Kerry Veach

As many sun-seeking folks head down to vacation at an Emerald Coast home, gas mileage (and prices) might become a concern for those taking to the road.  No worries though.  I’ve created a handy list of ways you can conserve gas and money during your trip.

1. Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned

By simply maintaining your vehicle correctly, you can save anywhere from 4 percent (for repairing minor emission issues) to 40 percent!

1. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

You’ve probably heard this one before and for good reason.  By simply pumping up those tires, you can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent.  It might not be much if you’re driving only a few miles, but it adds up for those serious road trips.

1. Use Your Vehicle’s Recommended Motor Oil Grade

Improve your gas mileage 1-2 percent by using your manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil.  Even better, use motor oil labeled “Energy Conserving” on the API performance symbol.

1. Replace Your Air Filter

This may not directly affect your gas mileage on newer cars, but it does affect your vehicle’s overall performance.  This quick and inexpensive change can improve your acceleration time by 6-10 percent.  If you have an older car with a carbureted engine, this can improve your gas mileage by 2-6 percent.

1. Cruise Control

Since most road trips involve lots of highway miles, give your foot a rest and set your cruise control.  Doing so will not only prevent excessive gas guzzling, but also foot cramping.

1. Avoid Excessive Idling

Contrary to popular belief, you do not use more gas starting your car than idling.  So, if you’re taking a pit stop for the kids’ potty break, turn the engine off.  This will save gas in the long-run, since idling can use up to a half-gallon of fuel per hour.

1. Drive Sensibly

Aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway.  You can also assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.31 per gallon for gas.

1. Don’t Over Pack

A loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5 percent, while 100 pounds in the trunk reduces it by 1-2 percent.

1. Plan

While it might be difficult to follow it to a tee, mapping out your pit stops and breaks will make your trip more efficient.  Driving around aimlessly while you search for a place to eat is a waste of time, gas, and money.

1. Have a Blast!

OK, this one doesn’t save you any gas, but it sure saves stress!  And while you’re visiting the beautiful Emerald Coast, contact Kerry Veach to see some Emerald Coast homes.  With over 1,000 closings, 20+ years of experience and a full-time real estate team, it’s no surprise that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

Don’t forget to check the Veach View Blog frequently to get more energy related news and money saving tips.

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One of the biggest challenges to renewable energy has been energy storage – harnessing the technology of a battery and applying that to a much bigger scale, such as our electricity grid.  Doing so would enable increased generation of renewable energy, primarily produced from wind and solar power.  This would not only be a huge benefit for homes in Destin, FL but for homes around the nation as well.

Wind and solar power provide a clean and renewable source of energy.  However, when the sun goes down and the wind stops blowing, reliability decreases.  Energy storage would enable produced energy to be contained until it is needed, thus providing a continuous flow of energy all day and in any weather condition to Destin, FL homeowners.

The ultimate goal would be to incorporate this technology into Destin, Florida’s electricity grid, which currently has very little electricity storage.  The storage facilities that do exist are located in only a few regions due to the specificity of their operational requirements.  The goal is to develop new storage technologies that can be used anywhere in the country.

Not only would such technological advancements save money and reduce pollution, it would create several other benefits, such as:

• A more secure and efficient grid that is less susceptible to disruptions.
• Boost US competitiveness in environmental innovations on a global platform.
• Create jobs.
• Generate tax revenues for development areas.
• Advance educational demand in manufacturing, engineering, transportation, construction, and finance sectors.

Make sure you check the Veach View Blog frequently to get more energy related news and money saving tips.  And as always, if you or anyone you know would like to buy a home in Destin, Florida or sell a home in Destin, Florida contact Kerry Veach online or call 1.800.879.0309. With over 1,000 closings, 20+ years of experience and a full-time real estate team, it’s no surprise that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

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Northwest Florida homeowners may soon have a relatively easy and affordable means of using solar energy to power their Northwest Florida homes.

Plug-and-play photovoltaic (solar systems) systems, known as PV systems, will simplify the process of purchasing, installing, and implementing solar energy systems.  Doing so will make these systems easier to operate, more affordable, and more effective – and save homeowners a lot of money.  These systems are already being used in the computer and automotive industries, so it’s only a matter of time before the technology segues into residential home use.

“Providing families and businesses with new choices to use American energy resources that can save them money is an important part of President Obama’s all-of-the above energy strategy,” said Secretary Chu “The Department’s announcement today supporting plug-and-play solar energy technologies will help make it easier and cheaper for consumers to adopt clean, affordable solar energy, while supporting U.S. manufacturing leadership in the next generation of clean energy technologies and diversifying America’s energy portfolio.”

