Solar Panels

As the cost of electricity increases, more homeowners are thinking about purchasing solar panels or enrolling in a solar lease program. Before committing your time, effort and money, consider these solar panel system pros and cons:

PROS

• Solar panels add value to your home. Nine out of ten home buyers prefer to purchase an energy-efficient home even if the price is 2%-3% higher than a similar non-energy-efficient home, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
• The federal government offers a 30% Investment Tax Credit against your personal income taxes on the purchase of a solar panel system.
• Solar lease programs offer a no-money-down option, a locked-in reduced electrical rate and a full warranty for the duration of the lease.
• Solar panel systems save you money on your monthly electrical bill. A solar lease provides an average 15% savings on monthly utility costs. The savings are even higher for panels that are purchased outright. However, this is offset by the cost of the panels. California is also a “net metering” state which means you receive credit on your electric bill for any excess energy your solar panels produce.

CONS

• Solar panel systems can cost $15,000-$30,000 installed.
• You may have to perform costly roof repairs before you can install solar panels.
• Solar lease contracts may cause a delay in closing or even cancellation of a pending home sale. Some buyers may not qualify to assume your solar lease. However, most solar companies will allow you to buy your solar panel system if you are interested in converting the lease. In this case, you will then need to negotiate with the buyer the price they are willing to pay for the existing system.
• Solar panel systems are long-term investments. On average, it takes a homeowner 20 years to pay off the full cost of a solar panel system. Solar leases eliminate the investment aspect, but still require a similar, lengthy commitment.

Remember to keep me in mind for all your real estate needs. Thanks!

Repairs to Consider Before Selling Your Home

Make Your Garden Grow

I have always wanted to have my own garden. Not something too big, but something to produce enough fruits and vegetables that could feed my family and help cut down on our enormous grocery bill each month. I plan to try again this year in getting a small garden started and plan to follow the tips below to make it happen. Hopefully, if you are a beginner as well, these tips can help you to make your own garden grow.

Tip #1. Pick the perfect spot. Most vegetables need at least 6-8 hours of direct sun. If they don't get enough light, they won't provide as much food and the will be more susceptible to attached from insects. 

Tip #2. Plants need water. Not so much in the beginning as they will only need a few cups every few days but as they start to grow be sure to keep up with their water intake. 

Tip #3. Plants need food. Plants need three main nutrients to thrive: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Feed your plants by preparing the soil before you plant, and be sure to fertilize the plants throughout the season. 

Tip #4. Start Small. Gardens require attention on nearly a daily basis and even a small garden can take 20-30 minutes each day for upkeep, pruning, feeding, watering, etc. Start small with only a few different types of plants that you will use regularly and then add something additional each season as needed or wanted. 

Tip #5. Consider starting with seedlings instead of seeds. Seedlings that have already been weather-proofed will provide a greater chance of survival of your first garden which will, in turn boost your confidence as a first time gardener.

Kitchen Countertops 101

Have you been thinking about updating your kitchen countertops. Before spending money to replace your countertops, check out the pros and cons of some of the most popular countertop materials below. Let this list help you choose the right countertop for you and your family. 

Granite - Definitely the top choice for most homeowners, traditional granite offers a high-end look that adds to your kitchen's value while providing a durable prep surface. Natural granite does require a bit of care and should follow a regular sealing routine which is typically once a year. Granite countertops are resistance to scratches and damage from heat and are easy to clean when sealed properly. Becuase of its heaviness, you will need to make sure your cabinet boxes are sturdy enough to support the weight. 

Marble - Marble is considered the 'Cadillac' of countertops but are not usually recommended for kitchens as they are more porous that other types of stone. If you are set on having marble countertops then make sure you have them professionally sealed to help prevent stains, marks, and scratches. Marble is heat resistant so it can withstand some normal countertop abuse. Also, the cost will be higher than that of quartz or granite. 

Quartz -Quartz countertops offer the strength of granite and have the added benefit of being more flexible which allows for easier installation. Also, because quartz is an engineered stone, it does not require sealant, ever. One downside to quartz is that it is not as resistant to heat as granite. If you are wanting to use quartz then make sure you always use a pot holder or something under a hot pan or plate to protect your counters. Also, like granite, this is a heavy product so make sure your cabinet boxes are sturdy enough to support the weight.

Recycled Glass - Glass counters aren't very common but they are gaining in popularity for those homeowners looking for unique options. The eco-friendly attributes and unique style options of the chip-based products offer a customizable  and one of a kind countertop. Cement based recycled glass countertops require a sealer that must be applied periodically to protect them from acidic substances. Resin based countertops provide a non-porous surface and don't require sealing to protect them. In general, recycled glass countertops can be expensive, costing more than some stone countertops. If you really like the look, it's worth pricing out but don't be too surprised of the cost exceeds some other popular surfacing materials.