The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced Monday the availability of $10 million in new grants to be distributed to 23 HUD-approved counseling agencies nationwide, which will help the department boost homeownership rates within historically underserved communities.
Announced Monday morning in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, by Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Commissioner Julia Gordon, the funds “will support activities by these agencies to prepare and equip prospective homebuyers to successfully navigate the homebuying process” so they can locate affordable homes, HUD explained.
Gordon made the announcement from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, which will receive “more than $479,000 through this funding opportunity to support their network of affiliates in delivering homeownership counseling programs to underserved communities throughout the state,” HUD stated.
“Housing counseling agencies play a unique and critical role in helping first-time homebuyers achieve homeownership,” said Commissioner Gordon. “Today’s grant awards will help housing counseling agencies throughout the country reach those who may never have believed they could own a home and help them to prepare for, enter into, and maintain homeownership.”
David Berenbaum, HUD’s deputy assistant secretary for housing counseling, added that this program will play a key role in linking prospective homebuyers who are part of historically underserved communities with resources they may have been previously unaware of or had not been able to access easily.
“We intend to make this initiative a model for the funding of future programs that can directly and effectively serve first-time homebuyers in underserved communities,” he said. “New homeowners will have the benefit of both pre- and post-purchase housing counseling from a trusted advisor: the HUD Certified Housing Counselor.”
A full list of the 23 beneficiary organizations is available on HUD’s website. The largest beneficiary is the Massachusetts-based Neighborhood Stabilization Corporation, which will receive just under $1.2 million. The second-largest disbursement will go to the New York-based National Urban League, which will receive $986,260.
Last week, HUD announced a final rule designed to expand support for housing counseling services within Native American tribal communities.
Los Angeles-based Dunmor, a technology-enabled lender that specializes in loans for residential real estate investors, has added a pair of experienced executives in the business-purpose lending space.
The company announced Monday that it hired Tuam Pham as chief marketing officer and Steve Huff as senior vice president of asset management and servicing.
Pham has 23 years of marketing experience in the real estate and finance sectors. He previously served eight years as chief marketing officer at CoreVest Finance, where helped the lender surpass $20 billion in loan volume. Along with connecting the firm to potential clients through marketing, branding and communications, he also led the launch of a customer experience portal and other tech-based innovations.
Huff has spent 20 years in the real estate industry, including 11 years with Wedgewood, a former parent company of CIVIC Financial Services. He previously managed a portfolio of business-purpose loans and nonqualified mortgages with a value of more than $2 billion. Huff has also worked in the whole loan investment sector on pricing, due diligence, portfolio surveillance and loss mitigation.
Dunmor is a nationwide lender founded in 2021 that offers several types of investment loans, including short-term bridge financing, fix-and-flip loans, ground-up construction loans, and rental financing for single-family and multifamily properties.
Many people want waterfront lots, and they’ll pay good money for them.
But what about an underwater lot?
A roughly quarter-acre water lot is available in the San Francisco Bay Area city of Alameda, CA, for $400,000.
The listing is quite upfront about the splashy property: “This is a water lot,” it states, adding that the parcel is “an investor’s/developer’s opportunity where location, location is everything.”
However, building in a water lot has its own special set of challenges.
The perfect buyer “is someone who is not afraid of the challenge of being creative,” says listing agent April Jones, with April Jones, Broker.
She suggests there could be “some type of houseboat” here, noting, “There are homes that are currently built in that lagoon already.”
A roadway bridge is near the lot.
(April Jones)
The property assessor’s office in the county lists it as vacant residential land with zoning for a single-family home or a structure with up to four units. The water part wasn’t obvious.
“I was asked to list a vacant lot and went out to take pictures of it and come to find out, it was underwater,” Jones says, adding her GPS took her to a different address. She had no idea that the listing was a water lot.
“I really know how to read street signs to find addresses and kept going when I got there,” she says. “I stopped and said, ‘This is where it should be, this should be the 600 block of Grand.’”
Her next task was to use the county system to view the lot.
“It came up as the water where I was over the bridge, or under the bridge actually, so I was surprised,” she recalls. “I was sure my seller was not aware. He thought he was getting vacant land.”
Jones says the county sold the land because of a tax lien. Currently, there is nothing on the lot, which is near a roadway bridge.