This “all-of-the-above energy strategy” incorporates the Energy Department’s five-year SunShot Initiative to make solar energy affordable and effective.  PV solar energy systems will be part of this initiative, receiving a $5 million dollar investment this year.  A portion of this investment will go towards developing two PV prototypes through partnerships with various industry innovators and universities.  One of the primary objectives will be to reduce non-hardware, or “soft costs”, which currently amount to more than half of the total cost of present residential systems.

Make sure you check the Veach View Blog frequently to get more energy (and money) saving tips.  And as always, if you or anyone you know is interested in buying a home in Northwest Florida, or selling a home in Northwest Florida, contact Kerry Veach online or by calling 1.800.879.0309. With over 1,000 closings, 20+ years of experience and a full-time real estate team, it’s no surprise that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

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Earth Day is this Sunday, April 22, 2012.  And what better way is there for us to show our appreciation then by getting our Northwest Florida homes in “green” working order?

Not all “green” installations are practical, much less affordable.  Things like solar panels and geothermal systems take a lot of work, and usually a pretty deep pocket.  For this reason, I’ve compiled a list of practical ways Northwest Florida homeowners can go “green.”

Update Your Light Bulbs

I don’t think it gets much easier than this.  Compact fluorescent lights (CFL’s) and LED’s conserve energy and save money.  If you haven’t already made this simple switch, you will need to within the next year.  Under the CLEAN Energy Act, 100-watt incandescent light bulbs began being phased out in January 2012.  Next on the list are 70-watt bulbs, then 60-watt bulbs…you get the picture.

Energy Star Products

Energy efficient appliances save money, electricity, and water which reduces your household’s total greenhouse emissions.  Many products offer tax rebates as well.  Next time you’re out shopping for new appliances, look for the Energy Star label on anything you buy.

Reuse Your Rain Water

So here’s an idea:  instead of letting all that rain water run off your gutters and into a big mud puddle on the ground, install an affordable rain barrel.  This will catch and store water from your gutters so you can use it later to water your lawn, garden, etc.  Conserve, conserve!

Greywater

If you like the idea of reusing your rain water, you’ll probably be a fan of this one as well:  Greywater Recycling.  Greywater is water that comes from your sink and laundry, but is not contaminated by waste.  By installing a greywater recycling system, you can take the water from your morning shower and have it filtered for use in your toilet or lawn.  Talk about saving a lot of water!

Make sure you check the Veach View Blog frequently to get more energy (and money) saving tips.  And as always, if you or anyone you know is interested in buying a home in Northwest Florida, or selling a home in Northwest Florida, contact Kerry Veach online or by calling 1.800.879.0309. With over 1,000 closings, 20+ years of experience and a full-time real estate team, it’s no surprise that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

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New home builders in Northwest Florida have heard the demand for homes that are affordable and energy efficient. Buyers want the affordability of their home to extend far after the keys are handed over at the closing table. Most would agree that it’s counter-productive to get a bargain deal on the purchase price, and then lose all the money you saved paying for utilities.
Here are three ways that builders are responding to buyers’ demands:

1. Go Green to Save Green
By adding features like low-emissivity windows, engineered wood components, low-flow faucets, water-efficient toilets, etc. buyers can save thousands annually on utility bills. Homes are being built at a better quality to prevent drafty windows and other expensive air leaks. In addition, recycled materials are used whenever possible to reduce the negative impact on the environment.

Builders are making energy efficiency practical and attainable by adding these features from the foundation up, saving buyers the expense and headache of having to install them after the fact. They are also adding features that are easy to maintain, since some energy upgrades (like solar panels) can be too large and pricey a project for the average homeowner. “Right now, solar panels appear to be a bit too much, but eventually, maybe five years from now, they will be more standard, even in modest house sizes,” NAHB economist Stephen Melman says.

2. Affordability
New home sales dropped from 1.28 million in 2005 to 776,000 in 2007 and 322,000 in 2010. The record low was just last year at 302,000. The national median price dropped from $247,900 in 2007 to $210,300 in 2011. These figures put builders at a stand-still, forcing them to be more competitive and aggressive with both pricing and product. Their response? Reduce size to reduce waste and reduce cost. This leads into point number three…

3. Less is More
In 1975, the median home size was 1,525 square feet. In 2007, the median was 2,277 square feet. It wasn’t until 2010 that this number became smaller – 2,169 square feet. Real estate professionals believe the reason for this is due to buyers’ awareness of utility costs, maintenance, and housekeeping. “Buyers today look at a huge, 20-foot vaulted ceiling in the family room and wonder how they can afford to heat the space,” Thompson says. Generally speaking, bigger homes equal bigger bills and a lot more work.

