Heating and cooling

Check seals on windows, doors and appliances: Leaks around windows and doors may cause your heating/cooling device to work overtime. Make sure that all doors and windows are properly closed and there are no leaks allowing outdoor atmosphere indoors.
Fix leaky ductwork: Improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems by repairing leaky heating, ventilation and air conditioning ducts.
Give your thermostat a nudge: Set your thermostat back 5 to 10 degrees when you’re asleep or away from home. Doing so for eight hours can lower your annual heating and cooling costs by around 10%. A programmable thermostat will do the work for you.
Adjust your fridge and freezer temperature: Set your fridge to 38 degrees and your freezer to 5 degrees. This will keep your food fresh, but your fridge and freezer won’t need to work as hard to maintain the temperature.
Water

Hot water is the second-largest expense in powering most homes, according to the Energy Department. Cutting back on your hot water usage — in the shower, laundry and dishwasher — can make a sizable dent in your overall energy bill.

Take shorter showers: Trimming two minutes off your shower time can cut your water usage by 10 gallons.
Replace your showerhead: An efficient showerhead can reduce your water usage by 2,700 gallons per year. Look for one with the WaterSense label.
Don’t wash clothes in hot water: Cut your per-load energy usage in half by sticking to warm or cold water when you do laundry.
Fix leaky faucets: That drip, drip, drip isn’t just annoying, it wastes gallons of water.
Adjust the temperature on your water heater: The default temperature setting on water heaters is typically 140 degrees. Lowering it to 120 degrees can reduce your water heating costs by up to 10%. Leaving town for a few days? Turn your water heater to the lowest setting to conserve energy usage.
Purchase energy efficient appliances: If you’re in the market for a new washer, dishwasher or water heater, buy an energy efficient model to yield long-term savings. A dishwasher with the Energy Star label is required to use 5.8 gallons of water or less per cycle, compared to the more than 10 gallons used by some older models. Prioritize appliances that run most often, like the fridge, HVAC system, water heater, dehumidifier, television, washer and dryer.
Power and lighting

Keeping the lights and electronics on accounts for roughly 12% of a home’s energy usage.

Swap out your light bulbs: Save $75 per year by swapping out the bulbs in your most used light fixtures with compact fluorescent or LED bulbs that bear the Energy Star label.
Install dimmer switches: Dimmers let you set the brightness in a room to suit your needs, setting the mood and saving electricity..
Use smart power strips or unplug all together: Some electronic gadgets never truly power off; instead, they sit in standby mode using a trickle of power that can add up over devices and time. Plug these electronics into a smart power strip, which cuts off the current when the devices aren’t in use or unplug completely.

A standard home inspection provides you with a detailed report on the home you’re hoping to buy, but it doesn’t tell you everything.

Depending on the age, location and condition of the home you’re considering, you may need additional inspections. Radon testing, termite inspection, mold inspection and foundation inspection are among the most common of these specialized types of home inspections.

Here is what is typically included in a home inspection:

1. Structural components (floors, walls, ceilings, stairs)

2. Exterior components (siding, attached decks, porches

3. Roof

4. Plumbing

5. Heating and air conditioning

6. Major appliances

7. Ventilation

8. Insulation

9. Fireplaces and wood stoves

10. Windows and doors

Different types of home inspections

Depending on what they find, your home inspector may suggest some of these additional inspections.

Radon Testing

Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that results from the gradual breakdown of radioactive elements in the Earth. It is released from well water, building materials and soil, and can enter your home through cracks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the surgeon general’s office estimate that, after smoking, radon exposure is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. And it’s everywhere — according to the EPA, roughly 1 in 15 homes has an elevated radon level.

Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) Inspection

More commonly called a termite inspection, a wood-destroying organism inspection ensures your future home doesn’t already have six-legged tenants. Termites, wood-boring beetles and carpenter ants are among the most concerning culprits, though WDO inspectors will also look for dry rot caused by fungi.

To locate a licensed inspector or exterminator, the National Pest Management Association is a good place to start; the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors also licenses WDO inspectors. Termite inspection costs can vary, but are generally around $100.

Mold Inspection

The EPA’s recommendation about mold testing is essentially if you see mold, you’ve got mold — and you might need to go straight to remediation. But if you’re concerned about what you can’t see (or smell), a home mold inspection may be in order.

