Pickerington, OH

So you have an old house but you still want to think and live green. Here are a few tips that can help you retrofit and teach your old Central Ohio home a new "Green " trick.

•1. Replace old windows with energy efficient windows. If replacing windows is not in the budget prevent drafts with caulk or seal the window off with plastic.

•2. By using recycled flooring products we can reduce our dependency on fossil fuel and. Using natural fiber rugs and flooring is also effective in reducing oil requirements.

•3. When you think paint ...think "Green". Not only does it helps shrink our carbon footprint it is a wonderful way to improve indoor air quality in your Central Ohio home.

•4. Replace old fashioned light bulbs with LED lights which are more reliant and energy efficient. Studies show that by replacing your 5 most used light you will save $100 per year.

•5. When looking to replace appliances look for energy star products. These products save 10-30% on the operating costs.

•6. Add a programmable thermostat. This can save you about 10% on your heating and cooling bill every year.

•7. Plug leaks around doors and plumbing and electrical outlets. These are areas that often go forgotten in our quest to make homes more energy efficient.

•8. Installing a water heater jacket around your water heater and wrapping your pipes is another cost effective way to green up your home and save money.

•9. By spending $100 dollars every two years to have a professional check out your HVAC you can save you 10-15% on your heating and cooling bill each year.

•10. $285 dollars per year can be saved by installing low-flow faucet and shower systems. These systems do not affect water pressure.

Even if you do just one or two of these suggestions they will help your save money and help the environment too.

For More Green Ideas See: Thinking Spring....Think Green for your Landscape

If you are looking for more cost effective tips to help your home sell call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com

Filing a Insurance Claim! How to MAXIMIZE YOUR CLAIM CHECK!

We are finally at the end of February and here in Ohio we are enduring another long winter. Time to start thinking spring and here are 5 Ways Easy Ways to "Green" Your Central Ohio Landscape

•1. Make a compost pile using kitchen and garden waste. Mixing them together in a bin in your yard will accelerate the process. The compost material, used in your gardens, will increase water retention and provides nutrients for plants.

•2. Plan to put an automatic timer on your water hose. Installation is quick and easy and requires no wiring or digging and is an excellent way to reduce water consumption.

•3. Consider the use of solar powered lightinginstead of electric lighting to reduce energy cost and still maintain safety and aesthetics.

•4. In a few weeks when it is time to fertilize do so carefully. Do not wash fertilizer spills into the street or down sewer drains. Consider using compost or organic materials instead of commercial products for fertilizing.

•5. Research the use of Biological pest control for a natural chemical free way to rid you gardens of unwanted pests.

These are a few quick and inexpensive ways that you can think green this spring in your landscape. If you are looking for more cost effective tips to help your home sell call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com

OUCH!!

Was all I could muster after that shocking statement from a fellow agent in my office. My daughter plays basketball for Pickerington North High School's freshman team. They had an undefeated season this year, doing far better than their male counterparts, I might add.

Pickerington, Ohio is known for girls' basketball, being the home to a few state championships. Several graduates have gone on to play for The Ohio State University and other great institutions.

I would be the first to admit that back in the late 70's when I played high school sports our fan base consisted of a few faithful followers and often not even our own parents. But today these girls have elevated their game and are pulling in a crowd. Not yet to the level of the boys but a definite improvement and getting better...

So before you succumb to old assumptions do yourself a favor and check out the Lady Panthers and The Lady Tigers ........they have some real Ballers!

Looking for a Central Ohio Home in please feel free to call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com

REMINDER.... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sale calls.

.... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:

888-382-1222.

It is theNational DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

If I can assist you with any of your Central Ohio real estate needs please call me at 614-273-6406 or vanessa.simmons @ realliving.com