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If you dream of going off the grid…  If you giggle at the thought of paying less than $500 a year for electricity…today’s solar power may be perfect for you.  

Here are a Few Resources and Tips to Help You Decide

1. Read Ed Begley Jr.’s Guide to Sustainable Living
2. Watch the Planet Green channel
3. Do a home energy audit at energystar.org or call your power company.
4. Find Cash Back Offers.  Tax incentives abound for energy savings.   Too see what is offered in your area, check for incentives and rebates on a federal, state and local level. 
5. Check Tax Rebate and Credit websites dsireusa.org and greenmadesimple.com

Improvements in solar technology mean financial savings within 6 years, depending on your location and property.  Check it out.  Solar may be the perfect answer for your needs.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net FREE homes for sale and rent website.  We provide Free Home Listings, MLS and Realtor.com packages, Legal Forms and More.  We’ve helped buyer and seller connect for 21 years.  We can help you, too!!

If you are considering an update for the old vinyl flooring in your home,  go natural.  Natural linoleum, made from wood and cork, limestone dust, pine rosin and linseed oil, is a fantastic, green material substitution for the petroleum-based products of old.    Natural linoleum is available in either sheets or individual tiles, it offers an endless suppliy of color and pattern choices and is a great product for residential or commercial use.

Why We Like Natural Linoleum

It’s Versatile.  Marmoleum is available either sheet or tile forms.  It is used in both residential and commercial settings.  Great for resturants and offices, too.  The product can be used on floors and countertop surfaces.  It is sold in a wide range of colors and patterns.  Some patterns mimic quarried stone, others are mottled for subtle texture and other options include high tech MRI images.  The applications and decorating options are only limited by the owner’s imagination and tastes.  A Do-It-Yourselfer can easily install the tiles themselves, just like vinyl.      It’s Low Maintenance.  Manufacturers estimate the lifespan of natural linoleum at 30-40 years, compared to 10-20 for vinyl.  Scratches are no problem.  The surface is hard, and even becomes harder over time.  Additionally, any surface scratch can be buffed out, because the color extends through the entire thickness.  For cleaning, a dry mop is recommended for routine maintenance.

It’s Green and Better for the Environment.  Natural linoleum is much better for the environment than petroleum based, vinyl products.  Vinyl’s are not sustainable and are highly polluting in their manufacturing process.  Natural linoleum is made from wood, rosin, limestone and linseed oil.  All these materials occur naturally and are sustainable.  When it’s time to remodel, natural linoleum can be shredded and turned into compost for the garden versus filling a landfill.  Additional bonus, natural linoleum will last and look good for a least least twice as long as vinyl.

Disadvantages.  The linseed oil in the products “off gas” and some people are sensitive to its fumes.  We advise that you air out the product for a few weeks before you install it, if you have a sensitive reaction to the smell.   Like most plant-based products, linoleum doesn’t perform well in area’s with constant moisture.  Test the moisture content of floor slabs before installation.  Use Caulk to seal edges around tubs and showers where flooring abuts.  The only other disadvantage is probably the initial cost of the product.  Marmoleum costs around $4.00 per square foot, compared with $1.50 to $2.00 for vinyl flooring.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net FREE homes for sale and lease website.  Search for properties or post your listing.  We connect thousands of buyers and sellers each day, and we can help you get more exposure, too.

Toxic, sulfur laden sheetrock, Made in China, is making people sick, causing electrical wiring to go crazy and is corroding copper, wire and stainless steel in American homes.   The problem has affected thousands of homes in 20 states, yet, the US court system is powerless when to hold Chinese manufacturers (most of which are owned by the Chinese government) responsible for problems caused by their products.

The hardest hit area of the country may be the slowly recovering New Orleans area, and the coastal area’s wiped out by Katrina.  After enduring floods and mud, this man-made victimization is the last thing these communities need or deserve.   For those wondering how bad the problem is….The problem is so bad that local governments, already low on funds, are waiving property taxes for homes rebuilt with the Made in China, toxic sheetrock.

