Housing in DFW is still hot!

A recent report by Residential Strategies, Inc. underscored the continuing strong demand for homes.  For the first quarter, 2014, the median new home price in DFW was up 8.0% from the first quarter 2013.

Job growth is a leading economic indicator affecting the housing market. For the 12 month period ending February, 2014, the job growth rate for the DFW area was 2.7% compared with the national average of 1.5%. 

The Texas A&M Real Estate Center shows an increase of 16% in existing home sales compared with a year ago  (February, 2013).  With the tight housing supply, area prices have continued to rise.  According to S&P Case-Schiller, year-over-year prices in Dallas for January, 2014, were up 10.0%. 

That's still plenty of good news for home buyers and sellers alike.  

Analysts say technology and finance trends will drive residential solar.

A Goldman Sachs investment report draws from clean energy technology analysts to predict disruptive trends for utilities and energy savings for consumers.

• First, Tesla’s giant manufacturing facility will soon begin pumping out lithium ion batteries to be used in both Tesla vehicles and renewable energy storage units. The cost of said batteries should drop to $125/KWh by 2020, from a current price of more than $200/KWh, and dropping 3% each year thereafter.  This represents a potentially a disruptive technology for utilities.
• The cost of solar panels continues to fall. Goldman says we can expect an average reduction of 3% annually here as well.

Though nothing is imminent, Goldman Sachs analysts lay out three reasons why the utility market is heading in the direction of  "grid defection" (people leaving the grid).

“Ultimately the holy grail of solar is to move to a situation where the customer is no longer tied to the grid at all. This may be far off, aside from entailing a much more expensive solar/battery system, this is also potentially out of people’s comfort zone entailing a 100% reliance on a new system for their electricity needs. That said, decreased reliability from an aging distribution infrastructure, a broadening desire to reduce the carbon footprint, and perhaps most importantly, the reduction of solar panel and battery costs could also work together to make grid independence a reality for many customers one day.”

Read more:   http://www.businessinsider.com/goldman-on-solar-and-elon-musk-2014-3

A Green Tech column in Forbes cites solar leases which make it possible for homeowners to pay little or no money down to have a set of solar panels installed on their roofs. Instead of forking over, say, $20,000 to install and own the equipment, they pay a fee each month for using the electricity produced from the panels. Homeowners typically sign a long-term contract of 15 to 20 years with the companies that pay for solar equipment and labor and make sure the solar panels work properly during the lifetime of the contract.

Read more:  http://www.forbes.com/sites/uciliawang/2013/02/11/solar-leases-will-propel-solar-home-growth-to-5-7b/

Tips for Saving on Homeowners and Renters Insurance

Whether you own or rent your home, insurance is essential to protect your property and household goods. Comparison shopping for the best rates will certainly save you some money, but you also can save by following these tips:

• Choose a higher deductible—increasing your deductible by just a few hundred dollars can make a big difference in your insurance premium.
• Ask your insurance agent about discounts. Dead bolts, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, security systems, storm shutters and fire-retardant roofing material are just some of the home safety features that can often lower your rate. You also may be able to get a lower premium if you are a long-term customer or if you bundle other coverage, such as auto insurance, with your provider. Some companies also offer senior discounts for customers who are older than 55 years.
• Don’t include the value of the land when you are deciding how much coverage to buy. If you insure your house, but not the land under it, you can avoid paying more than you should. Even after a disaster, the land will still be there.
• If you’re a renter, don’t assume your landlord carries insurance on your personal belongings. She or he likely doesn’t. Purchase a separate renters’ policy to be sure your property—like furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal items—is covered.

Don’t wait until you have a loss to find out whether you have the right type and amount of insurance. For example, many policies require you to pay extra for coverage for high-ticket items like computers, cameras, jewelry, art, antiques, musical instruments, and stamp and coin collections.

Furthermore, not all coverage will replace fully what is insured. An “actual-cash-value” policy will save you money on premiums, but it only pays what your property is worth at the time of loss (your cost minus depreciation for age and wear). “Replacement” coverage gives you the money to rebuild your home and replace its contents.

Finally, a standard homeowners’ policy does not cover flood and earthquake damage. The cost of a separate earthquake policy depends on the likelihood of earthquakes in your area. 

Ways to Save on your Electric Bill

There are many ways for you to reduce some of the expenses of electricity at your home! It just take some discipline and a few tips to make a difference in what your monthly bill looks like. Try a couple this month and then a couple more each month after and see if your efforts are rewarded.

