Monday, June 15, 2009

Controlling the Cost of Heating & Cooling Your Florida Home

As we enter the warmer part of the year here in Florida, it is useful to remember that as much as 50% or more of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. If you are trying to save money or you're trying to embrace a "greener", or more eco-friendly lifestyle, do you know enough about the nature of heat transfer to make the right decisions? Let's review the basics of how "heat" works.

Heating and cooling your home are both instances of "heat transfer." First, let's dispense with the notion that heat always rises. That is true in only one form of heat transfer. In general, heat energy flows in all directions equally. There are three different ways in which heat is transferred; conduction, convection and radiation.

Conduction is the form of heat transfer through a material, for example, the walls of your home. For any given amount of in-wall insulation, measured in its R-value, conduction is what accounts for the heat loss (or for cooling, heat-build-up) through the walls and roof.

Convection heat transfer occurs when heat travels in a moving fluid or gas, for example the heat energy that moves along with the passage of air. The "wind chill" you hear about in weather reports is a measure of how much heat energy is transferred by convection when you're outside due to the effect of wind.

The third form of heat transfer is radiation. Radiation is the transfer of heat energy through empty space, or the way the sun warms the Earth. Radiant heating is not affected by being in contact with a solid material the way conduction loss does, or by moving along in a fluid or gas the way convection does. Radiant heat transfer is what warms your home when the sun is out.

You can use your knowledge of these 3 forms of heat transfer to make your home building or remodeling project more energy efficient.

You can reduce the amount of heat build-up (or conversely, cooling loss) due to conduction through your walls by increasing the R-value of the insulation in the walls by adding more. Installing double-pane windows and sliding glass doors, if your home wasn't built with them originally, will reduce conductive loss of those items. The gases between the two panes of glass along with films and coatings (e.g.; "low-E") can increase the insulating value of doors and windows from R-2 to R-6 or more.

Caulking or using foam insulation material to seal crevices or openings around doors, windows and electrical outlets will reduce convection heating or cooling loss caused by air infiltration.

Fireplaces are a big source of convective heat transfer as air continuously flows up the chimney if the flue damper isn't air-tight. If you have a fireplace, put air-tight glass doors in front of it and keep the flue damper closed when the fireplace is not in use. But, beware, don't forget to open that damper before your start the fireplace. Just remember to close it again when the fireplace has cooled back down.

Many sources of heat build-up (or cooling loss) are affected by more than one form of heat transfer. Since windows and sliding glass doors suffer from both conductive and convective heat transfer, consider using high energy-efficiency Energy Star doors and windows for any building or remodeling project. As another example, while radiant heat transfer is why a home with a roof exposed to the sun gets warmer, you can use convection to your advantage to alleviate part of the problem. Installing a heat-activated fan system in your attic will use convection to blow the heated air in your attic out through vents preventing it from transferring its heat energy, through conduction and convection, into your living space below.

If your home is in a particularly sunny location, you might consider planting deciduous trees, such as river birch, on the south side of the home for shade from the sun in the summer. You can avoid radiant heat build-up from the sun by closing drapes and blinds on the southern side of your home in the summer, yet take advantage of the sun's radiant heat transfer by keeping the drapes and blinds open during the day to allow sunlight to enter and warm your home during cooler months. And those leafy trees you planted will allow the sunlight through to warm your home in the winter months when their foliage is much less dense.

If it's time to replace your heat pump or an appliance, look for Energy Star-rated appliances. Energy Star-rated appliances like clothes washers, dryers, refrigerators and dishwashers not only use less electricity; they also transfer less heat into your home through all three forms of heat transfer, conduction, convection and radiation.

Pay attention to smaller changes that offer big savings, many of which are more efficient because of their lower heat transfers. Use energy-saving compact fluorescent lamp bulbs. Turn off all lights when not in use; lights generate radiant heat. Keep shrubs and other obstructions from blocking free air flow around your external heat pump unit which relies upon convection to dissipate its heat build-up. And, change your furnace filter every 3 months. A dirty filter slows down air movement reducing the effectiveness of the convection heat transfer your air conditioning system relies upon.

Understanding the different kinds of heat transfer and how to use that knowledge to reduce your home's energy consumption can save you a serious amount of money as well as make your home more comfortable to live in.

Come experience our Sunny Sarasota Florida paradise. Find your perfect new home among the Sarasota real estate offerings available here every day.

