There are a myriad of reasons to choose New Bern, NC for retirement. We have listed ten for your consideration.
Churches. Our faith communities are important to our area. We have a large Catholic parish and most major protestant churches are well represented. There is a local synagogue. The culture and history of New Bern have and are greatly influenced by our churches.
Life Style. New Bern is a small town with many large city amenities. While the city has less than 30,000 citizens it has the regional shopping for more than 100,000. Recreation and golf opportunities are plentiful.
History. Our city has celebrated its 300th birthday in 2010. You will find many examples of homes and structures built hundreds of years ago. The royal governors mansion has been restored and there is a NC History Center on the Trent River waterfront.
Beauty. New Bern is located on the confluence of two coastal rivers. The waterfront and historic properties have made New Bern gorgeous. Our city leaders have spent the past fifty years maximizing our appeal.
Water Sports. The Neuse River is a mile wide as it passes by our downtown. At its mouth it is the widest river in North America. The Trent River flows into the Neuse. Fishing, Sailing, Paddle Boarding, Kayaking and Water Skiing are enjoyed.
Culture. The arts are alive in our city. Several theater groups frequently give performances. Music is available in many styles including orchestras, brass bands, small ensembles, blue grass, country, beach and rock bands. Sculptors and painters have both made New Bern their home.
Military Friendly. MCAS Cherry Point is located 20 miles to the east of our city and fourty miles to the south is Camp LeJune. Exchanges and military medical facilities are easily accessible. The people of our area appreciate active duty military and veterans.
Transportation. New Bern is served by the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport. Both Delta and US Air have daily flights. US Highway 70 is a four lane controlled access route that heads west to I-95 and beyond. US Highway 17 gives access to the north and south. Our rivers connect to the inter coastal water ways, Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.
Health Care. New Bern is served by Carolina East Medical Center. Almost every specialty is represented. Less than one hour away is the Vidant Health. It is a teaching hospital connected to East Carolina University. Less than than three hours away you have hospitals attached Duke, UNC and Wake Forest University.
Affordable. Prices have lowered over the last four years and interest rates are at an all time low. We can help you find a great home and negotiate a fabulous price.
Email or phone (252 635 1100) to begin your search today.
A Blog to provide information to buyers and sellers of real estate.
Showing posts with label New Bern. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Bern. Show all posts
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Before You Sign That Lease…
It’s a familiar moment: you are about to enter into an important agreement, and as you lift the pen to sign your name, you pause. Your pen hovers over the Signature line for an extra moment as you register how important this will be in shaping your future…
When it comes to home rentals in our area, just such a moment occurs when you are about to sign the next year’s lease agreement. Local rentals largely echoed the national trend to higher prices and tightening supply, so the number of dollars on the bottom line can make that hesitation linger a bit longer than before.
The fact is that the local housing situation today is vastly different than it was just a couple of years back. Especially for anyone long accustomed to local home rentals, it’s worthwhile to re-examine some major factors that point to the best housing solution. Three of them have to do with finances, timing, and lifestyle.
* Ownership can offer significant financial advantages. Tax savings are usually the standout factor: if you can deduct the interest you pay on a home’s mortgage, you stand to save that interest amount times your tax rate – versus (just say goodbye to it!) your rental payment. Maintenance and real estate taxes have to be considered as an added cost, but homeowners also stand to benefit from any increase in the value of their home. The aftermath of the epic slide in housing prices finds us currently situated near the first part of the ‘buy low, sell high’ truism. There are no guarantees when it comes to investing, but despite large dips during recessions, most houses regain that lost value -- and more -- during economic booms.
* Record low home mortgage rates combined with the dip in home prices have green-lighted this summer for anyone waiting for the timing to be right. Local buyers are not only finding homes at affordable prices, but are also paying historic lows on amounts borrowed. Lately we’ve been reading about mortgage rates reported as low as 3.4% on 30-year loans!
* Finally, there are all the intangibles that come into play. Local rentals certainly alleviate some of the effort involved in caring for your own property, but on the other hand, it’s tough to put a price on the value of finally having real control over your living situation. Any tenant who has been uprooted when the landlord decides to sell or move back in knows the kind of upheaval that results from an unexpected and unwanted move.
Sometimes home rentals offer the best option for a family, but it never hurts to run the numbers. Market conditions have rarely been as ideal as they are right now for area home buyers -- and I’m here anytime to go over the latest figures if you would like to take a look!
When it comes to home rentals in our area, just such a moment occurs when you are about to sign the next year’s lease agreement. Local rentals largely echoed the national trend to higher prices and tightening supply, so the number of dollars on the bottom line can make that hesitation linger a bit longer than before.
The fact is that the local housing situation today is vastly different than it was just a couple of years back. Especially for anyone long accustomed to local home rentals, it’s worthwhile to re-examine some major factors that point to the best housing solution. Three of them have to do with finances, timing, and lifestyle.
* Ownership can offer significant financial advantages. Tax savings are usually the standout factor: if you can deduct the interest you pay on a home’s mortgage, you stand to save that interest amount times your tax rate – versus (just say goodbye to it!) your rental payment. Maintenance and real estate taxes have to be considered as an added cost, but homeowners also stand to benefit from any increase in the value of their home. The aftermath of the epic slide in housing prices finds us currently situated near the first part of the ‘buy low, sell high’ truism. There are no guarantees when it comes to investing, but despite large dips during recessions, most houses regain that lost value -- and more -- during economic booms.
* Record low home mortgage rates combined with the dip in home prices have green-lighted this summer for anyone waiting for the timing to be right. Local buyers are not only finding homes at affordable prices, but are also paying historic lows on amounts borrowed. Lately we’ve been reading about mortgage rates reported as low as 3.4% on 30-year loans!
* Finally, there are all the intangibles that come into play. Local rentals certainly alleviate some of the effort involved in caring for your own property, but on the other hand, it’s tough to put a price on the value of finally having real control over your living situation. Any tenant who has been uprooted when the landlord decides to sell or move back in knows the kind of upheaval that results from an unexpected and unwanted move.
Sometimes home rentals offer the best option for a family, but it never hurts to run the numbers. Market conditions have rarely been as ideal as they are right now for area home buyers -- and I’m here anytime to go over the latest figures if you would like to take a look!
