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Simple Ways to Reduce Your Monthly Utility Costs


Many homeowners think there’s not much they can do about telephone, heating, water and other utility expenses. Sure, you may grumble about a high heating bill one month, but what can you do about it?


Turns out, you can do plenty. There are several ways to reduce monthly utility costs that can save you tens or even hundreds of dollars. For example:


  • Shop around for a better phone plan. Then contact your phone company. They might match the rates.

  • Turn down the thermostat on your water heater. You likely don’t need tap water to be that hot.

  • Clean the screen on your outside air conditioning unit regularly. (Gently with the water hose.) Dirt and leaves can build up on it, reducing the unit’s efficiency.

  • Leverage the sun. Open curtains in the winter to gain heat. Block direct sunlight in summer to keep the cool air inside.

  • Scrutinize your bill. There may be extras you’re paying for that you don’t need.

  • Play with the thermostat. Experiment with setting the temperature a couple of degrees lower. You might not notice any difference.

     

    It’s worth paying attention to your utility costs. Just a few smart moves can save you some serious money. 

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SURREY, BC – Homebuyers showed no signs of slowing down last month as Fraser Valley REALTORS® experienced their second busiest November on record.

 

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,766 property sales on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in November compared with 1,136 in 2014, an increase of 55 per cent. The previous high of 2,154 sales was set in November, 1989.

 

Jorda Maisey, President of the Board, says, “November is not normally this busy. We’ve experienced our usual, seasonal dip in the number of new listings, but we’re just not seeing a decline in the demand.

 

“If you’ve been thinking about selling your home to capitalize on any equity you’ve acquired, now is a very good time.”

 

The Board received 1,854 new listings last month, 14 per cent fewer than were received in October and 6 per cent more than were received during November of last year. Last month’s total inventory in the Fraser Valley was 5,761 active listings; 31 per cent less than were available during November 2014.

 

Maisey says, “Our housing inventory overall hasn’t been this low since spring of 2006, however it’s important to emphasize that conditions vary depending on property type. Ground-oriented homes are the highest in demand currently with about one out of every two active listings selling. For apartments, one in five is selling, so condo shoppers will find more selection and have greater negotiating power on price when it comes time to buy.”

 

The MLS® Home Price Index benchmark price of a detached home in November was $659,700, an increase of 14.7 per cent compared to November of last year when it was $575,400. The MLS® HPI benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses increased 6.7 per cent going from $298,900 in November of last year to $318,800 last month. The benchmark price of apartments was $207,100, an increase of 9.3 per cent compared to $189,400 in November 2014.

 

Maisey adds, “We understand that it is challenging buying a home in a market this competitive and that’s why we’re here, to help our buyers develop a successful strategy to secure the best home for them at a price they can afford.”

 

Do you have any questions about the market or thinking of selling or buying a home?

Contact Greg & Liz Holmes, 604-542-2444, Macdonald Realty.

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