Cómo ser ecológico y ahorrar ecológicamente en su nuevo hogar.

Una casa es una gran adquisición y todos los nuevos propietarios saben que cada dólar cuenta. Aquí hay algunas ideas simples que ayudan a proteger al medio ambiente y a su bolsillo.

Compre un cabezal de ducha de alta eficiencia. Esto reduce el consumo de agua y los costos de energía.

¿Desea renovar sus electrodomésticos? Considere electrodomésticos que ahorren energía, que tengan el logo “Energy Star”. Según el sitio de Energy Star, los electrodomésticos calificados como “Energy Star” usan entre un 10 % y 50 % menos de energía y agua que los modelos estándares. Recuerde preguntar por descuentos, especialmente si compra varios electrodomésticos al mismo tiempo.

Use el programa correcto. Configure su termostato para que se adecue a los horarios de su hogar. Baje la temperatura durante el día cuando no haya nadie en casa y de noche cuando los ocupantes estén durmiendo. Además, intente mantener una temperatura moderada, en vez de encender la calefacción o el aire acondicionado para cambiar drásticamente la temperatura.

Utilice ventiladores en vez del aire acondicionado. Considere usar ventiladores para hacer circular el aire de verano en vez de optar por el aire acondicionado que es más costoso y menos respetuoso del medio ambiente.

Aísle y cierre las brechas. Las brechas o grietas escondidas dentro del hogar conllevan una pérdida abundante de calor durante el invierno y de aire acondicionado en los meses de verano. Selle cualquier fuga en todas las ventanas y puertas, en el ático y alrededor de las chimeneas. Es posible que sea necesaria la instalación de un aislamiento correcto o la sustitución del techo.

Sustituya las luces con luces LED o lámparas fluorescentes compactas. El costo es mayor inicialmente, pero las luces usan menos energía y duran más.

Si tiene preguntas por favor llamenos al 626-358-1858 or 626-963-7621. Estamos aqui para alludarlos.

Spring Safety Checks

Spring is an ideal time to review your home for safety. Here are some suggested precautions that may help keep your family safe.

• Ten-year expiration. While you are going from room to room to update your clocks, check all the smoke detectors. Detectors should be located on every level of your home and be no more than ten years old. Replace all batteries and test each unit.
• Five-year expiration. Check all CO detectors. The US Product Consumer Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends replacing any units that are more than 5 years old. Sensors lose effectiveness after 5 years. Again, replace the batteries and test each unit.
• Check the gauges on any fire extinguishers in your house or vehicle to make sure it is still functional. Replace if the inspection tag is expired or missing, the locking pin is damaged or missing, or if the handle or nozzle is broken or cracked.
• Be prepared. Daylight saving-time is an ideal opportunity to update your emergency kit. Dispose and replace any outdated food, batteries, or medicine. Make sure your kit has enough food and water for three days.
• On the go. Check your car-emergency kit. In addition to jumper cables and flashlights, consider some cold weather gear and water.
• Spring is the perfect time to go over an emergency plan with your family. Designate a safe meeting place and evacuation routes in the event of a fire.

If you desire more information about this topic or any of our others on our blog, please contact our team or Real Estate professionals at 626-358-

1858 or 626-963-7621.

Reasons for hiring a Real Estate agent.

Whether you are buying or selling a property, hiring a competent agent to assist you often makes the process smoother and less stressful. Here are

some great reasons to hire a sales professional.

• Paperwork. Agents complete the paperwork necessary to complete a real estate transaction. This saves you time, and their education and experience may help you avoid costly mistakes.
• Price. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, commercial or residential, a real estate agent can provide you with tools to guide you to a realistic price to buyer or sell a property.
• Advertising. Your agent has access to the local MLS and will upload pictures, video and information to advertise your property.
• Buffers. Agents act as your advocate or buffer, depending on the situation. Your agent filters calls and schedules showings.
• Negotiation. Unlike their clients, agents are not emotionally invested in the sale and can often navigate the transaction with skill. They are professionals who are trained to represent you and keep information confidential from competing interests.
• Closers. Qualified agents can assist in any questions that come up after the conclusion of the sale.

Our team of professionals is trained with these specific client needs in mind.  To speak with anyone from our team or for questions regarding the current San Gabriel Valley Real Estate market please contact our offices at 626-358-1858 or 626-963-7621.

Why your house may not be selling.

There may be several reasons your house isn't selling. Here are three common causes a property may be languishing on the market.

1. Price. Remember, your property is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it. No one wants to lose money on a property, but keep in mind the economic climate and if you need to sell, be prepared to price your home competitively. Your listing agent should have provided you with a list of comparables in the area to equip you with the knowledge to price your home realistically.
2. Condition. Your home should be immaculate when potential buyers view it. The importance of a positive first impression cannot be stressed enough. Windows should be clean, floors polished or vacuumed and all clutter should be out of sight. A fresh coat of paint, minor repairs and well-lit entryways go a long way. Neutralize your space with soft color, so it appeals to the masses, instead of a small group. If necessary, consult a professional stager to get your house in shape.
3. Location. The one thing you can't change about your property is its location. This is another instance when your savvy real estate professional should discuss sales options with you. Stress the positives of the location, perhaps it is located near mass transit or the area is starting to turn around. Instead of selling your home in a neighborhood that is not ideal, consider renting it until the area improves.

Consult our Monrovia or Glendora offices today to connect with a professional to assist with your housing needs.

Keep your home safe while you're away on vacation.

Ways to protect your home and its contents while you're away range from simple to high tech. Here are some ideas to secure your home when you're on vacation.

• Consider a house sitter. It may be an added expense, but having a trusted person stay at your home is a great defense against burglars.
  
• Don't advertise you're away. Don't leave an outgoing voicemail stating you're out of town. Also, refrain from listing vacation dates on social media, such as Twitter and Facebook.
  
• Invest in an alarm system.
  
• Put all lights on timers, so it appears someone is home. A lighted home is a deterrent for break-ins.
  
• Have the post office hold your mail and put your newspaper delivery on hold. An overstuffed mailbox and unopened newspapers on the lawn are a signal you are not at home.
  
• Leave all doors and windows locked. When possible, utilize dead bolts and secure sliding glass doors by placing a rod in the door groove.
  
• Alert police and a trusted neighbor to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity.
  
• Remove any spare keys that are hidden outside the house. Instead, give a key to a trusted neighbor or family member to regularly check the house.
  

Have a great time on your travels and come back to a safe home. Remember that our team is always here to help. For questions please contact our offices at 626-358-1858 or 626-963-7621.

View of Catalina Island