“I’m not sure how deep it is, but it is deep enough that currently where the lot is located, it acts as a waterway or an easement that maintenance workers can go from one side of the lagoon under the street bridge to the other side of the lagoon,” Jones explains, adding that the seller “bought it as an investment for his family. He had been trying to buy land or property since 2014 and said he thought this was a good deal. I’m just hoping to find buyer, so at least my seller can recoup what he put into it.”
Homes nearby are selling in at least the $1 million range.
“It’s a very desirable location,” Jones notes. “It’s near the beach, near shopping, and good schools. There are some nice parks. The lagoon area is peaceful. If you live on the lagoon, you could walk out and have a cup of coffee. It’s just relaxing.”
Jones notes that the buyer will need approval from various agencies before building, but it has potential—for someone who has the money, creativity, and patience for the project—to build something as unique as its locale.
“It’s a lot that is really underwater,” Jones muses. “You don’t come across those very often, so it’s one-of-a-kind.”
We all know Whoopi Goldberg as an iconic actress with an impressive roster of nostalgic films. The 68-year-old EGOT winner has crossed over from the big to the small screen effortlessly, bringing her magnetic personality to daytime television.
Being a host on The View made her a household name, but few people know of her achievements beyond her actress/talk show persona. On top of her long-spanning career, her real estate portfolio is also pretty impressive — and Whoopi has an eye for old Victorian homes.
She loves antique houses so much that she has acquired a remarkable collection of historic homes, now living in a nearly century-old residence in, fittingly, America’s oldest planned community.
Whoopi Goldberg currently lives in West Orange, New Jersey
Photo credit: Google Maps
Nowadays, Goldberg resides in the gated neighborhood of Llewellyn Park in West Orange, New Jersey, about an hour away from her workplace in New York. Known as “America’s oldest planned community,” this area is known for its grand estates and architectural pedigree, with famous residents and ex-residents including William Colgate, George Merck, and inventor Thomas Edison.
Born and raised in Manhattan, Goldberg has always considered herself a true-blue New Yorker. But even city dwellers need a little peace and quiet sometimes.
“I lived in the city and had no way of sitting outside,” Goldberg said in an interview. “Because every time I go sit outside, 50 people would come and hang out.”
Whoopi purchased her current West Orange home in 2009 for $2.8 million. The 97-year-old colonial-style abode was built in 1927 and has 9,486 square feet of space. It has eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a large pool, and a gym.
Design-wise, the vintage home is a mish-mash of everything the actress loves. She loves collecting diverse photos and artwork to display on her walls.
Photo credit: Instagram / Whoopi Goldberg
“I am sort of eclectic,” she explained in April 2012. “The periods kind of clash all over the house, which is great for me — it feels like you can hang out. It’s formal … and yet it doesn’t give a s—t.”
She bought her first Victorian in Berkeley, California back in the ’80s
Her love for old homes started in the 1980s, shortly after her big break in The Spook Show.
Goldberg bought her first-ever Victorian-style house for $335,000. It featured New Orleans-style architecture with 1,455 square feet of living space, a large front porch, and vintage columns.
It also had a two-story barn, which was converted into a cottage. She sold this property in 2015 for an impressive $2 million — that’s over $1 million in profit!
Whoopi’s Pacific Palisades vintage home
In 1993, she purchased her second historic home in Pacific Palisades for $2.5 million.
Built in the 1930s, the house was owned by famed writer Vicki Baum. The gorgeous vintage estate boasts over 7,000 square feet of living space and sits on a half-acre lot in a private area.
Photo credit: Redfin / MLS
Lush greenery, tall gates, and thick trees line up its perimeter, keeping the property hidden from prying eyes. Creeping vines decorate the facade, adding an enchanting look to the home.
Indoors, modern elements juxtapose its vintage vibe. Checkered floors, marble fireplaces, and expansive windows add a contemporary touch. Other amenities include a large swimming pool and a separate guest house.
Whoopi kept this home for over two decades and sold it in 2018 for $8.8 million.
Her most remarkable property was a 17th-century house on 745 acres of land
All of Whoopi’s homes have their own unique charm, but the most impressive property she owned was her Vermont farm, which sits on 745 acres of land. While 640 acres are conserved land, which means they can never be developed, the estate is vast and teeming with pasture animals, trees, and crops.
Photo credit: Redfin / MLS
The original colonial house, which dates back to the 1700s, had a two-bedroom bunkhouse. It has been reconstructed several times throughout the years.