Friday, December 7, 2012
Your Invited
Times have been tough. The flow of retirees coming to our great city has been slow the past three and a half years. Many have theorized that most were waiting for their market to recover. Recent election results indicate that change will be slow and not sudden. These potential newcomers will still face higher property and income taxes in their home state. I feel most have been waiting to retire. Now facing much of the same for another four years they will be compelled to accept the new reality and sell their home and finally retire.
The good news is they can still get a bargain here. Interest rates are the lowest I have seen in my career. I believe we will see a steady flow of retirees moving south once again. So for any retirees or potential retirees who might read this I say,
"Your Invited"
The good news is they can still get a bargain here. Interest rates are the lowest I have seen in my career. I believe we will see a steady flow of retirees moving south once again. So for any retirees or potential retirees who might read this I say,
"Your Invited"
Friday, August 3, 2012
Opportunity - Real Estate Auction
For Sellers
You decide what day you will receive an offer on your real estate. The auction process creates excitement and a sense of urgency. Buyers compete for your real estate. You sell "As is, where is". Your price will increase as the auction progresses. Selling conventionally, often you keep lowering your price until you receive a low ball offer. Remember there are only two reasons your property has not sold. Price and advertising. If the property is priced properly and people are aware, it will sell. Advertising for an auction is concentrated for a particular date. The day of the auction you can decide whether or not to accept the bid.For Buyers
Typically an auctioneer will have information and disclosures available in a convenient location for your considerations. You get to experience how the rest of the market views the property. Appraised value is what a knowledgeable buyer will pay and a knowledgeable seller will accept when neither is under undue distress. The other bidders are providing real testaments of value. A live auction is an appraisal. A buyer will pay only what the property is worth on that day. Which may be less than others are asking.For Brokers
The auction process lets you concentrate your efforts for a particular property for a date certain. It will expose more buyers to your listing. In this market how many sellers have not received an offer. In recent years prices have continued to lower. Selling now may be better off selling now rather than later. Bringing a buyer client to an auction may help you find them a great value and allow you to earn a commission. Most auctioneers will participate with Buyer's Agents.Experience a Real Estate Auction
I will be conducting a real estate auction on August 25 at 11:00 at Unit 10 Eastern Shore Townhouses. See my website www.GaryBarkerAuctions.com . It has the terms of sale and information about the property.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Relocation : Lower Stress
As moving time approaches, most internal stress meters start twitching around the time we have to figure out how many cartons it’s going to take. A cross-town move is one thing -- sometimes you can even handle it yourself (with the help of bribable friends and relatives, of course).
But suppose you have just accepted a new job promotion in New Bern or are being stationed at Cherry Point. Of course, you’re immediately excited by the adventurous prospect of the summer’s relocation. But suppose your new position is located in a new zip code – and maybe even a new state. Your move up the professional ladder could also mean spending a lot more time and money on the move itself…and once here, the demands of your new position will double your need to pay attention to your career.
Fear not: your Realtor has seen how clients achieve a smooth transition with a minimum of stress. And we are happy to share some of the strategies that work best:
1. Lighten the load. The more belongings you and your movers have to pack, carry, and unpack again, the more costly the move will be. You can significantly lower the cost by getting rid of all the possessions you no longer use on a regular basis (there are probably more than you think!). Hold a yard sale, donate to charity, or just give those items to friends and family. Realtors are forever advising clients to de-clutter, but this holds doubly true when you are relocating. When you’re done, you’ll feel like a huge burden has been lifted from your shoulders! Stress meter: down.
2. Plan in advance. Real estate agents and relocation pros will always stress advance planning. As soon as possible, sit down and list the steps you need to take, then put them in order. You will find this gives you more time to make decisions, and more time to shop (and save money). For example, if you are buying a New Bern home and are working under a strict deadline, you could back yourself into a hurried decision instead of allowing time for your agent to expose you to all the additional options. By planning ahead -- meeting with me as far in advance as possible -- you can allot enough time to establish a relationship that allows your agent to introduce the full range of neighborhood options. Stress meter: down.
3. Consider using professionals. Before dismissing the idea of hiring professional movers because of cost, spend a day obtaining estimates from at least two or three companies, then compare with do-it-yourself moving costs. Be sure to check with the HR Department at work or with your Command to explore the compensation that may be provided for your move. You can often obtain a binding estimate that is valid for about 60 days. Compare those figures with the cost of renting a truck, driving the distance, and hiring moving help on one or both ends. Hiring professionals is a one-time cost that will relieve you of the hassle – not to mention the emotional toll – at a time when your attention should be directed to your profession. Stress meter: down.
But suppose you have just accepted a new job promotion in New Bern or are being stationed at Cherry Point. Of course, you’re immediately excited by the adventurous prospect of the summer’s relocation. But suppose your new position is located in a new zip code – and maybe even a new state. Your move up the professional ladder could also mean spending a lot more time and money on the move itself…and once here, the demands of your new position will double your need to pay attention to your career.
Fear not: your Realtor has seen how clients achieve a smooth transition with a minimum of stress. And we are happy to share some of the strategies that work best:
1. Lighten the load. The more belongings you and your movers have to pack, carry, and unpack again, the more costly the move will be. You can significantly lower the cost by getting rid of all the possessions you no longer use on a regular basis (there are probably more than you think!). Hold a yard sale, donate to charity, or just give those items to friends and family. Realtors are forever advising clients to de-clutter, but this holds doubly true when you are relocating. When you’re done, you’ll feel like a huge burden has been lifted from your shoulders! Stress meter: down.
2. Plan in advance. Real estate agents and relocation pros will always stress advance planning. As soon as possible, sit down and list the steps you need to take, then put them in order. You will find this gives you more time to make decisions, and more time to shop (and save money). For example, if you are buying a New Bern home and are working under a strict deadline, you could back yourself into a hurried decision instead of allowing time for your agent to expose you to all the additional options. By planning ahead -- meeting with me as far in advance as possible -- you can allot enough time to establish a relationship that allows your agent to introduce the full range of neighborhood options. Stress meter: down.
3. Consider using professionals. Before dismissing the idea of hiring professional movers because of cost, spend a day obtaining estimates from at least two or three companies, then compare with do-it-yourself moving costs. Be sure to check with the HR Department at work or with your Command to explore the compensation that may be provided for your move. You can often obtain a binding estimate that is valid for about 60 days. Compare those figures with the cost of renting a truck, driving the distance, and hiring moving help on one or both ends. Hiring professionals is a one-time cost that will relieve you of the hassle – not to mention the emotional toll – at a time when your attention should be directed to your profession. Stress meter: down.
