Home Search Frustration? How to Refocus and Keep Going

The best part of buying a new home is going out and touring homes. This is especially true for first-time home buyers. As time goes on, however, it can be frustrating when each home falls short of expectations. While it’s important to be realistic about what is available and affordable, there can be a temptation to settle when the right homes don't pop up quickly.

When this happens, it’s important to take a step back and reevaluate the criteria. Often buyers head out without a solid list of “must-have” and “like-to-have” features in mind. If finding the right home is becoming difficult, then this is the time to create or review these items. Consider lifestyle as well as willingness to renovate or remodel. Is it important the home is turn-key on day one, or is there a willingness and ability to make changes after the sale?

Focus on the “must-have” list first. There could be a beautiful chef’s kitchen on the “like-to-have” but if 4 bedrooms are critical for the size of the family, the larger kitchen will not compensate for long. That said, if the hope is to find a home with a pool, is there room to add the pool later?

Finding the right home is often a matter of timing. Patience is the best advice. With the start of the new year, new listings are hitting the market every day. The perfect home may not have been listed yet

Solar Rings – Cheap and Eco-Friendly Pool Heating

Everyone is looking for ways to save on energy costs. Many people have had to change the way they behave – larger laundry loads, fewer lights in the evening, fans vs air conditioning – and even more have looked to alternative options, such as solar. These methods are not always easy or inexpensive, at least not up front. The great news is that there is an inexpensive and eco-friendly way to heat your pool this summer and save hundreds of dollars in the process by using solar pool rings.

Solar pool rings are floating devices that contain UV-resistant vinyl material that traps the heat to warm the pool without using the heater. The rings are made of 2 layers. The top layer guides the sun to the lower layer which converts the rays to heat. Not only do these rings effectively trap and disperse heat to the water, but they also reduce evaporation, saving money on water bills.

Solar pool rings can also be effective as barriers against backyard debris, which can throw the chemical balance off. Solar pool rings typically come in sets of 6 and most pools can be covered for less than about $400. They are simple to inflate/deflate for storage and are suitable for all pool types. While solar rings will never heat a pool as quickly as a pool heater, with regular use and plenty of sunshine, these devices save money and extend the pool season in most climates.