In 2004, Whoopi decided to strip down the property to its bare bones and do an extensive renovation. A lot of the original structures were scrapped, but the rustic feel from the original cabin was kept. Whoopi sold the estate — known as the Robinson-Winchester Farm — in 2012 for $1.5 million.
Currently, Whoopi is busy promoting her just-released memoir titled Bits & Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me. The semi-autobiographical book discusses her rise to fame and her relationship with her late mom and brother.
In her exclusive statement to PEOPLE, she said: “This book is dedicated to my mother and my brother and our time together as a small, funny little unit. It’s dedicated to anyone who’s found themselves on a scary path not of their choosing or dealing with loss.”
More stories
Denzel Washington’s house, a mega-mansion he’s called home for 20+ years
Brad Pitt’s home in Carmel, the historic D.L. James house
See Gwyneth Paltrow’s house in Montecito, her “Forever, Forever Home”
Fathom Holdings, the parent company of cloud-based real estate brokerage Fathom Realty, appointed Jon Gwin as chief operating officer.
Gwin brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously held executive positions at American Financial Network, Wachovia Bank, Wells Fargo and Accredited Home Lenders. A licensed real estate broker since 2006, he managed a brokerage in San Diego and he also played a crucial role in establishing some of the first compliance management systems in the mortgage industry. Gwin also serves on the board of directors for LendersOne, a network of more than 400 national lenders, where he shares his extensive industry insights.
“Jon’s extensive experience and proven track record in the real estate and mortgage industries make him an invaluable addition to our leadership team,” Marco Fregenal, CEO of Fathom Holdings, said in a statement. “Jon’s strategic vision and innovative mindset will help drive our continued growth and success across all of Fathom’s brands. We look forward to the exciting contributions he will make in his new role.”
Based in Cary, North Carolina, Fathom Holdings is a national, technology-driven real estate services platform that integrates residential brokerage, mortgage, title, insurance and software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings. The company’s brands include Fathom Realty, Encompass Lending, intelliAgent, LiveBy, Real Results, Verus Title and Cornerstone.
The HousingWire award spotlight series highlights the individuals and organizations that have been recognized through our Editors’ Choice Awards. Nominations for HousingWire’s 2024 Women of Influence award are open now through May 31st, 2024. Click here to nominate someone.
For the past 15 years, the HousingWire Women of Influence award has celebrated the exceptional contributions of women leaders in the housing industry. This prestigious recognition honors those leaders who have made a significant impact on their organizations and the industry at large through their leadership, innovation and dedication.
In honor of the 2024 Women of Influence nomination period, we’re taking a look back at previous year’s winners. We reached out 2023 honorees to learn the most valuable lessons they’ve learned throughout their careers. Take a look below to see what they said.
Throughout my career, I’ve really seen that helping others isn’t just nice, it’s crucial. When you’re just zeroed in on your own stuff, it’s easy to lose touch with what’s happening around you. But when you help someone else up, you end up getting new perspectives and ideas that can push your own boundaries. It’s all about making sure we’re not climbing alone. And another lesson, though it might sound cliché, is that the biggest insights often come from making mistakes, particularly when taking chances. Each time I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone, whether things turned out well or not, I’ve gained invaluable skills. These experiences teach resilience, adaptability, and often point you towards your best next move. — Ines Hegedus-Garcia, Executive Vice President at Avanti Way Realty
One of the most transformative lessons I’ve embraced is the art of becoming a ‘collector’ of remarkable people. I don’t just meet individuals; we forge deep connections, cherishing the relationships that form the very fabric of our shared journey. When these remarkable individuals cross my path, I embrace and hold on to the unique value they bring. These aren’t just fleeting interactions but deep, enduring bonds that have stood the test of time—5, 10, even 25 years. They’re fundamental in every aspect, offering more than mere professional collaboration; they are the bedrock of personal growth, support, and the very essence of heartfelt connection. In times of adversity, the power of these connections becomes unmistakably clear. The voices of encouragement and truth from these cherished relationships are priceless, offering not just advice but profound, meaningful engagement that has deeply influenced my path. These are not just relationships; they are the pillars that support and enrich our lives continuously, essential for nurturing resilience and well-being. — Sarah Middleton, Chief Growth Officer at Movement Mortgage
My advice is to dedicate yourself to continuous learning. Whether through formal education, on-the-job-training, industry conferences, or self-study, staying informed is essential in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the housing market. — Odeta Kushi, VP, Deputy Chief Economist at First American Financial Corporation.
