4 BR, 2ba, Pima

595 S Main St, Pima, $149,000, MLS 1710906

Click here for all info. Call Dawn Norton, 928-292-0016.

Cut Summer Expenses

 How to Cut Energy Costs in the Heat of Summer

by Courtney Soinski

There are so many awesome things about Summer like poolside relaxation and cookouts with friends, but what about all the money you’re blowing on energy costs at home?  Thankfully, there are ways that you can cut costs during this time of year.  You’ll also be doing the environment a favor – According to the Energy Department, about half of a household’s overall energy is used up by heating and cooling in the home.

Here are 5 helpful ways to cut down on pesky energy costs this Summer.

1. Clean your filters.

This is a major energy sucker in homes during the Summer season.  Clean out your air filters at least once a month, which can be done very easily.  All you have to do is run water through the filters and let them air dry.  It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it . . . and wallet will thank you!

2. Keep that cold air in!

During this time of year, it’s especially important to keep all the cold air that’s coming out of your home’s vents to stay in your home and not seap outdoors.  You can do this by applying inexpensive plastic film around older windows to prevent a draft.  Other solutions include foam and caulking in problem areas along with extra attic insulation.  Close the doors and vents in unused rooms to save even more energy.

3. Step away from the oven.

Did you know that baking a cake or any hot foods like casseroles will make your A/C go into overdrive?  You can prevent this from happening by cooking colder foods, which will keep you cooler than eating hot foods. Make sense, right? If you can’t live without those hot foods, use an outdoor grill or toaster oven.

4. Program your thermostat.

According to Geoff Godwin, division vice president of Emerson, programming your thermostat appropriately will save you about 30% in energy costs per year.  Set it up so that the temperature automatically rises when you’re not at home during the day.  Most shocking to me is that about 25 million people own a programmable thermostat, but only half of them actually use the feature.

5. Unplug what you’re not using.

If you’re just hitting the power button on your TV after watching a show, you’re doing it all wrong.  Even though the power is off on your electronics, they are still sucking energy as long as they’re plugged in.  To save on costs, make sure you unplug things that you’re not using.  If you don’t want to have to worry about unplugging things all the time, another option is to use a Smart Strip, which will cut power when it’s not needed.

Source:  Money.USNews.com

Shabby Chic Remodeled Home--SOLD

TAKE A LOOK! $115,000

For more photos and full detail see: http://dnorton.longrealty.com/homes-for-sale/AZ/Duncan/85534/615-SE-Old-West-Highway-121535065 or call, Dawn Norton, 928-292-0016

Duncan Old West Highway REDUCED

REDUCED $14,000!!!

FOR SALE--$65,000

$62,500

no rental

Charming Downtown Duncan home. 3br 1ba. Many new features including; All new light fixtures, new gas pipe from meter to all interior fixtures, new refrigerator and stove, new sewer line from house to street, 9 foot ceilings, hard wood floors, fenced back yard, additional parking rear of home. Great first time home or investment property for rental.

Call Dawn Norton, 928-292-0016 for an appointment. Check out the best app in real estate. http://longrealtyapp.com/dawnnorton

Delightful Duncan Property--For Sale only

 

Sorry not for rent.

  MLS #  1710567, 301 NW High St, Duncan, Az   Reduced $10,000, Now $79,000. Reduced $15,000, Now $74,000    Cute Duncan home with lots of remodeling in downtown Duncan 2 blocks from the high school. Large living and dining room. 2br, 1ba, with detached casita. Live in the home, rent the apartment. On 1/2 acre lot. Come and see this little gem. Dawn Norton, Long Realty, NO RENTAL, 928-292-0016    

 dining

 kitchen

 

 living room

 Bedroom 1

 bedroom 2

 

Home Buyer Mistakes

 

The following article is from Dave Ramsey.

 http://www.daveramsey.com/blog/3-homebuyer-mistakes

3 Homebuyer Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve spent a lot of time covering the most important facets of home buying, such as setting your budget, how to house-hunt as a couple, and the importance of using a buyer’s agent to find a great deal. But there are some finer points of home buying that can make home owning an even more rewarding experience.

Considering Only Cost to Buy, Not Cost to Own

When you’re ready to buy a home, you’re often focused on the down payment and monthly mortgage payment. But don’t forget about closing costs, which can total up to 5% of your home’s value. You should receive an estimate of the costs, which includes an appraisal fee, property taxes, homeowners’ insurance and legal fees, before your closing date.
But the costs of homeownership don’t stop there. You’ll have monthly utility bills, ongoing insurance, property taxes, plus the costs of maintenance and repairs. Make sure you’ve budgeted for these items and that you have a fully funded emergency fund before you buy your home.

Ignoring Resale

Homeowners stay in their homes an average of just four years, according to the National Association of Realtors. So while the resale value of your home may not seem important when you’re moving in, it will likely become extremely important in just a few years. Keep that in mind when you’re choosing your home’s location and features. A real estate agent with experience in your area can give you advice about which neighborhoods have increasing home values and the types of homes that attract the most attention from buyers. Use your agent’s suggestions to narrow down your choices when you’re shopping for your new home.

Unwilling to Kill the Deal

The home-buying process has many moving parts, and each one of them has the potential to turn a favorable deal into a disaster. Your home inspection, for example, could turn up problems in the home that should reduce the seller’s asking price. If the seller isn’t willing to negotiate, you have to decide if you’re willing to live with (and pay for) those problems or going to decline to buy the home altogether.
That can be a tough choice if you’ve already decided that this is the one-and-only perfect home for you. Don’t wind up regretting the choice to overpay for a home with problems. Nix the deal and keep looking until you find a home that has most of the features you want and is in excellent condition.

Get More Advice From a Pro

A knowledgeable real estate agent can help you avoid these mistakes with advice that fits your situation. From their experience working with hundreds of homebuyers, they can help you plan for closing costs as well as answer questions about ongoing costs for the type of home you buy. We’ve already pointed out that an agent can help you choose a home that will retain its resale value. And a trustworthy agent will let you know if a home purchase has gone from good to bad.
In addition to all this, your agent should be committed to helping you get a great deal on the right home. 

Quail Ridge--Roadrunner Ln-SOLD

LONG GONE 

 

MLS# 1710242

Price Reduced $10,000

not for rent

Thatcher, Quail Ridge

Beautiful home, Competitively priced

$188,000

Make an appointment today

Dawn Norton, Long Realty, 928-292-0016

Spacious well kept 3br 2ba home in Quail Ridge. This home is the size of many 4 bedroom homes, but instead boasts 3 larger bedrooms. Brand new carpeting throughout, vaulted ceilings, ceramic tile, 6 panel doors, plant shelves with outlets, audio/video wiring, intercom, security system, whole house fan system, and more. Master suite has double sinks, cultured marble shower surround, and over sized master closet. Beautifully landscaped back yard with covered patio. Solar screens, architectural shingles RV parking with clean out, sunsetter awning, automatic 6 zone watering system, oversized garage, and more. Come and see this home, it's unobstructed mountain views, and all it has to offer!