7. July 2011 by Michael McFarlane.

Recently I have fielded a few questions about adding solar to an existing home.  Can it be done to mine?  How expensive is it?  How big do I need to go, and what happens if I generate more power than I use?  These are all good questions, and need to be asked (and answered) before forging ahead.

We are not experts in solar technology, but have become familiar with many of the general nuances.  We have also done research into who does this work.  Discussing things with them, we have drawn a few general guidelines.

Going solar actually has multiple facets.  There are active and passive technologies.  Active would include such things as electricity generation, water heating, swimming pool heating and the like.  Passive encompasses dual pane windows, eve overhang, attic venting, etc.  Passive has been with us for ages, but needs to be reviewed when considering active technologies also. 

Would you believe you can now have PG&E pay YOU?  Yes, you can actually sell your surplus energy generated back to the utility companies.  For more on that check out the link below.

$read more: SFGate ð

Questions about YOUR best action? Contact us today for your free, no obligation consultation.

For ALL your real estate related needs and/or questions call ((530 315-2808) or visit us8 on line at EncoreRES.com or any of the links below. Please note: all visits to our sites are secure AND confidential. We do NOT track your activity!

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3. May 2011 by Michael McFarlane.

Let me preface this post by reminding everyone I am not a lawyer.  However, my business forces me to deal with legal issues on a regular basis.  In order to serve my clients, I must keep abreast of the legal issues involved.  My final advice is always “consult an attorney specializing in the field of your question”.

That said, one of the issues we have heard discussed lately is the attempt to limit liability, by contractors specifically.  Like so many things in the legal arena, there is a lot of gray area here.  What are the limits, and to what do they apply?  Are they fractional (a portion or multiple of the amount paid), or are they absolute (at set dollar amount)?

Our experience has been that damages as a direct result of intentional wrong-doing or negligent actions are not limit-able by contract.  Damages caused by or in the course of committing an illegal act are also excluded from limitation by contract, and may even be cause for legal action.  We also believe that one can not sign away one’s constitutional or legal rights.

To see some specific examples please read the Q&A below by Janet Portman. 

$ read Q&A by Janet Portman  ð

Questions about YOUR best action? Contact us today for your free, no obligation consultation.  And, as always, consult your legal advisor for legal advise.

For ALL your real estate related needs and/or questions call ((530 315-2808) or visit us8 on line at EncoreRES.com or any of the links below. Please note: all visits to our sites are secure AND confidential. We do NOT track your activity!

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26. March 2011 by Michael McFarlane.

We think that most would agree that the term generally means to use our resources more efficiently.  But that is where the paths seem to part.  Part of this is commercialism; the need to make money.  Part may be due to a lack of knowledge (who knows EVERY impact a given change will make?).

Most of us would agree that making our homes more energy efficient is a good thing, a green thing.  There is a negative here to watch for also, a cost (not just dollars) that must be considered.  Sealing your home totally from that outside would reduce that energy required the heat and cool it.  But what about the are quality? 

Many substances used in our homes are toxic.  If we are to live in our home (isn’t that the purpose?) we need to clean this toxic environment from our home.  If our home is sealed to the outside, the we must filter the air to remove contaminates.  Filtering and air circulation cost money and require the use of energy. 

And what do we do with the toxic substances we removed from that air?  Land fill, burning, and other methods of disposal have their costs, both in money and environmental issues. 

Another issue we think often overlooked is the impact in the production of the materials we use for these energy savings or going green procedures.  What toxic materials are used in the manufacturing processes?  How are those wastes handled.  What about the materials that are being replaced as one retrofits one’s home to be more green?

Whether you consider yourself a “tree hugger”, are trying to save money,  or are just interested in being more environmentally responsible we think ALL these questions must be considered.  It does little good to spend more than what is saved, either in dollars or (and?) environmental impact.

What it means for YOU?  We are all for going more green.  Not only is it the responsible thing to do, we believe it necessary for the survival of the earth (at least in conditions humanity can live in).  As with most things worthwhile, proper research is required to actually get your desired results.  We are in the process of putting together a list of vendors and resources for this very topic.  Call us today for more information. 530 315-2808

Questions about YOUR best action?  Contact us today for your free analysis.

For ALL your real estate related needs and/or questions call ((530 315-2808) or visit us8 on line at EncoreRES.com or any of the links below.  Please note: all visits to our sites are secure AND confidential.  We do NOT track your activity!

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11. February 2011 by Michael McFarlane.

Like so many things tax related, form 5695 may seem overly complicated to many.  We have located some helpful information and sources for those doing it themselves.  Even if your accountant does your taxes, you have to know what they need to get the most you are entitled to.

First of all, make sure you are filling out the right part of the form. 

What type of system did you install? If it’s one of the following, complete Part 1 for Non-business Energy Tax Credits.

• Biomass stoves

• Insulation

• HVAC systems

• Roofs

• Non-solar water heaters

• Windows, doors, skylights

• Storm windows and doors 

Max credit: 30% of the cost of the improvement, up to $1,500.

If you installed one of these souped-up systems, complete Part 2 for Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit.

• Geothermal heat pumps

• Residential wind turbines

• Solar energy systems

• Fuel cells  

Max credit: 30% of the cost, with no limit except for a kilowatt limit on fuel cells.

Like other major expenses, keep your receipts.  For these tax credits, you also need to separate the labor from the materials costs, as the labor is not deductible here.  Manufacturers’ certifications should be kept on file also.  You don’t need to send them in with your return however.

Coordinate with Form 1040 and other forms  Part 12 is pretty simple.  Just enter the total (line 11) on form 1040 line 52.  Part 2 gets a bit more tricky.  Other credits claimed on other form can affect the deduction here.