Post-occupancy agreements can be risky! In this post, I will cover the details of post-occupancy agreements and pre-occupancy agreements. I’ll also dive into a particularly challenging real estate experience I personally had. While this ordeal brought significant attention to my YouTube channel, it highlighted the many pitfalls associated with these agreements.
I’ll also touch on pre-occupancy agreements and the evolving real estate and tenant laws that make these situations increasingly complex.
Table of Contents
Video: Post-Occupancy Risk – Horror Stories
[embedded content][embedded content]
My Personal Post-Occupancy Agreement Nightmare
A year ago, I purchased a property with a post-occupancy agreement, allowing the seller to remain in the house for 15 days after closing. If they stayed beyond that period, they owed $250 per day, with $5,000 held back from their proceeds to cover potential overstay penalties. Despite these precautions, the experience turned out to be a nightmare.
The seller repeatedly promised to move out “tomorrow,” stretching their stay and complicating the situation further. Although I eventually gained possession, it took nearly the entire $5,000 reserve to cover the extra days they stayed. The title company held the disputed amount for a year before it was finally released to me, marking the end of a stressful and drawn-out process.
Why Post-Occupancy Agreements Are Risky
For regular home buyers and sellers, post-occupancy agreements can be disastrous. If a seller refuses to leave, the buyer must follow state eviction guidelines, which can take months or even years in some states. This delay can cause significant financial strain, especially if the buyer needs to move in immediately or faces double housing costs.
It’s essential to understand that no matter how nice or trustworthy a seller seems, the risks remain. Some people are adept at exploiting these situations, knowing how to manipulate the system to their advantage. Always negotiate to hold back a substantial amount of money—at least $10,000 or more, depending on the property’s value—to incentivize the seller to vacate promptly.
How Evictions Work and How to Avoid Them as a Landlord
Pre-Occupancy Agreements: Equally Troublesome
Pre-occupancy agreements, where buyers move in before the sale is finalized, can be just as problematic. If the sale falls through, buyers who have already moved in might refuse to leave, leading to similar eviction challenges. Even allowing buyers to store items in the garage can grant them possession rights, complicating the eviction process.
As a real estate agent and broker with over 20 years of experience, I always advise clients to avoid both pre- and post-occupancy agreements whenever possible. The convenience they offer is rarely worth the potential legal and financial headaches.
Real-Life Consequences
In my case, the post-occupancy agreement allowed me to use the situation to my advantage on social media, but the average home buyer or seller doesn’t have that luxury. Evictions are time-consuming and costly, involving legal fees, potential property damage, and lost rental income. The emotional toll and financial burden can be overwhelming.
Practical Advice for Home Buyers and Sellers
If you must enter into a post-occupancy agreement, ensure it is written in your favor:
Hold back a substantial amount of money to incentivize the seller to vacate.
Set a strict per-day penalty that accumulates significantly if the seller overstays.
Consult with a lawyer to understand your rights and obligations fully.
For pre-occupancy agreements, avoid them if possible. If absolutely necessary, ensure clear terms are set, including a substantial security deposit and written agreements outlining the consequences of a deal falling through.
My Master the Deal course covers the many other ways you can find a great deal.
Conclusion
While I continue to deal with post-occupancy agreements as an experienced investor, I approach them with caution and a clear strategy to mitigate risks. For most home buyers and sellers, the best advice is to avoid these agreements to prevent potential nightmares.
Look for the best way to invest in real estate? Check my full real estate investing guide.
If you have any questions or want to share your experiences, feel free to leave a comment below.
Donald R. Horton, founder and chairman of D.R. Horton, the largest homebuilder by volume in the U.S., has died at the age of 74, the company announced on Friday morning. Board members have named David V. Auld as executive chairman, effective immediately.
Horton, who was involved in the real estate and homebuilding industries since 1972, served as chairman of D.R. Horton since its creation in July 1991. He was also its president and CEO from July 1992 until November 1998. He is survived by his wife, two sons and four grandchildren. A cause of death was not disclosed.
“Throughout the Company’s 46-year existence, he worked tirelessly to build a national homebuilding operation with a strong company culture, and the impact of his personal involvement with our team of operators across the United States has contributed immeasurable value to our company and people,” Auld said in a statement.
A pioneer in the homebuilding industry, Horton invested in an “unorthodox” decentralized operational decision-making process at his company, with local leaders deciding on topics such as product offerings, price points and home features.
