Transform Your Kansas City Home

Paint is a cost-effective way to make a small (or big) update to your home. For just a few hundred dollars or less, depending on the size of the room, you can freshen the look of your home and even make it look larger. That’s a lot better financial tradeoff than tearing down a wall! Plus, it doesn’t take long.

Painting also offers protection for interior and exterior surfaces – from wear and tear to protecting walls and trim from moisture. Exterior paint also enhances curb appeal while improving the outlook and positive energy for future homeowners.

My Certified Staging partner, Dee Harding and I, look at a home’s paint when we walk through it before marketing it for sale. It’s one of the best home improvement projects a seller can make to quickly and affordably freshen the look for a potential buyer. This is just one of many tips we provide sellers.

Get our entire guide to selling your home fast!

Paint is the perfect complement to our complimentary home staging service that we offer every seller. Staging sells homes faster and for more money.

2021 Paint Colors

Colors create an atmosphere that affects mood, energy, and disposition. You’ll see that in the 2021 paint colors from the major manufacturers. They’re looking to invoke a mood in 2021 that’s different than 2020. Ready?!

This is a roundup of the Colors of the Year for 2021 from leading paint manufacturers.

Sherwin-Williams

Color of 2021 – SW 7048 Urbane Bronze

The goal is to create a sanctuary at home, that’s simple, and rooted in nature.

The color palettes include:

• Sanctuary – warm neutrals and natural tones
• Encounter – rich but muted tones
• Continuum – white, charcoal, and pops of color
• Tapestry – vibrant with pinks and greens

There are a few grays within each of these color palettes, especially sanctuary. Plus, urbane bronze is a very dark gray. So greige may not be gone just yet!

Inspired by: Wellness + Biophilia, Nesting, Warm Minimalism, Scandinavian Design

Coordinating Colors:

• SW 7006 Extra White
• SW 6127  Ivoire
• SW 7042 Shoji White

So, how do you use this color? Sherwin-Williams suggests you add contrast with wood, with a touch of polished silver or brass, juxtapose with travertine or other pale-tone stones, and textured textiles.

Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore 2021 color trends radiate warmth and well-being. These comforting hues are aimed toward nourishing the soul so you can reset and reflect.

The Benjamin Moore Color of the Year 2021 is Aegean Teal 2136-40.

Download the Benjamin Moore 20201 Color Card Brochure

It’s quite a process to pick a color of the year. Learn how Benjamin Moore does it.

Behr

• Casual Comfort – light and warm neutrals
• Subtle Focus – soft and gentle
• Optimistic View – bold
• Quiet Haven – rich colors
• Calm Zone – blues and greens
• Outdoor Escape – easy curbside appeal

Each color theme is versatile in the way of design styles and how each color compliments the other colors so you can use them all interchangeably. There are 21 colors to choose.

 

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Mix and match colors to complement your unique style with the BEHR® Color Trends 2021 Palette. Visit the link in our bio and explore the full collection ? #BEHRTrends2021 • Featured colors: Dayflower MQ3-54 (wall), Wishful Green M410-2 (cabinet)

A post shared by BEHR® Paint (@behrpaint) on Aug 31, 2020 at 5:21pm PDT

“This has been a year of unpredictability and 2020 has significantly changed our relationship with our home. When our color team began exploring a palette for the coming year, we knew it needed to be grounded in what we’ve been craving: comfort and personalization,” said Erika Woelfel, VP of color at Behr. “A new, ‘elevated’ articulation of ‘comfort’ goes beyond traditional beige, gray and green hues, and embraces color in a way that can redefine and enhance any type of space inside or outside the home.”

Valspar

This past year has inspired this year’s colors in a positive way. Each hue is intended to nurture the calmness in your life while being flexible with the design elements already in your home.

Their colors of the year bring a sense of well-being to home improvement that in turn fosters a positive mental space.

“Our homes have become offices, entertainment centers and classrooms – which means the colors, sights and sounds in our rooms have an even bigger impact on our daily lives,” said Sue Kim, Valspar color marketing manager. “These lifestyle changes coupled with a surge in DIY home activity helped guide our selection of a range of colors for Valspar’s 2021 Colors of the Year that can not only transform your space but also elevate your mood.”

The Valspar 2021 colors include 12 shades that are sure to match with any current home style:

• Gallery Grey
• Granite Dust
• Maple Leaf
• Soft Candlelight
• Unforgettable
• Arizona Dust
• Cherry Taupe
• Dusty Lavender
• Academy Gray
• Blissful Blue
• Garden Flower
• Lucy Blue

The paint colors are all available at Lowe’s as well as independent paint stores nationwide.

