When Home Buying Goes Wrong—Real-Life Lessons

When Home Buying Goes Wrong—Real-Life Lessons

We’ve all experienced buyer’s remorse at some point. And that’s fine when you’re talking about a gizmo that sets you back a couple hundred bucks or so. But homebuyer’s remorse can be overwhelming, especially if you spot problems once the papers are signed. Or worse, you realize you can’t afford the home you love.
We asked some of Dave’s Facebook fans to share their homebuyer’s remorse stories and we found a general theme. Patience—simply waiting a few days, months or years—would have made all the difference for these homeowners.

Too Much House Too Young

Natty B. told us the classic story of someone who bought too soon. She was in her early 20s when she followed the example of her friends and bought her own place. She already had $100,000 in student loans and had to have her mom co-sign the mortgage for her.
“I ended up having to work six days a week to afford the house,” she told us. “I lived in a four-bedroom house for nearly two years completely unfurnished—no money for furniture.”
Natty said she eventually rented her home out and moved back into her parents’ house. “It’s taken me almost three years and Financial Peace University to fix that mess.”
“Young people nowadays just need to wait,” she cautioned.

You Can’t Buy Community

For Heidi H.’s family, the situation was different. They were ready to buy but decided on a home before they knew anything about the neighborhood she described as “Stepford-like.” “We were drawn in with what seemed like promises of ‘community,’” Heidi explained. The amenities included a large community center, frequent family-friendly activities and a pool.
“It was an emotional decision, and our agent assured us we were getting a great deal,” she added. “We quickly learned that you can’t buy ‘community.’” The house was too big for their needs, and even worse, they were living in a neighborhood full of “Joneses” everyone seemed to be keeping up with.
They sold the home after 18 months. “We would have gladly made it work if it was our dream, but it wasn’t,” Heidi said. “We are now happily renting in a community that is a much better fit for us.”

Too Eager and Zero Help

For Sheila P. and her husband, their eagerness to buy a home overpowered their need to consider their future. “We didn’t have a [real estate agent] the first time around and ended up with a very tiny, overpriced home,” she explained. “We knew we were going to have kids, but we never thought about schools when we bought either.”
Pretty soon, their family of five was crowded into a 1,500-square-foot home in a terrible school district. They finally made the decision to sell.
“[It was] the best decision ever,” she said. “We had an excellent [real estate agent] who got us out of that small house and into something twice the size that cost less than before,” she said. “We have the added bonus of an incredible school district!”
“Someone said a good real estate agent is gold, and I completely agree,” she added.

How You Can Avoid Your Own Homebuyer’s Remorse

Don’t let these stories convince you that homeownership is a bad idea. We had plenty of fans tell us how rewarding their home-buying experiences were because they did it the right way.
First, get out of debt and have an emergency fund in place to take care of any surprises you may find once the home is yours. Then do your research to find a location that works for your family, both now and in the future. Finally, work with a real estate agent you can trust to help you find a home that fits your family and your budget.
Work with an experienced real estate agent in your area through Dave’s nationwide network of Endorsed Local Providers (ELPs). Your ELP is an expert in your market and is focused on helping you save time and money in your home search. Find your ELP today!

http://www.jaredanthonycox.com

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SOURCE: DAVERAMSEY.COM

Here's a BRIGHT Idea!

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Sellers: Disclose Before You Close!

It’s a few pieces of paper that can save you a lot of trouble down the road. It’s called the seller disclosure form, and it’s one of the most important things you, as a seller, will fill out in your home sale.

So what is a seller disclosure? It’s a form that outlines any conditions that might affect your property’s livability or value. Items a seller would disclose to potential buyers include termites, radon or other environmental issues, foundation problems and broken home systems or appliances.

Disclosure laws vary from state to state, and your real estate agent should be aware of what’s required in yours. Sellers who do not disclose major issues – let’s say a broken HVAC system, leaking pipes or mold growing in the basement – could be on the hook for paying to fix the problems or wind up in court, even after closing.

Marketing a home “as is” or claiming you didn’t know about certain problems doesn’t save you from the responsibility of completing a full and honest disclosure.

Most buyers will likely hire a home inspector during their home purchase to catch these types of issues, but if you’re aware of major repairs and problems ahead of time, it’s better to be safe than sorry and disclose what you know. It will save you time, money and (quite possibly) the entire transaction if you’re upfront with potential buyers.

