Bryan Vogt's Metro East Illinois Real Estate Blog: October 2011

Bryan Vogt's Real Estate Update Blog

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Friday, October 28, 2011

Cold Snap: Weatherizing for Winter Step #5

Keep a Tight "Lid"

Your roof is only one part of the energy efficiency equation. Keeping a tight "lid" on your home is important for blocking out water and moisture infiltration that can quickly lead to costly repairs if left unchecked. Assess your roofing materials and determine if they can make it through another winter. Inspect flashing and other points of entry where water damage can occur and where warm air can escape. Your roof can also be a good indicator for how well your home is doing with energy loss. Consider the melt test: Is snow melting more quickly on your roof compared to other nearby homes? Different patterns of snow melt and the formation of icicles and ice dams might indicate air leaks and inadequate insulation. One quick and easy thing to do is to clean out your gutters to ensure that water can flow off and away from your home.

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--- Bryan Vogt Strano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Swansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Bellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Scott AFB PCS Relocation ---

# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 10:56 AM

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Cold Snap: Weatherizing for Winter Step #4

Fix the Problem Up in the Attic

As much as 30% of warm air (the air we want to keep inside during colder seasons) escapes through your attic. Luckily, this is also the place that is, arguably, the easiest and most cost effective to insulate. Ideally, you want your attic space to be the same temperature as the outside. If it gets too warm, you'll waste money heating the outside and you're more likely to have problems with ice dams. It's possible to install insulation yourself, but you might want to hire a professional, especially when handling cellulose- or fiberglass-based products. A professional can also help you achieve proper ventilation. Natural insulation materials such as wood, plant fiber, or wool are recommended for attics because they are breathable.

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# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 3:58 PM

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Cold Snap: Weatherizing for Winter

Give Your Windows an Energy Boost Step #3

Add storm windows to help your older windows perform better. As the name suggests, storm windows protect your interior windows from storm damage, serving as a shield and a barrier. More importantly, they provide an additional layer of insulation from the elements. Today, a lot of options exist for exterior and interior storm windows. Most can be made to fit virtually any window opening and type. Aluminum storm window assemblies are the most common, but vinyl, fiberglass, composites, and wood assemblies are also options. And you don't have to sacrifice style or ease of operation; if you have an unusual window opening or experience difficulty finding a storm window/screen assembly that suits your needs, try a storm window specialty company.

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# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 9:53 AM

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Cold Snap: Weatherizing for Winter Step #2

Use Your Building's "Built-In" Assets

What's the best type of tip? One that's already done, of course! Historic buildings are inherently designed for energy conservation and to respond to different regional environments. For instance, overhanging roofs, porches, awnings, and shutters can provide insulation, while thick walls provide thermal mass and buffering. Large, operable windows provide natural light and promote air circulation, while mature landscaping provides a older barrier from the cold. Features like these should be thought of as the "built-in" bonuses of older and historic buildings. All you have to do is recognize and protect them.

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# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 3:05 PM

Monday, October 24, 2011

Cold Snap: Weatherizing for Winter Step#1

Winter is here. Is your home ready?

When done properly, simple weatherization projects can save you as much as $350 on your heating bills. These tips will help you save energy without costing an arm and a leg or requiring that you alter – or throw out – the character-defining elements of your home.

Start with an Audit – The Good Kind

Weatherization is a "whole house" approach that equips your home with everything it needs to be more energy efficient. A thorough energy audit is step one in achieving that. Don't fret if you think that sounds intimidating – home energy auditors know best and want to help. Overall, audits aid homeowners in identifying problem areas – big and small – and in setting goals and priorities. Be sure to ask for a blower door test to help determine your home's air tightness. Also, do some research. Many local utility companies and state energy agencies now offer audits for free or at minimal cost to help homeowners target leaks and identify cost effective options for sealing them.

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# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 3:19 PM

Friday, October 14, 2011

Trend Watch: Luxurious Bathrooms Don’t Always Need a Fancy Tub

Home owners may be starting to rethink what all makes up a luxurious, spa-like bathroom. Whirlpool tubs for several years have been on the wish-lists of many home buyers, but now some buyers are starting to show a change in preferences, swapping larger showers or extra storage space for that oversized bathtub or whirlpool, some designers say.