The move to a new town can be anywhere from nerve-jangling to serene. If your future could include relocating to New Bern / Cherry Point, please feel free to contact me for some practical local advice. We have many excellent neighborhoods here in our area that I’d love you to see!
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252 635 1100
Gary Barker
PO Box 513
Bridgeton, NC 28519
Visit our Website
Visit our Facebook Page
Follow us on Twitter
Send us Email
252 635 1100
Gary Barker
PO Box 513
Bridgeton, NC 28519
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
6 Tips for Buying a Home in a Short Sale
By: G. M. Filisko
Published: March 19, 2010
By preparing for a real estate short sale, you can emerge with a great home at a favorable price.
1. Get help from a short sale expert
A real estate agent experienced in short sales can identify which homes are being offered as short sales, help you determine a purchase price, and advise you on what to include in your offer to make the lender view it favorably. Ask agents how many buyers they've represented in short sales and, of those, how many successfully closed the transaction.
2. Build a team
Ask agents to recommend real estate attorneys knowledgeable in short sales and title experts. A title officer can do a title search to identify all the liens attached to a property you’re interested in. Because each lienholder must consent to a short sale, a property with multiple liens, like first and second mortgages, mechanic’s and condominium liens, or homeowners association liens, will be harder to purchase.
A title search may cost $250 to $300 up front, but it can help weed out less desirable properties requiring multiple approvals.
A title search may cost $250 to $300 up front, but it can help weed out less desirable properties requiring multiple approvals.
3. Know the home’s fair market value
By agreeing to a short sale, lenders are consenting to lose money on the loan they made to the sellers to purchase the home. Their goal is to keep those losses as low as possible. If your offer is dramatically less than the home’s fair market value, it may be rejected. Your agent can help you identify the price that’s good for you. The lender will determine whether approval is in its best interest.
4. Expect delays
There are two stages to a short sale. First, the sellers must consent to your purchase offer. Then they must submit it to their lender, along with documentation to convince the lender to agree to the sale.
The lender approval process can take weeks or months, even longer if the lender counteroffers. Expect bigger delays if several lienholders are involved; each can make a counteroffer or reject your offer.
The lender approval process can take weeks or months, even longer if the lender counteroffers. Expect bigger delays if several lienholders are involved; each can make a counteroffer or reject your offer.
5. Firm up your financing
Lenders will weigh your ability to close the transaction. If you're preapproved for a mortgage, have a large downpayment, and can close at any time, they’ll consider your offer stronger than that of a buyer whose financing is less secure.
6. Avoid contingencies
If you must sell your current home before you can close on the short-sale property, or you need to close by a firm deadline, your offer may present too many moving parts for a lender to approve it.
Also, consider ordering an inspection so you’re fully informed about the home. Keep in mind that lenders are unlikely to approve an offer seeking repairs or credits for such work. You’ll probably have to purchase the home “as is,” which means in its present condition.
This article includes general information about tax laws and consequences, but isn't intended to be relied upon by readers as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Consult a tax professional for such advice; tax laws may vary by jurisdiction.
Also, consider ordering an inspection so you’re fully informed about the home. Keep in mind that lenders are unlikely to approve an offer seeking repairs or credits for such work. You’ll probably have to purchase the home “as is,” which means in its present condition.
This article includes general information about tax laws and consequences, but isn't intended to be relied upon by readers as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Consult a tax professional for such advice; tax laws may vary by jurisdiction.
G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who luckily has avoided the need for a short sale on her properties. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.
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Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
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Friday, June 17, 2011
Do-It-Yourself Home Security Check: 5 Essential Steps
By: Joseph D'Agnese
Published: November 12, 2010
Conduct a do-it-yourself home security check by walking around your house to assess what needs to be done to reduce the risk of a break-in.
1. Keep your home well-maintained on the outside
Burglars want an easy target. Stand on the street outside your house and ask yourself: Does my property look neglected, hidden, or uninhabited? A front door or walkway that’s obscured by shrubbery offers crooks the perfect cover they need while they break a door or window. To improve security, trim shrubs away from windows and widen front walks.
2. Install motion detector lights
All sides of your house should be well-lit with motion-activated lighting, not just the front. Simple motion-activated floodlights cost less than $50 each, and installing them is an easy DIY job if the wiring is already in place.
3. Store your valuables
Thieves want easy-to-grab electronics, cash, jewelry, and other valuables, though some are not above running down the street with your flat-screen TV. Most make a beeline for the master bedroom, because that’s where you’re likely to hide spare cash, jewelry, even guns.
Tour each room and ask yourself: is there anything here that I can move to a safe deposit box? Installing a home safe ($150 to $500) that’s bolted to your basement slab is a good repository for items you don’t use on a daily basis.
4. Secure your data
While you probably won’t be putting your home computer in a safe anytime soon, take steps to back up the personal information stored on it. Password protect your login screen, and always shut off your computer when not in use (you’ll save energy, too!) Don’t overlook irreplaceable items whose value may hard to quantify, like digital photos.
5. Prepare ahead of time in case the worst happens
- Take a photo or video inventory of items of value in your home, and store the file online or in your home safe. Check that you’re properly insured for theft. Note that high-ticket items in your home office, such as computers, professional camera equipment, or other business essentials, may require an additional rider or a separate policy.
Joseph D’Agnese is a journalist and book author who has written numerous articles on home improvement. He lives in North Carolina.
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Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
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Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Mini Storage - How Much Space?
There are several basic sizes of storage units. Below is a quick-reference guide to help you plan what size unit you will need for your personal or business storage:
Storage of Personal Items
Storage of Business Items
It is always a good idea to visit potential storage units to get a visual sense of the space you will be working with.
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Storage of Personal Items
- 5' x 5' (25 sq. ft.) – Will hold a chest of drawers, a small mattress set, boxes and small items. Useful for garden tools, or seasonal decorative items.
- 5' x 10' (50 sq. ft.) – Will hold furnishings of a mid-size bedroom, including a queen-size bed, dresser, TV, and a few storage boxes.
- 10' x 10' (100 sq. ft.) – Will hold the contents of an entire family room or two full bedrooms.
- 10' x 15' (150 sq. ft.) – Will hold the contents of up to three bedrooms in this unit. Recommended for larger items such as pianos, couches, tables, or large-screen TVs.
