Archive for December of 2006

New Real Estate Listings

December 15, 2006
$ 582,000 Yellville Horse Lover's Dream - 4 bedroom 3 bath 5182 sqft 7 acres

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New Real Estate Listings

December 14, 2006
$ 199,500 Calico Rock 300 ft of White River Frontage - 2 bedroom 1 bath 899 sqft 3.22 acres

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" NEW HOMEOWNER GIFT IDEAS "

December 13, 2006
Let us make a suggestion. If you are looking for a gift for the new home owner on your list let us suggest a homeownere tool kit that you can put together for well under $200. The following is a list of basic tools that every homeowner should keep handy and available.
1) TOOLBOX - $20 - Many types and sizes available, some even double as a step stool and have storeage for bolts, screws and nails.
2) HAMMER - $10 - Get a good quality claw hammer. Do not get one that is easy to use. Bigger is not better in this case.
3) PRY-BAR -$10 - Look for a pry bar that is multifunction and versatile.
4) VISE-GRIPS - $10 - Many too choose from. I prefer and use the needle nose style.
5) ADJUSTABLE WRENCH - $10 - Can serve many purposes. Get one of average size.
6) SLIP JOINT PLIERS - $10 - Again many to choose from. Suggest a medium size.
7) TAPE MEASURE - $5 - Suggest a 3/4" wide tape in at least a 16' length.
8) ELECTRICAL TESTER - $2 - Keep it simple. Ground check is great.
9) REVERSIBLE DRILL W/BITS - $20 - Only power tool that you WILL need.
10) UTILITY KNIFE - $4 - Get a quality knife and extra blades.
11) COMPACT HAND SAW - $15 - Make sure it fits in the box you choose.
12) TORPEDO LEVEL - $10 - When you need it you need it.
13) FLASHLIGHT - $5 - Keep in tool box.
14) DUCT TAPE - $3 - Small roll will do
15) NUTS, BOLTS AND NAILS - $5 - You can buy assortments of all types.
16) SAFETY GLASSES - $4 - Keep them safe.
Start out small with a minimum investment and then add to the kit year after year. Things you might consider adding are circular saw, staple gun, clamps, stud finder and carpenters square to mention a few.

LOW COST ENERY SAVING FIXES

December 13, 2006
There are several fixes that a homeowner may make them selves at no cost to save considerable dollars on their energy bills. There are even more at a minimal cost to save even more.
1) BLOCK THE HEAT - Small gaps around windows,doors and other areas in the average american home all together are like a 9 sq.ft. hole in the wall. Plug leaks around flashing, lights, electic outlets, windows, doors, sill plates and whereever a draft might be found. NOTE- Use a match a lighter to search for drafts throughout the home.
2) LEAKY DUCTS - Repair leaky ductwork and make sure all duct work in exposed areas is insulated where posssible. Check in crawlspaces and attics. Consult a professional if need be.
3) KEEP YOUR WATER HEATER WARM - Make sure your water heater is protected from outside cooler air. If possible and need be install a water heater blanket. Also consider installing a low flow shower head to conserve water an energy. Lower water heater temp to 115-120 degrees.
4) CONTROL THE TEMPERATURE - Rule of thumb. Save 3% by turning down thermostat down 1 degree full time. Turning down your thermostat 10 degrees at night and while at work (16 hours daily) can save as much as 14% on energy bills. Consider buying a programmable thermostat.
5) DO NOT EXHAUST TOO MUCH - Do not overuse your exhaust fans. They pull hot air along with bad air out of your home.
6) DO NOT LET YOUR FIREPLACE COST YOU $$$$ - Keep damper closed when not in use. Consider closing and sealing other areas that might lose heatincluding crawl space vents and windows.
7) ALLOW YOUR HVAC WORK - Keep all vents and air returns clear of obstacles including rugs, furniture, and drapery.
8) KEEP SOUTHSIDE OPEN - Make sure that all shades and drapery on southside of home are open during the dylight hours to let the heat in. Keep closed when the sun goes down to conserve heat.
9) KEEP HVAC SYSTEM IN SHAPE - Change filters and have system inspected as per manufacturers directions.
10) OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW - Replce all old compacted insulation, outdated HVAC units, non energy efficient water heaters, windows and doors.
These are just a few ideas that can save you a lot of dollars. For more ideas and information you may check out the "Department of Energy" website. Always look for "Energy Star Products".

New Real Estate Listings

December 05, 2006
$ 138,000 Bruno Comfortable Country Home - 3 bedroom 2 bath 2.98 acres

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