PPG

PPG‘s palette of the year brings warm lightness, a sense of calm, embrace mindfulness, and focus on intention. The colors are easy to use and flexible, made with versatile tones that can be used as either the supporting or dominant color in the room.

• Transcend: A mid-tone oatmeal-colored hue with earthy influences.
• Misty Aqua: Soft, muted, tropical turquoise aqua with an aquamarine undertone.
• Big Cypress: Shaded ginger with persimmon undertones.

The color palette inspires even more combinations.

Be True: vintage-inspired colors
Be Well: comfort and balance
Be Wild: bright and playful

Diamond Vogel

Dreaming of the Day (0470)

Diamond Vogel drew inspiration for Dreaming of the Day by focusing on balance. This soft blue green color suggests a relaxed, meditative feel. Dreaming of the Day matches well with grays, whites, and other neutral earth-tones.

They also have a number of pairings to blend nicely with the 2021 color of the year. View the whole palette.

• Truth Seeker – earth neutrals, warm, and comforting browns with a splash of red
• Beyond – soft blues, saturated greens, deep and comfortable neutrals
• Aware – earthy greens, golds, and yellows
• Reclaiming Yesteryear – eclectic yet classic colors

Picking a paint color

These colors are definitely a contrast to the cool neutrals of the last decade. With some of these trends, we’re seeing calm colors but also rich ones too. The last few years of the decade, we started seeing those bold colors take a front seat. Sherwin-Williams named Cavern Clay and Naval their top picks the last two years.

So, how do you pick your favorite color among all these top choices?

First, think about the mood you want to evoke and how many walls you’re going to paint.

Bright, fun colors can add cheer to any room and have even been shown to enhance the enjoyment of food and cooking.

For perception, white or light paint can enlarge small spaces and make rooms appear larger.

Turn your bedroom into your own escape by painting the walls in soft pastels for a calming effect or go all out and paint your room that bold color you’ve seen somewhere (like your favorite hotel) and fell in love with!

Once you know the mood you want for your room, envision the space with photos of that room. Most of the manufacturers have tools that allow you to virtually paint the walls. Get painting Kansas City! Sherwin-Williams uses ColorSnap(R), PPG’s room visualizer, Envision from Diamond Vogel, and ColorSmart from Behr.

60-30-10 Design Rule

Next, how many walls do you paint?

While many people paint the same color on all the walls in a room, you don’t have to do that. You can also follow the 60-30-10 design rule.

With this design principle, 60% of a room is the dominant color, 30% as the secondary color, and 10% as the accent color.  This rule helps determine your color palette for the space you are designing and can lessen the feeling of being overwhelmed when trying to choose paint colors.

Paint is the first step to designing a room, but it doesn’t have to be the last one. Get the latest DIY design inspiration perfect for Kansas City homeowners.

What color is your favorite? 

The post How Paint Can Transform The Look Of Kansas City Homes appeared first on Sally Moore Real Estate Team.

Kansas City Interior Design Trends

If you’re looking for interior design inspiration in your home, these 16 tips will transform your house. Your home should tell a story and have a vibe. After all, you live there and spend a lot of time in your home so your home should make you feel a certain way.

If you want the bathroom to have a spa-like feel, it comes down to design. If you want your shower to look larger than it is, there’s a trick for that too!

These are great ideas whether you’re looking to update your home or you’re looking to sell. I use many of these interior design trends when I’m staging homes to sell!

Home staging works! 88% of staged homes sell at or above list price according to StagedHomes.com. That’s why I offer a free home staging service to all my clients.

Get those creative juices flowing!

1. Bathroom design ideas

You likely start and end your day in the bathroom. So, a little design help can change your outlook every day!

Look for interesting and colorful, even nature-focused materials, for your bathroom. Place these on your floors, walls, and cabinets.

Experiment with unusual finishes like inlaid floor patterning and wainscoting to brighten up a small space.

Then add built-in cabinets for function and beauty.

2. Create a spa-like feel with houseplants

Plants are a great design piece. They add color to rooms, even if they’re green. Second, they enhance the other decor. Third, they change the mood. Finally, they may also improve the air quality! More on that in a minute.

The list of benefits goes on and on with houseplants. Think of the difference houseplants make in a bathroom. They instantly create a spa-like feel. In the bathroom, choose low-light and high humidity plants.

