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Go Green With Your Hot Tub

Mar25
2010
1 Comment Written by Carrie

Remember this article about eco-friendly plumbing?

According to Mindfully.org, “the average [American’s] individual daily consumption of water is 159 gallons,” while people in other countries live off of a small 25 gallons. Americans use a lot of water by performing everyday activities like bathing, going to the bathroom, washing dishes, cleaning the house and doing laundry.

The article goes on to list several plumbing fixtures that will help you conserve water and energy inside your home. But did you know that you can conserve water and be more environmentally conscious when using your outdoor hot tub, as well? Here’s how:

Try a portable hot tub. Portable hot tubs are slightly smaller than heavy, mounted spas, so they hold less water. You won’t need to worry about draining excess amounts, and they require less energy to reach and maintain your desired temperature.

Use solar covers. Not using your hot tub? Keep it clean using a solar cover! It does double duty by holding in heat and keeping debris out of the water, which does the filter a favor, and you won’t need to put as many chemicals in the water to cleanse and purify it.

Opt for a 100% no-bypass filtration system. Looking for another way to keep the water clean longer? Find a hot tub that features a 100 % no-bypass filtration system in which all water passes through before it enters the spa. Some hot tubs also boast a special technology that uses a three-dimensional surface area in order to maximize filtration power to extend time between cleanings. Instead of draining the water every three months, as you would with most of your typical hot tub models, you may only have to do it twice a year!

Look for a hot tub that has an ozone system or ion purifier. Reduce the need to use harsh chemicals in order to clean your hot tub. A Fresh Water ozone system produces highly concentrated ozone bubbles in that neutralize contaminants on contact. A silvre ion purifier provides silver ions as a natural alternative to water care to limit the use of chemical sanitizers like chlorine.

Change the display temperature. Once the hot tub water reaches your desired temperature to the touch, try lowering the display temperature a degree or two. You won’t feel too much of a difference, but you will save energy. The less work your hot tub has to do, the less energy it produces.

Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas - Tagged conserve water, eco-friendly, eco-friendly tips, environmentally safe, Fresh Water ozone system, Green Living, Home Improvement, hot tub, ion purifier, no-bypass filtration system, plumbing, solar cover, varying temperature
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Avoiding (Home) Buyer’s Remorse

Mar16
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

You’ve found the perfect home, or so you think.

Imagine searching endlessly for that one place where you feel warm and comfortable. After weeks, months, years even, you fall in love with a beautiful house and sign your name on the dotted line. However, a few months go by and you’re feeling empty and unsure of your decision. You’re feeling home buyer’s remorse.

Buying a home is a big commitment. In many cases, it is a lifelong commitment. And just as you would with any life-changing decision, when it comes to buying real estate, you need to weigh the pros and cons and consider all of your wants and needs before agreeing to any contracts. Otherwise, you may find yourself stuck in a house you don’t even like.

You may be thinking, “Where do I begin?” Whether you are thinking of buying a condo, a townhome or a single-family home, we’re here to get you started with two easy-to-follow checklists:

  • Home Buying Checklist: Condo/Townhome
  • Home Buying Checklist: Single-Family Home

Feel free to customize them to your own personality, adding or subtracting anything you may or may not need. Buying a home should not be a rash decision. Take your time, do your research and figure out what you truly want before you make any commitments.

Once you’ve found the home of your dreams, there are a few extra measures you should take to ensure you won’t regret your decision:

Be absolutely sure you can afford it. Do you have enough for a down payment? Have you been pre-approved for a loan? Does your monthly payment fit into your budget? Answer all these questions before making an offer. Analyze your financial situation carefully so you know what you can and cannot afford.

Ask questions during closing. After you’ve had a home inspection, if any problems arise, ask the seller the necessary questions before closing the deal. Will they make any repairs? Will they give you an allowance to fix things yourself? If you’re unsure about anything, speak up before you finalize the purchase.

Stand by your choice. Just because someone else has an opinion on the selling price, the location or the current condition of your home, it doesn’t mean they are right. Perhaps they don’t know the market of the neighborhood you’re in, and maybe they live in an area where houses cost less (or more).

Don’t look at other houses. Once you’ve purchased your dream home, stop looking. You may come across another property that you like a lot more, but you will have already made a commitment to your current property. Be happy with your choice and embrace your new home.

Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged avoiding home buyer's remorse, Buying Tips, checklist, closing costs, condo, contract, home inspection, single-family home, townhome
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Eco-Friendly Backsplashes

Mar11
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

When it comes to kitchen backsplashes, you have a lot of choices at your disposal. There’s brick, ceramic, glass and steel… However, did you know that you also have eco-friendly alternatives, as well? In one of our Green Living articles, we told you that “materials with low VOC [like] ceramic tile, recycled content glass or sustainable wood” were good options. Today, we’re here to expand on that idea and provide you with more environmentally friendly options for kitchen backsplashes.

Recycled Glass Tile

You may be wondering how glass can be recycled and made into a backsplash in the first place. Producers start off with wasted glass that has been saved from a landfill and glass that has been properly recycled by consumers just like you. They begin by melting down the glass in a heated furnace with temperatures hitting well over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. This liquid glass is then put in a mold and trimmed to the right size and form.

One of the benefits of using recycled glass tiles is that it is usually left in its original form. Some are mixed with industrial colors, but fully eco-friendly glass tiles are left alone. This means that no two backsplashes will look alike, and you are guaranteed your own unique look in the kitchen!

Aluminum Tile

Aluminum tiles are made from 100 percent recycled metal. They are excellent choices for a modern kitchen, especially if you’re opting for an entirely eco-friendly kitchen complete with concrete countertops and recycled wood cabinetry. Prices start around $35 per square foot, and you can even install the backsplash yourself. On top of that, it is easy to clean by simply using a soft rag, liquid dish soap and warm water.

Reclaimed Hardwood & Bamboo

Wood-based wall coverings are generally not sustainable. However, some companies offer reclaimed wood and bamboo to create backsplashes. It is often a good idea to match this type of backsplash up with butcher’s block countertops. This recycled wood has been reclaimed from old wooden structures like barns and farmhouses or even from barley/hay/wine barrels.

Recycled Ceramic Tile

They ways in which recycled ceramic tiles are constructed vary with each manufacturer. Generally, recycled ceramic tile backsplashes are composed of both and pre- and post-consumer waste products: unwanted dirt, dust, glass, plastic and stone. These materials are mixed together and broken down into a fine powder that is then used to create ceramic tile.

For more eco-friendly tips, take a look at the Green Living category on the Buy Owner Blog!

Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas - Tagged aluminum, bamboo, ceramic, eco-friendly, environmentally friendly, glass, Green Living, kitchen backsplahses, reclaimed wood, recycled, tile
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Getting the Look of a Loft

Mar04
2010
1 Comment Written by Carrie

loft

Have you always dreamed about living in a trendy industrial loft? What if you could do that without moving to a big city, giving up a backyard or paying a hefty price for your pad? The Buy Owner Blog is here to show you how to get the look of a loft without making a big move, sacrificing space or spending too much money.

First, consider the location…within your home. If you don’t have an open floor plan, a loft-like living room might look a little awkward next to your country kitchen. Also, at the risk of redoing your entire home, rather than just one room, you may want to choose an unused space like the basement, the attic or the bonus room over the garage. These spaces typically don’t fit with the rest of the house and take on a personality of their own when finished and decorated. By choosing to redecorate one of these low-traffic spaces, you can still pursue your dream while having a functional home that meets your needs and possibly the needs of a new owner should you ever sell the property.

Now, on to the construction…

Exposed Brick: If you know that brick exists behind the plaster in your finished basement, you need to consider the condition of the bricks and the absence of insulation before you knock down any walls. Cut a small hole in the wall first to test the waters. If you need to install brick, you can do so easily by applying veneers, as the process of creating a brick face is similar to adhering a backsplash onto the wall of your kitchen.

Exposed Ductwork: You would most likely deal with exposed ductwork in an unfinished basement. So if your basement is not finished, you may already have a loft-like ceiling! If your home boasts a finished basement with a tile ceiling, you can easily lift up one of the tiles to see the condition of the ductwork. Consult a professional contractor before you knock down a drywalled ceiling.

Flooring: Hardwood floors are typical of lofts. Feel free to choose any type of wood you want. However, if you want to keep costs low, a Pergo or laminate faux wood flooring is the best option. You can always add area rugs for added flair and comfort.

Painting: Where is your “loft?” And what kind of look do you want? If you constructed this space in an unfinished basement, inexpensive spray paint allows you to create your own custom designs and replicate an urban graffiti style. If you’re working with a finished basement or attic space, paint the drywall yourself. Neutral hues like black, brown, tan and gray are good base tones. A bold-colored accent wall is common in many lofts and may make a smaller room appear larger.

Artwork: A typical urban loft shows somewhat like a gallery. However, you don’t need to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on an original Monet or DaVinci. Create your own unique works of art by framing personal photos, magazine clippings or even travel calendar pictures.

