Summer’s here and, unfortunately, so are high gas prices. But we have you covered with 8 great tips to help you enjoy a road trip and still have some money in your wallet left over for souvenirs:1. Pack light: Extra weight cuts fuel economy, so pack as light as possible. Also, avoid hauling your stuff outside the vehicle. Roof-top bins and racks can cut fuel economy by about 21%.2. Use the Continue Reading
Archives for June 2008
Rates Hold Steady
Fed Holds Rate Steady as Inflation Worries Rise Wall Street Journal (06/26/08) P. A1; Reddy, Sudeep The Federal Reserve on June 25 ended its aggressive campaign of interest rate cuts, holding its target for the federal-funds rate-charged on overnight loans between banks-at 2 percent. The decision to stand pat contrasts with recent actions by numerous central banks overseas that have begun Continue Reading
Market Update
There are a number of bright spots in our market that we haven't seen in a while. Although inventory is still relatively high, a number of key indicators show that we are approaching a much more "normal" market. Buyers are back out. Days on market are declining. The gap between listed prices and sales prices is narrowing. Sales are up. We are seeing these shifts in almost every price range Continue Reading
knock, knock who’s there???
If there is a knock on your door and you are not in the U.S. illegally, it may be the Feds to ask you a few questions about any dubious real estate transactions you may have been involved in between 2004 and 2007. In March “Operation Malicious Mortgage” produced 144 cases nationwide with approximately 400 individuals charged, including real estate developers, brokers, agents, appraisers, Continue Reading
10 Live Green Tips
1. Lower your thermostat. Buy a programmable thermostat.2. Reuse your water bottle. Avoid buying bottled water. In fact, reuse everything at least once, especially plastics.3. Check out your bathroom. Use low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets.4. Start a compost in your back yard or on your rooftop.5. Buy foods locally. Check out Eat Local Challenge and FoodRoutes to get started. Buy locally Continue Reading
Going Green….
Everyone is going “green” and looking for more efficient ways to live. Here are a few inexpensive tips and comments from My Arizona Home Team that any homeowner can use. We asked our team members to comment on this topic and this is what they had to say… Ashley Dewey wants you to know that going green also means going healthy! Green building not only reduces your energy bills but it can also Continue Reading
You can’t take it! …Economic update.
Last week started out with the stock markets doing the happy dance after May’s surprising increase in retail spending. We were out shopping with our government rebate checks at Wal-Mart and Costco. The markets also loved the hawkish remarks from Ben Bernanke, Fed chairman, about the economy and the dollar, sending the stock market on a three day spree. Friday, things got ugly. Stocks took a Continue Reading
Wet and Wise
Water usage levels are a big deal throughout much of the U.S. and the summer drought season can really make things tough. Be certain to watch what you use, water plants only when necessary, and take a few minutes to install a low-flow showerhead. They’re simple steps that can make a big difference. For more, check out How to Green Your Water. For more money saving tips for your home, call your Continue Reading
12 Unique Gift Ideas for Father’s Day
Sunday, June 15th is Father's Day. The seven million dollar question – have you figured out what you're going to get him? You know as well as we do that dads aren't always the easiest people to buy for. To compound the problem, the big day is only a little more than a week away. If you have yet to get your gift for Dad, do not fear. The staff at YOU Magazine has compiled a list of some very Continue Reading
THE SHRINKING DOLLAR
If it feels like there is less of your dollar to go around, here are ways to help stretch your finances: Recession stories & solutions: http://money.aol.com/news/recession?sssdmh=dm25.178699 Cheapest gas prices in your area: http://gasprices.mapquest.com/?sssdmh=dm25.178699 Online Shopping deals: http://shopping.aol.com/pages/Deals-Steals-Savings/9190?sssdmh=dm25.178699 Good Continue Reading