- 10' x 20' (200 sq. ft.) – Will hold the contents of a five-bedroom house, including a refrigerator, washer/dryer, dining room table, chairs and large boxes.
Storage of Business Items
- 5' x 5' (25 sq. ft.) – Will hold the contents of a large office closet filled with files, books, office chairs, and a few storage boxes.
- 5' x 10' (50 sq. ft.) – Will hold the contents of one office room, including desks, bookcases, filing cabinets and large storage boxes. Ideal for storing equipment and tools.
- 10' x 10' (100 sq. ft.) – Will hold the contents of an entire office, including desks, chairs, computers and a few storage boxes.
- 10' x 15' (150 sq. ft.) – Will hold the contents of three office rooms could fit in this size unit, including several desks, computers and boxes.
- 10' x 20' (200 sq. ft.) – Will hold the contents of five office rooms (desks, computers, bookcases and file cabinets) in this size, or a five-year supply of business and tax files.
It is always a good idea to visit potential storage units to get a visual sense of the space you will be working with.
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Sunday, May 1, 2011
New Video - 428 Conner Grant Road
This home was removed from the market. We can assit you in finding another home.
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Friday, March 11, 2011
The Best Buy in New Bern NC
There is a spectacular opportunity in my neighborhood. I live in a home within the same development. The short virtual tour below shows some pictures of Units 2 and 3 Eastern Shore Townhomes. They have been combined in one 3000 square foot home. It is currently owned by the Bank of America. It is not in the local Multiple Listing Service. I have permission to show it and can represent you as a buyer's agent. It has magnificent views of the Neuse River. There are boat slips and a pool. All this for a price of $182,900.
Another home in the development has a price of $229,000 and it is only 1600 square feet of heated space. The tax value of this double unit is $340,000. You can visit my website to view more pictures and information. www.gary-barker.com/easternshore . Of course there are some negatives that as your buyer's agent I will tell you about. Please take time and read a disclosure about agency relationships at www.gary-barker.com/work.pdf . Remember if you contact me I can represent you in the transaction as a buyer's agent.You may call me at 252 635 1100. If you have a question or would like a call or email you may use the form below.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Historic Home Insurance - Why you need it and How to get it.
- (New!)
Historic Home Insurance: Why You Need It and How to Get It
Your unique historic home needs a unique historic home insurance policy that offers restoration coverage and full replacement options. Read
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Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
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Sunday, January 2, 2011
2009 vs. 2010 in Craven County Real Estate
For this comparison I examined residential sales in Craven County for 2009 and 2010. The average price decreased by 2.5%. The total sales volume decreased by 7%. The average days on the market remained virtually the same.
Even though the market continued its decline, the pace of that decline has slowed. Listening to financial news it seems as though the markets are improving. Apparently corporations have lots of cash sitting on the sidelines waiting to determine the direction the new congress will take. Many businesses are reporting substantial profits having cut expenses for the last two years. We are certainly primed for a recovery. Accurately forecasting the peaks and troughs of the markets are very difficult. I believe we are near the bottom and perhaps past it. I will advise my clients to buy. Interest rates will increase over the next twelve months. I believe the best time to buy real estate is now.
I would be interested in your opinion please leave a comment.
Visit my Website or Facebook page.
Even though the market continued its decline, the pace of that decline has slowed. Listening to financial news it seems as though the markets are improving. Apparently corporations have lots of cash sitting on the sidelines waiting to determine the direction the new congress will take. Many businesses are reporting substantial profits having cut expenses for the last two years. We are certainly primed for a recovery. Accurately forecasting the peaks and troughs of the markets are very difficult. I believe we are near the bottom and perhaps past it. I will advise my clients to buy. Interest rates will increase over the next twelve months. I believe the best time to buy real estate is now.
I would be interested in your opinion please leave a comment.
Visit my Website or Facebook page.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Holiday Lighting Safety Checklist
Holiday Lighting Safety Checklist
Before you plug in and light up for the holidays, run your decorations through this quick safety check. Read
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Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Wishing You and Yours A
Merry Christmas
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Thursday, December 2, 2010
4320 Elizabeth Avenue New Bern, NC 28562
Great new home constructed by Crayton and Company. 1400 square feet of heated space for $128,900 Three bedrooms and two baths in a great floor plan. The owners association provides the yard maintenance for $300 per year. Imagine not having to mow your own yard. Open floor plan creates a wonderful family atmosphere.
Call me at 252 635 1100 to see this home or visit my Website. Check out our Facebook Page.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Median Prices Recover
Trulia is reporting that median sales prices have shown recovery since the low point in August of this year. The market has certainly had a great struggle in the past two years. The chart below shows that the current median sales price has exceeded the February 2008 level. We still have a ways to go to reach the peak of the summer of 2008. Our market still has challenges but it is nice to have some good news.
Please visit my Website: www.gary-barker.com
Please visit my Website: www.gary-barker.com
Monday, November 8, 2010
Chimney Maintenance for Warmth and Safety
Chimney maintenance and a fireplace inspection can make the difference between warm safety and drafty danger
Annual inspections keep flames burning right
Creosote—combustible, tar-like droplets—is a natural byproduct of burning wood. The more wood you burn, the wetter or greener the wood, and the more often you restrict airflow by keeping your fireplace doors closed or your damper barely open, the more creosote is produced.
Soot build-up, while not flammable, can hamper venting. One half-inch of soot can restrict airflow 17% in a masonry chimney and 30% in a factory-built unit, according to the CSIA. Soot is also aggressively acidic and can damage the inside of your chimney.
The more creosote and soot, the more likely you are to see signs of chimney fire—loud popping, dense smoke, or even flames shooting out the top of your chimney into the sky. Chimney fires damage the structure of your chimney and can provide a route for the fire to jump to the frame of your house.
"If the chimney is properly maintained, you'll never have a chimney fire," says Ashley Eldridge, the education director of the CSIA.
The best way to ensure your chimney isn't an oil slick waiting to ignite? Get it inspected.
Three inspection levels let you choose what you need
A level-one inspection includes a visual check of the fireplace and chimney without any special equipment or climbing up on the roof. The inspector comes to your house with a flashlight, looks for damage, obstructions, creosote build-up, and soot, and tells you if you need a sweep. If so, he'll grab his brushes, extension poles, and vacuum, and do it on the spot.