                                      Facts About Toxic Chinese Drywall and Sheetrock:

1. The sheetrock may emit a sulfuric odor, which smells a bit like rotten eggs.
2. Health Problems are being Reported.  The most common health effects from the drywall are skin rashes, blisters and headaches.
3. Homeowners insurance does not cover claims due to construction defects.  When insurers discover a property has Chinese drywall, they are canceling homeowner policies.
4. The gases emitted by the Chinese Drywall eat away at any copper, aluminum or stainless materials inside the home.  This means that appliances, wiring, mirrors, computers, toys, plumbing pipes and fixtures, jewelry, HVAC or any systems that contain these component materials will also be damaged, usually beyond repair
5. Seller’s of Homes that contain Chinese Sheetrock must disclose that fact, even if all the sheetrock in the home has been replaced.
6. If your home contains any Chinese Made Drywall/Sheetrock file a compliant with Consumer Product Protection Council and also check about making a local compliant with your state.
7. For updates on the Chinese drywall, multi-district lawsuits (MDL #2047 to to www.laed.uscourts.gov and click on Drywall MDL.

One tell tale sign of toxic sheetrock can be seen in the corners of mirrors

Watch for corrosion in and around plumbing fixtures, refrigerators, ac units, on stainless steel appliances or any area with metal components.  

Our two cents:  In light of this most recent, very serious, and potentially deadly, problem with cheap imports, all Americans need to reconsider their ongoing love affair with everything cheap and Chinese.  If the US government, who allows these imports, can’t force the Chinese manufacturers to stand behind the products they sell, then the retailers, who chose to buy these goods should have to.    The cost of uprooting families and replacing all the sheetrock, mechanical systems and personal property in over 60,000 reported homes is overwhelming.   If anyone deserves a taxpayer bailout, it’s these innocent homeowners who have been victimized by governments and retailers, alike.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net.  All our products are MADE, ASSEMBLED and SHIPPED right here in the USA!!!   In November, we will celebrate our 20th Anniversary, proving that you can hire US workers and run a profitable business.   Thank you for your support over all these years and please tell your friends about us!!!

Thomas Edison’s light bulb, invented in 1879, will not be sold in the U.S. after January 1, 2012. 

As part of the Clean Energy Bill, signed in 2007, most wattages of incandescent light bulbs, will go the way of leaded gas and oil based paint.   Australia started the light bulb ban in 2007.  Europe followed in September, this year. 

Even though Americans hate forced change, there are some reasons this change makes sense.  According to Energy Star, “a qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about 6 months.  It uses 75 percent less energy and lasts about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb.” 

Futhermore, Noah Horowitz, with the Natural Resources Defense Council stated “it would eliminate the need to build 30 new coal power plants and save as much electricity as used by all the homes in Texas.”

Astounding Energy Savings, No More Coal Plants and Free Money, too, what’s not to love??  Well, a couple of things…First of all, fluorescent bulbs contain mercury.  Remember the dangers of mercury?  If a bulb breaks, the mercury scatters around the room or hides in the carpet and toys.  And, don’t throw the new bulbs into the trash.  To dispose of these bulbs, if they don’t break first, they need to be handled like hazardous waste, ie: paint, chemicals, batteries, etc.  Home Depot, True Value, IKEA and other retailers will recycle them, but you need to carefully pack them up and drive them to the store.

Secondly, fluorescents can’t be used with a dimmer switch.  My personal favorite trick for creating ambiance.  And, I’ve already tried CFL’s and found they don’t produce enough light, or maybe the right hue of light, for easy reading and other close up tasks.  And, probably most concerning, they also aren’t a great light for those of us who look for bulbs that cast flattering, soft light ):

Change is coming.  Adjust or stock up before January 2012.   Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net your FREE homes for sale and lease website.  Have a great weekend and happy home selling and buying.

One of the things that can turn off buyer’s, stop a sale or detract from a properties resale value is Wallpaper.   Why don’t buyer’s like wallpaper??  First, it is usually a real pain to take down.  Secondly, it is very taste specific.  There is obviously no “standard” or ”popular type” of wallpaper, because there seems to be endless supply and I have never seen the exact same wallpaper, twice.  Meaning, the odds of being hit by lightning are probably greater than 2 people liking the same paper.

If you plan to stay in your home a while and you want some wallpaper in your house, well, it is your house.  But, please, go sparingly. Avoid busy, colorful and loud types. And, please don’t forget to “size” the wall before you apply it, or you won’t get it off without destroying the wall surface underneath.

Tip for HomeSeller’s:   But, if you are trying to sell your home, without success, and it has a lot of wallpaper or busy, dated wallpaper, you can do yourself a big favor by pulling it down and applying a fresh coat of neutral paint.   A crisp, freshly painted room never turns off buyers. 

 The same can never be said about wallpaper.    Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net FREE homes for sale and rent website.  We have been helping seller’s and buyer’s connect since 1988.  We can help you, too.

A fireplace can be a huge selling point for any home or an eyesore that detracts from the room.  If the fireplace in your home is out dated or just plain ugly, you can transform it into a sexy, focal point without spending a lot of money.