Mix & Match Design: Today’s “modern” décor is all about mixing new pieces with old. This look is easily achievable by purchasing a new expensive piece and complementing it with vintage pieces from yard sales or thrift stores. You can also divide and open space into separate areas using multi-functional dividers like a long dresser, a trunk, lockers, or an island, depending on the look you’re going for and what is available to you.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged artwork, brick face, drywall, exposed brick, exposed ductwork, faux wood, flooring, graffit, home decorating tips, industrial loft, modern, paint, Pergo, urban
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Going Green In The Laundry Room

Feb25
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

laundry room

We here at the Buy Owner Blog have presented you with many ideas for Green Living in your kitchen, your bedroom and your bathroom. How about the laundry room? When it comes to eco-friendly living, it is possible to add green features to literally any room in your home!

  • Start with the obvious: your washer and dryer. Most department stores and appliance stores carry energy-saving washers and dryers. Try to look for appliances that are Energy Star rated and contain the baby blue label on the packaging or on the price tag. For another visual comparison, peak inside one of the washing machines. You’ll see that energy-efficient washing machines don’t contain the “alligator” column (which spins and twists your clothes) found in the center of most conventional washers.
  • In many cases, green flooring is both recycled and recyclable. From carpeting to tile to wood flooring, you have plenty of options from which to choose. Many homeowners prefer tile in the laundry room in case of spills. If your laundry room boasts a lot of windows, solar tile flooring is a good option that will reduce the cost of heating. Sustainable wood flooring (Bamboo is highly popular) is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, so you may track your floor from forest to factory to home.
  • Thinking about adding counter space? Consider a concrete countertop made from a combination of eco-friendly materials. Some of these green mixtures contain byproducts of industrial waste (like fly ash and slag cement) that are sustainable and reusable. Concrete countertops may even dip down into a sink, which would be great for delicate, hand-only washables.
  • How about using less electricity altogether? If you install a built-in hanging rack or purchase a moveable one, you’ll be able to hang your clothes to dry. You will not need to use the dryer, and you will not have to iron your clothing.

Subtle changes in the laundry room could save you thousands of dollars. They’re good for the environment, too.

Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas - Tagged bamboo, concrete, conservation, dryer, eco-friendly, eco-friendly choices, Energy Star rated, envrionmentally friendly, flooring, Green Living, Home Improvement, laundry, tile, utilities, washer
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Improve Selling Potential With Inexpensive Updates

Feb15
2010
1 Comment Written by Carrie

You’ve decided to sell your home. But despite powerful marketing of photos and virtual tours and descriptions, you still haven’t sold. Why?

Perhaps it’s time to do a little updating…on the cheap! Here are five ways to improve your home’s selling potential without breaking the bank:

  • Fresh Interior Paint: Remember that time you decided to give the living room a new look just by simply moving the furniture, and you accidentally dinged the wall with that end table? You may have hidden the mark behind a couch or a chair, but a buyer is going to see that little mark as decreased value. Before you sell your home, make sure that all the walls are pristine. Wash them, spackle any ticks or holes and give them a fresh coat of neutral-colored paint.
  • New Flooring: Hardwood floors are HUGE these days. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune on Australian Cypress or Brazilian Cherry. You can get the look for less, and buyers may be in for a pleasant surprise when you reveal that your gorgeous wood floors are actually an inexpensive laminate! What could cost you between $5 and $15 per square foot for the real thing may run you as little as $1 per square foot for the look-alike. Imagine the savings!
  • Updated Light Fixtures: You’d be surprised what a little change in lighting can do for a room. For example, if there’s a hanging light in the living room or kitchen, replace it with a lighted ceiling fan. You will add a bit of energy efficiency and cut cooling costs, which is always a plus for a buyer. And if the family room boasts the same lamps you bought 10 or 20 years ago, it’s time to get some new ones. You can still take them with you to your new home, but modern, updated looks appeal to potential buyers.
  • Lawn Maintenance: First impressions count! Make a good first impression by maintaining your lawn. Unkempt bushes, tall grass, endless weeds and patches of dandelions will send a buyer running for the hills. Even if you’re selling in winter, if you don’t shovel the driveway/sidewalk, buyers have no reason to get out of their cars and walk into your home. Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, pick out the weeds and remove the snow. Show buyers you care and draw them into your home.
  • Availability: If you haven’t been around for your open house, make yourself readily available! No one knows your home like you do. Don’t let friends or neighbors conduct your showing. Let buyers know how much you have invested, monetarily and emotionally, into your property. Be there to give tours and answer questions. Also, be open to phone calls or emails. Selling your own home takes a little bit of effort on your part, so be available!
Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged how to sell your home, inexpensive updates, real estate market, Selling Tips
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Reason #21 to Sell with Buy Owner: Google Maps

Jan21
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

When you want to advertise the features of your property on the Buy Owner site, there is a lot of information to convey. You’ll want the ad to describe the ins and outs of the home, but you may also want to communicate the location.

