Stop Throwing Away Money - 10 Simple Ways To Winterize Your Home

Looking for ways to take advantage of the amazing fall weather we are having and get your home ready for the winter months? Look no further...here are a few tips to get you started!



Dodge the draft

dietcokejunkee via flickr

Problem: Cold air is rushing in from underneath your door, and warm air is rushing out.

Solution: The draft snake, adopted during the Great Depression era, is one of the easiest ways to cut back on energy waste. A draft snake can be easily made by rolling up a towel or filling up a pouch of fabric with kitty litter or sand, advises The Daily Green. Or you can buy one pre-made.

Money/Energy Saved: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafts can waste 5 to 30% of energy use per year.


Bubble wrap your windows

RossBridger via flickr

Problem: You suspect your windows are as old as your grandparents and cold air is leaking through the cracks.

Solution: Tape bubblewrap on your windows to trap the pockets of air that cool down your home. Although it may look funny, the bubblewrap will still allow light to come through and you'll be saving some major dough, advises Life Hacker.

Money/Energy Saved: Taping up bubblewrap can avoid drafts which waste 5 to 30% of energy usage per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.



Caulk any gaps

mtsofan via flickr

Problem: Little gaps in windows, doors, or cracks in the walls are letting cool air in, raising your energy bill.

Solution: The Daily Green offers a test to find out where to seal these gaps: Have a friend stand outside the suspected window/door/wall with a blow dryer while you hold a lit candle inside. If the dryer blows the candle out, then it's time to seal those cracks using caulk.

Also check the caulk around your doors and windows outside to see if they've deteriorated over time.

Money/Energy Saved: Sealing up drafts will save you to up to 30% of energy use annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.



Change the direction of your ceiling fans

tamaradulva via flickr

Problem: The air in your home feels hot and trapped, but turning on a fan only produces cool air.

Solution: If you have any ceiling fans inside your home, know the rules: Counter-clockwise rotation produces cooling breezes and clockwise rotation produces warmer air.

Money/Energy Saved: This method will cut your heating costs by 10%, according to The Daily Green.




Install storm doors 

ipeterson via flickr

Problem: The cracks in your door are increasing the air flow in and out of your home, letting warm air out and cold air in.

Solution: Installing a storm door can seal those drafts and help reduce air flow.

Money/Energy Saved: A storm door can increase energy efficiency by 45%, according to The Daily Green.





Control your thermostat

butkaj.com via flickr

Problem: You want your home warm so you keep the thermostat high, but your wallet is suffering from the high energy bill.

Solution: Set your thermostat to 50 or 55 degrees when you go to bed and work. You won't enjoy the warmer temperature while you're asleep or away from the house, anyway. You can also purchase a programmable thermostat.

Money/Energy Saved: Turning down your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day can save 10% per year on your energy bill, according to Brighter Planet.



Pile up on insulation

Jack Amick via flickr

Problem: Heat is rising right out of your home, leaving you cold and miserable.

Solution: Loading up on insulation is one of the best ways to save your energy bill so add more between your walls, attic floor, and basement ceiling to stay toasty.

Money/Energy Saved: An insulated home loses a quarter of its heat through the roof, according to Energy Savers.





Get rid of that window A/C unit

jasconeppink via flickr

Problem: You suspect cool air is sneaking through the cracks of your window A/C unit.

Solution: During winter, you most likely won't be using your window A/C unit so remove it from your window or purchase a quality tarp to cover the outside of the unit, says Wisebread.

Money/Energy Saved: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafts can waste 5 to 30% of energy use per year.




Turn off your A/C water valve

FTMyersMarketing via flickr

Problem: You have an A/C with a water valve that you suspect has been leaking, which can clog up your water pipes.

Solution: Shut off the A/C water valve to prevent excess water from collecting in the equipment. Drain all air conditioning pipes, says The Green Daily.

Money/Energy Saved: Doing this during the winter will save you from having to buy a new A/C unit next summer.




Lower your water heater's temperature

rd76pag via flickr

Problem: You've unknowingly kept your water heater on the default setting.