Take a look at this brick fireplace.  It is a fireplace, but it is doubtful that buyers would conjure images of sipping wine by a roaring fire, in its present condition.

Now, take a look at the transformation, after engineered stone was applied over the old brick and a mantle was added.  The fireplace morphs from an eyesore into a floor to ceiling, hearthwarming focal point

In another example, this unattractive, dated fireplace with painted brick got a great makeover.  The homeowner correctly felt the fireplace was out of proportion, due to the narrow sides and tall top.  The mantle was also too small.

The After.  The budget minded homeowner added an “in stock” simple mantel and pilasters from a do-it-yourself center.  The design updated the fireplace, hid most of the outdated, painted over brick and brought the fireplace into correct proportion for under $750.

If your fireplace detracts from your home, get your creative genius in gear and simply cover it up.  Examples of “coverup” materials that are inexpensive and easy to work with are tile, manufactured stone, granite, marble or wood.  Sometimes even painting over old, ugly brick will make a huge improvement. 

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net.  We love before and after pictures that we can share with our readers.  If you have completed a project and want a pat on the back, email photo’s to tommi@infotube.net

If the light fixtures by your front door are over 10 years old, you need to update them.   New outdoor fixtures are very inexpensive ($50) and they can be installed by any homeowner in less than 15 minutes.  Just make sure to cut off the power before taking the old fixture down.

Your home will not get a second chance to make a good first impression on homebuyers.   Any money you spend on staging and updating your entry will be money well spent.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net.  We have been helping buyers and sellers market their properties since 1989, and we can help you, too.

Cash for Refrigerators.  $300 million dollars of stimulus money has been set aside for consumer’s who purchase new, energy saving appliances.   Rebates of $50.00-$200.00 will be available in October on purchases of refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and air conditioners.

Program Eligibility:

1. To qualify, the consumer must purchase appliances with an Energy Star designation.
2. You don’t have to “trash” your old appliance to qualify.
3. States must apply to the program before October 15, 2009

Pro’s:

1. Upgrading to an Energy Star rated appliance saves a family $50-$150 per year in utility costs.
2. Rebates will ease the transition into new efficient appliances and help some consumers avoid going into debt in order to upgrade.
3. Could provide a boost to the beleaguered appliance and home improvement industries who are suffering in the bad economy.
4. Helps the environment.

Con’s:

1. No plan for the Trashed Appliances.  Currently there is no plan for proper disposal for the trashed appliances.  Old appliances can be donated or resold, which will not help the environment.
2. If we can’t find a way to recycle old appliances, the program will add more trash to the planet.

Tips for Consumers:

1. Most retailers will haul away your old appliances, when you purchase a new one.   Ask the retailer what happens to the old one, after they pick it up.   Buy only from retailers who can prove that they recycle or destroy the old appliances.
2. Use a Good Recycler to Take the Appliance Away.  Good recyclers will capture all coolants in the units which cause serious harm to the environment.  In addition, they will recycle all the metal and foam contained in the old unit.
3. GE and KitchenAid are offering additional manufacturer rebates on Energy Star Rated appliances now.  Click on the company name for details.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net.  We hope that Cash for Refrigerators is as successful as Cash for Clunkers.  If you have been waiting to update your appliances, October will be an excellent time.

Green News Alert:  A new paint additive, Insuladd, developed by the government, cuts energy costs and reduces mold and mildew.

Insuladd insulating paint additive increases the “Mean Radiant Temperature” of any home or office and provides energy savings by reflecting and dissipating heat.   Reports show an average decrease in utility bills of 20 percent (and, as high as 40 percent for in some homes) after a home or building has been painted with the additive.  

Product Features:

• Increase the R value by making paint insulating.
• It is safe and non-toxic
• It can be applied to roofs, walls and ceilings.  Interior or exterior.
• It works in hot or cold climates.
• Reduced heating and cooling costs, while increasing comfort.
• It prevents mold and mildew by blocking moisture and condensation.
• It can be added to any house paint.
• Can be used for all residential or commercial paint applications

Tips for Using the Product:

• Add the mixture to your paint, then stir throughly before applying.
• If you want a satin or gloss finish, add Insuladd to the primer coat and first coat.  Apply a finish coat without the additive.
• If you want a high gloss coat on trim, don’t use the additive.
• Insuladd will leave a very slight texture to the walls that can be felt, but usually isn’t visable.  It may hide cosmetic defects such as gouges, dents and surface imperfections if 2 coats are applied.
• Insuladd is ideal for light colored paints and you will notice no change in the color of your paint.
• If you are using a dark paint, Insuladd may lighten the color by up to one shade.   If this is a problem, tint the paint one shade darker at purchase.
• Don’t pour the mixture into a one gallon paint can to avoid overflow.  The additive will overfill a full gallon of paint.  Pour the paint into a 5 gallon can, add additive and mix.  Left over paint with additive can be stored in the original container for touch ups.