Here’s a great article from the American Bar Association with more details about the legal responsibilities sellers have in the disclosure process to buyers.

Find a RE/MAX agent who can help you get started with listing your house for sale today.

What do you think?

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7 Reasons to Buy a House Before 2014

If you've been thinking about taking the plunge and buying a home, the last quarter of 2013 might just be the time to do it.

Rates on fixed-rate loans are still appealing, and experts say it's still cheaper to buy than rent. Some financial institutions are also a little more lax with their loan qualification requirements this year.
Here are seven reasons to buy a home by the end of the year:

1. Mortgage rates are still dropping. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate loan is 4.50 percent at the time of publication. While this is a 1.15 percent increase from the historic low of 3.35 percent at the end of 2012, it's still an attractive rate for prospective homebuyers. The housing sector is getting stronger and inflation rates are low, which promotes low mortgage rates.

2. It's still cheaper to buy than rent. If you live in a metropolitan area, it may make more financial sense to buy a home than rent a house, condo or apartment. According to a 2012 Trulia Trends study, buying a home is 44 percent cheaper than renting in the 100 largest metro areas in the United States. While this data was calculated based on last year's lower mortgage rates, there is still a significant price difference in total monthly costs with today's rates.

3. Home prices are relatively low. Housing price trends vary significantly by location and even by neighborhood, but the average housing price trends across the country look promising for prospective homebuyers. The S&P/Case-Shiller composite index of 20 metropolitan areas increased only 1 percent this past season, so 2013 could still be a great time to buy.

4. It may be easier to get a mortgage. Credit unions and banks may be making it easier for some prospective buyers to qualify for a mortgage. Less stringent requirements and qualifying criteria may help some people finally get that home loan. If you have good credit and some savings available for a down payment, you might just be able to get a loan for your dream home this year.

5. Less competition from home flippers. Investors looking to buy and flip houses can't move as quickly as they did in recent years. Housing prices in some markets are increasing, making house flipping less attractive. This gives prospective homebuyers more inventory to choose from and the benefit of having less pressure to close a deal because of another pending offer. This could be the time to enjoy the freedom of shopping around for that perfect home and making an offer.

6. Avoid the cost of rising rent. A buyer's market means it might be time to say goodbye to renting for good. If you're tired of rent increases at your current location or want to move but will experience a spike in rent, consider the benefits of buying a home instead. You may be able to secure a great rate with your credit history and end up paying the equivalent or less in monthly payments as you build equity in a home. Renting can be a more affordable option for the short term, but renters still have to face rising rental costs year after year.

7. Invest in your future. Buying a home gives you a chance to start building equity, and you are investing in your future. Even if you end up selling your home in five or 10 years, you could profit from the sale and invest that money elsewhere. If you've been dealing with rising rent or the hassles of costly moves for the past few years, settling in to a home can stabilize your housing expenses - especially if you get a fixed-rate loan at a great rate. You won't have to worry about your monthly housing expenses changing significantly for a few years, and you will pay for something that has more value than a rental property. Consider the benefits of making this type of contribution to your future month after month.

Sabah Karimi is a contributor to Yahoo.com and WiseBread.com, which includes advice for first-time homebuyers.

http://www.jaredanthonycox.com

Home Selling Season Closes Strong!

 

Home Selling Season Closes Strong

RE/MAX National Housing Report on 52 Metro Areas

The following is an excerpt from the monthly RE/MAX National Housing Report (full report attached). For more information, contact Shaun White at (303) 796-3405.

DENVER (Sept. 18, 2013) –The 2013 summer selling season ends on a strong positive note, with both home sales and prices significantly higher than last year. August becomes the 19^th month in a row that both metrics were higher than the same month in the previous year. August home sales were up 6.5% and the Median Price of $188,450 was 12.9% higher than August 2012. The RE/MAX Housing Report, a survey of MLS data in 52 metropolitan areas, also found that the rate of inventory decline from last year was 17.4%, less than the 20.7% decline observed in July. As inventory returns to a more normal level, home prices will likely stabilize. At the current rate of home sales, the number of months required to move the entire inventory was 4.4, still below the 6 month supply recognized as a market balanced between buyers and sellers.

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What's Your Perfect Fit?

