Where Does Your Mulch Come From?

You may want to check with the companies that you hire to do your mulched beds this year, to make sure they know where the mulch they use is coming from. Or, if you buy your own mulch, be very careful about buying mulch it. After the hurricane in New Orleans many trees were blown over. These trees were then turned into mulch and the state is trying to get rid of tons and tons of this mulch to any state or company who will come and haul it away. So it will be showing up in Home Depot and Lowes at dirt cheap prices with one huge problem...Formosan Termites will be the bonus in many of those bags.

New Orleans is one of the few areas in the country were the Formosan Termites has gotten a strong hold and most of the trees blown down were already badly infested with those termites. Now we may have the worst case of transporting a problem to all parts of the country that we have ever had. These termites can eat a house in no time at all and we have no good control against them, so tell your friends that own homes to avoid cheap mulch and know were it came from.
For more information on Formosan termites, visit: www.agctr.lsu.edu/en/environment/insects/Termites

It is also a good idea to get a termite inspection this year. We recommend having your home inspected every year, but it sounds like this year it will be even more important. If you need a referral to a reputable termite company, just give me a call, 740-397-7800, or drop me a note. I am happy to help!

Affordable Home Values Available

Affordability for the Knox County area still remains exceptional
compared to other larger housing markets throughout Ohio.

Our average home prices, in most cases, is nearly 50% less in Knox County compared to similar homes that are located in Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland. Knox County has so much to offer and the quality of life is hard to beat. Now I understand why so many people are moving away from the bigger cities to our area…the quality of life here is just amazing.

From January 1, 2006 through February 21, 2006 the average sales price for a Knox County Home is $122,629. This year has been the most active start for Knox County real estate that I have ever seen during the past 20 years and the market shows no signs of slowing down. If the market continues at it’s active pace this could be an all time record year for home sales and home values in Knox County.

Are you interested in the current value of your home? Click here...it will be emailed to you.

Money-Saving Tips For Your Home

According to the Alliance to Save Energy, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency, American consumers and businesses spend some $21 billion annually, on lighting alone, and could cut their costs in half with energy-efficient light bulbs and fixtures while improving the environment. Installing efficient lighting in American homes and businesses would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 140 million tons each year--as much as eliminating all the carbon dioxide produced by the state of New Jersey! Isn't that amazing?

I found a website (sponsored by the EPA and the DOE) that shows how to save money on energy bills by incorporating their energy efficiency suggestions. It's http://hes.lbl.gov.

Whatever stage you are at with your housing needs, I would like to meet you and get to know you and your family. That way you won't be working with a stranger when it comes to making important real estate decisions. Remember, I am here to help! give me a call at your convenience, 740-397-7800 or visit my website, www.SamMiller.com.

What Is Your Home Really Worth?

A new website claims to give the numbers in Knox County and beyond.

Wherever you live in Knox County from Apple Valley to Mt. Vernon, if you plan to buy or sell a home, one of the most important pieces of information you will need is the home's current value in reasonably accurate terms.

Well, Zillow.com is a new national website that purports to be able to tell you that so that you - uh - won't need a Realtor like me.

Well, I just read a good post on this by my friend Margaret Rome in Baltimore, Maryland and want to share it with you. It really says it all:

"In the last few days, a new Web site launched with great fanfare but spotty performance. When CNN included a story about it on their evening news, the site couldn’t keep up with the hits.

Why all the fuss? Zillow promises to give homebuyers and sellers up to date and complete information about the value of their home and comparables in their area. Some have suggested this will make real estate agents obsolete because people will be able to price their own homes to be competitive.

The early returns are that the site’s information is incomplete and sometimes wrong, which makes the suggested price ranges they give hard to justify. In some cases, the range is optimistically high, and for others, I’ve negotiated sales higher than their top amount.

The site depends on public records for its data. But public records will not show factors, like recent additions and improvements or the condition of the interior, that affect price. Public records can also be wrong; a friend of mine checked her house and said she wants that fireplace she’s supposed to have, but will not give up the second bathroom they didn’t count. If the information about a house is wrong, how valid is the price estimate? In time, the site will undoubtedly improve, but for now – caution.

There is no question about real estate agents becoming an endangered species because of this or any other site. Price is only one factor in buying or selling your home, and getting to the settlement table means avoiding traps and overcoming obstacles. A top agent will be experienced at:
• negotiating the terms of your contract,
• making sure only qualified buyers troop through your home,
• meeting and dealing with appraisers, and
• working with home inspectors and title companies to be sure you are protected from start to finish.

Buying or selling a home is an emotionally-charged transaction. Now more than ever it pays to have an experienced professional on your side. Embrace the benefits of new technology, but don’t fall into the trap of believing it will replace market knowledge and personal service.
The end of real estate agents? Not any time soon. Margaret"

Visit Margaret Rome's Blog here.

I am glad to provide you with a complete, accurate home evaluaton. Click here for your no-obligation report.