With gas reaching $4 a gallon there must be ways to use it more efficiently. Re-thinking the way we drive can be a challenge in our hurry up world but I have found several ways to save gas while driving.
Start with a fuel efficient vehicle. An increase in 10mpg fuel economy rating can save you $5,000 in fuel cost over five years, based on $4 per gallon.
Limiting the amount of time my car idles - Idling more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting the engine. Turn your car off when parked or stopped for more than 10 seconds, except, of course, in Traffic!
It is not hard on the engine to turn it on and off. Frequent restarting has very little impact on the starter motor and battery.
Excessive idling can damage the engine. An idling engine isn't operating at its peak temperature, which results in incomplete fuel combustion. This leaves fuel residues that can contaminate oil.
Engines don't need more than 30 seconds to "warm up". Maybe this was true in the past but today's modern engines are ready to go.
Drive up windows are a waste of gas! Park your car and go inside when running errands at the bank, pharmacy, coffee stop and fast food dinner.
Take out the remote starter (or at least don't use it). How often have you forgotten and discovered the car has been running for 10 minutes or more. If it's winter - put on more clothes vs. expecting a toasty interior.
Don't be a Jack Rabbit! When starting from a dead stop, accelerate slowly.
Traveling at 55mph gives you up to 21% better gas mileage. Over 40mph the car has to overcome tremendous wind resistance.
Plan out your trips in advance. The most practical trip goes in order and in a straight line. Know where you are going and plan your trips that way.
Remove all the stuff from your back seat and trunk. Lighten the load that you are hauling around with you every day to save gas.
Keep your car well maintained. Check the tires for proper inflation; get filters and oil changed regularly. Keeping you car washed and waxed actually improves the aerodynamics and fuel savings.
Go at a slow and steady pace. No tailgating, no revving the engine at stops; no aggressive driving that cause you to drive the brake. Remember it was the turtle who won the race not the hare.
The price of gas isn't going down anytime soon, if ever. So let's use this resource wisely and the most cost effectively possible. No reason to stay at home but gallons of reasons to think it through before getting behind the wheel.
Real Estate Market Update Update 24 For April 27-May 2, 2008
Rockingham County, New Hampshire
Single Family Homes
Condos
Shannon Aldrich, Keller Williams Coastal Realty Portsmouth, NH
Join the monthly e-newsletter for featured listings, area happenings and updated real estate information at saldrich@kw.com I respect your privacy and will never share your email address.
This information for Rockingham and Strafford counties is compiled through NNEREN, Northern New England Real Estate
Real Estate Market Update Update 23 For April 19-26, 2008
Rockingham County, New Hampshire
Single Family Homes
Condos
Shannon Aldrich, Keller Williams Coastal Realty Portsmouth, NH
Join the monthly e-newsletter for featured listings, area happenings and updated real estate information at saldrich@kw.com I respect your privacy and will never share your email address.
This information for Rockingham and Strafford counties is compiled through NNEREN, Northern New England Real Estate
Real Estate Market Update Update 22 For April 11-18, 2008
Rockingham County, New Hampshire
Single Family Homes
Condos
Shannon Aldrich, Keller Williams Coastal Realty Portsmouth, NH
Join the monthly e-newsletter for featured listings, area happenings and updated real estate information at saldrich@kw.com I respect your privacy and will never share your email address.
This information for Rockingham and Strafford counties is compiled through NNEREN, Northern New England Real Estate
The summer season is almost upon us. The snow has finally melted and the sun has come back out. Vacation time on the coast of New Hampshire and Maine is about to go into full swing. What would be better than having a place of your own to enjoy and possibly rent out when you are not there! You don't have to be a financial mogul or Hollywood star to own multiple homes. Many people escape the oppressive heat of Florida and the South to enjoy the temperate climate of the North East.
Second home ownership is an extremely popular trend in today's real estate market. Why? Well, demographics, technology and prices are converging to provide a historic opportunity for Buyers to enter this market. Baby Boomers are rushing toward retirement and second homes offer you an opportunity to ready for that day when you want to live in warm weather year round. Experts are predicting that millions of Americans will buy second homes in the next few years.
