How Can You Save Money on Your Energy Bill in the Bay Area?

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Bringing down the power and gas bill is something that everyone is going after. Today, I want to share a few tips that will not only lower your monthly energy bills, but also reduce your carbon footprint, which is good for everyone in our community.

Consider installing a tank-less water heater. You'll no longer have to store water to heat later -- it's just there!

If you want to be more energy efficient, head down to the nearest home improvement store to discover the latest in flooring technology. There are some great materials that will keep your feet warm and your house cool.

Solar roof panels are another great energy option. It sucks in sunlight, converts it to energy, and really reduces the amount of energy you use from the grid. If you choose to install solar panels, be sure to read your lease correctly to avoid costly issues.

Reclaimed wood is another great way to make your home more energy efficient. Instead of going down to your local big-box home improvement store, go somewhere that offers reclaimed wood and use that instead.

Dual pane windows are a great solution to windows that let tons of outside air in. Dual pane windows will ensure that the heat you pump into your house stays there, and the savings you reap from them will make you very happy.

Another item that will save you a ton of money is a programmable thermostat. A Nest Thermostat will learn your habits, only heating and cooling your home when you are present.

Energy Star ceiling fans are great for keeping your home cool as well as for circulating heat throughout various rooms in your home. I have them all over my home and I love them!

Yet another energy-efficient item to consider is Low-VOC paint (Low Volatile Organic Compound Paint. This will cut down on respiratory issues and other things that are just not good for your health!

If you have any questions about this or any other real estate topic, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I would love to hear from you!

How Can You Help Conserve Water in the Bay Area?

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Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search Selling a home? Click here for a Free Home Price Evaluation  Call us at (925) 838-4300 to answer any of your real estate questions
Today, I want to touch on something that is affecting, or will affect, all of us if we don't do something about it soon. Of course, I'm talking about the drought! 

For us here in California, we all need to take responsibility for what's happening and actively try to reduce our water usage. If you want to reuse some water, a good idea is to take a few buckets into the shower with you. The water you collect can then be used to water plants around the house and in the landscaping. Also, if you do a lot of cooking, you can take the water you use for boiling outside and water your plants.

There is no better time to upgrade your appliances. Go down to the store and take a look at low-flow appliances, which include shower heads, toilets, and dishwashers that use significantly less water than traditional appliances. These will only cost you a few extra bucks and you'll be helping out our community!  

If your landscaping is dying, you have to let it go. It's unfortunate, but the amount of water it takes to keep elaborate landscapes healthy is just too much in our current climate. Remember, brown is the new green! However, if you really need green in your yard, you can always install fake sod. It's a bit expensive, but it will work out financially in the long run! There are other environmentally friendly ways to make your yard look great, like planting cacti, succulents, and other plants that don't need much water to survive. 

These are just a few ideas that will help you save water and help the communities. If you would like more tips, or if you have some tips you would like to share with us, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to help our community save water! In order to get through this epic drought, it's going to take all of us!