Carbon Monoxide dangers

NEVER heat your home with your oven. May I repeat...? NEVER heat your home with your oven. But if you do...be sure to call this HVAC repairman first: http://www.thenewsroom.com/details/3233796

...oh...and get a Carbon Monoxide Detector.

September 2008 Home Sales in Williamson County, TN

The numbers for home sales in September 2008 were released by the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® today. As expected, the volume of home sale transactions continued to be lower than this time in 2007. There is little doubt that the issues effecting the economy and Wall Street are having a substantial impact on the ability of Buyers to buy and Sellers to sell. However, the number of closings remains consistent with the typical annual patterns proportionate to the 2008 real estate trends (see graph "Williamson County Single Family Closings").


The market always slows in September after schools begin as many families make moves during the Summer months, and this year the dip in sales from August to September is about the same percentage as in 2005 and 2006, and actually less dramatic than 2007. So what does that mean? Well, as far as the number of transactions, basically the housing market in Williamson County seems to be doing what it always does...there are just fewer transactions, or overall volume is down.

The pattern of growth and consistency in pricing compared to the two previous years was broken in September 2008 (as it was in April 2008) with this month showing a decline of 6.5% in median home values compared to the same month in 2007 and down 8% from the September in 2006.


The most interesting comparison to me however is in the return to the median home value patterns of 2005. Looking specifically at the flow of the median price in 2005 and 2008 (see chart "Williamson County Single Family Median"), they are very similar just offset by one month. The low median price in 2005 occured in March and the high in July, while in April and August of 2008 respectively.

You might also note that while the median home value is down compared to 2006 and 2007. It is up 19% compared to September of 2005. That's an average return of 6.3% per year and while not a huge annualized return, home values in Williamson County continue to be a solid long term investment.

Secrets of an Energy Efficient Home

Wondering what you can do about the higher energy costs expected this winter? Prepare now by making your home more energy efficient and keep your energy costs down. Forbes.com has some suggestions:

1. Install Compact Fluorescent Bulbs by replacing Incandesent Bulbs



2. Insulate by filling cracks with caulk or expanding foam.



3. Use solar film on windows to lock in heat during the winter months.



4. Consider alternative heating sources like a pellet stove.



5. Install a programmable thermostat.



6. Shop your energy provider (not available in all states)



7. Change your HVAC filters and/or have your HVAC serviced



8. Use your microwave to cook



9. Hang dry your clothes

See specific details regarding these suggestions online at Forbes.com