Keep Cool Without Breaking the Bank

Here in the South - Summer's heat is far from over even as Fall seems to be right around the corner! If your monthly utility bills are higher than you like - but you can't stand the heat - we have some tips that might help!

Did you know? Heating and air conditioning make up 43% of your average monthly utility costs.

Here are some ways to cool down - without cranking the A/C.

• Circulate air with fans - ceiling fans or box fans will work - nothing too fancy needed
• Use screens on your windows to help block some of the sun's heat - inside make use of blinds and curtains
• Make use of your exhaust fans after cooking and a hot shower
• If your home has a programmable thermostat - set the temperature a little higher for those times when you won't be home
• Change air filters regularly to keep your A/C unit running efficiently
• Keep the area around your condenser clean - tall grass or bushes can clog the unit and cause it to run less efficiently
• Make small changes like using CFL light bulbs instead of the typical incandescents - they emit less heat.

What do you do to keep cool and keep your costs low in the summer heat?

Understanding Homeowners Associations

When shopping for a new home, take into account whether the home falls under the jurisdiction of a Homeoweners Assocation or HOA. Choosing a neighborhood with an HOA is a matter of personal preference with many new homebuyers preferring one way or the other. To help make the subject a little more clear - here are a few Pros and Cons about a neighborhood HOA.

Pros:

• Home and Neighborhood Appearance: Many HOA's have guidelines that each homeowner must adhere to or risk receiving a fine. This includes yard and home maintenance items, home additions or landscaping changes and parking ordinances. These guidelines are considered a plus by those who prefer a uniform and orderly neighborhood appearance.
• Maintenance: Depending on the HOA, some neighborhood maintenance may be included - especially of community common areas.
• Dispute Management:  With a board of directors in place, an HOA can provide a means to neighborly dispute reconciliation when needed.

Cons:

• Property Restrictions:  Some homeowners resent the premise that changes to their home or property will need to be approved by an outside entity such as an HOA.
• Fees: Most HOA's charge some type of monthly or yearly fee for services rendered and community maintenance.

Introducing the "She Shed"

An alternative to the “man cave” – the “she shed” is new trend heating up the housing industry.  The “she shed” is a backyard oasis for today’s busy woman.  “She sheds” are the perfect place for getting away and enjoying a new book, catching up on a hobby or chatting with a close friend over tea. Need some inspiration for your own “she shed”? Take a look!

What would you include in your "she shed"?

Shop Tax Free!

Take advantage of tax-free shopping this weekend on select back to school items, clothing,

technology and even some items for home!

Furnish your new home with blankets, bed spreads, sheets, towels, rugs and pillows - all without the typical 6% sales tax!

South Carolina's tax free weekend starts Friday, August 7th and goes through Sunday, August 9th.

A full list of tax-exempt items is available HERE

Happy Shopping!

Get Organized!

It's hard to believe but the racks of school supplies are out and back to school is just around the corner! Help prepare your family and home for the best school year ever. Here are a few fun ideas we found on Pinterest to help you get organized and have fun!

Backpack organization with personalized bulletin boards

Bookshelf and homework station

Create homework caddys

Refrigerator snack area

Relax and Enjoy!

In honor of National Hammock Day this week we want to celebrate the various ways of relaxing and enjoying your backyard!

Hammocks were originally created by natives of Central and South America for sleeping. Sailors adopted the tool as a way maximize space and for comfort out at sea.

Today, hammocks are a great way to lay back and enjoy the outside. Traditionally they are tied between two trees but if you don't have that available new models have their own supports.  Anyone can enjoy a hammock!

Other ways to enjoy your backyard this summer? We searched Pinterest and found a few creative options you may want to take advantage of!

Help Prevent a Home Burglary

Did you know there are ways to make your home less appealing to potential thieves? According to statistics from the FBI, a burglary occurs every 14.6 seconds with 65% of break-ins occurring during the day.

There are some easy and inexpensive ways you can make your home less vulnerable. Check out the list below.

• Make sure all your doors are locked. Windows too! Don't leave a spare key in any obvious place - better to leave with a neighbor or family member.
• Don't forget to lock the door from the garage to the inside of the home.
• Keep decorative bushes and shrubs clear from doorways - making it hard for anyone to hide while trying to break in.
• Make sure the outside of your home is well lit and consider motion detector lights.
• Leave a secondary vehicle parked in the driveway so it looks as if someone is home during the day.
• If going out of town, stop the mail and newspaper. Have the garbage can brought back up to the home after pick-up by a neighbor.
• Install a home security system and advertise its presence!

There's no way to completely protect your home so have a list of all your valuables for insurance purposes. Keep valuables out of plain sight!