RE/MAX wants to know, What's your perfect fit? Is it the kitchen, a garage, a backyard, a close-knit neighborhood or just the comfort of knowing that you live closer to the ones you love? Share your story, along with a photo or video, and you could win. Visit http://myperfectfit.remax.com today to vote on your favorite story and enter your own for a chance at $10,000. #MyPerfectFit

For more information contact Jared Anthony:
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Wouldn't You LOVE to Dine with this Balcony View?!

 

Wouldn't you LOVE to dine with this balcony view?
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Most People Choose to Simply be Average in Their Jobs. Choose to be Great!!

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Would You 'Like' to Relax in this Backyard with an Ocean View?

 

Would you 'like' to relax in this backyard with an ocean view? 
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#homes #backyardwithaview #relaxation — inHouston, TX.

Indoor Pool + Swim-Up Bar = Basement Bliss!

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3 Bright Additions to Our Emergency Kit That are Great Multitaskers

Energizer®’s new portable (from left) LED Folding Lantern, 3 in 1 Light, and Pop Up Lantern are bright enough to light up just about any space, indoors or out. 

All images: Lisa Kaplan Gordon for HouseLogic

I’m an emergency preparedness geek, and proud of it.

After the last tropical storm knocked out power, I bought a portable generator to keep my freezer running and Costco burgers from thawing. And, 13 years after the Y2K scare threatened to shut down everyone’s computer, I’m still working through boxes of canned goods I stockpiled for the end of the world.

My husband thinks I’m nuts. But you can never be too prepared.

So I was psyched when Energizer® gave me a chance to try out its new line of portable, foldable, and standable LED lanterns.

These have changed my mind about LED lights, which last forever, but usually burn a cold blue and don’t shed enough light — at least for me. Energizer®’s powerful and portable “light fusion technology” seems to have solved that problem.
These lanterns are perfect for emergencies. They last up to 100 hours on four to eight AA batteries, which I always stockpile in my emergency bag of tricks. Plus, they give off enough light to brighten a room, and they have a dimmer function to save juice and let me read in bed without waking my husband, who hits the hay before me.

So, my inner geek and I had fun seeing how many ways I could use the three lanterns in and outside my house.

A Security Light That Keeps My Precious Pups Safe
The Energizer® LED Folding Lantern with Light Fusion Technology (about $34) looks like a fashion-forward purse when it’s folded flat. But it’s got a built-in stand and opens like a clamshell so I can direct the light on my two little lap dogs – Rosie and Betty – when I let them out for their last potty break before bedtime. We’ve got fox and raccoons in the neighborhood, so I like shining a light on them to keep critters away.

It’s fun opening and closing this lantern, too — now it’s short; now it’s tall — to see which height gives the most light.

I don’t know if it’s a good thing or bad thing, but the folding lantern emboldened me to see and clean out the creepy, crawly things mucking around in the crawl space under my kitchen. It’ll also come in handy when we finally get around to adding insulation in the crawl space.

Finally, I Can See What’s in My Closets
When we built our house, we tried to save money by skipping lights in our closets. (If you had to choose between granite countertops and closet lights, which would you pick?) Turned out to be a colossal mistake. Every day I curse the darkness in my closets.
I put the Energizer® LED Pop Up Lantern with Light Fusion Technology (about $23) in the linen closet, and now I can find my hand towels:

I’m a big gardener, so this might be my favorite use for it: letting me find stuff in and tidy up my shed after working on my landscaping:

I even hang it — it’s got an orange strap — over the fence post, so I can see what I’m doing when I add scraps to my compost pile after dinner.

And it’s dimmable, so I used it in my patio as mood lighting during a barbecue. It’s certainly safer than candles when kids are running around:

The pop-up lantern is fist-sized when collapsed, so I can stow it anywhere — a drawer, the glove compartment.

A Light that Stands on Its Own Two Legs
The third light, the Energizer® LED 3 in 1 Light with Light Fusion Technology (about $28), is bright enough for the attic — another cleaning job I dread — but compact enough to use in tight spaces. Thanks to the legs and side panel light, which provides area lighting, I can investigate a drip under our sink hands-free:

With these three lanterns, I can light up my house for days for the cost of a few AAs. That’s a big relief during hurricane season. Yes, I have a portable generator, but the thing drinks gas and keeps the neighbors awake at night. I also don’t like to waste gas to light rooms. These three lanterns are great for that and aren’t as risky as candle power.