$ Source: HouseLogic.com ð

Read more at the link above.  As always, we can speak in general terns only.   We do hope that these guidelines help get you going in the right direction.  Every situation is different, and you should consult your tax advisor to answer your specific questions. 

For ALL your real estate related needs and/or questions call ((530 315-2808) or visit us8 on line at EncoreRES.com or any of the links below.  Please note: all visits to our sites are secure AND confidential.  We do NOT track your activity!

Subscribe to Listings Updates           Free Home Warranty

                  Search the MLS                                     Discussions & News 

 Home Rescue Group               Free Home Market Analysis  

             Yuba-Sutter Real Estate Today

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1. November 2010 by Michael McFarlane.

Are you looking to make your home a little more “green”?  Maybe some of those old appliances are nearing the end of their life?  Or how about just old fashioned saving money?  Right now California is sponsoring a rebate program for those that choose to upgrade their appliances to higher efficiency models.

According to the Sacramento Bee the program had $8.3 Million in funds remaining as of last Tuesday night.  However, an audit that removed things like duplicate applications has brought that total up to $11.8 Million available.  Have you claimed your share?

Rebates run from $50.00 for room air conditioners to $1,000 for central heat and air systems, including things like $300 to $750 for water heaters.  For more details click HERE.

To date (as of Tuesday evening) 191,502 Rebates have been applied for.  The leading appliance seems to be the washing machine with 75,734 so far.

Source: The Sacramento Bee.

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29. September 2010 by Michael McFarlane.

Energy efficiency is highly valued by most homeowners.  According to a recent national survey 89% of the respondents said that making their home energy efficient is personally important to them.

Key findings from the September 2010 national survey include:
* Less than one in three homeowners believe their homes are “very” energy efficient
* While the majority reported knowing “a lot” about how to make their homes energy efficient, they mistakenly identified “older windows” as the top energy-loss culprit
* 90% said it is important to have a professional energy auditor who is “certified by an independent national organization”

While upgrading to new dual pane windows is obvious and visible, it may also be expensive.  There are less costly repairs the homeowner can do themselves that can save considerable energy. 
* Sealing cracks around doors and windows.
* Sealing and insulating heating and air conditioning duct-work
* Cleaning heating and A/C filters regularly
* MORE FRUGAL TIPS

This morning RISMedia reported that “D.C.-based Clarus Research Group, a Qorvis company, conducted a market survey of 800 U.S. homeowners on behalf of RESNET, an industry leader in the energy efficiency marketplace. The sample was defined as adults over 21 years of age who currently own a home or plan to purchase one within the next year. The survey was conducted by Ron Faucheux, Ph.D., president of Clarus and a nationally recognized research and polling expert.

Key among other survey findings:
* 86% of homeowners would trust an energy audit performed by someone who was “certified by an independent national organization” over someone who was not
* 80% of those surveyed said that if they were in the market to buy a home, an energy audit conducted by an “unbiased professional” would be important to them.”

For your FREE list of qualified professionals to help with your home needs contact Yuba Sutter Homes and Loans today.  Email or call 530 315-2808 for more great ideas.

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28. August 2010 by Michael McFarlane.

It may not feel like it today, but summer is beginning to wind down.  Cooler weather is coming and it’s time to do some of the annual home maintenance, before it gets too cold or wet. Preparing your home for the fall season, and cleaning up the yard, can prevent the unsightly mess you could be left with when spring comes along.

Clean out the rain gutters – Now is the time to get rid of anything left from last year, plus the dirt that accumulated over the summer.  Cleaning rain gutters isn’t that difficult of a task, it’s just a tedious one. An easy way to get rid of the junk is to use a high pressure hose.  Once you have gotten rid of all the debris, give your gutters a good shot to be sure the downspouts are all full open.  Tomorrow, after they dry, is the perfect time to apply that touch-up paint.  Not only will it look better, it can stop the rust and prolong your gutter’s life.

Take care of your pots and planters – If you’re like most homeowners, you have some planters or potted plants sitting around the yard. Before it gets too cold, be sure to empty the dirt out of any pots or planters and put them in a place where they won’t freeze. If you don’t empty or store your planters, there’s a good chance they will either crack or fall apart.  If you live where it doesn’t freeze but does rain a lot care might be called for to protect your plants from drowning.  Will they get too much water?  Will they drain properly?

Prepare for raking the leaves– Keeping your yard free of leaves is an important task for homeowners. If you have numerous trees in your yard and piles of leaves that you don’t take care of, you might find that your grass is dead once spring arrives. Leaves can smother your lawn and replacing a lawn can cost a lot of money, so it’s a good rule of thumb to get rid of the leaves in the fall.  Make sure your yard is free of obstacles and you have a plan for disposing of the leaves.  Some will compost them, other have them hauled off.  There are even companies that but them!

Weed and feed the lawn – The best time to weed and feed the lawn is in the fall. If you add weed killer in the fall, the weeds will store the poison in their roots during the winter season, and will prevent a breakout in the spring. By feeding your lawn with fertilizer in the fall, you are promoting healthy root growth, and this will help your lawn grow greener and faster in the spring.

Give your tools a tune-up– Once you have finished your fall maintenance chores, make sure you clean your tools and store them in a dry place so they will be in working order once spring arrives. Be sure to store metal shovels with the head upwards, as this will help detour rusting when it dries. Sheers need to be oiled up, wheel barrels should be left upside down and don’t forget to spray off the underside of the lawnmower.  Yes, I know, in the valley we use our lawn mower all year.  But this is a good time for that annual maintenance, while you are tending to the other items.

I am sure you have other tips.  Want to share them?  Want to see them in print?  Leave a comment below, email us, or go directly to our web site at Yuba Sutter Homes and Loans.

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