"You should have it inspected every year to determine if it needs to be swept. An annual inspection will also cover you if the neighbor's children have thrown a basketball in it, or a bird has built a nest," says Eldridge.
A level one typically runs about $125. Add a sweep, and you're talking another $80, or about $205 for both services, according to CSIA.
Consider a level-two inspection if you've experienced a dramatic weather event, like a tornado or hurricane; if you've made a major change to your fireplace; or bought a new house. This includes a level-one investigation, plus the inspector's time to visit the roof, attic, and crawl space in search of disrepair. It concludes with a sweep, if necessary, and information on what repair is needed. The price will depend on the situation.
A level three inspection is considered "destructive and intrusive" and can resemble a demolition job. It may involve tearing down and rebuilding walls and your chimney, and is usually done after a chimney fire. The cost will depend on the situation.
Small steps can improve your fireplace's efficiency
Besides the annual sweep, improve your fireplace's functioning with responsible use.
Only burn dry, cured wood—logs that have been split, stacked, and dried for eight to 12 months. Cover your log pile on top, but leave the sides open for air flow. Hardwoods such as hickory, white oak, beech, sugar maple, and white ash burn longest, though dry firewood is more important than the species. Less dense woods like spruce or white pine burn well if sufficiently dry, but you'll need to add more wood to your fire more often, according to CSIA.
Wood, only wood! Crates, lumber, construction scraps, painted wood, or other treated wood releases chemicals into your home, compromising your air quality. Log starters are fine for getting your fire going, but they burn very hot; generally only use one at a time.
Close your damper when not using the fireplace to prevent warm indoor air—and the dollars you're spending to heat it—from rushing up the chimney.
On a factory-built, prefab wood-burning fireplace, keep bifold glass doors open when burning a fire to allow heat to get into the room.
Have a chimney cap installed to prevent objects, rain, and snow from falling into your chimney and to reduce downdrafts. The caps have side vents so smoke escapes. A chimney sweep usually provides and can install a stainless steel cap, which is better than a galvanized metal one available at most home improvement retailers because it won't rust, says Anthony Drago, manager of Ashleigh's Hearth and Home in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Replace a poorly sealing damper to prevent heat loss. "You can get a top-mounted damper that functions as a rain cap, too, an improvement over the traditional damper because it provides a tighter closure," says CSIA's Eldridge.
Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors in your house—near the fireplace as well as in bedroom areas.
If you burn more than three cords of wood annually, get your chimney cleaned twice a year. A cord is 4-feet high, by 4-feet wide, by 8-feet long, or the amount that would fill two full-size pick-up trucks.
To burn fire safely, build it slowly, adding more wood as it heats and keeping your damper completely open to increase draw in the early stages. Burn the fire hot, at least occasionally—with the damper all the way open to help prevent smoke from lingering the fireplace and creosote from developing.
By the way, fireplaces aren't officially rated for energy efficiency because they're so varied. Depending on the source of information, they can be 10% to 30% efficient in converting fuel to heat.
No inspection will turn a masonry or factory-built fireplace into a furnace, but it can improve efficiency somewhat, decrease the amount of heating dollars you're sending up the chimney, and increase your enjoyment of your hearth time by reducing smoke. If a sweeping prevents a chimney fire, you're talking about the difference between another ordinary January day, and the potential loss of your home, or even life.
By: Wendy Paris
Published: August 31, 2009
Wendy Paris is a writer in New York currently living in a home with a very smoky fireplace that has set off the smoke detector more than once. After finishing this article, she decided to schedule a chimney sweep. She's written for This Old House magazine, as well as for The New York Times and Salon.com.
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Visit our Facebook Page
Visit our Gary Barker Real Estate's Website
Annual inspections keep flames burning right
Creosote—combustible, tar-like droplets—is a natural byproduct of burning wood. The more wood you burn, the wetter or greener the wood, and the more often you restrict airflow by keeping your fireplace doors closed or your damper barely open, the more creosote is produced.
Soot build-up, while not flammable, can hamper venting. One half-inch of soot can restrict airflow 17% in a masonry chimney and 30% in a factory-built unit, according to the CSIA. Soot is also aggressively acidic and can damage the inside of your chimney.
The more creosote and soot, the more likely you are to see signs of chimney fire—loud popping, dense smoke, or even flames shooting out the top of your chimney into the sky. Chimney fires damage the structure of your chimney and can provide a route for the fire to jump to the frame of your house.
"If the chimney is properly maintained, you'll never have a chimney fire," says Ashley Eldridge, the education director of the CSIA.
The best way to ensure your chimney isn't an oil slick waiting to ignite? Get it inspected.
Three inspection levels let you choose what you need
A level-one inspection includes a visual check of the fireplace and chimney without any special equipment or climbing up on the roof. The inspector comes to your house with a flashlight, looks for damage, obstructions, creosote build-up, and soot, and tells you if you need a sweep. If so, he'll grab his brushes, extension poles, and vacuum, and do it on the spot.
"You should have it inspected every year to determine if it needs to be swept. An annual inspection will also cover you if the neighbor's children have thrown a basketball in it, or a bird has built a nest," says Eldridge.
A level one typically runs about $125. Add a sweep, and you're talking another $80, or about $205 for both services, according to CSIA.
Consider a level-two inspection if you've experienced a dramatic weather event, like a tornado or hurricane; if you've made a major change to your fireplace; or bought a new house. This includes a level-one investigation, plus the inspector's time to visit the roof, attic, and crawl space in search of disrepair. It concludes with a sweep, if necessary, and information on what repair is needed. The price will depend on the situation.
A level three inspection is considered "destructive and intrusive" and can resemble a demolition job. It may involve tearing down and rebuilding walls and your chimney, and is usually done after a chimney fire. The cost will depend on the situation.
Small steps can improve your fireplace's efficiency
Besides the annual sweep, improve your fireplace's functioning with responsible use.
Only burn dry, cured wood—logs that have been split, stacked, and dried for eight to 12 months. Cover your log pile on top, but leave the sides open for air flow. Hardwoods such as hickory, white oak, beech, sugar maple, and white ash burn longest, though dry firewood is more important than the species. Less dense woods like spruce or white pine burn well if sufficiently dry, but you'll need to add more wood to your fire more often, according to CSIA.
Wood, only wood! Crates, lumber, construction scraps, painted wood, or other treated wood releases chemicals into your home, compromising your air quality. Log starters are fine for getting your fire going, but they burn very hot; generally only use one at a time.
