Andrew Monaghan CRS, GRI, EPro Associate Broker

Change your old thermostat
Install a modern thermostat which is programmable, then make sure to set it.

Insulate your Water heater.
Buy a jacket for your heater, this will serve to keep the hot water hot and not waste energy.

Increase the level of insulation in your attic.
most of the heat escapes through the attic (in Arizona this helps to keep the home cool in summer) add extra insulation to prevent energy loss.

Install a attic fan to keep air moving through the attic.

Keep your air filters clean
the more blocked up the filters are, the harder your ac has to work, new filters keep air moving and costs down.

Reduce Drafts
Install wether stripping around all doors and caulk the windows, this will keep hot air out in AZ and your AC inside

Install Sunshades

change all those old bulbs for new compact florescent bulbs.

Put exterior lights on timers.

Turn off energy hogs.
power down computers, TV's and other large electrical items when not in use.

Go on a time of use electrical plan, then stick to it

Run your filter pool at night when electricity is cheaper.

According to a report from "loan Performance" the valleys home prices have fallen 23% from July 07 to July 08, this has Phoenix as number 8 in the country for the biggest drop in home prices.

What does this mean, it means to me that home prices are back at a very affordable level and it is a fantastic time to buy, you can purchase homes in the metro area at 2003 prices.

As a part of the new Home Value Protection Program, which goes into effect January 1st 2009, Lenders and originators will no longer be able to hire the appraisers directly, all appraisers would be picked at random form a pool through a intermediary.

Is this good or bad, there are a lot of good appraisers and loan officers out there that look out for the best of the client whomever that is, the bank or the buyer, this could become overkill and slow everything down, bad appraisers can hide in the system and become untouchable in their ivory towers, there will need to be strong oversight and an ability to challenge incorrect or dubious results.

The Valley Freeways Closures & Restrictions Map & Information is also available in a printable PDF version.