Archwood Properties

Check out Sarah Toler’s, of the Dallas Morning News, article New House in Dallas’ Lakewood Heights uses eco-friendly building panels.

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com 

Solar tubes run from the ceiling of a room to the roof, where they collect light that is reflected down the tube and then diffused into the attached room.

Much like skylights, but less expensive and require less roof/ceiling space, solar tubes can be easily installed in almost all buildings. They can even work in the basement or the first floor of a two-story house if there is a closet, a chase, or any place to feed through the solar tube up to the roof.

Made to look like ordinary ceiling lights, solar tubes can easily blend into a home. They are carefully built to maximize the amount of light provided, and depending on the depth and diameter of each tube, they can light 100 to 600 square feet of space. However, short, wide solar tubes provide the most light.

Solar tubes produce roughly 68 percent less heat than the average light bulb, require no electricity in order to run and more importantly, they don’t produce any pollution. This can result in energy cost savings and contribute to a healthier planet.

Estimated Cost Savings:
Because solar tubes require no electricity to run, replacing lights with solar tubes will reduce monthly energy bills. The savings depends on the type of light bulbs the solar tubes are replacing, the amount of time the electric lights were normally left on, and the number of electric lights replaced with solar tubes. Reports from a solar tube manufacturer show an 86.1 percent reduction in daytime lighting costs and a 68.2 percent reduction in nighttime lighting costs when using 21-inch solar tubes.

Installation of solar tubes usually costs between $500 and $800, depending on the size of the tube and the features installed, but is less expensive than typical installation costs for regular skylights. Installation costs should be weighed against long-term savings for each particular case.

Issues:
When choosing a solar tube, several issues, factors and options must be considered.

• Look for the ENERGY STAR® label! (This label indicates the solar tube truly works in the environmental-friendly fashion it should, and it could be used for federal or state tax credits.)
• Does the solar tube have some kind of moisture control so that water does not leak into the home?
• Is there an electric light add-on that can be installed in the tube to be used at night?
• Can you add a daylight dimmer to control the amount of sunlight allowed in?
• Are there designer diffusers to maximize light diffusion?
• Is there an option for a softening lens instead of a dimmer for brighter climates.
• Can the actual look of the light fixture attached to the solar tube also be customized to suit the aesthetic appeal?

Regional Issues:
Solar tubes are technologically advanced, using advanced optics to draw as much light from the sun as possible. As such, they can function even in cloudy regions, during low-light hours, and in winter, although it is possible to draw more light in sunnier climates during the day. Look into details on the efficiency of different manufacturers’ products in your specific climate before purchasing a solar tube.

Installation:
The majority of solar tubes are simple enough that they can be installed by the homeowner, cutting costs by almost 50 percent. If the tube must be very long or must be bent through complex structures and is too difficult for the homeowner to install, professional contractors are available to install solar tubes. We can recommend specialists for you!

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com 

In this extreme buyer’s market, you can talk down the price of everything from  televisions to summer vacation rentals.  However, when it comes to home improvement, haggling can be very risky. Even if contractors are more willing to lower their prices, they may just cut corners on the job in order to reduce their costs. Be sure to haggle with your contractor for better prices, but demand they maintain a quality skill and work product.

• Educate yourself on the market rates for what you want done. Get at least three bids and let each contractor know that you’re getting other bids, so he’s motivated to give you a more competitive number.
• Choose all of your project details(fixtures, tiles, hardware, etc.)before you get contractors’ bids. The key here is for them to price the same items rather than estimating costs of certain parts. Be sure ask for itemized bids, so you can compare each item individually and point out any discrepancies.
• If the contractor allows you to pay the his subcontractors and suppliers directly, this will prevent you from paying any markup that he adds to their fees. It also benefits the contractor, so he won’t have to front the money to his subcontractors.
• Be flexible about timing and plan ahead. Exterior work is cheaper in the fall, interior renovation and decorating jobs are cheaper in the late winter.
• Don’t be the only one haggling. Suggest that the contractor ask his subcontractors or suppliers for better pricing.
• Remeber, your home is in the hands of someone else, so the last thing you want to do is anger them. Remember to take the right tone when dealing with your contractor. Also, play your hand and then shut your mouth. If a subcontractor wants $6,000 for a job, and my budget is $4,000 – explain that and say no more. It’s like a silent contest — he who speaks first, loses!
• Treat him as an ally in your quest to reduce the cost of the job. Ask for his professional advice about money-saving changes you might make, such as a slightly different countertop stone or line of cabinets.
• Cost isn’t the only factor to consider when discussing renovations. Quality is equally or even more important. Be sure you know who will do the best job, then talk about your budget specifically with him. If you demonstrate your desire to work with him, it shows you understand his value. He’s more likely to lower his price.

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com 

Technology Snapshot & Benefits:
The roof is a large source of heat in many homes. Rays from the sun enter through the roof, and while heat is absorbed by the attic, some heat diffuses down through the attic floor and throughout the house. In the winter, heat is also easily lost through the roof. A well-insulated roof can have a big impact on a home’s cooling costs, and some impact on heating costs. Radiant barriers prove to be some of the most effective insulation that can be installed in a roof.

