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Wilmington, NC Saving for Peace of Mind

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

Savings for Peace of Mind…

For our own peace of mind in today’s uncertain economic times, it is important to do what we can to prepare for life’s unforeseen circumstances. Did you realize the Personal Saving Rate in 2009 is at its highest point this decade? Americans are putting more money into their savings for retirement and unexpected events like unemployment and other emergencies.

 

7 Easy Tips For Growing Your Savings

During difficult economic times, it’s easy to neglect your savings. Regardless of the state of the economy, paying yourself is always a must. Her are seven tips for growing your savings.

 

1.    Establish an emergency savings account.

In the event of an emergency, having money set aside will prevent you from dipping into your retirement or long-term savings. A general rule of thumb is to set aside money equal to two or more months ‘worth of living expenses.

 

2.   Saving money for your long-term goals.

Saving becomes easier when you have a goal to work toward. If your employer matches a portion of your retirement contribution, you are passing up free money if you don’t take advantage.

 

3.   Make savings automatic.

A portion of every paycheck should go directly into your savings account. Your bank can set up an automatic transfer for you.

 

4.   Start small if necessary.

Even if you can’t afford to put a lot towards your savings right away, starting small will still establish a savings routine.

 

 

5.   Comparison shop for the best rates

Search for a high yield savings account can double your interest.

 

6.   Turn a payment into savings.

If you’ve recently paid off a credit card or loan. Add that payment amount to your monthly savings amount.

 

7.   Savings you windfall.

If you just received an inheritance, a tax refund or a bonus at work, you don’t have to spend it just because you have it. Money set aside now will reward you later-and with interest!

Posted by Nilesh Jethwa Wilmington and Leland NC Real Estate

 

In any major market, there are numerous real estate players – but precious few real estate leaders. Nilesh Jethwa has been putting his experience and knowledge to work in the Wilmington NC,Leland NC,Wrightsville Beach NC,Carolina Beach NC, and surrounding areas. From residential purchases to investment properties and relocation for transferees, it is precisely this knowledge  and experience that sets Nilesh Jethwa apart from the competition. Nilesh knows this industry and has the insight and energy to turn your real estate vision into reality. My commitment to superior customer service is clear and I always go the extra mile to provide my clients with the highest level of skill and expertise. You will benefit from my exceptional knowledge of the local Wilmington/Leland NC Real Estate Market and my focus on finding buyers the perfect property or netting sellers the best price and in the shortest amount of time. I hope to have the opportunity to help you sell or purchase your property. To contact Nilesh Jethwa click here!

Today’s Homes and Appliances are built Smart

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

Today’s Homes and Appliances are Built Smart.

Here are some ways you can integrate new technology into your home so you can both relax and increase its value.

The Future:  Whole House Remote Control

With home automation, the ability to control every aspect of your home-from lighting and room temperature to entertainment center- can be held in your hand. A “smart home” uses a single centralized controller to integrate various systems, so that with the push of button, you can turn on lights, open or close blinds, adjust multiple rooms to your desired temperature or even activate or deactivate you security system. You can set a group of actions to happen when certain events occur.

Just about anything you plug in can be networked into your home automation system. This makes your life easier and provides a great point if you decide to put your home on the market.

 

 

Be Smart. Save Energy and Money with Efficient Appliances

Cut you monthly utilities bills while helping the environment by purchasing appliances- refrigerators, dishwashers, laundry machine, ECT. – That is energy efficient. The Plant (and your wallet) will thank you.

 

Look for the Energy Star Label

Energy Star products exceed the minimum energy efficient requirements set by the federal government. In addition, utilities and state government may offer rebates on Energy Star- related models. Pay attention to the Energy Guide label as well. This label allows you to compare the typical annual energy consumption and operating cost of different models of the type of appliances you’re thinking of buying.

 

Choose The Right Size

Why buy an oversized appliance when a smaller counterpart will get the job done? When you choose the appliance that fits your needs, you’ll save money and reduce your energy bill.

 

Choose Natural Gas

Look for dyers and water heaters that run on natural gas, rather than electricity.

 

Think Long Term

Energy efficient appliances last for years and will lower your monthly utility bills over the lifetime of the appliances higher initial purchase price.

 

 

Join me next week as I go over HOW TO HIGH TECH YOU HOME?

 

Posted by Nilesh Jethwa Wilmington, NC

 

Nilesh Jethwa is a local REALTOR in Wilmington, NC.  To contact Nilesh please click here!

 

 

Landscaping: Curb Appeal

Thursday, February 19th, 2009

Landscaping Enhances Your Curb Appeal-and Home Value.

Landscaping, can add 7-15% to your home value. Colorful landscaping, a fresh coat of paint and attention to detail not only bring you enjoyment every day, but they also increase the value of your home. Landscaping can return 100-200% of your investment when it comes time to sell, while Money Magazine reports that a swimming pool returns only 20-50% of your money. Mature landscaping can lower energy costs, dampen noise, and help reduce air pollution. Here are a number of ways to enhance your home’s value through some simple, fun, and relatively inexpensive landscaping ideas.

 

Landscaping 101

Select Indigenous Plants

Choosing native rather than exotic plants for your landscaping will reduce maintenance and increase curb appeal. Indigenous grasses, trees, and shrubs grow well together and to predictable sizes. They do not need watering (except during establishment), nor do they require chemical fertilizers because they are already adapted to local conditions and insects. Native plants not only accent your home, they also attract colorful birds and butterflies.

 

Bring Life to Small Spaces

 

Small garden areas should not feature too many different kinds of plants and materials. This will make your landscaping look cluttered. Paint outdoor walls and fences light shades to open up the space. Take

Advantage of vertical space with shelves, trellises, and hanging pots. Container gardening can work miracles in small spaces, with the added benefit of  being easy to move according to the plants’ needs. If you live in a condo or apartment, revitalize your entryway, patio or balcony with attractive hanging baskets, planters and unique personal accessories.

 

Cold  Weather Gardening

 

Keep your landscape from looking cold and bare in the fall and winter months by choosing hardy plants that look great year round. Instead of foliage and flowers, it is important to think in terms of bark, berries and shape. Japanese maple trees have unusually colored bark, while others such as the Japanese pagoda trees have interesting fruits or seeds that form during the fall and winter. Wisteria can form strange, twisting branches, and evergreens plants provide visual appeal against a winter landscape.

 

Create an Outdoor Space

 

Create an outside living area by adding a deck or patio for entertaining and relaxing year round. This addition is also a great investment in your home. A 2008 Cost vs. Value Report produced by the Realtor Magazine stated that installing a deck provides up to 81.8% return on investment. There are a variety of different surfaces to fit any particular investment. There are a variety of different surfaces to fit any particular style or budget, including concrete pavers, natural clay, wood, stones, and bricks. Pebbles, gravels, bricks, and tiles can also be incorporated easily and inexpensively.

 

Posted by Nilesh Jethwa Wilmington, NC

 

Nilesh Jethwa is a local real estate agent in Wilmington, NC. To contact Nilesh Jethwa please click here!

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, Wilmington NC

Saturday, February 14th, 2009

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the final version of the Economic Stimulus Bill - a massive, $787 billionpackage of tax cuts and federal spending. The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on this bill later today or over theweekend. Included in the bill is a $8,000 tax credit to first-time home buyers.

To veiw the chart with more details about this tax credit click here.  

Posted By Nilesh Jethwa Wilmington, NC Real Estate 

Nilesh Jethwa is a local real estate agent in Wilmington, NC.To Contact Nilesh Jethwa please Click Here!