Charlie Weiblen's (archwood) Blog

Oncor contractors conduct 'energy audit' to help homeowner cut costs. Tips for cutting electric bills this summer: Change to energy-efficient light bulbs. Replacing the filter in your air conditioner Set your thermostat at 78 or higher this summer. According to Reliant Energy, every degree below ...

1. You are familiar with the market. If you've been paying attention to how much houses are listed for in the neighborhoods you're eyeing and have a realistic view of how much a house will cost you, you're in good shape. But if you're dreaming about that big corner house with no clue about it's a...

With houses remaining unsold for months -- even years, in some cases -- it's clearly not a good time to sell your home.But if you're planning to sell soon despite the market conditions, how can you help your home stand out from the crowd? Top 5 midrange renovations by return on investment. Projec...

Not along ago, few people had even heard of a short sale, which occurs when the bank agrees to discount the loan balance for a seller who owes more on his mortgage than the home is currently worth. If you're in the market for a home today, you're almost guaranteed to be looking at some short sale...

1. Check the manual that came with your dishwasher; many models have internal heating elements that allow you to set the water heater to a lower temperature. 2. Let your dishes air dry. If you don't have an automatic air-dry switch, turn off the control knob after the final rinse and prop the do...

The time is definitely right for many first-time home buyers, however you should not forget to include these costs into your budget. Cost #1: Getting readyStart the process by polishing your credit report. While the cost can be relatively minor, it's particularly important now that banks are bein...

Moving is a complicated process. Keeping up with belongings, family members, movers and a number of other tasks can be a daunting proposition. That means the more organized you are, the less stressful the move will be. While the general timeline is flexible, here are some steps you should take to...

Thanks to several programs in the stimulus package, you could receive thousands of dollars by investing in a number of energy-conserving home improvements. The Feds want to pay you to save energy. There's never been a better time to invest in energy-conserving upgrades to your house--that's the w...

Sealing and insulating the "envelope" or "shell" of your home — its outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors — is often the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. ENERGY STAR estimates that a knowledgeable homeowner or skilled contractor can save up to 20% on he...

Refinance your mortgage now and you may capture the lowest interest rate of your lifetime. But unlike a couple of years ago, when it seemed all you needed was a pay stub (if that) and an eager mortgage broker, today's process can be tedious. That's because the demand for refinancing is high, stan...