If you have breathing concerns or want to live a healthier life, some indoor plants improve the air you breathe. A NASA study even backs this up!

3. Mix and match old and new

No matter what space you’re designing, a design trend is to mix and match old and new.

Modern features and appliances combine with the vintage character of your home to create a look with richness and depth. Even if your home has modern-day finishes like granite, you can still incorporate antiques. Juxtaposing contemporary finishes such as granite with old-world architectural elements such as exposed brick brings warmth to modern design.

Transcend periods by mixing antique and vintage styles.

4. How high-back chairs change a room

One piece of furniture can make a difference. For example, a high-back chair in the living room adds elegance. It’s a beautiful accent for an informal or formal living space.

Match it with the color scheme in your living room to create warm harmony. You can also rebelliously contrast the colors.

Loose cushions allow for easy fluffing and long-lasting comfort.

5. Good design creates illusions for the eye

When I stage a home, I’m always looking to enhance a home’s features, and it means grabbing the buyer’s eye. You want them to see the best parts, and de-emphasize the drawbacks.

You do this by creating illusions.

If you’re looking for a permanent illusion that you can enjoy, tile your shower to the ceiling. It’ll make the space seem larger. The great thing about this trick is that it works in any size bathroom – large or small. Many of us don’t have the grand shower spaces shown in magazines, so this trick will make it seem like you do.

Also, declutter the space. That’s often the number one problem in a small area. Less is more!

6. How to design a narrow hallway

These design secrets will transform a narrow hallway. First, add mirrors in the middle of your hall. Use one large one or few smaller mirrors. That expands your sight lines and gives the appearance of more space.

Also, choose the color of your hallway carefully. A light color gives it an open and bright feel. You can also add color to your trim. That adds depth. Make sure the trim color complements the wall.

Third, use molding along the baseboard, ceiling or both. That defines the space and makes it look polished.

Are you looking for more design inspiration?

7. Layer accessories

When we’re staging a home, we layer accessories. The last layer is the most critical, but also the most difficult to execute correctly.

The goal when accessorizing is to give the space its unique personality that still looks effortless and complements the interior. Display a collection or place objects together that have something in common, such as color, texture, or theme.

8. Designing with candles

If you want to add a romantic ambiance to a room, like your bathroom or bedroom, use candles. It’s an inexpensive way to change up the feeling.

For instance, if you want vintage rather than romance, change up the style of the candle holder.

Decorative candles in attractive candle holders and creative candle centerpieces are the best home decor! They’re perfect for any room.

9. Choose a color theme

When you’re redecorating, choose a color theme. The Pantone color of the year is Night Watch. It’s a bold color! Described as a rich, luxurious, and classic shade of green. It’s dark green tone is supposed to empower you with the healing power of nature.

While this trendy color is not for everyone, a safe color is gray. There are lots of gray hues, and it’s considered a neutral color. So, complementary tones like yellow are always fashionable.

If you want to accentuate a room’s coziness, choose rich, intense hues.

If you want to be fearless, start small. Paint a bedroom or small area first where the investment is minimal. Go ahead! Pick a color you like and go for it!

10. Choose an accent color

Contemporary, modern, and eclectic interiors all lend themselves to having a wall with an accent color. Choose a dark or bold color for the accent wall. For the other walls, choose a complimentary light to medium neutral color. Coordinate pillows, upholstery fabric, draperies, and rugs to pull the colors together.

11. How to lighten up a room with new cushions

If you don’t have a high-back chair  (tip #4) and your budget is tight, make a small adjustment with the pillows in your living room. A simple change makes a dramatic effect. Look at the before and after on this couch.

It’s such a small investment, with a significant impact!

12. Paint your kitchen cabinets

You spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so add some color!

Choose kitchen cabinets in a vibrant color or mix and match kitchen elements in contrasting colors to create visual interest. Both will make your kitchen more stylish and add a concentrated effect.

What will you do to make your kitchen a bright and happy place?

13. Decor for the dining room table

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner party or gathering around the table for a weeknight meal, the dining room is where people come together. Display a great collection or unique piece on the table. It doesn’t all have to match, but make sure it all plays well together.

14. Decorate the fireplace

Make the fireplace a dramatic feature whether your style is contemporary or classic. A soaring stone fireplace is an impressive and rustic focal point in the living room.

You can also use it as a jumping off point for the room’s palette by selecting the hues of sage, stone, taupe, and caramel from the fireplace stones.

