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Charlotte NC Home Sellers - How's That Insulation in Your Home?

Seller Tips:  How Is the Insulation in Your Charlotte Home?

Now that fall is almost behind us, it’s a good time to get up in the attic and assess your insulation.  There may well be peaks and valleys in it that are less than ideal for keeping your Charlotte home comfortable and energy-efficient, especially if it’s been a while since your insulation was installed.

Don’t worry–it’s not a daunting task; insulation can easily be blown in over what you already have.  Blown-in cellulose insulation is a good option because it is also considered a “green” product, is highly effective and is less costly than fiberglass.  Here are a few benefits to adding cellulose insulation to your existing insulation in your home:

  • insulate your Charlotte home 885x1024 How Is the Insulation in Your Charlotte Home?Makes your home quieter.  Insulation affords soundproofing benefits.
  • Pest Control.  Now you can get cellulose insulation that is also treated with boric acid, a safe insecticide that is effective against both types of termites and cockroaches.
  • Prevents mold.  Boric acid is also effective against mold and mildew. This prevention is continuous after installation.
  • Recycle while you insulate.  As they say, if you don’t buy recycled, you’re not recycling. Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper and treated with a flame retardant for safety.
  • Decreases air infiltration. Cellulose insulation outperforms fiberglass.
  • Saves money. Of course, the main reason to insulate is to reduce the cost of heating and cooling your Charlotte home.
  • Increases comfort. You’ll be surprised at how snug your home feels after adding to your insulation.
  • Earns a tax credit.  (Saved the best for last!)  Note, this is not just a deduction. A tax credit is directly applied to the amount of tax you owe.  This credit is equal to 10 percent of the insulation cost (labor is not included), with a cap of $500.  This incentive expires at the end of 2011.

Added insulation is also a good selling point in these competitive times that is often overlooked as a ‘bonus.‘   Added insulation will continue to be a good investment in the future with increasing energy costs.

Looking for a home that’s already well insulated?  I can help you find it. Contact me today at (704) 491-3310 or Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com.



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Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  
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New Year Projects: Five Renovation Ideas that Increase the Value of Your Charlotte Home

New Year Projects:  Five Renovation Ideas that Increase the Value of Your Charlotte Home

Whether you’re planning on selling soon or just want a comfortable home to live in now, or a New Year project to undertake, here are five projects that increase your Charlotte home’s comfort and value:

Replace or Add Ceiling Fans

 

Unveil hidden hardwood floors:  Is there hardwood flooring hiding beneath your Charlotte home’s carpet?  If you're not sure, pull up the carpet in an unnoticeable corner and investigate; this can easily be done with a flat head screwdriver.  If you find wood floors, you’ll probably need to refinish them, but that’s a lot less expensive than installing new hardwood flooring.

 

Install flooring in your bathroom:  Installation is typically the most expensive part of this home improvement, so if you can do it yourself, you’ll save quite a bit of money.  Choosing a neutral-colored tile adds the most value.  So, head out to the DIY store, take a class on how to install tile yourself and if you feel comfortable, here’s your project!


Replace shower heads in your home

Add ceiling fans:  Everyone loves saving money, and adding ceiling fans can actually help reduce your electric bill considerably.  Central air conditioning costs about 70 times more to run than a ceiling fan--that’s right seventy!  In the summer, fans can cool you by 3 to 8 degrees, allowing you to reduce the use of your A/C and still feel just as cool.   Use your ceiling fan in the winter too; just reverse the direction the blades rotate so the air flows up toward the ceiling, and keep the fan on low.   This circulates the warm air around the room without creating a chilly draft.


Update bathroom and kitchen fixtures:  Replacing outdated or unattractive fixtures is a low-cost, high-impact renovation project.  In bathrooms, put in new spa-style shower heads and towel bars.  Add new light fixtures, sink faucets, switch plates, outlet covers, cabinet knobs and drawer handles to kitchens and baths.  Choose items in colors and finishes that appeal to a wide audience.  You won’t believe how changing out knobs and drawer handles can change the room!


Power wash your Charlotte home’s exterior:  Make your home look almost as good as new by power washing away the grime.  Don’t forget about the driveway, walkways, garage and patio--another inexpensive way to make your home shine above the others!


 

Want more home-improvement ideas like these or tips on selling your Charlotte home?  Subscribe to my blog.  It’s easy and it’s FREE!

 

     search charlotte real estate information at www.icharlotterealestate.com 

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  
Search Charlotte NC Real Estate on Facebook
 365 Things to Do in Charlotte NC
    Search Charlotte Homes for Sale

      Search Charlotte Neighborhoods
       Charlotte's most popular real estate website
 

subscribe to my Active Rain Blog    Email me     Search Charlotte NC MLS  

Follow me on TwitterTechnoratiStumble Find us on YahooYou Tube  Connect with me on LinkedInSubscribe to my RSS feedFacebook   Google me!

Disclosure of material contained within.