Most attic roofs already have some form of insulation. Radiant barriers are an additional layer of insulation made from a thin sheet of aluminum or an aluminum-coated substrate, such as cardboard, plastic film, or plywood sheathing. In warm weather, they work by reflecting heat absorbed through the roof back into the roof, instead of allowing heat to permeate through to the attic and/or the rest of the home.

During the winter, radiant barriers can reduce heat lost through the roof, but can also reduce heat absorbed through the roof. Research on the net benefits of radiant barriers in winter is ongoing. However, radiant barriers have been shown to reduce energy demands in many residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Estimated Cost Savings:
Studies have shown that radiant barriers may cause a 10 to 30 percent reduction in peak demands for energy. This number can be increased by adding additional layers of insulation with the radiant barrier. The effectiveness of the barrier depends on the emissivity and reflectance of the material used. Emissivity is a number from 0 to 1, depending on the amount of radiation emitted through the barrier. Reflectance is also a number between 0 and 1, but is usually represented by a percentage. The higher the reflectance and lower the emissivity, the more effective the material. Aluminum is almost always used for radiant barriers because of its high reflectivity, although other materials are sometimes used. Materials used for radiant barriers should have reflectance of at least .9 (90 percent) to be most effective. Some radiant barriers are now being assigned R-values. R-values are based on the amount of time it takes a material to absorb 100 percent of its potential and start transferring heat out the other side. In the case of radiant barriers, the higher the R-value, the better.

Installation of radiant barriers is usually inexpensive. Costs range from $.02 to $.31 per square foot, depending on where the barrier is installed, the manufacturer of the barrier, and whether or not the barrier is installed by the homeowner or a professional. However, the long-term benefits, especially in warmer areas where cooling costs constitute a considerable monthly expensive, far outweigh the initial cost of the barriers.

Issues:
It is very important that radiant barriers be installed in well-ventilated homes, no matter where or how they are installed. Without proper ventilation, water vapor can build up between the barrier and the roof or wall and cause serious water damage. It is important to check with an expert to make sure your home is properly ventilated before installing radiant barriers.

Regional Issues:
Radiant barriers are most effective in areas where cooling and/or heating costs constitute a significant monthly expense. It is not yet known whether the winter cost savings from reducing heat loss through the roof outweighs the reflected solar heat usually absorbed through the roof. Home or business owners looking to reduce heating costs in regions where the weather is usually cold should research other ways to reduce heating costs until solid conclusions on the net benefits of radiant barriers in the winter can be drawn.

Installation:
Radiant barriers can be installed in a variety of ways: by laying the barrier on top of the existing insulation, radiant side up; by attaching directly to the underside of the roof deck; by draping over the tops of the rafters before putting on the roof; or by placing them in the walls, with the reflective side facing the ventilated space. The first methods are easier to install in homes that have already been built, while the latter two methods are more commonly used during initial construction. As mentioned above, it is extremely important to ensure that a home or business is properly ventilated before installing radiant barriers.

Radiant barriers should be installed with the reflective side up or out (if installed in the wall), with some dead space between the barrier and other insulation. It’s best not to staple multiple radiant sheets together, but to overlay them instead.

Radiant barriers can be installed by a professional contractor or a homeowner; however, it is important to get expert advice before installing your own barrier.

(Article from EcoBroker.com)

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com 

With the growing number of obstacles for home buyers, including a higher credit score standard and more restrictions on credit, it is extremely important that you have a thorough understanding of the changing market. Educate and prepare yourself with the following tips:

1. Learn about first-time home buyer programs. Consider taking a first-time home buyers course or visit with your local banker to find out about programs available to you, such as the new federal $8,000 first-time home buyer credit for 2009 home purchases.

2. Get pre-approved. Know the difference between “pre-qualified” and “pre-approved.” Pre-approval occurs only after you actually apply for the loan and the lender gives you in writing the amount you can borrow. A buyer who is pre-approved is more attractive to sellers and their agents than one who is only pre-qualified. Before making offers on properties, make sure you have that pre-approval letter in your hand!

3. Be honest with the lender and yourself. You don’t want to borrow more than you can afford. Your bank can provide a calculator to determine how much you can afford to borrow.

4. Look at the basics of the loan. Choose the type of loan that makes the most sense for you. Don’t get distracted by all the bells and whistles.

5. Know your credit situation. Obtain a copy of your credit report and FICO score approximately six months before you apply for a mortgage, if not even earlier. You’ll need enough time to challenge and remove any errors on your credit report and take care of anything that’s hurting your credit score.

6. Consider all the costs, including lender’s fees, closing costs, points, homeowner insurance, and taxes. Don’t forget about the repairs and maintenance costs. As a homeowner, you are responsible for those additional costs – there won’t be a landlord to call.