To find a certified mold inspector near you, try the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors. Mold inspection costs vary based on home size; you can expect to pay from $200 to over $600.

Foundation Inspection

A home inspector will look at the house’s foundation and note potential issues like drainage problems, nearby tree roots, cracks or other indications of movement. If anything looks worrisome, the inspector may suggest having the property examined by a residential structural engineer.

A structural engineer can provide a comprehensive inspection of the foundation, diagnose the causes of any issues and explain how they can be addressed. Before you hire an engineer, check their credentials with your state’s licensing board — you can find a comprehensive list of links on the National Society of Professional Engineers website. Foundation inspection costs vary depending on where you live, but are generally about $500.

Buying a home can be nerve-racking, especially if you’re a first-time home buyer.

These tips will help you navigate the process, save money and avoid common mistakes.

Mortgage Down Payment Tips

1. Start saving for a down payment early

It’s common to put 20% down, but many lenders now permit much less, and first-time home buyer programs allow as little as 3% down. But putting down less than 20% may mean higher costs and paying for mortgage insurance, and even a small down payment can still be hefty. For example, a 5% down payment on a $200,000 home is $10,000.

Explore your down payment and mortgage options
There are lots of mortgage options out there, each with its own combination of pros and cons. If you’re struggling to come up with a down payment, check out these loans:

Conventional mortgages – they conform to standards set by the government -sponsored entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and require as little as 3% down.
FHA loans – loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration permit down payments as low as 3.5%.
VA loans – loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs sometimes require no down payment at all.
Making a higher down payment will mean having a lower monthly mortgage payment. If you want the smallest mortgage payment possible, opt for a 30-year fixed mortgage. But if you can afford larger monthly payments, you can get a lower interest rate with a 20-year or 15-year fixed loan.

Mortgage Application Tips

1. Determine how much home you can afford

Before you start looking for your dream home, you need to know what’s within your price range. Search mortgage calculators in google for a free tool to calculate how much house you can afford.

2. Check your credit and pause any new activity

When applying for a mortgage loan, your credit will be one of the key factors in whether you’re approved, and it will help determine your interest rate and possibly the loan terms. Dispute any errors that could be dragging down your credit score and look for opportunities to improve your credit, such as making a dent in any outstanding debts.

To keep your score from dipping after you apply for a mortgage, avoid opening any new credit accounts, like a credit card or auto loan, until your home loan closes.

3. Compare mortgage rates

Many home buyers get a rate quote from only one lender, but this often leaves money on the table. Comparing mortgage rates from at least three lenders can save you more than $3,500 over the first five years of your loan, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. As you’re comparing quotes, ask whether any of the lenders would allow you to buy discount points, which means you’d prepay interest up front to secure a lower interest rate on your loan. How long you plan to stay in the home and whether you have money on-hand to purchase the points are two key factors in determining whether buying points makes sense.

7. Get a preapproval letter

You can get pre-qualified for a mortgage, which simply gives you an estimate of how much a lender may be willing to lend based on your income and debts. But as you get closer to buying a home, it’s smart to get a preapproval, where the lender thoroughly examines your finances and confirms in writing how much it’s willing to lend you, and under what terms. Having a preapproval letter in hand makes you look much more serious to a seller and can give you an upper hand over buyers who haven’t taken this step.

Where To Start?

Besides determining what your housing needs are, setting a budget, getting your financial ducks in a row and obtaining a preapproval — which is a lot to do — you’ll also want a firm idea of what you’re looking for. But this is the part of the process where it’s ok to have a little fun! Create a wishlist – here’s a list to get the wheels turning:

What part of town do you want to live in?
Are schools a factor?
Older home, or newer?
One story or two? Condo?
Contemporary or traditional? Something else entirely?
A fixer-upper or move-in-ready?
Near public transportation or other amenities?
How many bedrooms? Bathrooms?
Yard? Fenced?
Do I have enough money?
You know about making a down payment. But there are other expenses due before or at the loan closing that you’ll want to prepare for, such as:

Earnest money, a deposit you’ll make to the seller upon signing the sales contract to show your good faith.
Closing costs, listed in an official Loan Estimate, including an appraisal, credit report, loan origination fees, home insurance premiums, property taxes (often prorated at closing), title insurance, recording fees and attorney’s fees.
An initial deposit to your monthly payment escrow account (if one is to be established).
Do I need a real estate agent?
A real estate agent knows what’s selling and at what price; the neighborhoods that are in demand or overpriced; and where the homes are that fit your budget. An agent will also know how long a particular house has been on the market — information that’s not always available online, and which can affect the home’s price and enhance your bargaining power. Most real estate agents are ultimately working for the seller, in that commission is paid by the seller and only triggered by a sale. That’s why you’ll want to find an exclusive buyer’s agent, if you can. They can be hard to find. However, agents of all kinds are generally bound by state real estate licensing laws to act in a fair and ethical manner.

How long will this take?
The entire process from contract to closing (not counting the time you’ll spend getting preapproved for a loan and house hunting) will normally take from 30 to 45 days. A contract timeline is usually no longer than 60 days. Some of the steps involved include:

Negotiating and submitting an offer (1-5 days)
Signing a sales contract (1-3 days)
Securing your financing (21-30 days, sometimes more)
Having a home inspection completed (7-10 days)
Unfortunately, after the contract is accepted, it’s mostly out of your hands. Any hitches along the way can sometimes delay the process. If you need to sign an authorization or respond to a request, do it as quickly as you can — and then just wait patiently.

Managing expectations!
Buying a home, especially the first time around, will probably leave you with a feeling of information overload. At practically every meeting you’ll be given “helpful” guides, informational booklets and legally required disclosures. That’s why we’re boiling it all down for you — our goal is to limit your homebuying experience to as few surprises as possible.

Buying a home can be nerve-racking, especially if you’re a first-time home buyer.

These tips will help you navigate the process, save money and avoid common mistakes.

Mortgage Down Payment Tips

1. Start saving for a down payment early

It’s common to put 20% down, but many lenders now permit much less, and first-time home buyer programs allow as little as 3% down. But putting down less than 20% may mean higher costs and paying for mortgage insurance, and even a small down payment can still be hefty. For example, a 5% down payment on a $200,000 home is $10,000.

Explore your down payment and mortgage options
There are lots of mortgage options out there, each with its own combination of pros and cons. If you’re struggling to come up with a down payment, check out these loans:

Conventional mortgages – they conform to standards set by the government -sponsored entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and require as little as 3% down.
FHA loans – loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration permit down payments as low as 3.5%.
VA loans – loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs sometimes require no down payment at all.
Making a higher down payment will mean having a lower monthly mortgage payment. If you want the smallest mortgage payment possible, opt for a 30-year fixed mortgage. But if you can afford larger monthly payments, you can get a lower interest rate with a 20-year or 15-year fixed loan.

Mortgage Application Tips

1. Determine how much home you can afford

Before you start looking for your dream home, you need to know what’s within your price range. Search mortgage calculators in google for a free tool to calculate how much house you can afford.

2. Check your credit and pause any new activity

When applying for a mortgage loan, your credit will be one of the key factors in whether you’re approved, and it will help determine your interest rate and possibly the loan terms. Dispute any errors that could be dragging down your credit score and look for opportunities to improve your credit, such as making a dent in any outstanding debts.

To keep your score from dipping after you apply for a mortgage, avoid opening any new credit accounts, like a credit card or auto loan, until your home loan closes.

3. Compare mortgage rates

Many home buyers get a rate quote from only one lender, but this often leaves money on the table. Comparing mortgage rates from at least three lenders can save you more than $3,500 over the first five years of your loan, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. As you’re comparing quotes, ask whether any of the lenders would allow you to buy discount points, which means you’d prepay interest up front to secure a lower interest rate on your loan. How long you plan to stay in the home and whether you have money on-hand to purchase the points are two key factors in determining whether buying points makes sense.

7. Get a preapproval letter

You can get pre-qualified for a mortgage, which simply gives you an estimate of how much a lender may be willing to lend based on your income and debts. But as you get closer to buying a home, it’s smart to get a preapproval, where the lender thoroughly examines your finances and confirms in writing how much it’s willing to lend you, and under what terms. Having a preapproval letter in hand makes you look much more serious to a seller and can give you an upper hand over buyers who haven’t taken this step.