Thanks to technology, second homes have become a place to work as well as play. Tele-commuting has come a long way in the last few years. High speed internet and FIOS connections are available everywhere on the Seacoast. How you use your second home is up to you but if it something you have dreaming of, now is the time to get the information you need to make an informed decision. Working with a professional real estate agent who is up to date on 1031 exchanges, summer rentals and the financial considerations is the way to go. You may even be able to use the equity in your current home to finance the purchase. A vacation home can even be an income property when not in use. Peace of mind comes with using a professional to sort out all the details.
Married couples, generally over 35, with or without children are almost twice as likely to own second homes as single persons. And the fastest growing segment of second home Buyers are between ages 35 to 54 without children at home. Some of the best locations are usually within 2 to 3 hours of your year round home. People from Boston, New York and Canada can find the Seacoast of New Hampshire and Maine the ideal location for vacation homes.
What makes for an ideal location for a vacation home? Natural beauty is top of the list but other activities, arts, popular sports and theater are also on this list. With second homes being a discretionary purchase, everyone wants quality of life and security to be tops. You will get the most enjoyment out of your second if it is within an area you can get too relatively quickly and can use more often. Make sure you look at any property with an eye towards tomorrow because the best value and most likely to appreciate are the ones that Boomers can play in today and retire in tomorrow.
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Serving Your Real Estate Needs in Strafford & Rockingham Counties in New Hampshire and York County Maine. Real Estate perspectives from a native of the area.
As a Native of the Seacoast I am able to help you find your way home. Working with people who are relocating to the area or are our summer residents is my favorite thing. Gives me the chance to be a tourist in my own back yard. I love the Seacoast and want to share my passion for the area with you. Helping people get their houses sold is what I do best.
Licensed Real Estate Professional since 1999. Licensed to practice real estate in New Hampshire and Maine. Affiliated with Keller Williams Coastal Realty since 2004. Certified Keller Williams Market Center Instructor. 2006 Market Center Cultural Award Winner.
Specializing in Second Homes, Vacation Homes and Property Investments in the Secoast of New Hampshire and Southern Maine. Visit www.RealEstateSeacoast.com for the Seacoast Sold Report, Area Links and 1031 Exchange information. I also work with clients that have had challenges selling their properties - we put together marketing plans to meet the objective and get the property sold.
Shannon, You made a difference. You kept your cool and did a great job! Thanks! Pete Hodgkins
To Whom It May Concern: Shannon Aldrich - Keller Williams Real Estate I am pleased to forward this letter of recommendation on behalf of Shannon Aldrich. Shannon was my Selling Agent/Broker as well as my Buyer Agent/Broker for the two transactions. She took the listing for my property in Barrington and quickly turned it into a Purchase and Sale (P&S). She carefully guided me through the paperwork for the Sale. Unfortunately, the deal was not consummated no fault of Shannon's efforts. She promptly brought the ultimate Buyer to a P&S and the home closed early in January. She always conducted clear and concise business communication which helped facilitate the closing. She often had to deal with Park Owners and their delays. She remained professional and calm again promoting the Sale. Secondly, she helped me find the perfect home in Portsmouth. Given the housing market for this area, she worked tirelessly to locate the property. Again, she managed the process clearly and concisely. Once again, Park Owners tried to stall the process. Shannon drove at her personal expense from Portsmouth to Scarborough, ME to secure the deed required for the closing. We closed on August 11. She represents Keller Williams with the highest standards of Real Estate excellence. I highly recommend her for either side of the Purchase and Sale process to any prospective Buyer/Seller. Respectfully, Wilbur Gardner Portsmouth, NH 03801
THANK YOU The first Realtor I had was not a pleasant experience. Who would have guessed that a Realtor would call with a message that they think they could help me sell my property. I decided to meet with you and I am so glad I did. I needed a take charge person Shannon and that person was you. Your friendly, gentle nature made me feel comfortable and I knew I could call you anytime to ask questions without cringing! You were aggressive getting the property info out. There was certainly much more activity since you placed the property for sale. That one offer we had where I gave you a counter-offer, I was so disappointed. Yet after talking with you about it, that support and encouragement was there, and we changed the price for the following day. It was not long after that the would be buyer made an offer. There was a difficult time there with a lending instutition. You never ceased to amaze me. Right away you were making calls so Keller Williams could handle the loan and the title. It worked out terrific. I am grateful you took me under your wing. I certainly would have been lost. You always had my best interest at heart and stood by me. Again, thank you so much! Sincerely, Margaret Morrison (and Mariah!) Now in Belmont, New Hampshire