1.  Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, A 75 degree thermostat uses 18% more energy than a 78 degree setting.
2.  Get a programmable thermostat and if you have one, use it! These devices if used properly, can save you up to $180 per year!
3.  Use heavy duty electrical-load appliances in the early morning or late at night.
4.  Your father was right when he said to turn the lights off when you left a room. So turn off all lights, appliances and computers when not in use.
5.  Avoid using a screen saver on your monitor and turn off the monitor when not in use.
6. Caulk windows and doors to keep air from leaking in or out. Consider replacing your old windows with new energy-efficient windows.
7. When you buy new appliances or lighting, look for the Energystar label.
8. When washing clothing or using the dishwasher, make sure you have a full load. Clean the lint trap on your dryer after each use.
9. Replace the old style incandescent light bulbs with new energy efficient  compact fluorescents or LED bulbs.
10. Wrap the tank of your water heater with an insulated "jacket" that you can find at most big box stores.

Look at the electricity bill this month, and try a couple of these ideas. Then look at the bill for the next month and see if you have made a difference in the amount that you used and consequently the amount you owe.

Thanks to our guest blogger, Tamara Hyland, of Total Renaissance Construction.

HOW TO MAKE SMALL ROOMS “SEEM" LARGER?

If you have a small room, do not get frustrated, make it appear larger with several easy steps.

1. Take a look around the room and grab a bag to dispose of the clutter. Reducing unnecessary stuff, will make the room look larger.
2. Paint the walls a lighter color to open up the room.
3. If you have too much furniture, remove some of it.
4. Take extra pieces to another room or two and focus on using the basics and only furnishings that actually fit the room. Stay away from oversized pieces in a small space.
5. Find storage for clutter in ottomans or coffee tables.
6. Open up the window blinds to let in natural light and hang some mirrors to reflect light and create an illusion of more depth in the room.
7. Use plain neutral colored fabrics for upholstered pieces and if you want additional texture or design, use pillows or throws as accents.

Using some of these steps will create the illusion of more space in a room by creating more floor space.

Call Total Renaissance to help!  Thanks to Tamara Hyland of Total Renaissance Construction and Renovations as our guest blogger.

New Law Allows All Homeowners to Install Water Saving Landscapes

Senate Bill 198, passed by the Texas Legislature and signed into law in June 2013, prohibits property associations (POAs) from banning water-efficient, drought-resistant landscaping. The law went into effect last September 1.

A Texas home illustrates drought-resistant landscaping.

Under SB198, POAs can still require prior approval before homeowners switch to such landscapes, and POAs can adopt guidelines on what kind of plants and designs are acceptable as long as they do not “unreasonably restrict” water-conserving landscapes. This bill enjoyed a wide range of support from environmental groups like Clean Water Fund to Texas Community Association Advocates and businesses like The Home Depot.

Texans know that water is in short supply in our state for a variety of reasons, such as rising population, drought, and a changing climate. Municipal water demand is rising faster than any other sector and by 2060 is predicted outstrip all other sectors, including agriculture. 

Lawn watering is the major driver of municipal demand, and can account for as much as 60% of a household’s water use. Replacing non-native turf grasses with drought-resistant native plants and ground cover can lower a homeowner’s water bills and save communities money that would otherwise be needed to purchase new sources of water and build expensive new water treatment and distribution infrastructure. It can also leave more water in our aquifers, lakes, and rivers for wildlife and the human recreation and industry these ecosystems support.

Installing a drought-tolerant landscape does not mean limiting yourself to grass and cacti, or creating an 'Arizona look' in your front yard. These landscapes can include a wide variety of colorful plants that provide food and shelter to native wildlife. 

SB 198 allows POAs to maintain aesthetic harmony through a variety of means, by for example, limiting plants to those from a specific list or catalog, requiring a minimal amount of turf grass, directing that all vegetated beds have a border whose color and style is compatible with the home's architecture, and banning or limiting the use of gravel. However, POAs are no longer allowed to ban drought-tolerant landscapes outright. If properly implemented, SB 198 can provide a 'win-win' for proponents of water conservation and POA advocates alike.

David Foster is State Director for Clean Water Fund, a nonprofit that provides free presentations and workshops on how POAs can implement SB 198. See www.cleanwaterfund.org/xeriscape

GETTING YOUR HOME READY TO SELL?

If you are considering selling your current home in the new year, there are several design features that are huge "turn offs" for the average looking home buyer.

What are they?

1. Acoustic or "popcorn" ceilings gotta go! Hire a pro to make this go away and update the look of your home. The rooms will look more open, brighter and a lot cleaner.