That’s where Google Mapping comes into play!

Show potential buyers your home’s exact location, if you’d like. The custom Google Map can appear below your home’s description or in a tab on Elite ads, and it will show your home’s pinpoint on a map of the area.

Plus, here are just some of the other bits of information a potential buyer will see on your Google Map:

  • Highways
  • Parks
  • Public transportation stops
  • Schools (customizable)
  • Streets/intersections

A buyer may even choose which schools are shown on the map, or they can hide the schools altogether. 

Head over to BuyOwner.com to see this tool in action!

Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged 31 reasons to sell with buy owner, buy owner, google maps, schools, Selling Tips, selling your home
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Featured City: Marietta, GA

Jan20
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

marietta

Situated in Cobb County, the town of Marietta, GA is an easy 30-minute drive from downtown Atlanta. The city is rich in history, as it is the sight of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, the Georgia Military Institute and historic buildings from the Civil War.

Like most towns constructed in the early 1800s, the heart of Marietta features a town square, which is where you’ll often see different events (like Theatre in the Square) taking place all year long. Other must-see landmarks include the colorful Glover Park and the historic Cobb County Courthouse.

As the pride and joy of Marietta, the Gone With the Wind Museum is one the best points of interests in town! Also called “Scarlett on the Square,” this beautiful brick building houses an extensive collection of memorabilia related to the book and the film.

When you’re looking for a neighborhood that boasts true Southern hospitality, you’ll want to hit up the Georgian suburb of Marietta.

Take a look at these Buy Owner properties currently for sale!

  • $419K: 4 BRS/4 BATH/Cedar Cove
  • $349K: 3 BRS/2.5 BATHS/Keswyck Commons
  • $327K: 4 BRS/3 BATHS/Charlton Forge
  • $295K: 4 BRS/3 BATHS/Cedar Cliffs
  • $222,500: 3 BRS/3 BATHS/Churchill Falls
  • $172K: 3 BRS/2 BATHS/Jamerson Forest

Or head over to BuyOwner.com now to check out other available listings!

Image: terra2055

Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged Buying Tips, Civil War, Cobb County Courthouse, featured city, GA, georgia, Georige Military Institute, Glover Park, Gone With The Wind, Marietta, Museum, Theatre in the Square, Western and Atlantic Railroad
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Reason #19 to Sell with Buy Owner: Advertise Open House Dates

Jan19
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

With all the information already available on your Buy Owner page, why not add more?

In addition to your ad, your contact information, the photos, the Google Map and the school list, you can also include a list of Open House dates! Easily add the dates through your Sellers Page, and change them any time you want. They will be highlighted in a yellow box under your contact information.

When buyers search for properties on the Buy Owner website, they will fill out a little checklist of different features they’re looking for in a home: style, pool, garage, etc. They may also only want to look at properties that have scheduled open houses, which narrows down the search quite a bit. So, if you take advantage of advertising your open house on your Sellers Page, your home may appear in a specific search result for a very particular buyer!

Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged advertise open house dates, buy owner, Selling Tips
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Reason #18 to Sell with Buy Owner: eCatalogs

Jan18
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

31 reasons

When you advertise your property using Buy Owner, your listing appears in more than one place!

Your property may also be published in the regional Buy Owner eCatalog, which is an online publication that is distributed through a subscription service. These publications are created in-house and separated by region: Atlanta, Central Florida, Northern Florida, Southeast Florida, Florida West Coast, Chicago/Milwaukee/NW Indiana, Louisiana/Mississippi and Pennsylvania/New Jersey/Delaware. The eCatalogs are dedicated to maximum property exposure, not advertisements. Buy Owner does not outsource your property to tiny magazines full of mortgage company and real estate company ads. This way, there are multiple outlets where a potential buyer may find your property.

Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged buy owner, eCatalog, sell your home, Selling Tips
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Founded in 1984, BuyOwner.com® is the leading provider of real estate marketing services. We pioneered the "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO) market, which today represents over 20 percent of all residential real estate transactions.

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