Solution: Conventional water heaters are typically set at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but most households only need a setting of 120 degrees to be comfortable. Check your water heaters and lower them to 120 degrees.

Money/Energy Saved: Lowering it by 20 degrees will save about 6 to 10% on your bills, says Energy Savers.



Originaly posted by Vivian Giang at www.businessinsider.com

Furniture Share Needs Your Help!

Furniture Share is a volunteer based non-profit 501(c)(3) agency that collects and redistributes donated furniture and household items to underprivileged populations at no cost within Benton, Linn and surrounding Counties. Furniture Share helps to serve our two fold mission to protect our environment by keeping reusable furniture out of the landfill.

Your donations of gently used furniture are redistributed directly to individuals and families within the Benton, Linn and surrounding County communities. Furniture Share relies solely on community donations and volunteerism to get the job done. We value preserving the dignity of clients and providing services in a timely and cost effective manner that honors the donors who keep our doors open.


As of October 1, 2014 Furniture Share has 103 kids on the wait list for a bed and on average receives 30-40 requests a week for beds. 

During the month of September we provided 109 kids with a bed of their very own. Every donation of $40 will help us provide a bed to a child in need. Can you help?

Please pass this along to others so we can get these 103 kids a bed of their own to sleep on.

To donate online go to
www.furnitureshare.org 

over the phone
541-754-9511

or by mail at
Furniture Share 
PO Box 2224 
Corvallis, Oregon 97339

This week in Corvallis!

This Week in Corvallis, Oregon

Here's a pretty shot of Oregon State University, from takethelimit

We’re looking forward to some fun stuff this week. Tonight we’ve got a talk at the Corvallis Public Library about the future of health care, and Wednesday is Lotions and Potions, a ladies’ night out event with Second Street Chic. The reception for Vistas and Vineyards is also Wednesday evening.

Three Below is at the Majestic Theatre on Thursday, and the Emerald City Jazz Kings have a show on Friday at the LaSells Stewart Center.

The Nomadic Theatre Circus is performing “Science Circus: the Physics of Fun” on Saturday, and in the afternoon, you’ve got a chance to meet authors Travis Mossotti and Kerry James Evans. John McCutcheon is in concert Saturday evening, and the 24th Annual Great Pumpkin Run is coming up Sunday!

Check our events calendar to see everything that’s coming up this week, and keep an eye out for new events being added.

Originally posted on www.corvallisoregon.tumblr.com. Thank you Visit Corvallis for keeping us up to date!

Sunday Open Houses!

You won't want to miss these Open Houses this weekend! 

Plan to stop by one, or all, of these amazing Corvallis homes! 

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 
hosted by Lee Eckroth,
Town & Country Realtor/Broker

11:00 am - 12:00 pm
4921 SW Roseberry, Corvallis, OR 97333 

An outstanding, updated single-level home in a desired SW Corvallis neighborhood! That is a great description for this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom + office home that includes new floor coverings, new interior wall paint, new exterior paint, new stainless steel appliances, new counter tops, vaulted ceilings, master bedroom with walk-in closet and ensuite, and more! It even includes the washer/dryer, refrigerator, and window blinds. Just a short distance from the Sunset shopping center, the countryside, 2 parks, bike paths, the bus line and more – this is a must visit home. 


12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
3220 SW Cascade Avenue, Corvallis, OR 97333

How often do you find a 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath, very nicely updated single level home located on .34 acres in SW Corvallis. Today you did! This move in ready home has new carpet & laminate, new SS appliances, new interior paint, new sinks/faucets, new tub/shower, new toilets, furnace installed in 2013, w/heater just 3 years old, roof just 5 years old, new light fixtures, new electric panel, newer driveway & 2 fireplaces. With a park like setting & just a short distance to downtown, OSU & more! 




