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.

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

TAX TIME - MID STILL HOLDING ON

I have to say that I, for one, have had a love affair going on with a time-honored Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction (MID).  Up until the housing crisis, from which we are beginning to recover, interest rates weren’t all that friendly, if you remember what I mean, and we have all needed that deduction.

When the  bipartisan deficit-reduction commission, appointed by President Obama, released its sixty-some-page final plan in December of 2010, it was called “The Moment of Truth.” The plan, which included suggestions to cut back on the MID, didn’t get a majority vote.  However, “The Moment of Truth” spelled out the unfriendly facts for all of us to face.

Then, last summer, when the so called, “Super Committee,” was supposed to be working on ways to cut the budget, MID was on the table again, presumably to modify it in order to curb capital gains on home sales, but they were also threatening to modify it for primary residences, to cut it for second homes and HELOC loans. I was worried . . .

Recently I watched an interview between Robert Freedman of REALTOR ® Magazine and Linda Goold, National Association of Realtors ® (NAR) Director of Tax Policy.

 “There is to be no deficit deal from the Super Committee that will be an impact on Realtors ® in 2012,” stated Freedman.  Then when he asked Ms. Goold to comment, she said,  “The news at this point is really good because we know that there will be no immediate proposal to limit the mortgage interest deduction.  This is consistent with the NAR new mantra of ‘Do No Harm.’”

 In November, 2011, we got a tax breather!  For now, we can pay our 2011 taxes and take the deduction.  However, when the committee failed to do anything, it left the House and Senate back where they started–looking for ways to cut the budget.  There will be lots of competing deductions being considered, so don’t think it’s not going to be a dog fight, because it sure is.

In the meantime, we can get on with the business of listing and selling houses to people who want to live in the best of all worlds—the Emerald Coast in Destin or Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding area.

 If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Panama City Beach, Destin or anywhere in the area—then the Veach Team is prepared to help you find the Florida home of your dreams or the investment property that will put your money to work for you. Contact us today, and let us show you why “Life is a Beach” here in beautiful Destin! And don’t forget to “LIKE” us on Facebook and Twitter – we’d love to talk with you.