My husband and I listed a house that he owned there in New Hampshire with Shannon Aldrich. She had sent us some literature and a packet of information that we found quite helpful. This was before she knew we were planning to sell, incidentally. I must say, Shannon was everything we could have hoped for in an agent. She kept in touch and kept us informed on the progress and did several things for us above and beyond the call of duty. We had a tenant that she kept pacified and cooperative until we could get her out. I was very impressed! You are very lucky to have her on your team. Mary Woodward, St. Mary's GA
Hello Shannon I wanted to thank you for helping me with the purchase of my first home. It was a little scary and I had no idea what to expect, but you made it real easy. You took the time to point out things I would not have noticed, which helped me make sound decisions. And you worked with me - you knew that I wanted a house, not a condo, even though I had a small budget. Your guidance was immeasurable and I knew you were looking out for my best interest. Thanks again. Suzanne Patrakis, Kittery, ME
Dear Shannon
Thank you for taking the time to talk to my New Hampshire Real Estate Pre-Licensing class at the University of New Hampshire, and at the offices of Family First Mortgage. You have been asked to give multiple talks because you do such an excellent job of explaining the importance of training, commission splits and real estate practice today. My students gained a wonderful real world perspective from your visits and I appreciate the time you took to talk to us.
Best Wishes,
Kelly L. Cullen, PhD Associate Professor Coordinator of Community Development
"Shannon is an affable, experienced professional. She prides herself on going the extra mile for her clients and her market knowledge and utilization of technology to best meet the needs of her clientele is without peer. It is without reservation that I recommend Shannon's services." Mark Kavanagh , Team Leader , Keller Williams Realty North Central
"Shannon is an experienced and knowledgable Real Eatate Agent and instructor. She has been a great influence in my learning experience and has served as a mentor to many in the offiice." Leo Gagnon, Strategic Real Estate Advisor , Keller Williams Coastal Realty
"Shannon has great follow through and is passionate about what she does. I hope that I'm always working with her in some capacity and would recommend her to anyone." Mark Miller , Branch Manager , Cousins Home Lending
"Shannon isn't only an accomplished agent but she spearheads the educational program not only for our office but she also coordinates continuing education credits available to outside agents as well. She recently was approved to teach the pre licensing course as well. She is a true asset to the company on many different levels." Joshua Matthews , Associate Broker , Keller Williams Coastal Realty
"I have had the pleasure of knowing Shannon since I joined Keller Williams Coastal Realty back in 2006. Shannon is a fabulous instructor that has both patience and great knowledge about the real estate industry. I was lucky enough to have Shannon as one of my instructors when I attended the Keller Williams Camp 443 course, I highly recommend to any Realtors looking to improve their business to attend any of the many courses Shannon teaches." Paul Martin , Realtor , Keller Williams Coastal Realty
Hi Shannon! I sincerely, SINCERELY want to thank you for everything you've done for us - most importantly for your patience. Other agents would have just tried to put us in a house to get the sale, but you helped us be realistic and get something that we truly love and of course a house we can afford. Buying our first house was a bit stressful, and again I thank you for your patience in answering ALL of our many questions, finding houses that fit us, not one that you wanted to sell, and basically putting up with a few high maintenance moments! Ciao, Laura & Evan Portsmouth NH
Shannon is an excellent communicator who thinks logically and trains with empathy and a natural understanding of learning styles. She is an outstanding organizer and brings this gift to the layout of her courses making them flow in a manner which optimizes the understanding and retention of her students. She is meticulous in her preparation for her teaching, and her students consistently rate her as the best prepared and enjoyable instructors of the many that use our training facility. Sandie Dika, Team Leader Keller Williams Coastal Realty
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