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The cost of installing solar panels on a home has dropped dramatically over the past decade. Is it time for your home to run on sunshine? Here are some pros and cons to consider:

1. Pro: Diminish your electric bills

Obviously by capturing free energy from the sun, you’ll pay less in your utility bill. In some states, you can even earn money back by selling the unused energy your panels generate to the utility company in the form of ​Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs).

2. Con: Upfront cost

While installation and materials are more affordable than ever, it might take up to seven years for the system to pay for itself through the money you save. Fortunately, there are considerable tax breaks, rebates, and solar-specific loans available to help homeowners get started. The federal investment tax credit allows you to deduct 30 percent of the cost of your system from your taxes. You can search for state programs on the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency®.

3. Pro: Save the planet

Generating energy from fossil fuels emits harmful carbon dioxide and methane that contributes to global warming – using solar panels for power does not. And unlike other energy sources, solar power doesn’t require water to process.

4. Con: Doesn’t work for every roof

Some roofing materials used in older homes, like slate or cedar tiles, make it difficult for installing panels.

5. Pro: May increase your home’s value

Solar panels can increase the value of your home, according to research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, part of the Department of Energy.

6. Con: Maintenance costs

Insurance, cleaning, repairs. As with anything, solar panels come with their own additional costs. Wondering how much energy solar panels might be able to generate in your part of the country? Check out this address-based calculator from the Department of Energy.

If you’re looking to relocate to a state with a sunnier disposition, I can help you sell your home and connect you with a trusted referral partner. Give me a call, text, or shoot me an email. Let’s discuss your marketing strategy.

When buying or selling a home, an understanding of current market trends could help optimize your time and money. Here are a three real estate trends that defined 2017 and are expected carry on into the new year.

1. Competing Generations

The recent shift in home buying preferences is a generational one. Millennials are starting to abandon their condos in the city for starter homes in the burbs, putting them in direct competition with downsizing baby boomers. With these two groups both looking for similar housing, well-maintained single-family homes are expected to go very quickly in 2018.

2. Tightening Inventory

The fall of 2017 was tight in regards to the number of homes available for sale. In fact, total housing inventory was down 13.4 percent in October 2017 compared to the same time the year before, according to the RE/MAX National Housing Report.

For most of the country, sellers currently have the advantage. Will that change in 2018? It’s possible, but buyers should prepare for a market where they will have to be aggressive to purchase the home they want.

3. Advancing Tech

Like most other industries, real estate today is profoundly affected by the advance of technology. Homebuyers and sellers can easily access information about a house or the market with the click of a button, and virtual walk-throughs allow a buyer to enter a prospective home for the first time with few surprises. In real estate, technology has the potential to reward those who do their homework and make the most of digital options before deciding how to use their precious time.

The Takeaway: Navigating It All Requires an Expert

What’s this mean for our local market? We would love to help you navigate the nuances. Reach out to us today to start your home buying or selling journey.

While selling your sofa or lawnmower on your own doesn’t take a lot of sales skill, working with a professional real estate agent will help you get the most money in the shortest time when selling your home. Here are some of the top reasons I can help.

1. Increase your profit

Many people think they’ll make more money if they avoid paying an agent a commission and instead handle their own home sale, but the statistics show otherwise. According to the National Association of Realtors, selling with an agent brings in a higher profit, enough to cover the commission and then some. For one thing, I have the experience and tools to price your home appropriately. Studies show that homes priced correctly when they first hit the market sell faster, and for a better price, than those that linger with a decreasing price tag.

2. Save you time

While it may take just moments to upload a Craigslist ad, handling prospective buyers, inspectors, and appraisers can suck up your time. From screening out unqualified buyers to helping you prepare your home for inspections, I can help drive the process more efficiently.

3. Make a better deal

You might be proud of your poker face, but are you really a savvy enough negotiator to put one of the biggest deals of your life on the line? As most buyers use a buyer’s agent, you’ll probably be going toe-to-toe with a professional negotiator. When you list your house with me, you not only get their marketing power and connections, but you get a pro negotiator advocating for you during the initial offer, the counter offer, and the post-offer period, which includes inspections and requests for concessions.

4. Lower your risk

The potential for making mistakes (with potential legal ramifications) among the reams of paperwork involved in a home sale is huge. I don’t want that to happen. I know how to do things right.

If you’re thinking of selling your home, I’d be happy to help. I’ll work to get the most money for your home. You can find my information below. Call, text, message, or shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you.

JUST LISTED #3 – 3476 Coast Meridian Road

Listed at $569,900

Open Houses Saturday, January 6th and Sunday, January 7th from 2-4pm.

Prime Location in North Port Coquitlam – This 3 bedroom 2 bath 1427 square foot townhome is located in family-oriented Lincoln Park within walking distance to Hyde Creek Recreation Centre, Poco Trail, schools, shopping & transit – EVERYTHING.

For more information and to view a 3-D tour of the property visit:

1. Wrapping Paper
Wrapping paper with glitter and foil is fun, but unfortunately can’t be recycled efficiently. Don’t just toss it in with your everyday recycling. Check with your sanitation department for seasonal recycling guidelines.

2. Christmas Trees
Many communities provide a service that will compost or chip your holiday tree into mulch for free or a low fee. Be sure to remove all tinsel, lights, and wires before taking advantage of this opportunity.

3. Cardboard Boxes
If you don’t need them to store your new goodies, cardboard boxes can usually be recycled curbside.

4. Ribbon
Ribbon generally can’t be recycled, so save it! Curling ribbon can be “re-curled” for another special occasion by zipping it along a scissor blade.

5. Electronics
You’ve unwrapped this year’s latest gizmo, now what should you do with last year’s model? Many computer companies, like Apple and Dell, will recycle your machines, and box stores such as Best Buy accept phones and all sorts of gadgets for recycling.

If your home still seems too cramped after you complete your holiday recycling, give me a call, text, or email. I’d be happy to find a new home that fits your needs and your holidays. You can find my information below.