7. Organize your finances before you go to the bank. While each bank may require different documentation, at a minimum you will need:

- Pay stubs.
- Tax returns.
- Financial statements (one that is less than 60 days old).
- Copies of additional monthly payments such as car loans, credit cards, student loans, etc.
- Any additional information (such as proof of additional income) that you think will help your banker to positively evaluate your credit request.

Read more: http://rismedia.com/2009-06-02/7-tips-for-consumers-preparing-to-purchase-a-home/#ixzz0HNhUSkJG&B

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com 

Never want to pay another rent check again? The security of owning your own home definitely has its perks, but it comes at a price.  Unless your financially steady and ready to by, home-ownership may not be the best choice for you. 

Explore the financial costs that will add up on top of your mortgage, and then compare that with your current monthly rent. It’s always best to make a pros/cons list of your two options.

While most renters file a standard deduction on their income taxes, most homeowners itemize their deductions. Itemized deductions, including but not limited to: home mortgage interest, property real estate taxes, state income taxes, gifts to charity, personal property taxes and moving expenses, will minimize the amount of taxes you owe — or better yet, maximize the amount that will be refunded to you!

Many times when a home listed with an estimate of what the monthly mortgage rate could be, buyers are more than excited that it is in their price range. Tap the breaks! They haven’t even done their homework or figured out what they qualify for. When estimating a realistic monthly mortgage payment, be sure to calulate the following: purchase price (minus the down payment), your annual income, debt owed, property tax rate, interest rate and the length of the loan. Take that number and compare it to your monthly rent.

Unfortunately, unlike renting, homeowners are responsible for additional costs, such as: property tax, homeowners insurance, title insurance, closing costs of the sell, escrow fees. Be ready to do some research on what the market rate is for these type of expenses. Additionally, while renters can rely on the landlords for the costs to keep up the place, homeowners are responsible for that on their own, however they get to reap the rewards in the end.

When considering buying a home, don’t forget to investigate the long-term benefits of a particular property. The housing market, in addition to the state of your mortgage will depend on how much your home will be worth when you are ready to sell. Archwood Properties can assist you in calculating a reasonable estimate on the future property value. If you’re not ready to settle in one spot or like the idea of having options, renting still allows you to be on the go and move on freely and frequently as you desire.

If personalizing your living space is important to you, you should think about buying your own home. Homeowners have the freedom to redesign and remodel however they wish, without having any penalties owed to their landlords. Even though it make cost extra in the beginning, homeowners can take advantage of the amount of time, effort and money put into the upkeep of their home.

In the end, renting versus owning is a decision that each individual has to make when considering their own needs, desires and financial abilities. This is a decision that should not be taken lightly. We can’t necessarily tell you what is best for you and your future, but hopefully you’ll be able to evaluate some of these different factors to best make your decision.

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com 

Staging your home before listing it on the market is a crucial step that many homeowners often overlook. While the competition continues to be fierce in today’s market, homeowners must take the necessary steps in order to make their home stand out from the others.

1. Home staging is not just for houses for sale. Home staging continues to cross over into many service areas that have nothing to do with selling a house. Traditional home staging involves working with sellers to prepare houses for sale, but today’s successful Accredited Staging Professionals have a multi-faceted business that allows them to serve clients with staging to live, help organize offices with staging to work, and provide event staging for a myriad of events from parties to large corporate parties. Home stagers also provide staging to live services for those remaining in their homes to help them refresh their interiors with simple solutions. Since much of what a home stager provides is the vision and organizational skills and ability to carry out that vision to fruition, their talents are being demanded by many parallel industries.

2. Home staging helps foreclosure, REO and short sale properties sell. With the increase of foreclosure, REO, and short sale properties in many markets throughout the United States, the need for presentation of these properties as a product that can sell is imperative. As professional home stagers continue to develop relationships with banks and investors, the services they offer of being able to visually package and market a property will continue to gain value. Banks and Investors need to invest money up front to stage and sell a house versus letting it languish on the market and lose tens of thousands of dollars per property.

3. Home staging becomes greener. In The International Association of Home Staging Professionals we see a trend towards eco-friendly home staging continuing as a viable market niche. Home stagers have specific inventory they can provide that is “green” to help a seller, builder or investor that wants to put their “green” foot forward and achieve their goal of marketing a product that truly has the environment at heart. There are even inventory lines devoted to providing a truly eco-friendly product created from recycled materials that any individual, builder or organization that states they are truly ecologically conscious should be focused on including with any home staging services they receive.

4. Home staging captivates mainstream media. There are currently no less than eight shows on HGTV devoted to the process of preparing a house for sale, and this trend will continue as long as the public finds value in learning what to do both inside and outside their home when getting ready to put it on the market. The key is that although many of the shows provide entertainment quality, what they miss is the ability for a viewer to truly be objective in their own house. Home stagers that can independently assess a house’s strength’s and weaknesses, and provide a concise and effective plan of action, will continue to be in demand.

5. Education and professional associations will become more important for screening qualified home stagers. With the influx of many people providing home staging services, we see a need for qualification of skills and education in order to weed out those that have not set up their businesses with professional standards.

Contact us today: 214.923.0261 or email us: info@archwoodproperties.com