If you have been considering purchasing a new home, don’t begin shopping around without your Northwest Florida Realtor to represent you. Builders have sales representatives that can assist you throughout the purchase process, but remember that these representatives are working for the builder – not you. If you would like to buy a home in Northwest Florida, or sell a home in Northwest Florida, contact Kerry Veach online or by calling 1.800.879.0309. With over 1,000 closings, 20+ years of experience and a full-time real estate team, it’s no surprise that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

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When selling your home in Northwest Florida, it is important to understand what you are legally bound to disclose to potential buyers and your real estate agent. If you fail to make these disclosures, you could be on the hook for big bucks, sometimes long after the closing. In an effort to remove some of the gray in this area, I’ve compiled a list of items that you, the seller, must always disclose whether selling your home traditionally or “as is”.

1. History of Termites
Hopefully this seems like a no brainer, especially since the buyer will find out during the termite inspection. If your home as any history of termite infestation, you need to disclose this to your agent and buyers. A good practice would be to get a new termite inspection before listing the property, showing that the home is presently free of termites.

2. Water Damage and/or Mold
This is another one that should seem obvious. Any time there is water damage, there is the potential for mold, and mold is a very serious issue for health reasons. Again, this is something that will also come up in a home inspection so it is best to address it before it gets to that point. It is worth noting that water damage is one of the biggest causes for lawsuits related to non-disclosures. If you have had water damage, have a professional inspect the property before you list your home.

3. Lead
Real Estates brokers are adamant about this one. If your home was built before 1978, it is a federal law that you disclose any known lead-based paint. However, this law does not require the seller to have any tests performed. This is why the disclosures form has several options, including one stating that you have or do not have any knowledge of lead-based paint.

4. Repairs
This is last on the list because it causes the most confusion, and the specificity varies by state. However, when in doubt, disclose. Any structural repairs should absolutely be disclosed to your agent and buyers. Other repairs to the roof, plumbing, HVAC, etc. should be disclosed as well because again, it will come up in the home inspection anyhow.

Long story short, put yourself in the buyers shoes, and do not assume that you are protected by the buyer beware rule (aka “caveat emptor). Surprises tend to make buyers nervous, and nervous buyers don’t always make it to the closing table. Make sure you read the paperwork given to you by your agent, and ask any disclosure related questions you might have. Your agent’s broker will have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

If you would like to buy a home in Northwest Florida, or sell a home in Northwest Florida, contact Kerry Veach. With over 1,000 closings and a full-time real estate team, it’s no wonder that 95% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals.

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Northwest Florida homes have a lot of desirable qualities, one of which is location along white sandy beaches and cool ocean waters. With this location comes ample opportunity to rent a home to vacationers escaping to the south, or people who wish to relocate to a warmer climate. Either way, rentals rates are on the rise for both groups.

2011 saw a 64.5% increase in investment property home sales from the year before – that’s 12.3 million units sold in 2011, versus 749,000 in 2010.

“Investors have been swooping into the market to take advantage of bargain home prices,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. “Rising rental income easily beats cash sitting in banks.”

Foreclosures have largely contributed to this boost in second-home purchases. In fact, half of the above mentioned investment home sales from 2011 were distressed properties. Many investors are attracted to the long-term rental income, versus the short-term profits from a flipped home. This is good logic since the national rental average is expected to increase by 5%-10% each year.

Renting has always been more expensive than buying due to the tax benefits, but now it is becoming even more so. As inflation looms in the distance, we can expect to begin seeing cost of living increases across the board, and housing expenses will be no exception.

If you would like to begin your home search, or are thinking about selling your home in Northwest Florida, contact Kerry Veach online or call 1.800.879.0309. Kerry’s experienced team has closed more than 1000 transactions and specializes in providing their clients with the highest quality service possible.

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…Your home that is.  If you do nothing else, make sure that you are priced correctly in the Destin, FL real estate market.  Over-pricing is the number one reason houses don’t sell, so it is crucial that you meet with an experienced Realtor and allow them to guide you through the selling process.

How can you avoid over-pricing your home?