15. Use the rule of 3s, 1s, or 5s

One of my home staging staples is the rule of 3s. I use 3 items of various heights.

That draws the eye not only to the home decor but also what’s around it. For example, on a kitchen counter, 3 items arranged near each other draw your eye to a beautiful backsplash.

Incorporate this rule throughout your home as you give it a fresh look with these design ideas.

16. Textiles

These are a huge trend right now. Natural materials and neutral tones are always good when decorating because they go with everything. Textiles also add that wow factor and draw attention without going overboard.

I like to look for pillows, blankets, or even lamps to add to a room.

Kansas City interior design

Some of these design tips and tricks cost money. Others cost next to nothing. Both types dramatically transform your space.

When I stage homes in the Kansas City area, I use many of these ideas to inspire buyers to purchase my seller’s properties. Home staging sells homes faster and for top dollar. See the difference it makes in homes with before and after photos. We offer home staging for FREE to all our sellers.

Which interior design trend are you going to try?

The post 16 Inspiring DIY Design Trends You Need In Your Home appeared first on Sally Moore Real Estate Team.

1. Change ceiling fan direction

Did you know your ceiling fan should turn one way in the summer and another in the winter? According to the Department of Energy, ceiling fan performance and energy savings depend on the proper use of the fan.

In the winter, run the fan clockwise at a low speed. That creates an updraft, so the warm air that rose to the ceiling is naturally forced down toward you to keep you warm.

2. Program your thermostat

While fall is known for big temperature swings, once the cold weather arrives it’s time to program your thermostat. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, buy one. It saves you money.

The Department of Energy estimates homeowners save as much as 10-percent on heating and cooling costs by programming their thermostat. To achieve these savings, set it back 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day. Typically, while you’re at work.

The recommendation for the winter is 68-degrees while you’re awake and 7 to 10 degrees less while you’re asleep or away from home. If that’s too low for you, make adjustments based on your family’s comfort.

Programming your thermostat is an easy way to save money on your winter and summer heating and cooling costs.

3. Annual furnace inspection

You depend on your furnace a lot during the winter, so have it serviced in the fall. During a furnace inspection, an HVAC technician cleans, inspects, and fine-tunes your HVAC equipment.

It’s a checkup for your heating system. It prevents costly and uncomfortable breakdowns.

Who wants to come home to no heat in the middle of the winter? Plus, a furnace inspection keeps your unit running more efficiently which reduces utility bills, and protects the life of your HVAC equipment.

Your furnace works hard during the winter, sometimes running nonstop. That’s why it’s important to keep it running at its best with a furnace inspection.

4. Change your air filter

HVAC air filters remove pollutants and particles from the air, but over time dirt clogs the filter. Change your air filter to improve indoor air quality in your Kansas City home.

Air filters also keep your HVAC system running more efficiently, because it’s easier for air to pass through the filter when it’s clean.

5. Fireplace and chimney inspection

If you use your fireplace to warm your home, have a trained chimney inspector check and clean it. While a fireplace offers a cozy retreat during the winter, it can be dangerous if not properly inspected and checked each year.

Chimney maintenance protects you from chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Sometimes fires occur, and the homeowner doesn’t even know it.

A chimney sweep will check for signs of fire, damper issues, and cracks in the fireplace.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends at least an inspection of your chimney’s structure and flue. That’s all you usually need if you lived in the home the previous winter.

If you just bought a home, get an inspection to make sure your chimney is safe. Even if your home inspector examined it before you purchased the house, you should consider hiring a chimney expert before winter. A chimney expert specializes in the mechanics of a fireplace and chimney more than a home inspector whose focus is on the entire home.

Hire a Certified Chimney Sweep by looking for the “CSIA Certified” logo. It’s the only nationally recognized chimney service accreditation.

Some companies say they’re certified even though they’re not. Don’t take a company’s word for it. Check the company’s certification with CSIA.

6. Close the damper

Once your fireplace is safe, close the damper, so you stay warm. Hot and cold air travels up the chimney when the damper is left open.

Close it after use.

7. Get a chimney cap

While your chimney sweep is at your home, he may recommend a chimney cap. It’s something you definitely should consider if you don’t use your fireplace, and its only purpose is decoration. The cap keeps outside elements and animals from getting inside.

When the temperatures drop, critters look for a warm place to hide. It’s common for raccoons, birds, and other animals to climb into your chimney. You realize there’s a problem when you hear them moving around inside or they come crashing down!

