October Newsletter

Bright Ideas for Lighting

A home that is warm and bright can feel a lot cozier on a winter night.  But much of the energy we use to light our homes is wasted.  Try these easy ways to save energy - and cut your electricity bills.

* If you still have incandescent light bulbs, change them to fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs.  CFLs use 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer.

* Motion detectors can provide convenient and safe lighting only when it's needed in your parking area, laneway, or porch.

* Consider adding motion sensing lighting on the inside of your home as well.  It can be convenient on landings and in hallways, closets and bathrooms, eliminating the need to fumble for light switches in the dark, and also ensuring you're not lighting up rooms that no one is using.

* If you decorate your home with strings of lights during the holidays, consider using energy-efficient LED lights.

* Replace your wall-mounted light switches with dimmer switches for increased energy savings, longer bulb life, and more relaxing lighting.  Upgrade older dimmers that are warm to the touch, since these switches don't save energy.

Fall Home Maintenance

Wrap up your air conditioner

The warm days have faded and the heating hasn't yet been switched on.  This is the perfect time to prepare your air conditioning unit for the winter.  You'll save money on energy bills and keep it in good shape for next year.

If you have a window unit, remove it if you can.  If you can't, be sure to seal around the edges with caulk, and cover it with an airtight, insulated jacket.

If you have central air, cover the outdoor unit with a specially designed jacket to keep debris from accumulating during the inclement weather.  Remember to flip the dedicated breaker switch.

Also, it is time to turn off your underground sprinklers and blow out the lines.  Doing this before it gets too cold will help to save unnecessary repairs in the spring.

Mortgage ABC's

Equity: The portion of a property's value that the homeowner owns outright.  This is equal to the value of the property, less the amount owed on its mortgage.

Conventional Mortgage: A mortgage loan of up to 80% of the property's lending value.  These mortgages usually do not require mortgage loan insurance.

Home Equity Line of Credit: A flexible borrowing option backed by the borrower's home, giving access (at the borrower's discretion) to a predetermined percentage of the home's equity.

If you or someone you know has been declined by their bank, Mortgage Mama may be able find a solution.  With over 40 lenders to choose from, there are options you may not know about.

At no cost to you, Mortgage Mama will find you the best mortgage to meet your needs.

Carol Dorn, AMP
The Mortgage Mama

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