experts real estate agent can help you decide if odor treatment will help you sell your home. Don't try and mask odors with candles or air fresheners. These tend to deter buyers even more when the underlying odor can still be detected.

4. Make minor low-cost improvements.

By making small, low-cost improvements, your potential buyers will be more likely to submit an offer for a higher price-point. You might try some of the following:

• Replace cabinet hardware
• Repaint cabinets
• Repaint certain rooms and/or trim
• Refinish hardwood floors

Our 2020 Home Design Trends blog can help you see what styles are "in."

5. Declutter and stage.

Staging a home is vital. Buyers not only have a difficult time envisioning themselves in an empty home, but also when the home has clutter, out-of-date furniture, or a bright purple living room.

To sell your home as fast as possible, you will need to get rid of or move excess clutter out of your home. Your Music City Experts real estate agent can also help you decide if repainting and professional staging is needed.

Have a home to sell? Let one of our experts help you out! I need a Nashville real estate agent.

Cooler weather is here in Tennessee! While it is definitely a welcomed change from the oppressive heat and humidity, the winter season can be costly if your home is not energy efficient. All of us can make small changes in our daily routines to be more eco-friendly, therefore keeping our energy bills low. In addition to the little things, there are some bigger changes that you can make to your home. Living in the era of technology, there are many advances and smart devices that make it easy to be more energy efficient. 

Read on to find out how you can make your home more energy efficient for colder weather and year round.

Easy, low-cost steps

Turn that thermostat down

While you're away from home, make sure you turn the thermostat down a few degrees. Even by taking the temperature down 3 to 5 degrees, you will notice a smaller electric bill. According to energy.gov, by lowering your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees while you aren't home, can save you 5% to 15% each year. 

While you are home, instead of turning up the heat, put on some fuzzy socks and a cozy sweater.

Check your windows

An easy, inexpensive way to lower your energy cost is to seal gaps and cracks with caulk or weatherstripping.

Use your ceiling fans

You know that little switch on your ceiling fan? It actually has a purpose! It changes the direction the fan spins. When a fan spins counter-clockwise, it will push hot air up in the summer and clockwise will trap heat inside to keep your rooms warmer during cooler months. During the winter, turn your ceiling fan on a low setting to push hot air back down.

Keep space heater use to a minimum 

If you think that using a space heater instead of your furnace will save you money, think again. Many space heaters use 1500+ watts of energy. If you have multiple throughout your house, that can quickly add up! If you do opt to use a space heater, make sure it is energy efficient and you use it safely.

Change your bulbs

Consider changing out your incandescent light bulbs for halogen, CFLs, or LEDs. These use significantly less energy and typically last much longer. 

Holiday pro tip: Change your holiday decor to LED bulbs & save!

Unplug those chargers

Even when your mobile device chargers are not in use, they still draw power. Unplug them from the outlet to avoid racking up your energy bill.

Bigger steps to save

Tune up your unit

If you do not already, tune up your heat and air unit annually. This keeps your unit running efficiently and helps you avoid inconvenient repairs or premature replacement later on. 

Add or improve attic insulation 

Attic insulation helps seal air leaks and improve your home’s heating and cooling costs. Remember, hot air rises. You don't want dollar signs floating right out of your roof!

Buy Energy Star products

These products are designed to be energy efficient. You'll see the savings add up long-term.

Consider an energy audit

An energy audit assesses how much energy your home consumes and evaluates what steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient. An assessment will show you problems that may save you significant amounts of money over time when corrected. It typically costs around $250 - $650.

Install smart devices

There is a plethora of devices that you can choose from to improve the efficiently and convenience of your home. Consider installing something like smart blinds or a smart thermostat. Most are programmable and allow you to control them from your phone.

Let's save energy and money this season! If you are selling, performing some of these improvements can make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

In the market to buy or sell? Contact the Experts! 615.815.1295.