Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Video Tour - 2700 Triangle Leaf, Fort Worth

Video Tour - 2700 Triangle Leaf, Fort Worth 
Offered for sale by the Grove Team 
Villages of Woodland Springs

  

Amazing floorplan and finishes throughout - impeccably maintained and great for entertaining. Vaulted ceilings, open concept, handscraped wood floors, ample amount of closets and storage with so much more. Invite friends over for movie night to enjoy the media room. Enjoy a private dinner party or holiday parties in the large kitchen featuring granite counters, stainless appliances and a butlers pantry. Escape to the master retreat with en suite bath. 

Call the Grove Team, Keller Williams (817) 337-0000

Monday, August 5, 2013

Renovation loans give homebuyers an edge in a competitive market

Renovation loans give home buyers an edge in a competitive market
Just a year ago home buyers could choose from a bounty of properties on the market. Today things are starkly different. In many locations throughout the United States, inventory of homes for sale is at historic lows, creating a seller's market where multiple buyers get into bidding wars over move-in-ready homes.

If buyers can look beyond aesthetic characteristics like paint color, hardware and floor coverings, they may discover a diamond in the rough, especially if the home is in the neighborhood where they prefer to live. For example, if they like the overall design of a particular home, but the kitchen is straight out of the '70s and the deck needs major repairs, a renovation loan can help them purchase the property while upgrading the kitchen and outdoor space exactly how they want them.

Renovation loans can also help buyers who want to purchase in a particular neighborhood where most home prices exceed their budget. Properties that need work are typically listed at a lower cost and often go unsold, creating an opportunity for people willing to make improvements. Buyers can use a renovation loan to get into the neighborhood of their dreams, quickly build equity and customize a home to their personal preferences.

Several variations of renovation loans are available. Requirements for the borrower, the amount you can borrow, and the overall structure of the loan are different for each program. Typically, the loan is based on the estimated home value after improvements, and buyers will need to get bids from licensed contractors to help determine the total loan amount as well as a time line for the work to be completed.


(BPT)

Friday, August 2, 2013

Why air conditioning costs are heating up


You might wish that summer could go on and on - until it comes time to recharge your air conditioning system. The cost of the common refrigerant R-22 (also known as Freon), widely used in residential air conditioning systems, has already increased by more than 400 percent in the past 18 months and is expected to go even higher, making air conditioning repairs more costly for many.

R-22 has been the refrigerant of choice for residential heat pump and air conditioning systems for more than four decades, but it has been identified as having a negative environmental impact, including contributing to ozone depletion. Under EPA regulations, R-22 is being phased out, with production totally prohibited after 2020.

This has added new considerations for homeowners who are considering whether to repair or replace an air conditioning unit. For instance, some refrigerant manufacturers have begun selling cheaper alternatives to R-22, often referred to as "drop-in" replacement refrigerants. But alternatives are cheaper only in the short run.

Recharging older air conditioners with these alternative refrigerants may actually damage the system and void your manufacturer's warranty. As a result, technicians will follow the manufacturer's recommendations and use only R-22 when they recharge R-22 systems.

Recycled R-22 is expected to be available to repair existing systems after production ceases in 2020, but as the supply of new R-22 refrigerant continues to be reduced, costs of both new and recycled R-22 refrigerant will increase significantly.

All new air conditioning systems now use a more environmentally friendly refrigerant, R410A.-These newer systems offer many benefits, including greater energy efficiency, longer warranty periods and quieter operation, and may prove to be the wiser investment when homeowners are faced with repairing an older system that uses R-22 refrigerant.

Replacing an R-22 air conditioning system really does depend on the individual family, their home, their lifestyle and their budget. The service technician should be trained to help the consumer make the most informed decision.

(BPT)