Would you like to know more about the Sarasota Florida real estate market and the energy-efficent homes now being built here. I'd be happy to send you my free Sarasota Real Estate buyer information package. Or, if you prefer, call me directly at (941) 266-1799 or toll-free at my office at (800) 966-2334.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Consumer Confidence is Up - Home & Condo Bargains in Sarasota Florida


U.S. consumer confidence soared in May to its highest level in eight months, suggesting underlying improvement in the economy after a grim first quarter that witnessed a record plunge in home prices.

The Conference Board, an industry group, said on Tuesday, May 26th, that its index of consumer attitudes jumped to 54.9 in May from a revised 40.8 in April, well above forecasts centered around 42.0. That was the biggest one-month jump since April 2003 when many Americans believed the war in Iraq was coming to a rapid conclusion.

The consumer confidence data was in line with other evidence suggesting that, while the economy continues to contract in this quarter, the pace of deterioration has substantially slowed. "That moderation in the rate of decline in economic activity is raising hopes that an actual improvement will take hold in coming months" said Mark Vitner, senior economist at Wachovia.

According to a recent Standard & Poor's/Case Shiller index, during the first quarter of 2009 alone, U.S. home prices fell by 19.1%, the most in the 21-year history of the survey. Given the improvement in consumer confidence combined with the dramatic reduction in home prices that has occurred in the past year, it is no surprise that in the Sarasota - Bradenton real estate market, home and condominium sales have come back to life.

"We believe the current climate of historically low interest rates, major incentives for first-time home buyers, and the many other government programs designed to stabilize the economy and the housing industry are all having a very positive impact," said 2009 SAR President Bill Geller. "Every downturn is followed by an upturn - we know this to be true historically. We've been through a difficult time in the Sarasota real estate industry, and ... we are seeing now the beginnings of a new, dynamic era"

Home prices in Southwest Florida have not been this low in years and mortgage rates are still at all-time lows. The Sarasota - Bradenton - Venice Florida real estate market is literally bursting with properties for sale at the most attractive prices in years. With short sales and foreclosures as well as builders still trying to sell their excess inventories and the normal amount of families down-sizing, up-sizing and upgrading, there is a home, condominium or villa in the greater Sarasota market priced very attractively in every price range for every family.

Whether you are looking for a golf course community, a waterfront location, or a supremely comfortable neighborhood, the Sarasota - Bradenton Florida real estate market has something that is perfect for you.

It won't be long before Sarasota real estate property prices start climbing again. so don't miss this opportunity. Visit my Sarasota real estate website to learn more about Sarasota Florida or call me today at 941-266-1799 to learn just how attractive home prices in the Sarasota Florida real estate market really are.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Sarasota Home Sales Rise Dramatically in March 2009

The Sarasota Association of Realtors recently issued a news release on home sales for the month of March, 2009.

The Sarasota real estate market saw sales rise to the highest level of the year in March 2009, besting the previous month by 33 percent.

In addition, the median sales price for single family homes rose after steadily declining since late last year, indicating a potential sign of the bottoming of the local market.

The overall sales level of 481 was the highest since June 2008, Of those sales, 353 were single family homes while 128 were condominiums.

The good news also extended to pending sales, which once again rose in March 2009 to 817. The last time pending sales climbed over 800 was in March 2006, when pending sales also were reported at 817. The total of 817 was 21 percent higher than the 679 pending sales reported in March 2008.

According to the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, 645 single family homes and 175 condominiums went under contract in March 2009. Pending sales have now exceeded the 500 level for the 15 consecutive months. The SAR report reflects a steady, strong pattern, and indicates that prospective home buyers are more active in the Sarasota market even in the face of difficult economic times.

"The recently enacted first-time homebuyers' tax credit of up to $8,000 will likely continue to boost sales this year," Bill Geller, president of the Sarasota Association of Realtors, said. Those who meet eligibility requirements and purchase a home this year prior to Dec. 1 are eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000, and unlike the 2008 tax credit, this one does not have to be repaid.

Another important market tracker, the absorption rate of properties on the market, continues to track lower than last year at this time for both single family homes and condominiums, as hones for sale inventories have declined."

It won't be long before Sarasota real estate property prices start climbing again. Don't miss this opportunity. Call me at 941-266-1799 to learn more about how attractive the Sarasota Florida real estate market and the area itself really are.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Welcome to Palm Bay Club on Siesta Key


Palm Bay Club on Siesta Key is one of the most sought after Sarasota area condo complexes. Built in 1970 and located at a wonderful part of the beach, these condo units in the tower, which are directly on the beach, have breathtaking views of the turquoise water and white sands.

There are also less-expensive low-rise units on the gulf side and bay side that are just a comfortablly short stroll to the beach. Palm Bay Club also includes an olympic size pool, tennis courts and a clubhouse

Condos at Palm Bay Club make attractive investments because this is one of the few beachfront complexes that allow short term rentals.


