“I
awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends,
the old and new.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist and poet, (1803 –
1882)
Tip of the Month
You
may think you are saving energy when you turn off all the
lights in your house, but, in reality, your house is still
wasting energy. A “phantom load” is the name given
to the energy that appliances use when they are plugged in,
but not turned on. You can save big on your energy bills if
you unplug only a few appliances when they’re not in
use. Use power strips or unplug stereos, computers, cell phone
chargers, toasters, kettles, hairdryers and other appliances
when you are finished using them. In the average home, 40%
of all electricity is used to power home appliances while
they’re not in use, and if all phantom loads in U.S.
homes were eliminated, we could shut down a whopping 17 power
plants!
Welcome to the November, 2006
issue of “At Home with HouseHunt,” HouseHunt’s
monthly consumer newsletter. The holidays are here and
this month we feature an article on how you can determine
if your home is guest friendly, and what you can do
to make you sure your home is in the best condition
this holiday season. One of the many ways that people
celebrate this time of year is by decorating their homes.
Our article on decorating with a cost-conscience budget
in mind should be a big help this season. As this holiday
season begins, so does winter, and our article on
getting your home ready for winter is a must read! Also,
look for our story on how to make sure that your home
is not underinsured. Finally, we offer insight on mortgages
that make your home more energy efficient, and tips
you can use to save energy in your home by getting rid
of “phantom loads.”
The HouseHunt Team - Information
you need for all your real estate needs
Survey Question
Of the following,
what incentive appeals to you when buying a home?
Do
you find that invitations to parties at your home are
often declined? Maybe it’s not you – maybe
it’s your home. A recent Realty Times article
walks you through determining whether your home is friendly
to all kinds of guests. more>>
Most
homeowners rely on their insurance companies to estimate
what kind and how much coverage they need. This could
be a serious error if you ever experience a disaster
and find yourself underinsured. more>>
No
homeowner looks forward to winter, when energy bills
threaten to break the bank. If you’re looking
to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency and get
relief from high energy costs, there may be a mortgage
program to help you. more>>
Feedback: Please tell us what you think of this newsletter. Just send us
an email.
This
Thanksgiving, substitute this delicious recipe for your
traditional pumpkin pie dessert and witness your guests'
delight! 
Do
you find that invitations to parties at your home are
often declined? Maybe it’s not you – maybe
it’s your home. A recent Realty Times article
walks you through determining whether your home is friendly
to all kinds of guests. 
It’s
official: winter is almost upon us. Cut down on utility
bills and make your home more efficient this winter
by making preparations now. 
A
recent USA Weekend article offers solutions on sprucing
up your home’s décor for next to nothing.
Most
homeowners rely on their insurance companies to estimate
what kind and how much coverage they need. This could
be a serious error if you ever experience a disaster
and find yourself underinsured. 
No
homeowner looks forward to winter, when energy bills
threaten to break the bank. If you’re looking
to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency and get
relief from high energy costs, there may be a mortgage
program to help you.