Over the years, he traveled extensively to its field operations, maintained a culture of family and care, and developed initiatives that focused on employees and their families, the company said.
As a result, D.R. Horton has been the largest homebuilder by volume in the U.S. since 2002. It operates in 119 markets across 33 states, focusing on building and selling homes with prices ranging from $200,000 to more than $1 million.
In July 2023, HousingWire reported that the company acquired Truland Homes, the largest private homebuilder along the Gulf Coast, adding approximately 263 lots, 155 homes in inventory and 55 homes in the sales order backlog.
As of March 31, 2024, D.R. Horton had a $3.1 billion cash balance. Although inflation and mortgage interest rates remain elevated, the homebuilder’s sales orders increased in the first three months of 2024 on both a quarterly and a yearly basis.
At the end of March, the company had 45,000 homes in inventory. During the 12-month period ending March 31, D.R. Horton closed 87,801 homes in its homebuilding operations, as well as 6,248 single-family rental homes and 2,536 multifamily rental units in its rental operations.
Through its subsidiaries, the company offers mortgage financing, title services and insurance agency services. In addition, D.R. Horton holds a majority stake in Forestar Group Inc., a publicly traded national residential lot development company.
“Under DR’s leadership, we have had the privilege of helping more than one million American individuals and families achieve homeownership,” Auld said in a prepared statement. “We are all indebted to DR for his vision, tenacity, and never-ending drive to continue to grow and improve our Company.”
Master essential cleaning routines for a pristine apartment and hassle-free move-outs.
Keep clutter at bay with decluttering strategies for a spacious and organized home.
Ensure prompt maintenance reporting to landlords to maintain apartment integrity and safety.
Renting an apartment brings a unique set of joys and responsibilities. It’s your sanctuary, your haven, your slice of the world to call your own — albeit temporarily. While the allure of the rental lifestyle lies in its flexibility and convenience, it’s crucial to remember that with great living comes great responsibility. Whether you’re renting an apartment in Knoxville, TN or Seattle, WA, maintaining your apartment isn’t just about keeping it tidy; it’s about nurturing a space where you can truly thrive, both now and in the future.
In this ApartmentGuide article, we’ll explore essential apartment maintenance tips that every renter should know. These practices not only enhance your daily living experience but also play a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth move-out process and maximizing your chances of reclaiming that precious security deposit.
A clean apartment isn’t just visually pleasing; it’s also a healthier and more inviting environment to reside in. Implementing regular cleaning routines helps prevent the buildup of dirt, grime, and allergens, promoting a hygienic living space. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide your cleaning endeavors:
Surfaces: Sumerae Riese with Rosenbaum Realty Group suggests incorporating daily habits such as wiping down countertops, tables, and other surfaces with a gentle cleanser to remove dust, spills, and stains.
Dusting: Don’t overlook the often-neglected areas like vents, baseboards, and light fixtures. A microfiber cloth or duster works wonders in capturing dust and cobwebs.
Windows: Jacob Lippiatt with Akron Property Management shares how “a quick wipe down of the windows can go a long way to make a rental look cleaner, brighter, and more inviting.” A solution of vinegar and water is an eco-friendly option for streak-free windows.
Patio or balcony surfaces: If you’re fortunate enough to have outdoor space, maintain it by sweeping away debris and giving it a good scrub periodically.
Sweeping, vacuuming, mopping: Floors are high-traffic areas prone to collecting dirt and crumbs. Sweep or vacuum regularly, and mop floors — including closets and beneath furniture — to maintain cleanliness. Harmony Spencer, marketing manager for Portland Property Management cautions to “be extra careful with what you use to clean up carpet messes.” She shares how “a combination of white vinegar, mild dish soap, and water is a tried-and-true all-purpose method–and environmentally friendly.”
Appliances: Extend the lifespan of appliances by cleaning them regularly. Wipe down the exteriors of refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, and dishwashers, and follow manufacturer instructions for deep cleaning as needed.
Bathrooms: Keep your bathroom spotless to prevent mold and mildew. Scrub the tub, toilet, sink, and tiles with a disinfectant cleaner, and don’t forget to replace shower curtains or liners when necessary.
