MeLisa Minter, MBA, Broker, SFR, HRC

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Real Estate News You Can Use... 
 
  I always try to provide my clients with valuable information on what's going on in today's current market.  A real estate transaction has many facets to it from selecting a broker, to home staging to packing.  I hope you find our Newsletter informative and helpful while you are making your real estate decision.  So sit back and grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the read!  


Save hundreds with a new home HVAC system
(ARA) - Depending on the size of your house, heating and cooling it will constitute, on average, about 45 percent of your utility bill each year. That may seem like a lot of money, but there's a great way that you can reduce it.

If your current furnace or air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it may be time to replace it with a more efficient system. Why should you consider replacing your old heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system? With an Energy Star-rated system, when properly installed and maintained and with a properly sealed duct system, you may be able to save up to 30 percent on your energy bills, although the savings are dependent on your home and the climate where you live.

If you have an old HVAC system in your home you could be opening yourself up to big expenses. Old systems can leak and cause water damage and they simply aren't as energy efficient as new systems, adding more to your utility bill each month.

By upgrading to an energy-efficient furnace and central air-conditioning system, you'll see a huge difference in your utility bills and you'll feel the difference in both the winter and the summer. New HVAC systems use less energy, which lowers your utility bills while reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Sears Home Services carries a full line of Kenmore and Carrier heating and cooling systems, and offers specialists that can work with you to determine the right system for your home.

Sears sells a full line of accessories that can improve the quality of the air in your home as well as the performance of your system, including electronic air cleaners, humidifiers and digital thermostats.

Sears stands behind the new heating and cooling systems it sells with a full one-year limited warranty on the installation, which is done by licensed contractors. That's on top of a manufacturer's limited product warranty on new systems. Make sure to ask your Sears specialist for written limited warranty details.

Financing plans are also available on new systems (subject to creditworthiness), and no payments are due until the installation is complete.

If you need even more of an incentive to get a new system, how about a tax break to help offset the cost? Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - also known as the Stimulus Bill - you can get a federal tax credit of between $0 and $1,500 on new heating and cooling systems among other energy-saving home improvements. Tax credits are available for up to 30 percent of the cost - see energystar.gov for more details.

If you're tired of spending so much money heating or cooling your house, you need to look into getting a new HVAC system.
Find out how Sears Home Services can help save you money on heating and cooling costs and take advantage of available tax credits.

Sears Home Improvement Products, Inc. is a division of Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Sponsored content provided by ARALifestyle. Copyright ARAnet, Inc.



Number 1 way to raise your credit score
(ARA) - The average American's credit score is 723. Having a high credit rating can give you better interest rates on credit cards, car loans and even your mortgage. It's important to know the top factors that affect your score and check your credit report for accuracy.

1. Pay on Time
The most important factor to a potential lender is whether or not you will pay your bills in full and on time.

2. Use a Variety of Credit
A variety of credit, such as mortgage loans and credit cards, can show that you are responsible for paying back both large and small financial promises.

3. Keep Accounts Open
It is a bad idea to open a credit card just to take advantage of a discount or a freebie then close it right away. The longer your credit history, the higher your credit rating tends to be.

To see all of the factors that affect your personal credit score, you should check your credit report by going online to GoFreeCredit.com.  GoFreeCredit.com instantly gives you a free detailed, personalized analysis of your credit report with advice on how to improve it. Checking your own credit report at GoFreeCredit.com will not hurt your score.

Your report from GoFreeCredit.com will show you details like accounts with past late payments, the various types of credit you've used, current balances and recent requests for credit. You also have the opportunity to fight negative or wrong information on your file. GoFreeCredit.com can refer you to a reputable credit repair service if you need it.

GoFreeCredit.com also provides a free trial of a credit monitoring service so you can receive automatic notifications of changes to your account. It's a hassle-free way to keep an eye on your accounts if you're trying to improve your credit.

Visit
GoFreeCredit.com to check your credit report and start improving your credit score today. 

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MeLisa Minter, MBA, Realtor

469-766-7379