2. Today's buyers do not want carpeting all over the home. Opt for wood floors in as many rooms as you can afford. If you have carpeting, make sure it is free of spots, clean and always vacuumed.

3. Anything "brass" has gotta go, since these are considered a dated look.Consider either oil rubbed bronze or satin nickel finishes for faucets, lighting, door knobs, cabinet knobs, etc. This is a fix that you can accomplish on your own.

 4. Get new lighting over the vanity areas of your bathrooms. Those "hollywood" strips date a home and new ones are an easy way to update that bathroom. Make the new vanity light match your faucet.

Consider making a few basic changes to your home to get the new homebuyer interested in your home.

Call Total Renaissance to help!  Thanks to Tamara Hyland of Total Renaissance Construction and Renovations as our guest blogger.

Extinguishing the Flames

Safe Practices to Prevent Home Fires 

Most in-home fires are caused by ordinary things like a stove burner, candle, space heater or extension cord. Mental lapses, poor judgment and carelessness make these things dangerous. Thankfully, by exercising good safety habits and taking simple prevention steps, you can cut down on deadly and damaging fire risks.

First, always be sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them monthly and replace those that are more than 10 years old.

Cooktops. Never leave the kitchen while something is cooking on the stove. Keep combustibles, such as curtains and wall hangings, at least three feet from the stove.

Space heaters. Keep them at least three feet away from drapes and bedding, and plug them directly into outlets, not extension cords. Don’t use space heaters while sleeping.

Wood stoves and fireplaces. Empty ashes in a metal container and store them outside away from combustibles for at least a week before disposing of them in the trash. Be sure your chimney is inspected and cleaned annually. Keep any combustibles at least five feet away from the stove or fireplace.

Electrical equipment. Replace undersized or frayed extension cords. Never run an extension cord under a rug. Call an electrician if circuit breakers regularly trip or if your electrical box has a warm cover. Don’t use light bulbs that exceed a fixture’s recommended maximum wattage.

Appliances. Ensure combustion chamber covers are in place on water heaters. Clean all lint from a dryer’s back service panel and from the vent line. Replace vinyl vent lines with smooth, metal ducts.

Smoking. Don’t smoke in bed. Use large ashtrays on tables. Soak ashtrays under the faucet before throwing cigarette butts in the trash.

Candles. Use tip-proof containers. Burn candles only while you’re awake and in the same room. Keep candles at least three feet away from combustibles.

Matches and lighters. Store out of the reach of children.

Deadline Nears for HOA Management Certificates

Is your association in compliance with state law?

Time is running out for community associations to re-file their management certificates in accordance with a recent amendment to state law.  The 83^rd Legislature of Texas amended Section 209.004 of the Texas Property requiring county clerks of the county in which the management certificate is filed to index the document as a “Property Owners’ Association Management Certificate.”  

The House Bill containing the amendment to the Texas Property Code additionally issued a mandate requiring community associations to file management certificates not later than January 1, 2014.  This mandate is in place even if the community association already had a management certificate on file prior to the enactment of the amendment. 

Those community associations that do not re-file their management certificate before January 1, 2014 run the risk of violating state law.  Management certificates should contain the following information:

            (1)  the name of the subdivision;

(2)  the name of the association;

(3)  the recording data for the subdivision;

(4)  the recording data for the declaration;

(5)  the name and mailing address of the association;

(6)  the name and mailing address of the person managing the association or the association's designated representative; and

(7)  other information the association considers appropriate.

In light of the manner in which county clerks must index management certificates, the best practice is to title the management certificate, “Property Owners’ Association Management Certificate for ‘ABC Community Association, Inc.’” There will be no question for the clerk in terms of indexing. 

While it is not necessarily required under the Texas Property Code, another best practice is to attach a list of all recorded documents affecting the community to the management certificate.  The statute only requires the recording information for the subdivision and declaration; however, it is a good idea to also include the recording data for the certificate of incorporation, bylaws, policies, rules and regulations, guidelines and any amendments or supplements thereto.

In practicing this approach, it provides a great snapshot of the community and the documents affecting it to current owners, potential owners, title companies, realtors, board members and management.  Transparency strengthens any community and the immeasurable benefit obtained from attaching a list of dedicatory instruments to a management certificate is well worth the extra step.

 

Check with your community manager or legal counsel to ensure that your community association is in compliance with this new legislation.  We want all community associations to ring in the New Year in full compliance with the Texas Property Code.

Brady E. Ortego, of Roberts, Markel, Weinberg, PC, is an attorney specializing in community association law.  He is a frequent author and educator on issues affecting community associations and is active in community association industry support groups such as the Community Associations Institute. 