That’s why I’m adding them to my emergency kit and crossing my fingers that my teenage son doesn’t swipe them for his next campout.

www.jaredanthonycox.com

Tagged in:

• Protect Your Home
• Emergency Preparedness

A Healthy Shine: Green Cleaning Products for Your Kitchen

From meat juices to milk spills, the kitchen can be a messy place. But don’t reach for caustic cleaners or synthetic air sprays to give your counter-tops and appliances a fresher feeling. Many green cleaning products are just as effective at sanitizing your kitchen as conventional cleaners, and they get the job done without relying on harmful chemicals.
Not too long ago you had to scour the backroads of the Internet to find non-toxic alternatives, but no more: Many green cleaning products are now available at mainstream retailers. Looks for brands such as Method, Seventh Generation, and Holy Cow. What’s more, some of the greenest of green kitchen cleaners can probably already be found in your pantry—and cost a fraction of what you’d pay for commercial cleaners, whether conventional or eco-friendly.

Countertops
Toss out those anti-microbial wipes and sprays when you’re cleaning your countertops. Most contain chemicals like sodium hypochlorite (bleach) or ammonium chlorides, which are listed as hazardous to the health of humans and pets by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, says Gary Pien, an allergist and immunologist with Summit Medical Group in Berkeley Heights, N.J. “These chemicals can cause eye and skin irritation on contact, and if mixed with other cleaning products, can release toxic gases,” Pien says.

Combine equal parts vinegar and tap water to make your own non-toxic mix. Warm it in a glass bowl in the microwave to boost cleaning power. A 64-ounce bottle of food-grade vinegar costs about $4, so it’ll set you back a buck to stir up a 32-ounce batch of homemade countertop cleaner. You won’t have to dip too far into your pocketbook to buy a greener all-purpose cleaner. A 32-ounce bottle of Seventh Generation’s all-purpose cleaner costs about $5, while the same size conventional cleaner costs about $4.50.

Refrigerators
If you have a stainless steel fridge, add a few drops of a natural dishwashing liquid such as Mrs. Meyer’s ($4.49 for 16 ounces) or Method ($4 for 25 ounces) to warm water to wipe off greasy fingerprints instead of shelling out the $7-$10 a store-bought stainless cleaner will cost. And when you’re wiping, remember stainless steel has a grain, just like wood, and you need to clean in the same direction it runs, says Mary Findley, author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Cleaning.”
On the inside, use the tried-and-true remedy for foul fridge smells: a box of baking soda. It costs about $1. Save even more by buying baking soda in bulk: a 12-pound bag costs about $7. For sticky spills, a vinegar and water mix should clean it right up, Findley says.

Sinks & drains
Liquid dishwashing soaps with bio-based ingredients like aloe and essential oils are a good bet here as well. You’ll pay a bit more than the $2-$3 the cheapest conventional soaps will cost, but when you consider this is what’s going onto the surfaces you eat off of, the potential health value outweighs the extra dollar or two. If nothing else at least skip synthetically scented cleaners, which can irritate the skin and respiratory tract, says Martin Wolf, director of research and development for Seventh Generation.

If your sink stinks, try cleaning your drain with a paste made of vinegar and baking soda. Give it time to work overnight. Drain cleaners are some of the nastiest chemicals around, and at $7 for a 32-ounce bottle, they’re not cheap. Enzyme-based cleaners like Nature’s Miracle are another option: Findley says they’ll eat away at odor-causing bacteria and any bits of food clogging the drain or disposal. Nature’s Miracle costs more at $12 for a 32-ounce bottle, but it has multiple uses beyond the kitchen. If neither approach works, sprinkle some baking soda on a halved lemon or orange and scrub out your sink basin, then toss the citrus in the disposal for a fresh scent.

Dishwashers
Many dishwasher detergents contain chemicals called phosphates that suck oxygen out of waterways, killing aquatic fish and plant life. Bio- and natural enzyme-based dishwasher detergents like Ecover get the job done without affecting water systems, and are comparable in cost: 25 Ecover tablets cost about $7, while 20 tablets of conventional cleaner cost about $6.50.