Paint, insulate, save money on energy bills, increase the comfort of your living space, prevent mold and mildew.  What’s not to love.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net.  We have been helping home sellers since 1988 and we can help you too.  Check out all the freebies on our site.

I have been watching HGTV’s “Real Estate Intervention” for a few weeks now.  As a real estate professional for the last 25 years, I give this program a Big 2 Thumbs up!!  If you are buying or selling real estate, this program is a must see.   Check it out on Thursday nights at 10:30E/9:30C on HGTV. 

The HGTV Synoposis of the Show is:   In this current real estate market, pricing is everything. And the best way to really find out how much your house is worth is to check out the competition. Real Estate Intervention takes motivated sellers on a tour of other listings in the same area and same price range. They’ll get to see firsthand who their competition is and whether they’ve priced their house right. Does the competition have better closets? Granite counters? A bigger backyard? Which home is the best value for the dollar? We’ll help them determine the best way to get top dollar — and in the end we’ll see which home sells first!

Bonus:  Do you want to be on TV???  If you are confused about how to price or market your home and want objective advise, can contact HGTV and be on the show.  Click this link to contact HGTV. and tell them InfoTube.net sent you.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net.  We are here to help you buy and sell real estate.   If you like what we do and you want to receive updates about our short, informative articles, click on the RSS feed on the right hand side of the page.

Being raised in rural Missouri, the concept of using goats (goating out a property) to clear and maintain land is not a new one.  But, for many people, the idea of using goats, instead of noisy mowers, to help with the chores is an option they never considered.

Goats, What’s Not to Love?  In addition to being very cute and smart, goats are great at clearing brush and weeds without using gasoline, polluting the air or disturbing the peace.  Mowing by goat means less work for busy people, it is chemical free and the little darlings automatically fertilize as they work. 

Even Silicon Valley and other metro area’s are looking to the environmentally, friendly goat as a non-tech means of maintaining their grounds and property.  Google “hired” 200 goats to maintain the grounds at its Mt. View, CA headquarters.  Yahoo, located just a stones throw away, must have loved the idea because they also rented goats to cut their grass.  Even cities are joining in the goat movement.  Mesa, AZ has used goats to maintain the land around their water reclaimation plant for quite some time.

All “Kidding” Aside….  If Rent-A-Goat appeals to your lazy and green side, renting one is as easy as locating your nearest goat farm.  Or, you can visit GoatFinder.com, which has a directory for goat rentals for 10 states.  But beware before you rent, using goats has risks, like a deep attachment.  Goats are so cute and friendly, it can be very hard to say Goodbye when the work is done. 

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net homes for sale and rent website.   Please search our fresh listings for some great deals or place a FREE property listing about your home.

You thought your home was in good condition, but surprise… the home inspector says otherwise.   You have already reduced the house to a rock bottom price to get a sale.  This is the first offer you’ve had in months or ever.   What can you do to save the deal or should you???

Stay Calm.  Don’t Freak Out.

In slow markets, seller’s have every reason to panic when they learn about inspection problems.  First, they have no idea how the buyer will react to the report.  If the report is really bad, they know it is likely that the buyer will back out of the deal.   In the best case scenario, they know that more rounds of negotiations and repair requests lists are back in play.   Uncertainity, helplessness and frustration make it easy to freak out, but it is crucial that seller’s stay focused and remain calm.

The first thing the seller must do when they hear about a problem is to keep quiet.  They should resist the natural urge to curse the inspector and they should say absolutely nothing, until the buyer presents a request for repairs.   Some buyer’s aren’t surprised at all that a home might need some repairs.  Also, they may not view the repairs as negatively as the seller does.  Best advise is to not borrow trouble.  Wait for the report, before jumping to conclusions.

Keep Your Head.  Negotiate.

The good news is that if you receive a repair request list, the buyer didn’t walk and they are still interested in the purchase.   Plan to review and discuss the list with an open mind.  Chat with your Realtor, if you are using one.  Talk the situation over with a repair professional.  Get bids on big ticket items, before you go back to the buyer, or you agree/disagree to anything on the list.

