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Brett West
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Brett West - McEnearney Associates, Inc.
Brett West
Office:
703-549-9292 x287
Mobile:
202-744-0576
Fax:
703-839-8187
States Licensed:
VA, MD, DC
McEnearney Associates
109 S Pitt Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
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As summer draws to a close ... our thoughts turn to the busy fall market.

Is a move part of your plans? If so, please call today to start the preparations.

 

Click to view My Monthly Community Calendar (PDF)

 

The long, lazy days of summer are drawing to an end, but there's still time to get some of those home improvements done that were on your spring checklist. Here are a few to add to the list:

 

 

  • If you discover peeling paint on your home's exterior, have it repainted now to avoid winter damage.
  • For a maintenance-free exterior, get a quote on replacing those painted areas with vinyl or aluminium siding.
  • If your landscape lighting fixtures don't stand the test of day, give them a little TLC to spruce them up.
  • Sand off peeling paint, mask if necessary and spray with a paint formulated for metal surfaces.
  • Remember to change or clean the filter on your air conditioner this month.
  • Check weatherstripping and caulking around doors and windows. Check the bottom of doors for a snug threshold seal or door sweep. Plugging the drafts saves money on cooling as well as heating.
  • Use foam insulation and caulking to seal around other heat loss sources such as plumbing vents, gaps around exhaust fans and junction boxes.
  • Consider upgrading to thermal windows and doors before the heating season begins. You'll also save on cooling costs next summer.

Savvy homeowners are taking advantage of the current low, low interest rates to finance home renovations that will increase the value of their real estate investment. Plus, they are using the government rebate program to offset the cost of new energy efficient additions to their homes. There really has never been a better time to replace that bathroom, upgrade the kitchen, add a deck or upgrade your heating/cooling system.

 

Congress has extended energy efficiency tax credits for most homeowners through the end of 2010, so if you've been looking to upgrade your water heater or windows and doors, you can probably still get a tax credit in the coming year. Some of the less common tax credits for home improvements will be around all the way until 2016. Please note, not all ENERGY STAR rated products qualify for a tax credit. ENERGY STAR distinguishes energy efficient products which, although they may cost more to purchase than standard models, will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time, without a tax credit. Visit www.EnergyStar.gov for complete details!