Stovetops & ovens
Baked-on stove stains can be a real pain. “Grease-cutting” cleaners may make your stove shine, but they have decidedly less attractive health effects. Most contain glycol ethers, which Wolf says have been implicated in health problems ranging from reproductive damage to eye and respiratory-tract irritation. Instead, start by cleaning your stovetop after every meal before food bits and sauces are baked on. If you don’t, you may have to combine some elbow grease with a homemade mix of vinegar and baking soda. Prefer a green grease fighter in a bottle? Go for Holy Cow. It’s comparable to conventional cleaners at about $3 for 32 ounces.
A baking soda-vinegar paste should do the job in the oven, as well. If you can, find a natural orange-based cleaner that contains no petroleum distillates like Earth Friendly Products Orange Plus ($6 for 32 ounces). According to Findley, mixing that with baking soda can give your green oven cleaner extra oomph. Just spread the baking soda mixture in the oven, and let it sit overnight. Re-wet it in the morning. A few hours later wipe it out. It beats shelling out the $6.50 for a fume-filled chemical cleaner.

Microwaves
To scrub stubborn microwave stains, just grab a super-absorbent sponge, wet it, and heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds. The steam from the sponge will soften the food bits, and the hot water inside it will make it easier to wipe off and disinfect your microwave’s interior, all for the cost of a single sponge.

Ready to make a move?!  Call Jared Anthony for your next Houston Home Sell or Purchase!

www.jaredanthonycox.com
832-570-5726

Home Is where the Heart Is!

Don't you agree? 

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#homeiswheretheheartis #inspirational 
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Spectacular 3001 Sq. Ft. Single Family Home in 77070

This spectacular 3001 square foot single family home has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, 2 car detached garage plus an apartment. This home is in the Cypress-Fairbanks School District (Cycreek High School). House is located in Norchester @ Jones and Cypresswood behind HP.

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How Would You "Like" Your Very Own Floating Island?

Share if you'd want to own this floating island home!
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5 Hurricane Myths — Do They Fool You?

It’s time to dispel some common myths so that your hurricane preparations are fully informed. How many of these five myths from Traveler’s Insurance do you believe? 

 

It’s time to dispel some common myths so that your hurricane preparations are fully informed. How many of these five myths from Traveler’s Insurance do you believe?

Myth 1: The roof is the most vulnerable part of the home.
Fact: The garage door is more often the most vulnerable area in high winds. Hurricane-proof your garage doors with code-approved braces or buy a hurricane-resistant door.

Myth 2: You only need to protect windows facing the water.
Fact: Secure windows with hurricane shutters or plywood to combat high winds and flying objects. Or invest in high-impact windows.

Myth 3: Taping a big “X” on windows stops them from shattering.
Fact: Taping an “X” on a window won’t save it from being destroyed by flying objects.

Myth 4: Leaning against windows or doors will keep them from blowing inward.
Fact: Stay away from windows in high winds.

Myth 5: Opening the windows will alleviate pressure.
Fact: Opening and closing windows during storms can lead to injury and damage to building contents.

How’d you do? How many facts did you know?

Hurricane season runs through November.  Don't let your guard down!  Always be prepared!!

Jared Anthony - Houston Realtor
832-570-5726
RE/MAX CityView

Tagged in:

• Protect Your Home
• Hurricanes

Home Upgrades with the Lowest ROI

 Home Upgrades with the Lowest ROI

Life is a balancing act, and upgrading your home is no different. Some upgrades, like a kitchen remodel or an additional bathroom, typically add value to your home. Others, like putting in a pool, provide little dollar return on your investment.

Of course, home owning isn’t just about building wealth; it’s also about living well and making memories — even if that means outclassing your neighborhood or turning off future buyers. So if any of these six upgrades is something you can’t be dissuaded from, enjoy! We won’t judge. But go in with your eyes wide open. Here’s why: 

1.  Outdoor Kitchen

 

The fantasy: You’re the man — grilling steaks, blending margaritas, and washing highball glasses without ever leaving your pimped-out patio kitchen.
The reality: For what it costs — on average $12,000-$15,000 — are you really gonna use it? Despite our penchant for eating alfresco, families spend most leisure time in front of some screen and almost no leisure time outdoors, no matter how much they spend on amenities, according to UCLA’s Life At Home study. And the National Association of Home Builders’ 2013 What Home Buyers Really Want report says 35% of mid-range buyers don’t want an outdoor kitchen.
The bottom-line: Instead, buy a tricked out gas grill, which will do just fine when you need to char something. If you’re dying for an outdoor upgrade, install exterior lighting — only 1% of buyers don’t want that.
Related: How to Buy a Gas Grill

2.  In-Ground Swimming Pool

 

The fantasy: Floating aimlessly, sipping umbrella drinks, staying cool in the dog days of summer.
The reality: Pools are money pits that you’ll spend $17,000-$45,000-plus to install (concrete), and thousands more to insure, secure, and maintain. Plus, you won’t use them as much as you think, and when you’re ready to sell, buyers will call your pool a maintenance pain.
The bottom-line: If your idea of making it includes a backyard swimming pool, go for it. But, get real about:

• How many days per year you’ll actually swim.