If you would like to know more about Palm Bay Club, Siesta Key real estate opportunities, or about the delightful Siesta Key beach, just request my free Sarasota Florida real estate informtion package or call me.

Come experience Sarasota Florida and the Palm Bay community on Siesta Key. You'll be really glad you did.

Providing you with Sarasota Florida real estate information on waterfront and beach homes and condos in all price ranges is my goal. I invite you to learn more about the Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Longboat Key waterfront communities. I invite you to visit my Sarasota real estate website. Request my free Sarasota Real Estate Package or just call me directly at (941) 266-1799. You may also call me toll-free at my RE/MAX Alliance Group office at (800) 966-2334

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Is it Time for "Real People" to Start Looking at Homes

A recent local newspaper article stated something that applies pretty generally to all of the Southwest Florida "Sun Coast".

At last, "real people" are starting to buy homes again. Realtors from Marco Island to Tampa Bay are beginning to see more prospective buyers who are looking for "homes of their own." Previously, Realtors have been seeing mostly bottom-feeders looking to "steal a home" in a short sale or foreclosure and speculators still trying to make money by "flipping" a home as an investment option.

Why is this happening? In large part, this trend is occurring because the price of homes and condos have come down far enough that the average family can actually afford to buy a home again. Previously, in many Florida communities, home prices had become so high that the average family could not afford to buy one based upon their family income and other non-housing expenses to which they were already committed.

Across the U.S., in the 4th quarter of 2008 about 41% of all real estate transactions were either foreclosures or short sales. That helped to reduce the number of such properties on the market dragging prices down. New home construction fell again in January, 2009. Currently new construction home sales are essentially limited to distress sales of homebuilders’ existing model home inventories plus a few custom homes. While this may seem like negative news, the dramatic reduction in the number of new homes being built also helps work off the high volume of homes currently on the market.

Meanwhile, in January, 2009, in Lee and Collier Counties existing home sales increased by 155% pending sales in the Sarasota Florda real estate market rose to 683both positive signs that "real people" are back in th markt looking for homes.

In Lee and Collier County Florida, the current inventory of existing homes on the market is now down to a 4.2 month supply, a big drop from the 21.5 months supply on the market a year ago. The number of homes for sale in Sarasota has dropped to just over 4,400 in January, 2009 from numbers far higher than that last year.

So, what should you do about this if you are considering buying a home ? You need to stop "dreaming" of a home of your own and get started taking the steps to actually "owning a home of your own" in Florida's Sun Coast. The best way to get started may be to contct Rich Stover, a Sarasot real estate expert, at 941-266-1799 or e-mail him at rstover9@comcast.net

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Sarasota Waterfront and Downtown Communities


I have just added two new sections to my Sarasota Florida real estate website that you may wish to revew.

First, we have added a whole new section on some of the most popular Sarasota Waterfront communities and neighborhoods.

I have also substantially expanded the Sarasota Downtown Residences section providing even more information on all the wonderful living spaces, from condos and townhomes to traditional neighborhoods, available in downtown Sarasota.

These two new sections, in addition to our already large section on Sarasota golf course communities provide you with an extensive overview of the wide variety of communites and neighborhoods in the Sarasota and Manatee county real estate market in which you are sure to find exactly the right living space and lifestyle of your dreams.

Feel free to use the information request forms on my website, but for more immediate service, you may wish to call me on my direct line at 941-266-1799. I'd would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Going "Green" in Your Sarasota Home or Condo


I would like to invite you to read an article about building or remodeling a home in a more sustainable, energy efficient and "eco-friendly" way. Improving your home or condominium in this manner will not only benefit you immediately, it wll also increase its value when and if you decide to sell it.

This informative article is on my website as Going "Green" in your Home.

Our RE/MAX Alliance Group office, one of the largest real estate brokerages in Florida, with offices in the Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice Florida, is one of the first real estate companies in the country to demonstrate a commitment to green business practices and promoting green home ownership in Southwest Florida.

I know a bit about sustainability and energy efficiency and I'd be happy to pass that informaztion long to you as you search for a more energy-efficient or eco-friendly home in Sarasota Florida.

Interested ? I would be delighted to help you find the best home for you at the right price whether you are looking for a "green" home or a more traditional offering. My Sarasota Florida real estate website cotains information on all types of living spaces from golf course communities, to waterfront homes and urban living spaces and condos in downtown Sarasota. To learn more about Sarasota and the services I offer visit my website. For more immediate service, call me on my direct line at 941-266-1799.