If you’ve asked this question, you’re already taking steps in the right direction.  Your realtor will pull comps (listings of comparable homes) and cross reference them with your home.  They will also use their knowledge and experience to differentiate between communities, and explain to you how this differentiation affects home values.  After all, they are canvassing real estate terrain every day, so they know which areas buyers find most appealing.

One common mistake sellers make involves tacking renovation expenses onto the list price.  The following logic is common:  Home A is similar to the way my home was before I invested in repairs and upgrades.  Therefore, my home value should be the value of Home A plus the money I spent on the improvements.  While this may sound good in theory, it is extremely flawed in practice.

Home improvements certainly make your home more competitive, but the value will always be determined by what a buyer is willing to pay.  And what a buyer is willing to pay can be determined by the comps that your Realtor has just pulled for you.  It is important to understand that improving your home will add some value, but it certainly won’t equate to the amount you spent getting it there.

And lastly, I will touch on the emotional element of selling your home.  It can be very difficult for a seller to see the sale of their home as a business transaction, and why shouldn’t it be?  It is called a home for a reason.  But as a result of this emotional attachment, sellers have a tendency to over value their home.  One of the biggest challenges for a seller can be to look at their house objectively.  This is just another reason as to why having a Realtor by your side is very important.

If you are considering selling your home, contact Kerry Veach – your Northwest Florida Real Estate Expert – at 1.800.879.0309.  Kerry has 20 years of real estate experience, knowledge, professionalism, and enthusiasm.  It’s no wonder that 99% of Kerry’s business comes from referrals!

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If you’re one of the many Northwest Florida homeowners who have considered energy efficient upgrades, Green Asset Finance might be able to help you.  This Florida based consulting firm has developed a new loan program offering financing for EERE (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy) products.  This program extends to both contractors and residents.  There is no maximum loan amount or hidden fees, and rates are competitive with flexible terms.

The best form of renewable energy that we have in Florida is solar energy.  You can use this energy to generate electricity, heat water in your home or pool, and light your home both indoors and outdoors.

Another great renewable energy source is wind energy.  You can generate your own electricity if you live on at least one acre of land that has ample wind resource using a small wind electric system.  You could even use a small wind turbine for pumping water.

If you are looking for simpler products, you should consider energy efficient home appliances.  These include clothes washers and dryers, computers, dishwashers, home audio equipment, refrigerators and freezers, room air conditioners, televisions, DVD players, and water heaters.  When you’re shopping for appliances, make sure you look for the ENERGY STAR label.  These products must adhere to strict guidelines established by the US Department of Energy and US Environmental Protection Agency.

If you’re not sure which direction to go and would appreciate the assistance of a professional, you can have a home energy assessment conducted.  This will determine how much energy your home consumes, and what changes can be made to improve your home’s energy efficiency.  The auditor will do a thorough inspection of each room, the exterior, and an examination of past utility bills.  Your local government agency or weatherization center should be able to provide a list of professional energy auditors.

The Destin, Florida area provides a great deal of “green” opportunity.  Whether you are interested in buying or selling your home here, contact Kerry Veach – Northwest Florida’s Real Estate Specialist.

Florida was one of the worst-hit states when the housing market plummeted.  Foreclosures and short sales became far more common than regular sales, and the rental market became busier than the resale market.  There’s no doubt that the Florida real estate market is due for some relief, and 2012 might be the year we get it.

“Our state is in a mini-recovery,” said Florida Realtors® Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo at the state association’s 2012 Real Estate and Economic Forecast Conference in Orlando. “Sales are trending up, listing inventories are falling, the supply of lender-related properties has stabilized, and we are seeing multiple offers on homes in some local markets.”

Another chief economist, Dr. Lawrence Yun, agrees that the sharp drop in home inventory indicates that demand is increasing and home prices are stabilizing.

And why shouldn’t it?  Florida is, after all, the “sunshine state.”  In addition to appealing to retirees and investors, Florida’s real estate market has also received tremendous support from international buyers.

Can this upward home value trend continue?  Many real estate brokers think so, and are open new offices to support the projected increase in home sales volume.  The dropping unemployment rate and improving job market is another subtle sign that better days may be here to stay.  Combine this with continuously low interest rates, and you get favorable conditions for the Florida real estate market.

If you would like to take advantage of low home prices and interest rates while there are still here, begin your home search now with Kerry Veach.  With over 1,000 successful closings and a full time real estate team, Veach has proven himself to be the northwest Florida real estate expert.