Many times, seller’s find that they can get repairs done for less than they think.  Or, sometimes, the seller can make the repair themselves.   If cash flow is a problem, many contractors will agree to wait until the closing to be paid.  The goal is to create a win-win atmosphere and don’t hate the messenger, no matter how bad the news is initially.

Reassure the Buyer.  Stay Focused on Closing the Deal.

Reassure the buyer that you want to fix any major issues with the house.  Get multiple bids from legitimate contractor’s for major repairs.  Multiple bids are powerful because many times the buyer (especially the first time buyer) is scared about the costs of future problems, so they increase the numbers a bit.    Sometimes, after the see that the repair isn’t urgent or may not be as expensive as they thought, the buyer will relax a bit, setting the stage for better negotiations.

Remember that everything about repair requests is negotiable and the options are endless.   The seller can fix all the items on the list, they can agree to fix any real problems and ignore cosmetic issues, they can offer the buyer a cash credit at closing, reduce the sales price, or do absolutely nothing at all, depending on the value of the contract and what they can afford to do.  

In Conclusion.

If you receive a bad home inspection, please remain calm and cool headed.  Focus on a win-win compromise with the buyer.  And, gather all the facts and figures before commenting, if you want to keep the deal alive.  In the long run, honest communication is always key and addressing the problems eliminates the likelihood of lawsuits later.  

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net.   The website where Seller’s can place a Free for Sale or Rent Property Listing and post their property on the MLS and Realtor.com.  And, buyer’s can search for thousands of great properties with ease and privacy.  

Creative real estate or housing anyone???  A friend sent me an email with pictures of a very sweet little pad.  I love this and wanted to share it.

Entry Way and Stair Case

Kitchen and Living Room

Master Bedroom

Master Bath with Walk in Shower

Doesn’t this home seem very modern?  Perhaps, something you would see in a swanky highrise condo in a big city????

SURPRISE:  HERE’S THE INCREDIBLE PART I LOVE

The one bedroom, one bath loft apartment was built inside a 1940’s grain silo.

The old grain silo was recycled into this upscale apartment, after it was purchased and relocated to the grounds of the Homestead Inn, located in New Braunfels, TX in 2007.

If this isn’t an example of creative craftmanship, I don’t know what is.  Love those Texan’s!!!

Thank you, Pat for forwarding this wonderful property information to me.  Hopefully, it will encourage others to think “out of the box” when it comes to creating affordable housing and perserving our resources.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net homes for sale website.  Feel free to place a free property listing, or search our database for thousands of great deals on real estate from coast-to-coast.  

If you know of a unique or smart piece of property, please send us the details and pictures.  Our readers love real estate and we love sharing the resourceful and creative spirit of the American people with our readers.

Winter can be a challenging season for those trying to sell their home.  The cold weather keeps many buyer’s away and the landscape is anything but exciting.   That is why it is very important to maintain good curb appeal during winter, if you want to draw home shoppers inside.

The first thing seller’s can do to improve the curb appeal of their home during winter is to start with the home itself.   A fresh coat of paint always makes a huge impact, but it really stands out in the grayness of winter.   When repainting, don’t forget the front door, garage doors and trim around the windows.  Seller’s should also take a close look at their roof and guttering.  If these systems need to be repaired or replaced, winter is a great time to do so.  If the gutters are dirty or stained, wipe them clean, or repaint.  

One area of your home that needs special attention is the front porch and sidewalk leading to the front door.   Make your entrance welcoming by updating the lighting or add two wall sconces to frame your door.  Buy a fresh, new welcome mat.  Try adding planters or urns on each side of the door to draw the buyer inside the home.  Make sure your house number is attractive and easy to see from the street.   A colorful, seasonal wreath can also add interest.  Be sure to repair any cracks in the sidewalk and keep the path to your home clear of snow and ice.

Another factor in curb appeal is your Landscape.   Buyer’s understand that your lawn isn’t going to be green and lush during winter, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t look good.  Clean up toys, trash or debris from your lawn and hide the trash cans.   Make sure all bushes and limbs are neatly trimmed away from the house to allow light in.   Evergreen plants like pines, holly, spruce and yews add a lot of interest during the bleaker cold months.  Bird feeders can also add interest and attract life to your home during winter.

Curb appeal is the first impression your home makes when a guest arrives.  It is crucial to your marketing efforts because Buyer’s will certainly draw conclusions about your home, based upon what they see on the outside.  Remember that all your upgrades and special features won’t matter, if you can’t get the buyer interested enough to look inside.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net homes for sale website.  Feel free to Search for homes for sale or place a free home listing.    We are here to help you.