Close your damper when not using the fireplace to prevent warm indoor air—and the dollars you're spending to heat it—from rushing up the chimney.
On a factory-built, prefab wood-burning fireplace, keep bifold glass doors open when burning a fire to allow heat to get into the room.
Have a chimney cap installed to prevent objects, rain, and snow from falling into your chimney and to reduce downdrafts. The caps have side vents so smoke escapes. A chimney sweep usually provides and can install a stainless steel cap, which is better than a galvanized metal one available at most home improvement retailers because it won't rust, says Anthony Drago, manager of Ashleigh's Hearth and Home in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Replace a poorly sealing damper to prevent heat loss. "You can get a top-mounted damper that functions as a rain cap, too, an improvement over the traditional damper because it provides a tighter closure," says CSIA's Eldridge.
Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors in your house—near the fireplace as well as in bedroom areas.
If you burn more than three cords of wood annually, get your chimney cleaned twice a year. A cord is 4-feet high, by 4-feet wide, by 8-feet long, or the amount that would fill two full-size pick-up trucks.
To burn fire safely, build it slowly, adding more wood as it heats and keeping your damper completely open to increase draw in the early stages. Burn the fire hot, at least occasionally—with the damper all the way open to help prevent smoke from lingering the fireplace and creosote from developing.
By the way, fireplaces aren't officially rated for energy efficiency because they're so varied. Depending on the source of information, they can be 10% to 30% efficient in converting fuel to heat.
No inspection will turn a masonry or factory-built fireplace into a furnace, but it can improve efficiency somewhat, decrease the amount of heating dollars you're sending up the chimney, and increase your enjoyment of your hearth time by reducing smoke. If a sweeping prevents a chimney fire, you're talking about the difference between another ordinary January day, and the potential loss of your home, or even life.
By: Wendy Paris
Published: August 31, 2009
Wendy Paris is a writer in New York currently living in a home with a very smoky fireplace that has set off the smoke detector more than once. After finishing this article, she decided to schedule a chimney sweep. She's written for This Old House magazine, as well as for The New York Times and Salon.com.
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Visit our Facebook Page
Visit our Gary Barker Real Estate's Website
Monday, November 1, 2010
Market Review - Craven County - Closed Sales
For this blog I chose to study residential sales closed for the last 12 months. I have limited the study to Craven County sales as reported in the Neuse River Region MLS. I decided to study homes that closed between $80,000 and $350,000. Hopefully that price range gives an accurate picture of our market. I chose to eliminate the luxury market and the very low end. The chart below depicts those sales.
June had the highest number of closings at 114. The lowest month was February with 50 closed. 875 homes in the study sold in the last 12 months. 995 homes in the study profile are currently listed. During the last twelve months 1081 homes entered the market. Assuming that approximately the same number of homes will enter the market this next twelve months, there will be a two year supply of homes available. A home must be superior in features or priced below others to sell. Sellers must be educated in current market conditions. An agent who lists homes for prices that are not likely to sell will harm his relationship with his clients.
by Gary Barker
Gary has been selling real estate in New Bern since 1977.
Visit my website http://www.gary-barker.com/
June had the highest number of closings at 114. The lowest month was February with 50 closed. 875 homes in the study sold in the last 12 months. 995 homes in the study profile are currently listed. During the last twelve months 1081 homes entered the market. Assuming that approximately the same number of homes will enter the market this next twelve months, there will be a two year supply of homes available. A home must be superior in features or priced below others to sell. Sellers must be educated in current market conditions. An agent who lists homes for prices that are not likely to sell will harm his relationship with his clients.
by Gary Barker
Gary has been selling real estate in New Bern since 1977.
Visit my website http://www.gary-barker.com/
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Why did the Master Bedroom move upstairs?
How did it get downstairs?
The New Bern real estate market has always been fairly unique. For most of my career our market demanded a master on the ground floor. We had a variety of ranch and story and a half floor plans. Only the historic or larger homes were truly two story homes. Many of these still had ground floor masters.
Men like Paul Crayton, Guion Lee, Frank Efird, Lonnie Pridgen, Tommy Karam and others put New Bern on the map as a place to retire. Port O’ Pines, later Treasure Cove and then Fairfield Harbour started the great migration. River Bend and Trent Woods began to entice retiring seniors to put down roots in our great community. Soon Weyerhaeuser began Greenbrier and many other areas that increased the flow. The one thing that these buyers required was a ground floor master bedroom. Since the retirees were the driving force of our market, resale potential required others to insist on downstairs accommodations.
Then the bubble burst!
The days of competing offers were over. That nasty pendulum swung from sellers to buyers. Prices began to fall. Our four decade flow of retirees stopped. They were no longer ready to sell their homes at post bubble prices and move. Sales of existing homes were much lower than the prices contractors needed to produce the designs they had been building. For years builders had been adding the features that made their homes superior to competitors and older homes. Buyers paid the price because the homes were going up in value and inflation would cover the expense with future gains.
A new design was needed.
It was necessary for builders to build more efficiently. Most spent hours designing, estimating and redesigning floor plans. The result has been two story homes with tuck under garages. These plans lower the price by having an upstairs master. The current driving force in the New Bern market are people who are moving here for jobs. I see Marines, Sailors, hospital employees, manufacturer workers, educators, and service job workers. Most are younger with children. Many mothers want the baby and younger ones in a room that is close. They have been quick to accept having all the bedrooms on the second floor. Builders have found that this new type of plan can be built for a lower price than many are asking for the resale of existing pre bubble burst homes. Younger buyers have consistently chosen space over features and curb appeal.
Will the master bedroom move back downstairs?
The answer is yes. When retirees accept the new reality of the housing market and find that continuing to wait to move is unacceptable, we will see them again. They will again demand a downstairs master. This will create struggles for our appraiser friends. Comparing homes of the same amount of square feet of heated space, you will find that the one with the downstairs master will cost between $8,000 to $12,000 more. Unless the appraiser recognizes the value of that feature it will be difficult to cover a downstairs master bed room home‘s cost. The cost of a garage area that is not tucked under is also much higher.
The adept builder will recognize when retirees again begin to drive the market. When that day arrives the master bedroom will move back downstairs.
by Gary Barker
Gary has been selling real estate in New Bern since 1977
Visit my website http://www.gary-barker.com/
The New Bern real estate market has always been fairly unique. For most of my career our market demanded a master on the ground floor. We had a variety of ranch and story and a half floor plans. Only the historic or larger homes were truly two story homes. Many of these still had ground floor masters.