2:00 pm-3:00 pm
3462 SW Hil-Wood Place, Corvallis, OR 97333 

NEW PRICE!!  Amazingly remodeled, this single level home near OSU, shopping & more will WOW you. Located in desirable SW Corvallis on a spacious park like .24+/- acre lot.  The current owners made a significant investment in remodeling this home to make it move-in ready for you. Updates and remodeling includes a new kitchen with cherry finish cabinets, granite counters & SS appliances, updated bathrooms with granite counters & tile floors, new main level flooring, lots of new paint, new light fixtures & much more. From the bonus loft & fireplace to the newer roof (5 years old) , shed & garage with storage - visit today!



3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
1705 NW 29th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333  

Desirable NW Corvallis single level home located on a 1/4 acre corner lot across the street from Cloverland Parks. This home comes loaded with 5 bedrooms, 2 updated bathrooms, wood floors, updated kitchen, living room with fireplace, family room, vinyl windows, crown moulding, a fantastic backyard with shed & more. Home is preinspected by Amerispec & good to go. Don't wait. Take a tour today!






Also on Sunday, October 5th, 2014
New Listing in Stoneybrook!
Open House hosted by Tom Rondeau,
Town & Country Realtor/Broker,

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
5037 SW Hollyhock Circle, Corvallis, OR 97333 

This desirable single level 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, plus office in desirable Stoneybrook neighborhood awaits you. Built in 2006, this sought after "Taylor" floor plan provides easy living. From the gracious master suite with a large soaking tub, separate shower & double sink vanity, to the separate guest suite with a complete bath - this home has it all. Enjoy your private den with double glass doors, private patio, 2 car garage & extra closet spaces. This is living the great life. HOA approx $127 per month. Check out this home today!

September Shout Outs!

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life."

~ Melody Beattie ~

Gratitude is an amazing thing.  Each day I awake, roll over and hug my wonderwife and start my day with gratitude.  Once a month I get to send out my official “Shout-Outs” as my gratitude to my friends, family and the amazing people I get to help accomplish their real estate goals.

I am grateful for getting to work with each of you on the sale/purchase of your homes and/or just being able to know you! Congratulations and thank you for your continued support. I wish you all the best!

~Lee

Each and every day I could fill a page full of gratitude.  Below are some extra special shout outs:

Let me start by saying THANKS to the 350 who came and made the 4th annual Life is Great party amazing. It was an incredible day that I will always remember.  A very special shout out to my amazing team of Jessi Furlo and Jenny Bouman who took the magic wand and created some magic this year.

To my friends at Imagine Coffee – you rock.

Congrats to everyone at Ticor Title for being number one in the marketplace.

John and Jo - – You are treasures. Corvallis will miss you.

Johna - Congrats on your new home.  So happy for you. Tricia Kocurek –thanks for your efforts.

Jeanette -– Congrats on your move to California and the sale of your home in Corvallis.  So happy for you.

MaryKay -– Big time congrats on being close to moving closer to your Grandbabies! Corvallis is a much better place with you here.

Fall Festival -– Great job on an amazing festival.

James Furlo -– For being you.

Jessi and James -– Congrats on your first of many big deals.

Brian and Tim -– Although I still have some saddle soars, the 110 mile escapade from Sisters to Albany on the Old Santiam Wagon Trail was an experience I will never forget.

Michele K and Ben D -– You two are gems.

Morgan Eckroth -– Congrats on getting your license. Thanks for allowing me to sleep in after so many years. Be careful!!!

Mayor Julie -– You are an amazing person.

1000awesomethings.com –- I am a new addict.


And last but certainly not least...Go Beavs!

Rose City Comic-Con 2014 Review by Morgan Eckroth

By 8:15 AM Sunday morning I was walking out of my front door, clad in a skin tight Harley Quinn outfit, platinum blonde pigtailed wig, extreme fake eyelashes, and swinging a blood red and black taped baseball bat. I was Harley Quinn, Joker’s girlfriend and henchwoman.

And today?

Today was Comic-Con.

