Selling Your Home

Have you ever thought about women being naturals when it comes to selling a home?  If you haven't, then lets look at some of the traits that women bring to the table that give them the ability to make a home sell, and keep them in mind when you look for a realtor.

1. Women are generally very social - Not that men can't be social as well, but if you're picturing someone taking you through their home and bragging over the details of what makes it so unique, special, and valuable without sounding like they're bragging do you picture a male or female?  Greeting and taking visitors through a home to discuss the ins & outs is almost second nature to women. 
2. Women are generally more stylish & have an eye for decor - A great example of this is Pinterest.  73% of Pinterest users in North America are women and the majority of their postings?....home decor. Women tend to care more about style and know what it takes to appeal to people with their choices. 
3. Women really know how to use their imagination - Have you ever noticed that when women get married you usually always hear - at least once - about how they'd dreamed of their wedding day since they were little?  Well that's because women have a knack for looking at something and picturing it how it could be.  This is an amazing trait to have when you have a potential home buyer say "What could I possibly do with this room?". 
4. Women can identify well with others - Newlyweds, a bachelor, a couple with children, or even another single woman.  When any of these "types" of potential buyer walks into your house with a female realtor she is going to be able to speak to them as if she were walking in their shoes.  She can talk schools with the family, where to shop for a great dress locally with...

When it comes to energy efficiency, look for smart features and expertise to help you save energy and money and add value to your home.

1. Begin with a Right-Sized Home.

If the home you buy is simply too large for you or your family’s needs or plans, you stand a good chance of wasting energy through excessive heating and cooling costs. If it’s too small, you’ll feel cramped and uncomfortable. It’s a big investment, so seek balance and buy it “right” from the outset. 

2. Purchase Energy Star Appliances Such as Your TV, Dishwasher, Washer and Dryer, and Microwave.

And especially the refrigerator, as it alone contributes about 10 percent of the energy use in a home. Also, unplug electronics not in use or turn off power strips to avoid phantom charges. 

3. Install Efficient Lighting Such as Compact Flourescent (CLF) or LED Bulbs in Every Fixture.

Lighting accounts for about 6 percent of an energy bill each year.

4. Get an Energy Audit and Have Tests Performed to Identify Ways of Improving Your Efficiency.

You can always upgrade your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as your  thermal envelope, which includes insulation, windows, and doors  and the seals or weather stripping around them. Visit energy.gov/energytips for more tips.