Matthew Hans Delaware Real Estate

Have you ever been in a situation where you are asking or answering questions about a school or school district? The answers are all in one website!

www.SchoolMatters.com is a great website to find information on schools. You can even compare and contrast information from one school to another by selecting multiple schools. You can find information on percentage of students at grade level for math and English and even find student to teacher ratios.

If you are not sure where to move but like an area, you can look for schools within 5, 10, 15, or 20 miles of your preferred destination and decide if you like the available schools.

You can even read parent reviews on schools - you can't find a better source than actual parents! Feel free to look up your own schools and add comments. If the schools knew this was going on....

I hope this helps everyone!

Start your home search at www.delawarehousefinder.com

Have a computer that didn't sell in this years yard sale? Don't just trash it, recycle it, for FREE! A local business is keeping landfills from filling up and building a stronger community while doing it.

Why not just throw this old clunker in the dumpster?

1. Computers can contain some nasty and toxic substances such as lead, silver, barium, cadmium, and mercury.
2. Some computer components can be re-used, keeping those parts from reaching the landfill.
3. Due to the constant and rapid advances in technology, people like to upgrade computers at a fast rate. The more rapidly people buy newer computers, the sooner they are ready to get rid of their old ones. Such accumulation is not good for the environment whatsoever and will clog up landfills.

Econerd, is a full service computer repair and products stop. They are located in New Castle, De and offer the following services:

• Fix whatever is ailing your computer
• Get rid of all those annoying pop-ups that slow you down
• Upgrade the parts inside to make your computer work faster (and save you from plunking down your hard earned cash on a new one!)
• Set up and secure your wireless network
• Install any new devices, such as cameras, printers, and MP3 players
• Computer Recycling Services
• New Computer Sales and Services

If you are looking to recycle a computer follow the attached linkto the Econerd's website and fill out the questionnaire and schedule a drop off.

Did I mention the reason Econerd is building stronger communities? They donate 10% of their proceeds to charity! Building a stronger community takes everyone dedication and commitment. Remember to buy local and support your neighbors and community.

Econerd is making a difference in our community, one computer at a time!

Looking to Buy or sell Real Estate in Delaware start at www.DelawareHouseFinder.com or email me directly mjhans1249@msn.com

I am expanding my business area and getting my Pa license. One of Pennsylvania's requirements is to have a background check. Although Delaware's records are public, you still need the report to come from State Police. After many hours of frustrating searching for answers and phone numbers on who and where to call, I stumbled upon the Delaware Helpline, 1-800-464-HELP. I thought it was a fantastic resource that I could share with everyone.

Delaware Helpline is an online resource and guide to human services in Delaware.

DELAWARE HELPLINE can give you information and referrals for:

• Financial Assistance
• Emergency Housing and Food
• Government/Information Services
• Utilities Assistance
• Legal Services
• Child Support
• Transportation
• Drivers License
• Mental Health Counseling
• Donations
• Family Issues
• Professional Licensing

They also have directory answers for you. Enjoy the link.

Looking to buy or sell real estate in Delaware?

www.delawarehousefinder.com

Everybody knows heat rises, right? Well, it also transfers. Think of cold air as empty air and heat is what can fill it up. Heat energy transfers from hot to cold trying to create an equilibrium, this process is called heat gain. Too science-nerdy for you? To break it down for you... heat gain could be costing you mega bucks!

During the warm and hot months of the year:

Your attic is a major source of heat gain for your home. All the black tar or dark shingles absorb the heat from the sun and that transfers into your attic. In some homes the only thing keeping it from transferring into the living space of a home is drywall or a layer of "thinsulation". Blowing in fiberglass, foam, or eco-friendly recycled paper products is a great way to beef up the R-Value in your home. This improvement shouldn't cost more than $1.99 per square foot or save more and DIY! To find out the recommended R-value for your region, click here.

Another great way to beat the heat is to install an attic fan and gable vent. If you are not familiar with those terms, call a professional! It will take an electrician or liscenced handyman a fraction of the time and it will be done correctly. If you have one that the Smithsonian Institute may be interested in placing it in the American History exhibit, it is time to upgrade. New models are more efficient and have better thermostats.

During the colder months:

It is estimated that 80% of all the heat in your house goes out through your ceiling. Imagine 80% of your heating cost is just floating out of your home. Last year, my insulation project yielded a 20% reduction in heating costs! It will be paying me back for years to come!

If you installed a new attic fan or upgraded an old one with a thermostat as I suggested above, turn the thermostat to at least 100 degrees during the cold months! Now the thermal gain is working for you, your roof is capturing the sun's energy creating a warm blanket for your living space to keep cozy warm.

These are just a few tips to help lower heating and cooling costs. Every penny invested in making your home more efficient will not only yield returns for you, it will also increase its appeal to potential buyers in the future.

Want to know more about saving energy? Try the Energy Calculator!

If you are looking for an energy efficient home in Delaware... start here. www.delawarehousefinder.com

The neighborhood of Nottingham Green is holding its annual yard sale on Saturday May 2nd! Nottingham Green is located on the west side of Newark, Delaware. The cross street to find it is Radcliffe and can be found on a map here. It is a mixed age neighborhood so there will be bargains for all ages.

If you like the area, contact me here to start your home search, or check out www.delawarehousefinder.com