Insulation Nation

It is not as glamorous as installing new granite countertops or even just replacing your old appliances, but understanding the benefits of installing the right insulation in your home, can help you to save some money for the more glamorous updates in your home. Take a look!

Installing insulation is a great way for you to add efficiency to your home, save money and protect our environment. Many homes are poorly insulated so when you add insulation to your home, you  can save money on your heating and cooling bills; cutting as much as 30% if done properly.

Insulation can be made from a variety of materials today; newspaper, cellulose, fiberglass, cotton, sheep's wool and chemical foam.  If you look to upgrade the R-value in your home, you will increase the efficiency of your home and lower the amount of energy that you use. What is R-value? It is the way to measure resistance to heat and the higher the number, the more resistant, so better for reducing the consumption of energy.

If you are considering upgrading the insulation in your home, the easiest way to start is with your attic, If you fluff up existing insulation and add more insulation to achieve a higher R-value, you will see noticeable changes in your heating and cooling bills since you are saving energy!

When installing new insulation, it is best to consult with a professional since if not installed properly, many manufacturers will not guarantee the advertised R-value. Blown in insulation can be moved around by animals or by settling and this can reduce the R-value. "Vapor barriers" can help protect insulation from moisture intrusion and good ventilation can keep moisture from becoming trapped. Depending on your locale, you may want to consider cellulose insulation since it typically is more effective in colder climates.

If you are considering improving your use and expense of energy in your home, increasing the R-value, the resistance to heat flow of your insulation, especially in the attic, is a great first step!

This guest blog feature is courtesy of Tamara Hyland, Renaissance Construction and Renovation.

Ten Reasons to Serve on your Association Board

As a homeowner, you have a big investment in your neighborhood. In addition to your own dwelling unit, your Association may have common amenities, such as a clubhouse, pool, sidewalks, roads, and more. How do you make sure that your Association is properly maintained and cared for?  One way is to volunteer with your homeowner’s Association as a committee or board member.

Protecting your own investment is just one reason to serve as a volunteer for your Association, though. Read a list of 10 important reasons to serve on an Association board.  

1. Protect Your Property - One of the top priorities of all board members should be to protect the value of all homes in the community. This is not a self-serving act; it is an obligation to all members of the Association.  Being involved on the board puts you in a better position to make and implement rules that directly affect property value, especially if they require decisions about the Association’s budget or routine maintenance.

More at HOA Pulse

Keep Water Flowing for Growth and Prosperity

Vote on November 5

This article contains information reported in the Dallas Business Journal, October 18-24, 2013, pp. 2-3, Thirsty Work.

As a Texas homeowner, you can vote to ensure the continued growth and well-being of your community.   Not only suburban lawns and shrubs have suffered through the prolonged drought; Texas business and new home growth could dry up if Texans don’t keep the tap of plentiful water flowing.

The November 5 election tees up a critical decision for North Texans.  If passed, Proposition 6 will create the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas, transfer $2 billion from the Rainy Day fund and set up a framework for a sustainable revolving fund with revenue from completed projects refilling the fund for future projects. 

If approved, Prop 6 is expected to create thousands of engineering and construction jobs.

 

Municipalities are the largest users of water, selling water to residential users and businesses.  Certain types of manufacturing such as semiconductor plants also use large volumes of water.  On average it takes one-third of a gallon of water to make one semi-conductor chip.

Access to a water supply is one of the first things the Huffines brothers look for when they decide to build a residential community according to Dallas-based Huffines communities, a builder of master-planned communities.

As one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country,(according to the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce),  the Metroplex has much to gain from plentiful water.  Economic recession plus drought temporarily dampened homebuilding. Texas housing has staged a strong recovery in recent months, and new jobs are outpacing the national average.

To read more about Proposition 6, see these Dallas Business Journal articles. 

http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2013/10/14/most-texans-support-spending-2b-on.html
http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/blog/2013/10/how-gov-perry-plans-to-address-dfws.html  

Also, visit the http://www.watertexas.com website.Please vote on November 5. 

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Especially in Texas, we are ready for fall and some cooler weather. Just because the kids are back in school, football has returned and the days will be getting shorter, does not mean the household chores have disappeared though! 

Our fall weather does not usually start until well after October and sometimes lasts through the Christmas holidays. It is time, however, to make sure your home is ready for whatever weather Mother Nature delivers. 

Take a look at some of the ideas to prep your home for the changes in the seasons:

Take a look at your fire and CO detectors inside and make sure to test them. If you do not have one, get a fire extinguisher and if you have one, make sure it is still working well.