• How much your energy bills will climb to heat the water ($760-$1,845 depending on location and temperature).

• What you’ll pay to clean and chemically treat the pool ($20-$100/month in-season if you do it yourself; $75-$165/month for a pool service).

• The fact that you’ll likely need to invest in a pool fence. In fact, some insurance carriers require it.

Related:
Less expensive option: an above-ground pool
Lower maintenance option: natural pools
If you do put in a pool, you can save money by installing a solar heater.

3.  In-Ground Spa

The fantasy: Soothing aching muscles and sipping chardonnay with friends while being surrounded by warm water and bubbles.
The reality: In-ground spas are nearly as expensive ($15,000-$20,000) as pools and cost about $1 a day for electricity and chemicals. You’ll have to buy a cover ($50-$400) to keep children, pets, and leaves out. And, like in-ground pools, in-ground spas’ ROI depends solely on how much the next homeowner wants one.
The bottom-line: Unless you have a chronic condition that requires hydrotherapy, you probably won’t use your spa as much as you imagine. A portable hot tub will give you the same benefits for as little as $1,000-$2,500, and you can take it with you when you move.
Related: What You Need to Know About Installing a Spa

4.  Elevator

 

Your fantasy: No more climbing stairs for you or for your parents when they move in.
The reality: Elevators top the list of features buyers don’t want in the NAHB “What Buyers Really Want” report. They cost upwards of $25,000 to install, which requires sawing through floors, laying concrete, and crafting high-precision framing. And, at sales time, elevators can turn off some families, especially those with little kids who love to push buttons.
The bottom-line: If you truly need help climbing stairs, you can install a chair lift on a rail system ($1,000-$5,000). Best feature: It can be removed.
Related: 4 Easy-Living Tips for Aging in Place

5.  Backup Power Generator

Your fantasy: The power in your area goes kaput, but not for you. You were smart enough to install a backup power generator. While the neighbors eat cold hot dogs by a flashlight beam, you’re poaching salmon in your oven and pumping out Red Hot Chili Peppers tunes.
The reality: Power outages may seem to go on forever, but they don’t. Fifty dollars worth of batteries can power portable lights, radios, and TVs; a car adaptor will charge your cell phones and iPods; and some dry ice will keep freezer food cold for at least a couple of days.
The bottom-line: If you live in areas where power shortages are the rule, not the exception, spend the money for reliable backup power: Your still-frozen steaks, home office fax, and refrigerated medicine will thank you. But if the power goes out rarely, then installing a standby generator is overkill.
Nationwide, homeowners recouped 52.7% on their average $11,410 investment in a backup generator — one of the lowest ROIs on the annual Cost vs. Value Report. If you need occasional emergency power, a gasoline-powered portable generator ($200-$650) probably will suffice.
Related: What I Learned About Portable Generators One Dark and Stormy Night

6.  New Windows

 

The fantasy: Brand new windows that don’t stick, and slash energy bills.
The reality: A $10,000 vinyl window replacement project will recoup about 70% of your investment at resale, and if they’re Energy Star-qualified, they can save you around $300 in energy bills per year.  So, plan to live in your house about another 10 years to recoup the cost of new windows.
The bottom-line: We get it — new windows are sturdy, pretty energy savers. But unless old window frames are thoroughly rotten, most windows can be repaired for a fraction of replacement costs. And if you spend about $1,000 to update insulation, caulking, and weather-stripping, you’ll save 10%-20% on your energy bill.

www.jaredanthonycox.com

Related:
Find and Seal Air Leaks in Your Home

Window Film: An Inexpensive Way to Save Energy
No judgments! What’s your home upgrade indulgence?

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/home-improvement/home-upgrades-you-shouldnt-do/#ixzz2f61bOHkJ