Clutter can accumulate quickly in a small living space, making it feel cramped and chaotic. Justin deVries with Waveland Property Management in Holland, MI, shares how regular decluttering sessions help you “maintain your apartment’s overall appeal and functionality.” Here are some areas to focus on:
Clothes: Sort through your wardrobe periodically and donate or discard items you no longer wear or need. Investing in storage solutions like bins or organizers can help maximize closet space.
Mail: Designate a specific area for sorting and managing incoming mail to prevent paper clutter from piling up on countertops or tables.
Other unused items: Take stock of your belongings and identify items that serve no practical purpose or hold no sentimental value. Whether it’s old electronics, kitchen gadgets, or knick-knacks, consider donating, selling, or recycling them to free up space.
Promptly reporting any apartment maintenance issues or damages to your landlord or property manager is essential for preserving the integrity of your apartment and ensuring your safety and comfort. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, malfunctioning appliance, or structural concern, don’t hesitate to communicate your concerns and request timely repairs.
By adhering to these apartment maintenance tips, you not only enhance your quality of life as a renter but also demonstrate your commitment to responsible stewardship of your living space. A well-maintained apartment not only fosters a sense of pride and contentment but also streamlines the move-out process and increases the likelihood of receiving your full security deposit refund. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your cleaning gloves, and embark on your journey to apartment bliss.
As the temperatures rise, so do our energy bills, especially for apartment dwellers. However, whether you live in apartments in Phoenix, Arizona, or a home in Tampa, Florida, with a few simple adjustments to your daily routine and habits, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills during the summer months.
This ApartmentGuide article unveils nine apartment energy-saving tips to help you keep cool without breaking the bank. Now, let’s get started.
1. Open windows during the morning hours
Take advantage of cooler morning temperatures by opening your windows to allow fresh air to circulate throughout your apartment. This natural cooling method can help reduce your reliance on air conditioning later in the day.
2. Close curtains and blinds
During the hottest parts of the day, Aimee Skrzekut, president of Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance, recommends keeping your curtains and blinds closed to block out direct sunlight. This will prevent your apartment from heating up and reduce the need for your air conditioner to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
3. Set the thermostat to 78 degrees and use fans
Ambar Orantes with LA Heating Air Conditioning suggests setting your “thermostat around 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re at home and adjusting it to 85 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re away. Be sure to utilize ceiling fans or portable fans to help distribute cool air more efficiently. Fans create a wind-chill effect, making you feel cooler without having to lower the thermostat temperature.”
Troy Morgan with PanTech Design shares how “pre-cooling during summer months can help you save 15% on your energy bill.” He explains that you can do this by “cooling the apartment early in the morning…and then setting the thermostat to a more normal temperature.”
4. Turn off lights when you’re not home and opt for LED lighting
Make it a habit to turn off lights in unoccupied rooms to save energy. Additionally, Petar with NY Energy Project suggests replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with “energy-efficient LED lights”, which consume less electricity and last longer.
5. Run full loads of dishes with an energy-efficient setting
Wait until your dishwasher is full before running it to maximize its efficiency. Use the energy-saving or eco-friendly setting, if available, to reduce water and energy consumption during the dishwashing cycle.
6. Optimize when and how you wash laundry with energy-efficient settings
Wash your laundry in full loads and use cold water whenever possible to save energy. Most modern washing machines offer energy-efficient settings that use less water and electricity while still providing effective cleaning results.
7. Try to avoid using your oven
Ovens can generate a significant amount of heat, which can make your apartment warmer and cause your air conditioner to work harder. Shannon Hernandez, owner of BrightLife Electric in Reno, Nevada, recommends opting for cooking methods that produce less heat, such as using a microwave, slow cooker, or toaster oven.
8. Check that your windows and doors are properly sealed
Inspect your windows and doors for any gaps or cracks that could allow warm air to enter your apartment and cool air to escape. Seal any leaks with weather-stripping or caulking to improve energy efficiency and reduce air conditioning costs.
9. Assess your options on electricity plans
Christine Ji with LowerEbill recommends that you research different electricity plans offered by utility providers in your area to find one that best suits your energy consumption habits and budget. She shares how “families in deregulated states can achieve substantial savings.” Consider plans with lower rates during off-peak hours or those that offer incentives for reducing energy usage.
Try these energy-saving tips all summer
By incorporating these nine apartment energy-saving tips into your daily routine, you can enjoy a cooler and more comfortable living space while reducing your environmental footprint and saving money on your utility bills this summer. Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to energy efficiency, so start implementing these tips today to reap the benefits tomorrow.