8. Check your carbon monoxide detector

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, poisonous gas. It’s a concern all year round, but especially in the winter when you’re indoors more, and you’re using your heat and fireplace.

If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, buy one. Your family’s life is worth the 20 dollars to get one.

More than 150 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Second, check to see if it’s expired. Carbon monoxide detectors typically last 5-10 years, depending on when you bought it. The newer technology works for up to 10 years. You should replace them, even if they still work after they expire. Look for a date stamp on the back. You need the detector to keep you safe!

Since 2009, Underwriters Laboratories required CO2 manufactures include end-of-life warnings on detectors. Some brands started that practice long before the requirement.

Even with the end-of-life warning built it, one alarm manufacturer recommends you replace it before the warning sounds.

Take a minute and look on the back of your carbon monoxide detector for the expiration date. It truly saves lives!

9. Change your smoke detector batteries

Fall means daylight savings time. When you turn your clocks back, change your smoke detector batteries.

Fires are deadly every time of year, but the chance of fire increases in the winter when you’re spending more time inside, running your heat, and your fireplace.

10. Check the type of smoke detectors

Ninety-percent of homes have only one type of smoke detector. You should have two types, for maximum protection.

Smoke detectors have an “I” for ionization or a “P” for photoelectric. You want both types in your home, yet 90-percent of homes only have ionization alarms. If you don’t see mention of either, look for “radiation.” That means you have an ionization alarm.

Some counties throughout the United States, require photoelectric alarms. The World Fire Safety Foundation believes photoelectric is best!

Photoelectric alarms detect smoky and smoldering fires faster, which happen in more homes with the rise of synthetic products. The difference is several minutes, depending on the test. It’s enough to make a difference between life and death.

Ionization smoke detectors sense fast-moving fires.

You can buy ionization, photoelectric, or dual smoke detectors.

11. Check indoor and outdoor plumbing

In Kansas City, there’s usually a cold spell that freezes pipes causing costly repairs!

That’s why you should check indoor and outdoor plumbing before winter.

Disconnect outdoor houses, and if possible turn off the water outside.

When extreme cold sets in, open your cabinets so warm air reaches pipes under the sink. Believe it or not, kitchen pipes often freeze when the temperature plummets! You may also look into insulating the pipes, especially if they’re prone to freezing.

12. Winterize your irrigation system

Your irrigation system keeps your grass green all summer, but you don’t want water in the lines when the ground begins to freeze. It will cause costly repairs next spring.

You can winterize your irrigation system, or hire a sprinkler company to blow the water out of your sprinkler lines.

13. Prepare for an ice storm

Kansas City is prone to ice storms, sometimes leaving residents without power for an extended period. Prepare for power outages by gathering an emergency kit. Put flashlights in the kit with fresh batteries, lanterns, candles, matches, blankets, and some food. Keep it nearby in case of a winter storm.

14. Winterize the interior of your home

A bottle of caulk or air sealing foam goes a long way toward keeping the cold air out during the winter. Add caulk around drafty windows.

Also, add weather stripping along doorways to keep the warm air inside.

15. Insulation & energy audits

If your home is drafty, or rooms are too hot and others too cold, ask your HVAC company about an energy audit.

Heating and cooling rebates are often available to offset the costs of energy efficient improvements.

Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L) offers rebates for saving energy with home improvements. That includes upgrading HVAC equipment, air sealing, and insulation. To qualify for some incentives, you may need an energy audit first.

An energy audit uses specialized equipment to detect areas of energy loss in your home.

Prepare for winter

You either love winter or hate it! Either way, it’s a reality for Kansas City homeowners. Prepare for winter in the fall, with these 15 steps. You’ll pay less for winter heating bills and feel warmer in your home.

The post 15 Ways To Save Money In Your Kansas City Home This Winter appeared first on Sally Moore Real Estate Team.

Energy efficient homes

When you’re buying a resale, ask the seller about energy efficient improvements. On an older home, they reduce utility costs by up to 30-percent.

On a newer home, the savings are even more significant. These improvements pay off every month!

Energy efficient improvements make a huge difference in your housing costs, but they’re not all created equal. That’s why you shouldn’t take a homeowner’s word for it. Ask to see utility bills before and after the improvements.

With new construction, ask the builder if the home is ENERGY STAR certified.

Save on utilities

Energy efficient green homes. They’re broad terms, and as a home buyer, you need to ask the right questions to make sure you’re paying for improvements that deliver.