Many home owners may have once been swayed into adding an oversized bathtub in their master suite for resale value, but now some real estate agents and designers say that as long as you have at least one bathtub in the home, a missing massive tub in the master suite won’t likely dampen your chances at resale.

Home owners had complained that the oversized tub was taking up too much space and becoming a “dust magnet” that hardly got used, noted an article earlier this year by the Charlotte Observer, Goodbye Whirlpool Tub; Hello Luxury Shower.

In that article, Patricia Dunlop, a spokeswoman for the American Society of Interior Designers, said that many home owners are now opting for an extra vanity, shower and storage space in lieu of the whirlpool tub. Plus, home owners are instead wanting to spend money on upgrading to a larger shower with extra amenities, such as multiple shower heads, benches, or even steam showers.

It’s a trend that AVID Ratings Co., which conducts annual surveys on must-have home features, has been picking up on. In 2010, AVID Ratings reported that while whirlpool tubs were still desirable to many home buyers, they “clearly went down a notch” while oversized showers were moving up in popularity.

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

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--- Bryan Vogt Strano & Associates, Realtors® - (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Swansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Bellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Scott AFB PCS Relocation ---

# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 2:01 PM

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

6 Worth-the-Price-Fix Ups For Your Home

Simple and affordable do-it-yourself projects can greatly increase a home's resale value, according to HomeGain's annual home improvement and staging survey.

April 2011

The marketing company surveyed nearly 600 real estate professionals to discover which DIY home improvement projects give sellers the biggest return for their buck. Here are six projects under $1,000 (amounts are estimated) that made the list.

Cleaning and decluttering. Remove any personal items, unclutter countertops, organize closets and shelves, and make the home sparkling clean.
- $290 Cost
- $1,990 Return
Brightening. Clean all windows inside and out, replace old curtains, update lighting fixtures, and remove anything that blocks light from the windows.
- $375 Cost
- $1,550 Return
Smart staging. Rearrange furniture, bring in new accessories and furnishings to enhance rooms, incorporate artwork, and play soft music in the background.
- $550 Cost
- $2,194 Return
Landscaping enhancements. Punch up the home’s curb appeal in the front and back yards by adding bark mulch, bushes, and flowers and ensuring current plants and grass are well-cared for and manicured.
- $540 Cost
- $1,932 return
Repairing electrical or plumbing. Fix leaks under the sinks, remove any mildew stains, and ensure all plumbing is in good working condition. Update the home’s electrical with new wiring for modern appliances, fix any lights or outlets that don’t work, and replace old plug points with new safety fixtures.
- $535 Cost
- $1,505 Return
Replacing or shampooing dirty carpets. Steam-clean carpets, replace any worn carpets, and repair any floor creaks.
- $647 Cost
- $1,739 Return

Excerpted from HomeGain’s 2011 Home Sale Maximizer Survey.

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---- Bryan Vogt Strano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Swansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Bellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale Scott AFB PCS Relocation ---

# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 2:24 PM

Sweet Well Maintained 3 Bedroom Bungalow in Mascoutah, Il

Bryan Vogt | Strano & Associates | (618) 355-5824

100 E George St, Mascoutah, IL

Corner Lot, Large Fenced Backyard With Patio, Full Basement,Eat-in Kitchen

3BR/1BA Single Family House

offered at $109,900

Year Built	1960
Sq Footage	1,170
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	5,000 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Come in to see this sweet, well maintained bungalow! It is located on a corner lot with a large fenced backyard and beautiful patio area. Enjoy small town living but have easy access to all of the conveniences, including major shopping areas, interstate highway, and Scott AFB. This home has three bedrooms, a family room and a full basement. The large eat-in kitchen has not only nice cabinet space, but quaint built-in shelves and cabinet to show off your treasures. The large living room allows plenty of space for good sized furniture and invites you to come in and visit or enjoy being with family and/or friends.