Each month, we publish a series of articles of interest to homeowners -- money-saving tips, household safety checklists, home improvement advice, real estate insider secrets, etc. Whether you currently are in the market for a new home, or not, we hope that this information is of value to you. Please feel free to pass these articles on to your family and friends.

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ISSUE #1282

 

FEATURE REPORT

Choosing the Right Water Heater for Your Home

Replacing a water heater usually isn't at the top of anyone's to-do list--until it suddenly stops working. But making a quick, last-minute decision can mean missing out on energy-efficient models that save you money in the long run. Whether you're planning a home upgrade or just want to be prepared, understanding your options ahead of time can make all the difference.

For the complete story, click here...



Also This Month...

25 Smart Tips to Help You Sell Your Home Faster and for Top Dollar

Selling your home can feel like a big task--but with the right strategy, it doesn't have to be stressful. These expert-backed tips will help you attract buyers quickly, negotiate with confidence, and get the best price possible.

More...

Avoiding Common Financial Mistakes: A Guide to Smart Money Management

Everyone makes money mistakes from time to time, but the key to long-term financial success is learning from those missteps and making smarter choices going forward. Many of the most common financial pitfalls can be avoided with a little awareness, discipline, and planning.

More...

Choosing the Right Water Heater for Your Home

Replacing a water heater isn't something most homeowners think about--until there's no hot water and you're forced to make a quick decision. But rushing into a replacement can mean missing out on energy-efficient options that could save you money over time. Whether you're planning a home improvement project or simply want to be prepared, learning about your water heater choices now can help you make a smart, stress-free decision later.

There are several types of water heaters available today, each with its own pros and cons. Storage tank water heaters are the most common. They hold 20 to 80 gallons of water and are available in electric, gas, propane, and oil models. Newer units are designed to minimize heat loss and improve energy efficiency. Tankless (on-demand) water heaters, on the other hand, heat water only when needed--saving energy by not storing hot water continuously. They're compact and efficient but may require multiple units in larger households with high water usage.

For those looking for more sustainable options, heat pump water heaters use electricity to draw heat from the air and transfer it to the water. They're incredibly efficient but perform best in warmer climates. Tankless coil and indirect water heaters rely on your home's existing heating system to generate hot water, which can be especially efficient in colder climates where the boiler is used more frequently. Meanwhile, solar water heaters offer a renewable energy option that can significantly lower utility bills in sunny areas, especially when paired with available tax incentives.

When deciding on a water heater, consider how much hot water your household uses during peak times. Instead of just looking at the size of the tank, check the first-hour rating (FHR), which tells you how much hot water the unit can deliver in a busy hour. You'll also want to review the Energy Factor (EF) or Uniform Energy Factor (UEF)--the higher the rating, the more efficient the unit. Look for ENERGY STAR® models to ensure you're getting the most savings.

Also, be sure to factor in the total cost of ownership--not just the purchase price. Installation fees, ongoing maintenance, and monthly energy usage all play a role in how much you'll ultimately spend. In many cases, paying a little more upfront for a higher-quality, longer-lasting unit can save money in the long run. And don't forget to check the warranty--longer coverage often signals better durability and peace of mind.

Bottom line: Taking the time to explore your options now--before an emergency hits--can help you make a more informed, cost-effective decision. Whether you're upgrading your current system or preparing your home for sale, choosing an energy-efficient water heater is a smart investment in your home's comfort and value.

25 Smart Tips to Help You Sell Your Home Faster and for Top Dollar

Selling your home can feel like a big task--but with the right strategy, it doesn't have to be stressful. These expert-backed tips will help you attract buyers quickly, negotiate with confidence, and get the best price possible.

Before You List

1. Know Why You're Selling

Your motivation--whether it's downsizing, relocating, or upgrading--will guide your timeline, pricing, and strategy.

2. Keep Your Reason Private

Don't reveal your motivation to buyers. It can weaken your negotiating power.

3. Price It Right

Overpricing discourages buyers; underpricing leaves money on the table. Use comps and expert insight to find the sweet spot.