Duct sealing, insulation, an upgraded HVAC system, upgraded windows, and air sealing are typical energy efficient improvements.

Most homeowners consider the upgrades on their own. However, to achieve the advertised energy savings each product offers, it’s important to look at how your home’s systems work together.

There’s a lot of science behind energy efficiency. So, consult an expert if you’re thinking of energy efficient improvements rather than adding more insulation, caulking windows, or upgrading your furnace on your own.

Many homeowners believe a new energy efficient furnace reduces utility bills on its own. You’ll see lower costs, but likely won’t achieve maximum efficiency if there are other problems in the home.

Your HVAC system is just one piece of the comfort equation. Reducing energy use requires a look at how all your home’s systems work together.

With an older home, the process starts with an energy audit. That tests the home’s performance revealing hidden energy leaks and finds solutions to the problem.

If you’re buying a home, ask questions about the nature of improvements, so you know you’ll achieve the advertised utility savings.

Energy efficient new construction

ENERGY STAR is the gold standard of energy efficiency. It’s not just for appliances. Homes earn the certification too.

Contractors follow strict guidelines to get a home the ENERGY STAR certification. They follow stringent building regulations and use specific products, so walls, windows, air ducts, HVAC equipment, lighting, and appliances are all energy efficient.

An efficiently engineered home offers consistent temperatures in every room and a constant supply of fresh air.

With new construction, the builder typically has proof backing up the home’s green certification. To earn an ENERGY STAR rating, the house gets inspected, tested, and verified. The independent testing ensures your home meets strict standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR program.

Certified green homes also receive a HERS rating, which measures the home’s performance. The lower the score, the more efficient the home. A typical resale home has an energy efficiency score of 130, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The standard new home scores 100.

Kevin Stallings builds energy efficient homes in Stone Canyon. As one of the Midwest’s only Energy Star 3.0 Certified Builders, his homes use nearly half as much power as other new homes.

One of his homes in Stone Canyon earns an efficiency score of 45. That means instant utility savings for homeowners. That house is more than 50-percent more efficient than its neighbors.

His 4267 square foot home in Stone Canyon, offers homeowners a whopping $2505 in utility savings each year!

Of course, ENERGY STAR certified homes cost more to buy. However, you’ll see instant savings.

Save money with a modern design

Energy efficient products haven’t always received a lot of praise from homeowners. Remember the light bulb controversy? Homeowners weren’t happy with the switch to Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) due to environmental concerns with the trace amount of mercury in them and the color of the light.

These products have come a long way. Look at LED lights, the latest light bulb update. You get a high-quality product that lasts longer and uses less energy.

Energy efficient technology now includes modern designs. For example, the Stone Canyon home has dual purpose lights. The lights look great, and they have small blades attached to circulate the air. They look more like a light than a fan, and they’re small fitting in with the home’s sleek design.

Financing energy efficient improvements

Now that you know the value of energy efficient improvements, how do you pay for them? On a resale, consider the improvements you’ll make before you purchase the home.

Look into rebates and tax incentives that reduce the cost.

Then, talk to your lender. There are special financing options, called Energy Efficient Mortgages, that allow you to finance the cost of energy-saving measures into a single mortgage. You’re even able to exceed debt-to-income ratios so you can get a more efficient home, according to the EPA.

If you’re a veteran, there are Energy Efficient Mortgage options too. The VA caps improvements between $3,000 and $6,000.

An EEM is also available for FHA loans. There are limitations on the amount of work that you can finance.

Energy efficient benefits

If you’ve ever lived in a drafty home, you know the value of green improvements. There’s nothing worse than being too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. Kansas City homeowners often feel that discomfort because summers are hot and winters cold!

Now that you know fixing the drafts involves more than just caulking the windows, ask about energy efficient improvements when you buy your next home. It’s better to find out about the actual costs of a home before you move in, so you can properly budget.

You’ll enjoy lower bills, improved comfort, and better air quality. We spend 90-percent of our day indoors, according to the EPA, and indoor air quality is usually worse than outside. An airtight home keeps common allergens, pollutants, and contaminants from circulating through our house.

Energy efficient upgrades are always a good idea but offer real health benefits for allergy and asthma sufferers.

Quality, comfort, and utility savings are all possible in an energy efficient home. With nearly 1.6 million Americans living in an Energy Star Certified home, it’s possible to find a resale home that’s green and possible to customize one with new construction.

The post Save Money In Your New Home By Asking This One Question appeared first on Sally Moore Real Estate Team.