Before heading off to Portland my dad and I stopped by my boyfriend’s house and picked up him and our mutual best friend. Lake was cosplaying as Joker, wearing a bright purple suit, suspenders, green shirt, and white gloves. Joe was the 10th Doctor from Doctor Who, a dark suit, trench coat, red Converse, and a Sonic Screwdriver was his costume of choice. During the ride up we were all excited beyond words, this was going to be our first Comic-Con. When we got into Portland we started to look for other cosplayers and as we neared the convention center they began to pop up. First there was Link from Legend of Zelda walking down the street, then a herd of superheroes trying to cross at a crosswalk.

We pulled up to the convention center and began unloading quickly, excited to go inside and begin our day. As we walked into the convention center we were greeted by the sight of booths and cosplayers as far as the eye could see. Each booth was filled with books, posters, art, merchandise, costumes, and memorabilia. Starting writers and artists called us over to show their new graphic novels and comic books. Within 5 minutes of wandering the floor we found a Delorean, the original Batmobile, and a Tardis, all of which we HAD to get pictures with.

As more people arrived at Comic-Con we started to notice an increase of requests to have photos taken with us, we had families, singles, children, and teenagers constantly coming up to us and asking “Can we get a picture with Joker and Harley? With the Doctor? With all of you?” Pretty soon we were feeling like celebrities. The time and effort we’d put into making our costumes accurate was definitely paying off. It was amazing to be in an environment where cosplay was looked upon with respect and praise, the more extreme and/or accurate your costume was, the more people liked it. We spent around 6 hours that day wandering the convention floor, taking photos with people, and freaking out over all the nerd/geek materials that were around us.

One of the best parts of Comic-Con though was the kids there. It was awesome to see a dad dressed as a Jedi and his son as a Padawan, both reading and enjoying comic books in a booth. Or to see a mom being dragged around by her seven year old daughter who was dressed like Wonder-Woman. A feeling of welcoming and inclusion filled the entire convention, nothing was judged. We got this one weekend to dress and become someone else with people who did the same.
Comic-Con was an amazing experience and one I’m looking forward to have again soon. The art, culture, inspiration, and craziness of it all was an awesome thing, I think anyone could go and find at least a few things they like.

~ Morgan Eckroth (Lee's Comic-Cosmic Daughter) 

Home Buyer Do's and Don'ts Once Pre-Approved

You have done the hard part in the home buying process and chosen a lender and a real estate agent to work with. You have also gone out and found the home of your dreams! Best of all, your team has done a great job of negotiating the best deal for you.

Now, as a buyer, all you have to do is sit back and wait for your loan to close … right? Wrong!

Getting a home loan these days is a very interactive process. I am always amazed by how many clients I work with who come to me unaware of all the pitfalls they face during the loan process. To help avoid any surprises while waiting for final approval, I provide my clients with a short list of “do’s and don’ts” to follow.

Let’s start with the “do’s” …

• Do keep the process moving by responding to your loan officers’ requests for documentation as soon as possible.
• Do make decisions as soon as is reasonably possible.
• Do convey questions or concerns you have as they develop.
• Do continue to make all of your rent or mortgage payments on time.
• Do stay current on all other existing accounts.
• Do continue to work your normal work schedule with no unplanned time off.
• Do continue to use your credit as normal.
• Do be prepared to explain any large deposits in your bank accounts.
• Do enjoy purchasing your home but remain objective throughout the process to help make decisions that are best for you.

After you have been pre-approved for your mortgage you will want to refrain from the following …

• Do not make any major purchases (car, boat, jewelry, furniture, appliances, etc.).
• Do not apply for any new credit (even if it says you are preapproved or “xxx days same as cash”).
• Do not pay off charges or collections (unless directed by your loan officer to do so).
• Do not make any changes to your credit profile.
• Do not change bank accounts.
• Do not make unusual deposits into your bank accounts or move money around from one account to another.

Follow these simple rules and you will help to make your loan closing as smooth and hassle-free as possible!

Good luck!

This article was originally published by Barbara Mooers on Active Rain. Barbara is a loan officer with Primary Residential Mortgage in Tacoma, Washington. Her website is available here.