4. Know the Market Around You

In newer subdivisions, comparables are easy. Older, more varied neighborhoods may require expert help with pricing.

5. Check Out the Competition

Visit local open houses to see how your home stacks up. Take note of features, staging, and pricing.

6. Consider a Pre-Listing Appraisal

This can back up your asking price--especially in a slower or shifting market.

7. Choose the Right Realtor®

Don't just go with the first agent you meet. Interview a few, review their marketing plans, and make sure you trust them.

8. Build in Room to Negotiate

Give yourself a cushion between your ideal sale price and your list price, so you can negotiate confidently.

Prep Your Home Like a Pro

9. First Impressions Matter

Clean, declutter, and fix anything broken. Curb appeal counts just as much as the inside.

10. Ask for Honest Feedback

You might not notice things buyers will. A Realtor® or friend can help spot red flags.

11. Clean Like a Showroom

Scrub every surface, clear clutter, and take care of even small repairs. You're competing with new construction, too.

12. Depersonalize

Buyers need to picture themselves living there. Neutral colors and minimal decor work best.

13. Get Rid of Odors

Pet smells, food, and smoke can turn buyers off fast. Go for a clean, fresh scent.

14. Disclose Everything

Being upfront about defects protects you from legal issues later and builds trust with buyers.

Marketing & Showings

15. Attract Multiple Buyers

More interest means more leverage. Great listing photos, online marketing, and strong staging can boost visibility.

16. Stage It to Sell

Even light staging--like fresh flowers, neutral throws, or good lighting--can boost perceived value.

17. Don't Move Out Too Soon

Vacant homes can feel cold or forgotten. If you can, leave some tasteful furniture for staging.

Negotiating Offers

18. Know Your Buyer

Understand their timeline, motivation, and financing situation. That info can help you negotiate smarter.

19. Keep Emotions in Check

This is a business transaction--stay calm, focused, and strategic.

20. Don't Rush the Process

Deadlines can make you appear desperate. Give yourself breathing room in case negotiations stretch out.

21. Evaluate All Offers Carefully

Even if an offer seems low, consider it a starting point. Review the details--price, deposit, contingencies, and closing date--before responding.

22. Counter Strategically

A smart counter-offer shows you're serious but not desperate. This often brings buyers back with better terms.

23. Make Sure the Buyer is Qualified

Before you commit, confirm the buyer has financing in place and can truly afford the offer they've made.

24. Lock in a Strong Contract

Make sure everything is spelled out in writing: deadlines, responsibilities, inclusions, and contingencies.

25. Stick to the Terms

Once you've signed a contract, avoid changes like early move-ins or verbal side deals. It's not worth the risk.

 

Avoiding Common Financial Mistakes: A Guide to Smart Money Management

Everyone makes money mistakes from time to time, but the key to long-term financial success is learning from those missteps and making smarter choices going forward. Many of the most common financial pitfalls can be avoided with a little awareness, discipline, and planning.

One of the biggest traps people fall into is impulse buying, especially when it's done with a credit card. Making unnecessary purchases without planning often leads to interest charges that add up quickly. While 0% interest promotions can be helpful, they only work if you pay the full balance before the promotional period ends. It's always wise to research large purchases ahead of time and ask yourself if you truly need the item--or if it's just a want.

Closely tied to this is the issue of excessive debt. While credit can be a helpful tool for managing big expenses, it becomes a problem when it's overused. Warning signs like borrowing to pay off other loans or delaying bill payments are red flags that should not be ignored. Prioritizing high-interest debt and using debit or cash when possible can help keep spending in check and protect your financial health.

Another easy mistake to make is missing payment due dates, which can negatively impact your credit score and lead to higher interest rates, declined loan applications, or even missed job opportunities. Setting up reminders or using automatic payments can help you stay on top of your bills. It's also a good habit to regularly review your credit report for errors or suspicious activity.

Many people also get caught up in the idea that having multiple credit cards is beneficial, but too many cards can encourage overspending and complicate financial tracking. Keeping just a few well-managed cards--typically two to four--is usually enough, and helps you maintain a solid credit profile.