Men like Paul Crayton, Guion Lee, Frank Efird, Lonnie Pridgen, Tommy Karam and others put New Bern on the map as a place to retire. Port O’ Pines, later Treasure Cove and then Fairfield Harbour started the great migration. River Bend and Trent Woods began to entice retiring seniors to put down roots in our great community. Soon Weyerhaeuser began Greenbrier and many other areas that increased the flow. The one thing that these buyers required was a ground floor master bedroom. Since the retirees were the driving force of our market, resale potential required others to insist on downstairs accommodations.
Then the bubble burst!
The days of competing offers were over. That nasty pendulum swung from sellers to buyers. Prices began to fall. Our four decade flow of retirees stopped. They were no longer ready to sell their homes at post bubble prices and move. Sales of existing homes were much lower than the prices contractors needed to produce the designs they had been building. For years builders had been adding the features that made their homes superior to competitors and older homes. Buyers paid the price because the homes were going up in value and inflation would cover the expense with future gains.
A new design was needed.
It was necessary for builders to build more efficiently. Most spent hours designing, estimating and redesigning floor plans. The result has been two story homes with tuck under garages. These plans lower the price by having an upstairs master. The current driving force in the New Bern market are people who are moving here for jobs. I see Marines, Sailors, hospital employees, manufacturer workers, educators, and service job workers. Most are younger with children. Many mothers want the baby and younger ones in a room that is close. They have been quick to accept having all the bedrooms on the second floor. Builders have found that this new type of plan can be built for a lower price than many are asking for the resale of existing pre bubble burst homes. Younger buyers have consistently chosen space over features and curb appeal.
Will the master bedroom move back downstairs?
The answer is yes. When retirees accept the new reality of the housing market and find that continuing to wait to move is unacceptable, we will see them again. They will again demand a downstairs master. This will create struggles for our appraiser friends. Comparing homes of the same amount of square feet of heated space, you will find that the one with the downstairs master will cost between $8,000 to $12,000 more. Unless the appraiser recognizes the value of that feature it will be difficult to cover a downstairs master bed room home‘s cost. The cost of a garage area that is not tucked under is also much higher.
The adept builder will recognize when retirees again begin to drive the market. When that day arrives the master bedroom will move back downstairs.
by Gary Barker
Gary has been selling real estate in New Bern since 1977
Visit my website http://www.gary-barker.com/
Friday, October 22, 2010
Listing Prices have fallen
Trulia reports that listing prices have fallen in the last three weeks.
Sellers are competing for a limited number of buyers. The lower listing price helps insure that their home will be shown more often. Local Realtors are working hard to get their clients home sold. They realize that more homes are on the market than it will absorb. Proper pricing and well placed advertising will get the job done.
Sellers would be well advised to have their Realtor show them how many homes sold in their price range in the last 120 days. Compare those numbers to homes listed in the same price range. Together they can decide on the proper course.
by Gary Barker
Gary has been selling real estate in New Bern since 1977
Visit my website http://www.gary-barker.com/
Sellers are competing for a limited number of buyers. The lower listing price helps insure that their home will be shown more often. Local Realtors are working hard to get their clients home sold. They realize that more homes are on the market than it will absorb. Proper pricing and well placed advertising will get the job done.
Sellers would be well advised to have their Realtor show them how many homes sold in their price range in the last 120 days. Compare those numbers to homes listed in the same price range. Together they can decide on the proper course.
by Gary Barker
Gary has been selling real estate in New Bern since 1977
Visit my website http://www.gary-barker.com/
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Buying and Storing Firewood
Knowing how to evaluate, buy, and store firewood is key to the safe, efficient operation of your fireplace, wood stove, or fireplace insert.
Before picking up the phone, it’s important to know exactly what you want to purchase so that you can clearly express that to the wood seller, says Matt Galambos, a Maine arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. This includes determining the quantity, species, and condition of the firewood, all of which affect its price.
How much to buy
Homeowners who intend to heat their homes through the use of a wood stove naturally will require more firewood than those who burn only the occasional fire for pleasure. A person living in the Northeastern U.S. who burns firewood as his or her primary heat source, for example, may require up to five cords of wood to get them through the season. In contrast, a weekend-only fire builder can likely get by on as little as a half-cord. Galambos estimates that for the casual but steady fire builder, one cord of wood should easily last through winter.
Measuring a cord of wood
A cord of wood is defined as a stack of cut firewood that measures 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long, or any other arrangement that equals 128 cubic feet. The individual pieces must be stacked side by side rather than the looser crisscross style. Other measurement terms, such as ricks, racks, face cords and piles, have no legal meaning and are often banned by state weights and measurements agencies. Regardless what the load is called, says Galambos, it should always be converted to cords or fractions thereof so that homeowners can determine if they are getting a fair price.
Seasoning the wood
Freshly cut wood is composed largely of water. Not only is this “green” wood difficult to ignite, but burning it can lead to a dangerous buildup of creosote, the cause of chimney fires. Properly “seasoned” firewood is wood that has been cut to length, split, and allowed to air dry for at least six months until the moisture content dips to around 20%. Dry wood will appear grayish in color and the pieces will begin to exhibit splits and cracks on the ends. Compared to freshly cut wood, seasoned wood feels light for its size.
Though seasoned firewood is the only choice for immediate use, green wood shouldn't be completely ignored, says Galambos. “If you have the room to store it and the time to dry it, buying green firewood can save you up to 25% compared with seasoned wood,” he says.
Hardwood vs. softwood
It's a common misconception that burning soft woods, such as pine and cedar, leads to dangerous creosote buildup. As long as the firewood is properly seasoned, it can safely be burned in a fireplace or stove regardless of species, says Dr. John Ball, Professor of Forestry at South Dakota State University. But that doesn’t mean that all wood is created equal.
“Tree species differ widely in the amount of heat they produce when burned,” says Ball. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and madrone produce almost twice the heat compared with softer woods, such as spruce, pine, and basswood. Fires built with hardwood not only burn hotter, they last longer, meaning the wood pile won’t get depleted as fast. Homeowners can expect to pay a premium for 100% hardwood, but Ball cautions against purchasing cheaper “mixed-wood” loads that may contain little actual hardwood.
