Coldwell Banker American Homes Blog
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3
Fix Five Sources of Energy Waste for Less Than 20 Bucks
With cold weather slated for the months ahead, homeowners everywhere are seeking ways to cut down on energy costs. Black Hills Energy recommends homeowners implement cost-effective fixes – many costing less than $20 – to eliminate sources of energy waste.
"Nearly half of all energy use during the colder weather months is dedicated to heating homes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency," said Jill Linck, Energy Services Division for Black Hills Energy. "We want to arm consumers with simple ways to increase heating efficiency in their homes, as well as to check other, less obvious sources of energy waste, including appliance use."
In honor of Energy Awareness Month, the experts at Black Hills Energy recommend checking these energy consumers for cost-saving solutions.
- Air l...
30
Four Ways to Boost Your Credit Score
A recent Federal Trade Commission study showed that approximately 26 percent of consumers have credit report mistakes that could lead to higher loan and insurance payments. More than a quarter of participants in the study found at least one error on their credit reports, and five percent had errors serious enough to affect loan terms.
"Credit reports play a crucial role in determining consumers' financial discipline and responsibility," said Howard Dvorkin, CPA and Chairman of Debt.com. "Detecting credit report errors allows consumers to correct inaccurate information that could potentially lead to denied loans and high interest rates."
Dvorkin advises that consumers review their credit report and take steps to correct any issues. He recommends:
Correcting errors on credit...
30
10 Tips for Parents on Halloween Night
Halloween is a night filled with candy, costumes, a bit of fear and a lot of fun, but it can also be a dangerous night if you don't take the proper safety precautions. With ghosts, goblins, vampires and zombies roaming the streets, it's important that parents and children review safety protocols before trick-or-treating.
"Halloween is a magical evening where kids get to transform into anything they want to be," said Allstate's Executive Vice President of Product Operations Steve Sorenson. "But it's most important for them to be safe. By following a few basic safety tips, everyone can do their part to make the holiday a memorable occasion for all the right reasons."
Parents should take the following steps to ensure safety.
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23
FICO 9 Changes Could Impact Credit Score
With the rollout of FICO's updated scoring system slated for the near future, it's important for consumers to continue to practice good credit habits. The Better Business Bureau advises that FICO 9 will result in these three changes, which may impact your credit score.
1. Lack of credit history will be a non-factor. FICO 9's new algorithm assesses loan risk instead of history, eliminating challenges for young adults or those with little to no credit.
2. Medical debts will hold less weight. Incurring debt from a medical circumstance is often unavoidable. Once FICO 9 goes into effect, experts estimate that those with medical debt and an otherwise good credit history will see a 25-point increase in their score.
3. Collected debt will not be heavily evaluated. Debts paid to a collections agency...
22
Prevent High Winter Utility Bills with Door and Window Maintenance
(BPT) - How much do you spend on utilities? Are you looking for ways to save? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a typical American household spends about $2,100 on energy bills each year. Most of that expense comes from a home's energy use during the winter heating season. A quick home checkup can help you can reduce these costs, prepare for winter and enjoy energy savings.
Properly installed and maintained windows and doors can help keep your home more comfortable year-round. Save on heating costs by preparing your windows and doors for winter with these tips:
- Clear sills and moving parts of dirt and debris. Debris like sand, dirt or leaves can get caught in windowsills and moving parts of windows or doors. C...