Roseville Loan Expert

I figure this is appropriate on the hottest day of 2009 (so far)…

This past week the House of Representatives passed a landmark bill that will propel our nation toward a clean energy future.  The American Clean Energy and Security Act passed the House 219 – 212.
 
It was a very close vote and now the discussion moves to the Senate.

Home improvements are often thought of as a way increase one’s property value. And they are. A “green” home will fetch considerably more on the resale market than the exact same home next door without the energy efficient improvements. There are even loans for homes in Roseville specifically for energy efficient improvements. Here in Roseville and the rest of the Sacramento area most of us will start with upgrading insulation, roofing, water heaters, and AC Systems due to the extreme changes in the temperature from the cold of winter to the sweltering summers. Our utility bills are a major part of monthly expenses, second to our mortgage payment usually, and this is one way to drastically cut that expense. Going green in our homes is the future in our new world. Everything you need can be found at local hardware stores (there are two Home Depots, a Lowes, Ace, and an Orchard Supply in Roseville alone) and the helpful staff at these stores can usually help with ideas if you need them. Of course if you’re like me and get into trouble when taking on projects too big for what I can do please, leave it to a professional!

Kitchen remodels have proven to be the best dollar for dollar investment in your home. High quality Energy Star appliances and possibly a new faucet is where you for green here. There are many ways to go and you don’t have to replace everything at once. If you’re already doing counter-tops and cabinets it’s the right time to consider a new sink and an efficient faucet (Roseville is moving to metered water soon from what I hear). It will not cost too much and will be easy to install while the counter top is off or cabinets are out.

The bathroom is probably the next best update for increasing your homes value as well as conserving. An update to more efficient faucets, toilets, and shower heads are more than worth the minimal investment. Federal regulations guarantee that any of these replacements purchased today qualify as low-flow. The restrictions require 1.6 gallons of water per flush, and bath faucets and shower heads use no more than two and a half gallons of water per minute (again, Roseville is supposed to be moving to metered water soon).

The laundry room is another place to go green and save a little money as well. Just remember there is no such thing as an Energy Star compliant dryer. So if you see one at a store with the Energy Star sticker on it don’t fall for it. That doesn’t mean some dryers are not more energy efficient than another. A dryer with a moisture sensor will help save on every load, equaling considerable savings in energy and money when you look at it over a year long period.

All of these upgrades can make your home more valuable on the resale market. While homes in Roseville have held their value better than most areas in South Placer or the greater Sacramento market having that advantage will help you get top dollar for your home.

And don’t forget the compact fluorescent light bulbs! Energy Star claims each one will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about 6 months. It uses 75% less energy and lasts about ten times longer than the old-school bulbs.

~Greg – The Roseville Loan Expert

Nothing about loans in Roseville for this post but, HAPPY EARTH DAY! It’s actually tomorrow (4.22.09) but just in case I don’t blog tomorrow….

What is an EEM and is it even relevant in the world of loans in Roseville or the greater Sacramento area?

Whether you’re purchasing or refinancing, today’s reality is that many of us should consider making energy conservation improvements to our homes. Most homes can benefit from energy upgrades. Any home built before 1994 should benefit from an Energy Efficient Mortgage. Why?  Simple… The energy codes used up until 1993 are no longer industry standard.  Mechanical systems, insulation levels, and water heaters are the main determining factor in a home’s energy consumption.  Those installed before 1994, are less efficient, not to mention they are old!  With the Energy Efficient Mortgage, you can renew and upgrade all the critical factors that determine the energy consumption of your home, and include the total cost in your home loan.

Personal consumption has increased along with energy costs.  Today’s homes use electronics to manage almost everything, from ovens, microwaves and refrigerators, to DVRs and MP3 players, and all the battery chargers needed to keep them running.  Though prices are relatively stable, we use almost 25% more electricity today than we did in 1993.  Natural gas, however, is a different story.  Most of Californians cook, heat their homes, and their hot water, with gas.  Our consumption has increased a modest 10%, while the price has skyrocketed over 70%.

Simply stated, utility bills have become the second largest monthly expense of home ownership, behind the mortgage payment. And Energy Efficient Mortgage may lower both of these costs, definitely utility bills and overall monthly expenses. There is plenty opportunity to take advantage of an Energy Efficient Mortgage for those looking for loans in Roseville. Like most of these lesser-known special programs we’ve become local experts in the Energy Efficient Mortgage loan at our Roseville and Sacramento branch of Comstock Mortgage. Give me a call any time if you’d like more information.

~Greg