Storing firewood
Homeowners should consider storage long before the firewood delivery truck appears in the driveway, cautions Galambos. A cord of wood takes up a significant amount of space, and if not properly stored your investment will quickly begin to rot. Firewood that is not stowed in a protected space like a garage or shed needs to be six inches off the ground. Firewood racks or simple pallets work well. If exposed to the elements, the wood pile should be at least partially covered with a waterproof tarp. Experts caution against storing the wood too close to the house for fear of inviting pests.
Average prices
Homeowners can expect to pay $75 to $150 for a half-cord and between $150 and $350 for a cord of hardwood delivered and stacked. To save some money, a person with a large truck may elect to pick up his or her own load at the wood lot.
To verify the quantity, species, and condition of the firewood, it's wise to arrange the delivery for a time when you're home. Experts say, inspect the wood for type and condition before it's unloaded, though quantity can only be accurately measured after it's stacked.
Maximize your fireplace efficiency
It’s true that a traditional wood fireplace can never rival the energy efficiency of a wood stove or even a fireplace insert, but there are ways a homeowner can trim heat loss. Fire-resistant glass doors not only reduce the volume of heated home air that escapes up the chimney, they help radiate heat back into the room. Similarly, a thick cast-iron fireback is an old-fashioned device that absorbs and emits energy in the form of radiant heat. Check the fireplace damper for leaks and always tightly seal it when the fireplace is idle.
Note about invasive pests
Forestry experts like Dr. John Ball strongly encourage homeowners to buy only local wood (wood from within a one- or two-county range) to prevent the spread of pests like the Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer.
By: Douglas Trattner
Douglas Trattner has written extensively about home improvement topics for HGTV.com, DIYNetworks, and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. During the 10-year stewardship of his 1925 Colonial, he estimates that he burned through 15 cords of wood. Most, he promises, was properly seasoned hardwood.
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Visit my website http://www.gary-barker.com/
.
Before picking up the phone, it’s important to know exactly what you want to purchase so that you can clearly express that to the wood seller, says Matt Galambos, a Maine arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. This includes determining the quantity, species, and condition of the firewood, all of which affect its price.
How much to buy
Homeowners who intend to heat their homes through the use of a wood stove naturally will require more firewood than those who burn only the occasional fire for pleasure. A person living in the Northeastern U.S. who burns firewood as his or her primary heat source, for example, may require up to five cords of wood to get them through the season. In contrast, a weekend-only fire builder can likely get by on as little as a half-cord. Galambos estimates that for the casual but steady fire builder, one cord of wood should easily last through winter.
Measuring a cord of wood
A cord of wood is defined as a stack of cut firewood that measures 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long, or any other arrangement that equals 128 cubic feet. The individual pieces must be stacked side by side rather than the looser crisscross style. Other measurement terms, such as ricks, racks, face cords and piles, have no legal meaning and are often banned by state weights and measurements agencies. Regardless what the load is called, says Galambos, it should always be converted to cords or fractions thereof so that homeowners can determine if they are getting a fair price.
Seasoning the wood
Freshly cut wood is composed largely of water. Not only is this “green” wood difficult to ignite, but burning it can lead to a dangerous buildup of creosote, the cause of chimney fires. Properly “seasoned” firewood is wood that has been cut to length, split, and allowed to air dry for at least six months until the moisture content dips to around 20%. Dry wood will appear grayish in color and the pieces will begin to exhibit splits and cracks on the ends. Compared to freshly cut wood, seasoned wood feels light for its size.
Though seasoned firewood is the only choice for immediate use, green wood shouldn't be completely ignored, says Galambos. “If you have the room to store it and the time to dry it, buying green firewood can save you up to 25% compared with seasoned wood,” he says.
Hardwood vs. softwood
It's a common misconception that burning soft woods, such as pine and cedar, leads to dangerous creosote buildup. As long as the firewood is properly seasoned, it can safely be burned in a fireplace or stove regardless of species, says Dr. John Ball, Professor of Forestry at South Dakota State University. But that doesn’t mean that all wood is created equal.
“Tree species differ widely in the amount of heat they produce when burned,” says Ball. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and madrone produce almost twice the heat compared with softer woods, such as spruce, pine, and basswood. Fires built with hardwood not only burn hotter, they last longer, meaning the wood pile won’t get depleted as fast. Homeowners can expect to pay a premium for 100% hardwood, but Ball cautions against purchasing cheaper “mixed-wood” loads that may contain little actual hardwood.
Storing firewood
Homeowners should consider storage long before the firewood delivery truck appears in the driveway, cautions Galambos. A cord of wood takes up a significant amount of space, and if not properly stored your investment will quickly begin to rot. Firewood that is not stowed in a protected space like a garage or shed needs to be six inches off the ground. Firewood racks or simple pallets work well. If exposed to the elements, the wood pile should be at least partially covered with a waterproof tarp. Experts caution against storing the wood too close to the house for fear of inviting pests.
Average prices
Homeowners can expect to pay $75 to $150 for a half-cord and between $150 and $350 for a cord of hardwood delivered and stacked. To save some money, a person with a large truck may elect to pick up his or her own load at the wood lot.
To verify the quantity, species, and condition of the firewood, it's wise to arrange the delivery for a time when you're home. Experts say, inspect the wood for type and condition before it's unloaded, though quantity can only be accurately measured after it's stacked.
Maximize your fireplace efficiency
It’s true that a traditional wood fireplace can never rival the energy efficiency of a wood stove or even a fireplace insert, but there are ways a homeowner can trim heat loss. Fire-resistant glass doors not only reduce the volume of heated home air that escapes up the chimney, they help radiate heat back into the room. Similarly, a thick cast-iron fireback is an old-fashioned device that absorbs and emits energy in the form of radiant heat. Check the fireplace damper for leaks and always tightly seal it when the fireplace is idle.
Note about invasive pests
Forestry experts like Dr. John Ball strongly encourage homeowners to buy only local wood (wood from within a one- or two-county range) to prevent the spread of pests like the Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer.
By: Douglas Trattner
Douglas Trattner has written extensively about home improvement topics for HGTV.com, DIYNetworks, and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. During the 10-year stewardship of his 1925 Colonial, he estimates that he burned through 15 cords of wood. Most, he promises, was properly seasoned hardwood.
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Visit my website http://www.gary-barker.com/
.
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