Clean or replace your HVAC filters.

Have a professional do a seasonal inspection of your heating system. 

Get a chimney sweep to take a look at your fireplace to remove any soot or creosote inside.

Check out the gutters outside to rid them of any leaves or debris. This will ensure that they work properly with any changes in the weather.

Look at the insulation/caulking at your windows and doors to make sure the gaps are sealed properly. This will keep the air warm where it needs to be and keep the cold outside.

Look at your shingles or have a pro do it. This is the perfect time to make certain that the flashing, vents and actual shingles are in good repair.

These are just a few important tasks that you can perform to ensure that you home is well taken care of this fall!

This guest blog feature is courtesy of Tamara Hyland, Renaissance Construction and Renovation.

Organic or Conventional? Smarter Shopping, Better Health

Until recently, organic produce was found mainly in home gardens, quaint farmers’ markets and specialty health food stores. Over the past few years, however, the heightened eco-consciousness of the green movement and health concerns about chemicals used in conventional farming have led to consumer demand for fruits and vegetables grown without synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilizers, irradiation or biotechnology, making organic the fastest growing sector in the food marketplace.

In addition, research is beginning to support the contention that chemicals used in conventional farming can have a negative impact on health. The 2008-2009 annual report from the President’s Cancer Panel, “Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk: What We Can Do Now,” published in April 2010, encourages consumers to choose organically grown food to help decrease their exposure to environmental toxins, stating in their recommendations, “Give preference to food grown without pesticides, chemical fertilizers and growth hormones.”

Despite being more widely available, the cost of organic produce can be as much as 40 percent higher than conventionally grown crops, placing it out of reach for many consumers. The good news is that choosing organic foods to improve your health doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes an annual Shoppers Guide to Pesticides based on lab tests conducted by the USDA Pesticide Data Program. According to the EWG, you can lower your pesticide consumption by nearly 80 percent by avoiding the 12 most contaminated conventionally grown fruits and vegetables and instead eating the least contaminated produce. When you eat fresh produce from the “Clean 15” (the least contaminated fruits and vegetables), you’ll be exposed to fewer than 2 pesticides per day, compared to as many as 67 pesticides per serving found in the “Dirty Dozen.”

The Dirty Dozen (always buy organic)

Ÿ Celery (most contaminated)

Ÿ Peaches                   Ÿ Strawberries  Ÿ Apples

Ÿ Blueberries             Ÿ Nectarines      Ÿ Bell peppers

Ÿ Spinach                     Ÿ Kale                    Ÿ Cherries

Ÿ Potatoes                  Ÿ Grapes (imported)

The Clean 15

Ÿ Onions (least contaminated)

Ÿ Avocados                 Ÿ Sweet corn     Ÿ Honeydew melon

Ÿ Pineapples              Ÿ Mangos            Ÿ Sweet peas

Ÿ Asparagus               Ÿ Kiwi                    Ÿ Eggplant

Ÿ Cantaloupe             Ÿ Watermelon   Ÿ Grapefruit

Ÿ       Cabbage               Sweet potatoes

Look Before You Leap!

If you are thinking about making some changes to your home in a small or large way, I always suggest that my clients do some homework. You have probably heard the old adage, "Measure Twice, Cut Once"?  That just means to make sure of what you are doing before you do something that cannot be reversed. Here are several places where you can gather ideas before you start making decisions and putting a budget and plan of attack together for any changes that you might like to make in your home.

1. Go and visit new model homes in your area! Builders are always cutting edge in the decorating, finishes and colors, so stopping to look at what they are showing and selling will give you some good ideas. Some builders do not mind if you take photos, but ask first!

2. Look at magazines like Better Homes and Gardens, Southern Living and others that are on a typical magazine rack. You can always find an abundance of this type of resource at the checkout at Lowe's and Home Depot.  Put together a file or scrapbook of what you find that you really like. This can be a reference for you when you are ready to start the pricing process.

3. For great kitchen ideas, go to Cultivate.com. This is a site that features photos, a blog with discussions and great articles on everything kitchen. Many times the articles provide pros and cons, pricing and durability  of different finishes; for example, granite, concrete, quartz countertops, so that you can see what will work best for you.

4. I love Houzz.com for all the photos and great ideas for every budget! You can create a personal "idea book" where you can save the photos that you like. 

5. Check out Lonny.com which is a very cool online magazine that has a very trendy and sophisticated look. 

Tamara Hyland is a blogger for Renaissance Construction and Renovations.  She regularly contributes ideas for home improvements to the CMA blog.