Real Estate Market News for May – Leslie Lerner Properties – Houston Realtor

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Housing Stats ∙ ENERGY SAVING HOME IMPROVEMENTS

HOUSTON HOME SALES UP IN APRIL

Houston’s April home sales were up to levels last seen in September 2014. Single-family home sales rose 1.9 percent year over year, with the greatest amount taking place among homes priced between $250,000 and $500,000.

The Houston housing market saw gains across the board in April, with single-family home sales, total property sales, total dollar volume and pricing all up compared to April 2014.

According to the latest monthly report prepared by the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR):

  • Single-family home sales rose 1.9 percent versus April 2014;
  • Single-family home sales broken out by price range:
    • $1 – $79,999: decreased 23.5 percent
    • $80,000 – $149,999: decreased 14.3 percent
    • $150,000 – $249,999: increased 9.7 percent
    • $250,000 – $499,999: increased 9.9 percent
    • $500,000 – $1 million and above: increased 4.8 percent
  • Total property sales were up 1.5 percent year-over-year;
  • Total dollar volume increased 6.0 percent, rising from $1.9 billion to $2.1 billion;
  • Single-family homes months of inventory ticked up to a 2.9-months supply;
  • Days on Market for single-family homes was 51 days versus 56 days a year earlier;
  • Demand for single-family homes and townhouse/condominiums for lease was flat in April;
  • Townhouse/condominium sales rose 6.5 percent versus April 2014.

>>>Read the entire release.

ENERGY SAVING HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Before the heat starts rising, start thinking about making some energy-saving home improvements that can lessen your monthly utility bills.

Change your HVAC system air filter

  • Check your air filter every month, especially during heavy use months. If the filter looks dirty, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter slows down airflow and makes your system work harder to keep you comfortable.
  • Seal leaky air ducts
  • Program your thermostat to save energy when you are asleep or away
  • Have a professional do seasonal checkups on your HVAC system

Add insulation to your home to improve comfort and efficiency

Homeowners typically save up to $200 a year in heating and cooling costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation.  The EPA recommends sealing air leaks with caulk, spray foam, and weather stripping before adding insulation.

Seal and insulate your attic hatch or door.

  • Caulk and weather-strip around windows and doors
  • Check for signs of air leakage around windows and doors. Then use caulk and weather-stripping to stop the leaks.

Install and properly set a programmable thermostat

When used properly, a programmable thermostat can help you save energy when you’re asleep or away from home. Use the thermostat’s pre-programmed energy-saving set points as a guide, setting the temperature back in the winter and up in the summer. Use the vacation setting to maintain energy-saving temperatures when you are gone for several days.  With proper use, programmable thermostats can save about $180 every year in energy costs.

Find and seal leaks in your duct system

Look for holes, tears, and other signs of leaking ducts and seal them using mastic or metal (foil) tape. Insulate all the ducts you can access (such as those in the attic, crawlspace, unfinished basement, or garage).  Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system by as much as 20%.

Check air registers for optimal performance

Leaky ducts can reduce heating and cooling system efficiency by as much as 20 percent

Improve your attic ventilation

  • Proper passive ventilation of the attic extends the life of your roof shingles and helps remove any moisture that can be blown in by storms. Be sure attic soffit vents and gable vents are not blocked so air flows freely through them.
  • Proper attic ventilation combined with air sealing and insulation can keep your home comfortable year-round. You can also save up to 10% on your energy bill by sealing and insulating your home.

Information provided by energystar.gov.

[/wpcol_2third][wpcol_1third_end id=”” class=”” style=””]All of the service, for less money!

LESLIE LERNER PROPERTIES WILL:

  • List Homes $300,000 – $799,999 for $4,500
  • List Homes $800,000  and up for $12,000
  • $200,000 – $299,999 for $1.5%
    >>Read More
  • We will rebate 1.5% of the Buyer’s Agent’s Commission if we show you 1 – 3 homes.
  • We will rebate 1% if we show you 4 – 6 homes.
    >>Read More

>>>SEE WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT LESLIE LERNER PROPERTIES

If you think it is time to buy or sell a home, remember to call Leslie Lerner Properties at 713.489.9900.  Leslie Lerner Properties is the Home of Flat Fee Listings and Rebated Commissions.  A great amount of information can be found at www.LeslieLernerProperties.com.  Leslie Lerner Properties offers all of the service for less money, when buying or selling a home.

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