Overspending, especially on non-essentials, can derail other important financial goals. Tracking your expenses and creating a realistic budget, whether with an app or a simple spreadsheet, is one of the most effective ways to stay on track. And while budgeting focuses on how you spend, don't forget the importance of saving. Paying yourself first--automatically setting aside a portion of your income for savings--helps build a cushion for future goals and unexpected expenses.

Small but frequent banking and credit card fees--like ATM fees or overdraft charges--can eat away at your money before you realize it. Using your bank's ATMs, monitoring your balance, and recording your transactions can help you avoid these unnecessary costs. Similarly, credit card fees and interest can add up fast. Whenever possible, pay your balance in full and look for cards with low interest rates and generous grace periods.

Ultimately, it all comes down to financial responsibility. Being proactive about your finances--reviewing your bills and bank statements, comparison shopping for better account terms, and addressing issues promptly--can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

The bottom line: Avoiding common financial mistakes doesn't require perfection--it just takes a little planning and a willingness to stay informed. Whether you're building a nest egg, preparing to buy a home, or simply trying to make smarter day-to-day decisions, these habits can lead to a stronger, more secure financial future.

 


Homeward Bound November 2024 Real Estate Newsletter

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First responder families greatly benefit from your referrals.

Hi *|FNAME|*,

With the celebration of Thanksgiving in November, many of us take a pause to reflect on all that we’re thankful for, and in that spirit, let me express how thankful I am to you for being such a valuable part of our business. The first Thanksgiving was held in 1621 in Plymouth, MA between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people.

This feast lasted three days and was attended by 90 Native American Wampanoag people and 53 survivors of the Mayflower (Pilgrims). The holiday has been celebrated nationally on and off since 1789 with a proclamation by President George Washington, but only formally observed at the discretion of the sitting president until President Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise.” On January 6, 1885, an act by Congress made Thanksgiving, and other federal holidays, a paid holiday for all federal workers throughout the United States.

Thanksgiving is a particularly special holiday with its focus on family and gratitude, free from some of the commercialism that creeps into other holidays. We hope you get to enjoy your loved ones this year without getting too bogged down in preparations. And while you’re enjoying this time, give a thought to anyone you know who needs to move for one reason or another this month. If you’d like to extend a hand to help them through the anxiety of being unsettled at this time, we have a way you can help. (See inside for details)

David Norris

CalDRE:02001662

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Stephen’s Story

AS YOU KNOW, WE LOVE MAKING GUARANTEES!

We strongly believe that the more you give, the more you receive. As part of our Go Serve Big Mission, we are dedicated to supporting those in our community who need assistance the most. One such initiative we're proud to be a part of is supporting the incredible families who benefit from the The Tunnel To Towers Foundation

Thank you in advance for your referrals!

Can you believe it? 'YOUR REFERRALS HELP THE FAMILIES OF FIRST RESPONDERS' is more than just a phrase—it's a real impact!

5 Stars Reviews

Who do you know considering buying or selling a home you could

refer to our real estate sales team?

When you refer someone who is buying or selling a home to Your Home Sold Guaranteed, Or I'll Buy It! *-The Norris Group, everyone wins: those you refer will benefit from award-winning real estate service, and the The Tunnel To Towers Foundation will receive a donation.  Just contact us and call us at 661-829-0367.

A real estate team with experience, proven results and a give-back philosophy!

We have helped several people or several families, and we have met some wonderful, loving, caring people. People like you! So your referrals can rest assured that not only will they get the award-winning service we are known for and the guarantee to back it up, but that a solid portion of the income we receive will go toward a very worthy cause.

Refer your friends, neighbors, associates or family members considering making a move: 

1. You can pass along our business card to them. We have enclosed a couple here for that purpose.

2. You can go to https://www.yourhomesoldguaranteed-thenorrisgroup.com/gold_referral and enter their contact info online or forward the link to someone you know considering a move.

3. Of course you can always call us directly as well at 661-829-0367.

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